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Weekly PTO Bulletin 


Have news or events to share? Email us at driscollbulletin@gmail.com by Thursday at 5pm to submit. 


Important This Week:


TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION RAFFLES ON SALE NOW: Our teachers and staff are amazing - show them that Driscoll students and parents appreciate all they do. Buy for one or more raffles to give teachers and staff chances to win a raffle prize. We will draw 3 winners at the Arts Equinox Closing Ceremonies on Friday, April 15, 2016.  http://bit.ly/AppreciationRaffle


Driscoll Events
 

PTO OPEN FORUM: Wednesday, April 6, at 7:00 pm in the Driscoll Cafeteria. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Meet fellow Driscoll parents, and PTO members. Learn about how you can get involved and events to look forward to this spring. Have questions? Email: driscollpto@gmail.com


FORUM WITH DR. JOE CONNELLY INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT: Thursday, April 7, at 8:00 am in the Driscoll Cafeteria. Topics include: FY17 Budget, 9th School,  Lawrence / Pierce Principal Searches, Enrollments, and Superintendent Search. All parents are encouraged to attend. 
Another great Arts Equinox means another great "Green Room". As in the past, we have taken on the task of feeding all our great teachers, volunteers, and artists, but we can't do it alone!! Feeding roughly 150 people, 2 meals for 2 days is no small feat. While we are hoping to get some food donated, the majority must come from the Driscoll parent community. Please help by contributing a dish (especially you awesome cooks!) or by helping serve or prep food on either of the 2 days. Please click the link and see what option might best fit your schedule or expertise.  Arts Equinox Green Room Signup

Arts Equinox is coming April 14 and 15! All students will create a piece of art for our ALL-SCHOOL PROJECT, which will be displayed in the cafeteria. This year’s theme is Patterns. To help out in your child’s classroom, click HERE . All students will be treated to WORKSHOPS and PERFORMANCES by professional artists. In the lineup are drawing, movement, clowning, beatboxing, fiber sculpture, children’s opera, paper quilting, tap and hip-hop dance, storytelling and more. 

 

Driscoll News

Order Your Driscoll Flannel Pants: Orders will be taken before and after school by the main office beginning today and continuing through Friday 4/8. Order forms can be found here. Driscoll water bottles and drawstring bags will also be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit 8th grade graduation. Contact Lisa Bodine (lbodine5@gmail.com) or Catarina Lensmar (catarina@lensmar.com) with any questions.

