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04.10.2013

TheBridge
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK 

The Bridge will not be published next week. Have a wonderful Spring Break!

Please Scroll Down For This Week's Announcements & Classified Ads... 

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PRINCIPAL'S CORNER >

  

NEW PIERCE AUDITORIUM ON ITS WAY!

I am happy to inform you that the Pierce auditorium project will begin at the close of this school year. We are very excited and look forward to a newly renovated auditorium. The project is slated to be substantially completed by October 1st. The town has awarded the contract for this work to Contractors' Network out of East Providence, RI.

 

The ongoing collaborative work with the architecture firm, Kaestle Boos Associates, the town's construction site manager, Tony Guigli, Deputy Superintendent for Business and Finance, Peter Rowe, school committee member, Rebecca Stone and members of the Pierce Building Task Force (most specifically, parents Philip Kramer and Peter Sacks, along with music teacher, Anne Sheridan) has been invaluable to the process. Though this project has been delayed for various reasons, we are thrilled to see the necessary steps unfold as the project moves forward.

 

I thank the town for its financial support of this much needed improvement. I also thank all those named above and countless others who have weighed in on what we have determined to be a vital multi-purpose space for our programming of teaching and learning experiences and theater performances.

 

Have a great spring break!

Sincerely,

Pipier Smith-Mumford, Principal

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PTO CORNERPTO
Stay connected! Visit pierceschoolbrookline.org 
  
TEAMWORK TRIVIA NIGHT - TICKETS NOW ON SALE 
Saturday, 4/27, 7-11pm @ Pierce Cafeteria

Join us for a night of trivia, food and drink, and a chance to win some great auction prizes! These include:

- A "Buggy" afternoon with the first-grade teachers for 30 students!

- Music lessons with Ms. Manion!

- Red Sox / Yankees tickets

- Tennis at the Longwood Cricket Club

- And much, much more!

Tickets now on sale at pierceschoolbrookline.org ($25 in advance, $30 at the door). Trivia teams are comprised of six people - register as an individual, couple, or as a whole team. You can register and buy tickets individually but still indicate your teammates on the sign-up form. Questions? Contact Michele Mendoza at mlynmendoza@gmail.com. 

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BOOK FAIR 2013 - WANTED: PIERCE AUTHORS (KIDS, PARENTS, TEACHERS)!

The upcoming Pierce Book Fair will have a table featuring books by Pierce community members. Please consider donating a few books for sale at the Fair, with all proceeds benefiting the Pierce PTO. A computer will also be available to those who want to order your book. If your book isn't available online, we'll offer hard copy order forms, too. Please contact Juliet Eastland (callalily1@gmail.com) for details.

 
Donation bins for used books are in front of the main office and in the entrance to the historical building.

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SCHOOL CORNER >SCHOOLCORNER
 

BROOKLINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION SPERBER AWARD: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Due Monday, 4/15  

The BEF invites parents, teachers, administrators, and Brookline citizens to submit nominations for the BEF's Robert Sperber Award. The award is presented every five years to a Brookline School administrator who exemplifies excellence in administrative management and leadership that has brought about significant improvement in the Brookline School system.

Eligible candidates are Principals and Vice Principals, the BHS Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, Deans and Associate Deans, Elementary Curriculum Coordinators, and BHS Curriculum and Program Coordinators.

For more information, please visit brooklineeducation.org/grants-awards/awards/sperber.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PIERCE READS

Thursday, 4/25, 7pm

Volunteers still need for Pierce Reads Grades 4-8! Please contact our librarian Amanda Kretschmar at Amanda_Kretschmar@brookline.k12.ma.us if you can help in any way before during, or after this event. Thank you!

 

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NURSES NOTES: APRIL 2013
It's time to think about scheduling your student's physical exam and immunizations for the fall of 2013.
Starting in September 2013, two varicella vaccines will required for Kindergarten, First grade, Second grade, Seventh grade and Ninth grade. Many parents have questioned the effectiveness of the varicella vaccine and whether or not it provides lasting immunity. The results of a 14-year study from the Kaiser Permanente health care system has confirmed that the varicella vaccine is highly effective for preventing chicken pox, and it reduces the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) in vaccinated children.

Vaccine effectiveness at the end of the study was 90% without any evidence of waning over time. The few cases of varicella that did occur were mild and no child developed varicella after the second dose of the vaccine. Cases of herpes zoster were also mild and rates were lower among vaccinated children compared with unvaccinated children. This research demonstrates the lasting effectiveness of the varicella vaccine and the benefit of the second dose when children are vaccinated according to the schedules recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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RESCHEDULED! - ATHLETIC NIGHT

Tuesday, 4/23, 7pm @ BHS

Note the new date for Athletic Night at BHS! Contact Kim Manasevit with questions kim_manasevit@brookline.k12.ma.us 

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SPECIALIST'S CORNER >SPECCORNER
 
SPANISH

In K-3, we finished learning about family members and did a Valentine's Card with words of affection.

