THE BURR BUZZ: November 2016

Giving Tuesday

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. This November 29th, join the movement and give - whether it’s some of your time, a donation, gift or the power of your voice in your local community.

Consider being a part of #GivingTuesday this year by contributing to the Burr community. It is so easy and everything you do will benefit your child and the entire Burr community.

Donate to the Wolf Fund

Send a check made payable to the Burr PTO into school in your child’s folder

Give online at http://burrpto.org

Volunteer at Burr

Help with the Book Fair. Sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c45adaf29a5f58-2016

Get involved with online auction. Email Justine Fialkowsky at jfialkosky@verizon.net
Be a presenter for Understanding Our Differences on November 30 Physical Disabilities presentation for Grade 3) or January 12 (Autism presentation for 5th grade). Email Deanna Salemme atsalemme@comcast.net

Be a part of Burr’s inaugural Science Fair on January 24. Email Laura Sexton at laurasexton1@hotmail.com

Be a host for a Creative Arts & Sciences presenter. Email Laura Towvim at lgtowvim@gmail.comHaven’t heard of #GivingTuesday before now? Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources. Check out https://www.givingtuesday.org for more information.

Lighting celebration at City Hall December 1st

Start the Holiday Season off with a cheerful evening of song, hot chocolate and fun! Sing-along with the Stacey Peasley Band – an award-winning band whose music is joyful and playful – as they play your favorite holiday songs. Then, enjoy some hot chocolate courtesy of PhysicianOne Urgent Care, or tea from David’s Tea, and delicious snack bars donated by KIND, as you watch a “Rockettes” performance by Creative Dance Steps Studio.

All of this excitement builds up to the Grande Finale of Mayor Setti Warren flipping the switch that turns the grounds into a twinkling winterland! Please bring a donation for Newton’s Food Pantries. For more information, visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org or call 617-796-1540.

December 1st, 6:00 pm
Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

Newtonopoly

The Newton North business students are working on a new, fundraising project: Newtonopoly. Newtonopoly will be similar to the famous board game, but it will represent many local businesses in and around Newton, such as Wegmans, Legal Sea Food, and The Village Bank. The Newtonopoly team has been hard at work preparing for the release, and is happy to announce they are ready to take pre-orders! As a special promotion, if you pre-order, you will receive FREE shipping.

You can pre-order the game with this link: http://newtonnorthschoolstore.com/products/newtonopoly

What’s going on at the Y

Winter Programs
Registration for Winter Programs at the Y opens on December 12th for West Suburban YMCA Members and December 16th for Non-members. Programs begin in early January and run through the end of February, including:

· Swimming Lessons for all ages including Parent & Child classes
· Aquatics Fitness Classes
· Sports Leagues and Classes
· Child Care & Sports School Vacation Programs
· Karate
· Music Lessons & Creative Arts Programs
· Personal Training and Small Group Training – including a winter weight loss challenge called “Resolutions”

Visit wsymca.org to register online or stop by the Y’s Welcome Center at 276 Church Street, Newton.

WSBL Men’s Basketball League
A new 10-week season for one of the best adult basketball leagues around begins at the end of the year. Sign up to play as a team or a free agent in our Recreational League (Monday nights) or two Competitive Leagues (Wednesday or Thursday nights).

League includes 10-week regular season plus post-season playoffs, certified officials, online statistics and team jerseys. For more information, contact Cindy Brown, League Coordinator, at cindyb@wsymca.org.

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs
The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is their mission to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Please contact the Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

What’s going on at the Y

Visit wsymca.org to register online or stop by the Y’s Welcome Center at 276 Church Street, Newton.

Celebrate Newton Craft Fair

Celebrate Newton is Newton Community Education’s annual juried holiday craft fair. Shop locally this holiday season and support more than 50 local artisans selling jewelry, clothing, accessories, pottery, jams, chocolates, soaps, olive oils, cutting boards, greeting cards, and more. The fair will feature many popular artists who return year after year, as well as several new artists.

Come and make a day of it! Food will be available for purchase, and live performances by local musicians will provide a festive backdrop for your holiday shopping. There will even be a staffed arts and crafts room where kids can be entertained while you shop.

Admission $3; kids under 12, free. Net proceeds will benefit Newton Community Education’s scholarship fund. For information, including information about the exhibitors, visit celebratenewton.com.

December 4th, 10:0 am – 4:00 pm
Newton South High School

Family Vision Board Workshop

Most of us have fleeting ideas of what we want for our families. But they remain just that: fleeting. It’s hard to take time to step back and be intentional when we are busy taking care of our kids, working, driving carpools and attending to other people in our lives.

Creating a Vision Board is a way to bring your family together to share your family values as well as your individual interests. You will discover things about yourselves and each other in a totally new ways. If you have already begun to think about being a mindful parent, this is a wonderful way to take another step towards being intentional about your parenting and your life.

You can expect:

Clarity on what you and your family really want

Space and time to map out your dreams and desires

Connection with other families

All the tools and time to create your own powerful Family Vision Board

Your very own Vision Board to take home and effortlessly attract your ideal outcomes in the months ahead.

An afternoon of reflecting, dreaming and playfully creating with your family.

Fee is $59 – all materials provided, but you are welcome to bring additional photos, magazines, or images you may wish to use. This workshop is appropriate for parents and their children – ages 5 and up. Space is limited to 8 families, so sign up quickly*. Sign up:

https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=208968&stype=-8&sVT=32&sView=day&sLoc=0

Instructor Amy Behrens, M.Ed. is a certified parent coach and educator. Learn more about Amy at http://www.amybehrens.com/

December 4th, 1:30-3:30 pm
Artemis Yoga, 639 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown

*If you don’t get into this one, you can also register for another Family Vision Board workshop at the same location and time on Sunday, January 29th.

