Announcements


There is NO SCHOOL Monday or Tuesday, February 19th and 20th due to President's Day! We will see students back at school on Wednesday, February 21st!
**FYI: Brooklyn has had two snow days and currently the last day of school is on Friday, June 14th. That will change if we have additional school cancellations!
Have a wonderful weekend!



New Preschool and Kindergarten Age Requirements
The Connecticut General Statutes have changed and there is a new requirement for the starting age for kindergarten.
1. Children MUST turn 5 on or before September 1st to enroll in kindergarten
2. Some families may believe that even though their child is underage, their child is ready for kindergarten this September 2024. If a guardian would like to submit a waiver they may do so to have their child assessed for consideration of
underage enrollment. Waivers must be requested by March 15, 2024. Waivers will be considered but will be given only when there is evidence that it is warranted.
Press this link to request a waiver.
3. Preschool students must turn 3 on or before September 1st in order to be enrolled in preschool beginning in the school year 2024-25.
Resources: Shared information from the Office of Early Childhood Education Brooklyn Kindergarten Age Protocol




The 2024-25 budget process will begin 1/3/2024!
Follow the progress on our website (follow the link to the Board of Education Budget Planning Information Tab).


Veterans Day


Brooklyn Public Schools

Message from the Superintendent
November 1, 2023
Please find the full letter here
1. Congratulations Student Athletes:
Facebook Link
2. Brooklyn Cares Community Center
and
Access Agency Resources
3. Superintendent Search Survey Link


Announcement from Patricia Buell, Superintendent

Dear Brooklyn Families,

I wanted to make you aware of an announcement that I have discussed with the Brooklyn Board of Education and with the staff of the Brooklyn Public Schools.  

This is my 35th year as an educator and I have had an amazing career.  I intend to retire at the end of the school year.  In order to plan a smooth transition, the Board of Education and I have agreed to make this announcement now so that the Board of Education has time to hire an agency to conduct the search for the next superintendent.  

I will retire in June of 2024 and will cherish my last year as an educator and look forward to a year filled with hard work, accomplishments of our students and staff, and will communicate with you as the Board of Education moves forward to hire the next Superintendent for the Brooklyn Public Schools.  

It has been my pleasure to serve the Brooklyn Community.  Please find the attached announcement.  

Sincerely,

Patti Buell

Retirement June 2024.pdf 



Brooklyn Public Schools

Will have early dismissal due to excessive heat on:
Wednesday, September 7, 2023
Thursday, September 8, 2023
Friday, September 9, 2023
Dismissal is at 12:45 and there will be no afternoon preschool.

Early Dismissal Time: 12:45
Early dismissals are scheduled for
September 1
November 7, 22
March 21
May 15
Last Day of School (currently 6/12)



Brooklyn Public Schools

Teacher of the Year Press Release

Superintendent Mrs. Buell is proud to announce Ms. Natalie Geeza has been selected as the Brooklyn Public Schools’ 2023 Teacher of the Year!  Ms. Geeza is the 7th grade geography teacher at Brooklyn Middle School.

Natalie’s nominations included many wonderful accolades including:  Natalie is an exceptional person, teacher and colleague. She puts in countless hours to prepare current and relatable lessons for all of her students. Natalie's number one priority is always her students which includes physical, emotional, and educational learning for all students.  Ms. Geeza was nominated by her peers and selected from the committee of previous Teachers of the Year!  

 

Nominations included comments about Natalie's community outreach with her Suto field trip for students to sample foods from regions they studied.  This is a great way to bring learning alive for her students! She has connected with Creamery Brook to create a cookbook, and has invited guests in to share their experiences of coming to the US from another country.  These lessons bring to life the challenges that people face as they become citizens and remind us of the honor we have of being born citizens of the United States of America.

 

Natalie facilitates the GSA club after school and this summer, she will be traveling to Israel to teach English to elementary students.  This is such a wonderful opportunity and we wish her the best!

Principal Mrs. Tamsin, Board Member Mrs. Burgess, Ms. Geeza, Board Chair Mrs. Lyons and Assistant Principal Mr. Bender were in the room when the announcement was made.  Students could be heard loudly cheering for their teacher, Ms. Geeza as the announcement was made and her teammate was jumping in celebration when she heard the announcement.  We are very proud of Ms. Geeza as she will represent Brooklyn in the State Teacher of the Year program and wish her a wonderful year!  Please join me in congratulating Ms. Natalie Geeza for being recognized as Brooklyn’s Teacher of the Year!


