Welcome to the Start of School Resource Page! Here you'll find everything you need to kick off the school year smoothly, from important dates to helpful tips—all in one convenient place.
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| Family Handbook | Dress Code | School Calendar |
Dress Code
Please review our dress code guidelines for the upcoming school year. Our dress code is designed to support a comfortable, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students.
Important Start-of-School Dates
Monday, August 11
- EC1, EC2, K Class Lists shared with families
Monday, August 18
- Auxiliary program registration released to parents (Early Birds, After School, Enrichment, Music Lessons)
Monday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 19
- EC2 & Kindergarten Home Visits (please refer to email from your teacher for day/time)
Thursday, August 21
- Grades 1 - 8 Class Lists/Advisors shared with families
Wednesday, August 27
- 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. New Parent Orientation
- 5:15 - 7:00 p.m. New Parent Gathering
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Auxiliary program registration due back
Thursday, August 28
- EC1 Home Visits (please refer to email from your teacher for times)
Tuesday, September 2
- Morning: New Student Orientation (please refer to email from the Admissions Office for your child’s specific time)
- 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Optional Returning Student Meet & Greet
Wednesday, September 3
- First Day of School
- 8:00 a.m. Coffee on the Courtyard with the Parents' Association
- 10:15 a.m. Opening School Meeting
- Fall Athletics begin for Upper School
Friday, September 5
- 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Start of School BBQ
Join us as we celebrate the start of a new school year! Bring the whole family to the courtyard for an evening of food, fun, and lively conversation. Reconnect with familiar faces, meet new classmates, and toast to a great year ahead!
Wednesday, September 10 - Friday, September 12
- 7th Grade goes to Camp Caribou (overnight trip)
- 8th Grade goes to Farm School (overnight trip)
New to the Team
In addition to the team members above, we are also excited to welcome the following Teaching Apprentices to our community:
Mia Brumsted, Grade 1
Dan O’Connor, Grade 2
Helpful Resources
Auxiliary Program Registration Opens August 18thRegistration for Early Birds, After School and Fall After School Enrichment classes will begin via Veracross on Monday, August 18th at 10AM and will close on Tuesday, August 26th. (Keep an eye out in your inbox on Monday morning for links to register for these programs.)
Here is a sneak peek at our enrichment classes this fall.
As you move through the registration process you will have the opportunity to review our billing and registration policies.
Please reach out to [email protected] with questions about registration.
For Auxiliary Program billing questions, contact Betsy Smith at [email protected].
Brookwood Music Before and After School Music Lessons
If your child is interested in after school or before school music lessons through Brookwood, please fill out the interest form that will be sent out on Monday, August 18.
Music Lesson FAQ’s
Do I need to fill out this form if my child is a returning music student?
Yes, this form should be completed by families for both returning and new music instruction students. Not only does the form help us place students with instructors, but it also allows families to review and sign off on our music instruction billing policies.
How long will the form be open?
This form will close on Tuesday, August 26, and then we will use the responses to attempt to place as many music students as possible.
When should I expect to hear from music instructors about placement and scheduling?
Starting the week of Tuesday, September 2nd, music instructors will begin to reach out to families to schedule lessons. If we are unable to place you with a music instructor, we will reach out to check if you would like to join a waitlist.
Who are the music instructors?
We are thrilled to welcome back many of our music instructors for the 2025-26 school year as well as some new very talented musicians. We may welcome additional instructors over the course of the school year to support student interest. You can review bios of all of our music instructors via this link.
Can I choose the day of the week and the time for my child’s lesson?
The music instructor will work with you to attempt to accommodate your schedule and preferences but please note, we cannot guarantee placement with a specific instructor or time/day of the week preference.
Auxiliary Program Start Dates:
- After School Program Begins: Wednesday, September 3rd
- Early Bird Program Begins: Thursday, September 4th
- Music Lessons and Fall Enrichment Classes Begin: Monday, September 15th
We are looking forward to working with your children this year. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] with any questions.
