General News

Current Volunteer Openings for the PTO

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Every parent and caregiver, along with every teacher, is automatically part of the Driscoll PTO; it is up to you to decide how active a member you will be.  The PTO is your voice and venue to be involved and heard, but without parent support we can not continue to offer the level of programming that all of our families have come to depend on.  There are numerous ways to get involved with the PTO: on a one time basis at one of the various parent-run events held throughout the year, or on a more regular basis through one of the event committees or Executive Board.  Our goal is to have every family volunteer at least one time a year.To volunteer, for more information, or if you just want to ask any other questions, you can always email us at driscollpto@gmail.com.Here are some current openings that we are actively seeking volunteers for:

DASA Coordinator (2 Open Positions)

DASA (Driscoll After School Activities) offers a variety of after school classes for all Driscoll students.  This program is one of the major fundraising programs for the PTO, and requires parent volunteers to keep it running.  We need two parents to take over this program in the Fall: we are looking for one who can handle more of the back-end work, lining up instructors and handling online student registration; and one to be more of a presence at school to assist with the transitions, especially the first week of each of the three sessions.We are offering an incentive for parents volunteering for this position: both of the DASA Coordinators will receive free DASA enrollment for their children (base level classes only).

Early Release Movies Coordinator (2 Open Positions)

The PTO offers movies on Early Release Days (four times in the Fall and four times in the Spring).  This both allows parents the convenience of picking their children up at the normal pickup time, and raises money for the PTO.  We are looking for people who can be responsible for the movies, from purchasing snack and supplies beforehand, to working with the Volunteer Coordinator to line up parent volunteers to staff the movies.  (It is important that any volunteers can be at school for all of the early release days).We are offering an incentive for parents volunteering for this position: both of the Early Release Movie Coordinators will receive free movie enrollment for their children.

Spring Fair Committee Chairs (2 Open Positions) 

The Spring Fair is one of our most popular events, and is held every May.  We are looking for two parents, preferably with younger children, to join our Spring Fair committee to replace parents whose children are moving onto high school.  They will be working with the existing committee chairs to help organize and carry out the Spring Fair, from dealing with food and ride vendors, recruiting parent volunteers, and more.  (It is important that any volunteers can be at school for the entire day of the Spring Fair to assist with setup).

Driscoll Science Fair Committee Chairs (2 Open positions)

The Driscoll Science Fair takes place every year in early March. It’s a great opportunity for kids in grades K-8 to learn about the scientific method hands-on and to present their findings. The winners from the middle school have the opportunity to move on to the regional and even state science fairs. Being a co-chair is a fun and rewarding way to contribute to the Driscoll community! The current co-chairs are seeking 2 parents to join them this year and take over the Science Fair for the 2020-2021 school year. Responsibilities:Fall (~5 hours total):

  • Maintain the Science Fair website - this is fairly easy to do. It’s on weebly and the primary thing that needs updating each year is the dates.
  • Schedule the Science Fair date and coordinate with the school/Brookline to reserve the cafeteria and gym

 January (~4 hours per co-chair)

  • Meet with middle school teachers/students to encourage participation (optional)
  • Order trophies, participation awards, and other supplies. Book science show if you would like to have one while the judges are deliberating.
  • Contact potential judges to secure them for the date
  • Work with PTO to include blurb in newsletter. Put signs on doors at Driscoll.

 February (~4 hours per co-chair)

  • Work with volunteer coordinator to get parent volunteers for the day of the event
  • Update handouts for event that include schedule and bios for judges
  • Stop by office periodically to pick up registration forms and registration fees
  • Towards the end of the month (after Feb break), begin assembling list of participants and mapping out table layout

 Event in early March (~4 hours planning, 2-3 hours for setup, 5 hours day of event per co-chair)

  • The week of the event is quite busy, but the current 2 co-chairs both have full time jobs and were able to get everything done in the evenings, so it is doable!
  • Setup the night before at Driscoll
  • Host the event (usually Saturday morning) and have fun learning about the kids projects!

 After the event (~2 hours total)

  • Submit receipts to PTO for reimbursement
  • Help middle school students submit applications to the regional fair

Join us May 1 for the first Driscoll Family Trivia Night!

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We hope you can join us for the first Driscoll Family Trivia night, to be held in the cafeteria on Wednesday, May 1st from 6:30 - 8 PM.We'll be putting together trivia questions to test your knowledge of Driscoll school, our teachers, and more.  Put together a team of no more than five people (we suggest at least one student and one adult per team), and keep your eyes on our social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, etc) for some hints ahead of time.  (For example, did you know that Dr. Talukar's favorite movie is The Notebook?)

Blue for Autism Acceptance Month

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April is Autism Acceptance Month in the Public Schools of BrooklineInternationally recognized on April 2nd every year, the United Nations established World Autism Awareness Day to encourage member states of the United Nations to take measures and raise awareness about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout the world.As a sign of unity, support, and understanding for people with Autism, we invited all PSB community members to wear blue on Tuesday, April 2. The international community honors Autism Awareness by illuminating national landmarks in blue light to raise public engagement.  During the entire month of April, our school exterior lights will change to blue in recognition of Autism Acceptance month.

