| Mark your Calendar |
April 24
Burr Book Swap April 26 Guys Read Book Club April 29 Newton Serves at Burr
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| Recruiting PTO Board Volunteers for school years 2012 - 2014 | | |
There are several positions opening on the PTO Board for the school years 2012 - 2012 and 2013 - 2014 (two year term). If you are interested in volunteering a few hours a month, please consider one of the positions below. They offer a great way to get involved in making the Burr the most supportive and fun school possible!
PTO Co-President:
Do you want to help make your child's learning experience the best it can possibly be? You can have a direct impact! The school system provides the basics for core curriculum, then the PTO helps fill the gaps due to budget restrictions and provides those little extras - the "icing on the cake".
We're looking for a co-president. It doesn't take as much time as you probably think. After all, it's a "co" position. You get the benefit of working with an experienced team of committee chairs. The primary roles of the co-presidents are:
- facilitate open communication and ensure effective information-sharing among parents, the School Principal and the broader Newton community on issues and concerns related to or impacting the Burr school (chat with everyone).
- meet monthly with the Burr School Principal to share information on a range of issues (have coffee with Ms. Johal).
- represent the Burr School at the monthly citywide PTO Council Meetings (share M&M's with other co-presidents in Newton).
- plan and lead PTO meetings each year, in partnership with the school Principal (have a get together with all your Burr friends and not have to clean up your house).
- write periodic updates for the Burr Bulletin (give the Burr community the 411).
- Assist the Treasurer in developing the budget and overseeing expenditures (spend everyone's money on all kinds of fun stuff for the Burr kids!).
Questions? Contact Ted Vahey or Tracy Carter (tgunrud@hotmail.com)
Communications Coordinator
Most of the work of the communications coordinator is done online. So, whether you are at home in your PJs or sneaking a few minutes during a lull at work, if you have access to a computer and an hour or two a month to spare to update distribution lists, send occasional email and run the school council election, this could be the role for you! The communications coordinator is supported by a fabulous team of editors who do all the work on preparing and distributing the weekly Burr bulletin, and by the inimitable Cecelia Kwartler who manages the Burr directory. For more information, contact the current coordinator, Colette Burke
Community Building Coordinator
Do you & your family enjoy attending all of the fun activities at Burr like the Halloween Family Fun Night, World Cultures Festival & May Fair? Do you value the importance of a strong community? Please consider being the Community Building Coordinator (CBC)! Don't worry: the CBC is not responsible for coordinating all of the community events...you only need to check in with the organizers to make sure they have everything they need and lend a hand, when needed. It is a great way to get to know other Burr parents and help create a fun environment for your child at school. For more information contact
Volunteer Coordinator
Have you every volunteered to help the PTO but not been contacted with a specific request? We get this complaint a lot, so we have decided to create a new position, volunteer coordinator. The volunteer
coordinator won't need to ASK people to volunteer - we've taken care of thehard part and have a list of parents who have signed up and indicated they kinds of tasks they are interested in doing. All you need to do is assign open tasks to willing volunteers. Most of the work can be done electronically, so this is another great role for those who want to help but need to fit their PTO board responsibilities into their already busy life.
Education Support Coordinator
The ESC is a great opportunity to learn more about all the various PTO sponsored programs at Burr that support our teachers in the classroom and help enrich the curriculum they teach, as well as have a voice if you have ideas for improvement. The ESC is responsible for coordinating and supporting the work of the various PTO committees whose primary focus is classroom enrichment or teaching staff support and helps facilitate communicating any concerns or needs of those committees with the PTO Board and/or school administration. If you are interested in knowing more about how the PTO adds to the classroom experience and are well versed in "volunteer recruiting 101" then this is the opportunity for you. For more information contact the current coordinator, Jason Wong.
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Creative Arts & Science Programs
Kindergarten Author Visit: Emilie Boon | |
Who: Author / Illustrator - Emilie Boon
When: Wednesday, April 25th
Where:
Catalina Frail 8:45am - 9:45am
Vanessa McMahon 10:00am - 11:00am
Nancy Fitch 11:15am - 12:15pm
Emilie Boon is the author and illustrator of more than twenty children's books. When she visits the Burr Kindergartener classes, she will read from some of her books and share insights into her creative process, as well as demonstrate her watercolor technique. Then she'll lead kindergarteners in a workshop where they will create their own watercolor book.