Newton Community Preservation Committee meeting December 8th

December 8th Agenda:

Jackson Road New Senior Housing (Newton Corner), Newton Housing Authority request for off-cycle consideration)
Newton Homebuyer Assistance Program (discussion about possible restructuring)
236 Auburn Street (Auburndale), CAN-DO pre-proposal for affordable housing and historic preservation)
Echo Bridge Historic Railing (Newton Upper Falls and Needham), MWRA pre-proposal for historic reconstruction

The full agenda and pre-meeting packet are available on the program website, www.newtonma.gov, under Committees & Meetings – Current CPC Meetings .

MEETING FORMAT: Please note that no public hearings or funding votes are scheduled at this meeting. The CPC uses pre-proposal discussions to determine whether and when it will consider each project’s full proposal, and to advise project sponsors. For each full proposal it agrees to consider, the Committee then holds a public hearing before voting on whether to recommend funding to the Newton City Council.

December 8th, 7:00 pm
Room 204, Newton City Hall

Parent Workshop

Media and the Mind

Join an interactive workshop designed to help you understand the effects of media on the brain, learn ways to set limits on media use, and know what to focus on to keep your children happy, self-aware, and healthy. Session Fee is $20, half of which goes to benefit the Waban Library Center. Instructor: Amy Behrens, M.Ed., certified parent coach and educator. Learn more about Amy at http://www.amybehrens.com/

To RSVP and get the signup sheet, please email Amy at amy@amybehrens.com or follow this link: http://www.wabanlibrarycenter.org/parent-coaching-sessions-at-wlc/.

December 13th, 7:30-9:30 pm
Waban Library Center
1608 Beacon Street, Waban

The Tanglewood Marionettes present “The Dragon King”

An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, “The Dragon King” tells the tale of an intrepid Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. A terrible drought has overtaken the land, and all the world has turned brown and lifeless. The Dragon King is ruler over all things water, and the people are beginning to wonder why he has not brought the life-giving rains in such a very long time. Colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and a Dragon King that will knock your socks off! All this and more can be found in this award-winning production.

Tickets $8 in advance at www.newtoncommunitypride.org or $10 at the door. Call 617-796-1540 for more information.

December 28th, 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
Newton Cultural Center at City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Avenue

Last 24 hours to sign up for Burr Sch. Winter Youth Soccer (K~5)

Starting from this coming Friday (12-2-2016) Burr School PTO will have 12 Friday indoor soccer clinics (Kindergartner: 6pm-7pm; Grade 1/2: 7pm-8pm; Grade 3+: 8pm-9pm). These soccer clinics will be coached by Valeo Soccer Club coach Jared Lewis.

Last 24 hours to sign up for Burr Sch. Winter Youth Soccer clinics! Please act as soon as possible upon seeing this notice!

Details are here: bit.ly/burrsports

Help for attention difficulties

Attention Tutoring is a non pharmacological approach to help students with ADHD/ADD, attention and executive function difficulties, and attention difficulties and autism. This in-home tutoring program trains the brain through

computerized neurofeedback attention training

executive function/organization skills training

relaxation breathing

Great for all ages, the program was developed by Dr. Naomi Steiner, who is a developmental behavioral pediatrician, clinician, researcher, and expert in ADHD and attention difficulties. Her research focuses on computer attention training, including neurofeedback. Lessons are delivered at home by Attention Tutoring certified tutors. For more information please email info@attentiontutoring.com or visit www.attentiontutoring.com.

Creative Arts and Sciences welcomes Author, Suzy Kline to Burr 3rd Graders on November 30th!

Suzy Kline is a much loved and credited author of the ‘Horrible Harry’ series.

In a fast-paced humorous presentation, she shares her writing experiences shows students how the "seeds" of stories can come from everyday life. She urges students to carry a notebook with them at all times so they can record ideas for their own “seed stories.” Suzy will share the first chapter book she wrote in 5th grade, a pile of publishers’ rejections for her books, and gifts from students that have inspired her to keep writing.

Parents are welcome to come observe this presentation!

Details: Wednesday, November 30 @ the Library

12:00-1:00 (Ms.Canning & Ms.Oh)

1:55 - 2:55(Ms.Tice & Ms. MacNeill)

Scholastic Book Fair

Reminder! The Scholastic Book Fair is Happening this Week November 29 to December 2nd!

In addition to classroom visits, there will also be 2 additional shopping events. Please come shop on Thursday evening, December 1st from 4:30-6pm, at After School Shopping and on Friday morning, December 2nd from 7:30-8:30am at Breakfast and Books. Finagle a Bagel has generously donated bagels.

Calling on Volunteers! We especially need more help with Set Up which takes place tomorrow, Monday, November 28th 3-5pm. We need all hands on deck for Set Up. Can you spare half an hour? Many hands make quicker and easier work. And we are also seeking more volunteers for Thursday night's After School Shopping Event.

Please use Signup Genius to volunteer.

Check out the schedule of classroom visits.

If you have questions, please contact Lily Shu at lilyangelshu@yahoo.com for more information.

Newton CPC Dec. 8th Agenda: Housing & Historic Preservation on Auburn St. and Echo Bridge

The agenda for the Newton CPC’s public meeting on Thursday, 8 December 2016 at 7 p.m. in City Hall Room 204includes:

¨          Jackson Road New Senior Housing (Newton Corner), Newton Housing Authority request for off-cycle consideration)

¨          Newton Homebuyer Assistance Program (discussion about possible restructuring)

¨          236 Auburn Street (Auburndale), CAN-DO pre-proposal for affordable housing and historic preservation)

¨          Echo Bridge Historic Railing (Newton Upper Falls and Needham), MWRA pre-proposal for historic reconstruction

The full agenda and pre-meeting packet are available on the program website, www.newtonma.gov, under "Committees & Meetings – Current CPC Meetings."

