PTO Co-Presidents Letter

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year!  We hope that you had a good winter break and are

now back in the school groove.  Here are a few upcoming events that

you may want to be aware of.

This week will be the annual Science and Engineering week at Burr. 

Parents and other volunteers will be making presentations to all of

the classrooms at Burr on a wide variety of topics in science and

engineering. This is a very popular event with the children who seem

to really enjoy hearing from "real world" presenters.  Ask your child

about what they saw and you will be impressed with both what is

presented and what the kids remember.

There will be a PTO meeting on Technology in the School late in

January, but we are still hashing out scheduling details. This meeting

will showcase the interactive white boards installed in the 5th grade

classes and will give parents a chance to learn about the role of

technology in their childrens' education, as well as the roles of

several city agencies in supporting our technology needs.  Potential

changes to the city's system of funding technology in the schools are

afoot and this will be an opportunity to learn more about that and to

give your input on the topic. We will send out another notice when the

date for this meeting is settled.

There will be a Parent - Principal Coffee on 1/21/11. Stop by after

drop off that morning for a cup of coffee, some snacks, and an

update from our Principal, Ms. Mindy Johal, on the state of the school.

We hope you will continue to have a happy and safe winter season

and that you will join us for any and all of the events above.

Sincerely,

Steve and Tracy
Burr PTO Co-Presidents

Kindergarten

Massachusetts Audubon Society,

Winter Survival, Tuesday,

January 18th in the classrooms

The Massachusetts Audubon Society brings its Audubon Ark Traveling Wildlife Program to Burr's Kindergarten students.  Students will have the unique opportunity to observe live animals in the classroom and to learn how winter is a challenging time for them.  Using the animals as instructors, the Audubon teacher will discuss different coping mechanisms animals use, as well as physical and behavioral adaptations that are helpful for survival.  The schedule will be as follows:

9:00 -9:45  Mrs. Frail

10:00 -10:45 Ms. Fitch

11:00 - 11:45  Ms. McMahon

5th Grade

Henry Massar,  Simple Machines,

Tuesday, January 18th at 9:30 in the Cafetorium

Henry Massar is a retired Newton science teacher. In an enthusiastic and engaging presentation, Mr. Massar uses everyday "simple machines" like a seesaw, scissors, and hedge clippers to illustrate the science of these objects.  Students learn the laws of motion and why these machines help perform a large amount of work with minimal force.  Students will have the unique opportunity to try his collection of over thirty simples machines at the end of the formal presentation.  The schedule will be as follows:

9:00 -10:00  Ms. Cooley
10:30 - 11:30 Mrs. Moran

Creative Arts and Sciences Programs are fully funded by the Burr PTO and are made possible by your generous donations.  If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact:

Felicia Falchuk, felicia.falchuk@gmail.com

Beth Tierney, bethtierney@comcast.net

Pam McVey, s.richard@verizon.net

Guys Read: The Hoboken Chicken Emergency

Thursday, January 13, 6-6:45pm

On Thursday, January 13th from 6:00 until 6:45 the GUYS READ book group will meet to discuss the book The Hoboken Chicken Emergency by Daniel Pinkwater.  Dylan Crook, a fifth grader, has come up with questions about the book.  If you have finished the book or even if you haven't read it all please join the guys.  The group wil be meeting in Mr. Gaita's room.

A funny thing happened in February...

Watch out it could happen to you too!

Mark your calendar for Burr's

Witty Winter Wingding
(Adult Only Comedy Night)

FEBRUARY 12, 2011
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
TURTLE LANE PLAYHOUSE

We all need a grown up night out - and there is nothing funny about that. (Look for details in your child's folder)

The Box Tops for Education program is a great way to contribute to Burr and it's free!  Here's how you can help:

Clip the pink Box Tops logos from the packaging on items you already buy. Visit Box Tops for Education for a complete list of participating products - everything from Go-gurt to Cheerios.

 
Send them to school in your child's folder in an envelope marked "Box Tops" before the next deadline - February 28th. Please submit only the pink logos, not the entire box top. We send them in and get a check in return.  It's that simple!

FEBRUARY 28th IS OUR LAST CHANCE TO SUBMIT FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR so start your collection today!

Please e-mail Sherri Sonia at jimjack123@hotmail.com with any questions. Thank you!

BOOYA at the West Cambridge Youth Center Saturday, January 22, 10:30am-1pm

On Saturday, January 22nd the BOOYA AMBASSADORS will be heading to the West Cambridge Youth Center to work with some kids with special needs.  Students will meet Mr. Gaita in front of the building at 10:30am and stay until 1:00pm.  What a difference these kids are making!!  GO BOOYA!!

"Jumping Pens" and more...

at the Burr School Store

The Burr School Store is open every Tuesday morning before school from 8:20 to 8:35 am.  Stop by to see us every week and check out what's new - pencils, pens, erasers, pencil grips, key chains and fun novelty items!  We have "jumping pens" for the best price you will find anywhere - frogs and bears in different colors - just $2.00!  All store proceeds support end of year activities for the 5th graders including a class gift to the school.

