Family Newsletter Week of January 15, 2026

Dear Brackett Families,

First, a reminder that there is no school on Monday as we celebrate MLKJr. Day. This long weekend take some time to sit down with your child and look through the incredible art projects going on at Brackett each month. Here is Ms. Chisholm’s incredible ART newsletter full of photos and descriptions of what is happening.

As I mentioned last week, the School committee meeting on January 8, 2026 included a detailed presentation by Dr. Homan on the impact of a failed override. I hope you were able to watch or attend the budget forum last night. If not, check out the link above to view the recording.

One last item of importance for mid-January with the increase in driving to school … Morning arrival/drop-off is an important time to practice safe routines and to follow the laws in our community. Crosswalks are clearly marked and should be used when crossing Eastern Ave, especially from 7:45 am to 8:00 am. We are excited for the new pedestrian lights in front of the school that support our crossing guard, Ms. Kelley.

Parking is located along Eastern Avenue in both directions and throughout the neighborhood. There is NO parking, stopping, or pausing for individual drop off directly in front of the school on the school-side of Eastern Ave OR on the school side of Fayette Street. In addition, please pull over to the side of the road to let your child out of the car. It is extremely dangerous to let them out in the lane of traffic. Similarly, please walk around the front of the school if you are headed to homes behind the school. The parking lot is a high-traffic zone at the end of the school day. We just want everyone to be safe!

Best,

Dr. Vice

MCAS Dates
No Name Calling Week
From the Nurse
CPS Parent Training
Child Care Connections – Event THIS Saturday
Glow Dance – Volunteers Needed

All previous family communication can be accessed in the News and Announcements on the district website.

APS 2026-2027 NEW Student Registration Information (for NEW students only; current students do not need to register)

Upcoming MCAS Dates

English Language Arts

Grade 3: Apr 9, Apr 10

Grade 4: Apr 6, Apr 7

Grade 5: Mar 30, Mar 31

SCIENCE

Grade 5: Apr 30, May 1

MATH:

Grade 3: May 11, May 12

Grade 4: May 7, May 8

Grade 5: May 14, May 15

No Name Calling Week

Brackett Fifth Grade Student Council and Rainbow Alliance are co-sponsoring No Name Calling Week from Jan 20-23. During No Name Calling Week, students will be asking each other to make a pledge that they know that bullying and calling others hurtful names is wrong. Messages about kindness and the impacts of name calling will be shared during our school wide announcements as well.

From the Nurse

As we move into the thick of winter illness season, please remember to inform me if your child tests positive for any respiratory illness (COVID, influenza, RSV, etc.). I depend on reports from families to be able to accurately monitor for any outbreaks at school, and cannot successfully track illness trends without your help.

In particular, we have started to see an increase in cases of influenza; this is in line with elevated levels nationwide. I am going to be keeping a close eye on reported cases, and will send any necessary notices to families if an outbreak is identified at school. Thank you for your partnership in helping to keep our school community healthy this winter, and throughout the year.

Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Parent Training -- You're Invited!

When children struggle with behavior, emotions, or expectations, it can be frustrating and exhausting for families. Arlington Public Schools uses Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)—an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach developed by Massachusetts General Hospital and Think:Kids—to support students in building skills, reducing conflict, and strengthening relationships with adults. Starting January 15, we invite parents and caregivers to learn how this same approach can support you at home.

This interactive parent training, offered in partnership with Think:Kids, is designed to give families practical tools and shared language to better understand what’s getting in the way for their child, address challenges before they escalate, and improve communication at home and school.

Sessions include clear explanations, guided practice, and time for questions in a supportive, non-judgmental setting with other parents and caregivers.