| Mark your Calendar |
Jan 31
Progress Reports
Jan 31
Creative Arts & Science - 3rd grade
Feb 12
Burr Adult Comedy Night
March 13
International PotLuck Dinner |
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| From Ms. Johal's desk | | |
It is only January and we have already had two snow days with more snow predicted for this coming week. As much fun as it is for the children and you skiers out there, let's hope it misses the morning commute and we do not miss another day of school. I'm sure business is booming for the BOOYA Snow Shoveling group!
The snow banks outside the school are high and we have to be vigilant during dismissal to ensure that children are practicing safe behaviors. I have asked them not to slide towards the street on the hills outside and to stay on the cleared paths as much as possible. You can help by continuing to follow the Blue Zone rules. We rarely have people park in 'No Parking' areas at this point. This is a vast improvement from earlier on in the fall when several people were parking their cars and getting out to locate their children. Unfortunately, we still have several people using their cell phones while operating their vehicles. I worry about this practice because it only takes a moment of inattentiveness for an accident to occur. If you have a babysitter or relative picking up your children please reinforce the importance of following the Blue Zone rules because violators are usually people who do not regularly pick up at dismissal. Thank you for helping us to keep the children safe.
Many thanks to Joanne Kotz and Ted Vahey for organizing a very successful Science and Engineering Week. It was quite an undertaking. The children loved having family members and friends come in to share a scientific concept that they are passionate about. At each grade level the conversations about the experiences continued well after the presentations. Thanks to all of you who took time out of your busy schedules to visit classrooms, and to those of you who rescheduled because of the snow day. Here are just a few of the things the students had to say:
- I liked that all the topics were different
- We learned cool things!
- I liked that there were experiments and hands on activities.
- The slideshows, posters, and pictures were helpful.
- The adults made the information interesting.
- There were so many neat things to learn about.
- My mommy did a great job!
- I think I want to do that when I grow up.
Clearly, the week was a hit!
We have set tentative dates for MCAS testing in grades 3, 4, and 5 this spring. We give you these dates in advance so that you can be sure your child is in school during the testing times. We will have some test make up days set aside should students be absent due to unavoidable circumstances. As educators, we know from experience that children perform better when they test with their peers than when they complete the test during a make up session. Typically, when students take the test alone, they rush through it because they want to join their classmates. The fourth grade writing composition test is scheduled for March 22. This test requires a full day, so since it is on a Tuesday, Newton will have a 12:30 PM release on Wednesday, March 23 and the Tuesday preceding it will be a full day.
March English Language Arts tests:
Grade 3:~ March 25, March 28
Grade 4:~ March 22 (full day writing), March 25, March 28
Grade 5:~ March 30, April 1~
May Math tests (and science for grade 5):
Grade 3:~ May 16, May 18
Grade 4:~ May 16, May 18
Grade 5:~ May 11, May 13, May 20, May 23
Progress Report will be sent home on Monday, January 31. Please be sure to let us know that you it by signing and returning the slip that we will enclose with the report.
Sincerely,
Mindy
Dear Burr Families, |
| Burr Book Swap Coming in March! | | |
 The Burr Book Swap is a wonderful opportunity for students to exchange books they have read for ones they don't have yet, and gives parents/guardians the chance to trim those dusty bookshelves.
Between February 28th and March 14th, we will be collecting gently used K-5 books. Please leave them in a bag outside your student's classroom.
Make sure your student's name and teacher's name are marked clearly on the bag.
On Tuesday March 15th, classes will visit the Book Swap. Students pick out one book for every two they handed in. Every student gets a book, regardless of whether they donated or not. Teachers get their pick too, and leftover books are donated to local charities and schools.
Please send only books suitable for K through 5. No preschool, adult, or activity/workbooks.
Volunteers are needed to help collect and sort books and staff the swap. Please contact Lin Themelis at 617-792-7651 or lint@athemelis.com |
| Another Successful Science and Engineering Week | | ...plus a little bit of extra fun the week after to make up for the snow day...
Thanks very much to all of the parent presenters who took time to come in and give great presentations to all of the classes: Andy Liu, Bob Bombara, Brad Walker, Dana Hanson, David Condon, Deborah Horowitz, Ed Beucler, Eric Friedman, Jay Boronowski, Jen Frankel, Jody Klein, John Walsh, Ken Kotz, Leslie Wong, Marc Schafer, Mitch Harris, Rachel Freed, Rich Saitz, Steve DeJesus, William McDonald and Yigal Agam.
