| Mark your Calendar |
May 16
School Committee Meeting on Space
Final PTO Meeting
May 26 - 27
Burr Garden Classroom
June 1
Burr Parent Book Group |
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Important Meeting Tonight -
Support Burr Simply by Attending! | | |
Thank you to the many parents who have been writing letters to the School Committee expressing the need for a modular classroom at Burr to address our space crisis in the fall of 2011. Join us tonight to keep this important message going strong.
Tonight, Monday, May 16th, at 8pm, the School Committee (SC) is holding a Special Meeting to discuss the space needs at Burr and other schools. The SC is considering two options for Burr: the addition of an external modular classroom and the construction of a "carve-out" classroom within our existing cafetorium. This "carve-out" option would greatly reduce Burr's available space, critical to BCAP, special ed, and all-school meetings, and would be a short-sighted solution for our ever-growing school.
The SC is aware of our strong preference for a modular and a large Burr presence tonight will underscore this message. While there will be no public comment at the meeting, this is an important opportunity for Burr parents to make a statement simply by attending.
The PTO Board encourages all available parents to join us on tonight at the Education Center at 100 Walnut St. at 8:00 pm. If you cannot attend, please consider emailing the SC directly at schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us
to voice your opinion on this important issue.
The School Committee plans to vote on this issue May 23rd, so time is of the essence.
Help us show the commitment of Burr parents to achieving the best long-term solution for our school - a modular classroom.
Thank you |
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Final PTO Meeting of the Year
Tuesday, May 24
***Call for PTO board nominations!*** | | |
It's transition time on the Burr PTO board. Next Tuesday, May 24th at 7pm, we'll vote in our new board for the 2011-2012 school year at our final PTO meeting of this year.
Some folks find their way onto the board because they're already heavily involved in all things at the school, but others jump in with no particular involvement whatsoever. We really need both types to make the machine run. But, it's a bit of a challenge for us to find "new" people because we might not know you yet! If you are interested in meeting other parents, making a statement to your kids about your investment in their school, and having FUN, we want you! The board meets monthly and works closely with our principal.
Remember -- ANY parent who is interested in helping to shape the way events are run next year at Burr is more than welcome to throw his or her hat in the ring. Let's face it, a lot of times we don't feel comfortable nominating ourselves. We really rely on the entire school community to provide us with some leads on prospects. Do you feel that there's some untapped talent lurking around? Let the nominating committee know and we'll follow up!
Here are brief job descriptions for this year's four available board positions. All are two-year terms:
PTO Co-President
The two co-presidents serve on the PTO board and oversee general operations of the PTO. Specific duties include: organizing and running school-wide PTO meetings, representing Burr on the citywide PTO Council, meeting regularly with the principal to plan and coordinate events/programs, writing monthly Burr Bulletin communications, and generally assisting Burr teachers and staff to make Burr the best it can be.
While Tracy Carter will be continuing her two-year term as co-president next year, we will be replacing out-going co-president Steve DeJesus. Please feel free to email Tracy (tgunrud@hotmail.com) or Steve (sdejesus13@gmail.com) if you would like more information about being a PTO co-president at Burr.
Treasurer
The Treasurer acts as the chief financial officer of the Burr PTO. S/he is accountable for all the funds that flow through the organization. S/he ensures that all PTO Budget and Fiscal Policies are enforced. The Treasurer cuts and signs checks, and tracks all income and expenditures. S/he provides a report at the end of the year accounting for all funds spent.
Fundraising Coordinator
This person is involved in supporting and coordinating the committee chairs working on all major fundraising activities, including the Book Fair, Bake Sale, Photo Day, Chateau Night, Target and One Cause and the Gift for Burr campaign.
Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for taking the minutes at all PTO meetings and for maintaining an current copy of the Burr PTO Operating Policies and related documents. The Secretary is also
responsible for ensuring that all necessary documents are filed with the Secretary of State (such as newly elected Board officers).
In addition to the election of new PTO Board members there will also be discussion of the 2011-2012 PTO budget proposal. The budget will be up for a final vote in the Fall. Minutes of past minutes are available at http://www.burrpto.org/BurrPTOBusiness.html
Babysitting will be provided at this meeting for a small charge. Questions? Contact PTO-Board@burrpto.org. |
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School Store -
Just Two Weeks Left! | | |
It is the countdown to the closing of the Burr School Store for the school year - just two weeks left to do your shopping!!!