Burr RHD Committee Meeting

Thursday, January 13, 5-6:15pm

Burr 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.  At this meeting we will be primarily discussing Burr's Second International Potluck Dinner which now alternates years with the World Cultures Festival (to be held next year, 2012.)  The International Potluck Dinner will be held at Newton North High School on Sunday, March 13th from 4:30-7:00.  Mark your calendars now to attend this celebration of the diversity at Burr where you'll be enticed by tasty entrees and desserts from many different countries, some international crafts and games, a participatory performance and more!  We will also follow up on Inclusive Schools Week, the Burr Family Quilt project, Boston/Newton Burr Friend Trips, and the RHD Parent/Teacher bookgroup.

Burr RHD Committee Meeting
Thursday, 5:00-6:15 pm in the Burr Library
Those who are interested in working with us on the International Potluck Dinner are more than welcome to join us at this meeting!

Please contact either Ann Langenfeld at annlangenfeld@gmail.com or Dana Hanson at danakhanson@gmail.com if you would like more information about how to join in on this important work at the Burr.  Thank you!

Volunteers Needed for Burr's Understanding Our Differences Program

The Understanding Our Differences Program is looking for parent volunteers. The goal of this program is to increase information, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities and individual differences in our community.
 
These programs are brought to Burr by parent volunteers and take place on Thursday afternoons from 12:45 - 3:00. Parents can leave at 2:15 or stay to see the guest speaker. Volunteers do not need to have children in a specific grade, teaching experience, or a medical background.
 
The programs at Burr School are as follows:

Intellectual Disabilities January 20, 2011 (4th Grade)
Deafness & Hard of Hearing January 27, 2011 (3rd Grade)
Autism Spectrum Disorder February 15** (4th Grade)
Chronic Medical Conditions March 24, 2011 (4th Grade)
 
Can you help out? Contact Us:
Carey Ranta: branta1@comcast.net
Stephanie Mamis: stephanie.mamis@verizon.net
 
**Please Note the Autism Spectrum Presentation will be on a Tuesday from 9:00am - 11:00am

Health Notes: Head Injury/Concussion

Skiing, snowboarding, basketball, swimming, football, cheerleading, bicycling, roller-blading, and even jumping on the bed are among the many activities youth engage in where there is a risk of brain injury.

Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. It is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.

Even a "ding," "getting your bell rung," or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. You can't see a concussion but there
are signs and symptoms to be aware of. These signs and symptoms can show up right after an injury or may not appear or be noticed until hours or days after the injury occurs. All coaches, parents and
students should know the signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.

Signs and Symptoms of a concussion may include:
· Nausea or vomiting
· Dizziness or balance problems
· Double or fuzzy vision
· Headache or "pressure" in head
· Sensitivity to light or noise
· Feeling sluggish or tired
· Numbness or tingling
· Does not "feel right"
· Confusion
· Difficulty concentrating or remembering
· Difficulty thinking clearly
· Feeling more slowed down
· Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
· Irritability
· Sadness
· More emotional than usual
· Nervous
· Drowsy
· Sleeps less than or more than usual
· Has trouble falling asleep

When a concussion is suspected, seek medical attention right away. A health care provider will be able to tell if there is a concussion and when it is safe to return to normal activities (especially physical activity) and school (concentration and learning activities).

Take steps to protect against concussion. Ensure youth follow the rules, whether they're the rules of the game or the rules of the road. Make sure children wear the right protective equipment for their activity such as a helmet, padding, eye and mouth guards or shin guards. Parents should learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and shouldn't hesitate to keep their child out of a sports game or activity after a concussion.

Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/index.html
For more information, contact the school nurse, Marie Phillips, RN.

On Wednesday, January 19, 2011 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Room 210, Education Center, 100 Walnut St, Newtonville, the Newton Partnership and Paul Stein will present information on the development and implementation of Newton's new Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy. The discussion will specifically consider how the policy relates to children with special needs who may be at risk for being identified as a target or aggressor depending on how their disability presents to others. Light refreshments and networking begin at 7:15 pm.

Newton Parent Advisory Council (NewtonPAC) for Special Education meetings are free and open to all people interested in learning more about special education in Newton.  For more information go to www.newtonpac.org

Are you having trouble managing your child's behavior?  Is your child not responding to traditional methods of discipline?  Do you feel like your reactions to your child's behavior sometimes make the problem worse?  Do you want to learn more about specific tools and strategies to help understand and support your child? 

Then join us for Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)- An Effective Approach to Understanding and Supporting Your Child presented by Dr. Ross Greene.  It will be held on Monday, January 24th from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Williams School Auditorium, 141 Grove St, Aurbundale, MA 02466.

Dr. Greene is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of the acclaimed books, The Explosive Child and Lost at School. Dr. Greene will provide an in-depth review of his model for supporting children who demonstrate challenging behaviors, specifically focusing on working with children and families, and how parents can implement CPS at home.

This free program for parents is co-sponsored by the Newton PTO Council and The Newton Partnership.  Call  Nancy Holczer @ 617.559.9063 with questions. No registration required.

