| Mark your Calendar |
March 15
Early Release Thursday March 20 Full Day Tuesday - 3:00 PM Dismissal March 21 Early Relase - 12:30 PM Dismissal March 22 - April 2 MCAS
March 24
Burr World Cultures Festival April 6 No School - Good Friday
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From Ms. Johal's Desk | | |
 Dear Families:
March is a busy time for us at Burr as teachers plan for conferences, implement rich units of study, and prepare our third, fourth and fifth grade students for State testing. It is a time during which we both concentrate on the current school year and begin looking toward next year as well. We begin to consider potential program and schedule changes for the upcoming academic year that will help improve the way we meet the needs of our students.
Currently, we are in the process of registering next year's kindergarten students. The last two Thursdays have been devoted to meeting the families and screening the students. We are also gathering enrollment information for our current students in order to get an accurate picture of the number of K-4 students for next year. We know that some new families will be moving in, but having exit numbers is critical for our planning right now. Many of you have already completed and returned the forms that were sent home to gather this information. If you have not had time to do this yet, and your child(ren) will not be returning to Burr next year, then please let us know as soon as possible. We will begin gathering placement information for next year in April.
Burr fifth graders have been very busy lately. They are leading the way for us to re-focus our community commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible. I am sure many of you have heard the excitement about the new BLOP (Burr Loves Our Planet) shirts. Students and staff are encouraged to wear green on Fridays and of course be mindful about their consumption and use of resources. The fifth graders are leading the way for Burr students to learn the importance of accepting responsibility for the preservation of our environment. Bravo!
The fifth graders are also preparing to launch the Burr School Safety Patrols and perform in the annual Fifth Grade Musical this week. Safety Patrols will take on the responsibility of helping younger students during dismissal times. Each K-2 classroom will have a fifth grader assigned to help students get safely to BCAP or the Bus waiting area. Some may also be assigned to help teachers in the Blue Zone. Mr. McMahon has helped organize the patrols and we hope to expand it by giving students more responsibilities as the year progresses. The musical is on Thursday, March 15th with morning performance for students and a 7:00 P.M. performance for families. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate any parents in the morning because we are so short on space in the cafetorium.
Last week, Superintendent of Schools, David Fleishman, shared a budget proposal that contains no reductions and a number of initiatives and restorations that will make our programs even stronger next year. For the elementary schools this means the restoration of fourth grade chorus and the addition of aides to help with literacy and math interventions in the early grades. Mental health staffing at Burr will also be increased to ensure that we have a psychologist or social worker available to provide support Monday through Friday. More information about the Superintendent's Proposed Budget can be found at http://www3.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/fy2013.
School Improvement Plan: Please visit the Burr School Website to look at the Burr School Improvement Plan for 2012-2015. Newton Public School System requires each school to create and implement a school plan typically on a three-year cycle. Our School Improvement Plan is based on the needs of the Burr community while complementing system-wide goals. This plan was prepared with extensive input from the Burr School staff and the Burr School Council. I welcome your feedback and any questions you may have regarding the plan.
MCAS: Testing in English Language Arts for grades 3, 4, and 5 takes place between March 20 and April 3. Math will take place in May. Please remember that in order to accommodate the state's testing requirements, Tuesday, March 20 will be a full day with a 3:00 PM dismissal, and Wednesday, March 21 will be a 12:30 PM release day for all students. If any student is absent on the testing days, he/she must make up the test during the testing period. Any Grade 4 students who miss the writing test will take it on March 29. The Department of Education will send us a different test for these students.
March English language arts tests:
Grade 3: March 23, March 26
Grade 4: March 20 (full day writing), March 23, March 26
Grade 5: March 28, March 30
May math tests (and science for grade 5):
Grade 3: May 14, May 16
Grade 4: May 14, May 16
Grade 5: May 11, May 13, May 20, May 23
Please note that these dates a different from those posted in an earlier newsletter.
We work hard to create a calm and industrious atmosphere at Burr during MCAS testing time. We try to instill in all of our students the attitude that they will be able to do well on these tests if they work hard and focus. The best way for you to help your child is to reinforce this attitude at home, and to ensure that he/she rests, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives at school on time. Directions will be given at 8:45 AM and students will begin the tests at 9:00 AM.
On March 14th, all Newton Schools will participate in Newton Unplugged. This is a day designed to have students take a hiatus from all electronic devices such as television, computers, gaming stations, etc. and spend the after school hours doing different things. No homework will be assigned that night so that children have time to participate in a variety of activities. It is a great time to plan a night of board games, go on a family walk, play an outside activity, or just enjoy relaxed family time together.