The Brooklyn Board of Education has approved a budget for the 2023-24 school year.  Please feel free to send questions to [email protected]


March 14th:  Due to the bad weather of snow and heavy winds, we will be dismissed early from school today.  There will be no afternoon preschool.  Our dismissal time is 12:45.  This should allow all students and staff to get home before the brunt of the storm hits.  Be safe and enjoy the afternoon.  There is a. possibility depending on the cleanup from the storm that we could have a delay tomorrow.  If that happens I will announce it tomorrow morning.  Have a nice day.   




Snow day Video Message
Snow Day 23' Video

Thank you:  on Guitar:  Mr. Osborn
Second Row:  Mrs. Toth, Mrs. Caruso, Mrs. Graef, Mrs. Tamsin
Back Row:  Mr. Weaver,  Mr. Bender,  Mrs. Buell





Parent Communication:  Letter dated February 25, 2023
School Calendar 2022-23
School Calendar 2023-24



PTO GOLF TOURNAMENT:  May 21, 2023!
PTO Golf Tournament

2023 PTO golf sponsor letter revised.pdf


Brooklyn Residents:

Residency Tipline


860-465-7345

We are very proud of the Brooklyn Public Schools and the programming offered to our residents.  At times there are people who report that they reside in Brooklyn but may not actually live here.  This impacts our ability to provide the best services to the residents of Brooklyn.  There are times when a student who lives in another town may be utilizing resources that should be spent on those children who do live in town.  

We need your assistance!  Please call the anonymous tipline above.  



We have an independent investigator who will receive and respond to calls.  

You will be asked to leave a message with as many details as possible.  

They will maintain confidentiality and you may remain anonymous.  

Thank you for your assistance with this matter. 




NECC Brooklyn


Parent Notice 10/26/2022

This morning a sighting was reported to me.  It was seen at the end of Gorman Road.  There are no pictures. It was seen crossing the road.

Mountain Lion Sighting in Brooklyn

10/26/2022  approximately 6:00AM

DEEP:

  • DEEP stated that there are no confirmed sightings of a mountain lion in CT.  

What the school should do with recess and after-school athletic events:

  • Make your presence known (the noise of students playing will deter them)

  • We could hang scent deterrents

    • Use an absorbent cloth soaked in ammonia, vinegar, or bleach around the perimeter where the outdoor activities are

If you should see a mountain lion you should:

  • Make yourself big

  • Don’t turn and run, it might encourage them to chase you

  • Make noise

  • Throw things at them

  • Do not make yourself an easy target

If you should see an animal that should be reported to DEEP, take a photo so their biologist and confirm the animal and email it to [email protected]




Brooklyn Public Schools
2022-2023
K Camp 22
Mr. Weaver, Mrs. Greaf and Brooklyn Bear welcome students and families

BMS Welcome Back
Mrs. Tamsin and Mr. Bender welcome students and families.

PTO President
PTO President Mr. Chenail 8/2022 Welcomes families to K Camp


During the transition back to normal school operations in school year 2022-2023, EASTCONN Food Services has opted into the School Meals Assistance Revenue for Transition (SMART) funds providing meals (breakfast and lunch) at no cost for all students at the beginning of the school year.  Please note that meals at no cost to all students are unlikely to last all year and are subject to the availability of district funds.  Since the availability of meals at no cost will expire when all funds have been expended, it is critical that households submit a free and reduced-priced meal application as soon as possible to determine a student's eligibility for this school year and avoid unpaid meal charges.

2022-2023 Application for Free & Reduced-priced School Meals or Free Milk

Parent Letter:  Free and Reduced lunch frequently asked questions

Information on SNAP

Husky Health Information

 



Important Dates




https://transparency.connecticare.com/

Transparency in Coverage Rule

Machine-Readable files

This link leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.

Brooklyn's Triennial Assessment &
Scorecard


Brooklyn Public Schools
2021-2022

Our sympathies go out to the
18 children and one adult
who were victims of a
school shooting in Texas. 