Driver Needed for Burr family

A Burr family is seeking a driver to transport two boys from school to an after school activity in Newton Center on Tuesdays at 12:30,     one-way. Great opportunity for moms or babysitters!

We pay $15.00 per trip. Please contact Asya if interested:
617-694-1037

Armando Rossi - Turning 90!!!

Community Celebration, Saturday, Feb. 12, 12-2pm at Auburndale Community Library

You may not think you know Armando, but you probably do!  You've likely seen him around and about with wheelbarrow in hand, discussing neighborhood improvements with our local merchants, or just "holding court" with his zillion neighborhood friends.  He's the one responsible for much of the lovely landscaping around the village of Auburndale and he's helped tremendously at the Auburndale Community Library as well.  He's a neighborhood institution and he's agreed to let us celebrate his upcoming 90th birthday at the library on Saturday, February 12 (it's not a surprise party---his actual birthday is February 20th).

Whether you know Armando or not, we invite you to join us for a fun community event where we'll have kiddie crafts, a birthday cake, and probably some group singing of "oldie but goodie" tunes per Armando's request.  There is also some talk about taking up a collection in Armando's honor for his ongoing landscape projects. 

If you would like to be involved in the planning of the event, or would like to bring refreshments, please contact Dana Hanson. Thanks, and Happy Birthday Armando!

Newton Community Ed. Classes at Burr

Registration continues for Winter classes with Newton Community Education. Coming up at Burr we have Chess on Mondays, Painting on Tuesdays, Mad Science on Wednesdays, and Robotics with Legos and Girls Science Club on Thursdays.

Check out our family programs this winter (Family Quilt, and cooking specials, The Way of the Chocolate Chip and Two Continents: Four Dumplings), and our classes for older elementary schoolers, like Create a TV Show, Fencing, Robotics, Sewing, Archery, new classes Music Technology and Animation, Babysitting; and more. We have some great sports offerings including Dodgeball,  Futsal, and Basketball, and for younger kids, we have indoor Saturday Sports Jams (and T-Ball, coming this spring). If you're looking for great winter and spring vacation programs we have those too. As always, our wide variety of classes, offered at schools throughout Newton, welcome kids from all schools.

For more information or to register, call our office at 617-559-6999 or visit our website at www.newtoncommunityed.org. Be sure to look through our huge selection of adult classes too.

Newton West Little League (NWLL) runs baseball programs for children (boys and girls) from Pre-K (age 4) through age 12 for children residing in the Franklin, Burr, and Williams school districts. Divisions of play are based on age and ability. The season runs from early April through the end of June. (Summer baseball is run separately).

To register, visit our website at www.newtonwestll.org.  All players must register! (Including those who played last year and those who came to the Fall evaluation day).
 
Financial assistance is available if needed. Please register as soon as possible.  Registration must be completed by February 1 to guarantee a place in the league.

If you need more information please send an email to info@newtonwestll.org

Registration for the Newton boys spring lacrosse program is now open (www.newtonlacrosse.com) . You will need to register ASAP to avoid (i) a late fee, and (ii) possibly getting shut out of the program. Here are the appropriate grade levels for sign up: U15
(7th and 8th grade); U13 (5th and 6th grade); U11 (3rd and 4th grade); "Learn Lacrosse" (aka "U9") (1st and 2nd grade -- new 3rd graders can sign up for either Learn Lacrosse or U11.). The program will begin approximately April 1, 2011. Field times and locations for each program are not yet available. Typically, programs will meet either Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs between 5:45 and 7:15 pm for practice. Games are Sundays at various times and locations. NYL is also looking for coaching volunteers. Please contact Ben Hincks if interested or with any questions - bhincks@comcast.net.

Newton Girls Lacrosse - Come Learn and Have Fun with BIG CAT Lacrosse

Newton Girls Registration for the Newton Big Cats girls spring lacrosse
program is now Registration for the 2011 lacrosse season is open on our website www.newtongirlslacrosse.com so make sure to reserve your spot! You will need to register by January 15th to avoid (i) a late
fee, and (ii) possibly getting shut out of the program. Here are the appropriate grade levels for sign up: U15 (7th and 8th grade);
U13 (5th and 6th grade); U11 (3rd and 4th grade); "Learn Lacrosse" (aka "U9") (1st and 2nd grade). Make sure to renew your
registration at US lacrosse too!

Open to all Newton Students K-5. Submission deadline, March 1st 2011.
 
Please go to www.greendecade.org/artcontest.html for more information.

It's Not Too Early for Summer Planning:
Making the Most out of Newton POST* Database

(*POST = Planning Out of School Time) Thursday, January 13, 2011
7:00-8:30 pm Newton Public Schools Education Center, Room 210
100 Walnut St., Newtonville 02460. 

Jenny Gamson, from The Newton Partnership and Maddie Tepper, from Project INTERFACE and Newton POST will conduct an interactive workshop. They will talk about choosing a day camp and introduce the Newton POST (Planning Out of School Time) database as a free resource participants can use to assist them in their search. They will also discuss the financial aid and scholarships available and how/when to apply.  Even if you aren't ready to make final decisions about your summer, this workshop will prevent you from "being left out in the cold"!