Mark your Calendar
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Creative Arts and Sciences, 2nd Grade
Artquest presents the Art of Mexico
May 18 and 20:
MCAS Grades
3 and 4 May 19:
May 22:
Garden Planting - 5th Grade only May 27:
PTO Meeting
May 28, 29:
Garden Planting - K through 4
June 2:
Color Day
June 3:
Color Day Raindate
June 3, 4:
Spring Concert
June 5:
Presentation on Instrumental Music Program |
Volunteer
Opportunities |
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Color Day
Garden Classroom
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| Principal's Letter |
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 Dear Families, "Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher." (Japanese proverb). Thank you to everyone who helped to acknowledge and thank our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week during the first week in May. Children brought in lovely flowers throughout the week, and students and families wrote heartfelt notes and cards to the teachers and found wonderful quotes about teachers, similar to the one above. On that Wednesday, the PTO arranged an expansive, elegant and delicious breakfast for the staff, with a great variety of breakfast fare and homemade, tasty treats. Thank you!
Once again, we enjoyed a wonderfully fun, varied, community-building May Fair this year. Kids look forward to this event each year, and with the excellent organization and planning and added nice weather, everyone had a wonderful time. We imagine that many Burr mothers were the recipients of creative Mothers' Day gifts made at this year's May Fair. The games, crafts projects, play structures, plants, special cakes, good music and enthusiastic MC-ing, expert cooking and delicious food - all contributed to making the afternoon a delightful one. While it is the involvement and hard work of many Burr parents that makes the May Fair successful, special thanks go to the May Fair chairpeople Diana Fisher Gomberg and Jaye Schneider.
Although our teaching assignments for next year have not been finalized, we do have our teacher allocation, and we have determined most of our grade organization. We are not planning to have any combination classes (e.g no K/1). We are projected to have 371 students next year, just about the same as our current enrollment. We have been allocated 17 classroom teacher positions. We will have 3 kindergarten classes, 3 first grade classes, 3 second grade classes, 3 third grade classes, either 2 or 3 fourth grade classes and either 2 or 3 fifth grade classes. We are watching the numbers in next year's fourth and fifth grade classes to determine which grade will have two classes and which will have three classes.
We have changed our primary evacuation site from Corpus Christi Church to Franklin School. This is the place to which the school would evacuate if we needed to leave the building during school hours. The walking distance to each place is the same, but the walk to Franklin is easier and potentially safer than that to Corpus Christi, and access to the building is easier. We will have a practice evacuation walk to Franklin School for our whole school on Friday, May 28 at 9:00 AM.
I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming May and early June events - our PTO meeting on May 27, our Garden Classroom planting days on May 22, 28 and 29, our all-school meeting on June 1, Color Day on June 2, and our Spring Concert on June 3 at Day Middle School at 7:45 PM and on June 4 at Burr at 10:15 AM.
Sincerely,
Cindy Bencal
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** Date Change for May PTO Meeting ** |
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The Burr PTO meeting has been postponed. We will not meet tomorrow night. Please join us next Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 pm for the Final Burr PTO meeting of the year. |
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Parent Helpers Needed!
~ Burr Garden Classroom |
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It's springtime at Burr and that means we're rolling up our sleeves and getting ready to enter the Burr Classroom Garden, where each class has their own planting time and kid-themed garden. We're looking for some volunteers to help the kids during our upcoming planting days. Absolutely no gardening experience necessary! In the upcoming weeks, we'll also sign up for weekly shifts to water and care for the raised beds and then we all come back to a glorious, thriving garden in September.
Right now, we're looking for parent helpers on the planting days. Please contact Beth Tierney to help with your child's classroom. (If you could arrive 5-10 minutes before your child's class is scheduled, that would be great.)
