Weekly Newsletter | March 5, 2025
|
Dear Bromfield Middle School Families,
Happy March! I have a few topics to share today.
The Anxious Generation Book Talk
A few weeks ago I wrote about my concerns around student technology use. I discussed how crucial it is for our community to collaborate in support of our children’s growth, development, and learning in light of the challenges presented by devices and social media. I am therefore thrilled about the upcoming Community Book Talk for Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation.
The book explores how the rise of smartphones and social media has led to increased anxiety and depression among adolescents, particularly girls, by disrupting traditional aspects of childhood development. It offers concrete suggestions for parents and communities to consider for the benefit of young people. The Book Talk event, scheduled for April 8, 6:00-8:00 PM, at Hildreth Elementary School, will feature a panel of community members and school leaders sharing their thoughts on the issues raised by the book, followed by age-specific breakout groups that allow participants to share their thoughts, and then an opportunity to plan next steps as a community.
I am very much looking forward to this evening, and we are hoping to make it a truly community-wide event. If you plan on attending, please sign up here. And a huge thank you to the Harvard Schools Trust who this week approved the purchase of copies of the book for HPS employees!
Principal’s Advisory Group
I am excited to announce a new opportunity for students to have a voice at TBMS. Beginning this month, I am initiating a Principal’s Advisory (PA), which will meet monthly to advise me on matters all pertaining to students. Members of the PA group must apply using this form. I will select 8-12 students as representatives of the student body. Please note that students need not be part of Student Council to on on the PA; indeed, I am look for a diverse cross-section of students, some of whom may not be drawn to Student Council or anything involving giving a speech or lobbying for votes. If students have questions, they can email me directly, talk to me in the halls or cafeteria, or drop by my office. The deadline to submit the application is Friday, March 14.
TBS Science Fair
Finally, please consider coming out to the TBS Science Fair this Friday! We have a group of 8th graders displaying their hard work. The public portion of the event is 7:00-7:45 PM, with an awards ceremony to follow. Congratulations to all of the students in grades 8-12 who are participating!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mr. Daniel Hudder
Bromfield Middle School Principal |
|
|
WEEKLY UPDATES
|
SIXTH GRADE
Sixth graders have been progressing at a steady pace through their math modules. For the "Ratios to Measurement" assessment, they surveyed classmates and staff about their personal interests and lives. Then students converted the data into degrees out of 360. With that information, they made circle graphs. During the following module, sixth graders analyzed proportional relationships using tables and graphs. Currently, they are learning all about percentages. The students may do more real-world surveying and turn their data into percentages.
On the last day of Black History Month, our students showcased their projects with remarkable enthusiasm and dedication. Their presentations were not only informative but also creatively engaging, highlighting the significant contributions of African American figures throughout history. The students demonstrated a deep understanding of the subject matter, and their ability to convey complex ideas in an accessible way was truly impressive.
As we move forward in FLEX class, we are excited to celebrate Read Across America Week! This week, our sixth-grade students will be participating in a special reading activity during Flex Block. They will have the opportunity to engage with a variety of texts and share their love of reading with their peers. This event is a wonderful way to foster a sense of community and promote literacy among our students.
|
|
|
|
|
SEVENTH GRADE
In seventh grade English, students are nearing the end of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Recently, students have practiced several active reading strategies - boxes and bullets, concept maps, and comic strips - to support their understanding and retention of what is read. Looking ahead, these focused notes will be valuable when students begin drafting an essay on characteristics of scientists.
In Flex, with the middle of the term upon us, students used the three academic support days last week to look at grades and catch up on missed assignments. On our organization day, students were given a reminder on how to use the Google Classroom to-do list, and were encouraged to clear out old items. They also organized backpacks, folders, and their email inboxes. Finally, we had our last rotation of STEM challenges. Most students reported enjoying the STEM challenges and demonstrated great communication and collaboration skills while working with diverse partners.
|
|
|
|
|
EIGHTH GRADE
Science classes have been pushing forward through the Light and Thermal Energy unit. We have been modeling and studying states of matter and phase changes. We have crossed beams of colored light to see that it can make white. We have looked through spectrometers to see how light is a mixture and we have identified unknow substances based on their spectrographic images. We have seen with a magnifier that our white computer screens actually have pixels with no white coming out, but red, green and blue instead. We will wrap up the unit by studying the three ways to heat; conduction, convection, and radiation.
The Bromfield science fair is this Friday. Some of our 8th graders have been involved with the science fair since September. They are the youngest grade in the fair. If you get a chance to come check it out, public viewing is from 7pm - 7:45pm in the cafeteria.
