“EVERY CHILD, ONE VOICE” – MIDDLEBROOK PTA
AUGUST 2021 – BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION
Hello Middlebrook Families, We know this is a lengthy newsletter, so pace yourself … take breaks, stay hydrated, stretch those hammies … within these pages you will find the school calendar, walk-thru info and supply list information! And check out www.middlebrookpta.org for the latest news throughout the year! **NEW DATE: FRI - August 27th is 6th Grade WEB Orientation, Times HERE** ***August 26 is Walkthrough (time by grade and last name, see below)*** Grades 7 & 8: A to H is 12:00 - 12:25 PM / I to Z is 12:35 - 1:00 PM Grade 6: A to H is 2:00 - 2:25 PM / I to Z is 2:35 - 3:00 PM Meet teachers, explore the school, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Open Houses
Weekly Newsletter Welcome back to school! This summer flew by in our house and getting back on a schedule won't be easy! As your kids get back into the swing of school, please consider volunteering for one of our open PTA positions! Contact Michelle Haggerty to learn more. This edition of the Back to School Messenger is chock-full of helpful information to get you and your student ready for the new school year. But did you know there is a slimmed down version of the Messenger that goes out every Sunday night to prepare you for the week ahead? It answers the all important “what day number is Monday” question, provides a calendar of events, and lists programs taking place that week. Be sure to update your email on PowerSchool so you don’t miss a thing. The PTA provides volunteer and financial support to activities that directly benefit every Middlebrook student. But we cannot do it without your help and here’s how: *DONATE to our annual appeal to support all we do. *VOLUNTEER AND PARTICIPATE to help at an event, or ongoing programs like volunteering at the Library Learning Commons or with Hospitality & Special Events. We look forward to your support and hope your student(s) will enjoy all that the PTA offers! Best, Michelle Haggerty Middlebrook PTA President | Join the PTA and gain access to our Mobile Directory! Membership expected to open by end of August. Get instant access when you join – no waiting, easy updates to address or phone number changes throughout the year! Join at: It’s green, searchable and portable! Available on phones, tablets and computers! Parents can update their profiles at any time One easy spot to register for all your kids’ PTAs and make a donation at the same time! Questions? Email our Membership VP Carolyn Lyon carolynlyon@optonline.net |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMMUNICATIONS PAGE
Find Help Online 3
New to Middlebrook? 4-5
Message from the Principal 6
PTA & OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Middlebrook PTA Volunteer Opportunities 7
Photo Day 8
6th Grade Activity Night 8
7th Grade Activity Night 8
Project Adventure 9
Box Tops For Education 9
Wilton SEPTA 10
Project 2026 10
WILTON YOUTH COUNCIL 11-12
PARENT & CHILD RESOURCES 12
SUPPLY LISTS 13
FAQS & USEFUL LINKS 14
MIDDLEBROOK FALL CALENDAR 15
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES 16-17
Middlebrook School and Wilton School District websites are great resources that can answer many of your questions even before you turn to our Middlebrook Parent Community Facebook page.
Every Middlebrook Team has their own TEAM PAGE accessible through the Wilton Public School website. Check out your TEAM PAGE for information on supplies, homework, field trips, points of contact and more!
The district home page and the Middlebrook homepage have a menu item called ‘I WANT TO’ which features many popular links-- just look at the topics it includes:
If you cannot find the information you are looking for quickly, you can use the search feature to find an answer in a flash. Click on the magnifying glass and enter your search term. It’s like Google for Wilton Public Schools.
If you’re new to Middlebrook, there are lots of things that seem mysterious and so many questions you need answered. We are taking a crack at your list:
Snacks-- There is no set snack time at MB. Snacks may be allowed at the teacher’s discretion. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your child’s team leader directly.
Gym Clothes-- Students change for gym into shorts, leggings, or sweatpants and a t-shirt and sneakers. They may wear any color they wish. Unless you remind your student to bring them home for washing, you may not see them until the end of the year.
Drop-Off/Pick Up-- Please see the details and diagrams at the end of this newsletter.