Please be sure to monitor the media that you and your children witness and be aware of the possible impact it may have on you.
Resources are listed for your information and the school will support students and staff who need additional support. 

1. talking_to_children_about_the_shooting.pdf

2. Guidelines-Talking-to-Kids-About-Attacks-Two-Sided-Onesheet-Format.pdf

3. Resources Addressing Trauma Violence and Grief in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting (2).pdf

4. letter about Texas shooting.pdf

Please take care of yourself and each other!



There will be an early dismissal at 12:45
Wednesday, March 9, 2022


There will be no school
Friday, February 25, 2022



January 31, 2022
Brooklyn will have a two hour delay!
There will be no morning preschool classes.  
Offices will open time.



January 7, 2022
Snow Day Message
Snow Day Video



Letter to Families and Staff 1/3/2022
Spanish Letter to Families and Staff 1/3/2022
Memo from Department of Public Health



Quick Update and COVID and Return to School
Happy New Year, See you on 1/3/2022
Spanish Version of Memo 1/3/2022



There is NO SPECIFIC THREAT to Brooklyn Schools.  We will continue to be on alert.  
Follow up Letter about Threat 
Translated copy of Follow up Letter about Threat 
Thank you Troop D and Trooper Corradi for your presence at Brooklyn Public Schools



COVID Update 11/12/21
Spanish COVID Update 11/12/21



COVID Number Update 10/12/21
Spanish COVID Number Update 10/12/21



Emergency Broadband Benefits for Families
Shared via school messenger 9/26/21



Updated Quarantine Guidance

September 14, 2021

The Connecticut Department of Public Health and Connecticut State Department of Education released an updated version of Addendum 5. You can read the full document that is linked.  Attached is a copy of the updated LLHD decision tree for COVID-19 scenarios in schools based off of this guidance. The decision tree has been reviewed and approved by our medical advisor. Please note that the decision tree is meant as a guide for school administrators and school nurses and will not cover all COVID scenarios, so please refer to Addendum 5.

 

Update: Brooklyn will follow guidance allowing students to return to school after 7 days of quarantine with a documented negative test result taken no earlier than day 5.  We ask parents to continue to monitor symptoms days 8-14 and if symptoms develop, isolate immediately and contact their health care provider.

 

Athletics and extracurricular activities:  Individuals directed to self-quarantine are excluded from participation in team athletics or other group extracurricular activities for a full 14 days. This period may be shortened to 10 days with a negative COVID-19 test collected at day 8 of quarantine or later, with continued daily symptom monitoring for days 11-14. If symptoms develop, the individual should self-isolate immediately.

 

 Brooklyn Public Schools do not accept home tests. Anyone reporting a positive test of any kind will be excluded from school. Students involved in quarantine situations will not be excluded from quarantine unless they had a lab-confirmed positive test in the past 90 days (or are fully vaccinated and remain asymptomatic). Remember that it is not appropriate to go to the emergency room for a COVID test. Testing near Brooklyn can be found on the 211 Website: https://www.211ct.org/search?terms=COVID-19%20Diagnostic%20Tests&page=1&location=brooklyn%2C%20CT&taxonomy_code=11048&service_area=brooklyn 


Brooklyn Public Schools Positive Case

September 7, 2021

Connecticut COVID-19 Response

Northeast District Department of Health

COVID Testing Q&ACOVID Testing Locator

Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff,

This letter is to inform you that we have a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID “case” at Brooklyn Elementary School.  Due to the new guidelines, we do not need to quarantine the entire class or the entire bus.  We are quarantining classmates who are “contacts”, individuals who were within three feet of the positive case in the classroom for more than 15 minutes.  We will quarantine students on the bus who are within six feet for more than 15 minutes.  These guidelines apply even when wearing a mask.  We currently have a handful of students in the class and on the bus who need to be quarantined.   **Parents of these children have already been contacted by the school nurse to explain the quarantine expectations.

Individuals who have come in close contact with the positive individual could have been potentially exposed on September 1, 2021 and will need to remain quarantined until 10 days after last exposure. (September 1+10 days= September 11). Individuals in quarantine are able to return to school September 13, 2021. If your child is a "contact" you will receive a call from the school nurse directly.