This week in Flex students have been continuing work on decorating our classroom doors. First, kids came up with possible themes. Then, they voted to choose the theme. Each homeroom came up with their own theme. Now, students are working on bringing their vision to reality, each student bringing their own creativity.
|
|
|
|
UNIFIED ARTS
February in Bromfield MS PE has been even more exciting than usual, all thanks to our incredibly generous Harvard Schools Trust. Thanks also to a more typical snowy New England winter, we’ve been able to take beautiful walks down Barba’s Trail to the pond on snowshoes made possible through a 2022 grant.
February 2025 also marked the acquisition of a class set of heart rate monitor wristbands thanks to a grant from the Trust. These monitors will allow students to read their heart rate during the many cardiovascular endurance games and activities that we do in class and will contribute to PE grading in the future. This innovative exercise technology perfectly enhances our movement based curriculum and will allow for instant feedback to each individual student during activity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PTO NEWS AND EVENTS
|
Calling all Harvard Public Schools families!
Join us March 12 7PM for our PTO Winter Meeting
We’re trying something NEW (that’s old) and having an IN-PERSON meeting this March 12th at 7-9 pm at the TBS library. This meeting is an opportunity for you to:
learn about our district’s organizations and committees that support the schools (including PTO, Harvard Schools Trust, and the School Committee) connect with other parents share your ideas and feedback see how you can get involved and stay informed enjoy some snacks This meeting is open to the HPS parent, caregiver, and teacher and staff community. If you've ever wanted to learn more about the PTO, Harvard Schools Trust, or School Committee and how their work relates to the educational experience in Harvard, this meeting's for you! For questions, email info@harvardpto.org. RSVPs appreciated but not required.
Please see the attached flyer as well.
|
The PTO is really looking forward to being able to provide lunch for all HPS educators on March 17. Here is a Sign Up Genius in case families would like to help contribute to the day, including dropping off items at the school either day of or the week ahead (if non-perishable). |
|
The PTO is excited to announce our upcoming Community Bingo Night, and we'd greatly appreciate your assistance in promoting this fun, family-friendly event to our school community.
Event Details:
What: Community Bingo Night to benefit the Harvard Schools PTO When: Thursday, March 27th at 6:00 PM Where: Hildreth Elementary School Details: This spirited evening is open to the entire community and features 10 rounds of bingo with prizes, snacks, and refreshments for sale. All proceeds will directly support the Harvard Schools PTO and our mission to fund grants, provide service, and build community within our schools. Please note this is a cash only event at the door. Bingo sheets can be bought online in advance. Website: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/harvard-pto-inc/bingo-night-to-benefit-the-harvard-schools-pto
|
 Get ready to groove!
The PTO Annual Spring Soiree is back with a Disco Theme!
Craft Food Halls - Boxborough
The Disco Soiree is happening on May 2nd, 2025
A night of dancing, live music, raffles, and endless fun!
Ticket Sales are now Open!
$95 - Early Bird Tickets are on Sale from February 24th - March 24th
$115 - Regular Priced Tickets are on Sale from March 25th - April 18th
|
|
|
|
COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS
|
Try rowing this spring!
Spring programs are on our website and include the programs below - no experience needed for any of these:
- Saturday 6th/7th grade is for Harvard residents and Bromfield students, and is on Saturdays.
- 8th Grade Middle School rowing - For Bromfield or Acton-Boxborough students and Harvard residents - this meets three days a week after school, so athletes can continue to pursue other activities
- Novice Competitive High School Team - For Bromfield or A-B students and Harvard residents - this meets five days a week with weekend races for all athletes. Typically athletes join Freshman or Sophomore year, but Juniors jump in too! It's never too late to start rowing!
|
The Harvard Ultimate Frisbee Club team is getting the spring season underway with two free preseason clinics in the Bromfield gym after school the next two Fridays for grades 6-12. No experience or sign up needed - just show up. If you are interested in playing Ultimate this spring, please check out our website or email huccoaches@gmail.com |
It's time for the traditional Bromfield Staff vs Seniors game! This family friendly event is a fundraiser by the Harvard Teachers Association. Every year the town comes together to raise scholarship money for Bromfield seniors. Join us for an exciting game of volleyball, snacks, and a 50/50 raffle. Wednesday March 26th at 6:00 in the Bromfield gym. Come cheer on the competitors and support a great cause! |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE BROMFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Daniel Hudder, Principal
|
|
| 14 Massachusetts Avenue, Harvard MA, 01451 | (978) 456 - 4145 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