Late Arrival-- You can totally stay in your pj’s, just drop off your student by the main entrance, no need to walk them in like at CM or MD. Feel free to hug and kiss your child goodbye to embarrass them completely and be sure to call out “Love you, pumpkin muffin” for guaranteed side-eye.
Early pick up-- If your student needs to be picked up early, just send in a note, which they must bring to the front office upon arriving at school. You will need to go into school to pick them up. It’s helpful to consult the bell schedule (on the MB site and a link on our FB page) so that you can time your pick up during the passing time between classes.
Day Numbers-- MB schedule operates on a 6-day cycle. If there is a holiday, that day is skipped … for example, if Friday is Day 4 and Monday is Columbus Day, then Tuesday is Day 5.
In cases of snow days, if Friday is Day 4 and Monday is a snow day, then Tuesday is Day 6. Every Sunday, our Messenger will have the Day Numbers for that week ahead.
Clubs-- MB offers over 20 clubs. Most clubs meet after school, but a few clubs meet before school. There is a $25 participation fee. Once the fee is paid, students have unlimited access to participate in as many clubs as they wish. Be sure to talk to your student about clubs that might interest them. Students learn about clubs during September’s Club Fair, from their teachers, and from various bulletin boards around school. Information is also available on the school website.
No More School Dismissal Manager-- Middle schoolers are responsible for their own dismissal plans. If your student is going home with a friend, or taking a different bus (to go into town, for example) you do not notify the school. It is important to make sure that you and your student have a common understanding of the plan - if they leave with a friend, there is not a way for school staff to track them down for you.
Buses-- students are allowed to ride other buses. But, note that students assigned to each bus have priority. If more students want to ride a bus than seats are available, your student will not be allowed to board the bus. This occurs most frequently with the town bus, especially on Fridays. Check special bus assignments here If your child was hoping to get on a bus and they can’t because there wasn’t room, they need to work out their alternate arrangement. This could be calling an adult for a ride or walking if the destination is close enough.
Lunch Options-- Hot and cold lunch options and snacks will be available for students to purchase in the cafeteria. Indeed, there are more options than most kids realize. You can access menus online through Nutrislice. Find the link here.
Message Center-- do not call or text your student on their personal cell phones during the school day. Please call the Message Center at 203-834-4967 and leave a message which will be given to your student before the day ends. In the event of an emergency, please call the school.
Start/Dismissal Times--
Normal School Day: 8:20 am - 2:55 pm
Shortened Day: 8:20 am - 12:30 pm
Snow/Emergency Early Closing: 8:20 am - 10:30 am
Delayed Starts -
1 Hour Delay starts at 9:20 am
2 Hour Delay starts at 10:20 am
3 Hour Delay starts at 11:20 am
Parent Community on Facebook
If you are on Facebook, be sure to join our Parent Community. You will be able to ask questions, read old posts, and see what is coming up at Middlebrook. Be sure to click on Announcements and familiarize yourself with all the great information that has been compiled already!
A Message from the Principal – Jory Higgins
Dear Middlebrook Parents, Guardians, and Students,
Middlebrook faculty and staff are eager to start a new school year. Dean Toby Kawulicz, Dean Querze, Dean Whelan, and I look forward to a smooth start to the school year as we welcome back our 7th and 8th grade students while meeting our new 6th grade students.
We hope you will join us for the Parent/Student Walk-Through on Thursday, August 26, 2021. Grade seven and eight walk through will be 12-1PM, and grade six will be 2-3PM. Students, accompanied by their parents, are invited to visit their new classrooms and meet their new teachers. While it is not required, I recommend that you print a copy of your child’s schedule from the parent portal and bring it with you for the walk-through. Whenever possible, only the student and their parents/guardians should attend the walk through to reduce the amount of people in the building at one time. We also encourage you to be mindful of your time and not spend too much time in the building as we expect it to be crowded.
