RIVER RAIDER

Dear BRMS Families:

Last night over 100 of our students participated in the Spectrum Sleep Out in solidarity with homeless young adults in Vermont. These courageous students slept outside for one night to raise money to help keep Spectrum’s doors open for the next young adult looking for help.  This year our students raised over $31,000.00 for this cause.  I am proud of all of your students who participated in this event and thankful for all of the generous support from our families.  WPTZ was here today to talk to some of our students and we encourage you to look for that story on the local news this weekend.  Our participation in this event started several years ago and has turned into an annual tradition at our school that has grown tremendously since that first year.  A special thanks to Greg Martin and Kate Roberge for inspiring our community to take on this challenge and making it such a meaningful event.  

Our volleyball team will be wrapping up their schedule in the next few weeks.  We are looking forward to starting our spring sports season in April with baseball and softball for 7th and 8th Grade students and track club for all students.   Students can sign up for these activities during their physical education classes.  We have scheduled our first 5/6 after school party for Friday, April 15th.   BRAG will be providing more details in the coming weeks.

Happy Spring!!!

Kevin

From the Guidance Office:

Spectrum Student Sleep Out Speech, 3/24 7:00pm - Virtual Google Pep Rally

Several years ago I invited a local leader to speak to  my guidance class.  Quite interestingly, as she entered the room she didn’t say a word. That definitely caught everyone’s attention. She simply walked over to the white board and wrote this: “EVERYONE WANTS TO SAVE THE WORLD, BUT NO ONE WANTS TO HELP DO THE DISHES.”  We all laughed. But then she went on to say this to my students:

Statistically it’s highly unlikely that any of you will ever have the opportunity to run into a burning orphanage and rescue an infant. But in the smallest gesture of kindness - - a warm smile, holding the door for the person behind you, shoveling the driveway of the elderly person next door - - you have committed an act of immeasurable wisdom and depth because to each of us, our life is our universe. 

-Adaptation

As I reflect upon this story I feel the need to respectfully disagree with this person's viewpoint as it relates to each and everyone of you.  The money you’ve raised (over $30,000 this year) goes directly to Spectrum, which in turn,  does save lives!  You have directly helped keep a Vermont teenager off the street tonight. You have directly provided a warm meal for a young person who hasn’t eaten today. You have directly given someone struggling to meet their basic needs “HOPE!”  Hope that people care and hope that they can remain safe and hope for their future!  So, Browns River Middle School, you are saving lives AND making a huge difference in our community.  

In my 14 years here at this amazing school never have we had a group of students raise as much money for helping others as what you have done this and last year.  The last two years you have raised over $50,000 and since we started this fundraiser, BRMS students are closing in on raising close to $100,000 for Spectrum.  I think it says that there’s a LOT young people can do to change the world for the better.

I try to watch the news (& Jeopardy) most nights.  I’m constantly bombarded by the problems, issues and reminders of what’s wrong with the world and society (war, environmental tragedies, and suffering).  As I continue to get older, I feel secure knowing that people do really care for one another.  I feel pride in your accomplishments in making a difference for others.  I can sleep well at night (maybe not tonight, but most nights) knowing that the world we are leaving you is in such capable and caring hands.  We just can’t thank you enough;  you, your parents, your teachers, your Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Friends, the Community Bank, our parent group- BRAG, Ramunto’s Pizza, Ms. Roberge, Mr. Hamilton, Mark Redmond and Spectrum - Everyone who has contributed to this and donated their time, money and resources!   

Be Well, Sleep Well, and Take Care of Yourself and Others Always. 

Good Night- 

Mr. Martin

Click the link below to watch some of the students at BRMS share why they will be participating in the Spectrum Sleep Out:

BRMS MUSIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:

5 & 6 Grade Spring Concert: April 28 @7pm

7 & 8 Grade Spring Concert: May 3 @7pm

6 - 8 Grade STRINGS TRIP TO MMU April 5 from 9 - 12:30 (lunch at MMU!)

ATTENTION all  BRMS Chorus, String and Band musicians!

Please be sure to order your performance shirts before April 1st.

HERE is the link to the online store to purchase concert attire.

After school fiddling workshops with Laura Markowitz = Thursday April 14th

for all viola and violin players !!! Register here

The BRMS 5/6 Party is BACK!!

The 5/6 Party (a pre-COVID tradition) is back! Friday, April 15 from 2:45-4:30pm.

What is the 5/6 Party? An after-school event for 5th & 6th grade students. 

There will be music, games, and prizes in the cafeteria. The gym will be open for basketball. And, if the weather’s nice, we’ll open the doors for outdoor space too!  

Browns River Action Group (BRAG), the parent teacher organization at BRMS, helps promote student self-esteem, supports school staff, and assists in efforts to solve school needs through volunteering and fundraising. 

Interested in joining? Email us at brmsbrag@mmuusd.org