THIS Friday (May 22)
9-9:35 5-Taylor
10-10:35 5-Moran
11:00-11:35 5-Cooley
Next Thursday (May 28)
8:45-9:20 K-McMahon
9:30-10:05 1-Golden
10:15-10:50 1-Gaita
11:00-11:35 4-Robinson
11:50-12:25 K-Frail
1:05-1:40 2-Creeden
1:45-2:20 2-Canning
2:25-3:00 2-Littlejohn
Next Friday (May 29)
10:15-10:50 4-Cohen
11:00-11:35 K-Fitch/Kelly
11:50-12:25 3-Rendulich
1:05-1:40 3-Lawton
1:45-2:20 1-Espinal
2:25-3:00 4-Evans |
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Burr Buddies End of Year Picnic |
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 After another full year of trips and activities with our Boston and Newton families, we're celebrating the end of our year together with a potluck cookout. Please RSVP to Dana Hanson if you plan on joining us.
Buddies End-of-the-Year Potluck
At Dana Hanson & Brian Burba's house in Auburndale
Sunday, May 31, 1-3 pm
RAINDATE: Sunday June 7 |
| 'Blue Zone Safety Week' - this week! |
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 This week is "Blue Zone Safety Week" at Burr! There will be parent volunteers (in orange safety vests) in the Blue Zones and No Parking areas at drop-off and pick-up to help keep the "No Parking" areas clear and the cars in the Blue Zone moving forward. Not sure exactly where the blue zones and various no parking areas are? Check this nifty map! The parent volunteers will also have orange "reminder" tickets with the Blue Zone Rules to hand out to those who need a refresher.
There may also be Newton Police officers present occasionally as part of a joint effort between the Newton Safe Routes Task Force and the Newton Police Traffic Division (including the crossing guards) to reduce unsafe and illegal driver and pedestrian behavior in the school zones. Their presence next week is to demonstrate that the Police Department takes this issue seriously, and they will take action (by ticketing) if the schools are not successful in eliminating unsafe and illegal practices through education.
Our goal for this Safety Week program is to demonstrate how smoothly and safely pick-up and drop-off can work when everyone follows the rules, in the hopes that it will inspire everyone to continue to follow the rules after Safety Week is over. And, as an added bonus, it will prevent real orange tickets from landing on your windshield in the future.
Remember, it only takes one person leaving their car in the Blue Zone or in a No Parking area to create an unsafe situation for everyone, and add a great deal of extra time and frustration to everyone's day. Don't be that person! |
| Burr Lost & Found is Overflowing!!! |
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 This photo is not of a local department store... it's of the HUGE collection of Lost & Found items that are piling up at Burr. Please come take a look and see if any of these items belong to your child! Lots of sweatshirts, hats and lunchboxes, mittens and gloves left over from the winter (complete pairs, even!) and assorted other goodies. The Lost & Found is primarily located in the hall outside of the teacher's lounge (ask at the office if you need help finding it), with some newly 'found' items collected on the stage in the cafeteria. Anything unclaimed by the end of the school year will be taken to Goodwill. |
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School Transportation Forum |
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 The Fees Subcommittee of the School Committee will be holding a public forum on school transporation on Thursday, May 28th at 7 p.m. in Room 210 at the Education Center (100 Walnut Street, Newtonville). In their report on school cost structure, the Citizen's Advisory Group (CAG) identified the area of bus transportation as a way for the SC to save costs by either raising the bus fees to more adequately cover the cost of the service or reducing the service down to the state-mandated areas. The SC is hoping to hear from the public about these ideas.
Please click here for more info on the SC web page: School Transporation Forum Documents.
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Call for School Council Nominations |
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Two parent representatives to the Burr School Council, each with a 2-year term, will be elected this spring. Please think about this opporunity to be involved in your child's school!
Watch your child's backpack for more information on the School Council, the upcoming election, and how to nominate yourself or another Burr parent, or read here.
Questions? Please contact Burr PTO Communications Coordinator Allison Sharma or any of the existing School Council parent representatives:
* Returning School Council parent representatives in 2009-2010. |
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May Fair Success! |
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Thank you all for helping to make the 2009 Burr School May Fair on May 9th a huge success! It couldn't have come together without the help of everyone who contributed.
