Weekly Newsletter | January 14, 2026
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Dear Bromfield Middle School Families,
Congratulations to every grade 7 and 8 student who attended Friday’s Snowflake Dance. From what I witnessed and by all accounts I heard, the kids had a wonderful time, and behavior was excellent. Congratulations to the TBHS Student Council who put on a great event.
Also, thank you to all grade 7 and 8 students who filled out the Semester 2 FPAs request form in the past week. Dr. Horton (probably at this very moment) is working hard at processing these requests, and it does appear that we will be able to make a number of changes that align with students' updated preferences. While we cannot guarantee everyone will get their top choice, we will do our very best.
Finally, for families of grade 6 students who will be switching from French to Spanish next week, please read this important information from Profe Burokas:
As part of our first Spanish unit for Quarter 3, students will be using Garbanzo, an online language-learning platform that supports Spanish vocabulary, reading, and interactive practice aligned with our classroom instruction. I will guide students through setting up and managing their Garbanzo accounts during class.
Important Privacy Information (COPPA Compliance)
In accordance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), students who are under the age of 13 must obtain “email plus” parental approval in order to create a Garbanzo account.
Steps for Setting Up Garbanzo Accounts for Minors
Students will be provided with the class URL and class invitation code in class. -
Students will complete the sign-up form with the following information:
A confirmation email will be sent to the parent or guardian. The parent/guardian must verify the student’s account by clicking the verification link in the consent email. Once verified, the student may log in at www.garbanzo.io/signin
Garbanzo will only be used for educational purposes, and student accounts are supported and monitored during class. If you have any questions or concerns about the platform or the account setup process, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support as we begin the Spanish portion of the Exploratory World Language program!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mr. Daniel Hudder
Bromfield Middle School Principal
Upcoming Events:
Mon, Jan 19 No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Tue, Jan 20 Start of Semester 2 & Quarter 3 Wed, Feb 4 Half day Feb 16-20 February break
Upcoming Celebrations & Observances:
Fri, Jan 16 Isra and Mi’raj (Muslim) Mon, Jan 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (U.S.)
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WEEKLY UPDATES
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SIXTH GRADE
In science class, students have been learning how scientists determine the age of rocks and rock layers. We began by studying relative dating, using the Law of Superposition (older layers are found below younger layers) and the principle of cross-cutting relationships, which helps explain how faults and intrusions are younger than the rock layers they cut through.
Students then explored absolute dating, focusing on how scientists use radioactive decay and half-lives to calculate the exact age of rock layers. Through class discussions and practice problems, students learned how measuring the remaining amount of a radioactive isotope allows scientists to uncover how much time has passed since a rock formed.
As we approach the end of the quarter this Friday, FLEX class time has been intentionally used for academic support. During FLEX, students have had opportunities to complete missing or incomplete assignments, receive extra help from teachers, and prepare for upcoming assessments.
This dedicated time has allowed students to ask questions, review key concepts, and strengthen their understanding across classes while staying organized and focused as the quarter comes to a close. Our goal is to support students in finishing the quarter feeling confident and prepared.
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SEVENTH GRADE
In world geography, 7th graders are exploring Central and South Asia. Throughout the week they have been working as curators to determine which artifacts should be included in an exhibit about the ancient Harappan Civilization (aka Indus River Civilization). Inquiry, analysis of evidence, and supporting a claim with evidence and reasoning, are skills embedded in the learning objectives.
In addition to academic support, students have had time during FLEX to review last week’s science assessment and strengthen their understanding of the concepts and material.
Quarter two ends on Friday. Please remember to submit your work for the term by Friday unless special arrangements have been made.
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EIGHTH GRADE
In English language arts, we started the new year with a ‘choices day’ -- students could read, write, speak, and listen using flexible means of expression in the classroom. Students also have been reading non-fiction texts to further understand the context of our next anchor text, an excerpt from Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl. We'll read with a focus on Frank's narrative style as we examine her purpose; her shifting tone; and her alert scrutiny of subjects including the confidant.
In Flex, grade eight students voted this week on a prize. This vote was an outcome of donating the most food, by pounds, to Loaves and Fishes in December. A huge thank you again for your tremendous support of the food drive. Our students voted for a kickball game, which will be in the school gym on Friday, February 23, also during Flex. Learners also continue to engage with academic support and tier-2 instruction. Finally, the students participated in a wellness walk and reflective journal activity this past Monday. They thought about their goals for the second semester and beyond.
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UNIFIED ARTS
Heart rate monitors are here! Thanks to a generous grant from the Harvard Schools Trust, students have been able to start the new year in PE with some exciting new technology. The IHT Spirit monitors give students instant feedback through a multicolor light system that indicates resting, moderate, and high exercise zones. There’s been noticeable excitement as students run in tag games and low organizational team games to see increases in heart rate on their monitor screen. At the end of class the IHT software compiles all heart rate data from our activities and provides students with an individualized line graph marking time spent in each different zone. We plan to continue using the monitors in class for all cardiovascular endurance lessons so students become accustomed to connecting their exercise output with their cardio response. Hopefully with their new understanding of heart rate zones, Bromfield Middle School students will be advocates for effective cardiovascular exercise and heart health to family and friends.
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COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS
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Greetings from the Bromfield Science Department!
Consider being a judge at the 2026 Science Fair. The annual Bromfield Science Fair will take place in person at The Bromfield School, 14 Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard, MA on Friday, March 7 at 3:30 pm. What could be more fun than interacting with some enthusiastic and energetic young scientists on a topic they’re passionate about?
Prior experience is not required; training and guidance will be provided. A background in science is helpful but not essential. What’s more important is a love of learning and an interest in interacting with young scientists. Judging at the science fair requires about 1½ to 2 hours. We ask judges to arrive at 3:00 pm, so we can start with a brief training session. Judging will finish around 5:45 pm, depending upon the number of projects that are in your panel.
If you are interested and available to judge at this year’s science fair, please complete this form (link: https://forms.gle/XnuYJE7xxUzgm7pp8) with your contact information as well as the subjects and grade levels you prefer to judge. We will determine judging assignments based on the number and types of projects and do our best to match your preferences. Please contact Kristen Vanderveen, the Bromfield science department leader, with any questions or changes to your availability.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
The Bromfield Science Department
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Harvard Youth Lacrosse spring registration is open until February 1st!
Girls: In-town ministix for pre-K & K and travel teams for grades 1-6.
Boys: Our boys program is back! After a three-year hiatus, we are thrilled to welcome back boys lacrosse with a new Learn to Play program.
We want every child in Harvard to have the opportunity to try lacrosse, so HYL provides financial aid for those in need. For information and to register please visit: https://harvardlax.org/
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The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will be hosting a Webex Webinar Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation .
The webinar will take place on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, at 6:30 pm in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations Digital Forensics/Child Exploitation/Cyber Crime Unit. Advanced registration is required, and the capacity of the Webex webinar platform is 1000. In the event we reach capacity, those who are unable to register can email USAMA.PSCOutreach@usa.doj.gov to be put on the list for the next webinar.
Register link:
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r83f7d49f6565b65bce8bb420f1cfef7c
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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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THE BROMFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Daniel Hudder, Principal
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| 14 Massachusetts Avenue, Harvard MA, 01451 | (978) 456 - 4145 |
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