 
Community News 

BROOKLINE TALKS SPEAKER SERIES: Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys.  An evening with Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D.. Tuesday, April 12th,  7:00-8:30 pm in the Lawrence School Auditorium. Sponsored by Brookline K-8 PTOs (including Driscoll PTO), the Brookline Education Foundation & the Brookline Community Mental Health Center. brooklinetalks.eventbrite.com
WHOLE FOODS 5% DAY SUPPORTING BROOKLINE FOOD PANTRY: On April 11th at the Whole Foods Market, at 1028 Beacon Street in Brookline.  Bonus...Whole Foods will be celebrating three years in the Brookline community! So they’ll be grilling, sampling delicious foods from Grillo's Pickles, True Juice, UnReal Candy, and Late July from 11AM- 3PM.  This is an easy and fun way to help feed your neighbors.  Learn more about the BFP @ BrooklineFoodPantry.org.
Annual Party for Brookline Library: This signature town-wide event is moving to a new place and time – Saturday, April 30th from 6:30-9:00 pm. at the Putterham branch in South Brookline.  Join us for live music, margaritas, a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres. Entertainment includes a caricaturist, tarot card reader and henna artist.  Tickets are $125 and can be purchased at http://brooklinelibrary.org  (Click the Donate button.)  Funds support all three of the town’s libraries.  We hope to see you there!
BEF Metzger Fellows Announced!
The Brookline Education Foundation is thrilled to announce our 2016 Margaret Metzger Fellows:
Jen Breen Rose-Wood, BHS English. Malcolm Cawthorne, BHS Social Studies. Teresa Gallo-Toth, Runkle Librarian. Marie Leman, Lawrence 3rd grade. Greg Porter, Lawrence Social Studies. Jan Preheim, Lincoln 5th grade. This fellowship honors the late Margaret Metzger, a transformative English teacher at BHS.  To learn more about the Margaret Metzger Fellowship Fund, please go to http://brooklineeducationfoundation.org/grants-awards/awards.
Support our BEF-Team Brookline Runners
It’s almost time to cheer on our BEF-Team Brookline runners in the 2016 Boston Marathon. The following educators and parents are running in support of the Brookline Education Foundation. Devotion principal Jen Buller. Baker teacher Nicole Poutasse. Heath parent Amanda Walker. Lincoln parents Seth Kalvert and Ken Juster. Pierce parent Chris Hope. Wish them well! Consider making a donation to their run by visiting http://www.teambrookline.org/runners/roster-page/.
NEED HELP FOR STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS?
We live in an age of high stress, and the results of the latest Student Health Survey reveal that 79% of Brookline 7-8th graders report overwhelming stress and anxiety, which can reflect a more serious issue with depression and/or anxiety. Unlike an occasional bout of the blues or situational depression, clinical depression is a serious medical condition that needs diagnosis and treatment, which can range from therapy to medication. For some basic guidelines, check out the MENTAL HEALTH page of www.B-PEN.org  for “Getting Help”resources and B-PEN’s Parent Update on “Adolescent Anxiety and Depression.” BHS’sPrevention/Intervention Team is available for confidential information, resources, and counseling, and has recently started a Parent Network for those whose 6th-12th grade students are having social/emotional challenges – contact Hope Schroy, hope_schroy@brookline.k12.ma.us  
SAVE THE DATE APRIL 5th, 4PM at the Brookline Teen Center RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY with special guest Governor Michael Dukakis.  We would like to invite you to our food scrap drop off site grand opening at the Brookline Teen Center.  The bins have been working beautifully and we are ready to officially start this project, so bring your food scraps and come attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at 4pm. Brookline Community Composting is a group of 8 High School Students in a Communications for Entrepreneurs class working along with George Zahka, the Assistant Director of Programming at the Brookline Teen Center, to create Brookline's first Community Composting Drop Off Site.   For more Information please vistit http://brooklinecomposting.wix.com/btcenter and like us on Facebook for the most up to date news.
Under Construction: What Every Parent Must Know About Your Tween/Teen’s Brain Development
Thursday, April 7, 7:00-9:00pm. Lincoln School Auditorium. 19 Kennard Road. Nationally-recognized family physician and opioid specialist Dr. Ruth Potee shares her expertise in adolescent brain development and its impact on teenage risk taking, including the abuse of alcohol and other substances.This Free National Health Week event is hosted by The Public Schools of Brookline, School Health Services.

Create artwork and crafts using discarded books. The top nine entries in the age range categories kids, teens, and adults will be voted on by the community during National Library Week, April 11-16. Winners will be on display in the library for the month of May 2016. If you need a book, the Friends of the Brookline Library have generously provided gently used books on a special cart near the Awesome Box at the Main Library.  Check out the details and download an entry form at brooklinelibrary.org.

5th annual Brookline Cherry Blossom Festival , April 30, 12-4 pm in the Brookline High School Quad (115 Greenough Street, Brookline, MA). The festival is a family-friendly, community event that is a collaboration between the Brookline High School Japanese Program and The Genki Spark. 
The festival highlights Japanese culture with taiko drum performances from artists all over New England, Japanese dance, kimono and calligraphy demonstrations, and music. In addition,crafts, games, and activities are available for people of all ages! Japanese food will be sold by Ittoku, Itadaki, Hana Japan, and Japonaise. 
Admissions is a suggested donation of $5 for students, and $10-$20/family. All proceeds support the BHS Japanese Exchange Program Scholarship Fund and promotion of Japanese arts in New England. 
Special thanks to our sponsors: Brookline Commission for the Arts, Brookline High School PTO and The Japan Society of Boston. For more information, please see our website: www.brooklinecherryblossom.com Facebook, or on Twitter: @BrooklineSakura.  


PTO Spotlight:

PTO Spotlight with Co-Treasurer, and Spring Fair Co-Chair David Souza: 
(photos on driscollpto.org)

Q: Tell us about your family. 

A:  My wife Tatyana and I have lived in Brookline for 12 years.  We have two boys, Nikolai (2W) and Andreas (BEEP).  Tatyana owns/manages, Coolidge Corner Yoga.  I'm a partner at a Boston based hedge fund.  As a family, we love to enjoy all four seasons through outdoor activities!


Q: You're involved in a couple of ways on the PTO. Tell us about them. 

A:  I'm currently finishing up a (3) year term as co-Treasurer for the Driscoll PTO.  With a background in Finance, the co-Treasurer role was a logical way to support the PTO.  I shared the role with Meg Brackley during the first (2) years of service.  This year, I share the role with Ranjana Mayar.


