Burr Bulletin - April 11, 2011

Plan to skip cooking this Wednesday night and bring your whole family out for a great Italian meal at the Chateau Restaurant in Waltham between 5-8 pm and 20% of your total bill will go to Burr. Prefer to eat in? Take-out counts too!

Just print this coupon and present it to the staff when paying your check. You are welcome to print multiple copies of the coupon to hand out to friends, family, neighbors, etc. Hope to see you there!

Questions? Please email Nancy Caulfield at caulfieldn@aol.com.

Green Wednesday Just Got Greener!

This Wednesday April 13th

Burr will host our 2nd Annual

Zero Trash Day

To celebrate Earth Day and our commitment to making our community a better place to be our goal is eliminate ALL the trash coming out of Burr for a whole day. If we can do it we all win.

We will be measuring and weighing trash in the cafetorium
We will have compostable utensils for those that buy lunch
We will dump out the trays your lunch comes in and either reuse or compost it
We will compost anything we can via Newton Community Farm
Unopened milks and uneaten cheese and fruit will be donated to food shelters
Chip bags will be turned in for money through terracycle (same as juice pouches)
Please help us by to packing a ZERO trash lunch and snack
All classroom trash barrels will be weighed as well so make good choice during the whole day

A school wide weigh in will take place at the end of the day (2:30p.m.) and the winning grade will be announced. The winning grade will get extra time in the garden and a special planting assignment to make Burr beautiful.

Think your class won't win? Well, as an extra incentive if we break our record as a whole school then ALL classes will win something. So everyone's participation does count!

Want to help out? Contact Eric Bobby (ericpbobby@hotmail.com) for more information.

Teacher Appreciation Week - Coming Soon!
May 2nd-6th. During this time the Burr PTO likes to remember all our wonderful staff in our Burr Community. Stay tuned for more information!

Friday Pretzels

PRETZEL It's time for Friday PRETZELS!

For sale Friday after school outside the front door.

Just $1.

RAIN OR SHINE!

Proceeds from the Pretzel sales support Fifth Grade special events to celebrate the last year of elementary school, including Graduation, an end of the year party and a Class Gift to Burr.

Burr Parent Book Group: Nuture Shock Discussion June 1

Come join parents of Burr students to discuss the book, Nuture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. We will meet on Wednesday, June 1 from 7-9 in the cafetorium.

Hachette Book Group describes the book as follows:

In a world of modern, involved, caring parents, why are so many kids aggressive and cruel? Where is intelligence hidden in the brain, and why does that matter? Why do cross-racial friendships decrease in schools that are more integrated? If 98% of kids think lying is morally wrong, then why do 98% of kids lie? What's the single most important thing that helps infants learn language?

Nurture Shock is a groundbreaking collaboration between award-winning science journalists Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. They argue that when it comes to children, we've mistaken good intentions for good ideas. With impeccable storytelling and razor-sharp analysis, they demonstrate that many of modern society's strategies for nurturing children are in fact backfiring--because key twists in the science have been overlooked.

Nothing like a parenting manual, the authors' work is an insightful exploration of themes and issues that transcend children's (and adults') lives.

The discussion will be interactive and follow a set format so that airtime is shared.

Jody Klein, Director
English Language Learner Program
Middle School World Languages
Newton Public Schools

Yoga Nidra Class to Benefit Japan April 19

Join Burr Mom Reina Lovelace

for a Yoga Nidra Class

Benefitting the Red Cross' Efforts in Japan.

Tuesday, April 19th 7:30pm-8:30pm

Minimum suggested donation is $10.

All proceeds will go to the BOOYA kids to donate to Japan. Another Burr mom Junko, will be making beautiful origami cranes to give to participants.

The literal translation of Yoga Nidra is "Yogic Sleep". It is an ancient form of meditation that will take you into the deepest levels of relaxation while you remain fully aware. As you progressively enter deeper and subtler levels, you become more relaxed, integrated, expansive, and present. In Yoga Nidra, we relax enough to let go of expectations and demands about how things "should" be, allowing for positive affirmations to take root.

