Support Pierce every time you shop online! Just use this link when you visit Amazon.
October 4th, 2017
parentcornerPARENT CORNER
BUILD OUR PARENT DIRECTORY!

You control how much information other families have about you with our new system, MySchoolAnywhere. Just click the button and enter the contact info you'd like other Pierce community members to have access to:
Enter yourself in the 
PARENTING RESOURCES
Questions about typical pre-teen behavior? Concerns about setting limits, healthy relationships, possible marijuana and alcohol use? Although parenting doesn't come with a manual, we do have resources in Brookline that can help. Check out B-PEN (Brookline Parent Education Network) at, B-PEN.org and B-SAPP (Brookline Substance Abuse Prevention Program) at B-SAPP.org,  and please feel to reach out to our Prevention/Intervention Team: BHS Room 149,  617.713.5155  Mary_Minott@psbma.org (Prevention Program Coordinator)

MOVIE NIGHT: ALADDIN + PTO INFORMATION
Thursday, October 5th, 6pm
Amphitheater

Come mingle and learn about the Pierce PTO while your kids enjoy  Aladdin on a big outdoor screen in the amphitheater! Bring a blanket.  Pizza for $1 until it runs out.  This is NOT a drop off event.  In case of rain, the movie will be in the auditorium. (If you'd like to volunteer to help with movie night, contact Audra Keefe at audrakeefe@gmail.com.)

PTO COFFEE NEXT FRIDAY
Friday, October 13th at 8am in the cafeteria

Meet other Pierce parents, and find out what's going on around the school and the neighborhood! Stick around after drop-off for a free cup of  coffee and conversation with other caregivers, hosted by the  PTO.

COFFEE: ENRICHMENT & CHALLENGE SUPPORT
Monday, October 16th, 8-8:45am
Smith-Mumford Auditorium

Come learn about innovation in our school. See examples of relevant engaging learning opportunities for all students. ECS supports the achievement and growth of every student, collaborating with and supporting educators from pre-K to 8th grade. You will hear from Matthew Rosenthal, district coordinator of ECS, and Leslie Fagan and Tanya Gregoire, ECS Specialists at Pierce School. If you'd like to learn more before the coffee, please visit ecsbrookline.weebly.com. You can also follow ECS on Twitter @ecsbrookline.

HARVEST FEST: ADULTS-ONLY SOCIAL
Friday, October 20th, 7-10pm
Cafeteria & amphitheater

Looking for a way to get to know more families at the school? Have a night out at Harvest Fest and socialize with other parents! This free, fun event for Pierce parents and staff will have a cash bar, light bites, music, and a raffle with awesome prizes. Book your sitter now, you won't regret it!

schoolcornerSCHOOL CORNER
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR RAFT, GRADES 6-8
Wednesday, October 4th

RAFT is a year-round club for teens in grades 6-8 run by the Brookline Recreation Department. The club provides safe, affordable opportunities for recreation activity outside of the classroom. We offer many events including regular school dances, open gym nights, Celtics and Red Sox games, ski trips, amusement parks, and many other activities.  Membership is $10. Sign up at the Recreation Center, located at 133 Eliot St. Returning RAFT members can renew their card online at brooklinerec.com If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the Recreation Department at  617-730-2069 .

AFTER-SCHOOL SPORTS BEGIN THIS WEEK!
Thursdays 2:30-3:30 and Fridays 1:40-2:40

After-school sports begin this week! Billy will run after school sports  on Thursdays  and  Fridays  after school  for students in grades 4-8. There is no sign up and no fee to participate.  Students selected for the Pierce coed volleyball team will begin p ractices on Mondays,  and the games are  on Wednesdays  at  3:15pm .

MATHCOUNTS PRACTICES BEGIN FRIDAY!
Friday, October 6th, 7:15-7:55am in the Math Center

MathCounts is a national mathematics competition open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Students practice each week in a collaborative environment by solving challenging problems together, sharing their solutions, and learning new strategies. The regional competition takes place in February.  If you are a Pierce middle schooler and would like to be a part of MathCounts, join us! Practices are held every Friday morning from 7:15-7:55 in the Math Center (behind the Pit). Our first practice will be Friday, October 6th.  If you have any questions, please contact Alison Hansel at  alison_hansel@psbma.org .

BROOKLINE TEACHERS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES
Friday, October 13th, 6-8pm at Lincoln School

Please join us for "Tales from the Classroom: Personal Essays Read by the 2017 Margaret Metzger Fellows."  The 2017 BEF Margaret Metzger Fellows will read from their essays on the experience of teaching in the Public Schools of Brookline. This year's fellows are Liz Exton (Lawrence), Jeremy Ward (Lawrence), Jennifer Laib (Driscoll), Lisa Ziegler-Chamblee (Lincoln), Dominique Gonyer (BHS), and Amy Morrissey (BHS). Snacks and conversation to follow the program.