Homeroom and Advisory TeamsLower School
Early Childhood Program 1: Emily Froeschl, Katherine Harris, Maitland Bailey
Early Childhood Program 2: Erika Miles, Adria Saunders, Sophie Collins, Sayuri Mojica
Kindergarten: Lydia Gilman, Pam Hawes, Kate Hill, Abigail Seely
Grade 1: Sarah Dawe, Jeff Wilfahrt, Kate Lowe
Grade 2: Katie Swanton, Tiffany Wilson, Tasha Anderson
Grade 3: Lydia Lawrence, Wendy Panchy, Katie O’Brien
Grade 4: Kaersten Lampe, Brittany Tutalo
Upper School
Grade 5 Advisors: Sid Adams, Lisa Burns, Meg Lloyd, Lauren Rossi
Grade 6 Advisors: Jess Lenci, Laura Lilley, Emily Norton, David Saunders
Grade 7 Advisors: Monika Carbochova, Evan Diamond, Edith Fouser, Maureen Gedney
Grade 8 Advisors: Pete Abramson, Andy Luman, Kathy Stewart, Peter Twadell
*Please note, the Upper School advisory teams have shifted slightly since our June newsletter.
Hours of Operation7:30 - 8:00 a.m. | Early Birds
8:00 - 8:20 a.m. | Morning Drop-off
8:20 a.m. | School Starts
3:00 p.m. | Lower School Dismissal (M-F), Upper School Dismissal (F)
4:00 p.m. | Upper School Dismissal (M-Th)
4:10 p.m. | Buses Depart
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | After School
Morning Drop-off & Afternoon DismissalLower School (Early Childhood – Grade 4):
Enter Dan Wise Way and drop off / pick up at the Godfrey Portico. Exit via Brookwood Road.
Upper School (Grades 5–8):
Enter Brookwood Road and drop off / pick up in the Front Courtyard.
Note About Afternoon Pick-Up:
Older siblings in the Upper School (these students are called “crossovers”) will walk to the Town Square to meet their younger siblings for Lower School pick up Monday - Thursday at 4:00 p.m. if their Lower School sibling is part of After School programming. On Fridays, Lower School students with Upper School siblings will be brought to the Front Courtyard for dismissal at 3:00 p.m.
Please place your placard in the visor for afternoon dismissal.
AttendanceStudents arriving after 8:20 a.m. sign in at the front office. Lower School parents sign in their child(ren) and Upper School students can sign themselves in. Please contact the front office by phone at (978) 526-4500 or email [email protected] by 9:00 a.m. if your child is going to be absent/late or you are running late for afternoon pick-up.
Early DismissalsA parent or an authorized adult must sign out any student leaving school before the official end of the day. The sign-out sheet is located in the front office. Students wait inside the building in the front lobby to be picked up by the adult signing them out. If a child is to be excused early or leave school with someone other than a parent or authorized adult, a written note must be sent in with the student or a telephone call made/email sent to the front office in the morning.
ParkingParking is available in the lot across from Cutler Pond and along Brookwood Road in the game day parking area. Brookwood Road is the primary road to a number of neighbors. Thank you in advance for parking in designated areas only and ensuring safe access for all vehicles.
Affinity GroupsStudent Affinity Group gatherings are optional and casual. Students across grade levels meet and get to know other students with whom they share a special connection. Current student affinity groups include:
- LGBTQ+ and allies (Grades 2 - 4 and Grades 5 - 8)
- Students of Color (Grades 2 - 4 and Grades 5 - 8)
- Neurodiversity (Grades 2 - 4 and Grades 5 - 8)
In addition to written parent communication in advance of the first affinity group meeting (in classroom newsletters), the LS Division Head will email specifically to parents of Lower School students who have expressed interest in participating in any affinity group prior to the first group meeting for parent permission. If parents do not wish for their child to participate, they can inform the LS Division Head at that time.
Family Affinity Groups are optional and casual gatherings open for all family members to attend. Brookwood offers two family gatherings for each of the following affinity groups per year to get families across grade levels to get to know each other with whom they share a special connection. Current family affinity groups include:
- LGBTQ+
- Families of Color
- Neurodiversity
Standard Health ProtocolsPlease have children stay home with:
- Fever: if a child has a temperature of 100.0 or greater, your child should not be at school. Children must be fever free, without medication, for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Vomiting/diarrhea: your child should stay home and be free of symptoms for at least 24 hours.
- Flu/Covid: are treated like any other virus or illness. Children must be symptom free and fever free for 24 hours.
- Strep Throat and Conjunctivitis: May return to school 24 hours after antibiotics start and symptoms have improved.
- Respiratory Illness: a child with significant coughing or nasal discharge should remain home.
- Parents are expected to notify the school if their child contracts a contagious illness such as strep throat, chicken pox or head lice.
To contact School Nurse Nichole Edwards, please email [email protected] or call 978-526-4500 x6211
Snack & Birthday Treat Guide *Updated Policy*Please provide your student with a nutritious morning and afternoon snack daily that meets our allergy guidelines noted below. We ask that students do not bring candy, soda, or chewing gum to school. Students will store snacks from home in their locker or cubby, and no refrigeration will be available. Snacks from home will be available to your child during regularly scheduled snack times, including our after school and athletics programs.
