Weekly Newsletter | 2024
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Dear Bromfield Middle School Families,
While the recent stretch of cold weather may not feel like it - especially with the snow this week! - we are now just a week and a half away from April vacation. As we head into this final stretch before the break, I have a few important updates to share.
MCAS Testing Begins Next Week
MCAS testing begins at TBMS on Tuesday, April 14, with Day 1 of the ELA assessment for students in grades 6–8, followed by ELA Day 2 on Thursday, April 16. Students have been well prepared by their teachers and are ready to do their best.
To be fully prepared for each testing day, students should:
Charge their school-issued device overnight; Get a good night’s sleep; Eat a healthy breakfast and stay hydrated; Bring their fully charged device, writing utensils, a water bottle, and a snack; Arrive focused and confident.
Students have the time they need to complete the assessment, and the most important thing is that they take their time and show what they know.
Glow Dance - Friday Reminder
A quick reminder that the Glow Dance is this Friday from 7:00–9:00 PM. We are looking forward to a fun evening for our students.
One important reminder: students are expected to remain at the dance for the duration of the event. Students may not leave and return, and any student who needs to leave early must be picked up by a parent or caregiver at the door. We appreciate your support in helping us ensure a safe and well-supervised event for all students.
Look-Alike Phones
This week, we addressed a situation in which some Grade 6 students brought 3D-printed replica iPhones to school. While these items are not functional devices, their presence can still be distracting and requires staff to treat them as though they were actual phones. Please ensure that students are not these items to school.
Device Collection for April Break
We will again be collecting school-issued iPads and MacBooks prior to April vacation. This practice reflects our belief that breaks should be true breaks - no schoolwork is assigned - and allows students to unplug while removing the need for families to monitor school-issued devices at home. Teachers will share specific plans and timing for device collection with students next week.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mr. Daniel Hudder
Bromfield Middle School Principal
Upcoming Events:
Fri, Apr 10, 7:00-9:00 PM TBMS Glow Dance (grades 6-8) Tue, Apr 14 MCAS ELA Day 1 (grades 6-8) Wed Apr 15 Half day Thu, Apr 16 MCAS ELA Day 2 (grades 6-8) Apr 20-24 April break
Upcoming Celebrations & Observances:
Thu, Apr 9 Last Day of Passover (Jewish) Sun, Apr 12 Orthodox Easter (Orthodox Christian) Tue, Apr 14 Yom HaShoah (Jewish)
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WEEKLY UPDATES
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SIXTH GRADE
In science, students recently completed their weather projects, and I was very impressed with their effort, creativity, and understanding of the material. Many students did an excellent job analyzing weather patterns and presenting their findings clearly. As a follow-up, we will have a quiz to assess students’ understanding of the key concepts covered in our weather unit. I encourage students to review their notes and project materials to help them prepare. Looking ahead, we will transition into our next unit on climate science. Students will begin exploring the differences between weather and climate, as well as the factors that influence climate around the world.
Additionally, we wanted to share a quick update on how our TSM (Teacher Support/Missing Work) days have been progressing. Overall, we are seeing a noticeable decrease in missing assignments, which has been a positive outcome. Students are learning to use this time more effectively to catch up on work, ask questions, and stay on track with their learning. The inclusion of no-tech activities is giving students a chance to reset, engage socially, and take a break from screens, which has helped improve focus and productivity when they return to their academic work. Thank you for your continued support. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
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SEVENTH GRADE
In social studies, students explored how ancient Chinese thinkers believed the government could create order and harmony by comparing Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. They examined how Qin Shi Huang used Legalist ideas to unify China, evaluating both the benefits and costs of his policies. Students also learned about key belief systems and innovations, including the influence of Confucian values on family life, education, and government. Finally, they analyzed historical views on women and compared them with modern portrayals to understand how cultural values change over time.
Academic support and ELA MCAS preparation were provided during FLEX this week.
 
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EIGHTH GRADE
After learning about the origins and framework of the U.S. government, our Civics students have shifted their focus to how they, as citizens, play a vital role in keeping our democracy healthy. We’ve explored the different ways citizenship is defined and obtained in America, along with the specific benefits and responsibilities that come with it. The students also engaged in a lively debate over how the government manages the balance between individual liberties and the "Common Good". Much of this unit is specifically designed to give the students strategies to be informed voters when they eventually come of age. To do that, we’ve been breaking down the psychological strategies used in political ads and looking at the massive influence PACs and Super PACs exert on modern campaigns. Our ultimate goal in this unit is for students to see the many opportunities for civic engagement and appreciate the importance of being an active, informed participant in our democracy.
In 8th-grade Flex, we’ve been busy balancing general academic support with focused ELA and Math lessons to ensure everyone feels ready for the upcoming MCAS. But even with the hustle of MCAS prep and tiered interventions, our 8th graders still found the energy to kick off the annual Cradles to Crayons clothing drive. They spent time decorating donation boxes that are now placed around the school to encourage contributions. The drive runs through April 10, and our community goal is to collect 175 bags of clothes. If you have any donations, please send them along with your child before the end of the week. You can find more specific details in the flier attached to this newsletter.