As you shop for back-to-school supplies, please remember that all students are required to change into gym clothes for class and out of gym clothes after class. Students can wear any gym appropriate garments: shorts, leggings, sweatpants, and a t-shirt. Students must wear sneakers. We encourage you to label all gym clothes. In addition, locks are needed for the locker room (preferably combination locks).
With new beginnings come new faces. Please join me in welcoming the following new staff members:
Danielle Bottinger - Reading Workshop on 7 Green | Sasha Cordero - French in grades 7 and 8 |
Sara Marr - working with English language learners | Jillian Pandolfino - Mathematics on 7 Green |
Niall Reynolds - Music at WHS and Middlebrook | Alyssa Sharpe - Writing Workshop on 6 Red |
Avery Starr - Special Education | Shabiroon Vareen - Art (coming from Cider Mill) |
As always, communication with parents remains a top priority. We plan to continue the practice we started last year of sending a weekly email at 5 PM each Friday to keep you up-to-date on the latest Middlebrook information.
Student schedules will be available via the PowerSchool Parent Portal. The portal can be accessed on Friday, August 20 by following this link. If you have any questions about your child’s schedule, please contact our school counselors via email. Your questions are important to us, and our counselors will address them as soon as possible. Middlebrook school counselors will be onsite beginning Monday, August 25.
Grade 6 Ms. Bonnie O’Brien obrienb@wiltonps.org
Grade 7 Mr. Bill Gerundo gerundow@wiltonps.org
Grade 8 Mrs. Anne McManus mcmanusa@wiltonps.org
Having trouble resetting your password? Please visit the Middlebrook website and under the "MB Information" menu click on "MB Course Registration 2021-2022". There you will find FAQ's and “How To” request PowerSchool password reset. (Use this link to get there directly)
Parent login information for PowerSchool remains the same as it was last year, even for students transitioning from Cider Mill to Middlebrook. Families new to Wilton will receive activation codes via email after completing the registration process. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time if you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s educational program. As always, we appreciate your cooperation. I look forward to our year together!
Sincerely,
Jory Higgins
Principal
There’s no better way to know your child’s school and be a part of the Middlebrook environment than by getting involved in the Middlebrook PTA. Please review the list of volunteer opportunities below and see additional detail in the following pages. We NEED your help and support. Please contact Middlebrook PTA President Michelle Haggerty → michelle.mbpta@gmail.com to indicate your interests!
***We need volunteers for Parent-at-Large and Nominating***
__ School Photos: Help on photo day - September
Contact: Dana Quick
__ Fall Activity Nights (October): Chaperone this fun Saturday evening event
6th Grade - October 1 Contact: Rebecca Brindley
7th Grade - October 15 *WE NEED A CHAIR FOR THIS POSITION*
__ Book Fair (December): Help sort, setup, and sell books
Contact: Lara Paschalidis
__Science Fair (January): Assist co-chairs with planning and coordination
Contact: Loralee Hamilton
__Fundraising(Varies): Help with fundraising activities throughout the year
Contact: Chloe Jo Davis
__6th Grade Ice Cream Social (June): Assist with organizing and scooping for this end-of-year event
6th Grade - Contact: Kiki Cross
7th Grade - Contact: Carolyn Lyon
__8th Grade Pancake Breakfast (Date TBD): Assist with organizing this event
Contact: Olga Zargos-Traub
__8th Grade Dinner Dance (May/June): Help with food and decorations for this end-of-year event
Contact: Rayna Wein
__8th Grade Soaring Ahead Reception (June): (6th/7th grade parents only) Help with decorating
*WE NEED A CHAIR FOR THIS POSITION*
__International Food Festival (March/April): Help organize and run this much loved event
Contact: Lara Paschalidis
__Reflections (April): Assist with this arts competition
Contact: Anastasia Valassis
__Hospitality/Social Events (Varies): Organize food donations and purchases during luncheons
Contact: Kris Getty
__Warrior Welcome (Varies): Help welcome new families to Wilton/Middlebrook
Contact: Kris Getty
__Library Learning Commons: Work in the LLC 2-3 hours per week
*WE NEED A CHAIR FOR THIS POSITION*
__Project Adventure: Belay students on ropes and other apparatus during gym classes. Volunteers are needed during Fall (6 weeks) and Spring (6 weeks). Training available.