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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Burr Clean Up Day - Sunday, April 29 | |
This Weekend Sunday the 29th is Burr Clean Up Day!
12:00- 4:00 rain or shine
Please come help us with some spring cleaning. We have projects in the garden and on the playground and in some classrooms.
ALL are welcome parents, children and teachers !! Many hands make light work!!
Please wear old clothes and bring gloves, rakes, wheel barrels, shovels and pruning clippers.
Please register on line by clicking this link. For more information contact our Burr coordinators Kelly Brown or Bill Hoch
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Day Middle School Book Fair | |
 The F.A. Day Book Fair is coming May 8-11 and will feature something for everyone; fiction, nonfiction, new books, as well as all time favorites, so mark your calendars!
This year we would like to extend a special invitation to parents of 5th graders. This is a great chance to visit Day and check out the library before your child is a student here next year. Opening Day is Tuesday, May 8 with a Parent Coffee beginning at 7:30 am. Day Principal Brian Turner, Day Librarian Randy Meyer and Jane Malmberg from the Newton Free Library will be on hand to welcome parents and make personal recommendations. This is a great opportunity to buy birthday presents and stock up on summer reading, while helping our school. We hope to see you there!
Hours and Events
Tuesday May 8 7:30 am Parent Coffee. Fair open 7:30-2:30
Wednesday May 9 7:30 am - 3:00 pm.
Thursday May 10 7:30 am - 3:00 pm.
Friday May 11 7:30 am - 9:30 am. |
Newton South Wants Your Gently Used Books! | |
The 4th Annual Newton South High School Used Book Sale will be held again this year from May 22-24 in Wheeler Commons at Newton South. If you are doing a little spring cleaning over vacation (or after), please consider donating your gently used books to the NSHS Book Sale. Proceeds will benefit literacy initiatives in the NSHS English Department.
Drop Off hours are: Monday and Thursday mornings, April 23 thru May 17, from 7:15 - 8:15 am and 2:30 - 3:30 pm at the POD in NSHS parking lot (next to Goldrick House).For more information about book drop off, please contact Suzanne Freudberg. |
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Girl Scout Clothing Drive | |
 Junior Girl Scout Troop 73010 is organizing a community children's clothing (and other items) drive for Cradles to Crayons.
Clothes needed from newborn through adult medium. This is a great time to clean out your closets of outgrown but still in good shape clothes. Go green and help children in need. Books, baby equipment, toys and games are welcomed too. The drop-off will be at City Hall during Newton Serves, on April 29th from 9:00 - 3:00. We did this last year and filled a truck. This year we are hoping to do better, maybe even fill 2 trucks.
For more information about Cradles to Crayons and donations needed, go to: Cradles to Crayons . Other questions about the drive: feel free to contact - Alicia Bowman |
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Newton Partnership Events | |
When Bad Things Happen to Good Families: Talking with our Children aboutTransition, Crisis and Loss
Parents need to understand how their children might respond to stressful events, such as moving, separation/divorce, death, etc. In this workshop, parents will learn developmentally appropriate ways to prepare children for difficult changes and how to build resilience, as well as strategies for supporting them in the midst of these types of stressors. Presented by Larry Berkowitz and Joanna Hooper, both of Riverside Trauma Center. FREE.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
7:00-8:30 pm
Freedman Center
225 Nevada St., 02460
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Talking to Your Child About Sexual Assault: What to Say, What Not to Say and How You Can Empower Your Child (for parents of elementary age children)
As a parent, do you know what to say - or not to say - to your child about sexual assault? How do we teach our kids about appropriate and inappropriate touching and, ultimately, how do we empower them to behave when they feel uncomfortable? This workshop is geared for parents of elementary age children and will be presented by Gail Sommer, ExecutiveDirector, Child Assault Prevention Program. Note that a similar workshop will be taking place at Brown Middle School on the same evening for parents of teens. FREE.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Mason Rice Elementary School Auditorium
149 Pleasant Street
Newton Centre, MA 02459
Talking to Your Child About Sexual Assault: What to Say, What Not to Say and How You Can Empower Your Child (for parents of teens)
Sexual assault is a difficult, but important topic, especially with teens. Learn how to talk to your child and how we, as parents can help our teens to establish appropriate boundaries with peers and others. Presented by Meg Bossong,Community Mobilization Project Manager at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC). Note that a similar workshop will be taking place at Mason Rice School on the same evening for parents of elementarty school students. FREE Tuesday, May 1, 2012 7:00-8:30 p.m. Brown Middle School Library 125 Meadowbrook Road Newton Centre, MA 02459
