| Mark your Calendar |
Nov. 1
All School Meeting Nov. 2 PTO Election Day Bake Sale
Nov. 4
GUYS READ Father/Son Book Group Nov. 9School Lockdown Drill
Nov. 11
Veteran's Day - No School Nov. 12
Respect For Human Differences Meeting
3:30 - 4:45pm, Burr Library |
 Volunteer
Opportunities |
Looking for parents to cover shifts on Nov. 29 for set-up and Nov. 30, Dec. 1 & Dec. 3 from 8-11:30am. Please email Dana Hanson.
Newsletter Editors
Ever been at a cocktail party and wanted to tell people, "Me? Oh, I'm an editor." Well here's your chance! For only a few hours a month, you could be in-the-know about all things Burr. It's interesting work, and all the content's provided. Think about it - if we get enough staff, we could start having mixers! For more information, e-mail Ellen Chu or Jeffrey Yerkes
|
|
|
| PTO Co-Presidents Letter | |
 Dear Friends,
Fall is really showing its colors, though it seems a little reluctant to give up the summer temperatures. School is in full swing and we have had a chance to enjoy some fun and informative PTO events already, with many more to follow throughout the year. Here is a round up of recent and upcoming events.
Our Safety Week program was successful in raising awareness of the proper use of the blue zones for student drop off and pick up, with a need for only a few reminders to get people flowing in the right directions. Anyone who spends a morning or afternoon watching this process can easily see that the street in front of the school is packed tight with cars at both drop off and pickup, and that drivers inventing their own traffic patterns very quickly create traffic jams. For this reason, please continue to use the blue zone drop off and pick up areas, do not park in the no parking areas, and exercise caution and patience throughout. Special thanks to Tricia Bombara for once again leading this heroic effort, and to the many volunteers who gave some of their time, in good weather and bad, to help everyone learn the correct routes and procedures. Thanks to all of the parents who cooperated in following the plan to make a safer environment for everyone.
Halloween Family Fun Night was very well attended and was great fun for all. Our gym and cafetorium were transformed into a Halloween amusement park for all to enjoy. Special thanks to Stephanie Mamis and her extraordinary team of volunteers for their tireless efforts decorating and setting up all of the fun stations on both the friday night before and the saturday of the event. A very good time was had by all!
If you enjoyed the Halloween Family Fun Night, then you can also thank the unending efforts of the PTO fundraising committee for making it possible. The Gift for Burr fundraising campaign is in full swing and we have already collected more than $4000 in donations toward our 2010-2011 goal of $35,000. This money is what allows the PTO to support such fun community events and also to raise the quality of education at Burr via the Creative Arts and Sciences program and our annual contribution to technology for the school, among many other things. Each family should have received detailed information on this fundraising effort by now. Please remember to donate as soon as possible, ideally by December 1st, and that all contributions of any size are strongly appreciated. Please remember that we will not be sponsoring any other major fundraiser this year, so no one will be hitting you up to buy gift wrap, or cookies, or anything else. Please consider letting your extended family (Grandparents, hint, hint...) know about donating to Burr in place of these sales activities. Every little bit helps! More info, and a direct link to donate by credit card, can be found at http://www.burrpto.org/ On 10/20/2010, the school committee held a special meeting to discuss the issue of classroom space needs at Burr, as well as at Day Middle school (where Burr students go for 6-8th grade) and also at 3 other elementary schools. An impressively detailed analysis of the space needs at Day was presented as well as several potential plans to create 6 new classrooms that will be needed to address the growing numbers of students enrolling there. The price tag for each of these plans is in the neighborhood of $3.5 million. The need for an additional classroom at Burr to cope with our growing enrollment was presented by Joe Russo, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education, who did an excellent job of reviewing our current status and potential solutions. The recommended solution for Burr's needs is the addition of a single modular classroom building outside of and adjacent to the existing school building. The cost of this unit is in the neighborhood of $250,000. The meeting was well attended by Burr parents, teachers, and staff, who withstood close to 3 hours of presentation and discussion in order to lend their support to 3 speakers from the Burr community at the end of the night. Your PTO co-president, Steve DeJesus, Burr Parent Denise Chicoine, and Burr/Day Parent Diana Fisher Gomberg all delivered statements to the assembly urging the school committee to take action to provide the necessary additional space to maintain class sizes at reasonable levels and to preserve the quality of education at Burr. In addition, Alderman Lenny Gentile, chairman of the finance committee, spoke briefly and urged the school committee to focus on long term solutions and not stop gap measures. Mr. Gentile was encouraging in pointing out that funding this type of improvement through bond issues is nothing new and that the funds in discussion are relatively small compared to the bonds being issued to fund the new Newton North High School, and he received an ovation for voicing his support on the issue. Thanks to all those concerned parties who attended this meeting for their warm support. School committee discussions on this topic are ongoing, and the most recent update on this issue, and a copy of the detailed presentation made at the meeting, are available HERE.
