Spring 2024 Secondary School Newsletter
Dear Parents and Guardians of the Class of 2025,
Believe it or not, the time is approaching when we need to put our heads together to begin making plans for your child's secondary school experience. This newsletter contains important details about upcoming campus events this spring that will offer guidance and information regarding the process as well as a peek at our partnership over the next twelve months! Please be certain to read all the way through, noting April and May event dates to ensure your attendance.
Secondary School Kick-Off Event: Thursday, April 25 8:00-9:30 a.m.
During this first meeting in the Dodge Writing Center, Evan and Cathy will welcome and introduce families to the overall guidance provided by Brookwood We will cover the scope and sequence of the entire twelve month process and answer questions about what is most important to consider at the onset of our work together Our hope is that at least one parent from each household can attend the session *Please note that the 7th grade play follows this event; do plan to attend both!
We will record the presentation for those unable to be here in person, making it available to anyone who wishes to watch at a more convenient time or over again All handouts covered during this meeting will also be shared electronically
Independent Secondary School Admissions Evening: Wednesday, May 1 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Seventh grade parents are invited to coffee & dessert at Brookwood, followed by an admissions panel presentation with representatives from several schools our graduates frequently attend. Each school representative will speak briefly about a number of variables in the application process or some aspect of life in secondary school. We are pleased to host admissions directors from Brooks School, The Governor’s Academy, Milton Academy, Pingree School, and St. John’s Preparatory School. We are grateful for this genuine partnership with area secondary schools to provide a firsthand overview of their programs and admissions process.
SSAT Benchmark Test: Friday, May 3 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
While the SSAT was deemed optional this year at most secondary schools to which we typically send applicants, we are hearing that this test is likely to become a requirement and do know that strong test scores have definitely made a positive difference for our applicants at schools in certain circumstances Therefore, we are requiring all seventh graders to take this SSAT Benchmark test for practice to get acclimated to taking an entrance exam Brookwood is covering the cost of the test, scheduled during the school day on May 3 from 8:30 am to approximately 12:00 pm With no alternative opportunity to take this test, we expect all students to be in attendance Please also know that we will be offering testing accommodations to all qualified students Because this is not an official test, Evan will be managing SSAT accommodations and registrations, and will reach out directly to all families whose students qualify for accommodations.
The objective of this test is to offer students exposure to the SSAT format and to provide us with a baseline score that will help inform an SSAT prep plan, to be discussed with each family when they meet individually with Evan in May - July. No one outside of Brookwood will see the scores of this test, and they are not eligible to be used for applications; this is truly for practice. Complete details of the SSAT Benchmark test will be forthcoming
Public School Principal Informational Coffee: Tuesday, May 14 8:30-9:30 a.m.
We are delighted to offer a panel of public high school principals to speak about their ninth grade curricular and extracurricular offerings, placement tests, lottery procedures, school visits/shadow days, and more! We are inviting representatives from the following area schools: Beverly High School, Hamilton Wenham High School, Masconomet High School, and Manchester Essex Regional High School Even if you believe that you will be sending your child to an independent school, we strongly encourage you to attend this event as it’s a great opportunity to learn about all school options available to you.
Launch Meetings: May through July
Evan will meet with each family in the Class of 2025, regardless of the nature of their secondary school plans. To schedule, please contact Cathy at cmarrero@brookwood.edu, and she will send a questionnaire to be completed in advance that asks several basic questions about your school intentions, such as public vs. independent, location, size, boarding vs. day, single gender vs. coed, etc. Evan will be using your responses to help prepare for this hour-long meeting at which schools being considered, the SSAT, and strategy for applying will be discussed. We recommend both parents be present to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Having your kids at Brookwood is a genuine honor, and planning for the next chapter in their school lives is an undertaking that we pursue with a great deal of pride, purpose, and pleasure We are committed to working collaboratively to offer quality and informed guidance to all families, tailoring our efforts to meet individual needs This is truly an exciting time for you and your children, and we confidently look forward to assisting you every step of the way; we know your children, we know the schools, and the schools know Brookwood!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Evan or Cathy with any questions about the events noted above or any aspect of the secondary school process
Away we go!
Evan Diamond and Cathy Marrero