Dear Parents,

So begins another exciting year here at Brookside School. As with every year, we strive to continue our tradition of attentiveness to students and excellence in learning. At the same time, we look to improve and to grow. This year our focus revisits some prior goals and also embarks on some new initiatives.

Last year we put a focus on helping students develop appropriate behaviors for school success. These behaviors included aspects of academic practices, interpersonal relations, and decision making. The teachers worked hard to clearly communicate expectations in these areas, follow up with students, and be present. The kids were great, and we saw some fantastic improvements from the students.  We will continue this focus throughout this year. 

Another focus last year was the authentic inclusion of student voice in our practices and our decisions.  A main vehicle for this was our Student Council. The Student Council, through various sub-committees, collected input from the student body and provided feedback for the administration on several significant areas including the new dress code policy, the design of the cafeteria and student center, and the rules the students wanted us to revisit. This year, the Student Council will continue to provide input on several big projects such as the items to be purchased in the student center, the design of the primary school’s new playground, and recommendations for the PTO for cultural arts experiences.  

On top of these big initiatives, we will continue to keep a laser focus on our academics. Brookside students continue to perform exceptionally well in all areas of academics. The work our students do in the classroom allows students to develop academic and analytical skills in a way that many upper elementary and middle school students do not get to experience. In the most objective metrics, our standardized test scores continue to be a point of pride. Our students also participate in music at a fantastic level (over 70% of the school is involved in band, chorus or both) and STEM.  Most importantly, the kids are enthusiastic about their learning and get opportunities to stretch themselves and grow.  

As you can see, I am very proud of our school. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact me by phone at 201-327-2020, or by email at bwinkelstein@allendalek8.com.

Bruce Winkelstein
Principal