 This school committee meeting, like all others in Newton, was televised on the NewTV Governmental channel (Comcast Ch.9, RCN Ch.13, Verizon Ch. 33). This channel is a great public resource and regularly covers city meetings and programs by or about your elected officials. NewTV is holding their annual live fundraising auction in November. Tune in November 15, 16 and 17 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm (Comcast Ch.10, RCN Ch.15, Verizon Ch. 34). Goods and services from all over Newton will be available at great prices for the benefit of your public tv station. See http://www.newtv.org/ for more information.
Reminders of upcoming events:
Nov 1 All School Meeting
Nov 2 Election Day - Don't forget to vote, and please visit the PTO Bake Sale for baked goodies and whole prepared meals!
Nov 4 GUYS Read, Father/Son Book Group
Nov 11 Veterans Day: No School
Nov 18 Burr Flu Clinic
Nov 23 Parent/Principal Coffee
Nov 24 Thanksgiving Holiday, noon dismissal
Nov 30 PTO Meeting with Book Fair
See you around the school,
Steve DeJesus and Tracy Carter
Co-presidents, Burr PTO
|
| Gift for Burr - Just Four Weeks Left! | |
Four weeks remain in the Gift for Burr campaign and donations are going strong! Help us reach our goal of $35,000 and 100% participation. Please send a check in your child's backpack, or click here to use a credit card online today. Questions? Please email us at GiftforBurr@gmail.com. Thank you to the many families who have donated so far! Nancy Caulfield & Margaret Crook (Campaign Co-Chairs) |
| Halloween Candy Drive | | |
 BOOYA will be collecting extra Halloween candy to donate to the Pine Street Inn (serving New England's homeless men and women). You or your child can deposit extra candy in the collection barrel in the main lobby at Burr School.
We will accept candy in its original (unopened) wrapper. We will take donations on Monday November 1, Wednesday November 3, and
Thursday November 4. Note that we WILL NOT collect candy on Tuesday November 2 - it is election day and the lobby will be very busy since the cafetorium is used for voting.
Questions/comments? Contact Jeff Zabel at jeff.zabel@tufts.edu.
|
| Love to Bake? Hate to Bake? Either way you can help out the PTO Bake Sale - Nov. 2 | | |
 People needed who can provide goods that can be sold, and it doesn't matter whether they come from a store or out of your oven. Individually wrapped is always best. Please label items with nuts! Hate to bake? How about cooking a meal? Last year we sold prepared meals with great success. Lasagna, baked mac and cheese, any re-heatable casserole would be great!
You can drop off baked good and/or meals anytimeduring the day. We can always use more food and we always sell out.
Questions? Contact Erika Drezner at egdrezne@yahoo.com |
|
The Burr Book Fair Is Coming!
Mark those calendars... | | |
A beloved Burr School tradition--we'll be setting up a top-notch bookstore in our very own cafeteria for the BURR BOOK FAIR later this month. This is a festive event at the Burr--a winning combination of literacy promotion, community building, and couldn't-be-easier holiday shopping right under our own roof!
 Mark those calendars now!
Tuesday, November 30th:
8-11:30am - open for students
5-7pm - open for parents before PTO meeting
Wednesday, December 1st:
8-11:30am - open for students
Friday, December 3rd:
8-11:30am - open for students
We are looking for parents to volunteer for one or more of these shifts. We are also looking for parent helpers to set up the fair on Monday, November 29th from 3:15 to 5:30 pm. If you think you can help, please contact Dana Hanson at danakhanson@gmail.com. |
| Burr Respect For Human Differences (RHD) Committee Needs YOU! Friday, Nov. 12, 3:30-4:45 pm, Burr Library | | |
Burr's RHD Committee is comprised of parents and staff who coordinate and support activities and projects at Burr to help us meet the goal of respecting human differences within and beyond our school community. This year we are looking for parents who are interested in expanding anti-bullying initiatives in addition to our ongoing roster of RHD activities. Of course, we will continue with our ongoing activities from years past, such as the Burr Family Quilt project, Inclusive Schools Week, Boston/Newton Burr FriendTrips, the RHD Parent/Teacher bookgroup, and our beloved Burr World Cultures celebrations.