In addition, this will be my second year as co-Chair of the beloved Spring Fair.  Running the Fair alongside Jennifer Klaus and Desmond Hallandoats has been a very rewarding experience.  We are looking for a 4th co-Chair if anyone is interested;)


Q: Do you have any advice for parents interested in becoming involved at Driscoll?

A: Involvement can be small or large.  The Driscoll community is full of wonderful people with diverse skill sets.  I urge anyone with volunteer interest to contact the PTO chairs directly.  


Q: Fun Fact: What's something we should know about you that we don't?

A: I was raised in a farm town in MA.  My father was a blue collar "jack of all trades" kind of guy.  Among other things, he had me riding/maintaining dirt bikes starting at the age of 4.  At my home, you will see this is still very much a part of me, as shown by the many toolboxes owned:)  Tatyana often uses this knowledge to her advantage when she wants me to fix something.... 


Classifieds:


THE BROOKLINE BALLET SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS & CLASSES (July/August) for students of all ages, children and adults. Please click here for more information and to register!
YOUTH BALLET PROGRAM 2016-2017. Please contact TBBS at info@brooklineballet.com if you would like to receive information about our programs or to schedule a placement class (don't forget to include your child's name, date of birth and previous ballet experience!).

Devotion 8th graders present Footloose on Saturday, April 9 at 7pm and Sunday, April 10 at 1pm at the Lower Devotion School Auditorium, 345 Harvard Street.   Tickets are $5.


Lumos Debate is offering a 3 day leadership workshop for middle school students during April Vacation from 10am - 2pm. Your child will practice critical thinking, argumentation, and public speaking. Don’t worry if you think your child is too shy, our instructors know how to make our activities fun and low pressure. Register at: lumosdebate.com/workshop. If you have questions you can email us at info@lumosdebate.com or call 617-901-4564.

Deep Blue Barber Shop is now open! Conveniently located at 395 Washington Street Brookline, MA. Come check us out to get cleaned up for Spring. Walk-ins welcome! You can also book online at deepbluebarbershop.com or call 617-879-0185. New customers enjoy 10% off all services.


Individual parking spot on Mason Terrace available month to month starting now/April 1. Contact Chiara at maginich@gmail.com if interested. Thank you!


BROOKLINE ARTS CENTER’S SPRING CLASSES ENROLLING NOW! The BAC is offering some exciting classes this Spring! Some classes include Great StARTs for ages 2-3, Art and Culture for ages 5-7, Comics and Graphic Novels for ages 8-12, Introduction to Physical Computing in Art for ages 10-14, Portfolio Development for 15-17 and Pottery and Wheelthrowing for adults. TO REGISTER AND VIEW MORE CLASSES, VISIT WWW.BROOKLINEARTSCENTER.COM

TENNIS LESSONS: This is Eliot Rozovsky, a current senior at Brookline High School and graduate of Driscoll School. I am an avid tennis player who committed to play tennis for Bowdoin College next year. I have been ranked #1 in New England and am highly ranked in the nation. I am looking for anyone who is interested in receiving first class tennis lessons during the summer, no matter their age or level. I have played tennis for 14 years and have over 200 hours of tennis lesson experience. The lessons would be on public courts around Brookline. All that is needed is a racket and a smile. If interested please contact at e.rozovsky@gmail.com or 6179357630.


HOUSE FOR RENT: Sadly our family is moving to New Jersey and we are hoping to find a Driscoll family to rent our lovely 1900s town house with two garages, 3 bathrooms and 5 bedrooms and lots of light is available for rent beginning July 1, 2016. The home has a small back porch and yard, a large front deck. The master suite has an office attached and there is storage room and an extra refrigerator in a small furnished basement.  The townhouse has windows on three sides and is solidly built so no noise from neighbors seeps in.  We are located at 682 Washington Street. Pets are okay. $5800 per month.  For inquiries and showings please email:  raoulrosenberg@gmail.com

STEAM Summer Program for kids ages 6-12 (Brighton MA) Open house on Sunday, April 3rd from 11am to 2pm. Go from station to station and win PRIZES. From puzzles and games to programming and painting, there is something for every student! The Studio of Engaging Math’s summer program offers kids the chance to experience just how fun science, math and engineering can be. Our hands on activities focus on the most engaging and exciting STEAM topics: science, technology, engineering, art & math. Have fun and learn at the same time! For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1696907617214015/