CROSS COUNTRY MEET
Thursday, October 19th, during school at Larz Anderson Park

The annual cross-country track meet is open to all students in grades 5-8.  Please pick up a information packet in the gym if you are interested.  If any parent is willing to volunteer to help out at the meet, please contact Mr. Miceli at  michael_miceli@psbma.orgPermission slips are due  on Friday , October 13th. No exceptions!!!!

DONATE TO THE FOOD PANTRY FOR FOOD ON WHEELS
through October 20th

The Brookline Food Pantry, housed in St. Paul's church at the corner of St. Paul and Aspinwall, has  been serving our community, including families with children, for years. The need is great, and we can help! Please donate non-perishable food and supplies to the Food Pantry in the bins at the entrance to the Main and Historical Buildings starting Monday. Anything you can donate will be appreciated: canned goods such as soups, boxed goods such as oatmeal and pastas, toiletries, etc. Then, on Sunday, October 22nd at 1pm,  bring your whole family, wagons, backpacks, and shopping carts to Food on Wheels--a parade from Pierce to the Food Pantry to hand-deliver our collective donation and help sort our donations when we arrive! Questions? Please contact Marissa Heller-Treistman ( marissaheller@gmail.com), Toby Raybould ( tobyraybould@gmail.com) or Jen Rothstein ( Jennifer.rothstein@comcast.net).

EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SKILLS SEMINAR
Friday, October 27th, 10am-noon at the Brookline Teen Center

Is your child forgetful? Impulsive? Disorganized? Easily distracted? Discover innovative, practical strategies to better understand and build your child's executive function skills, including the role and order of working memory, situation awareness/intelligence, cognitive flexibility, and time management. For more information and to register, visit BeTheParentBoston.com/services.
STILL NEED SET AND TECH CREW FOR ALADDIN
October-November

Students interested in building and managing sets for the stage and running lights and audio for the Grade 7-8 fall musical should sign up at www.pierceschoolmusical.com/crew. Set building begins in October and technical work begins in November, with shows on Dec 7th, 8th and 9th. Any questions? Please contact Phil Schroeder at philschroeder@mac.com

communitycornerCOMMUNITY CORNER
Have something for Community Corner? Submit
this form by 5pm Monday.

OKTOBERFEST 
Thursday, October 5th, 2017 from 5:30-7pm 
Courtyard Marriott, 40 Webster St.

The Brookline Chamber of Commerce invites you to enjoy this social networking event with live music and complimentary food and drinks including Bavarian Pretzels, BBQ, beer, and more! The first 70 attendees take home a free beer stein and event koozie! $20 registration fee for members, $30 for the general public. Register  here.

FREE ADMISSION TO MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS!
Monday, October 9th from 10am-5pm

As National Hispanic Heritage Month continues, we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanics and Latinos from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America alongside  Boston's Museum of Fine Arts and t he Fenway Alliance with Opening our Door Day--free  admission for all! Highl ights of the day:
  • Salsa lessons and Latin dance lines with Meta Movements and Silent Rhythms (for all age and abilities!)
  • Musical delights performed by Edwin Pabon y su Orquesta
  • Art-Making activities and family art walks for children and families
  • Highlight tours in EnglishSpanish, and ASL 
  • Artistic Rivalries Tours in English and ASL

Click here to see all the activities and exhibits!


COLUMBUS DAY ART CLASSES
Monday, October 9th, 2017  
Brookline Arts Center

Brookline Arts Center is offering several full-day art classes on Columbus Day! Students ages 5-7 can join ArtVentures: Earthworks! to create eco-art and take inspiration from nature. For students ages 8-12 we are offering a Realist's Studio Intensive where they will learn about perspective, lighting and shadows, and color mixing to create realistic works of art. We also have our popular Jewelry and Metals Intensive for ages 12-17.  Register and learn more  here.

SULAM: AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM IN COOLIDGE CORNER

Sulam is a Hebrew immersion and Jewish education program open to children in grades K-4. The program is a great model for families who want to enjoy our excellent Brookline public schools and also receive a rigorous, fun, Jewish education with reliable after-school care. Students can attend between two and four days a week, Monday-Thursday. The program is inclusive, non-denominational, and pluralistic. The student-teacher ratio is capped at 1:5, so each student learns at their own pace and ability. Visit us online at sulambrookline.org or email at hmsulambrookline@gmail.com.

CORNER CO-OP NURSERY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Monday, October 16th, 2017 from 7-9pm 
1773 Beacon Street (corner of Dean Road)

Corner Co-op Nursery School is celebrating our 45th year! A unique
opportunity to participate in your child's formative years and create
an extended family with others. We nurture children's natural need to learn and grow through a dialogue-centered process. We regard play as an essential medium of learning. Ages 2 years 9 months to 6 years, flexible schedule options, devoted staff, nut-free school. Meet staff, children, and parents at our open house, contact us for more information at 617-738-4631, visit us online at cornercoop.org and check us out on Facebook.

