Frick Environmental Center to explore the buildings and grounds . Ehrman Elementary was chosen because it was highlighted in both The Smithsonian and Time magazines for being named a School of the Future . Frick Environmental Center was chosen for being a living building . The tours supported the themes from the June design session and provided concrete examples of how ideas can be transformed into daily practice .
Practical themes from the July design session included :
• Finishes do not have to be expensive , but will truly set the tone for the overall environment of the buildingpaint color , bright patterned flooring , and unfinished ceilings provide excellent acoustics
• Finishes and furniture should serve multiple purposes such as cabinets that conceal sinks within the classrooms , wall cutouts that also serve as reading nooks , furniture on wheels for maneuverability , solar panels that also provide shade for parking
• Safety and security features can be aesthetically pleasing , concrete bollards outside of the building can serve as additional seating , the storm shelter can be designed to allow natural light through storm rated windows , and using plexiglass to highlight the inner workings of the building instead of being covered with drywall
The third design session will be scheduled in September and will include students , parents , and community members . We are looking forward to gathering additional ideas and collecting feedback on the current designs .
BEHIND THE SCENES OF A BUILDING PROJECT
All building projects have many moving parts . While the design phase is occurring with stakeholders , behind the scenes the district ’ s architects are securing the necessary permits to move forward with asbestos removal and demolition of the existing buildings . In early October of 2023 an Act 34 hearing will be scheduled to explain the design , financing , and overall goals of the new building . The entire community is invited to attend . Information about the project and meetings will be posted on the District website , https :// www . bb-sd . com . Please select the Construction Tab to access the information .
ELEMENTARY UPDATES
BRENTWOOD HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL KINDERGARTEN SCREENING FAIR
Each year , as we anticipate our youngest students arriving in our schools in the fall with excitement , we take a few moments to get to know those students . For the second year in a row , The Brentwood Borough School District partnered with the Brentwood Library and Borough to host a Kindergarten screening fair in June . During the event , incoming excited Kindergarten students came to the library where each met with one of our wonderful Kindergarten teachers and participated in a screening . This information gives the teachers a little insight into the types of learners we have entering Kindergarten before the first day of school , so we can be best prepared to meet their needs .
In addition to participating in screening , new students were welcomed to the district with a t-shirt , generously provided by the Laura Hoover It ’ s All Good Foundation , a photo booth , and various STEAM activities with some of our staff members . We have found it ’ s a wonderful , informal way to begin to get to know our new families and to ease our children ’ s minds about what might be coming up in Kindergarten .
If you have an upcoming Kindergartener , keep an eye out next spring for Kindergarten Registration and be sure to attend this exciting event !
KINDNESS “ Too often we underestimate the power of a touch , a smile , a kind word , a listening ear , an honest compliment , or the smallest act of caring , all of which have the potential to turn a life around .”
– Leo Buscaglia
In a world where kids can become anything they dream , you can help them choose to be kind — and it can start at school . This year we will be focusing on what kindness means and what kindness looks like in and out of school . Maybe it is sitting with someone new at lunch or sharing a simple smile .
Kindness bridges the gaps and helps build a sense of connection among the students , the teachers , and even the parents . When students learn how to regulate their emotions and strengthen their attention , the benefits are lifelong . In addition , having classrooms full of kind students will completely
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