Stop by on Tuesday morning for special prices on Pencils, Globe Erasers, Robot Erasers and Bracelets - two for ONLY 25 cents. Bear or Frog Jumping Pens just $1.00 (Pens like these are sold in fancy gift shops for as much as $5.00!) Pencil Top Erasers - five for 25 cents - get one for every day of the week! New merchandise will feature Chinese Jump Ropes - $1.00! Thank you one and all for supporting the 5th grade fundraising efforts!!! |
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Burr Mom's Night Out -
This Friday, May 20th! | | |
Take time out of your busy schedule to socialize with other Burr moms. Get to know the faces you see at drop off/pick-up or other school events. Relax with a glass of wine and light appetizers. ALL are welcome!! $15 at the door.
Hosts: Judy O'Neil and Felicia Falchuk
Friday, May 20th at 7:30pm
382 Lexington St., Auburndale
An Evite invitation was e-mailed to all Burr moms. Please rsvp today to let us know if you can make it! If you did not receive the Evite or if you have any questions, please contact Judy O'Neil at 617-332-6638 or judyloneil@verizon.net
Proceeds from the event go to support 5th grade end-of-year events and gift to school |
Time for the Burr Garden Classroom!
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Springtime at Burr...'tis the season for our beloved
Burr Garden Classroom. If you enjoy gardening (or have always wanted to learn more about it!), we
invite you to become involved with our Burr Garden Classroom. Every class at Burr visits the classroom
and plants a garden with a different "theme".
We're always looking for parents to stop in and assist in their kids' classes as they plant their gardens. Please let Dana Hanson know if you think you might like to join us. Younger siblings are welcome--please come a few moments before your child's class is scheduled.
(If you can't make the planting sessions, but would like to join our Summertime Burr Family Garden Club, we'll be sending out weekly signups for that soon--this is a flexible gig and you help out when it's convenient for your schedule.)
Thursday, May 26 (raindate Thurs June 2)
8:45-9:20 3-Rendulich
9:30-10:05 3-Lawton
10:15-10:50 K-Frail
11:00-11:35 3-Canning
12:30-1:00 5-Cooley
1:05-1:40 4-Robinson
1:45-2:20 1-Espinal & 1/2 Gaita
2:25-3:00 1-Golden & 1/2 Gaita
Friday, May 27 (raindate Fri June 3)
8:45-9:20 K-McMahon
9:30-10:05 K-Fitch
10:15-10:50 5-Moran
11:00-11:35 2-Roberts
11:50-12:25 4-Cohen
12:30-1:00 2-Creeden
1:45-2:20 2-Field
2:25-3:00 4-Taylor
See you in the garden!
Diane ("Ms. J") Jaquith, Jessica Avery, Marlene Gibson, & Dana Hanson--Burr Garden Classroom Coordinators |
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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 |
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Library Gift Book Sale | | |
The Library Gift book sale is over and I'm pleased to say we sold almost all of the books on the list. Thank you to all the families who dedicated a book to one of our outstanding teachers. Special thanks also to Junko Shibuya, Johanne Campbell, Pam McVey, Jill Greblick and Andrea Flint for helping sell books during the week and at the May Fair.
But we're not done yet. We still need one or two people to help put the dedication stickers into the books. If you can spare a little time this week (May 16-20) please contact Gretchen Becker at gretchenbecker@verizon.net or 617 964-5515. I'd like to have the books done by the end of this week so we can deliver them to the classrooms.
And finally, we need someone to take over the administration of the Library Gift book sale for the future. If anyone is interested, we can co-chair this event next year and I'll show you the ropes. Contact Gretchen Becker using the contact information listed above. |
Donate TODAY to Honor Thy Teacher 2011 | |
It is hard to believe that it is May with less than two months until the end of another school year. Every day, your child has benefitted from the exceptional Newton teachers and staff to motivate, educate and inspire them to be the best they can be. Please support their efforts and honor their dedication to our children by donating to the Newton Schools Foundation's 14th Annual "Honor Thy Teacher" Campaign.
The suggested donation is $25 per teacher/staff member. Make your Honor Thy Teacher donation:
· By Check
- Made out to "Newton Schools Foundation" and mailed, along with a note containing the name and school of the teacher to be honored, to: Newton Schools Foundation, 100 Walnut Street, Newton, MA 02460
· By Credit Card - Phone the office at 617.559.6120
· Online by PayPalor Credit Card
We celebrate Newton Public Schools teachers and staff by:
· Notifying honored teachers and staff
· Listing all honored teachers and staff in the Newton TAB
· Sharing honoree names with the Superintendent and Principals
· Ensuring your donations go to support 21st Century classrooms in Newton |
| Plant Swap | |  Sunday May 22nd, 9am-3pm. 27 George St.