We'd like to send out special thanks to our sponsors and donors: Auburndale Dental, New England Revolution; Leo Butera Landscaping; Chapman Construction/Design; Elements Therapeutic Massage; The Dog Scoop; AAA Southern New England; Randy's Car Wash; Kojak's Detailing; Virtuous Teas; The Ice Cream Club; Keyes Drug; Sullivan Tire; and Taqueria Mexico.
A huge thank you to the Burr custodial staff crew of Jack Tobin and Tony Marrazzo for their tireless efforts to help us prepare and maintain the grounds for the event!
Thank you to the Newton Fire Department for making a special visit to the May Fair!
Thank you to Steve Regan and his crew of Daddies on the Grill; Stephanie Mamis, Ellen Regan, and Vinnie Mastroianni their work heading up the plant sale; Martha Sweet for overseeing the Cake Decorating Contest; Pam McVey for heading up the Bake Sale; and Joe Fagan for providing the PA system! Also, thank you to all the parents, students, and teachers who volunteered their time preparing for and/or working at the fair. Your contributions were invaluable! Without the scores of Burr families who helped out ahead of time, behind the scenes, and at the event -- in big and small ways -- the May Fair would not have been possible!
Finally, thank you to the May Fair committee for being the glue that pulled the May Fair together. The crew included coordinators Diana Fisher Gomberg and Jaye Schneider, and committee members Kelly Brown, Vicky Gifford, Lizbeth Heyer, Hope Kellman, English Levin, Amanda Loftus, Alex Swan, and Leslie Wissing.
Let's do it again next year!
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Grade 3 - 5 Instrumental Music Program - Presentation on next year's program |
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 On Friday, June 5th, Elementary school fine arts coordinator Richard King will give a presentation on the instrumental music program for grades 3 - 5. The presentation will be in the Burr cafetorium from 8:30 - 9:30 am. There are several changes coming to the program next year, and the presentation will review those changes as part of the following agenda:
- Overview of Instrumental Music in Grades 3-5
- New Registration Procedures
- New User Fee & Financial Assistance
- Selecting & Acquiring an Instrument
- Private Lessons & Opportunities Beyond Elementary School
This presentation will be of particular interest to parents with children entering the fourth grade in 2009-2010. |
| Stay in the Know!
Subscribe to the School Committee Newsletter |
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The Newton School Committee puts out a comprehensive Newsletter. The latest issue discusses the status of the budget, the process for searching for a new superintendent, the new fundraising policy, the work of the Citizen Advisory Group and an update on the Strategic Plan. To receive this valuable resource automatically via email, sign up at: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/. |
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School Store Update (Pretzels, too!) |
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The Fifth Grade School Store has just gotten in some new merchandise. We have only a few weeks left before we "close" the store for the season. Look for these great deals:
Big Mistake Eraser ($1), Mystery Ink Pens ($2), "Dice" erasers (new item!) (50 cents), Globe Sharpeners (back in stock!) ($1), Light bulb Sharpeners (back in stock!) (75 cents), Critter Finger Puppets (new item!) (50 cents), "Burr" neon pencils (50 cents).
We also have a few hooded and non-hooded "Burr" sweatshirts, for a great end-of-the-gift to your favorite Burr student. Remember: Purchases that can't be used in the classroom should be stowed in backpacks until the end of the school day.
Look for the big, soft, delicious pretzels on sale Friday by the flagpole. Only $1. Please have exact change.
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| Thank-you! |
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We would like to thank Missy Sommer & Jay Baronowski for donating the 2 Red Sox tickets for the 5th grade raffle. Thanks for the excitement (winner announced TODAY!), and the extra money that will be raised to fund the 5th grade activities. ~ from the 5th Grade families |
| Auburndale Community Library to open
Saturday, June 13 !!! |
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 A dedicated group of about 20 community members has been working to bring the Auburndale library back and we are thrilled to announce the opening of the Auburndale Community Library on Saturday, June 13. We will celebrate our opening with a small reception following the neighborhood "Rove the Cove" road race.
