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 Season's Greetings!
It seems that just yesterday school started, but here we are, almost at the end of another year of adventure. As the calendar year winds down...Here is our holiday/wintery check list for all:
1) Prepare to vote - Board of Aldermen approve Override ballot questions. Last week, the Board of Aldermen approved three override questions that will go before Newton voters on a March 12, 2013 special election ballot. The outcome of the vote will have a critical impact on schools district wide and especially here at Burr in the near term. Please become educated on the issues related to the override and how the outcome will impact education throughout the district. The mayor's office is currently scheduling town hall meetings to answer override questions with the next meeting to be held on Thursday Dec 14th at Angier school. We are also in the process of scheduling a date for school committee members to visit Burr to discuss school related issues as well as field questions regarding the override - we will provide that information as soon as its available. Override related information can also be found at the City of Newton website and at "www.buildingnewtonsfuture.org"
2) Recognizing our teachers during the holidays.
At this time of year, many of us wish to recognize and thank our kids' teachers for the exceptional job they do. The Newton School Committee has a "no gift" policy for teachers; however, a donation of books or wish-list items is a great way to say thank you. Homemade cards are always a thoughtful gesture, too.
3) Please consider participating in the GIFT for BURR campaign! Make your tax deductible donation before the end of the year. Your kids and the teachers appreciate and utilize every donation! Your donation provides the extra special events and activities that our kids look forward to every year! Make those donations go even further -- don't forget to apply for matching gift funds from your employer!
4) Join  OneCause and Target - Take Charge of Education.
For many of us, the holiday shopping season has already begun. Or, you may be having trouble getting started. Here's a way to go shopping and donate to Burr School without even getting out of your pajamas. Send flowers to your mother in-law, make travel plans, or simply buy gifts for your family and friends online, and OneCause will donate to Burr. They're two great ways to help Burr at no extra cost to you! Thank you, to all who shopped last week at Just Next Door, hopefully you checked off a few items on your holiday list!
5) Help others.
Thank you to all who have contributed to the Holiday Food Drive. Your donations will certainly make someone's holiday very special indeed!
6) Inclusive Schools Week.
Thank you to the Respect for Human Difference team who organized special activities for the kids last week and for reminding us all how to keep that warm holiday feeling all year long!
7) Blue Zone and the snow?
It will be here soon enough, PLEASE take care to follow Blue Zone rules during the snowy season. Snow banks, slippery streets, and general congestion make for messy drop-offs and pick-ups. Please consider walking, or allowing extra time in the Blue Zone, and remember the good old holiday spirit and be a bit more patient. Thanks!
8) Avoid the "bah humbugs" of missing clothes!
 Grab a permanent marker and label all your kids' clothes...quick! Or, if that opportunity has come and gone and you are already missing the goods, check the Burr lost and found presently located in the front office area.
9) Mark your calendars now!
We start off the New Year with Science and Engineering week, January 28 - Feb 1. Volunteer 30 minutes and share you love of science and engineering with your kids and their friends! Email Joanne Kotz and Ted Vahey at Burr Science Week for more information.
We wish you and your family a very safe and joyful holiday season!
Jason and Ted
PTO Co-Presidents
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BOOYA has raised $354 at this Saturday's Bake Sale at the Library. This money will be donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand, a charity that helps children with cancer. Congratulations to all the AMBASSADORS who helped organize this event. Thank you to all the parents and students who donated baked goods and helped at the library. GO BOOYA!
Next Thursday, December 20th, the GUYS READ book group will meet in Mr. Gaita's room at 5:30pm to discuss the Classic Start Series book: Swiss Family Robinson. The group will talk about the book while eating pizza and other snacks. We hope to see many guys there. 