* WE NEED A CHAIR FOR THIS POSITION*
__Turnover Shop: Volunteer with a partner at the front desk one 3 hr shift per month during the school year. Proceeds benefit Wilton PTAs which have received amounts from $25,000 to $45,000 the past several years! Email turnoverfrontdesk@gmail.com and visit www.turnovershopwilton.org
__Spririt Wear: Fun ways to celebrate MB and support the PTA.
We’re looking for volunteers to ensure Photo Day 2021 runs smoothly. If you’re available to volunteer for two hours on September 23rd to help photographers and students get the shots just right, please contact: Dana Quick → danaisquick@yahoo.com
This is a fun and rare opportunity to spend some time at Middlebrook during school hours. Order forms are handed out to the students during the first week of school. Please complete an online order form for each child at Middlebrook, or have your child return the completed order form with check payable to “Lifetouch” on Photo Day, Thursday, September 23rd.
Retakes will be Wednesday, November 17th.
Friday, October 1st - Time TBD
DJ, Snacks, Open Gym, Games, Fun with Friends!
PARENTS: We need chaperones to run this event! Please email:
Rebecca Brindley rebeccabrindley@gmail.com
Friday, October 15th - Time TBD
DJ, Snacks, Open Gym, Games, Fun with Friends!
PARENTS: We need chairs & chaperones to run this event! Please email:
Michelle Haggerty michelle.mbpta@gmail.com
Project Adventure is one of the few opportunities you have to volunteer at Middlebrook and work with your child!
Middlebrook’s PE Department offers students a chance to climb, swing, and belay on an outdoor ropes course in Fall and an indoor course in Winter. Adults are needed to assist students, the more volunteers the more opportunities students have to climb! You can sign up for as little or as much time as you like, but you must take a belay training course and become certified (Rock Climb Fairfield works great).
If you’re interested in Project Adventure please contact, we need a chair for this:
michelle.mbpta@gmail.com
Box Tops are digital! Here’s what you need to do.
Box Tops for Education can be found on hundreds of everyday products from companies like Food Should Taste Good, Yoplait, Kleenex, Scott, Ziploc, Hefty, Old El Paso, Green Giant, Land O Lakes, and Hanes. Proceeds go directly to the school to help buy equipment and supplies. If you would like more information, visit www.btfe.com. More information to follow.
Project 2026 will host its traditional Class Project kickoff event soon! Over the next five years, there will be informational, social, community service and fundraising events, culminating in senior year when the Class Project parent volunteers organize a Post-Graduation Party (PGP) for the students. The purpose of the PGP is to have an all-night event where students are entertained, fed and most importantly included and safe. It is a parent-driven event that fosters community and is accessible to all. Class Projects and the PGP are incredible opportunities to create and foster connections among parents. Please visit our website or join our Facebook group for more information. If you are interested in getting involved, please email us at: wilton2026cp@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2026 FAMILY CLASS PICNIC!
Friday, September 17, 2021 (Rain date: 9/24)
5:00 - 8:00pm @ Merwin Meadows
All 2026 students, parents and siblings are welcome for food, games and fun!
The Wilton SEPTA’s mission is to build compassionate, trusting, and collaborative relationships with all members of our schools and community. We strive to ensure that the diversity of all children receiving Special Education and related services will be supported, celebrated and socially embraced. Collectively, we will work to increase access to resources; empowering every child with the opportunity and inspiration to thrive. Please visit our website or get in touch via email to find out how to get involved. Email wiltonsepta@gmail.com
Fall 2021
Wilton Special Education PTA - We invite you to learn about our current initiatives, gifts and grants program and more! Registration for membership will begin on August 31st. Please access our membership through the MobileArq system. Each school in the district has its own registration. SEPTA will be an additional option provided when you join any of the other schools’ PTAs. Contact us directly at wiltonsepta@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved and like our Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest news and information.