I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the World Cultures Festival on Saturday, March 24th. The preparations for the day are well underway and it promises to be a wonderful community event.
Have a wonderful week.
Mindy
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World Cultures Festival : General Volunteers Needed | | |
We are so excited about the tremendous response we've had in our preparations for this year's World Cultures Festival! At present count, 30 different countries are going to "host" the rooms at the festival this year. Now it's time for the rest of the Burr community to lend their helping hands.
Burr World Cultures Festival
Call for general volunteers!
Saturday, March 24th
1-2 hour shifts available from noon to about 5 pm
Many hands make for light work and we could really use some general helpers at the event. If you are available to help with set up, supporting the room hosts, assisting in the gym/cafeteria programs, or helping with clean-up, please look for the flyer that will come home in folders this week and return it indicating your availability. Or, you may email Sloane Goldhagen if that is easier--she'll hook you up with a fun task!
General questions about the Burr World Cultures Festival? Contact Dana Hanson, Ann Langenfeld, or Jackie Gelb.
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Hope for Tohoku - Benefit Concert and Reception | |
It's hard to believe but yesterday marked one year since the tsunami that devastated Japan. Thanks to all generous Burr family donors, Burr raised more than $5000 for Japan. All money was finally donated to Japanese Disaster Relief Fund. And 100% of the money raised in this fund has directly benefitted organizations on the ground, poised to help Japan.
The groups of this fund will host a special evening event on Sat, March 17 to support the ongoing disaster recovery efforts. This events features special stories shared by two hight school students who survived the disaster and losses of their loved one, exclusive performance by Japanese artists, Japanese delicacies by famous Japanese restaurant around Boston, and more. Click here to join this special event! |
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BOOYA Meeting | |
BOOYA will be meeting this Friday March 16th. Adults will be meeting at 7:45am and AMBASSADORS will join at 8:00am. The meeting will be about the successful pajama drive as well as upcoming events like Litter Patrol and a fundraiser. The meeting will be in Mr. Gaita's classroom. GO BOOYA!!!
David Gaita
First Grade
Burr School |
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Creative Arts & Science Program
First Grade Author Visit | |
AUTHOR-Irene Smalls
When: Friday, March 16th, 9:15am
Where: Cafetorium
African American author Irene Smalls dramatically presents her stories to first graders and shares how she became an author in kindergarten when she learned to write the stories she saw at "the tip of her nose." Her fond memories of growing up in Harlem come to life in the story Irene and the Big, Fine, Nickel and the book Jonathan and His Mommy is a love poem to her son.
Parents are welcome to attend this program. 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
Beth Tierney
Pam McVey |
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Parents Night Out at the Skellig | |
Saturday, March 31, 6-9
$10 tickets in advance, $15 at the Door
Live music and food
Do not miss it -It will be epic!
If you would like to order tickets in advance, send check or cash in an envelope marked Skellig through your child's backpack. Please include your name either in or on the envelope so we'll have your name at the door and you can just walk right in.
781 443-5909
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Library Gift Book Sale is Coming! | |
This is your chance to recognize your child's teacher by purchasing a book for the library and dedicating it to a special teacher. The sale will take place during the week before the May Fair. We need volunteers for the following really easy jobs 1. Make copies of the book list and distribute to the student folders 2. Make copies of the sale notice for student folders 3. Help "sell" books before and after school - even if you can only take one shift 4. Help "sell" books at the May Fair 5. Enter dedications with student and teacher names into a spreadsheet 6. Help stick the labels and teacher letters into the purchased books 7. Distribute books to the classrooms If you think you can help with any one or more of these tasks, please email Gretchen Becker. |
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Global Education Leadership Fund | |
In Newton we are lucky to have many wonderful programs supporting our children. One such program at the two high schools is the Global Education Leadership Fund (GELF), which benefits lower income Newton students aspiring to participate in our international educational programs.
Here are three ways in which you can support GELF:
1.Bid on an auction item, including one by Principal Johal who has donated four Museum of Science tickets, Omni Show AND Lunch with Ms. Johal OR challenge Superintendent Fleishman in a one hour tennis lesson and much more.
2.Come to the upcoming GELF dinner on March 24th, which includes a five-course tasting menu with selected wines inspired by the various international regions our scholarship students have explored. Your hosts and servers for the evening will include the Superintendent, and our high school, middle and elementary school principals. The evening concludes with dancing to live music. You can purchase seats, $125/person, by clicking here or sending a check to Newton Schools Foundation, 100 Walnut Street, Newton MA 02460.
