August 21, 2008

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome Back! We hope everyone had a relaxing summer and you are excited to return to school on Wednesday, August 27. We start this year on a very sad note - this summer we were all shocked to learn of the death of our friend and colleague, Gary Fernandez. Gary’s passing has had a profound impact on our school and the entire Bromfield Community, an impact which will not be fully realized until we return to school and share the loss with friends, colleagues, students and families. At the time of this letter, we have no further news regarding arrangements, but we will be making our own plans to celebrate Gary’s life when we return to school.

This year we welcome a number of new faculty and staff members to our school and have some old friends in new positions. At this time, we have three new faculty members joining us: Erin (Walsh) Suchecki in the English Department teaching 7th grade; Tammy Route in the Special Education Department joining the 6th grade team; and Steve Favulli joining our guidance department. Barbara Kline will be substituting for Amy Bassage in the Social Studies Department while Amy is on leave. We also has a number of familiar faces taking on new roles: Cheryl Temple will be the new Team Chair for The Bromfield School; Janis Dyer will be joining the Social Studies Department teaching 7th grade; Mary Anne Conte will be rejoining the Special Education Department on the 8th grade team; and Mary Ann Allard will be taking over in the Learning Center. The Harvard School District also welcomes our new Special Education Director Pam DeGregorio, whose office will now be located in The Bromfield House.

One perennial concern we would like parents to help us address from the very start of the year is tardiness. It is important that students are in school on time every day. Students are to be in their homerooms at 7:45 am and anyone coming into the building after this time is considered tardy.

As always, safety is another major issue at school and we ask all parents and student drivers to follow the pick-up and drop-off rules. If you are dropping-off after 7 am, please drive around the school and use the Pond Road entrance. Please remember that no cars should be in the bus loop 7 - 8 am and 2 - 3 pm. Your cooperation is essential for the safety of our students.

Each year, the start of school brings the sense of new beginnings and unlimited possibilities for students, faculty and families alike. We hope all of you are looking forward to an exciting school year.

Sincerely,

James F. O’Shea
Principal