Brackett Family Newsletter September 7, 2023

Dear Brackett Families,


Thank you for reading the first Brackett Family Newsletter of the 2023-2024 school year! Thank you also for all of your flexibility over the past week as we learned new procedures, worked through unexpected changes, and overall navigated a huge shift in routine from our summer away. I am continually impressed with the Brackett students, families, and faculty and am honored to now be a part of such an amazing community.


This newsletter will be sent each week on Thursday afternoons and contain important information for the week ahead. I know how difficult keeping up with the daily inbox can be, and, as families, we often look at emails like these saying to ourselves I’ll read that later when I have more time. Maybe just me?:)


I have found that setting an intentional time to read newsletters from school with my family helps me remember to read them as well as gives us a moment to talk and think about school together. We will be reaching out for your feedback on communication later on in the school year, but feel free to email me with thoughts or ideas in the next few weeks as well.


A few things you might want to ask your child(ren) about … morning announcements, practicing for fire drills with Mr. Vanderlaine, get-to-know-you activities, and the new gym floor!


Hope everyone is staying safe and cool!
Cheers,

Dr. Vice


Overview:

  • Brackett PTO
  • Picture day – Sep 22
  • Flu clinic
  • PE letter
  • Back to School Forms
  • Calendar Updates

Brackett Parent-Teacher-Organization

Connecting with the Brackett PTO is a great way to become involved in your child’s education! For information about ways to support the PTO and volunteer opportunities, visit https://brackettelementary.org/ 

Picture Day

Brackett Picture Day is quickly approaching on Friday, September 22!


You will soon receive an order form from Coffee Pond Photography in your child’s backpack (after that, extra forms will be available in the office). You can order photos one of two ways: fill out the order form and return it with payment to your child’s teacher prior to or on Picture Day; or you can order photos online, in advance, at coffeepond.com. Please note that a portion of the profits from all orders submitted online prior to Picture Day are donated to the Brackett School PTO to support our mission.

 

Pictures will be taken outside, weather permitting, and all students will receive a class photo, regardless of whether individual photo packages are ordered or not. Retake Day is TBD but will be announced shortly!

Scholarship packages available for families in need; please contact Katy Newman ([email protected]) before 5pm on Thursday, September 14.

Flu Clinic

We are excited to host the Brackett flu immunization clinic on Wednesday, September 27 from 3–6pm for all students, staff, and families. Scheduling, consent forms, and more information can be found on the linked flyer.  

PE Letter

Please read this introductory letter from our fabulous PE teachers, Mr. Schiavone and Ms. Hill.

Back to School Forms

Please complete your child(ren)’s Back-to-School (BTS) Update Forms ASAP! You received information from Arlington Public Schools about updating Back to School Forms in an email on August 29. A simple guide to completing the Back to School Update is linked here. Incoming Kindergarten and newly-enrolled families do not need to fill out BTS Update Forms.


Back to School APS COVID Guidelines for 2023-2024 can be found here. 

Calendar Updates

Don’t forget to check out the District Brackett Website for the latest communications and to subscribe to the Brackett School Events Calendar.


  • Sep 22: Picture Day
  • Sep 25: NO SCHOOL for Yom Kippur
  • Sep 27: Flu Clinic
  • Sep 28: Back-to-School/Curriculum Night
  • Oct 9: NO SCHOOL for Indigenous Peoples Day
  • Oct 13: Dental Clinic – more info coming soon