March 20, 2020 Dear Brown Families,
I know Superintendent Tom Scarice has been sending you a number of updates regarding all aspects of the Madison Public Schools during these unprecedented times. I really appreciate the detail and efforts from Tom, my administrative colleagues, and the central office team. They are really taking care of business. So consider this email a personal correspondence rather than a business update.
Last Friday we dismissed students knowing we would not see them for at least two weeks. Over the course of the week so much has changed and we are uncertain about the future of school for the next few months and even the remainder of the school year. What I am certain about is how much I, and my Brown colleagues, miss your children. I know it has only been a week, and we have had scheduled vacations that are longer than that, but this feeling is different. This morning I slowly walked the building in an effort to take in all of the "kid stuff" around the building. I read student work posted on the walls, I smiled at the Grade 4 baby pictures posted, and walked into every classroom with great appreciation for the work our teachers do here at Brown. So, I admit it…I miss Cafeteria Duty, Recess Duty, Hall Duty, and Bus Duty…because they all involve interacting with your children, giving a fist bump, and just watching them be kids. Please tell them Mr. Henderson and all of the Brown faculty and staff miss them.
I wish you and your family all the best. We all have personal scenarios and situations that cause us worry and stress. Take care of your family, your kids, and yourself. I am grateful to have all three of my kids home safe and healthy. (We will see how long the happiness lasts with one high schooler and two college kids learning online for the foreseeable future). I worry about my wife Shannon who is a nurse at Yale, but I know the work she and her colleagues do is critical.
I will send more "business updates" early next week. I just wanted to reach out and wish you and your family all the best from Brown.
Thanks Frank Brown Intermediate School 980 Durham Road • Madison, CT 06443 • (203) 245-6400 |