Weekly Newsletter | December 11, 2025
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Dear Bromfield Middle School Families,
Bravo!
Both this week and next this newsletter is coming out on Thursday so that I can include pictures from the Wednesday evening musical performances. Last night’s TBS Instrumental Concert was absolutely wonderful. Our student performers should be tremendously proud of their hard work and their growth as musicians. Special thanks to Ms. Emily Trainor, our band director and teacher for all instrumental classes at TBS; Mr. Nic Hunt, our beloved jack-of-all-trades accompanist and music tutor; and Mr. Kevin Burokas, who not only teaches Spanish but also leads our string ensemble club. I look forward to seeing everyone again next Wednesday evening for our TBS Choral Concert! And please consider donating to the Fanfare Winter Concert Fundraising Drive. Details are in the Community Info section.
   
Please Donate
Tomorrow morning is the final opportunity to donate to the Project 351 Food Drive in support of Loaves & Fishes. Our Project 351 team and their advisor, Ms. Hodgens, have been working tirelessly toward our goal of collecting 2,000 pounds of food. If you're able, please consider sending in a donation. Details are in the Community Info section below.
On Kindness
As we approach the midpoint of the school year, I want to offer some 10,000-foot-view reflections on how things have been going so far. This week’s focus: student behavior, which in many ways has been a real positive. After a couple of early-year issues in one of our restrooms, that space has now been incident-free for months. Students have shown real growth in using the space appropriately and respectfully. Similarly, students have been largely well-behaved in the cafeteria and during common time, and most are consistently where they are supposed to be, doing what they are supposed to do. Every day, I see acts of kindness, support, and compassion among our student body.
At the same time - and very much in line with what is developmentally typical for early adolescence - we have seen an uptick in behaviors that fall under the umbrella of unkindness. As friend groups shift, some interactions that once felt playful now land as hurtful. We’ve also had situations where unkind or thoughtless online interactions carry over into the school day. Students sometimes slip into “joking” or “roasting” that crosses the line into cruelty. What may begin as harmless horseplay can evolve into unacceptable violations of personal space and safety. We have also seen students experimenting with language about culture, race, or ethnicity that moves from joking into hurtful territory. And in several situations, individual students have found themselves on the receiving end of many smaller behaviors from different peers which, while modest on their own, can collectively create an experience that approaches bullying or harassment. We know these moments have caused real discomfort and harm for some of our students, and I want to acknowledge that impact directly. Please know that we are addressing these concerns not only student-by-student, but also at the broader schoolwide level.
Reflecting on these patterns, our TBMS team is called to action. As educators, we take seriously our responsibility to shape school culture and teach students how to treat one another with kindness and respect. In that spirit, we have several upcoming initiatives designed to shift this narrative. This week we submitted grant requests to support this work, and we will begin the new year with grade-level assemblies that engage students in reflection and growth around their treatment of others.
As always, I am asking you to partner with us in this important work. I encourage you to talk with your children about the kinds of behaviors described above and to ask how they are experiencing their social world at school. Even the kindest, most well-intentioned child needs opportunities to navigate mistakes, reflect, and grow. When school and home reinforce the same messages about kindness, empathy, and respect, our students are better equipped to thrive socially and emotionally. We’re here - together - to support that growth. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and known at school, and that remains our unwavering commitment.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mr. Daniel Hudder
Bromfield Middle School Principal
Upcoming Events:
Wed, Dec 17 TBS Choral Concert Tue, Dec 23 Half Day Dec 24 - Jan 4 School vacation Mon, Jan 5 Return to school Fri, Jan 9 Grade 7-8 Winter Dance
Upcoming Celebrations & Observances:
Fri, Dec 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Christian) Sun, Dec 14 First Night of Hanukkah (Jewish) Mon, Dec 15 Bill of Rights Day (U.S.)
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WEEKLY UPDATES
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SIXTH GRADE
Sixth graders have been applying their prior knowledge of ratios and rates to convert measurements within and between the customary and metric systems. They also surveyed students and staff, then used rate reasoning to transform their data into degrees of a circle. Using protractors, students created circle graphs to give a visual representation of the data they collected. (See the photo below for an example of their work, currently on display in the sixth-grade hallway.) Currently, math students are learning about percent as a rate per 100. They have discovered how to determine a percent, compare percent ratios, and find the percent of a quantity.