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UNIFIED ARTS
Hey everyone it's Kae Pierron the art teacher here again with your UA update for this week's newsletter! Hope you all had a great week so far and enjoy seeing what our students are up to
First off a shout out to all of the students who were in the Bloom In Art show two weekends ago! There were three middle school students in the show and I hope you all had the pleasure of seeing them in person but if not here is the link to view them online: https://bloomnart.org/2026-exhibit/
6th grade is starting a self portrait and identity project. So far they have collected some images that they feel tell a story about themselves then they are going to draw a self portrait.
7th grade just finished theirCake Projects! And now they are going to start a Repetition project!
 
 
And finally 8th grade is about to start working on the first of two Choice Projects putting together everything they have learned so far this year!
Finally please join us in May on the 13th to see the Art show going on at HES and TBS on the same night!
Hope you enjoyed a peek into the art room. Until next time, have a great start to your spring!!
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PTO NEWS AND EVENTS
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Harvard Public Schools PTO – Annual Spring Soirée Fundraiser (2026)
Theme: School Spirit!
Get ready for a fun night out with friends, neighbors, and the Harvard school community! The Harvard Public Schools PTO invites you to our Annual Spring Soirée Fundraiser—a high-energy evening celebrating School Spirit while raising critical funds for PTO programs that support our students and teachers all year long.
Wear your favorite school colors, college gear, spirit wear, or your best “school pride” look and join us for a night of food, drinks, and fundraising for a great cause.
Friday, May 29, 2026
5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Craft Food Halls, Boxborough
Tickets on sale now!
Buy early and save! https://secure.givelively.org/event/harvard-pto-inc/2026-pto-spring-soiree-tickets
$100 Early Bird (Feb 23 – April 13)
$115 Regular Price (April 14 – May 15)
The PTO supports the whole Harvard Public School community. Even when your children transition to TBMS and TBS, the PTO is still hard at work supporting them! From academic enrichment and classroom resources to student programs and special events, PTO-funded grants make a real impact at every grade level. We invite all school community members to be part of this work. Curious how PTO funds are used? Check out recently funded grants here. Ready to make a difference today? Join the PTO and help continue these valuable programs by becoming a member here. Want to get involved, or have questions? Email info@harvardpto.org
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COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS
Harvard Schools Trust Rock The Night Away Concert
Please join the Harvard Schools Trust, The Barn Burners, and Wednesday Night Project for the third annual Rock the Night Away fundraising concert on May 2 at 6:00 pm at The Billiards Cafe in Ayer. All proceeds go to grants made to Harvard Public Schools. Get your tickets here -- http://bit.ly/4sz6wPc
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The online application for SUN Bucks (formerly Summer EBT) is now open. This federal food benefit program provides a $120 lump-sum summer benefit per school-aged child for income-eligible families. SUN Bucks income eligibility standards are the same as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)—all enrolled students identified as meeting the income eligibility standards for free or reduced-price lunch during school year 2025-26, either through an NSLP household paper application or direct certification, are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. Students identified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or participating in Head Start are also automatically eligible. The program is administered by the state Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in partnership with DESE with assistance from schools. Find details and learn how to apply on the SUN Bucks website.
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Dear Families,
Project 351 is partnering with Cradles to Crayons for our annual clothing drive Spring Service. This drive is running through April 10. Attached is a poster we are hoping you would consider circulating within your community. Our goal is 175 bags of clothes. Will you help?
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Come Hear the Bromfield String Ensemble!
Join us for a celebration of music at our Spring String Recital on Saturday, May 2nd, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Harvard. This event showcases the hard work and talent of our grades 6-12 orchestral bowed string musicians on violin, viola, cello, and double bass who participate in the Bromfield String Ensemble. Free and open to all students, families, and community members!
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The Harvard Ultimate Club, or HUC, is a high school ultimate frisbee team located in Harvard Massachusetts that strives to promote the rapidly growing sport of Ultimate within our community and to enhance a sense of camaraderie, competition and the spirit of sportsmanship in young athletes. Open to students in grades 6 - 12 Website
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Join the annual Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry Walk for Hunger on May 3rd from 1–3 PM!
This community event is more than just a walk, it’s a powerful way to stand alongside neighbors facing food insecurity and make a tangible difference right here at home. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps provide healthy, nutritious food to individuals and families in need.
Whether you walk as a team, with family, or on your own, your participation matters. Lace up your sneakers, invite a friend, and be part of something meaningful on May 3rd. Together, we can help ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
Register here: Register - Loaves & Fishes Walk to Feed Our Neighbors
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Pre-register for Comprehensive Curbside Composting with Black Earth Compost
Only a few more pre-registrations are needed for this service to open in Harvard. Black Earth accepts all food scraps including meat, bones, dairy, fish, shells, oils, cooked foods, processed foods, and certified compostable tableware. Many add-on services are available including for yard waste, plastic film, coffee pods, and styrofoam. The cost is $94.99 for curbside pickup every other week for 6 months. A one time cost for your bin and starter bags is $39.50. Please visit www.blackearthcompost.com for more information and to pre-register. Thank you, the Harvard Climate Initiative.
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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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