NewStudentAcademicOnboarding
Due by June 6:
Course selection form: use this form to choose your language, arts, and athletics courses. (see descriptions beginning on page 3)
Honors English essay (optional): if you wish to be considered for Honors English. (page 8)
To Do This Summer:
WISC Testing: have your student complete a WISC by an outside provider and share the results with Meadowbrook. (page 10)
Technology: equip your student with a laptop for school use, according to the school’s guidelines. (page 12)
Still to Come from Meadowbrook:
Summer Work for English, math, and language (if needed)
Front Office forms to complete
Login info to MyMeadowbrook
Health Office forms to complete
AdvisoryProgram
As your child prepares to join our middle school community, we’re excited to welcome them into our advisory program a yearlong experience designed to provide strong support during this important transition.
Advisory in 6th grade is intentionally structured to build connection and belonging. Beginning in 7th grade, students move into mixed-grade advisories that include both 7th and 8th graders. For now, our focus is on finding the best possible fit for each new middle school student as they begin this new chapter.
To help us with the placement process, we invite you to share any thoughts with us about specific needs that your student may have. Your insights are invaluable as we thoughtfully consider how to create the most supportive advisory experience for each student. If you have insight to share, please use the two optional questions within the course selection survey.
Advisory placements will be confirmed in August, and your child’s advisor will reach out over the summer to introduce themselves.
ArtsCourses
Welcome to the Meadowbrook Middle School Arts program! Throughout the year, all students will participate in their class play as an actor and/or maker, and two (7th grade) or three (6th grade) arts courses. Students rank all of the art offerings based on their interests, and every effort is made to give students their top choices. Please note that instrumental music courses require prior experience playing an instrument.
Course offerings are subject to change. While we aim to offer a wide range of arts courses each year, please know that offerings may shift. Some courses may not run due to student interest or scheduling constraints
PERFORMINGARTS:
If you play an instrument or sing, there are many opportunities to join a band In these ensembles, students explore the art of music through collaborative efforts. Students have the option to learn how to play an existing song or to write their own song. Regardless of their choice, students learn how to play their individual part and discover how it functions in the band as a whole.
ROCK BAND This group focuses on modern rock and pop songs and can include both rock instrumentation and classical instruments.
JAZZ BAND This group focuses on playing jazz standards and developing improvisation skills.
CHAMBER ENSEMBLE This group focuses on classical and orchestral music and traditional classical instruments. ** This class requires advanced skill and prior experience
SONGWRITING AND DIGITAL MUSIC PRODUCTION In this class we will explore the work of popular songwriters, producers, engineers and musicians We will discover and learn all parts of this process from generating a creative song idea to collaborating with other musicians, orchestrating (choosing the instruments or beat of) the song, and understanding the science of acoustics and digital recording technology
INTRODUCTION TO FILM & BROADCAST MEDIA (Grade 6) Our introduction to Film class exposes students to the basic elements of filmmaking, including script writing, filming, and editing. Through a series of projects including PSAs, How-to's, Conversations, and News Features, students explore in depth how to tell stories using basic filmmaking tenants including rule of thirds, types of shots (wide, medium, tight), angles, and shot balance Students have the opportunity to handle a video camera and direct the action. They learn how to edit their movies using Adobe Premiere software.
FILM & BROADCAST MEDIA (7th Grade) With Meadowbrook’s broadcast studio, students will produce live and taped Meadowbrook Minute+ news broadcasts, incorporating elements of news anchoring, journalism, studio and booth directing, and scripting, as well as all the lighting, sound, and video engineering involved in producing a news broadcast program. Building on filmmaking skills learned in 6th Grade, students will create original content for the shows, including news package stories, PSAs (Public Service Announcements), 1-minute silent films, music videos, and more. The class uses Canon XA cameras for filming and a combination of Final Cut and Adobe Premiere for editing. (Film 1 (6th Grade) is not a prerequisite to take this class.)
VISUALARTS
3D DRAWING & DESIGN Unlock the world of creativity and design in our exciting class on 3D drawing and two-point perspective! Discover the art of architectural visualization and illusion creation and develop essential skills in spatial understanding and perspective drawing techniques used by professionals. Unleash your imagination and master the techniques behind stunning 3D drawings and captivating illusions!
DRAWING/PAINTING This class is designed to help students develop fundamental drawing and painting skills and to teach them to approach the art of drawing and painting with greater clarity and understanding. Specific creative elements will be emphasized in class, such as sketching, line quality, contrast, value, composition, perspective, color mixing and the creation of depth Students will learn to apply these elements to their own work during each class and in a final comprehensive assignment.
ART TECH Learn to use the tools in the eurekaLab, and then make your own art designs with them. Use graphic design programs to create original art for 2D laser cutting in wood and acrylic, 3D printing in plastic, vinyl stickers, full color posters, basic electronics, and more!