 

We have been learning vocabulary about class objects: lapiz, creyones, pega, goma de borrar, libro, papel, mesa, tijeras, marcadores, mochila.
We have also been learning the vocabulary of farm animals: perro, gato, vaca, caballo, oveja, cerdo,gallina, gallo, pollito .

 

With the 2nd and 3rd graders, we have been learning about school places and the people who work here: directora, enfermera, secretaria, clase de musica, arte, gimnasia, biblioteca. And the class schedules.

 

The 3rd graders have also been learning how to tell time in Spanish.  

Fourth and 5th graders practiced speaking more spontaneously in Spanish rather than only repeating the vocabulary specific to the topic at hand. To do this we had a competition in class describing photos! Sixth graders took a partner speaking quiz where they recorded themselves on lingtlanguage.com.   

 

Next up: Puerto Rico and salsa lessons!

 

Visit the Spanish page on the school website:

http://www.pierceschoolbrookline.org/spanish.html  

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PROBLEM OF THE WEEK >POW
 

POW #15: HOW MANY EGGS?

There are fewer than 6 dozen eggs in a basket. If I count them 2 at a time there will be 1 left over. If I count them 3 at a time, there are none left over. If I count them 4, 5 or 6 at a time there are 3 left over. How many eggs are there? Show your work using pictures, numbers or symbols. Answers due Tuesday, 4/30.  

  

POW #14 SOLUTION: WILLY WONKA

Violet could buy more candy with her 1 inch stack of dimes than with 2 inches of nickels.

 

Visit the POW page on the school website:

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COMMUNITY CORNER >COMMUNITYCORNER   

    

TOMORROW: BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, 4/11, 6pm @ Walsh School Committee Rm., 5th Fl., Town Hall, 333 Washington St.
View the complete meeting docket here. The FY14 School Department Budget will be voted on at this meeting. Contact Robin Coyne at 617-730-2430 or  robin_coyne@brookline.k12.ma.us with questions.
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GIRL SCOUTS IN THE SPRING

Girl Scouts is hosting Family Information Nights. Attend any of these events to find out more about Girl Scouting in Brookline!

Thursday, 4/11 at 6:30pm - Lawrence cafeteria

Monday, 4/22 at 6:30pm - Driscoll library

Tuesday, 4/23 at 6:30pm - Baker library

 

Contact Kali Small at ksmall@girlscoutseasternmass.org or 781-373-4202 with questions. To learn more about the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, visit
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CHILDCARE FORUM: DAYCARE OPTIONS

Wednesday, 4/17, 6-7:30pm @ Main Library, Hunneman Hall, 361 Washington St.

Hosted by The Brookline Commission for Women. Panelists will address the benefits and challenges of various types of daycare options available to families with children from birth up to age 5. Representatives from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Brookline Health Department, and the Brookline Police Department will discuss safety, proper licensing, and background checks. A Q&A period will follow the panel. For more information, email BCW@brooklinema.gov or call 617-730-2734. Free and open to the public.

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BROOKLINE SOCCER CLUB TRYOUTS & PRE-REGISTRATION FOR FALL 2013

Tryouts for the Fall 2013 Season are Sunday, 5/5 for both boys and girls (with an additional required second tryout only for Boys U9 & U10 on Sunday, 5/19).

NEW - This year, pre-registration is required for all players. Please visit

http://www.brooklinesoccer.org for all the details and to register your child.
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HOW TO BE HAPPY WITHOUT BEING PERFECT - WITH DR. ALICE DOMAR

Tuesday, 5/14, 7pm @ Baker School Auditorium. Tix $15 in advance; $20 at the door

For many women, the necessity to take care of every family member often defeats the need to take care of themselves. At this speaking engagement, Dr. Alice Domar teaches Brookline women How to Be Happy Without Being Perfect. See the eventbrite link for her full bio and to purchase tickets: http://howtobehappywithoutbeingperfect.eventbrite.com/#

Please write to Anne_grieves@me.com with questions.