MEETING FORMAT: Please note that no public hearings or funding votes are scheduled at this meeting. The CPC uses pre-proposal discussions to determine whether and when it will consider each project's full proposal, and to advise project sponsors. For each full proposal it agrees to consider, the Committee then holds a public hearing before voting on whether to recommend funding to the Newton City Council.

--------------------------------

For the following CPC meeting on 12 January 2017, regular agenda requests with their written backup for the pre-meeting packet are due on 22 December 2016.

Please note that off-cycle full proposals are due significantly earlier than the regular agenda deadlines – one month before the CPC meeting requested for the proposal’s public hearing.

--------------------------------

Newton CPA Fy18 pre- and full proposal deadlines:

¨          3 February 2017, to request the required in-person orientation meeting

¨          3 March 2017, to submit a pre-proposal for discussion with the CPC at one of their regular public meetings

¨          2 October 2017, to submit a full proposal if the CPC invites one based on its pre-proposal discussions

Early submission of pre-proposals is strongly encouraged! The CPC will discuss your pre-proposal at any regular meeting. For all upcoming meeting deadlines, use the Calendar link in the top-left navigation section of any page on the program website, www.newtonma.gov/cpa/.

--------------------------------

STAFF CONTACT

For assistance, please contact Alice Ingerson, Program Manager, at aingerson@newtonma.gov or 617.796.1144.

Community Outreach-High School Start Time

Dear Newton Families,

This fall, we have been conducting extensive community outreach to gather feedback on the potential changes to a later high school start time. Thank you to all who attended the community forum, participated in PTO meetings, and sent emails. We appreciate the time you have taken to provide us with your thoughts on the potential impact of this change to your family and/or organization.

Many of you have already provided feedback on the six scenarios currently under consideration. Your feedback has been received and documented. For those who have not yet weighed in, or for those who would like to provide additional feedback, I ask that you please visit our website at: www.newton.k12.ma.us/laterstarttime. On our website you will find detailed information on the six scenarios, as well as a survey link through which you can share your thoughts. The survey will be open from November 23^rd to December 7^th. The High School Start Time Working Group will be sharing community feedback to the School Committee in a formal presentation on December 12^th.

Thank you for your patience as we consider this significant change and the implications it may have in our district. We appreciate your participation and will continue to keep you updated on the process.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman

Superintendent of Schools

The Tanglewood Marionettes present “The Dragon King”

Wednesday, December 28^th, 10:30am and 1pm

Newton Cultural Center at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, The Dragon King tells the tale of an intrepid Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. A terrible drought has overtaken the land, and all the world has turned brown and lifeless. The Dragon King is ruler over all things water, and the people are beginning to wonder why he has not brought the life-giving rains in such a very long time. Colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and a Dragon King that will knock your socks off! All this and more can be found in this award-winning production. Tickets $8 in advance/$10 at the door.www.newtoncommunitypride.org Call 617-796-1540 for more information.

Celebrate Newton Craft Fair - Sunday, December 4 at Newton South

Celebrate Newton, Newton Community Education's annual juried holiday craft fair, will be held on Sunday, December 4, 10am-4pm at Newton South High School. Shop locally this holiday season and support more than 50 local artisans selling jewelry, clothing, accessories, pottery, jams, chocolates, soaps, olive oils, cutting boards, greeting cards, and more. The fair will feature many popular artists who return year after year, as well as several new artists. Come and make a day of it! Food will be available for purchase, and live performances by local musicians will provide a festive backdrop for your holiday shopping. There will even be a staffed arts & crafts room where kids can be entertained while you shop. Admission $3; kids under 12, free. Net proceeds will benefit Newton Community Education's scholarship fund. For information, including information about the exhibitors, visit celebratenewton.com.

Parent Principal Coffee Rescheduled to December 6

At the meeting, Ellen Gibson, a school committee member, will make a presentation about the working group's findings on school start times and possible new scenarios for school times in Newton and she will answer questions. Many of the possible scenarios will affect elementary school start (and dismissal) time. Please consider attending the Parent Principal Coffee to learn more about this important topic.

If you are unable to attend the meeting at Burr, please consider attending one of the other presentations on school start times. Burr families are welcome to attend any of these upcoming presentations.

Newton North High School (457 Walnut)

November 22

8 - 9 am

Cabot Elementary (229 Cabot St.)

Wednesday, November 30th

7:00 p.m.

Angier Elementary (1697 Beacon St.)

Wednesday, December 7th

7:00 p.m.

Countryside Elementary (191 Dedham St.)

Thursday, December 8th

7:00 p.m.

If you would like to learn about the topic on your own, here are links to an overview of the school start time working group's findings and the potential scenarios.

Start Time Overview

Scenarios

You can also share your thoughts on the scenarios by using this email address: laterstart@newton.k12.ma.us.

November is National Diabetes Month

On January 19, 2003, Jordan Weiss, a fourth grade student at Mason-Rice School in Newton, Massachusetts passed away in his sleep from complications of undiagnosed diabetes.

To honor Jordan;s memory, the JBW Fund was established by his family, friends and community to foster awareness and education of the warning signs of diabetes. Sometimes the signs are obvious and sometimes the signs are subtle, limited and attributed to another illness. The latter was the case for Jordan.

Become familiar with the warning signs of diabetes. Knowledge is an important weapon against this disease and its complications.

Warning Signs of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes:

These symptoms can occur suddenly and must receive immediate medical attention.