FIBER ARTS Students will be introduced to using fibers and fabrics: namely sewing, embroidery, crocheting, and felting. Hand sewing with needle and thread will be the first project. Proper use of sewing machines and the embroidery machine will be taught. Students will learn to follow a pattern to make a piece of clothing. They will explore the embroidery patterns on the sewing machines using various stitch patterns. Crocheting with yarn and needles will be introduced, and basic stitches taught for creating a simple handmade project. Students will learn to safely work with felting needles to create a stuffed character of their own design Optionally, sewable electronics and LED lights can be incorporated into any of these projects.
GENERATIVE ART USING COMPUTER PROGRAMMING Students will create their own original graphic art designs using the javascript computer programming language with P5JS libraries. No prior knowledge of computer programming or graphic design is necessary. You will use your computer to make designs with color, geometric shapes, movement and
repeating patterns. You will create static and moving artwork, which can be printed on the poster printer or used as video. Generative art can be interactive as well, taking input from people so that it is different each time, and can be controlled by knobs, push buttons, sliders, and more. This is a great introduction to computer programming for those who appreciate visual artwork, repeating patterns, mosaic designs, and want to explore their creative side
WOODWORKING The woodworking class is designed to teach students the fundamental skills and concepts needed to better understand the building process. Hand tools and power tools will be used by the students to design and create projects during class. Safety and the proper use of tools will be strongly emphasized in class as well as the promotion of the use of a building plan. Taking accurate measurements, using proper tool technique, and paying attention to finishing details are a few of the many concepts that will be stressed in class.
CERAMICS Students will work on independent projects within given themes To spark their imaginations, they will be provided examples of mosaic, functional and decorative work that depict realistic and abstract approaches. A variety of introductory projects will be developed by the teacher and the class will culminate in a student designed piece
PRINTMAKING Printmaking is the process of creating art by transferring an image from one surface to another. Images can be created with stencils, carved blocks (rubber, linoleum, or wood), cardboard, resist, and then normally transferred to paper, but also on fabric, metal, wood, ceramic, and other surfaces. Traditional printmaking uses images created by hand, but with some techniques, digital images may also be used.
Except in the case of monotype, all printmaking processes have the capacity to produce identical multiples of the same artwork, which is called a print. Each print produced is considered an "original" work of art, not a copy Printmaking techniques explored during this class will include silk screen, block printing with carved wood, rubber, linoleum, gelli printing (using resist), embossing (which presses a texture plate into paper). These techniques can be used to print on t-shirts, bags, wood, ceramic, paper, etc We will experiment not only with various techniques, but with printing surfaces and combining multiple images and techniques.
FallSports
Every effort will be made to make sure each student gets their first sport choice Every student has the option of changing sports during the first week of the season. If a student decides to play a sport with a tryout and the student goes through the tryout process, the student will not be allowed to switch sports after teams are posted. Games/matches/meets are typically played on Wednesdays and Fridays. Practices are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, ending at 4:20 p.m.
SOCCER
Teams will be determined after tryouts which will occur at the start of the season. Depending on numbers, players will be placed on varsity or junior varsity team.
CROSS COUNTRY
Competitive long distance running team.
VOLLEYBALL
Competitive volleyball team.
WAIVER
Meadowbrook does not offer waiver study hall. Any students granted a waiver must be picked up at 3:10 carline daily Only one waiver per academic year per student can be granted. Any student interested in applying for a sports waiver must email Mr. Gabs (mgabellieri@meadowbrook-ma.org) to receive a waiver form. All waiver inquiries must be made by August 1.
Language
New students at Meadowbrook have the opportunity to continue a language studied in his or her previous school or begin a new one. Sixth and seventh graders beginning a new language may be given materials to use during the summer in order to help make the transition as seamless as possible.
This choice is critical because it involves a strong multi-year commitment that allows for greater incorporation of culture, development of language skills and, in the big picture, readiness for secondary school. Students have the opportunity to choose from the following languages:
SPANISH
LATIN FRENCH
MANDARIN
The choice provides students with some combination of the following:
● A chance to begin a new language
● Continuation of current language study
● Classical exposure and understanding of Roman culture
● Fluency in a spoken language and broader cultural awareness
● An opportunity to specialize
● Understanding of English word origin and strengthened vocabulary
● Facility with non-English language spoken across our country
● Opportunity to study a language with different characters
All of the languages offer intense instruction, and most students who complete the middle school sequence will be ready for Level 2 or 3 of their language should they continue in high school. We will make every effort to place each student in his or her first or second choice of language. As always, please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
For more information, contact:
Sara Rigelhaupt Chair, Middle School Language Department srigelhaupt@meadowbrook-ma.org
HonorsEnglish(optional)
Dear Parents of New Middle School Students,
In the middle school English program at Meadowbrook, at each grade level we currently have several excellent regular English sections and an honors section. To join the honors section, a student must have strong scholarship skills in writing, reading, and thinking. We would also like honors students to have the desire to be in a group that is committed to in-depth study. We try to foster a love for this academic endeavor in the honors program, while at the same time asking more of its students.