This year we do not have distance learning teachers and we will rely on students and families accessing work through various portals at both BES and BMS.  If you have questions about the work, please contact the classroom teacher by email.  If you have any difficulty, please contact the school administrator to assist you.  

School Nurses:  COVID-19 testing is recommended approximately 5 days after last exposure. If your child goes for testing or develops symptoms during their quarantine, please contact your school nurse to notify them of this information.  BES nurse’s email  or 860-774-4618.  BMS nurse’s email or 860-774-1498.  The school nurses and administrators remain current on the latest guidance and can respond to questions related to contact tracing and quarantining.

Thank you for your continued support to keep students in school for in-person learning.  We need your ongoing support to monitor students at home before sending them to school and keeping them home if they have symptoms.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse.  

Sincerely,    

Patricia L. Buell

Superintendent


Brooklyn Hybrid Open House Plans

September 6, 2021
Dear Parents,  

I hope that you are well and enjoying a wonderful Labor Day weekend!  We have had a great start to the school year.  It is wonderful to have the students back to school!

Next week we are planning our Open House events for families.  We have decided to create a hybrid Open House opportunity.  We will meet with families outside so no need to wear a mask but you are welcome to do so if you wish.  It will also provide the opportunity to create more space and have the benefit of being outside which is helpful for reduced virus transmission.  Each teacher or team of teachers will record a short welcome video to show you their classroom and some of the unique features of their classrooms.  The purpose of open house is to meet your child’s teachers and see their classrooms and this will meet that objective in person and for those who are unable to attend, they will be able to still virtually meet the teacher and see the room.

Open House Dates and PTO Back to School BBQ

Brooklyn Middle School, Wednesday, September 8th 4:30-5:30 PM

 

Brooklyn Elementary School, Thursday, September 9th 6:00-7:00 PM

 

The PTO Welcome Back BBQ is on Thursday, September 9th from 5:00-6:00 PM

The PTO will be selling Brooklyn Spirit Wear and typically special treats like cotton candy but will be serving supper at no cost.  Children enjoy this time to play outside and visit with their friends.  

As we continue to be aware of COVID virus, please be aware of the people you and your family spend time with in the event that someone should test positive for COVID.  We know that the Delta variant is highly contagious and now there is another new variant.  We currently have two school-aged children who have tested positive.  There was no need to quarantine as these students did not come to school.  I just want you to be aware!  There is definitely less risk outside but please be aware.  The standard for considering who a contact is would be within six feet for more than 15 minutes.  See you this week at our open houses or visit your classroom teachers online by the end of the week.

Sincerely,

Patricia L. Buell





Updated Resources

Brooklyn's
Continuity of Services Plan Rev. 8/2021

State Department of Education
Fall Mitigation Strategies


State Department of Education 
FAQ Vaccinations











Brooklyn Announcement
Early dismissal Monday and Tuesday
 Letter to families
Spanish Letter to families


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Continuity of Services Plan Parent Information
Parent Meeting to Discuss Continuity of Services Plan
Spanish Parent Meeting to Discuss Continuity of Services Plan

Thursday, May 27th 4:00PM and 7:00PM  

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Another Positive COVID-19 Case
Positive Case 5/21/21
SPANISH: Positive Case 5/21/2021


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Parent letters about End of the Year and Budget
Spanish letter about End of the Year
**To Review Documents from the
State Department of Education
regarding the end of the school year use this link**

Budget Information for 2021-22 can be found here.


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Parent letters about School Climate Surveys (with links)
Budget Documents
Food Distribution
 
BES Parent Survey April 2021 (1).pdf
BMS Parent Survey April 2021 (1).pdf

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Another Positive COVID-19 Case
Positive Case 3/28/21
SPANISH: Positive Case 3/28/2021

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Schedule Changes and Travel Advisory

Letter 3/25/2021
SPANISH Letter 3/25/2021

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New COVID-19 Case

Please continue to follow mitigation strategies.  We now have six people who have tested positive over the last six days.  Five who are in our schools and one who is part of our distance learning community.  Please continue to remain diligent and be safe! 

