Dear Brewerton Families,
December is one of the most joyful—and often busiest—months of the school year. As we move toward winter break, we’re working hard to strike a balance between learning, celebration, and emotional well-being.
Our classrooms remain focused on academic progress, but we also recognize the importance of fun and togetherness. This month, students will enjoy activities like Winter Spirit Week, seasonal crafts, and class community-building events. These shared moments deepen friendships and make school a place children are excited to be.
At the same time, we know this season can bring big emotions. For some children, changes in routine or family stressors can impact behavior and attention. Please know that our teachers are observant, caring, and always ready to offer support. If your child is feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.
The break also offers a chance to slow down and reconnect as a family. Whether it’s reading a book together, taking a walk, or cooking a favorite recipe, these simple traditions create lifelong memories.
As we prepare to turn the calendar to a new year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of your child’s journey. Thank you for trusting us with their growth and for being such engaged partners in their success.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
With appreciation,
Brent Bowden, Principal
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The air is getting colder, the days are getting shorter, and the holidays are just around the corner! December, a month known for its festive lights, cozy gatherings, and a spirit of giving, is here! December is also a month filled with hustle and bustle, but it's a wonderful time to slow down and focus on what's truly important: kindness, inclusion, and compassion. ❤️
This month, our SEL team is highlighting themes that help us celebrate every member of our school community. The first full week of December is Inclusive Schools Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of making our school a welcoming and supportive place for all students. This week also includes Special Education Day (December 2) and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3). These days are a great opportunity to talk with your children about how everyone has unique strengths and abilities, and that our differences are what make our community so strong. ✨
Here are a few ways you can connect with your child about these important topics this month:
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Read together: Find books that feature characters with diverse abilities and backgrounds. This can spark conversations about empathy and understanding.
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Talk about kindness: Encourage your child to look for ways to be a friend to someone who might feel left out. A small act of kindness, like a shared smile or a friendly greeting, can make a huge difference.
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Celebrate differences: Talk about what makes each member of your family special and unique. This helps children appreciate their own identity and the identities of others.
The holiday season can bring a lot of excitement, but it can also be a little overwhelming.
Remember to check in with your child about their feelings. Are they excited, nervous, or a little bit of both? Help them identify their emotions and find healthy ways to express them. Practicing mindfulness can be a great tool. This could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths together or paying attention to the sounds and smells around you.The upcoming holiday break is a great opportunity for students to spend quality time with family and friends and get some much-needed rest.
We wish you and your family a cozy and kind December filled with joy and connection. 🎄
Warmly,
The SEL Team at Brewerton Elementary
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As we head into the winter months, this is a great time to remind families about staying healthy during cold and flu season. Encourage your child to wash their hands often, get plenty of rest, and eat balanced meals to help keep their immune system strong.
Please remember to keep your child home if they have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, and wait 24 hours after symptoms have resolved before returning to school. This helps us keep our classrooms healthy for everyone.
With colder weather, students are also spending more time indoors. Be sure your child comes to school dressed for the temperature, including hats, gloves, and warm coats for outdoor recess whenever possible.
Wishing everyone a safe, cozy, and healthy holiday season!
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AIS is additional help provided to students who need extra support in reading, writing, math, or other academic areas. It is not special education, but rather extra instruction and strategies designed to help students be more successful with grade-level expectations.
Students may receive AIS if assessments, classroom performance, or teacher recommendations show that they would benefit from extra practice. The services can look different depending on each child’s needs. For example, AIS may include:
- Small group instruction with a teacher
- Extra practice in reading or math skills
- Strategies for organizing work and building confidence
- Support inside the classroom or in a small group outside of class
AIS is meant to give students the boost they need so they can grow, keep up with grade-level work, and feel confident in their learning.
If your child will be receiving AIS, you will be notified. We will also keep you updated about their progress and ways you can support learning at home.
Our goal is to partner with you to help every child succeed. If you have any questions about AIS or your child’s learning, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support!
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As we head into December, we would like to take a moment to highlight all the “behind-the-scenes” efforts that help keep our school running smoothly and support student success.
While our teachers focus on academics, many non-instructional activities around Brewerton play a big role in helping students grow into well-rounded learners.
This month, we’re busy helping coordinate holiday giving programs, organizing lost and found items, preparing attendance updates, and assisting with classroom and PTO events. These efforts might seem small, but together they create a caring, organized environment where students feel supported and ready to learn.
Did you know?
- During the month of December, Mrs. Hampson plays holiday songs in the hallway as students arrive at school.
- Mrs. Love takes 4th and 5th grade chorus members to our local senior apartments to perform holiday music and spread a little chear.
- The whole school participates in the Holiday Spirit Week. We have loads of fun dressing up for the season.
- Our PTO works all year round preparing for the Holiday Bazaar. This is a huge event and a beautiful opportunity for our student to participate in. Year after year, we are amazed at the organization and quality of this special event.
- Some of our staff members gather to play instruments and sing holiday songs to the students as they enter the building on the last days before the Holiday Break.
We also appreciate families who help keep communication flowing—sending in notes, updating dismissal plans, and responding quickly to forms or reminders. Your partnership allows us to focus on keeping the school day running safely and efficiently for everyone.
As we close out the calendar year, we want to thank our staff, students, and families for all they do to make Brewerton Elementary a warm and welcoming community.
Here’s to a joyful December and a wonderful start to the new year!
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12/1 REV Tour visits grade 5
4-H visits Mrs. Lewis & Mrs. Strader's classes
12/4 Grade 2 Field Trip
12/8 Report Cards are available to view
12/9 3rd grade Science Investigation
12/9 Brewerton Winter Concert at the High School at 7pm (Band and Chorus students arrive at 6:30. Student who participate in both groups will report to Mrs. Love first in the chorus room.)
12/10 Volunteers will help set up the Bazaar;6pm
12/11 PTO Holiday Bazaar for students
12/12 (Snowdate for Holiday Bazaar)
12/15 -12/19 Holiday Spirit Week
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