We hope that students, with their families and their teachers, can reflect on this endeavor and have a conversation about it. The idea is to find the place that best serves each student’s needs and appropriately challenges the individual.
The criteria for an honors student include strong aptitude in English, a stellar work ethic and study skills, and a love for writing and literature. Students in the honors course should possess a genuine curiosity and interest; we would like them to want to be in honors. They will be expected to actively participate in the group and learn from one another, while also stretching themselves individually. The honors class sometimes also gives slightly more homework, with a limit of 45 minutes per night as opposed to 30 minutes in the other sections.
We are asking students to reflect on the honors program and its demands; if they feel a desire to undertake this challenge, we would like them to submit an essay explaining why they would like to do so.
In one typed double-spaced page, we are asking that interested students answer the question: Why do you want to be in an honors English class?
This supplemental essay is due by Friday, June 6th to the English department. Students should submit their essay to Ms. Wood via e-mail. (swood@meadowbrook-ma.org).
This essay, combined with ISEE/SSAT scores and a 45-minute placement exam that we administered in May, will determine their final placement. We will do our absolute best to place your child not only in the most appropriate group, but also with a teacher and cohort of peers that will create a dynamic and challenging learning environment.
We hope that the conversations you have about this choice are helpful in exploring the different paths your child could take through the Middle School English program. I speak for the entire English department when I say that we look forward to a year of new beginnings with your child!
Sincerely,
Sam Wood swood@meadowbrook-ma.org Middle School English Department
WISC
Dear Families,
As part of our regular testing program, each third grader and any new student in Grades 3-7 at Meadowbrook are asked to take the WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children). The school finds the results from the WISC helpful in understanding each child’s unique learning profile (i.e., strengths and needs). While this is an optional test, we encourage it because the more information we have, the better we can help your child find success in the classroom. We have found from experience that families are very pleased with the insight they and teachers gain from the WISC test This evaluation would need to be completed by an outside clinician. To help in your planning, we have included a list of clinicians (attached) who can do this testing. Please note that the testing is not automatically sent to the school when completed. You should send the report that includes your child’s scores to Kate McGovern, Director of Student Support Services at Meadowbrook.
For those families who receive financial assistance at Meadowbrook, special arrangements have been made with Dr Glover so that you will only be charged for the services proportionately, according to your financial assistance package. For more specific billing information, please contact Nancy Lippincott in the business office at 781-893-2072.
We look forward to welcoming your student to Meadowbrook! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact:
Kate McGovern
Director of Student Support Services
781-314-9211
kmcgovern@meadowbrook-ma.org
WISC Clinician List:
Dr. Robyn Glover, Ph.D.
277 Linden St # 208 Wellesley, MA 02482 (617) 751-4020
DrGlover@DrRobynGlover.com https://drrobynglover.com/
Dr. Elizabeth Pfaelzer Smith, Ph.D.
2 Summer Street (Suite 22) Natick, MA 01760 (508) 655-3302
drsmith@mind-works.org https://mind-works.org/evaluations/
Dr. David Stein
16 Laurel Avenue (Suite 310) Wellesley, MA, 02481 (617) 449-3604
david.stein@neneurodevelopment.com https://www neneurodevelopment com
Dr. Jillian Bennett 21 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 781-591-7475
jbennett@BennettABCforChildren.com https://www.bennettabcforchildren.com
Dr. Heather Adams
1 Hollis Street (Suite 240) Wellesley, MA 02482 (781) 235-2010
hadams@adamsneuropsychology.com https://adamsneuropsychology.com/
TechnologyRecommendations
The long-established and vibrant 1:1 middle school laptop program has been a key component of Meadowbrook’s educational environment. Equipping our students with laptops enhances the learning experience and opens countless possibilities in the classroom. When complemented by our Digital Citizenship curriculum, students have both the tools and the know-how to leverage technology appropriately.
Meadowbrook expects each middle school student to bring their own laptop to school. An enterprise-level WiFi system and high-capacity printers are available to every student. We encourage all students, with the guidance of their parents and the school technology team, to select the equipment that meets their individual needs. The specific model is unimportant, for any device will promote teaching and learning. However, given the many options available, the following recommendations should be considered.