Honestly, we know that the name of our committee is a little dry, but we can assure you that our mission is vital to the culture of the Burr community! We meet about 4 times a year and would love an infusion of new energy and ideas as we work on our mission.
Burr RHD Committee - First meeting
Friday, November 12
3:30-4:45 in the Burr Library
Again, folks with an interest in anti-bullying initiatives at Burr are particularly encouraged to attend.
Please contact either Ann Langenfeld or Dana Hanson if you would like more information about how to join in on this important work at the Burr. Thanks! |
|
No Bones About It! One of the Best Halloween Family Fun Nights yet. | | THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you who contributed your time, money, treats, drinks, special items, special talents and most of all your Halloween Spirit.
Don't forget to check out all of the photos online at http://bombara.phanfare.com/BurrHalloween
The password is: 171pine. You can check out all the portraits taken on the stage as well as many candid shots taken throughout the night. Feel free to order prints or download to you computer for your own personal use. Many thanks to Tricia Bombara for hosting this site for us.
And for any of you who were inspired we are always on the lookout for more people to help us craft this party for next year. Let us know if you are interested.
Thanks again to all of you from the Boo Crew. |
|
Burr Technology Committee Thanks | | |
Dear Burr Community,
The Burr Technology Committee extends a heartfelt thank you for generously funding our technology wish list. We were able to purchase 8 document cameras, 2 LCD projectors and 2 new carts for the classrooms. The document camera allows teachers to project 3-dimensional objects on a screen for all children to see. It also allows teachers to project books or assignments so all children can easily view written materials. With accompanying LCD projectors, teachers can toggle back and forth to their laptops to incorporate internet resources into their daily lessons. These tools dramatically change classroom presentations - allowing creative and dynamic learning experiences for students.
As a result of your generosity, all teachers in grades 2 -5 have a complete set-up of one document camera, one LCD projector and a cart for their classrooms. Kindergarten and First grades each share a cart at their grade level. Our plan for the future is to outfit all Kindergarten and First Grades with a complete cart.
Again, we thank you for your commitment to technology at Burr School. Your support is greatly appreciated and the tools you bought will be used daily by teachers and students. We look forward to showcasing the new carts at a future PTO meeting so you can see the technology in action!
With great appreciation,
The Burr Technology Committee: Eileen Keane (IT Specialist), Mindy Johal, Nicole Golden (1st Grade), Lynette Lawton (3rd Grade), Rhonda Silva (3rd Grade), and Laura Mayer (Library)
|
Burr Flu Clinic - November 18
| |
The Burr School Flu Clinic will be on Thursday, November 18.
Two (2) required forms are due on Tuesday, November 16.
For forms and additional information, please visit www.newtonma.gov/flu or the school's health office. For any questions, please call the Health Department at 617-796-1420 or the School Nurse at 617-559-9364.
|
| Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education Meeting - Tues., Nov. 16, 7:30-9:00pm | | |
Your Rights Under Special Education Law with Dan Ahearn, Esq.
Learn how to advocate more effectively for your child's educational needs. Whether you are new to special education or an experienced advocate for your child, this is a presentation not to be missed.
Dan Ahearn practices disability, special education, education, and children's law, on faculty at Suffolk University Law School, director of the Landmark Outreach Program, and past director of the Massachusetts Bureau of Special Education Appeals. The meeting will be held at the Education Center, 100 Walnut St., Room 210, Newtonville. Light refreshments and networking begin at 7:15 pm.
Newton Parent Advisory Council (NewtonPAC) for Special Education meetings are open to all people interested in learning more about special education in Newton. For more information, visit www.newtonpac.org.
|
| Mayor Town Hall Meetings & Citizen Survey | | Town Hall Meetings
Following Mayor Warren's capital improvement plan presentation and budget forecast to the Board of Alderman, the Mayor will be holding a series of town hall meetings across the city to hear directly from residents about infrastructure issues they are concerned about. All meetings are free and open to all residents. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Mayor's Office at 617-796-1110.
Date and locations:
Thursday, November 4th at 7pm Pellegrini Field House, 11 Hawthorne St.
Tuesday, November 9th at 7pm
Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon St,
Wednesday, November 10th at 7pm Oak Hill Middle School, 130 Wheeler Rd.
