Our children, our teachers, our classrooms, ALL of us benefit from the vital work of the Piece Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Funds raised by the PTO are used to reimburse educators for classroom supplies & technology, subsidize in-school arts assemblies, offset field trip costs, and so much more.  

The PTO is scheduled to spend nearly $75,000 this school year, approximately $100 per student.

Your participation in this Annual Appeal is critical. Last year 40% of Pierce families donated to the Annual Appeal. Let's go for 100%! Please donate by clicking here http://www.pierceschoolbrookline.org/, or by dropping off your contribution in the PTO mailbox at school. Also, please inquire whether your employer has a matching gift program for your donation!

Questions? Please email pierce.pto@gmail.com or talk to a member of the Leadership Team or your class' Room Parent. Thank you - Pierce couldn't do it without you!

FAMILIES OF 6th, 7th, & 8th GRADERS

TOMORROW - Thursday, 11/8, 7pm @ Pierce Library: ADOLESCENCE & BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Leah Somerville, Harvard researcher on adolescence and brain development, will discuss exciting advances in our understanding of adolescent brain development and its relationship with adolescent emotions and decision-making. We will also discuss ways this research can enhance adolescents' everyday lives and wellbeing.    

ReDress Boston event with special deals, door prize, and the opportunity to enjoy a drink and shop with fellow Pierce supporters. Donate consignment-worthy clothes up until and at the event, and ReDress Boston will donate half the sales proceeds to the Pierce PTO. Contact Kha Dickerman (khadickerman@gmail.com) with questions. 

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The Pierce School Council advises the Principal on issues of curriculum, instruction, and school improvement, and includes both teacher and parent representatives. Minutes from the first meeting are posted here.

All School Council meetings are open to the public. Upcoming agenda topics include a discussion of school improvement goals for the year, and a review of the 11/9 forum on Adolescence and the Brain. For a list of the year's meeting dates, a copy of the Pierce School Improvement Plan, and a list of School Council members, go to http://www.pierceschoolbrookline.org/school-council.html. 

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Did you know that Pierce is piloting the Literacy Collaborative framework for literacy instruction? What does this mean for your child's learning and classroom experience? Join Patricia Kinsella, PK-8 English Language Arts Coordinator for Brookline, as she explains why Brookline Public Schools joined the Literacy Collaborative; how Pierce is tackling the second year of implementation, and expanding teacher professional development; and what to expect in your child's classroom as the approach becomes more widespread.

Gather at 8am for a community breakfast. Presentation will begin at 8:15am. 

Co-sponsored by Pierce School Council and Pierce PTO.

Artwork for Education is an important fundraiser for Pierce, and a great opportunity to showcase greeting cards decorated with your child's original artwork! Participating students (in K, 2nd, 4th, 7th, and 8th grades) received catalogs and order forms, and must turn them back no later than NOVEMBER 20 to ensure delivery before the holiday break. Please be generous with your orders: the school gets 50% of every dollar spent. Contact michal.preminger@gmail.com with questions. 

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Join us for a PTO Evening Meeting to approve the PTO's annual budget and learn about plans for 2013 leadership and outreach. The budget will be posted on the website for all Pierce parents and teachers to review in advance of the meeting. Contact pierce.pto@gmail.com with questions. 

If you have a little time and some interest in volunteering with the PTO, use this link to a PTO sign-up sheet. Thank you!

We need one creative and technically savvy adult to oversee lighting production for Bye Bye Birdie. We've already got three competent high schoolers on board! Show dates are Thursday, 12/13 through Saturday, 12/15. Please contact Deborah Dowd at dowdwalsh@rcn.com if you're able to help.

There's one more Brookline Booksmith gift certificate available! Which class will be the second to complete? Did you know that by clicking on "Download" in the directory, you can get a PDF of your child's class information? Please help us get to 100%. For problems, please email Jennifer Hunt (jhuntmail@gmail.com). Detailed registration instructions are available here. Thanks for your help!

PHYSICAL EDUCATION, K THROUGH 8TH

Students in grades K through 8 have been busy practicing locomotor skills, playing soccer and football, and enjoying recreational sports through the use of backyard-style games.

For detailed information on each grade's activities, and for a list of questions to help you enhance your child's gross motor learning at home, please click here. Contact Amanda Grindstaff at Amanda_Grindstaff@brookline.k12.ma.us with questions.

Graduate student at Boston University earning a Master in Public Health concentrating in Maternal and Child Health. Interested in tutoring elementary and middle school students. I have 10 years of tutoring experience in various subjects. My favorite subject is math! Available for general homework and studying help as well. Flexible schedule, willing to meet in student's home or other quiet location. Please contact Carly at coallard@gmail.com or 401-316-9323.