We are a week away from Election Day! On the ballot, Brandywine Community Schools will have a Sinking Fund Renewal.

What is a Sinking Fund? A sinking fund for school is a dedicated savings account funded by a voter-approved local property tax (millage) that allows school districts to pay for large capital expenditures like construction, major repairs, technology upgrades, and security improvements.

The levied taxes cannot be used for general operating expenses.

Today was ROARS Cart day for third and fourth graders! Students were able to turn in their positive behavior tickets they've earned and pick out a prize from the cart.

A student that ROARS: Respect Others Acts Responsibly and Safely.

As part of our Secure Entrance procedure, you can download the Raptor Safe app so you just have to scan a QR code to sign in, as opposed to scanning your ID each time. Download the app in your App Store and get set up!

The Merritt Scholastic Book Fair is this week, through Friday, October 31!

Pamphlets have been sent home with more information. If you would like to set up a Book Fair eWallet for your student, please visit Merritt's Book Fair homepage at: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/merrittelementaryschool1

Students in Mr. McLaughlin's 3D Design and Advanced Art classes spent last week painting these gorgeous pumpkins!

There will be a meeting to help seniors complete the FAFSA on Wednesday, October 29 at 6p.m. in the Media Center. Please bring your Chromebooks. This event is for all seniors and their parents.

The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form is used to apply for financial aid for college/trade school. All students who plan to attend college/trade school should fill out this form, even if you don't think you'll qualify for financial aid. This form is often required to apply for scholarship that are available from the high school and colleges.

It was a great day of memories at Selge Field on Saturday as we celebrated the undefeated 1995 Brandywine Football Team! Thirty years later, this legendary 9–0 team — ranked #6 in the state and one of the few to host a playoff game in a very limited era — was honored for their incredible achievement. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them!

Students in Mrs. High's preschool class have been enjoying the outdoor classroom at Merritt! They have measured the size of the tree, taken nature walks on the trail, and played in the pavilion.

Our high school girls Cross Country team participated in Regionals on Saturday, ending a great season. Congratulations to Alison Murray, who qualified to compete in the State Championship meet next weekend!

🐾Character Trait of the Week: BRAVERY🐾

Bravery means having the courage to face fears or try new things, even when it feels scary or difficult. It involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone and doing what is right or needed, despite feeling nervous or unsure. Bravery isn’t about not feeling afraid but about making the choice to act courageously despite those feelings.

There will be a Board Meeting tonight at Brandywine Innovation Academy at 6 p.m.

Don't forget to RSVP by tomorrow! On November 4, join us for an evening of learning, playing, and crafting — all about building social emotional skills together!

Learn about:
• Zones of Regulation
• Trails
• Social Emotional Learning
🍔 Grab dinner from local food trucks (open 5:30–7:30)
🎨 Explore hands-on stations (open 6–7)
📘 Take home resources to help your student grow their social emotional skills!

It’s an open house-style event — come when you can, stay as long as you like! RSVP by Monday, October 27 at bit.ly/46YwB0v

Don't forget to RSVP to our Veterans Day Breakfast! This is open to the community! Breakfast is November 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the Brandywine Athletic Community Center.

It was a rainy day the other day, but that didn’t stop our kindergarteners from exploring nature in STEM class! Instead of a nature walk, they traced leaves to study their veins and patterns — and had so much fun watching the details appear on their paper! 🍃

This Week in Photos!

Middle School Math Foundations class played PROOF today, a game in which they use math facts and order of operations to assemble complete equations using the cards. A fun way to start a Friday!

Copper the therapy dog stopped by Ms. Lovison’s second-grade class this week for some tail-wagging fun! Students gave him treats and rolled his ball — his favorite game!

Caught a rainbow shining over Brandywine—proof it’s a great day to be a Bobcat!

Students in Ms. Little's DK class had some fun this week getting in to the fall spirit! They went on a nature walk to collect fall leaves, then brought them back to the classroom to compare their colors, sizes, and shapes. After that, students sorted the leaves by color and counted out five for each student to make a leaf crown!

The undefeated 1995 football team will be honored at the football game this Saturday, October 25 (1 p.m. start time). 1995 team members get free admission, lunch, cake, and a shirt—plus join the team for the walk, warm-ups, and on-field halftime recognition.

Hope to see you there!