Yoga Nidra is effective in alleviating stress, insomnia, and anxiety and helps to support making lasting, positive behavioral changes. Please join Reina Lovelace, Certified Amrit Yoga Nidra facilitator, for an evening of peaceful relaxation for a great cause. All proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Samadhi

796 Beacon Street. Newton Centre, MA. 02459

617-243-0034

www.samadhiintegral.com

NPS News

Anti-Bullying Policy for Middle School Parents

Want to hear about the Newton Public Schools' new anti-bullying policy and how it will affect your middle schooler? Then join us for a city-wide panel presentation, Everything Middle School Parents Need to Know... about Newton's Anti-Bullying Policy.

This event will be held on Wednesday, April 27th, at Oak Hill Middle School, 130 Wheeler Rd, 02459 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

A panel of district and city professionals including Paul Stein, Deputy Superintendent, Ruthe L'Esperance, Asst. Principal, Brown Middle School, Carley Gibson, Health and Wellness Teacher, Oak Hill Middle School and Jeff Mace, Newton Police Dept. will address the following topics and answer your questions:

Massachusetts' New Anti-Bullying Law
Newton's Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy
Dynamics of Bullying and Cyberbullying
What are the Middle Schools Doing?
Anti-Bullying Curricula and Programs
What Can Parents Do

Co-sponsored by the PTO Council and The Newton Partnership. Click here for more information.

Skin Cancer Awareness & Prevention

Slip! Slap! Slop!

The days are getting longer and the warmer sun is encouraging outside playtime. April is a great time to reinforce the importance of protecting your child's skin and your own from the sun to prevent skin cancer. While skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, it is the most preventable, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Slip! Slap! Slop! Is a great way for parents and children to remember three great skin cancer prevention tips:

Slip on a t-shirt: A t-shirt over a bathing suit or other sleeveless shirt is a great way to help block some of the sun's rays
Slap on a hat & sunglasses: A brimmed hat and sunglasses help protect the face and eyes.
Slop on sunscreen: Apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen before going outside, and reapply at least every two hours, even if it is cloudy.

For more information, contact your School Nurse or visit http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/skin or www.melanomafoundationne.org/

"Race to Nowhere" Additional Screenings Newton-Wellesley Hospital April 11 & 12

The Documentary - Race To Nowhere

The Dark Side of America's Achievement Culture

A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children's lives.

This remarkable new film shines a light on the price young people pay for this "race to nowhere." High-stakes testing has replaced meaningful teaching and learning. Cheating is commonplace. Stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant. Many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired. Attend a screening and become part of the grassroots phenomenon that is feeding a groundswell for change.

Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Shipley Auditorium

2014 Washington Street, Newton

Free Parking

Monday, April 11, 2011

7:00 - 9:00 pm

(85-minute film followed by a discussion with Michael Jellinek, MD, Chief of Child Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and President, Newton-Wellesley Hospital)

Tickets are $10 online ($15 at the door)

For tickets, visit http://rtnnewtonwellesley11.eventbrite.com/.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

7:00 - 9:00 pm

(85-minute film followed by a discussion with Michael Jellinek, MD, Chief of Child Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and President, Newton-Wellesley Hospital)

Tickets are $10 online ($15 at the door)

For tickets, visit http://rtnnewtonwellesley11.eventbrite.com/.

All proceeds to benefit Newton Public Schools.

Community News

Your local library needs you!

The beautiful Auburndale Community Library is a great resource for parents and kids alike. Knitting Club, Magic Cards, Story Hour, not to mention all of the wonderful special events, bring so much to our little community. And then there's all those books!

As you know, the ACL is run entirely by volunteers. Getting trained to help is simple and fun and kids love to pitch in too. Please consider donating one or two hours of your time to help us keep this fabulous resource available to us all. Library hours are:

Tuesdays 10am to 3pm
Thursdays 3pm to 8pm
Saturdays 10am to 3pm

Just email volunteer coordinators Dana Hanson (danakhanson@gmail.com) and Susan Cassidy (srcassidy@gmail.com) for more information.

Thank you! And don't forget to check us out at auburndalelibrary.org

Child Psychology Presentation

The Newton Partnership is excited to present Dr. Edward Hallowell, a highly internationally recognized clinical psychiatrist and author who specializes in pertinent family and health issues.