Meadowbrook prepares elementary school students to be comfortable and adept with technology. For students entering the middle school (6th or 7th grades) from other schools, please be aware of Meadowbrook’s expectations and consider areas of your child’s technology skills that might need some additional focus over the summer. Middle school students are expected to have a solid understanding of file management, computer administration, word processing, presentation software, e-mail, and the ability to evaluate online resources. Students who are not proficient in keyboarding may want to consider a supplementary typing program, online or otherwise. Starting in 3rd grade, students are given Meadowbrook e-mail addresses and taught Digital Citizenship lessons about appropriate, mindful use of communication tools. Members of the technology team are available to work with incoming students to bridge any gaps in their technology skills.
Specific Recommendations:
Meadowbrook expects each middle school student to bring their own laptop to school.
Macs
● The majority of middle school students choose an Apple Mac laptop. Many students prefer Macs for their ease of use and media creation tools. Any of the currently offered MacBooks will be sufficient for school purposes.
● Operating System: MacOS 15.5 Sequoia ishighly recommended. Students with Macs running MacOS older than 14.7 Sonoma may have issues printing.
● Memory: at least 8 GB, but 16 GB is strongly recommended This will likely require an upgrade fee at the time of purchase, but is very much worth the expense and effort).
● Storage: at least 256 GB. If you believe your student might be especially interested in creative uses, such as Film or Photography, you might consider additional storage at the time of purchase.
● Software: Google Chrome is required. Students utilize GSuite for Education to complete and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets and presentations. All other software required for academic pursuits will be provided by the school.
● Headphones - students should bring an inexpensive pair of headphones with inline microphone every day to class The standard white Apple earbuds or similar work well.
PCs
● Operating System: Windows 10 or later required (Windows 11 strongly preferred).
● Memory: at least 8 GB, but 16 GB is strongly recommended. (This will likely require an upgrade fee at the time of purchase, but is very much worth the expense and effort).
● Storage: At least 256GB SSD. If you believe your student might be especially interested in creative uses, such as Film or Photography, you might consider additional storage at the time of purchase.
● Surface devices must have the keyboard attachment and Windows 11.
● Software: Up-to-date antivirus software (including Windows Defender) is required. Google Chrome is required. Students utilize Google Apps for Education to complete and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets and presentations. All other software required for academic pursuits will be provided by the school.
● Headphones - students must bring an inexpensive pair of headphones with inline microphone every day to class. The standard white Apple earbuds or similar work well.
A Note on iPads, Chromebooks and Mobile Devices
Due to the creative software used in many classes, a Mac or PC is required for students. Software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Python and others are not compatible with Chromebooks, iPads or devices other than a notebook running
MacOS or Windows Students are welcome to bring iPads as a supplement to class but will not be able to complete all projects on an iPad. At Meadowbrook, an iPad is an excellent supplement but not a replacement for a laptop. Printing is available to selected printers for iOS devices.
Other Information:
Families receiving financial assistance will receive information on our FA laptop policy from the Director of Financial Assistance.
Administrative access to the computer is often needed to install new software, configure printers and complete common tasks such as configuring our WiFi certificates. It is highly recommended that the student has access to an administrative account. Many students without administrative access find themselves frustrated as they struggle to install necessary software for a project or complete simple tasks like printing. If you determine that you would prefer not to have your student be an administrator, please create an administrator account and share the password in an email to the school’s help desk at (help@meadowbrook-ma.org) so we can assist your student when needed. Passwords will be stored in our encrypted password management system and not shared with the student.
All service, troubleshooting and maintenance of any device not owned by Meadowbrook will be the responsibility of the owner of the device. Meadowbrook will assist with wireless network connectivity, printing, and issues related to school-provided accounts (Google Apps, etc.). Loaner computers are available for students while their computer is under repair.
Consider purchasing a protective case for the laptop. A lot of damage can be prevented with a sturdy case. Many students find a backpack designed for a laptop, or a computer bag very helpful.
You may also want to consider accidental warranty coverage The majority of repairs are due to accidental damage, which is not covered by most manufacturers’ warranties.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Jonathan Schmid Chief Innovation Officer jschmid@meadowbrook-ma.org
781-314-9208
ImportantContacts
Jordan Bentley, Head of Middle School jbentley@meadowbrook-ma.org
Angelina Verdieu, Director of Counseling
averdieu@meadowbrook-ma.org
Leah Weintraub, 6th grade dean lweintraub@meadowbrook-ma.org
Sara Rigelhaupt, 7th grade dean
srigelhaupt@meadowbrook-ma.org
John Boger, 8th grade dean
jboger@meadowbrook-ma.org
Pam Ulrickson, school secretary pulrickson@meadowbrook-ma.org
Brianna Crimaldi-Campbell (“Nurse B”), school nurse
bcrimaldicampbell@meadowbrook-ma.org