Vote on May 7 for the Driscoll School Building Project

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To learn more, visit the Brookline Public Schools page about the Driscoll School Building ProjectPlease, VOTE: Tues. May 7, Polls open: 7am to 8pmWhat: A new building to serve 800 students, with 4 sections per grade and 3 pre-K classrooms (currently there are 630 students with 3 sections per grade, except for 4th with 4 sections, and 1 pre-K). In addition, a cafeteria big enough to serve all students in 3 lunch periods (rather than the current 5 lunches); 2 gyms (one twice the size of the current gym); a multi-purpose room with a stage; 3 music rooms, 2 art rooms, a maker/fab space, 3 middle school science classrooms, outdoor classrooms, and of course, a library!  Plus many spaces for small group learning and teacher collaboration. And 25% more open space with newly designed playground and fields.

Where: On current field/playground. New field/playground will be built on site of current building. (i.e. the building and open space are swapping spaces.)

When:  Construction would begin summer 2020, with new school opening Fall 2022

Why:  Brookline school enrollment has grown 40% over the last decade, Driscoll has grown by over 65%.  We need more space! Plus the current over a century old building has never been fully renovated and needs work.

Cost:  $108.8 m including new fossil free fuel building,  play area, 25 underground parking spaces, and improvements to adjacent sidewalks and streets.

How:  If the project is to move forward, voters in Brookline must approve a debt exclusion to fund it.  On Tues May 7th ballot,  question 1 will ask if you agree to have the town of Brookline construct new school buildings for Driscoll and Baldwin. A yes votes means you want to fund the project.

International Night is February 28

Come celebrate our diversity. Be part of international night!Thursday, February 28th, 6-8pmDriscoll School CafeteriaShare information about your country with a favorite dish, dessert, candy, a song, dance, game or any part of the culture that you want to share. Or just come and enjoy the evening with your family!Contact Sheryl Steeves (sherylsteeves@hotmail.com) or Liz Donovan (donovanelizabeth@gmail.com) for more information.

Parent Workshop: "Talking to Kids about Race and Racism"

Parent Workshop: "Talking to Kids about Race and Racism"

Wednesday, January 30, 6 - 7:30 PMDriscoll Theater
A parent workshop, featuring Dr. Kalise Wornum (Senior Director of Educational Equity, Brookline Public Schools) and Dr. Suzie Talukar (Principal of Michael Driscoll School)
Sponsored by the Driscoll PTO
One of the challenges facing parents in today's world is the struggle to raise race conscious children.  Issues of racism and inequality show up in the news on a daily basis, on both a national and a local level.  How can we start a conversation with our children about race and racism?
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Were you unable to make the workshop? Download the presentation here.

Once Upon a Book - Book Fair Starts Dec 3

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Once Upon A Book, the Driscoll Book Fair, happens Dec. 3 - 7 in the library.

We are open before, during, and after school each day!

We are still in need of volunteers, and also paper grocery bags, that can be dropped off in the libraryWe need many parent/adult volunteers, especially during the busy times before school and after school. We also have an evening shopping time on Wednesday Dec. 5 from 5-7 p.m., with a special story time reading by Dr. Talukdar.  Sign up here to volunteer.Thanks for your support!- The Book Fair Team (Nadine Abu-Jawdeh, Meg Brackley, Erin Kelly, Claudia Olivetti, and Anne Reid)

Nov 14 Game Night!

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Wednesday, November 14th from 6:30 - 8 PM in the Cafeteria

The Driscoll PTO will be sponsoring the first Driscoll Game Night in the Driscoll Cafeteria, and we'd love to see your family there!  We'll be bringing some of our favorite board and card games - Ticket to Ride, Apples to Apples, Battleship, Rat-a-Tat Cat, Connect Four, Zingo, and more!  Or bring one of your favorites from home and teach your friends how to play!

If you don't have time to eat before you come, feel free to bring your dinner with you!  The 8th grade will also be selling food to raise money for their class.

First Tuesday Coffee with the PTO

Thanks to our Brookline School Committee members and Superintendent Andrew Bott for speaking today at our second monthly First Tuesday Coffee with the PTO!If you would like to learn more about the Brookline School Committee (including meeting notes, presentations, and updates) please visit the Brookline School Committee website. You can find topics such as:

  • Current and future Building Projects, including meeting presentations
  • Subcommittees and contacts
  • Policies and Documents
  • How you can have your voice heard
 

Poster Contest for Students - Due November 14

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The Driscoll Book Fair (December 3 - 7) Invites Students to design a poster for "Once Upon a Book Fair"

Driscoll students are invited to design a poster to help people get excited about this year's Book Fair! The theme this year is "Once Upon A Book Fair" and information on the poster contest is below. Two designs will be chosen, one each from grades K-4, and  5-8.Poster entries are due November 14

Poster Contest Guidelines:

  • Pick up the entry form at the Library, in the main office, or Download the Form Here and turn it in to the main office by November 14
  • The words “Book Fair 2018” and the theme “Once Upon a Book Fair” must be incorporated into the design.
  • Only one entry per student, or students can work together and submit a design as a group
  • Design must be original work, hand drawn on the entry form (see above)
  • Posters are photocopied, so black and white only please.
  • One design will be chosen from the two judging categories: K-4 and 5-8.
  • Prize: winners will get to pick one book to keep and one to be added to the library in their honor.
  • All students who submit an entry will be entered into a drawing for a gift card.