Tree nuts, peanuts, and other food allergies pose a very serious risk to students in our community. In an effort to promote a safe environment for all, outside foods are not allowed with the exception of daily snacks, and outside foods for birthday celebrations are not permitted. Foods containing peanuts, tree nuts, nut products, or nut oils are not allowed on campus in snacks brought by students. Please read all labels carefully before sending food into school. Coconut is not considered a nut.
To mark birthdays in a special way, we are introducing a new tradition — Birthday Tea with the Head of School — in place of treats brought from home.
Brookwood will continue to work closely with students with diagnosed food allergies or medical concerns and their families to ensure we best meet their needs. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s allergies, or if you need assistance with ingredients, please call our School Nurse at 978-526-4500.
School StoreThe School Store at Brookwood is open and ready for business! Stock up on your green-and-white spirit wear — from cozy sweatshirts and tees to water bottles, hats, and tote bags, we’ve got everything your family needs to show off your Brookwood pride.
You’ll have several opportunities to shop in person during the early days of school:
- New Parent Orientation: August 27, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Returning Student Visits: September 2, 8:30 - 2:00 p.m.
- First Day of School, Coffee on the Courtyard: September 3, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
- Start of School BBQ: September 5, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The store, located just off the Slate Lobby in Lawton Hall, is also open year-round for self-shopping — just stop by anytime you’re on campus! Can’t make it to campus? No worries — Email Deb Chertok and we’ll deliver a dose of Brookwood wherever you are.
Parent Life - On and Around CampusAt Brookwood, families are an essential part of our vibrant community. Our doors are always open, and we encourage you to dive into all that Brookwood has to offer. Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities—whether it’s lending a hand in the classroom, helping in our library, assisting the art department, or more.
Massachusetts law requires all school volunteers and employees to complete a background check. If you plan to volunteer or attend field trips at Brookwood this year, we must have your completed form on file.
Each adult volunteer in your family must:
- Print and complete the form
- Include a copy of your driver’s license
- Return both in an envelope to the Business Office (do not email for security reasons)
NEW this year: Before Friday’s All-School Meetings, join the Parents’ Association and fellow parents and caregivers for a casual, drop-in coffee in the Commons. It’s a warm, easy way to connect and start your Friday with the community.
Parents’ Association
Every Brookwood parent & caregiver is automatically a member of the Parents’ Association (PA)—your built-in network for connecting, learning, and getting involved. Led by the Executive Committee and a team of Class Connectors, the PA offers opportunities for engagement at whatever level works for you. This year, look forward to more community-wide events, expanded parent education programs, and fresh ways to support our incredible faculty and staff.
Registration for Early Birds, After School and Fall After School Enrichment classes will begin via Veracross on Monday, August 18th at 10AM and will close on Tuesday, August 26th. (Keep an eye out in your inbox on Monday morning for links to register for these programs.)
Here is a sneak peek at our enrichment classes this fall.
As you move through the registration process you will have the opportunity to review our billing and registration policies.
Please reach out to [email protected] with questions about registration.
For Auxiliary Program billing questions, contact Betsy Smith at [email protected].
Brookwood Music Before and After School Music Lessons
If your child is interested in after school or before school music lessons through Brookwood, please fill out the interest form that will be sent out on Monday, August 18.
Music Lesson FAQ’s
Do I need to fill out this form if my child is a returning music student?
Yes, this form should be completed by families for both returning and new music instruction students. Not only does the form help us place students with instructors, but it also allows families to review and sign off on our music instruction billing policies.
How long will the form be open?
This form will close on Tuesday, August 26, and then we will use the responses to attempt to place as many music students as possible.
When should I expect to hear from music instructors about placement and scheduling?
Starting the week of Tuesday, September 2nd, music instructors will begin to reach out to families to schedule lessons. If we are unable to place you with a music instructor, we will reach out to check if you would like to join a waitlist.
Who are the music instructors?
We are thrilled to welcome back many of our music instructors for the 2025-26 school year as well as some new very talented musicians. We may welcome additional instructors over the course of the school year to support student interest. You can review bios of all of our music instructors via this link.
Can I choose the day of the week and the time for my child’s lesson?
The music instructor will work with you to attempt to accommodate your schedule and preferences but please note, we cannot guarantee placement with a specific instructor or time/day of the week preference.