 Excessive thirst

 Frequent urination, sometimes exhibited by bedwetting (in large quantities)

 Blurry vision

 Sugar in the urine

 Sweet, fruity odor on breath

 Increased hunger

 Weight loss

 Fatigue

 Drowsiness, lethargy

 Irritability and mood changes

 Heavy, labored breathing

 Confusion, Stupor, Unconsciousness

Type 2 Diabetes:

These symptoms occur gradually and must receive immediate medical attention.

 Blurred vision

 Tingling or numbness in the legs, feet or fingers

 Darker patches of skin usually in neck folds

 Drowsiness

 Slow healing sores or frequent infections

 Any of the symptoms listed under Type 1 diabetes

Many of these symptoms can be related to illnesses that are not associated with diabetes. This should be discussed with a health care provider.

For more information, talk to your school nurse or visit:

www.cdc.gov/diabetes or www.jdrf.org

From Ms. Johal: Burr Newsletter 11/18/2016

Dear Burr Families,

It’s been 11 days since the citizens of the United States elected a new president and I realize that we, the Burr community members, have a variety of feeling about the results. Some of us are optimistic about the future and some of us are nervous and worried. One thing I know for sure is that we all want what is best for our families and our community, and for our students to feel safe.

At Burr, we celebrate our diversity and hold dear our core value of respect for human differences. We weave these values into our daily classroom work as we teach our children to appreciate different opinions and to disagree in a respectful manner. It is easy to follow those values during peaceful times, but our fundamental beliefs have been challenged during this time of uncertainty and change.

One of Responsive Classroom’s mantras is to take care of others. Our teachers use this everyday in the classroom and have placed special emphasis on it this past week. School should be a safe place where all feel included, respected, and valued. Hate has no place in our school or anywhere else in our community. Our goal is for students to have open conversations with their classmates that foster respect, compassion, understanding, and appreciation for our diverse student body.

On a national level it is clear, emotions are high and many communities are feeling vulnerable and afraid. These emotions can easily filter into our Burr community and to our children. Last week, Superintendent Fleishman wrote to staff: “While we do not have control over what happens at the national level, we can create a culture in our schools that is respectful and supportive. Hopefully, the work we are doing now will help our students to be prepared to participate in a less divisive world.”

Our students are our hope that things will change for the better. We will continue the work we have already begun at Burr to ensure they have the skills and the motivation to become kind, compassionate, and engaged citizens of our wonderfully diverse world. I feel confident that you will continue to partners with us in this important work.

Yours truly,

Mindy

Author Suzy Kline Presents to 3rd Graders on Wednesday, 30th November

Creative Arts and Sciences welcomes Author, Suzy Kline to Burr 3^rd Graders on 30^th November!!

Suzy Kline is a much loved and credited author of the ‘Horrible Harry’ series.

In a fast-paced humorous presentation, she shares her writing experiences shows students how the "seeds" of stories can come from everyday life. She urges students to carry a notebook with them at all times so they can record ideas for their own “seed stories.” Suzy will share the first chapter book she wrote in 5th grade, a pile of publishers’ rejections for her books, and gifts from students that have inspired her to keep writing.

Parents are welcome to come observe this presentation!

Details: Wednesday, November 30 @ the Library

12:00-1:00 (Ms.Canning & Ms.Oh)

1:55 - 2:55(Ms.Tice & Ms. MacNeill)

2nd Annual Burr Sleep Under! (Dec 9)

Sleep Under Party!

The Burr Teachers are volunteering their time to give parents a night out and to raise $$$ for the Burr PTO!

slofp-2

Friday, December 9th 6:00-8:00pm

Additional information and registration form

RSVP by Dec 5th.

In Home Tutoring

ActiveMinds Tutoring, LLC: Your source for in-home tutoring.

Effective, Personalized and Convenient. All grades/all subjects, including test preparation. Sign your child up today for academic success! Call: (617) 227-2225 or Email: info@activemindstutoring.com. Please visit our website at www.activemindstutoring.com.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony

December 1st, 6:00 pm
Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

Stop the Power Struggles! Become Problem Solvers!

Cindy Kaplan, MA, Parent Coach will lead a course on Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), a strength based neurologically-grounded approach that brings new ideas and hope for helping kids with challenging behavior.

CPS is a program of Think:Kids, based at MGH. Come sip some wonderful tea and coffee along with great pastries while you learn how to strengthen your relationship with your kids and learn to resolve “problem behavior” collaboratively. Cindy is a Certified Practitioner of the Collaborative Problem Solving Method.

Class will meet on Friday mornings 10:00-11:30 am starting December 2nd. E-mail Cindy at cindy@cindykcoaching.com or go to her website at www.cindykcoaching.com to register. Flyer is available here: CPS.

Newton Holiday Craft Show

It happens every holiday season…“What can I get for Aunt Sarah? My next-door neighbor’s baby? My boss?” With over 50 talented artisans displaying their one-of-a-kind treasures, you are sure to find something for the most discerning person on your shopping list at the Newton Holiday Craft Show. Admission is Free!

As you wander the many hallways and rooms of Newton City Hall, you will discover stall upon stall of beautiful hand-crafted jewelry, hats and scarves, pottery, cards, glass works, tablecloths, paintings, purses, delicious chocolates and so much more that will help you solve your gift giving challenge this year. Be sure to pick up a map when you arrive as the booths are tucked into every nook and cranny of the building and you don’t want to miss any!