3.Can't make the dinner but still want to support GELF efforts? Consider donating to Support a Teacher to attend the event
($75/person) or just mail a check to the address above. |
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Flying High - North Cambridge Family Opera | |
Please come to the North Cambridge Family Opera's American premiere of:
FLYING HIGH
Music by Graham Preskett Book and Lyrics by John Kane
Flying High is the story of a wildly successful but unhappy pop star
and a band just starting out, and how they both seek fulfillment in the
unscrupulous world of the music industry. Featuring entertaining lyrics set to singable music in a variety of
styles, Flying High is presented by an inter-generational cast in English with side titles. This production comprises two 40-minute acts (plus intermission) and will appeal to audiences of all ages. If you want to see three Burr families, including Maggie and Poppy Needham
Dina Gorelik
Yuval and Gal Agam70 Rindge Avenue, Cambridge MA (North Cambridge, between Porter Square and Arlington). We'd love to see you at the following shows: 1. Saturday, March 24 at 7:00pm 2. Sunday, March 25 at 5:00pm 3. Saturday, March 31 at 3:00pm 4. Sunday, April 1 at 1:00pm Admission this year is free. NCFO welcomes donations and
suggests $5.00 for children, $10.00 for adults. But, to make
also $5.00 for children, $10.00 for adults (several shows sold
out last year). Seating is general admission. Come early to make sure you get a good seat!
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Donate Your Used Bikes | |
 Donate Used Bicycles: Do you have an unused bike in your garage? Turn it into a tax deduction while also supporting Bikes Not Bombs.
Bring your bikesto the First Unitarian Church in West Newton, 1326 Washington St., on April 15th between 10am and 2pm along with a $10 donation per bike. Bikes of all styles and sizes are accepted...even old bike parts! Bikes are sent to developing countries and are used here in New England to teach mechanical skills to worthy kids who get to keep the fruits of their labors. For more information go to Bikes Not Bombs or email joyce.pollock@gmail.com.
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Concussion Facts & Myths -What Parents Should Know | |
 Are you a parent, or coach and want to understand the impact of concussions on young student athletes?
Join Lauren Smith, MD, MPH, medical director for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, for Concussions Facts and Myths - What Parents Need to Know on Thursday, March 22nd from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Williams Elementary School, 141 Grove St. 02466. Dr. Smith will present up to date information about concussions among young athletes and discuss what parents and athletes can do to improve recovery and reduce the likelihood of long term problems. She will also review the rules on sports-related head injuries in public schools in Massachusetts.
Targeted for all parents and coaches. No registration required. Co-sponsored by the Newton PTO Council, Williams PTO and The Newton Partnership. Warning: Do not park in the Lasell College parking lot. They ticket and tow. |
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Newton Community Farm | |
 2012 Summer Classes for Pre-school through Grade 9 Now Open!!
Looking for fun filled, hands on, educational classes for your young one this summer? Then look no further, with an exciting array of programs for all age groups we have something for everyone.
Farm Sprouts - Pre-school and Kindergarten.
Little Diggers - Students entering Grades 1 and 2.
Farmer in Training for elementary students entering Grades 3 - 5
Socially Aware Young Farmers for middle school students entering Grades 6 -9
For more information and registration details please visit our website. We look forward to seeing you!
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Hipstich Sewing Lounge | |
Do you want to get creative, and learn how to design and sew your own clothes. Come join us.and let us show you how to Recycle, Renew and Reinvent your wardrobe! Teaching Adults, kids and teens, Sewing Birthday Parties and Mother Daughter Classes.
We also have Early Release day Sewing on Thursday March 15th. 1.00-3.00pm Sign Up Now
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NewtonSERVES BoxART Project | |
To aesthetically enhance village space for people who both live and work Newton, this program is calling on all Newton artists, amateur and experienced alike, to submit proposals for the painting of those drab, green utility boxes seen around the city. Between five and twelve artists will be chosen to paint the boxes between April 27 and May 12 as part of NewtonSERVES.
The NewtonSERVES BoxART Committee feels vibrant public art creates an inviting environment and a sense of place and will choose proposals that will help achieve these goals. Proposals should be imaginative, positive, colorful and create delight.
Selected artists will be recognized in all media, on the Newton website, on the Newton Community Pride website, on all NewtonSERVES publicity materials and promotional material; artist names will also be on the artwork.
The Request for Proposals will be available on line at
The Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs, Newton Community Pride (NewtonSERVES) and the Department of Public Works, Environmental Affairs Division are collaborating on a new pilot public art program called NewtonSERVES BoxART.
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| Free Wellness Day | |
FREE Wellness Day (Sunday, March 18th) for Cancer Patients and Their Caretakers.
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