The Auburndale Community Library, Inc. is a community-based non-profit volunteer organization that will operate as a lending library independent from the Newton Main Library and the Minuteman Library Network. Our hours will be:
Tuesday 10 am - 3 pm
Thursday 3 pm - 8 pm
Saturday 10 am - 3 pm
Because we will be volunteer-staffed, we are still looking for community members who would like to join our team to help make our library a success. No library experience necessary--we're just looking for community-minded folks to sign on for one or two 2-3 hour shifts per month (this is a great way for a family to do volunteer work together). If you would like to learn more about the library or sign up to volunteer, please contact Dana Hanson or Liz Miller. |
| Cabot Fair, Sat. May 30th 10:00 - 3:00 |
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Come one, come all to the Cabot Fair featuring children's carnival rides, a moonwalk, an obstacle course, pony rides, a karate demonstration, and other child friendly games. Shoppers will enjoy a yard sale and silent auction, and as always the Fair will include a giant raffle. Food and beverages will be sold. It's fun for all ages, preschool and older, so come and enjoy the festivities, rain or shine! The Cabot School is at 229 Cabot Street in Newtonville. |
| New Art Center Open House /
Annual Student Art Show |
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Interested in an art class for you or your child? Join us in celebrating the achievements of the New Art Center's emerging and accomplished artists at our Open House/Annual Student Art Show! View artwork by artists of all ages and learn about the many classes we have to offer! Meet and mingle with students, staff, and faculty! Friday June 5, 5:00-7:30pm, Call for more information 617-964-3424 or visit us online www.newartcenter.org |
| Quilters Sought! |
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| Whether you're a beginner or an expert, please consider joining the Newton Patchworks Quilting Guild. This is an informal group that meets to share ideas, help one another, socialize and do some community service (i.e., making quilts as a group for those less fortunate). If you're interested & would like more information, please contact Fran Newton at cipsnewt@rcn.com. |
| Yard Sale to Benefit Community Rowing |
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Gigantic Garage Sale Saturday May 30th 8am-4pm at the Daley Ice Skating Rink (along the river on Nonantum Road on the Brighton/Newton line). Good quality items: Sporting equipment, Books, Clothes, Tools, Furniture, Lamps, Jewelry, Boats, Appliances, Fine China, Dishware, Mirrors and more. For more information contact maura@communityrowing.org or 617-779-8264. All proceeds go to buying equipment for Community Rowing, a true community outreach partner. |
| 'Honor Thy Teacher' campaign
Newton Schools Foundation |
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As the end of the school year is approaching, parents and classrooms often like to remember special teachers in some way. Newton Schools Foundation is presently holding their 12th annual Honor Thy Teacher campaign, which provides families and classes the opportunity to honor the Newton "no gift" policy and instead honor teachers by donating to the Honor Thy Teacher campaign through the Newton Schools Foundation website, www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org. Individuals may donate or class gifts may be made. This is an opportunity to support both past grants awarded through the Foundation, and the 21st Century Classrooms fundraising for the future. |
| Boston College Summer Soccer Clinic |
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| Dates: July 27-July 30
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| Girls Summer Basketball Clinic |
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| A Girls Summer Basketball camp/clinic hosted by Hank DeSantis, Newton North Girls Varsity Basketball will take place at Day Middle School from Monday, July 6th through Friday, July 10th. Current grades 3rd through 8th are welcome and encouraged to attend. T-shirts and trophies along with games and fundamental skills training will seek to make this both a fun and educational clinic. The cost is $225.00 for the five day clinic. Please contact us for more information at hoopschool1@gmail.com or 617-922-8309. A deposit is required to secure your spot. | |
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