Dr. Hallowell, known for his approachable style and his uncanny understanding of human nature, has been featured on Oprah, 20/20, 60 Minutes, The New York Times, Harvard Business Review. Join us for a free parenting workshop entitled The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness: Five Steps to Help Create and Sustain Lifelong Joy on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 from 7:00- 8:30 P.M., Newton South Auditorium, 140 Brandeis Road, 02459. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

In the presentation, Dr. Hallowell will discuss a five-step plan for promoting successful learning and lifelong joy that all of those parenting children ages K-12 can use to ensure a lifetime of happiness. Based on current research and his own experience as a father, teacher and child psychiatrist, Dr. Hallowell will outline how one step leads to the next and how the cycle is self-perpetuated. This talk will point out what really matters in childhood, and what does not, while offering practical pointers on how to make the most of the most precious years of life.

Want a complete flier of the event? click here.

Speak Out on Climate Change

Join citizens from across the US and Canada calling for enactment of comprehensive energy and climate legislation. Just 90 minutes to meet like-minded friends and neighbors, learn about this new national movement, and write a personalized letter to your congressional representative.

Next Boston Area Million Letter March Party*

Date: Tuesday, April 12, 7:30-9:00 PM

Location: United Parish of Auburndale

64 Hancock Street, Newton, MA

For information, contact: Gary Rucinski at 617-803-8038, ccl.boston@citizensclimatelobby.org

http://www.CitizensClimateLobby.org

* Sponsored by Citizens Climate Lobby, a nonpartisan, nonsectarian, nonprofit organization committed to building the political will for a stable and sustainable climate

NewtonPAC for Special Education Meeting and
Call for Special Educator Nominations

What is "Social Thinking"?

Thursday, April 14 from 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Room 210, Education Center, 100 Walnut St, Newtonville

Tracey Stoll, M.Ed. Founder and Executive Director of Learning Solutions, LLC.

"Social Thinking" is our ability to think about WHY we do certain things? HOW we do certain things? WHY does all of this matter?

Tracey will speak in detail about: What social thinking is; what effects social thinking; and how we know if a student will benefit from social thinking groups and strategies? Social cognitive thinking groups are beneficial for learners experiencing social challenges among their peers, and within daily life. Participants will come away with increased knowledge and understanding of social cognitive thinking, and strategies to stimulate the development in diverse learners.

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. www.newtonpac.org

NewtonPAC Special Educator Awards -
Call for Nominations

Awards Ceremony will be on June 2, 2011 at 7 PM

Do you have someone you'd like to recognize?
Nominees can be any member of NPS staff. They do NOT have to be special education dedicated if they made a difference to a child receiving special education services.

There is no official limit to the number of staff members nominated per family, but please use your discretion. The awards are meant to recognize truly outstanding efforts! All nominees will be recognized.
Please read the following important information regarding nominations!
All nominations must be received by May 15th and MUST include:
Your name (will not be made public - nominator's names are known only to award recipients).

Nominee's home school and e-mail address. If s/he is a district-wide employee, please designate as such and note which school your child attends.

A SHORT paragraph on why you believe s/he should be recognized.
Please note that the awards are for the CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR ONLY.

Send your nominations directly to Jess Wilson at pacnoms@hotmail.com.

If you are interested in helping to host the awards, please write to Jess Wilson to volunteer.

Acafest 2011 - Friday, April 15

The Newtones, NSHS's award-winning student-run A Cappella group, will be presenting this year's Acafest, featuring themselves, Newton South's new Southbeat, Boston University's Bostones, and Brandeis Starting Point on Friday, April 15^th in the auditorium of the school at 7:30 pm.

This year's proceeds from Acafest will go to the Boston Arts Academy, a nonprofit fundraising and program-development arm of the Boston Arts Academy. All donated monies will help to bridge the gap between what Boston Public Schools can provide and the true cost of a rigorous arts and academic education.

Students will be selling general admission seating for $10 in person and at the door as available. Other seating will be available at http://seatyourself.biz/ - premium seats ($15- front section) and special seats ($12- side sections). Handicap seating is available as well. Refreshments will be sold during intermission. Any food donations must be individually wrapped and dropped off in front of the auditorium prior to the show.

If you are looking for a ticket, please access the website or look for a Newtone at school. If those aren't an option, please contact Rachel at Rachel.e.schy@gmail.com or Jackie at jackiehorowitz@mac.com for tickets or more information.

