Last week was challenging for the administrative team due to the number of students and faculty members who tested positive for COVID and other illnesses. Finding substitutes or available faculty members to cover classes was difficult, but we did not have to cancel any classes. Over the three-day weekend, I was able to reflect over the chaotic week and I realized the Brown School community is very fortunate. We were not so lucky to be dealing with illness, but we should all be grateful to have a cooperative faculty and friends who are willing to assist us during challenging times.
This past week we needed a number of substitutes in our preschool classes, as well as art and music class. Personally, I am grateful to two past graduates, Caroline Versaci and Adriana Fatato, who took the time from their busy lives to help students in the preschool area. I am grateful to Michelle Sousa-Gatta, a past member of Brown School’s Board of Trustees and retired Niskayuna music teacher, for stepping into our general music and guitar classes for the week. I am also truly appreciative to one of our parents, Mrs. Jamie Davenport, for sharing her artistic talents in our art classes. If it were not for these individuals and members of our faculty and administrative team, we would have had to cancel classes.
When I look back over the past few years, I am very proud of how we handled the delivery of our academic and fine arts program. Some schools pulled their special area teachers to cover classrooms, which denied students their music, art, library or physical education classes. We made every effort to ensure our students had and continue to have a well-rounded and creative educational experience. How fortunate we are to have alumni, board members and parents who are willing to offer their time and talents to our current Brown School students when we are in need.
I look forward to welcoming back most of our teachers and students this week. Hopefully, we will all be feeling tip-top as we move forward! If you or someone you know are willing to substitute, please be sure to contact Ms. Teresa Burke at tburke@brownschool.org.
This week the 2/3 class had their first meeting with their buddies. The older students read to the cubs then lead them in some imaginative play. The cubs quickly attached to their new friends and were fabulous listeners. The second and third graders demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt to their audience and create a fun and safe first experience for their younger buddies.
As Brown School enters its 130th year, we seek new ways to strengthen our school and build our student body. We aim to support our students and families by always remembering our mission.
"Our mission is to mindfully educate all students to pursue their individual potential in a nurturing, collaborative environment through the arts, humanities, mathematics, and sciences."
One new initiative we’ve put in place is the addition of a Retention Committee. This committee comprises administration, board members, past and current families, Brown School educators, and our admissions team. This wide range of perspectives is beneficial as we discuss admissions policies, review our students' academic and intellectual development, measure peer group interactions and student engagement, and review our school goals. As the year progresses, the retention team may contact you to discover why you chose Brown School for your family and to get feedback regarding our programming.
The late summer heat that began the 2023 school year broke just in time for Brown School’s 6th-8th graders annual field trip to Camp Chingachgook on Lake George. At the beginning of each school year students get to trade in the classroom for the great outdoors where they enjoy the fresh air and scenery of the Adirondacks while taking part in team building activities and developing friendships new and old.
Once off the bus students got to meet the camp counselors and play icebreaker games in order to shake off any nerves. Two groups were formed blending all the grades together. While some students learned how to properly hold a bow, notch their arrow, aim and fire, other students had to hone their communication skills through team building exercises.
After a quick lunch to replenish their energy, students had some free time down by the lake. Some students enjoyed the view of the lake beneath the mountains from the shore or up in the treehouse. Others took a more competitive break and played tetherball and gaga ball. Afterwards, students went on a short hike with their grades before returning for their last outdoor activity.
To end the day at Camp Chingachgook all grades got to test their balance, strength, and comfort with heights. 6th and 7th graders harnessed up and attempted the high ropes course; 8th grade harnessed up and scaled the climbing wall. Whether students were on the high ropes course or on the climbing wall, they were able to struggle towards a goal they set for themselves and attempt to conquer it.
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