 Quarantine Bus 7
 Spanish Bus 7 Quarantine

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Two New COVID-19 Cases

COVID-19 Cases 3/11/2021
SPANISH COVID-19 Cases 3/11/2021

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School Update 2/25/2021

Change to In-Person Learning 3/8/21
Change to In-Person Learning 3/8/21,Spanish

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School Update 2/24/2021

Update to Families
Update to Families/Spanish

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COVID-19 Update 2/4/2021

COVID Update
COVID Update/Spanish

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COVID-19 Update 1/24/2021

COVID Update
COVID Update/Spanish

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COVID-19 Update 1/15/2021

COVID Update
COVID Update/Spanish

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COVID-19 Update 1/13/2021

 COVID Update
COVID Update/Spanish

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COVID-19 Update 1/8/2021

 Two New Cases and Ten Contacts
Two New Cases and Ten Contacts/Spanish

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COVID-19 Update 1/7/2021

New Cases and Contacts
New Cases and Contacts/Spanish

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COVID-19 Update 1/6/2021

COVID-19 Numbers
COVID-19 Numbers/Spanish

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January Hybrid Plan 2021

January Reminder
January Reminder/Spanish

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December 22, 2020
Final message of 2020
 December 22, 2020 Update
 December 22, 2020 Update, Spanish
COVID19-CTquarantineguidance12-16-20v2.pdf


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January Hybrid Plan 2021

 January Hybrid Plan
January Hybrid Plan/Spanish

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Update about Brooklyn Learning Plans
Distance learning until 12/11/2020
New hybrid model begins 12/14/2020
Updated Learning Plan Information 12_4_2020.pdf
Proposed Hybrid for Brooklyn Public Schools 12_4_2020.pdf
Translated copy of Updated Learning Plan Information 12_4_2020.pdf
Translated copy of Proposed Hybrid for Brooklyn Public Schools 12_4_2020.pdf

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Brooklyn Schools Distance Learning Plan
Revised 11/23/20
and
Notice To Pivot to Distance Learning
BPS Distance Learning Plan
Updated Letter to Families
Spanish Updated Letter to Families

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November 18 - Letter to Parents
Updated Letter to Families
Spanish Updated Letter to Families 

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November 14 - Letter to Parents
Letter to Families about COVID-19 Case
Spanish Letter to Families COVID Case in the Brooklyn School 

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November 13 - Letter to Parents
Notice of Positive COVID-19 Case
Spanish Letter to Families Positive COVID-19 Case

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November 11 - Letter to Parents
Notice of Positive COVID-19 Case
Spanish Letter to Families Positive COVID-19 Case

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October 16 - Letter to Parents
Letter to families October 16, 2020
Spanish Letter to families - October 16, 2020
COVID Decision Making Web

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October 5 - Letter to Parents
Letter to families October 5, 2020.pdf

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Sept. 24 - Letter to Parents
Letter to Families September 24, 2020 PDF
Translated copy of Letter to Families September 24, 2020 PDF
Chromebook Insurance Policy PDF
Translated copy of Chromebook Insurance Policy PDF

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Sept. 18 - Letter to Parents
 Brooklyn Public Schools' Reopening Update
 Survey Link

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Aug. 17 update - Hybrid Start Documents
Brooklyn Public Schools Reopening Update.pdf
Actualización de reapertura de las escuelas públicas de Brooklyn.pdf
Middle School Drop Off and Pick Up - Hybrid.pdf

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Fall 2020 - Hybrid Start Documents

2020-2021 School Calendar.pdf
Reopening Letter to Families.pdf
Carta a las familias.pdf
Hybrid Model Notice.pdf

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Letter to Parents August 2, 2020
Letter to Families August 2, 2020.pdf
Spanish Letter to Families August 2, 2020.pdf

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Covid video pict
Covid Symptoms Announcement
School Nurses

July 2020

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Draft - Brooklyn Schools Reopening Plan
July 2020
Draft Brooklyn Schools Reopening Plan

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BOE 2020-2021 Budget - 05-26-2020
BOE Budget - One page Summary.pdf
BOE Budget 2020-2021 - Complete Workbook.pdf


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Brooklyn Distance Learning Handbook
Brooklyn's Distance Learning Handbook.pdf

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School safety is important!  Please help us!

Please remember to bring photo identification to enter the building!


Please read the notice below to learn what we are doing to
keep your children and our students safe!

School Safety Notice (2).pdf
Translated copy of School Safety Notice-Spanish (4).pdf

Thank you for your help!