And much thanks also to all of the teachers and Ms. Johal, who make the week possible by opening their classrooms and providing much support and encouragement throughout.
Until next year,
Ted Vahey and Joanne Kotz |
| New at Burr School Store This Week | | |
GO BIG OR STAY HOME - Featured at the school store on Tuesday will be BIG pens and pencils! See you there!!! |
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Burr Adult Comedy Night - Feb 12 | | |
Knock. Knock.
Who's there?
Hugo
Hugo who?
Hugo-ing to Burr's Witty Winter Wingding?
Really tired of Knock Knock jokes?
Then really mark your calendar for Burr's Adult Comedy Night
February 12, 2011
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Turtle Lane Playhouse
283 Melrose St, Auburndale
Look for details in your child's folder!
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Creative Arts & Sciences Program - 3rd grade | | |
3rd Grade - Native American Perspectives, Monday, January 31st in the Cafetorium with presentations to follow in the classrooms.
This program is about the land, the animals and the native peoples of North America. Using a tipi as a classroom, certified teachers dressed in clothing of the western plains of the 1800s will present a hands-on learning experience about Native American history. Native American Perspectives is neither an assembly program nor a stage show. Rather, it is an interactive learning experience. Following the experience in the tipi, the program will then continue in the classrooms. The schedule will be as follows:
In the Cafetorium
8:45 -9:30 Ms. Canning
9:30 -10:15 Ms. Lawton
10:15 -11:00 Mrs. Silva
With presentations to follow in the classrooms
11:30 - 12:00 Ms. Canning
12:00 - 12:30 Ms. Lawton
12:30 - 1:00 Mrs. Silva
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 |
| "Race to Nowhere" Screening at West Newton Cinema | | |
 Please mark you calendars and plan to join us at the West Newton Cinema on Thursday, February 10, at 7pm, for Angier and Pierce PTO's showing of the movie "Race to Nowhere." This documentary film highlights the pressures faced by students, teachers and parents in our competitive, high-stakes public and private education system. The film explores the effects of homework, standardized testing, the explosion of AP courses in high school, and the impact all of this has on our children's lives. A brief discussion will follow the film. It should be an interesting, thought-provoking community event.
Parents from all schools are invited to attend. Tickets cost $10 plus a small service fee. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets and for more information about the film, go to: www.racetonowhere.com/epostcard/3844 or rtnangierelementary.eventbrite.com/. |
| Thanks from Newton Schools Foundation | | |
The Newton Schools Foundation would like to thank all parents and staff who contributed to our end of year annual appeal. This was our best ever appeal, with over $140,000 raised in total, including a challenge match from previous and current Foundation Board members and two $10,000 anonymous gifts.
Our end of year appeal, combined with the generous support of PTOs across Newton, has allowed the Newton Schools Foundation to equip all 42 fifth grade classrooms in the Newton Public Schools with 21st Century Classrooms. Each 21st Century Classroom includes interactive whiteboard technology, teacher tablets, student response systems, software and professional development for all participating teachers. According to Dr. David Fleishman, Superintendent of Newton Public Schools, "This system enhances our teachers' ability to share best practices in lesson plans and improve differentiated instruction."
We are deeply grateful for the many gifts, large and small, that will help support our 5th grade students across Newton with the 21st Century technology. We continue our drive so we can next outfit all 6th grade classrooms and hope to do this by year end, with your support. If you would still like to make a gift, you can visit our website at www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org. If you have an interest in volunteering for the Foundation, please contact Amy McMahon at: amymcm@rcn.com. For more information on the Newton Schools Foundation, please contact Mary Conway, Development Director at: 617-559-6120 or mary_conway@newton.k12.ma.us |
| Growing Up Healthy Logo Contest | | |
Doodlers and Artists! Do a good deed, and you may even win a $100 to a local restaurant. Growing Up Healthy, a collaborative of 20+ faith-, school-, and community-based organizations in Newton, Needham, and Wellesley, is working to ensure that every child has meaningful connections with adults. An upcoming 2011 regional community awareness campaign will raise awareness about the importance of connectedness for kids and will empower parents and other adults to intervene in kids' lives.