With ample free parking on the streets around City Hall, all entrances will be open. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Newton Food Pantries. For more information, please visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org

December 3rd, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Newton City Hall

South vs North Boys Hockey scrimmage

Please come to the Newton South and Newton North Boys Varsity Hockey Scrimmage to benefit the Travis Roy Foundation. Cheer on your teams and support those affected by spinal cord injury and paralysis. All proceeds collected at the game will benefit the Travis Roy Foundation

DONATE NOW: Newton North and Newton South Boys Varsity Scrimmage – to benefit the Travis Roy Foundation

December 7th, 8:00 pm
John A. Ryan Arena, Watertown

Scholastic Book Fair is Coming November 29-December 2!

Greeting Burr Book Lovers! The Scholastic Book fair is coming!!!

Tuesday, November 29, Wednesday, November 30, and Friday, December 2, in the Burr Cafetorium, just in time for your holiday shopping! In order to make this happen, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

There is a way for you to help and we need it! If you are interested in helping, in any way, please contact Lily Shu at lilyangelshu@yahoo.com for more information.

Use Signup Genius to volunteer.

Check the schedule of classroom visits.

Successful Gala benefits our community

On November 5th, the West Suburban YMCA hosted its annual gala at the Y, raising nearly $70,000 towards the Y’s Annual Campaign.

Proceeds will allow adult cancer survivors to participate in a 12-week LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program free of charge, local families to send their children to summer camp and community members to participate in swimming lessons, keeping them safe around the water.

Trumpet/trombone teacher

Trumpet and trombone teacher looking for more students. Lessons take place at St. John’s Episcopal church across from NNHS. Contact Michael if interested at mprentky@gmail.com or to learn more, visit www.michaelprentky.com.

Sending items to the Burr Bulletin

Do you want your upcoming event to appear in the Burr Bulletin? Here's what you need to do!

Submit your bulletin to Bulletin@burrpto.org

Subject line should be the post title.

Please have copy in the body of the email in a form ready to be published so that the editors can copy and paste. Editors may edit for brevity or mistakes.

Please include all relevant information, including contact info, images, or forms.

To ensure that items end up in the following bulletin, please make sure that they're sent by 12 PM on Friday.

If you would like your bulletin to appear for multiple weeks, please resend for each week. We have different editors every week and they may not know if someone wanted something posted again next week.

Parent Principal Coffee, December 6 (new date), Re: School Start Times

The Parent Principal Coffee to discuss school start times has been moved to December 6 at 8:30. We apologize for the late notice. Unfortunately, the presenter encountered a last minute scheduling conflict on November 17 so we had to move the meeting to December 6.

At the meeting, Ellen Gibson, a school committee member, will make a presentation about the working group's findings on school start times and possible new scenarios for school times in Newton and she will answer questions. Many of the possible scenarios will affect elementary school start (and dismissal) time. Please consider attending the Parent Principal Coffee to learn more about this important topic.

If you are unable to attend the meeting at Burr, please consider attending one of the other presentations on school start times. Burr families are welcome to attend any of these upcoming presentations.

Newton North High School (457 Walnut)

November 22

8 - 9 am

Cabot Elementary (229 Cabot St.)

Wednesday, November 30th

7:00 p.m.

Angier Elementary (1697 Beacon St.)

Wednesday, December 7th

7:00 p.m.

Countryside Elementary (191 Dedham St.)

Thursday, December 8th

7:00 p.m.

If you would like to learn about the topic on your own, here are links to an overview of the school start time working group's findings and the potential scenarios.
Start Time Overview
Scenarios

You can also share your thoughts on the scenarios by using this email address: laterstart@newton.k12.ma.us.

NECP Open House for Prospective Parents 17-18 School Year

December 6 th 10-11 am
January 11 th 5:30-6:30 pm

Parking/Entrance from 150 Jackson Road Newton, MA 02458
We still have openings for the 2016-2017 school year.

Please call 617-559- 6050 or visit the Newton Public Schools/Newton Early Childhood website for more information.

School Start Time Presentations at PTO Meetings

Start Time Presentations at PTO Meetings

The district is committed to gathering feedback from the community on a later high school start time - a change that could impact start and end times at ALL schools in the district. A community-wide forum was held in October and several elementary and middle schools have shared information at PTO meetings.

Three upcoming PTO meetings are open to the entire NPS community if you would like to learn more and share your feedback. Six potential scenarios will be presented (review them here.) Mark your calendars for:

Cabot Elementary (229 Cabot St.)
Wednesday, November 30th
7:00 p.m.

Angier Elementary (1697 Beacon St.)
Wednesday, December 7th
7:00 p.m.

Countryside Elementary (191 Dedham St.)
Thursday, December 8th
7:00 p.m.

More information can be found on the district website. Please consider attending to share your feedback. Or, email your thoughts to laterstart@newton.k12.ma.us.

Wolf Fund Update

Thank you for the 89 families who have donated $13,275 to the Wolf Fund so far! That is 60% of the way to this year's financial goal of raising $22,000. The generosity of our community and support for our school is incredible!

There is still time to make your contribution. You can contribute be sending a check into school in your child's folder or donate online using this link:

http://burrpto.org

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and who will contribute. Every contribution matters!

Join the Burr Teachers for a Sleep Under Party

No Parents Allowed!!!
What? The Burr Teachers are volunteering their time to give parents a night out and to raise $$$ for the Burr PTO! Students can wear their pajamas, bring a blanket or sleeping bag and join the Burr Teachers for dinner and a movie party featuring The Secret Life of Pets!
When? Friday, December 9^th 6:00-8:00pm
Who? Burr students only. No younger siblings and NO Parents!!!
RSVP by Monday, December 5^th [Download RSVP Form]

You Must RSVP for this event. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Admission
$20 for first child
$10 for each additional child
$5 optional dinner (includes cheese pizza, side item, and water)

Questions? Contact Melissa Chatfield mchatfield@gmail.com

Staying Engaged with your Child through the Teen Journey

Parent Workshop at the Waban Library Center

Come join an interactive workshop designed to help you better understand your child as she or he enters adolescence. Learn and practice skills that will help you communicate with your child through their tween and teen years.