Flex:
After hearing from long-time Bromfield teacher, Chris Jones, on 12/1 about his experience volunteering at Loaves and Fishes, we started our We CAN Make a Difference project in 6th grade, which aims to boost our grade’s contribution to Project 351’s annual food drive. Students self-selected into one of three teams - Marketing and Advertising, Data Analytics and Logistics, or Research and Awareness.
Pictured are students on the Data Analytics and Logistics team working on progress trackers, leader boards, and counting up the weight of food in each room in grams/oz to convert to pounds!
    
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SEVENTH GRADE
In ELA, seventh graders are exploring the art of argumentative writing. Last week, the students collaborated in groups to write a practice argumentative essay on the sleep needs of teenagers and how it impacts learning. With this collaborative essay, students practiced developing a clear argument with logical reasons, selecting and explaining relevant evidence from nonfiction sources to support the reasons, and organizing the argument into logical paragraphs with transitions. Students also analyzed MCAS student work samples on the same essay topic, identifying strengths and weaknesses within each argument, and ultimately assigning the work samples a grade based on the rubric.
Now, seventh graders are each writing a summative argumentative essay, which is due before the holiday break. For this assignment, students were given a choice between five prompt choices with accompanying nonfiction sources:
Should middle schoolers learn on one-to-one devices? Should our town replace its current grass fields with turf? Do audiobooks count as “real” reading? Is it okay to give a second-hand item as a holiday present? Are real or artificial holiday trees better for the environment?
Flex:
In Flex on Monday students had an opportunity to either retake their grammar quiz or explore appositive phrases as an enrichment. On Wednesday, they engaged in a math plus lesson. On Thursday, students will take the ELA STAR winter assessment to measure their growth in reading since September. Finally, on Tuesday and Friday, they had an opportunity to connect with teachers during academic support.
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EIGHTH GRADE
In science, we have begun unit 3, “Motion.” In this unit we apply and extend our learning from the first two units in the context of pure physics. There are a few fun highlights. We started by calculating the speed of sound across the big field outside. Then, we learned to understand position/time graphs by walking in front of a motion detector which graphs their motion in real time. The coolest part is they have to try to match a line that's already there. I wish you could hear the kids cheering each other on! During this fun activity, I teach kids the right words to use to describe what's going on. After the activity, they learn and practice to describe what's going on using mathematics. Next comes a compound experiment I call “Pulling carts”. In this experiment students work in three groups pulling three different amounts of mass on small carts with spring scales with variable forces. The data we collected is used to calculate the mass that they pulled. Afterwards they can see how close they got to the actual mass by putting this material on a balance scale. Finally, students will choose a way to use Newton's laws to explain a collision and present their work in small groups. Hopefully this will be a moving experience for all.
The Project 351 food drive is going great. People are donating generously. The event ends this Friday. Please send in more!
Flex:
Students have continued to have academic support and math and ELA tiered lessons. Band and chorus have both had some time to do rehearsals.
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UNIFIED ARTS
The Music Department is excited to be presenting our instrumental concert on Dec. 10th at 6:30, and our choral concert on Dec. 17th at 6:30, both in the Cronin Auditorium. We will be showcasing all of our bands' and choruses' diligent work in learning repertoire and skills to be able to perform at the highest level possible. Please join us if you can for these exciting celebratory events showcasing Bromfield's young musicians!
The Music Department also congratulates all students who auditioned for MMEA Central District ensembles on Nov. 15th! Five Bromfield HS music students were accepted to the 2026 CDMMEA Sr. District Festival:
*Siwoo Kim, Chorus
*Lena Pierson, Jazz Trombone
Justin Qian, Violin/Orchestra
*Thalia Ruark, Chorus
Michelle Xu, Flute/Band
We are very proud of them all!
These students will attend 2 rehearsals on Jan. 14 & 16 in Townsend, and perform a fabulous concert on Jan. 17th at Mechanics Hall, Worcester.
*indicates receipt of All State audition recommendation, taking place on Jan. 24 at Grafton HS.
We are currently working on getting our strong 7th-9th grade music students signed up for Jr. District auditions coming up in February. Info is on chorus google classrooms and being discussed in classes.
In 7th and 8th grade theatre classes, we are in final dress-rehearsals and will be performing and filming original plays written in the style of a Greek tragedy. All 3 plays are wonderfully unique, and have brought out students' ability to collaborate, and make many artistic and creative choices, design scenes, lighting, backdrop slides, and costumes. It has been a joy to see immense growth through rehearsals as they bring their work to life!