Bring a Plant/Take a Plant: Ferns creeping out of bounds? Hostas growing like weeds? Lily of the Valley taking over your yard? Now is the time to thin your garden. Don't put those Iris divisions in the compost bin. Trade them in! Use flower pots, milk cartons, coffee cans, yogurt tubs, even plastic bags to pot up your cast-offs. Early drop-offs ok. Exchanges free, but please consider a donation to the box marked "METCO Scholarship Fund" which helps Newton METCO graduates attend college.
For more Info, e-mail bhoward617@aol.com
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NCSC Summer Day Camp 2011 | | |
Only a Few Spots Left at NCSC Summer Day Camp 2011 (Grades 1 - 8). Limited space available for Sessions 1, 3, 4 and 5.
Join Newton Community Service Center for a fun-filled summer at the beautiful Hale Reservation in Westwood. Campers enjoy boating, fishing, Red Cross swim lessons, arts and crafts, archery, ropes, hiking, sports, special events, overnights and more! 8:00 am - 4:30 pm with an extended day program until 6:00 pm. Transportation provided from our location to Hale. To see our slideshow, find more information, or register, go to www.NCSCweb.org/summercamp or contact Megan Cap-Renzi at 617-969-5906 ext. 224. |
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Summer Programs at Newton Cultural Center | | |
It's not too late! There are still spaces for summer programs for children at the Newton Cultural Center this summer.
Time for Families - Art & music classes for children 18 months - 6 years with their families. 9:30 - 11:30am. Four sessions: June 14, 16, 21 & 23 - $85. Register on-line (ActivityReg.com, Massachusetts, Newton Parks & Recreation, Register for Activities, Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs)
Time for Partners - Art & Music classes for children 18 months - 4 years with one adult. Mondays through Thursdays, June 27 - August 4, 9:30 - 11:15am. Pick one day. $130 per semester ($105 Mondays). Register on- line - (ActivityReg.com, Massachusetts, Newton Parks & Recreation, Register for Activities, Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs).
Summer Swing - A drop-off program for children ages 3 - 6.
Art, music & creative movement every day. Mondays through Thursdays, June 27 - August 4, 9am - Noon. Flexible 2, 3 and 4 day options available. $40 per day. One hour lunch bunch available for $10. Call 617- 527-8283 to register. |
Historic Newton's 29th Annual House Tour | |
Historic Newton's 29th Annual House Tour will be held Sunday, May 22 from noon to 5 pm.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at home design, architecture, landscape and interior design, as well as residential renovation and preservation. This year's tour features a diversity of architectural styles, from a beautifully-restored 1870 wooden Mansard and an 1890 brick Colonial to a 1950s single-story Modern and a 2010 contemporary cottage, this year's homes show the stylistic range of Newton's historic houses.
You can also celebrate the House Tour at the Preview Party on Saturday, May 21 which will feature wine, hors d'oeuvres, and a sneak-preview of the houses on Tour. Tickets to the House Tour or the Preview Party can be purchased online at www.historicnewton.org, or by phone at 617-796-1450.
The pricing for House Tour tickets is as follows:
Advance pricing available until 5/20/11 at 5pm:
Member: $20
Non-Member: $30
Also check out our special online membership bundles.
Day-of House Tour ticket prices:
Member: $25
Non-Member: $35
A few volunteers are still needed! Call 617-796-1456 to volunteer and receive a free ticket. |
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Fifth Annual Rove The Cove - June 18 | |
The Auburndale Community Association is hosting the 5th annual Rove the Cove 5K road/trail race on June 18. The race starts and finishes in the picnic area of The Cove in Auburndale. Cotton t-shirt to the first 100 registrants. Prizes raffled at the end. All fitness levels welcome! You can walk or run. All finishers 14 and under receive official finishers medal.
Start location: "The Cove" Auburndale Park, West Pine St, Auburndale, MA (Commonwealth Ave to Melrose St. Left on to W.Pine). Start time 9:30 . Check in 8:45. Registration forms available at www.auburndalecommunity.org. |
Volunteers for Child Assault Prevention Program (CAP) | |
The Child Assault Prevention Program (CAP) is seeking volunteers for the upcoming school year! New training begins October 12th. The training has been revised to more easily fit with busy schedules.
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