Fee: $20.00, half of which goes to benefit the Waban Library Center. To RSVP and get the signup sheet: Please email Amy at amy@amybehrens.com or follow this link: http://www.wabanlibrarycenter.org/parent-coaching-sessions-at-wlc/

November 15th, 7:30-9:30 pm

About the Instructor: Amy Behrens, M.Ed. is a certified parent coach and educator who has been working with children, adults, and families, domestically and internationally, for over 20 years. She has three children of her own and loves helping parents find ways of turning challenges into opportunities for growth, love, and connection. To learn more about her work, visit www.amybehrens.com.

Staying Engaged with your Child through the Teen Journey

Parent Workshop at the Waban Library Center

November 15th, 7:30-9:30 pm

Whiffenpoofs a cappella group

The Yale Whiffenpoofs a cappella group are performing during the week of the Harvard-Yale Game in a few locations, with the first concert on November 17th in Chestnut Hill. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://whiffenpoofs.ticketbud.com/the-yale-whiffenpoofs-in-chestnut-hill.

Newton Turkey Trot 5K

The final count down to the Newton Turkey Trot is finally here! Join your friends and neighbors for the for the 3rd annual Newton 5K Turkey Trot for the Newton Food Pantry! The 5K is this Saturday, November 19th at 9:00 am. Kids 1 mile fun run at 8:30 am.

Details, registration and volunteer info at www.newtonturkeytrot.com. Sign up before the race sells out, or consider volunteering to help out!

David Polansky Reunion Concert

David Polansky’s Time for Partners music classes and his original music about ‘dinosaurs that thump’ have delighted a generation of Newton families. Time for Partners alumni, and anyone else who likes music and fun can join in! Tickets: $10.00 adults/$5.00 kids & alumni/$25.00 family. Purchase at www.newtoncommunitypride.org

November 20th, 10:30 am
Newton Cultural Center at City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Avenue

High School Start Time – Open Meetings

The district is committed to gathering feedback from the community on a later high school start time – a change that could impact start and end times at ALL schools in the district. A community-wide forum was held in October and several elementary and middle schools have shared information at PTO meetings.

Three upcoming PTO meetings are open to the entire NPS community if you would like to learn more and share your feedback. Six potential scenarios will be presented (review them here.) Mark your calendars for:

Cabot Elementary (229 Cabot St.)
November 30th, 7:00 pm.

Angier Elementary (1697 Beacon St.)
December 7th, 7:00 pm

Countryside Elementary (191 Dedham St.)
December 8th, 7:00 pm

More information can be found on the district website. Please consider attending to share your feedback or email your thoughts to laterstart@newton.k12.ma.us.

High School Start Time – Open Meetings

Cabot Elementary (229 Cabot St.)
November 30th, 7:00 pm.

Angier Elementary (1697 Beacon St.)
December 7th, 7:00 pm

Countryside Elementary (191 Dedham St.)
December 8th, 7:00 pm

More information can be found on the district website. Please consider attending to share your feedback or email your thoughts to laterstart@newton.k12.ma.us.

Holiday Pop Up Market

Holiday Pop Up Market at Common Ground in Arlington. 18 Artisans and Businesses will be showcased!

December 4th, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
319 Broadway
Arlington, MA

Chinese Tutor available

Chinese tutor with years of experience offering private, in-home tutoring for all levels.
Lessons are structured to simplify learning the language through practical exercises and fun! Contact Stella for a positive learning experience. Stellapan@comcast.net or 617-512-3827.

Spanish Tutor available

Newton Highlands resident, fluent in Spanish, is available for the following services:

Spanish (all levels)

Organizational skills

Study skills

Qualifications include:

Massachusetts licensed/certified

6 years teaching experience

BA Latin American Studies: Brown University, MA Teaching: Boston College

CAES School Leadership/Administration: Boston College

Contact: Libby Sands at libby@libbysands.com or at 617-256-4780.

Newton Cultural Calendar

The Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs is delighted to announce to launching of a new Newton Cultural Calendar www.newtonartscalendar.org.

It is a free on-line Calendar that lists any cultural events happening in Newton, and events by Newton cultural organizations that are happening outside Newton. It’s free to use, and to post. Save it on your desktop, put it on your phone, and check it out!

Newton Parks and Recreation programs

Newton Parks and Recreation has several upcoming programs this winter for youth and adults. Online registration is available at activityreg.com. Contact Channon Ames DiCiurcio at cames@newtonma.gov or at 617-796-1529 for more information. Flyer available here: Parks and Rec

Learn to Ski or Snowboard Program at Nashoba Valley
A second bus had been added for Fridays for grades 5–12. Learn to ski or snowboard with lessons at Nashoba Valley ski area starting January 6th.

School Vacation Programs in December, February and April
Sign up by day or for all 4 days. A variety of options are available for children in grades K – 6. Extended day is available at some programs.

Newton South Recreation Complex
Located at Newton South High School, the Newton South Recreation Complex offers a variety of classes for youth and adults on Sundays starting January 8th. Sign up for STEM FUNdamentals with Lego, Babysitter Training, Quick Start Tennis, Cardio Tennis, Badminton Instruction, Family Badminton, Pickleball, Open Workout, Walking and Weights and more.

Newton North Indoor Recreation
Located at Newton North High School, Newton North Indoor Recreation offers clinics, classes and lessons for youth and adults. Sign up for lap swim, swim lessons, water safety instructor course, fitness training, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, baseball hitting clinic and more.

