| Mark your Calendar |
Jan. 10
CASC 1st Grade event - Nocturnal Animals
Jan. 11
Parent-Principal Coffee
Jan. 21
Martin Luther King Day - No School
Jan. 28 - Feb. 1
Science & Engineering Week
Feb 6.
Early Release Thursday
Feb. 18 - Feb. 22
Winter Vacation-No School |
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| From Ms. Johal's Desk | | |
 Dear Burr Families,
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a relaxing break and were able to enjoy some quality time with family and friends. It was wonderful to see the children pour excitedly into the school with stories of their vacation adventures. The mid-vacation snowstorm was a highlight for many!
I have always loved coming back to school in January because it is a great time for reflection and goal setting. Children are well settled in their classroom communities, and are very familiar with the routines and structure that their teachers have put in place to scaffold and extend their learning. Teachers have developed solid relationships with the students and their parents, and can forge ahead with exciting projects and activities. We can all capitalize on foundations that have been developed during the first half of the school year.
At home, you can help them prepare for a successful transition back into school routines by reminding them of school rules and behavior expectations. It is our collective responsibility to help students develop solid study skills and habits that will enhance their learning and interactions with others. I urge you to sit with your child and encourage him/her to set some goals and priorities for his/her academic and social growth during the coming months.
Dressing for the Winter Weather: Please be sure to send your child to school with appropriate clothing because we will go outside for recess everyday unless the temperature drops into the single digits and/or if the wind chill makes the conditions unsafe. Students should have hats, mittens/gloves, and jackets to be comfortable outside. When it snows they will also need snow pants and boots. Children will not be allowed to play in the snow without boots. Do remember to label everything with your child's name so that lost-and-found items can be returned.
Morning Arrival: Some of you may have noticed that the doors next to the kindergarten classes are now closed at 8:35 AM and children and parents are being asked to go in through the front entrance after this time. Entering the building after 8:35 AM will mean that children will be listed as tardy. Maura has handed out as many as 60 tardy slips in one morning. Parents will be receiving tardy notices generated by our database if their children are repeatedly tardy. Please review the reminders about arrival and visitors posted in this bulletin.
During December many parents were walking their children to their classrooms for various reasons. I would like to encourage everyone to get back to the practice of dropping off their children outside the school or at the double doors by the kindergarten rooms. Even the majority of our kindergarten children are able to come into their classrooms and settle in for the day independently. Remember, the teachers are there to help out if needed and very good at coaching the children towards increased independence. Most importantly, the instructional day cannot begin if parents are having mini conferences with teachers. This takes the teachers attention away from the children when they should be making connections and checking in with them. A quick email or note in your child's folder is the best way to communicate important information.
Dismissal: All dismissal plans should be made prior to your child coming to school and a notice MUST be sent to your child's teacher informing him/her of any changes. We realize that there are occasional times when a change needs to be made during the school day, but please keep these to a minimum and make sure you call the office to inform us of the change. Sending an email in the middle of the day to your child's teacher is not an effective way to communicate such changes because teachers often do not get time to check their email once school is in session.
School Security: Over the last few weeks Newton's administrators have been reviewing the district's safety and security planning. Dr. Fleishman, Superintendent of Schools, sent out an informational letter on Friday outlining what we are currently doing and our plans as we move forward. If you have not yet read the letter, it is available on the Newton Public Schools website.
I am looking forward to the second half of the school year with hopes that 2013 is a prosperous and healthy year for the whole Burr School Community.
Sincerely,
Mindy Johal
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School and Traffic Safety Reminder |
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 REMINDERS ABOUT MORNING ARRIVAL AND SCHOOL SAFETY:
- Morning arrival begins at 8:20 a.m.All children should enter at the front and back doors to the right of the main office entrance, near the kindergarten classrooms. These doors are locked promptly at 8:35 a.m. when the school day begins. Children are tardy if they arrive at 8:35 a.m. or later.
- If your child is late s/he will need to enter the school through the main office entranceand sign in. All exterior doors (except the main office entrance) remain locked throughout the day.
- All parents/visitors must use the main office entrance when leaving the building to ensure that the school remains secure.
- All parents/visitors must sign in at the front desk and wear visitor badges.
If you have any questions please contact Ms. Johal.
REMINDERS ABOUT TRAFFIC SAFETY:
- Winter is finally here, which means snow banks and narrow roads. Please be considerate of your fellow parents and our neighbors - observe all Blue Zone and parking regulations, and never park in such a way as to block the flow of traffic.
- Allow extra time and be patient - it is simply going to take longer to drop off and pick up your child by car.
- Avoid using the small Blue Zone and/or traveling east on Pine Street in the afternoon, as eastbound cars are causing gridlock with the westbound school bus.
- A car may stop in the Blue Zone only long enough for students to enter or exit the vehicle, and then it must leave. There is no "waiting" in the Blue Zone (either to watch your child walk to the door or for an adult to return to the car.)