SEPTA Board and School Representatives for the 2021-2022:
Join us for our First SEPTA Meeting on October 6th, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Please click on the link below to access the meeting via Zoom. We look forward to serving everyone in our community this year! SEPTA meeting link
WYC’S YOUTH TO YOUTH
Middlebrook students can join us for a full year of leadership training, community service projects, and many fun activities, including ski trips! Questions? Contact Tanya Leonard at leonardt@wiltonps.org
PARENT & CHILD EDUCATION EVENTS
Wilton Youth Council offers parent education events and PeerConnection at Middlebrook. Please save the date for these Wilton Youth Council parent education programs! Like us on Facebook and visit www.wiltonyouth.org for more detailed information about programs for youth, parents and our community, and sign up for our newsletter. Questions? Email info@wiltonyouth.org.
Coming Together: Responding to Unfinished Learning and Supporting Social-Emotional Health in the 2021-2022 School Year
Thursday, September 9; 10:00 -11:30 AM
Wilton High School Clune Center
A virtual option will be available and a recording will be posted.
The 2020-2021 school year was unlike any in modern memory and has left many asking the question: Are our kids prepared for the year ahead? While the pandemic has created much that is unprecedented, unfinished learning is not new. Wilton’s educators are well-prepared to re-engage students in the concepts they’ll need to master in order to successfully navigate the upcoming year’s curriculum; as family members, there is a great deal we can do to support them in the process.
Please join us for a panel discussion led by Wilton Public Schools Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Charles Smith Ed.D., that will address the district's response to unfinished learning and plans for implementing a prioritized curriculum in the upcoming school year. In addition to WPS staff members, Tracey Masella L.C.S.W., will join the panel to offer guidance on how families can support students and foster social-emotional well-being as kids make the transition back to full-time school.
Breathe and Connect: A Yoga / Mindfulness Experience:
Friday, 9/17, 2:30 - 3:15 PM: parent/child workshop for Cider Mill, 45 min., $10/family
Saturday, 9/18, 10:00 - 10:30 AM: parent/child workshop for Miller-Driscoll, 30 min., $10/family
Saturday, 9/18, 11:00 AM - Noon: teen/adult workshop, 60 min., $10/person
Jacqueline Jackson, E-RYT 500, will lead three age-appropriate workshops. Learn how to manage stress through mindfulness and yoga. Workshops will be held outside at Comstock Community Center, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, the workshops will be held indoors. Class size will be limited. More details and registration coming soon!
RULER: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing & Regulating Emotions
Wednesday, October 6, Time & Location TBA
Wilton Public Schools mental health staff will educate parents about this evidence-based program from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence program. The program is currently used in grades K-5 to help students recognize and regulate emotions. This program is for parents with children in grades K through 5. All interested adults are welcome to attend. More details and registration coming soon!
The College Process: How to Cope with Uncertainty and Support Your Teen
Tuesday, October 19, Time & Location TBA
Susan Bauerfeld, Ph.D. will share strategies for managing anxiety and uncertainty during the college process. More details and registration coming soon!
Drinking, Smoking, Vaping: Trends in Teen Use and What Parents Can Do
November, Date, Time & Location TBA
Stay tuned for more information about this presentation from Elizabeth Driscoll Jorgensen, CADC, Director of Insight Counseling, coming in November.
WILTON YOUTH SERVICES
https://www.wiltonct.org/youth-services
Wilton Youth Services tends to the social, emotional, and behavioural needs of Wilton’s young people. It provides information on all things child-related, referrals, consultation with parents and professionals, case management, problem assessment, and counseling services.
SPED*NET WILTON
https://www.spednetwilton.org/
Special Education Network of Wilton, Ltd., is a not-for-profit organized exclusively for educational purposes, more specifically, to educate the public about special needs, special education and disability-related issues. It serves as an advocacy and supportive network for CT families of children with special needs, especially families of children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
THE HUB
The Hub is the state-designated Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization (RBHAO) serving Southwest Connecticut. It’s a regional resource supporting and coordinating mental health, suicide awareness, substance use prevention and problem gambling efforts in the 14 communities from Greenwich through Greater Bridgeport. It supports local prevention councils to prevent substance use and promote mental health, and brings consumers and providers together to identify needs and recommendations in treatment and recovery systems.