Camp Fair
Come see what programs are being offered in Newton for the summer of 2017. The Camp Fair will be held on January 29th at the Newton North High School in the cafeteria from 12:00 – 4:00 pm (snow date 2/5/17).

Family Trip to Disney on Ice – Follow Your Heart
Disney on Ice presents Follow Your Heart. Join Dory and Hank from Finding Dory, Joy and Sadness from Inside Out, the characters from Frozen and Toy Story, Disney Princesses and Mickey, Minnie and the others for this magical adventure of friendship and love. February 20th. Transportation is provided from Newton.

For children of all ages!

‘Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim’s Birthday’ – Directed by Melissa Bernstein

Would you like to meet Junie B. Jones, the beloved elementary school student in Barbara Park’s adored children’s books?? In this original adaptation of the hilarious book, Junie B. Jones and that Meanie Jim here’s what Junie’s dilemma is this time…That meanie Jim has invited everyone in Room Nine to his birthday party on Saturday – except Junie B! Should she have her own birthday party six months early and not invite Jim? Or should she move to’It’s a Small World After All’ in Disneyland and avoid the whole kerfuffle? Join the Newton Theatre Company’s zany original production of ‘Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim’s Birthday’ to find out! Meet and greet the characters after the show!

Friday’s show is sold out, but there are still plenty of tickets on November 12th for the 10:00 am and 2:00 pm shows at the Newton Cultural Center in City Hall. Visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org or call 617-796-1540 for information.

Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”

Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” is a multi-media happening. Did you know that Vivaldi, the composer of “The Four Seasons” also wrote four sonnets describing his vision of each season, replete with bird song, thunderstorms, country dancing, hunting music, harvest celebrations, snow-storms and even slipping on the ice in the dead of winter?

Prof. Daniel Stepner and his ensemble, Aston Magna, will be performing “The Four Seasons’” with art works that reflect very specific scenes described in the poetry projected as a power point during the performance, coordinated with the music. Each concerto would be preceded by a reading of the appropriate sonnet so that the art work and music will be dramatized. Tickets: Adults $19.00, Seniors & Kids $5.00 can be purchased at www.newtoncommunitypride.org

November 13th, 3:30 pm
Newton Cultural Center at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

Minding Your Mind

Join in an evening of introduction to Minding Your Mind of Massachusetts and presentations by Minding Your Mind young adult speakers and others who are living fulfilling lives after being impacted by a mental health issue. Leave inspired to change the conversation around mental health.

Minding Your Mind’s (MYM) primary objective is to provide mental health education to adolescents, teens and young adults, their parents, teachers and school administrators. Their goal is to reduce the stigma and destructive behaviors often associated with mental health issues. Treatment is available, yet only 3 out of 10 individuals needing help actually seek help. Minding Your Mind Programs move away from crisis based response to prevention through education.

Educational programs provide information regarding signs and symptoms of these disorders, in addition to stressing that they are treatable and treatment is available. Mood disorders have been identified by the World Health Organization as the third leading cause of disability worldwide. Research studies have demonstrated that over 90% of people that die from suicide have one or more psychiatric disorders at the time of their death. The second leading cause of death of individuals between the ages of 14-23 is suicide. Since the age of onset of most psychiatric disorders is typically during adolescence, it is essential that the proper information be brought to the attention of secondary school educators, counselors, students and their parents.

Minding Your Mind offers several programs for students, teachers, faculty and the community at large.For more information please contact Karen Albert at 617-431-3240 or at karen@mindingyourmind.org

Open and Free to the Public
November 16th at 7:00 pm
Newton Free Library

HarvestFEST

Nurturing Minds presents the 7th Annual African Evening to raise critical funds for the SEGA Girls School in Tanzania. Join them at a HarvestFEST for the SEGA Girls School, a festive evening at the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill, MA.

Take a guided tour with a museum docent and learn about the mammoth steam pumping engines on exhibit that were once a part of the country’s earliest metropolitan water systems. Event sponsor Seventh Wave Brewing, the area’s newest microbrewery, will offer fine craft beer.

This year, along with great food, company and drinks, there will be a live auction and a special presentation by two current SEGA students, Elizabeth and Nadhiri. A party not to be missed! Learn more and Purchase Tickets: http://tiny.cc/NM2016. For more information on Nurturing Minds and the SEGA Girls School, visit www.nurturingmindsinafrica.org

November 19th, 7:00 – 11:00 pm
The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum, 2450 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill

Bike drive for Bikes not Bombs

Ruby Bakal, a 7th grader at Day Middle School, is organizing a bike drive for the organization, Bikes Not Bombs, as part of her bat mitzvah project. Bikes Not Bombs uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change and has local and international programs that support skill development, jobs and sustainable transportation.

For more information, visit https://bikesnotbombs.org/bike-drive/1295 or download the flyer.

Stephanie Rae Davis Private Art Lessons

Are your children interested in developing their art skills? Stephanie will come to your home and provide individual lessons based on exactly what they want to learn! Ages: K – Grade 12

Painting: abstract and observational, techniques and concepts

Drawing: figure drawing, still life, experimental

Multimedia: paper, bookmaking, collage, stamp printing

Sculpture: clay, fiber, embroidery, metals, lost wax casting, jewelry, wire working

Crafts: sustainable/recycled art, weaving, stenciling, flower pressing and casting

Students will produce a body of work they are proud of! Lessons and projects grow and change depending on each student and their own interests. Price: $50.00/hour
Stephanie Rae Davis is a cross-disciplinary artist living and working in Boston, MA. She holds a BFA from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Tufts University. Her love for children and passion to teach led her to starting Stephanie Rae Davis Private Art Lessons. Contact her at 203-615-2024 or Stephraeart@gmail.com.