Now through Jan. 31, 2011, the collaborative is holding a logo contest to give the campaign a professional, inspirational look and feel. For more information and contest details, visit http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/newtonpartnership/ or email Susan Linn at quillnuances@yahoo.com. |
| Newton PAC for Special Education event | | |
The NewtonPAC for Special Education presents:
Reading in NPS- Identifying and Supporting Struggling Readers with Anne Mikulski, Coordinator K-8 English Language Arts.
Thursday, February 10, 7:30 to 9:00 PM
100 Walnut St. Room 210
Light refreshments and networking begin at 7:15 PM. Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education meetings are free and open to all people interested in learning more about special education in Newton. For more information, visit www.newtonpac.org or contact the PAC liaison at your school.
Coming in March - NewtonPAC Parent Study Group using the book, "From Emotions to Advocacy" by Wrights Law. For more info visit, www.newtonpac.org or email Al Cohen, group leader, at al@cobelle.org |
| Day Middle School MidWinter Coffeehouse | | |
This year the MidWinter Coffeehouse returns on February 5th, 2011  at the First Unitarian Society in Newton, under the sponsorship of the Day Middle School PTO. The MidWinter Coffeehouse is a fun evening of live folk (and other) music, featuring this year's headliner Tom Smith, event founders Rob Siegel and Cindy Mapes, and Day music teacher Geoff Wadsworth. Several Day parents will also perform.
Beer, wine, and soft drinks will be available for sale along with light refreshments. Tickets are $15 in advance through our web site or $20 at the door if available. Doors open at 6:30, music starts at 7. For more information please visit the website www.daypto.org/mwch2011 or email midwintercoffee@gmail.com. |
| New Art Center February vacation programs | |  Wonders of the World, February School Vacation Week at the New Art Center, February 22-25, 9:00-3:30pm daily. Grades K-5. Join us during this exciting week filled with creative art and inspired learning. From the Taj Mahal to the Matterhorn, we'll trot the globe and discover the cultural arts and wonders from around the world! Be inspired by the wonders around us, draw majestic mountains, create enchanting buildings and much more! Tuition $270 (4 days), siblings $255. Early drop off and extended day options available. For more information or to register: www.newartcenter.org. Questions? Call 617-964-3424.
Teen Day Program & Teen Afternoon Ceramics Program, February School Vacation Week at the New Art Center, February 22-25, 9:00-3:30pm & 3:30-5:30pm daily. Grades 6-10. Specially designed for teens who love art and want to move to the next level, our classes in Ceramics, Painting/Drawing, and Sculpture/Mixed Media, are taught by professional art educators who help teens develop and hone their skills. Small class sizes and highly individualized projects make this an excellent option for teens who want more out of their vacation week. All skill levels are welcome. Tuition $295 (4 days), siblings $280. Early drop off and extended day options available. For more information or to register: www.newartcenter.org. Questions? Call 617-964-3424. |
| "The Dragon King" at Newton North | | |
"The Dragon King"
performed by Tanglewood Marionettes
new Newton North High School auditorium
February 20, 2011 - 2:00 pm
An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, Tanglewood Marionettes' latest production tells the tale of an intrepid Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea to seek the Dragon King, the Ruler of the waters, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. With colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and all the visual splendor that audiences have come to expect from a Tanglewood Marionettes production, "The Dragon King" is a heart-warming tale that will thrill young and old alike.
Tickets $8 in advance/$10 at the door. Reserved seating available!
Order tickets on-line. Go to www.newtonculturalcenter.org and click on 'Dragon King' or call and charge 617-527-8283. |
| "Under Milkwood" at Newton North | | |
Under Milkwood, by Dan Fabrizio,follows the vivid dreams and real-life shortcomings of the inhabitants of Llareggub, a small fishing village inWales. It showcases a wide cast of characters, and whether it is blind Captain Cat and his visions of the past, Widow Ogmore-Pritchard's dealings with her two husbands' ghosts or Reverend Jenkins' daily poetic prayers, the quirky quaintness of the townspeople gives a glimpse of the deep meaning lurking their minds.
February 2, 3, 4 & 5 at 7:30pm.
LittleTheatre at Newton North High School,
457 Walnut St., Newtonville.
Tickets $7 at www.theatreink.net or 617-559-6406. |
| Register Now for Spring K and Pre-K Soccer | |  Garden City Kindergarten and Pre-K Soccer is now accepting registrations for our 2011 Spring Session. Children in Pre-K (must be 4 years by April 1st) and students currently enrolled in Kindergarten are invited to participate. GCKS provides an introduction to the game of soccer; teaching a variety of basic skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. Team sizes are limited to 10 players in each group.