- Drivers must remain in the car. Give all your hugs and kisses before your kids get into the car, and make sure everything they need (backpacks, lunch boxes, musical instruments, etc.) is within their reach.
- There is NO PARKING and no drop-off or pick-up of students in the Staff Lot. Do not enter either school driveway (including to turn around), as this is very dangerous for our walking students who must cross these driveways.
- The Blue Zone regulations are actual City of Newton Traffic Ordinances - they are not Burr's rules and they are not suggestions. If needed, they will be enforced by the Newton Police Department.
- If the Blue Zone regulations do not work for your family and you must drive, please park (legally) and walk your child to the door.
If you need more information please visit the Safe Routes section on the PTO website.
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CASC 1st Grade Event - Jan 10 |
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The Creative Arts and Sciences Programming, a part of the Burr PTO, is proud to present Nocturnal Animals from the Mass Audubon to each of the 1st grade classes on the morning of Thursday, January 10th.
Each 1st grade class will have an individual presentation with a horned owl and a skunk.
9:15am-10am Mrs. Miller/Ms. Espinal's class
10:15am-11am Mr. Gaita's class
11:15am-12pm Ms. Golden's class
Parents of 1st graders are invited to join their children at the scheduled presentations.
CASC is fully funded by the Burr PTO.
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Newton Community Ed classes at Burr |
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Registration is now underway for winter classes with Newton Community Education. Coming up at Burr we have ...
- Mondays - Whodunit?
- Tuesdays - Dare to Draw, Chess
- Wednesdays - Mad Science
- Thursdays - Chinese Club, Advanced Lego We- Do Robotics
...as well as a new one-session Home Alone Safety class, coming to Burr on Friday, January 25.
We have many more weekday classes at schools throughout Newton, including Pottery, Computer Animation, Actors Studio, Fencing, Fast Math, andthe list goes on. We have great family classes, such as Ductivities!, Glass Mosaic, Two Continents, Many Dumplings, and more. We also have Saturday sports options at Burr for kids ages 2 and up, and weekday afternoon sports such as Archery, Floor Hockey, and Ultimate Frisbee. If you're looking for exciting winter and spring vacation programs, we have those too. As always, we have a wide variety of classes at schools throughout Newton, and we welcome kids from all schools at all of our classes.
For more information or to register, call our office at 617-559-6999 or visit our website at newtoncommunityed.org. Be sure to check out our adult classes too!
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| NPS Leadership Special Outreach Mtg Jan 8 |
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Newton School Committee and Newton Public Schools leadership to visit Newton South, January 8 at 7PM, as part of an outreach tour to meet with parents at every school in the district, at least once per year. Please come to a joint NSHS School Council/PTSO meeting in the Newton South Lecture Hall, January 8 at 7PM. Claire Sokoloff, Margie Ross-Decter, and Steve Siegel will be there to hear parent concerns and answer any questions you might have about the most pressing issues facing the Newton Public Schools, including enrollment growth and space issues as well as the upcoming override vote on March 12.
Please feel free to submit any questions in advance to Robin Maltz at robinm@comcast.net. For more information about the override, please click here.
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| Become a Newton School's Volunteer! |
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"I think I'm getting smart!" Become a Newton School Volunteer and hear these words from a student.
- Tutor a 2nd - 5th grade child in basic mathematics concepts once a week for 30-45 minutes.
- Select your preferred school, grade, day, and time.
- Play special math games that reinforce skills and help students gain confidence and competence.
- Training, Everyday Math books and learning materials, and ongoing support are provided.
- No teaching experience is needed!
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| Upcoming Newton PAC presentation Jan 10 |
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Assistive Technology to Support Executive Function Skills
Karen Janowski, NPS
Thursday, January 10th 7:30 to 9:00 PM (Networking begins at 7:15 pm)
100 Walnut Street, Newtonville
Room 210
Learn about assistive technology tools which support students who struggle with Executive Function skills. Karen will present a variety of technology tools which support skills necessary for school success, from elementary through high school. We will focus on tools for managing executive function skills across the grade spectrum.
Newton Parent Advisory Council (NewtonPAC) for Special Education meetings are free and open to all people interested in learning more about special education.
Join us! Questions, contact Eileen and Lisa at info@newtonpac.org.
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| Classes and Workshops at Waban Library Center |
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 Jazz, Hip Hop and Creative Dance, $96 Ages 4 to 6 yrs.
8 Fridays, 1:30-2:15pm
Taught by: Grace Noyes
Dancers will learn the basic elements of Jazz Dance and Hip Hop set to today's popular music. Along with dance technique instruction, they will be given the opportunity to creatively express themselves through open ended movement. The class will include stretching exercises, progressions across the floor and sequences of age appropriate choreography that will build week to week. This fun, lively 45 minute class is open to both new and prior students.
Class dates: January: 11,18,25 February: 1, 8, 15 and March: 1 and 8. To register please email us at wabanlibrary@gmail.com.
 Karen Day Creative Writing workshops for 4th and 5th graders!