Auxiliary Program Start Dates:
- After School Program Begins: Wednesday, September 3rd
- Early Bird Program Begins: Thursday, September 4th
- Music Lessons and Fall Enrichment Classes Begin: Monday, September 15th
We are looking forward to working with your children this year. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] with any questions.
Lower School
Early Childhood Program 1: Emily Froeschl, Katherine Harris, Maitland Bailey
Early Childhood Program 2: Erika Miles, Adria Saunders, Sophie Collins, Sayuri Mojica
Kindergarten: Lydia Gilman, Pam Hawes, Kate Hill, Abigail Seely
Grade 1: Sarah Dawe, Jeff Wilfahrt, Kate Lowe
Grade 2: Katie Swanton, Tiffany Wilson, Tasha Anderson
Grade 3: Lydia Lawrence, Wendy Panchy, Katie O’Brien
Grade 4: Kaersten Lampe, Brittany Tutalo
Upper School
Grade 5 Advisors: Sid Adams, Lisa Burns, Meg Lloyd, Lauren Rossi
Grade 6 Advisors: Jess Lenci, Laura Lilley, Emily Norton, David Saunders
Grade 7 Advisors: Monika Carbochova, Evan Diamond, Edith Fouser, Maureen Gedney
Grade 8 Advisors: Pete Abramson, Andy Luman, Kathy Stewart, Peter Twadell
*Please note, the Upper School advisory teams have shifted slightly since our June newsletter.
7:30 - 8:00 a.m. | Early Birds
8:00 - 8:20 a.m. | Morning Drop-off
8:20 a.m. | School Starts
3:00 p.m. | Lower School Dismissal (M-F), Upper School Dismissal (F)
4:00 p.m. | Upper School Dismissal (M-Th)
4:10 p.m. | Buses Depart
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | After School
Lower School (Early Childhood – Grade 4):
Enter Dan Wise Way and drop off / pick up at the Godfrey Portico. Exit via Brookwood Road.
Upper School (Grades 5–8):
Enter Brookwood Road and drop off / pick up in the Front Courtyard.
Note About Afternoon Pick-Up:
Older siblings in the Upper School (these students are called “crossovers”) will walk to the Town Square to meet their younger siblings for Lower School pick up Monday - Thursday at 4:00 p.m. if their Lower School sibling is part of After School programming. On Fridays, Lower School students with Upper School siblings will be brought to the Front Courtyard for dismissal at 3:00 p.m.
Please place your placard in the visor for afternoon dismissal.
Students arriving after 8:20 a.m. sign in at the front office. Lower School parents sign in their child(ren) and Upper School students can sign themselves in. Please contact the front office by phone at (978) 526-4500 or email [email protected] by 9:00 a.m. if your child is going to be absent/late or you are running late for afternoon pick-up.
A parent or an authorized adult must sign out any student leaving school before the official end of the day. The sign-out sheet is located in the front office. Students wait inside the building in the front lobby to be picked up by the adult signing them out. If a child is to be excused early or leave school with someone other than a parent or authorized adult, a written note must be sent in with the student or a telephone call made/email sent to the front office in the morning.
Parking is available in the lot across from Cutler Pond and along Brookwood Road in the game day parking area. Brookwood Road is the primary road to a number of neighbors. Thank you in advance for parking in designated areas only and ensuring safe access for all vehicles.
Student Affinity Group gatherings are optional and casual. Students across grade levels meet and get to know other students with whom they share a special connection. Current student affinity groups include:
- LGBTQ+ and allies (Grades 2 - 4 and Grades 5 - 8)
- Students of Color (Grades 2 - 4 and Grades 5 - 8)
- Neurodiversity (Grades 2 - 4 and Grades 5 - 8)
In addition to written parent communication in advance of the first affinity group meeting (in classroom newsletters), the LS Division Head will email specifically to parents of Lower School students who have expressed interest in participating in any affinity group prior to the first group meeting for parent permission. If parents do not wish for their child to participate, they can inform the LS Division Head at that time.
Family Affinity Groups are optional and casual gatherings open for all family members to attend. Brookwood offers two family gatherings for each of the following affinity groups per year to get families across grade levels to get to know each other with whom they share a special connection. Current family affinity groups include:
- LGBTQ+
- Families of Color
- Neurodiversity
Please have children stay home with:
- Fever: if a child has a temperature of 100.0 or greater, your child should not be at school. Children must be fever free, without medication, for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Vomiting/diarrhea: your child should stay home and be free of symptoms for at least 24 hours.