Classical Music Benefit Concerts for Japan

Three Classical Music Benefit Concerts for Japan organized by BU student and former Newton South High student Taichi Fukumura will take place in The Eliot Church of Newton this month:

Saturday, April 16 at 8pm
Saturday, April 30 at 5pm
Saturday, April 30 (same night) at 8pm

Tickets are free to all three concerts. Any donations for Japan at the events will be greatly appreciated.

The first of the three concerts will feature young artists such as 12-year-old Tristan Flores, and Yuki Beppu, who played for President Obama last fall. The concert also features Yoko Fukumura, a pianist from Newton South High School, as well as Elliot Seidman, former student of Newton South and now a horn player in Walnut Hill.

The second concert features two piano trios from NEC by Arensky and Dvorak.

The last concert on April 30th at 8pm features the Boston Accompanietta, a chamber orchestra conducted by Taichi Fukumura. The orchestra will feature Sarah Atwood and Sarah Leonard on Bach Double Violin Concerto, Oksana Gorokhovskiy on Mozart Violin Concerto 5, and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings.

April Vacation Girls Soccer Clinic at BC

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The BC Lady Eagles 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.

Click here for registration information

Wally's Wicked Good 5K

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

Start/Finish: Auburndale Cove Park
Kids Fun Run & Games - 5:30 p.m.
Race Start - 6:00 p.m.
Proceeds from the race to benefit the Melanoma Foundation of New England (www.mfne.org).
Race tees to the first 200 registrants

Ice Cream Party for all finishers!
Awards for top finishers in each age division
Prizes for top fundraisers

Age Divisions: 8 yrs and under, 9 - 10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 yrs and over!

Team divisions: Youth sports team & adult team

Mostly flat course through the Auburndale neighborhoods adjacent to Auburndale Cove Park. Parking available at race start. Water stops at miles 1 and 2. Timing provided by Spitler Race Systems.

Race fees: Early registration: $20 (by 5/1/11), $25 (after 5/1/11). Kids Fun Run: $5

Fundraising: Set up your personal fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com! Donations of $100 or more receive complimentary race registration and t-shirt (while supplies last).

Special youth/sports team registration: $150 (for up to 15 youth runners)

Register online at https://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1948716

Number pick up and registration: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Tues 5/10 & Wed 5/11 at Wally's Wicked Good Ice Cream, 419 Lexington Street, Auburndale, MA 02466, and on race day between 4 p.m. and 5:30 at Auburndale Cove Park.

NewtonSERVES 2011

A Day of Community Service - Sunday, May 15

A miracle happens in Newton when 1400 Newton residents of all ages volunteer 7,000 hours in one day at 56 project sites throughout the city. Parks get spruced up for the summer season, playgrounds get built for our youngsters, seniors get help with projects that remain undone and organizations such as the cultural, art and senior centers get a good spring cleaning. In one day, $150,000 worth of services are provided each year to Newton's not for profit and city organizations.

This year the event will be held on May 15. The project is organized by the NewtonSERVES Committee, under the direction of the Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs and the Newton Parks and Recreation Department with the support of Newton Community Pride. They are now accepting Volunteer Registration.

Registering is very simple. Go to www.newtoncommunitypride.org

Click on NewtonSERVES
Click on Volunteer

The form is easy to fill out and you can choose from more than 40 projects already listed looking for volunteers.

The success of NewtonSERVES, now entering its 2^nd decade, has meant so much to the City of Newton that Mayor Setti Warren will be announcing that NewtonSERVES will become a year long, village-based service program. So please plan on joining us this year for NewtonSERVES.

If more information is needed send inquiries to contactus@NewtonCommunityPride.org or call the Mayor's Office for Cultural Afffairs at 617-796-1540.

Waban Library Center Spring Class Catalog

Do you need some activities for you or your children to before the summer season gets into full swing?

Check out the Waban Library Center's classes for Spring 2011 at http://www.wabanlibrarycenter.org/classes/current-course-catalogue/

We are offering the usual favorites like music making, guitar, yoga, creative writing, short story seminar, peacemakers and hip hop, and Creative Dance for 4 -5year olds!

If you have any questions, please contact wabanlibrary@gmail.com.