First, on Saturday, January 26th, a Boys-only workshop will be held from 3:30pm-4:30pm. Does your son have a big imagination? Is he interested in writing but doesn't know how to get started? In this workshop, local children's author Karen Day will introduce basic fiction writing techniques such as how to create strong characters and plots. Boys will brainstorm for ideas and leave with the start to their very own stories. No experience necessary! $20 Registration Fee.
Then, on Saturday, February 9th, a longer workshop will be held for boys and girls, from 3:30pm-5:00pm. Creating a strong narrative voice is one of the most important ingredients in fiction writing. Local children's book writer Karen Day will take kids through exercises she does when creating fictional characters. We will also talk about plot, setting and how to make narrators come alive! No experience necessary. $25 Registration Fee.
All classes will be held at the Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban. Pre-registration is required: email us at wabanlibrary@gmail.com. Spaces are limited!
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| Girls' powerfulME Yoga at L'Aroma Cafe |
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 powerfulME is a creative yoga, wellness and empowerment program geared towards elementary school aged girls. Each class will have different themes including, yoga, journaling, and a nutritional segment with a certified holistic nutritionist. There also will be inspirational guest speakers to enhance the program. Classes are held on Tuesdays at L'Aroma cafe in West Newton. NEW Six week sessions start JANUARY 15.
powerfulME's 'yoga fun' is geared for 1st and 2nd grade girls from 1:30-2:30, powerfulME's program for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders from 3:00-4:30.
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| Register for Newton Girls' Softball by Jan 31 |
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 Think Spring! Think Softball! Newton Girls Softball registration is underway for the 2013 spring season. This is a recreational league for over 500 Newton girls in grades 1-7. Players of all skill levels will have a fun and rewarding experience. Visit our website www.NewtonGirlsSoftball.org for more details, access to our on-line registration, and winter indoor clinic information.
Register before January 31, 2013 to avoid a late fee. February 28, 2013 is the last date you can register with guaranteed placement.
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| Newton West Little League Spring Registration |
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 Registration: is now open on our website at: www.newtonwestll.org
Spring Evaluations
On Saturday Jan. 26th and Saturday Feb. 9th player evaluations for the Newton West Little League Spring 2013 Season will take place at Newton North High School. These evaluations help the league place players in the appropriate levels, and make the teams as fair as possible, so it is important your child attend if he or she would like to play next season!
Location: Newton North High School from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Date: Either January 26th or February 9th
Bring: Glove, sneakers, water (Bat optional).
Time: Based on a players age as of April 30, 2013 and is as follows:
· 6:00 PM: 7 years old and in 2nd grade
· 6:00 PM: 8 years old
· 6:45 PM: 9 and 10 years old
· 7:30 PM: 11 and 12 years old
· Players less than 7 years old need not attend they will be assigned to teams.
· Players in the majors in the Spring of 2012 need not attend.
Details: New this year! Players can register at these sessions.
For more information, email info@newtonwestll.org.
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| Brookline Children's Community Theater Summer programs |
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Playful Performances (for ages 5-13)
Lincoln School
One Week Sessions:
June 28- July 5, July 8- July 12, July 15- July 19, July 22-July 26
Does your child love the world of make-believe and acting? Students will listen to popular children's stories and develop their flair for the dramatic through the magic of music, dance, acting, and theatrical projects related to the story. We'll make simple sets and costumes, play fun improvisational games, and perform mini-scenes to build teamwork and confidence. Our troupe's activities will take place both indoors and outside.
Theater Arts Program (for ages 7-13)
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Lincoln School
Session I: Two weeks, June 28 -July 12 ($615)
Session II: Two weeks, July 15 -July 26 ($615)
Session III: Two weeks, July 29 - August 9 ($615)
Four weeks ($1130), Six weeks ($1,599)
This performance program offers young entertainers a chance to explore the world of theater. Each morning, children will participate in engaging acting, music, dance, and art classes. In the afternoon, we'll collaborate with professional artists and educators to create a new and original show. Students will learn dialogue and choreography and help create scripts, sets, and musical numbers. Each session will culminate with a formal performance. Outdoor games and water play will also be part of our program.
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| Newton Community Farm Winter Programs |
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 WINTER PROGRAMMING AT NEWTON COMMUNITY FARM NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!
NCF is pleased to offer a variety of courses in the winter of 2013 for children who have an interest in the outdoors, food, and farming. For children, join us on February 6 at the Farm for an Early Release Day Activity and again on February 21 for Kids on the Farm - Then and Now, a vacation week program at the Jackson Homestead. For more information on these classes and to register, please visit our website at http://newtoncommunityfarm.org/education/classes/.
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Jan 10 Public Hearing on Newton's Homebuyer Assistance program |
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The Newton Community Preservation Committee's meeting on Thursday, 10 January 2013, at 7 pm in City Hall Room 222 will include a public hearing on further funding for Newton's long-running Homebuyer Assistance Program. The full meeting agenda and full text of the proposal are online from www.newtonma.gov/cpa.
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