 Dear Families,
I can't believe it is time for me to write the last newsletter of the year! How can it be June already? What an incredible year it has been for me at Burr School. As I think back to this past year, I am so very grateful for the support you've offered and the help you've given as we've worked together to provide the best educational experience possible for each child.
The past few weeks have been busy ones as we wind down the year and prepare for next year. Here are a few things that have been going on and a few things for your information:
End of Year Activities
May and June have been full of activities which bring Burr students, parents, and teachers together as we close our school year. We thank you for joining us in these celebratory activities and for your vital partnership throughout the year. It is a pleasure visiting the classrooms as children proudly share their accomplishments. Looking beyond the obvious academic achievements, we must also notice the social and emotional growth that has occurred throughout the year. We must recognize the process that has led to the completion of the presentations and projects that are shared. I want to give special recognition and thanks to the Burr teachers for providing an excellent education for our students; our skillful and dedicated teachers have made this a very successful school year.
Color Day was a blast! Jodi Michna did an amazing job of planning and executing a fun-filled day for all. The weather was perfect and the activities so completely appropriate for elementary aged students. Teamwork and cooperation were clearly reinforced by the parent volunteers and staff. I know it took a lot of work and I'd like to thank Jodi and the parents who helped out for devoting their time to this special day. I know that you were all rewarded by the smiles on the children's faces.
We had our annual Spring Concert on June 1st, and the 4th and 5th graders impressed us with their wonderful singing and instrument playing. Congratulations, to Kate Ingram, Ted DeColo, and Jeff O'Neill for an amazing job! They inspired the students to work hard and perform challenging and varied selections so well. Their enthusiasm and their discipline is contagious.
Coming Up
On Tuesday, June 21st, the K-4 students will have a "Step-up Day" where they will meet the next year's teaching team. We realized the anxiety that goes along with making the transition to another grade level and hope that meeting the whole team of teacher will alleviate some of it. The teachers will share some highlights for the coming year that the children can look forward to and answer some of their questions. Class lists for all Newton's elementary students will be emailed on August 26th. This year, I have asked teachers to come up with a common list of supplies at each grade level so parents can begin shopping early. Many of you shared how difficult it was to get the lists so late in the summer. These lists will be posted on the school website shortly.
This year we will have an All School Meeting on the last day of school to bring the school community together one last time before the summer. We will be enjoying the Grade 5 Moving On Slide Show and a short Color Day slide show that Tricia Bombara has offered to put together. It will also be a time for us to reflect on the year, say goodbye to students and staff who will not be with us next year, and encourage students to keep their math and literacy skills sharp over the summer months. A few parents will be helping with the set, but please know that this time is only for students and staff. I respectfully ask that parent not attend because the cafetorium will become very crowded and unsafe.
On the other hand, we love to have parents come to school and join in whenever possible. So we have arranged to have a Zumba instructor come to Burr on Tuesday, June 21st. Carolyn Dangelo, a former Burr parent, will lead two 30 minute session in the afternoon. She is experienced in leading classes for children and adults. Please stop by and have some fun with us. The younger students (K-2) will Zumba at 1:45 - 2:15 PM and the 3-5 grade students will have their session 2:20 - 2:50 PM. Your classroom teacher will send along more details. Hopefully, we will be able to exercise outside if the weather cooperates. Student report cards will be sent home with students on June 20th. Please look for them in your child(ren)'s backpacks. Staffing for Next Year Marcia Cohen, one of our fourth grade teachers, has decided not to return to Burr next year. Marcia would like to be closer to home next year. Marcia has been at Burr for three years and will be missed by the students, staff, and parent community at Burr. Those of you who have had a child in Marcia's class know that she is a skilled and caring educator. She has touched the lives of many students in such positive ways. Marcia not only ensures that her students meet the academic benchmarks but she also takes the time to get to know each of them personally. I wish her luck in her future endeavors. As you know, Rhonda Silva is expecting a baby in September. Rhonda has decided to take a leave next year so she can stay home at with her baby. Although, I am selfishly disappointed that she will not be with us next year, I am thrilled that she can take this time to truly enjoy being a mom without having to balance a career that she cares deeply about. Luckily, she will be returning in the 2012-13 school year. We have been very fortunate to hire two exceptional teachers for next year. Katie Crowley, who is currently an intern in Liz Moran's 5th grade classroom, will be teaching third grade next year and Jeff McMahon will be joining the fifth grade team. The Hiring Committee has spent several weeks reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates and is unanimously thrilled with these appointments. Here is a little information about each of them: Katie Crowley has fully immersed herself in the fifth grade curriculum this year. She has impressed us with her enthusiasm to learn and her dedication to work towards engaging all students. Katie has B.S. in Accounting from Syracuse University and M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Lesley University. She is well versed in current educational pedagogy. She has fully utilized her internship at Burr and her course work at Lesley to prepare her to be an exceptional teacher. The third grade team is excited about having her join them. Ms. Silva will work with Katie to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Jeff McMahon comes to us from Carderock Springs Elementary School in Bethesda, Maryland. He has been teaching fifth grade there for three years. Jeff is originally from the Boston area and he and his fiancé have decided to return home to be closer to family. They are also preparing for a summer wedding. Jeff earned a B.A. in English at Tufts University and an M.Ed in Elementary Education at Lesley University. Jeff impressed us with his commitment to meeting the diverse needs of each student and with his understanding of the importance of developing respectful relationships with students, colleagues, and parents. He will be an excellent addition to our fifth grade team, who are looking forward to having him join them. We are in the process of interviewing and hiring a fourth grade teacher. I hope to have that information to share with you very soon. In Reflection I would like to acknowledge all of the many parents, relatives and grandparents who have given us so much support, time and assistance throughout the school year. We needed you and appreciate your time. Your volunteering in both big and small ways not only moves the school forward, but it gives your children the message that school is an important place and that you and the teachers are working together for their benefit.
This year cannot end without heartfelt thanks to Tracy Carter and Steve DeJesus. Steve and Tracy have worked closely with me this year as the PTO Co-Presidents. It has been my pleasure and privilege to have the opportunity to get to know them. They have committed countless hours to ensure that the Burr School experience is an exceptional one for all of our children. Steve ends his two year term this year, but I am sure the PTO Board members are already recruiting him for other projects. I would like to welcome Ted Vahey as he joins Tracy as next year's Co-Presidents. I'm proud of the relationships we've built this year. Burr is a special place because of our tremendous kids and families, and our dedicated and talented staff! Thanks for making my first year at Burr a special one. I'm looking forward to what next year will bring. Have a fabulous summer - relax, connect, and re-energize. With Warm Regards, Mindy Please remember the schedule for the last week of school: Monday, June 20, students will have a regular dismissal at 3:00 PM Tuesday, June 21, dismissal is at 12:30 PM Wednesday, June 22, dismissal is 12:00 PM ** This is the last day of school. It's very important for you to pick up your child on time as it is also early release for staff. | 
