I am the oldest of three sisters, one of which is already at the Brown and one of which will be starting next year. I really want them to be able to have the same good experience I was able to have, and I want all the other kids to be able to experience the community.
The Winter Hill School is having some problems, and while it does need a solution I don't think combining with the Brown School is it. Instead, I think they should rebuild the Winter Hill School because the Brown School is good as it is.
Also, though lots of people think the Brown School not having a cafeteria or "proper playground" or gym is a problem. Even though it is old and slightly falling apart, it is friendly and welcoming. The kids are fine eating in their classrooms and it's not much of a problem. Not having a gym is not a problem because we just have more outdoor time and just get to run around in a big open space. Also, not having a play structure is ok, because it gives us more room for imagination, and kids who have a play structure don't have as much space to run around. We do still have a space for four square and a kickball diamond.
If anything, having a smaller school and not having a cafeteria means there's less noise, because having a bunch of kids crammed in the same space means there's a lot more noise, and for kids who are sensitive for noise it's a lot easier to navigate it in their own classroom, with the volume lowered by the lower number of kids.
If they do have to combine the schools, I don't want it to be on Trum Field because it's a place where it's very fun to play, and also a place where many sports teams practice. It would be really sad not to have a space like this anymore.