- Flu/Covid: are treated like any other virus or illness. Children must be symptom free and fever free for 24 hours.
- Strep Throat and Conjunctivitis: May return to school 24 hours after antibiotics start and symptoms have improved.
- Respiratory Illness: a child with significant coughing or nasal discharge should remain home.
- Parents are expected to notify the school if their child contracts a contagious illness such as strep throat, chicken pox or head lice.
To contact School Nurse Nichole Edwards, please email [email protected] or call 978-526-4500 x6211
Please provide your student with a nutritious morning and afternoon snack daily that meets our allergy guidelines noted below. We ask that students do not bring candy, soda, or chewing gum to school. Students will store snacks from home in their locker or cubby, and no refrigeration will be available. Snacks from home will be available to your child during regularly scheduled snack times, including our after school and athletics programs.
Tree nuts, peanuts, and other food allergies pose a very serious risk to students in our community. In an effort to promote a safe environment for all, outside foods are not allowed with the exception of daily snacks, and outside foods for birthday celebrations are not permitted. Foods containing peanuts, tree nuts, nut products, or nut oils are not allowed on campus in snacks brought by students. Please read all labels carefully before sending food into school. Coconut is not considered a nut.
To mark birthdays in a special way, we are introducing a new tradition — Birthday Tea with the Head of School — in place of treats brought from home.
Brookwood will continue to work closely with students with diagnosed food allergies or medical concerns and their families to ensure we best meet their needs. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s allergies, or if you need assistance with ingredients, please call our School Nurse at 978-526-4500.
The School Store at Brookwood is open and ready for business! Stock up on your green-and-white spirit wear — from cozy sweatshirts and tees to water bottles, hats, and tote bags, we’ve got everything your family needs to show off your Brookwood pride.
You’ll have several opportunities to shop in person during the early days of school:
- New Parent Orientation: August 27, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Returning Student Visits: September 2, 8:30 - 2:00 p.m.
- First Day of School, Coffee on the Courtyard: September 3, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
- Start of School BBQ: September 5, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The store, located just off the Slate Lobby in Lawton Hall, is also open year-round for self-shopping — just stop by anytime you’re on campus! Can’t make it to campus? No worries — Email Deb Chertok and we’ll deliver a dose of Brookwood wherever you are.
At Brookwood, families are an essential part of our vibrant community. Our doors are always open, and we encourage you to dive into all that Brookwood has to offer. Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities—whether it’s lending a hand in the classroom, helping in our library, assisting the art department, or more.
Massachusetts law requires all school volunteers and employees to complete a background check. If you plan to volunteer or attend field trips at Brookwood this year, we must have your completed form on file.
Each adult volunteer in your family must:
- Print and complete the form
- Include a copy of your driver’s license
- Return both in an envelope to the Business Office (do not email for security reasons)
NEW this year: Before Friday’s All-School Meetings, join the Parents’ Association and fellow parents and caregivers for a casual, drop-in coffee in the Commons. It’s a warm, easy way to connect and start your Friday with the community.
Parents’ Association
Every Brookwood parent & caregiver is automatically a member of the Parents’ Association (PA)—your built-in network for connecting, learning, and getting involved. Led by the Executive Committee and a team of Class Connectors, the PA offers opportunities for engagement at whatever level works for you. This year, look forward to more community-wide events, expanded parent education programs, and fresh ways to support our incredible faculty and staff.
Staying Connected
The Brookwood experience is grounded in mutual respect and trust between family and school. The education of your child is a joint venture of families and school. The School values open and honest communication with all families. With this in mind, we’ve provided below our communication norms and channels that you can rely on in our ongoing effort to partner with parents and keep you abreast of campus happenings.
Daily Norms
- Homeroom Teachers in our Early Childhood program send out a daily newsletter.
- Photos and/or videos are added to Vidigami daily by our communications team.
Weekly Norms
- The School produces a weekly communication, which includes highlights from the week, a letter from the Head of School, announcements, and important details for the week ahead.
- Kindergarten - Grade 4 Homeroom Teachers send weekly newsletters on Fridays.
Vidigami
A community “social network” and image catalog that allows you to immerse yourself in your child’s day at Brookwood. Teachers and our communications team upload photos on a regular basis. New parents will receive logins following New Parent Orientation. Access Vidigami
Veracross Parent Portal
Our parent portal is hosted in Veracross, which is a comprehensive school information management system that enables you to effectively monitor your child's education and grades and comments at Brookwood. Access the Portal
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