All students interested in participating in the ENSEMBLE for the all-school musical Mamma Mia are encouraged to sign up (no audition needed!) by filling out the "audition/info form" linked on the posters posted around the school, and in the chorus room using the QR code. Speaking roles have been cast following last week's auditions. Ensemble members will perform MANY musical numbers and scenes (the music of ABBA), along with choreography in this show. Rehearsals begin the week of Jan. 20th. Performances are March 27-29th. Students who are in High School Musical Jr. ARE able to do Mamma Mia, and will be accommodated. Please email Mrs. Ruark (director) at lizjruark@gmail.com or Mrs. Rutkiewicz (vocal music director) with questions.
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PTO NEWS AND EVENTS
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Join us for a guided DIY crafting night open to the community to celebrate the change of season.
Hildreth Elementary School Cafeteria
27 Mass Ave, Harvard, MA 01451
Thursday December 11th, 6:30-8:30pm
This lantern is perfect as a heartfelt gift or a meaningful keepsake for the winter solstice. What to bring? A glass jar and a creative spirit!
$15 Donation: All Proceeds go to the Harvard Public Schools PTO to support curriculum enrichment as well as school resources.
REGISTER TODAY: https://sites.google.com/site/harvardpto/solstice-event?authuser=0
Looking for a way to say "thank you" to the amazing teachers and staff at TBS during this month of gratitude?! We've got a couple great options:
1) "Buy Your Teacher a Coffee"! Donate here to keep your teacher running during this crazy time of year.
2) Donate KCups for the breakroom so your teacher can refresh their beverage of choice.
HES: DONATE HERE
TBMS & TBHS: DONATE HERE
You are also welcome to purchase items at your preferred grocer and drop items off to Stacey Kenneally's home 55 Ann Lees Rd, Harvard, 01451 There will be a labeled plastic bin outside the front door.
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COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS
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Fanfare is holding its annual Winter Concert Fundraising Drive. We hope to support our music teachers with several requests this year. Our current drive will raise funds to purchase student ensemble folders to organize their music. Last year’s drive to fund school instrument repairs was a huge success. Thank you, and please continue to support music in our schools!
https://www.fanfareformusic.org/
 
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CHRISTMAS TREE SALES ARE OPEN!
Harvard Town Common
Bromfield Baseball is excited to kick off our annual Christmas tree sale at the Harvard Town Common! Trees will be available over the next few weeks, stop by and pick yours out anytime.
 Grab-n-Go Sales
Choose your tree at your convenience and submit payment through Venmo.
Venmo: @BromfieldBaseball
Free in-town delivery is available just let us know at checkout.
Prices and Venmo instructions are posted on-site for easy reference.
Thank you for supporting Bromfield Baseball!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season.
 Bromfield Baseball 
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Dear Community,
Our school has a wonderful system of giving service through our Project 351 Club. The club is a Massachusetts non-profit organization centered around including schools in the state to encourage students to help communities and give service to friends and neighbors in need.
The Project 351 Club includes not only the members, but the entire eighth grade. In fact, everyone can give their service through Project 351. This week, Project 351 has organized students to set up a food drive on behalf of Loaves and Fishes, our neighborhood food pantry.
Eighth grade students set up a series of boxes at the HES and public library entrance and throughout Bromfield Middle School and Bromfield High School classrooms to collect food and personal care donations.
We encourage everyone as a part of this community to have a part in giving service. Please consider leaving non-perishable foods in any of the boxes at HES, Bromfield, or the public library. Non-perishable food is long lasting in its package. For some examples, the most wanted items are Ensure, Coffee, Cocoa (no K cups), Flavored Rice, Albacore Tuna and Light Tuna, Beans (Dry and Canned), Cereal, and holiday-related foods. A complete list is here. All donations are welcome. The goal is to raise 2,000 pounds of food.
All donations will be collected by Project 351 from December 1 to December 12 and sent directly to Loaves and Fishes, which is located in Devens. Even a small effort can change big things, which is why we encourage everyone to please donate to this food drive project.
Sincerely,
Project 351 Club and Bromfield Middle School Class of 2030
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Permission Form
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THE BROMFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Daniel Hudder, Principal
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| 14 Massachusetts Avenue, Harvard MA, 01451 | (978) 456 - 4145 |
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