Beyond a Bigger Backpack: Preparing for the Transition to Kindergarten
Whether it's your first or last child to go off to kindergarten, going to a new school and being in a bigger class with other changes can present challenges. Join this interactive workshop to share and learn practical tips and fun tools to help make the transition to kindergarten easier for everyone. Presented by Janet Lucey and Beverly Mobilia, Early Childhood Specialists with The Newton Partnership. FREE Thursday, May 3, 2012 6:30-8:00 p.m. Education Center, Room 304 100 Walnut Street Newtonville, MA 02460
The Autism Revolution: Whole Body Strategies for Making Life All it Can Be
After years of treating patients and analyzing scientific data, prominent Harvard researcher and clinician, Dr. Martha Herbert offers a revolutionary new view of autism and a transformative strategy for dealing with it. Autism is not a hardwired impairment programmed into a child's genes and destined to remain fixed forever, as we're often told. Instead, it is the result of a cascade of events, many seemingly minor: perhaps a genetic mutation, some toxic exposures, a stressful birth, a vitamin deficiency, or a series of infections. FREE event. A book signing will follow the presentation. Books will be available for purchase. Wednesday, May 9, 2012 7:00-8:30 P.M. Newton South High School 140 Brandeis Rd. 02459 |
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School-Age Siblings: Moving from Rivalry to Revelry |
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Dr. Deborah Weinstock-Savoy, psychologist and parent of three, discusses the dynamics of sibling relationships and how to create a harmonious family environment. FREE
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Thursday, May 17, 2012
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Bowen Elementary School
280 Cypress Street
Newton Centre, MA 02459 |
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Recreation and Open Space Plan | |
The City of Newton is updating its Recreation and Open Space Plan and would like to learn more about how residents view the City's existing open space resources. Newton has a wide range of open spaces, from parks, playgrounds and other areas for active recreation, to wetlands, conservation lands and the Charles River.
We're interested in the priorities of residents for improving, acquiring and maintaining open space in Newton. Everyone has a stake in our natural spaces and we're seeking your input and ideas!
Results from the survey will be used to help guide the City and the Recreation and Open Space Plan Advisory Committee. With public participation and input, we will developing a vision and set goals and priorities for Newton's open space and recreation facilities over the next 5 years, consistent with the Newton Comprehensive Plan.
Here is a link to the survey found at the City's website.
Or directly at:
City of Newton Open Space Survey
Questions? Contact Claire Ricker or call the Newton Planning Department at 617-796-1122. |
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Newton Family Singers Present... | |
 If I Had a Song - Celebrating Pete Seeger and Friends, on Sunday, May 6th!
Come enjoy the music of folk icon and legend Pete Seeger and his musical friends and contemporaries, including The Weavers, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie....with a special performance by members of the extended Seeger Family. You'll find yourself hand-clapping and tune-humming at this fun-for-the-whole-family musical extravaganza celebrating Pete Seeger's contribution to American folk music. Sunday, May 6, 4pm at the Memorial-Spaulding Elementary School Auditorium, 250 Brookline Street, Newton.
With this concert, the Newton Family Singers welcome award-winning composer, director and musician Chris Eastburn as guest Musical Director. Chris brings over 10 years of experience directing the Family Folk Chorale of Arlington, and an unmatched ability to create powerful, emotional and melodic choral arrangements. This concert will feature the debut performance of an original tribute to Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie.
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Creative Arts at Park | |
Summer at Park School For Kids Ages 4-15
"Creative Arts at Park" is a multi-arts and sports camp for ages 7-15. A full year of arts education in one summer session June 25-July 27. Partial week rates are available. Over 130 courses including video, visual arts, photography, theatre, dance, music, creative writing and sports including fencing, karate, gymnastics, swimming, soccer, tennis and basketball. www.CreativeArtsAtPark.org or call 617-274-6065
"Summer at Park"- General camps and specialty sessions for ages 4-15. One and two week sessions June 18-August 17: art, cooking, golf, fishing, field trips, lacrosse, leadership training, nature, science, soccer, swimming, tennis and more. Extended day available. More info: www.parkschool.org/mainsummer or call 617-274-6024. |
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Spring Soccer & Tee Ball | |
Check out the spring soccer and tee ball opportunities for players age 3 - 9 at Be Ahead of the Game
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