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UNDERSTANDING BROOKLINE: EMERGING TRENDS & CHANGING NEEDS

Save the Date: Wednesday, 5/15, 5:30-8pm @ Brookline Senior Center

The Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) is sponsoring a lively discussion on a first-of-its-kind report from BCF. Brookline in 2013 is a changing community; the strengths and resources of our town continue to make it a highly desirable place to live, but we also have significant questions to address. Invitation to follow. For more information, please contact Jenny Amory, BCF Executive Director, jamory@brooklinecommunity.org.
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BROOKLINE BIKES BEACON BICYCLE PARADE

Sunday, 5/19, 1pm

Meet at Amory Park for this annual community event. Choose from two routes: Beacon Street Loop for ages 10-100 and others who have reliable bikes and the ability and energy to tackle the long hill through Coolidge Corner at a steady pace. Five miles. Cottage Farm Loop for younger cyclists and novices. 1.5 - 3 miles. NO TRAINING WHEELS, please. Parade starts at 1 pm! Party in the Park from 12:30 to 3 pm with DJ music, food to buy, and post-parade free ice cream and popsicles. Contact jdempsey64@gmail.com with questions.
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BROOKLINE ARTS CENTER SPRING CLASSES

Registration is now open for Spring classes at the Brookline Arts Center. Several new classes for children and teens are available this spring, including Paper Sculpture, The Superhero Project, Clayworks, and more! For more information on classes and registration, check out our website www.brooklineartscenter.com.

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GIRLS SOFTBALL

Girls Softball (through the Rec Department www.brooklinerec.com) is currently open for registration and seeking additional players. The season starts in a few weeks, with practices on Wednesdays, late afternoons, and a game on Sunday afternoons. All girls welcomeexperienced players and new learners. Parent volunteers welcome too.
Please register soon. Contact Jon Lewitus at the rec department with questions:
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CLASSIFIEDS >CLASSIFIEDS     

IN-HOME PRESCHOOL (BROOKLINE VILLAGE)

Pierce parent and certified early childhood teacher opened local preschool in home in the fall of 2011 for children 2.9 years and up. A few children are moving on to Pierce next year so there are a few openings for the school year 2013-2014. Please contact Kimberly directly at (617) 955-6653 or visit the website for details at www.brooklineprekare.com.

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HOUSE/APT TO RENT, HOUSESIT OR EXCHANGE SOUGHT, JULY-AUG 2013

Family of three, longtime friends of Pierce family, seeks house/apartment to rent, housesit or exchange for apartment in Mexico City's stylish Condesa neighborhood amidst caf�s, restaurants, theaters and parks and a short distance from museums and the historic downtown area. Will be in the Boston area from July 6th thru August 17th, 2013 (dates negotiable). Roger teaches anthropology at Mexico City's Universidad Iberoamericana, Cristina teaches Arabic dance, and Matt is 10 years old. Willing to take care of plants and most pets. Preference for something in or near Brookline. Write to roger_magazine@yahoo.com.

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STUDIO OF ENGAGING MATH: SUMMER CAMP 
Join us for a week of intellectually engaging activities. Students will explore complex patterns, collaborate on experiments, and build prototypes. We'll play strategic and developmental games, and solve puzzles and brain teasers. Older students will learn 3D modeling software and will get an introduction to a computer language. Our small groups (six students) are taught by the studio's teachers. Email admin@engagingmath.com or call 617-975-0268. 
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PART-TIME NANNY OR HELPER AVAILABLE

Need a part-time nanny or helper...or know someone who does? My wonderful nanny and friend, who has been taking great care of my children for 10 years, is looking for 15 or so additional morning hours for child care, laundry, errands and more. She might be the most dependable and capable person you'll ever meet, and your kids will love her! Please contact Priscilla O'Reilly at 617-346-6841 or prisoreilly@gmail.com for more information. 
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KOLTUN BALLET ACADEMY 

Pre-professional ballet training in an inspirational environment for young people ages 6-19. We aim to provide students with a rich knowledge of classical technique, and the ability to adapt to all styles and techniques of dance. We offer a hands-on approach, individual attention, and dedication to our students. For more information, please visit www.KoltunBalletAcademy.com or call 617-901-3792.

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PIANO INSTRUCTION - ABOUT 1 MILE FROM PIERCE

Learn Jazz/Blues/Classical, theory, sightreading from a Berklee & New England Conservatory graduate with 30+ years teaching experience. Build a high-quality musical foundation with a patient, upbeat, and caring instructor. Beginners especially welcome. Have a positive and successful learning experience. Gloria Jasinski, 617-566-9704 or piano566@comcast.net.

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THAILAND SUMMER FAMILY IMMERSION PROGRAM
Join us this summer on a fun and enriching 2-week family immersion program in Thailand! We will explore everything wonderful that Thailand has to offer, from culture, to food, to nature. Kids' and teen programs will be part of the daily schedule. Give your kids a taste of volunteering and a chance to get to know another culture from the inside. Visit footprintsfamilytravel.com. On Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Footprints-Family-Travel/247168772085353(Run by Driscoll parent Fran Rota.)
 
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phone: (617) 730-2580