Applications for the 3rd annual Brookline Warriors Summer Basketball Clinic are now being accepted. The Clinic will run June 27-30 (Monday-Thursday) from 9:00-3:00 in Schluntz Gymnasium at the high school. Boys ages 8-14 are eligible. Brookline HS head coach Luke Day is the Clinic director, and the staff includes BHS JV coach Dave Ford and Freshman coach Darren Martinez. The Brookline Warriors Summer Basketball Clinic is committed to delivering high quality instruction on individual and team basketball skills. Campers will not only improve on a day-to-day basis, but will take away from the camp specific knowledge about how they can keep improving. We are just as importantly committed to every camper having fun and developing a lifelong passion for the game of basketball. Go to www.brooklinehoops.net to find out more information and download an application. Any questions can directed to Coach Luke Day at jlday6@gmail.com.
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Evening Receptionist
The Brookline Music School seeks weeknight evening receptionists for a job share position. The receptionists will work from 5:45pm to 9:00pm, Monday through Friday, September through July. This position will begin when a suitable candidate is found. More information found here: http://www.bmsmusic.org/about/employment/
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's A Midsummer Night's Dream
Tue 4/19 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at Main Library
From the company that brings you Shakespeare on the Common, join us for a live performance of scenes from Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream followed by a lively discussion of the play, the roles, and Shakespeare's legacy after 400 years.
Link:
http://www.brooklinelibrary.org/programs/special-events/041916-midsummers-night-dream
Support the Brookline nonprofit MEDIAGIRLS (www.mediagirls.org) and meet Julia Sokolowski, the youngest-ever contestant on the CBS reality-TV show "Survivor" on April 30th from 3 PM to 5 PM.  MEDIAGIRLS teaches girls to look critically at how young women are seen in pop culture, and Julia will discuss the media scrutiny she faces as the reality show airs to millions, and how she has redefined beauty. MEDIAGIRLS Executive Director Michelle Cove will discuss how mainstream media influences the way girls value themselves, and share empowering strategies to help girls feel more confident. The event is co-sponsored by The Brookline Teen Center and Brookline Interactive Group. Learn more at www.mediagirls.org/fundraiser



Upcoming Events

APRIL
06



APRIL
06


7:00 PM

APRIL
07


8:00 AM

APRIL
08


8:15 AM

April
12


School Council Meeting
7AM
Early Dismissal at 12:40PM

April
14 & 15


Arts Equinox

APRIL
16


Spring vacation begins!
No school April 16-April 24.



Important Links

Support the Driscoll PTO






 









Principal's Corner
(read this on the website here)

 

“The lesson you teach today is not confined to the walls of your home or classroom.  Once it is implanted in the heart and mind of a child, it can change the world.”    ~ Graham Green

 

We really did think the snow was gone and spring was upon us!  There are many spring events on the Driscoll School horizon. Dr. Connelly is coming to speak to the Driscoll Community on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 8:00am in the cafeteria.  The agenda for the meeting is:  

  • Introduction of Supt. Elect, Andrew Bott, PSB Administrative Searches: Lincoln School Principal, Deputy Supt. for Teaching and Learning, Deputy Supt. for Student Services, FY2017 School Budget, K-12 Enrollments, 9th School and BHS expansion Projects Update. Parent Q and A

 

Parents will receive a survey today in the security portal.  The purpose of the surveys is to learn more about the climate and culture in schools and across the district. The results will be reported in the aggregate and will be used by schools and district leaders when developing and implementing school and district improvement plans.

  • Surveys will be administered online 4/4 – 4/27
  • Each parent and guardian who is registered in the Parent Portal will receive an email from Panorama Education on April 4th with a link to the online survey. 
  • The survey will be translated into all of the languages spoken by our students’ families
  • All responses are confidential
  • If you have any questions about the survey, please contact us or the survey team at psbsurveys@brookline.k12.ma.us.

 

Thank you for supporting your children taking the MCAS. They are working well independently,

using taught strategies, persisting, and demonstrating confidence and motivation throughout the

testing situation!  We are very proud of them!

 

Reminders 

 

  • April 4, 2016 – MCAS ELA Test – Grades 6 and 8
  • April 5, 2016 – MCAS ELA Test -  Grades 4 and 7 
  • April 5, 2016 – Faculty Meeting
  • April 6, 2016 -  Early Release Day  - 1:40pm
  • April 7, 2016 -  Dr. Connelly, 8:00am in the Cafeteria
  • April 7, 2016 -  MCAS ELA Test – Grades 4 and 7
  • April 7, 2016 -  Kindergarten trip to Drumlin Farm
  • April 8, 2016 -  Community Meeting for Grades 3-5 – 8:15am
  • April 8, 2016 -  Report Cards Grades 6-8 

 

Thank you for your daily support and contributions to the Driscoll students and faculty!

Best, 

Eileen and David

 










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Driscoll PTO
64 Westbourne Terrace
Brookline, MA 02446

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