Registration is limited to 80 players per league. Spring session runs from April 9- June 4, 2011. Practice/games are held Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 am for the Kindergarten league and 10:45-11:45 am for the Pre-K league. Games are played on the field at Burr School, Pine Street in Auburndale. Volunteer parent coaches are needed. No experience is necessary and training will be provided.
Cost is $60 per child. GCKS is a joint venture of Lincoln-Eliot & Franklin School's Parent Teacher Organization. Proceeds benefit both schools PTO programs. To obtain a registration form, email gardencitysoccer@gmail.com or download forms from the PTO website's at www.lepto.org or www.franklinpto.org. For more information, call L-E School parent Melanie Varady at 617-244-5773 or Franklin School parent Deb Rooney at (617) 630-8520. Registration deadline is March 11th. Space is limited. |
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Newton Youth Soccer Registration Is Open | | |
Registration for Newton Youth Soccer's In-Town Intramural program is currently open for boy's in 1st - 4th grade. The program runs from April 9 - June 11 with all games played on Saturday's in Newton. Cost for the program is $90 and registration is open until March 19, 2011.
Please visit our website:
http://newtonsoccer.org/SpringRegistration1.htm to register on-line.
Please note: Any child registered after 3/19/11 will be put on a wait list and a $15 late fee will be assessed to the registration. |
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BC Lady Eagles Soccer clinics | | |
The BC Lady Eagles Soccer School will be holding "Soccer Zone" clinic sessions on Sunday afternoons for girls ages 6-12 during January 30, February 6, 20, and 27 from 1:00-3:00 and Saturday, Februray 12, 3:00-5:00 at the Bubble at the BC main campus. Cost is $25/session to enjoy time with the BC coaching staff and players. Sessions will be limited to 40 players/session. Come join us for soccer fun and development. Please contact bhattacn@bc.edu or (617) 552-0982 to register.
Also, the Soccer School will be holding their April Vacation clinic for girls ages 6-14 during April 19-21, 9:00am-3:00pm at the BC Newton campus. Come join us for soccer fun and development. Registration may be found at: http://bceagles.cstv.com/camps/bc-w-soccer-camps2.html |
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Bigelow Middle School PTO fundraiser | | |
Bigelow Middle School PTO invites you to our Bigelow's Big Night fundraiser on Saturday, February 12, 2011 6:30 pm at Hibernian Hall in Watertown! The evening promises to be a ton of fun, with cabaret performances, dinner, dj, dancing and a great silent auction! At 10pm we will kick off our online silent auction through Bidding for Good with even more exciting items. Our goal is to raise $15,000 for technology, creative arts and sciences, the theatre department and other needs for the school. Your children will directly benefit from this fundraising. We'd love to have you!
Please go to the Bigelow PTO website to purchase tickets: www.bigelowpto.org. $25 per ticket, 2 for $40. Come and join us! Questions? Got something you'd like to donate? Contact Rebecca McLeod-Barnett at rmcleodb@gmail.com. |
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Newton Girls' Softball Registration | |  Think Spring! Think Softball! Newton Girls Softball registration is underway for the 2011 spring season. This is a recreational league for over 500 Newton girls in grades 1-10. Players of all skill levels will have a fun and rewarding experience. Visit our website www.newtongirlssoftball.org for more details, on-line registration, and our ongoing winter indoor clinics. Register before January 31, 2011 to avoid a late fee. |
|
New Philharmonia Orchestra Family Discovery Concert | | |
 Discover the Magic of live Classical Music in the heart of Newton!
The New Philharmonia Orchestra welcomes children and adults to its second Family Discovery Concert of the season, taking place Sunday, January 30 at 3 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Newton Centre. Join the New Phil and musical friends from the Suzuki School of Newton and the Waltham Public Schools Honor Orchestra in an engaging program featuring string instruments. See and hear these talented young musicians as they perform music composed by one of the all-time great composers - Beethoven together, side by side with the New Phil. After the concert, budding young musicians can hold and try out the instruments of the orchestra. The New Phil's popular Instrument Petting Zoo invites kids of all ages to blow horns, play violins, bang the drum and meet the orchestra members in person.
Tickets are on sale online and at the door: Adults - $15, Seniors - $13, Students - $10. A special family rate - $44 (2 adults and 2 students) is available by advance purchase only. For more information, please call 617-527-9717 or visit www.newphil.org. |
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