Tuesday, November 16th at 7pm
Scandinavian Living Center, 206 Waltham St.
Sunday, November 21st at 1pm
Newton Senior Center, 345 Walnut St
Sunday, November 21st at 3pm
Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln St.
Sunday, November 21st at 5pm
John Ward School, 10 Dolphin Rd.
Tuesday, November 30th at 7pm
Lower Falls Community Center, 545 Grove St. Citizen Satisfaction Survey
Mayor Warren wants to hear from you! We are working to serve our residents better and your feedback is essential. Please take a moment to tell us how we're doing by taking our on-line Citizen Satisfaction Survey: www.newtonma.gov
|
| Do You Have A Kid That Needs To Burn Some Energy On Saturday Mornings in the Winter? | | |
 Mini Micro Soccer (ages 4-7) - Newton Indoor Sports Center on Wells Ave. Saturday and Sunday sessions available. It is an hour session with the first half hour lesson and the second half hour scrimmage. Competitive leagues age 7 and up.
For more info, check out www.newtonindoorsports.com or call 617 964-0400 |
| How We Can Create a Safe and Supportive Community for our LGBT and Straight Youth | | |
"That's so gay," is one of the most common putdowns heard in schools today, starting as early as 1st grade. Do you hear your kids saying this? Is it harmless or not? Adults can be saying things as well that are harmful or not helpful to the children in their lives.
Join us for an informative parenting discussion, led by a panel of experts, focused on providing safe climates and ending bullying for all our children. How We Can Create a Safe and Supportive Community for our LGBT and Straight Youth will be held on Thursday, November 18th, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Bigelow Middle School, 42 Vernon St., 02458. Sponsored by the PTO Council and The Newton Partnership. For more information contact, Nancy Holczer 617.559.9063 or email Nancy_Holczer@newton.k12.ma.us
|
| Become a Newton School Volunteer! | | |
Would you like to help a Newton elementary school student learn basic mathematics concepts? Adult volunteers are needed to tutors students in grades 2-5.
- Tutor once a week for 30-45 minutes.
- No teaching experience is needed.
- Tutors select their preferred school, grade, day, and time.
- Play special math games that reinforce skills and help students gain confidence.
- Training, Everyday Math books and learning materials, and ongoing support are provided.
For more information, please contact Ellen Bender at 617.559.6131 or ellen_bender@newton.k12.ma.us
|
| Bingo & Board Games! | | Join us for F. A. Day Middle School's
first fundraiser & social of the year!
Saturday, November 6, 8 pm - 11 pm
New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newtonville
Guest spinners - Music - Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!
Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door.
Admission includes 2 free bingo "boards" and 1 drink ticket
Visit daypto.org for more information. |
| Newton Girls Basketball Registration | | |
 NGBA second grade program provides a fun introduction to basketball for both players and parents. The program is led by a professional basketball coach, with assistance from high school student coaches. The program is designed to teach the basics of basketball during the first part of the 50 minute session, and then organizes games/scrimmages for the second part. Sessions are Saturday mornings at Oak Hill Middle School. This league is intended for girls who have played basketball and are seeking a fun and slightly more competitive experience. Grade 2 players are encouraged to sign up by November 2. NGBA also has a few slots available in Grades 3-8. For more information go to www.ngba.net
|
| Newton at Home (NAH) Living in Your Community - Staying in Your Home | | |
Thursday November 4 at 7:00 pm
at the Auburndale Community Library, 375 Auburn Street, Auburndale
Newton at Home (NAH) was founded by a group of long time Newton residents with a common vision: to create a non-profit membership organization that would help them and others continue to live active, vibrant, and connected lives in their own home or apartment as they grew older. During the past two years over 60 volunteers have been involved in planning the services and programs that NAH will offer to its members. NAH is planning to begin to sign up members this fall and launch operations in early 2011. This NAH meeting at the ACL is being held to answer questions and explain the vision and types of services that will be offered. Joel Shames (as the Lasell Neighborhood Association President) and Lynn Slobodin (as a board member of the Auburndale Community Association) will be the hosts for the event. Verne Vance will be the NAH member who will be the speaker. Most importantly, the organizers would like to have your input about what you would like NAH to consider as plans are finalized for NAH. We hope to see you there! Contact Lynn at (617) 965-6067 if transportation to and from the event is an issue. www.auburndalelibrary.org
|
|
|
|
|