Meet the author of “Finding Perfect”

Welcome author Elly Swartz for a book signing of her debut, middle-grade novel, Finding Perfect and hear how Indulge inspired a scene in the story. Wellesley Books will be selling books and Elly will be signing copies, taking a short break at 3:00 to read an except from the story.

Finding Perfect is a heart warming story about 12 year old Molly Nathans struggling to understand her OCD and realizing that with the love and support of her family amd friends, she is not alone.

November 12th, 2:00-4:00 pm
Indulge, 16 Lincoln Street, Newton HIghlands

Registration deadline November 14th

The registration deadline for Newton Girls Basketball (NGBA)’s 2016-2017 season is November 14th. Please register here:
http://leagues.bluesombrero.com/Ngba

NGBA is a recreational league for Newton girls with fun for beginners and experienced players alike! Games are played on Saturdays for all grades, starting December 1st and continuing into mid-March; for Grades 3-8 practices are for 1-hour on one evening during the week (Mon-Thurs). You will be able to select one day on the registration form that you are NOT able to practice. Otherwise practice times will be assigned according to coach availability.

There are no weekday practices for Grade 2 and High School. The Grade 2 program is focused on a fun, learning environment.

Teledermatology link correction

The link to make online appointments was previously published incorrectly. Please see the corrected posting here: Teledermatology online appointments.

Maine Arts Camp for Creative Teens

Are you looking for a nurturing overnight summer camp where your creative 9 to 16-year- old can combine all the fun of a traditional sleep-away camp with high quality instruction across multiple arts disciplines and activities? A camp that provides access to outstanding facilities in a beautiful college campus setting?

Maine Arts Camp is a small, inclusive camp community led by experienced professional instructors and mature dorm counselors, with a 3:1 camper/staff ratio. Its stunning Colby College location provides access to several art studios, a theater, two dance studios, a full commercial kitchen for cooking programs, Johnson Pond, tennis courts, a photography/film studio, and much more. Your child can enjoy an individualized schedule of activities chosen from a huge range covering visual arts, theater, music, dance, culinary arts, individual sports, film making, photography, and creative writing.

Choose from 2 or 4 week sessions in July. The maximum enrollment for each session is 100 campers, so early application is recommended.

For more information, visit www.maineartscamp.com. Click here to download a flyer. Contact Rick Mades, Camp Director at maineartscamprick@gmail.com or Anabel Cable at mainearts.anabel@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to set up a meeting.

Week Ahead Reminders

Two brief calendar notices for this coming week:

images

Nov. 5 at midnight: Turn clocks back by 1 hour for Daylight Savings!

Nov. 8: This Tuesday is Election Day and Burr is a voting location for Ward 4's precincts 1 and 4.

Nov. 11: This Friday is Veteran's Day and there is no school.

Have a great week!

Calling All Bakers and Sellers! We Need Your Help on Election Day!

The Election Day Bake Sale is quickly approaching! Please sign up to bake or to help sell the baked goods. Thank you!

Calling all bakers and sellers. We need people to bake and to sell to voters.

Tuesday, November 8 from when the polls open until they close!

Baking Signup- http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b48acaf28a46-donate1

Selling Signup- http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b48acaf28a46-election1

Mike's Pastry Pie Fundraiser

Forms are due Monday, November 7!

Please support the Burr PTO by purchasing a pie from Mike's Pastry of Boston. You can order a Ricotta, Cherry, Apple, Lemon or Blueberry pie for Thanksgiving! They will be distributed at Burr on Wednesday, November 23 from 12:00-12:30pm in the hall between the gym and the Cafetorium. Please see order form and click here to volunteer for this event:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f49aaab23a0f94-mikes

School Start Times Discussion & Parent Principal Coffee November 17 at 8:30 am

Do you know that Newton Public Schools is considering options to change school start times? Ms Johal and the PTO are hosting at Parent Principal Coffee on November 17 at 8:30 am so Burr parents can learn more. Ellen Gibson, Newton School Committee member and member of the working group charged with the task of researching the issue of later start times for high school students, will present the findings of the working group and the potential scenarios changing school start times. (Academic research indicates adolescents require more sleep and their "best sleep" occurs between 11 pm and 9 am.) Many of the scenarios would mean changes for the elementary schools. Please attend this event if you can. Ellen, and the working group, very much wants to engage families of all students and receive feedback.

If you cannot make the meeting on November 17 and want to provide feedback, you can email the working group at laterstart@newton.k12.ma.us

Some helpful links:

The June 2016 comprehensive report from the working group: 2016 Comprehensive Report

Summary of Potential Scenarios: Scenario Summary

Burr Night at Launch on 11/18!!

Come join Burr families for a fun night out at Launch Watertown on Friday, November 18th from 6-8pm!

Launch will donate 25% of admission fees purchased on site that evening back to the Burr PTO. Normal admission prices apply ($16/hour, $26/two hours). Food is available on site for purchase. For more information, contact Cristal Balis at cbalis@me.com.

launch

Teledermatology visits online

Immediate Teledermatology visits are now available online through Boston University’s Department of Dermatology. The dermatology experts at Boston University are now offering a brand new service where patients can access care for dermatology issues at any time and from anywhere.

Patients can receive a diagnosis and treatment for almost any skin condition generally within 24 hours. Patients no longer have to miss work and school or wait months to see their dermatologist. Seeing your dermatologist has never been easier!

Find them at https://www.bmc.org/dermatology/immediate-dermatology-appointment-online or in the App stores under “BU Dermatology at BMC”.