 Adults: We need many volunteers to help make the Book Fair a success! Please join us in setting up the library, helping on the sales floor, working the cash registers, and more. It is a fun and easy volunteer activity and we’d love to have you!You can sign up to volunteer through this link

Want to know more about the book fair?

See more information about the book fair on the Book Fair info page

Early Dismissal Day Movies for Fall 2018

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Four times in the fall and four times in the spring of each year, the school day ends at 12:30 PM to allow time for parent/teacher conferences.  As both a convenience to parents and an important fundraising opportunity, the Driscoll PTO offers students a chance to watch a movie in the theater and get picked up at their normal time.Sign up now through November 9 for Early Dismissal Movies.

Questions about how it works?

More Information can be found on the Early Dismissal Movie Page

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First Day of School

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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

We are excited to see you all for the first day of school!  Please refer to our parent handbook for Driscoll 101!

First Day of School Procedures

The first day of school is an exciting day and we cannot wait to see you! For 1st-8th grade students, the first day will be on Thursday, September 6th. For Kindergarten students, the first day is eitherThursday, September 6th or Friday, September 7th (not on both days) and will be dismissed at 12:40. Your first day assignment was sent with your kindergarten class information. All Kindergarten students come to school on Tuesday, September 11th.For all Driscoll students, the school day is from 8am-2:30pm Monday-Thursday and from 8am-1:40pm on Fridays. On their first day, students should arrive between 7:45AM and 7:55AM.  There will be many signs and friendly staff members helping every student get to where they need to go.Students should go to the following meeting places when they arrive on the first day (not to their classrooms).

  • Kindergarten will meet in the library (look for a sign with your teacher's name).
  • 1st grade will meet in the cafeteria (look for a sign with your teacher's name).
  • 2nd-5th grade will meet on the tennis courts (look for a sign with your teacher's name); in the case of rain, 2nd-5th grade students will wait in the main lobby/hallway near the library and main office until 7:50am and then proceed to classrooms.
  • 6th-8th grade will meet in the theater.

Just after 8:00AM, once all students are gathered together, K-5 students will line up with their teacher and walk to their classroom together as a class. Kindergarten parents will spend a short time in the classroom with their children to help ensure a smooth transition. 6th-8th grade students will start their day with a meeting in the theater.

DAILY HOURS AT SCHOOL

REGULAR SCHOOL HOURS

Pre-Kindergarten:Monday to Friday: 8:05 am to 12:15 pm

Kindergarten to 8th Grade:

  • Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 2:30 pmFriday: 8:00 am to 1:40 pm

EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS

  • Parent Conferences (8 days/year) 8:00 am to 12:40 pm (lunch is served)
  • Day before Thanksgiving and Last Day of School: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (lunch is NOT served)

LUNCH AND RECESS BREAKS

Students at each grade level from kindergarten through eighth grades will enjoy 20 minutes to eat lunch each day. With regard to recess, students in Grades K - 5 will have 29 minutes/day (or approximately 145 min/week) and students in Grades 6 - 8 will have 22 minutes/day (or approximately 90 min/week).

SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS

The Town makes automated phone calls to advise families of any cancellations.

Meeting with Superintendent Bott

Dear Driscoll School Community,As a first step in the Driscoll School Renovation and Expansion feasibility study that was moved forward by the Select Board and School Committee this past Wednesday, two Driscoll community forums have been scheduled for next week. These forums will be attended by me and members of the School Committee. The community forums are scheduled for:

  • Thursday, June 21 @ 6:30 p.m. in the Driscoll School library
  • Friday, June 22 @ 8:15 a.m. in the Driscoll School library

I look forward to seeing you next week to hear your concerns, answer your questions, and engage in an important conversation about this process.Sincerely,Andrew J. BottSuperintendent

Bob Thomas is Retiring!

Dear Families,Bob Thomas, Driscoll's Educational Technology Specialist and Computer Teacher extraordinaire is retiring after 19 years. Bob is loved by students, staff, and families. Please join us for an adults only celebration in honor or Bob on June 19th in the Library from 3pm-5pm. RSVP with a suggested donation $10 HERE. On behalf of the Driscoll Staff and the Driscoll PTO, we are looking forward to celebrating Bob's retirement with the community.Warmly,Driscoll Staff and Driscoll PTO