Dear BRMS:

It has been a great start to the school year at BRMS.  We are looking forward to our first full week of school when we return on Monday.  Our students have settled into their daily routines, and our  fifth grade students are feeling confident as they have adjusted quickly to their new school.

On Wednesday, we began our weekly advisory groups known as NEST.   5th grade students were introduced to their NEST leaders and the members of their new group.  Students will be in the same NEST group for the entire four years that they are at BRMS.  Each week our NEST groups will be engaged in a guided discussion that will be focused on a specific topic.   Previous topics include bullying prevention, celebrations, mental well-being, and black history.   Our annual culminating NEST event is the BRMS Parking Lot Grand Prix!  Below is some information about the goal of our advisory groups:

BRMS NEST Advisory

Vision Statement:  To achieve a more cohesive and equitable school community for all students. 

Goal: To create fifth through eighth grade advisory groups that recover and reconnect our whole school community at BRMS. 

Rationale: When properly facilitated, an advisory period can be a time for the authentic relationship and community building that students need to feel safe and supported in their schools. School must be relevant and engaging to adolescents before they will make an effort to do what schools ask of them (Learning for Justice).   “A homeroom or advisory at the start of the day, when properly structured to meet adolescent needs, can promote social development, assist students in their academic programs, facilitate positive involvement among teachers, administrators, and students, and provide adult advocacy and a positive climate in the school community.” (Middle Grades Research Journal, Fall 2011, page 148).

Please remember that Wednesday Sept. 10th is our first early release day of the school year.   All students will arrive home two hours earlier than their normal time.  

Have a great weekend.  

Kevin

Find our SPIRIT WEAR link HERE to purchase Browns River Middle School Gear.  This supports fundraising for our Browns River Parent Group BRAG.

Please let Greg Martin (5/6 school counselor) or Jenn Wisniowski (7/8 school counselor) know if you might be interested in being a coach here at BRMS for Girls on the Run or Heart and Sole which would take place in the Spring.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is: grades 5-6 or grade 5 team at BRMS

• A physical activity based positive youth development program designed for girls in grades 3-5/5-6

• Programming that helps girls build confidence, increase physical activity, and develop essential life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflicts, and forming friendships

• A unique blend of fun physical activities, engaging lessons, and a meaningful community project
  
  

Heart & Sole (H&S) is: grades 7-8 or grades 6-8 team at BRMS

• H&S is designed for participants in grades 6-8/7-8. 

• Committed to the “whole girl” and the development of a positive sense of self or identity for each girl by addressing body, brain, heart, spirit, and social connection 

• Programming that helps build critical life skills such as team building, developing a support system, boundary setting, decision making, positively impacting others, and asking for/giving help

2026 Season Snapshot:

• Coach registration opens November 5, 2025 (need 3 coaches)

• Participant registration opens Wednesday, February 18, 2026

• Our season begins the week of March 16, 2026

• Essex 5K Celebration: Saturday, May 30th 

• Volunteer coaches complete a background check and training provided by GOTRVT

• Financial assistance is available to participants; we are committed to working with the family to make participation possible

• Participants will receive a journal, cinch sack, water bottle and t-shirt, and life-long lessons