STUDENTS should charge chromebooks every evening and bring chargers to school every day.
STUDENTS should print out schedules to reference the first weeks of school.
***COMMON SUPPLIES FOR ALL GRADES AND TEAMS***
***TEAM SPECIFIC SUPPLIES***
Lists for each team can also be found on the Team pages of the Middlebrook School Website or follow the links below***
FAQs
How do I report an absence? | Email MBAttend@wiltonps.org Include reason for absence, student name and team. |
Bus question / issue? | Email: Fran Williams |
Where do I find the district calendar? | |
I have a chromebook issue. What do I do? | Request help at the LLC in school |
PowerSchool questions? | Email: Jeanne Mangels |
Not receiving email communications? | Email: Jeanne Mangels |
Food Services
Chartwells provides cafeteria food | |
How do I order lunches in advance? | |
How do I pay for lunches? |
Middlebrook Staffing
Middlebrook School Website | |
District homepage | |
Board of Education homepage | |
Special Education homepage | |
Directory of Middlebrook Staff | |
Principal | Jory Higgins higginsj@wiltonps.org |
Who is my child’s dean? | Toby Kawulicz - All Green Teams kawuliczt@wiltonps.org Nicole Querze - All Red Teams querzen@wiltonps.org Damien Whelan - All Yellow Teams wheland@wiltonps.org |
Who is my child’s counselor? | Bill Gerundo - 6th Grade gerundow@wiltonps.org Anne McManus - 7th Grade mcmanusa@wiltonps.org Bonnie O’Brien - 8th Grade obrienb@wiltonps.org |
How do I contact the nurses office? | Nancy Flaherty, RN 203 834-4961 flahertyn@wiltonps.org Katie Marchese, Health Asst. 203 762-8388 ext. 5268 marchesek@wiltonps.org |
DAY | DATE | EVENT | |||
AUG | Thursday | 26 | Walkthrough: 6th, 7th and 8th Graders are invited to a walkthrough. Grades 7 & 8: 12:00 - 1:00 PM / Grade 6: 2:00 PM | ||
Friday | 27 | NEW DATE! 6th Grader WEB Orientation. (rescheduled from 8/23) | |||
Monday | 30 | First Day of School for Students | |||
SEPT | MAP T E S T I NG | 6 & 7 | Monday | 6 | Labor Day - NO SCHOOL - DISTRICT OFFICES CLOSED |
Tuesday | 7 | Rosh Hashanah - NO SCHOOL - DISTRICT OFFICES CLOSED | |||
Thursday | 9 | WPS & WYC Panel Discussion: Responding to Unfinished Learning and Supporting Social-Emotional Health in the 2021-2022 School Year (details here) | |||
Monday | 13 | Grade 6 Parent Open House - 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | |||
Thursday | 16 | Yom Kippur - NO SCHOOL - DISTRICT OFFICES CLOSED | |||
Monday | 20 | Grade 7 Parent Open House - 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | |||
Thursday | 23 | MB PTA Meeting - 9:30 a.m. | |||
Thursday | 23 | Photo Day for Students - Lifetouch | |||
Monday | 27 | Grade 8 Parent Open House - 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | |||
OCT | PSAT 8 | OL SAT 7 | Friday | 1 | Grade 6 Activity Night - Time TBD |
Monday | 11 | Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL - DISTRICT OFFICES CLOSED | |||
Tuesday | 12 | Professional Development - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS | |||
Friday | 15 | Grade 7 Activity Night - Time TBD | |||
Thursday | 21 | MB PTA Meeting - 9:30 a.m. |
Please share this information with all drivers in your family.
Please share this information with all drivers in your family.
Middlebrook Messenger August 2021