"DEMOCRACY AT A CROSSROADS"
Wednesday, October 18th, at 7pm 
Town Hall, Selectman's Hearing Room

Miles  Rapoport, Senior Practice Fellow in American Democracy at the Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center, will speak at the League of Women Voters of  Brookline Opening Meeting, addressing gerrymandering, redistricting, limits on voting and other related issues. There will be a lively Q&A session following the talk. Visit  lwvbrookline.org for more information.  The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It works to influence public policy through education and advocacy.

FREE COURSE ON EMOTIONAL & BEHAVIORAL ISSUES 
October 18th-November 29th, 2017 
Brookline Public Health Department

NAMI Basics  is a free 6-week education program for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with emotional and behavioral issues.  Taught by parents/caregivers of children with similar issues, NAMI Basics provides tools that help caregivers make informed decisions about their child. The program addresses a variety of mental health conditions and their treatments, communication and problem-solving skills, and how to navigate the world of mental health care, including the IEP process, health insurance, diagnoses and treatment. Sessions run Wednesday evenings from  6pm-8:30pm at  Brookline Public Health Department.  Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.  Contact Ingrid at  617-448-9938  or  i.lederman@comcast.net.

TALK ON RENEWABLE ENERGY FROM EUGENIA GIBBONS 
Thursday, October 19th, 2017 from 6:30pm 
Coolidge Corner Library, 31 Pleasant Street

Come hear a free talk for the community on "What Is Renewable Energy and How Do We Get More of It?" from Eugenia Gibbons, Clean Energy Programs Director, MassEnergy. Organized by Mothers Out Front. Read more here.

SALARY NEGOTIATION WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN
Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 from 6-8pm 
Pine Manor College, 400 Heath St., Presidents Building

Women working full time in the U.S. typically are paid  just 80% of what white men are paid, a gap of 20%--a nd it's even  worse for women of color . Attend this FREE two-hour salary negotiation workshop to gain the skills and confidence to successfully negotiate your salary and benefits packages. AAUW Work Smart in Boston is an initiative of AAUW and the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement to train half the working women of Boston to negotiate their salary and benefits packages over five years. R egister here.

HUMANIST PARENTING SPEAKER SERIES
Sundays, October 22nd, November 19th, December 10th, 2017
from 10:30am-noon
Humanist Hub, Harvard Square

Freethinker/Humanist/secular/atheist families: please join our growing community of Humanist families for a series of free events this fall at the Humanist Hub in Harvard Square. The free weekly events include a speaker, discussion and refreshments. Bring the kids! During the adult event, ages 7-12 can attend The E.O. Wilson Big Question Lab, our "Humanist Sunday School" where they explore big questions. Childcare is also offered for ages 0-6. For details and a list of speakers, visit humanisthub.org/kids.

TEDxYOUTH@BEACONSTREET 
Saturday, November 4th from 8am-3:30pm
Lincoln School, 19 Kennard Road

For the sixth year running, the Lincoln School transforms into an interactive, family-friendly conference of ideas in action with TEDxYouth@BeaconStreet. See talks from teen activists, young artists, student survivors, and wise advisors that will change the way you think. Explore amazing booths and mingle with inspiring visitors from around the world. And it's all free! Registration is open now.

PRESENTATION: USING LESS ENERGY
Tuesday, November 7th at 6:30pm
Main Library, 361 Washington Street

Come see "From Lightbulbs to Boilers: Your Personal Guide to Using Less Energy," a presentation of effective ways to reduce your electricity and heating energy use led by Daria Mark, Renewables and Energy Efficiency Task Force. Presented by Mothers Out Front in Massachusetts. Read more here.

classifiedsCLASSIFIEDS
Want to promote a service for Pierce parents? Submit this form  by 5pm Monday. 
IN-HOME LICE REMOVAL
The Nice Lice Lady, 617.512.2150,  nicelicelady@gmail.com

Pick me and I'll pick the rest!  The Nice Lice Lady is available 7 days a week to come to your home and leave you calm and lice-free. Based in Newton, The Nice Lice Lady is a professional lice removal technician trained in several natural delousing  protocols.  Competitive rates.   Clients mentioning this ad get a complimentary $20 product at time of service. Questions welcome! Call, text, or email 24/7  for info or to chat if a home visit is right for you

THE VILLAGE WORKS: A NEIGHBORHOOD COWORKING SPACE

The Village Works is a new shared workspace in Brookline Village, offering coworking, meeting rooms, events and community connection. Email hello@thevillageworks.com to schedule a visit, or learn more about our flexible memberships and Pierce parent specials at thevillageworks.com.

About The Bridge      |      About Pierce PTO      |      About Pierce School

Pierce on Facebook     |     Pierce PTO on Facebook

To submit news or announcements to The Bridge, click here!