February 28, 2017
Dear Families,
I hope you all had a restful vacation week. The teachers and I have come back recharged and ready for a busy few months of school as we prepare for some exciting whole school events and grade level curriculum units. I hope you too are recharged and ready to partner with us to support these efforts. Here area a few updates and important information:
Talent Shows
We have two Talent Shows again this year on March 3. With so many talented students wanting to participate and limited seating in our cafetorium, we have found that having two shows allow us to accommodate a larger audience. Please be sure to purchase your tickets by tomorrow, Thursday, March 2 if you have not done so already. Two tickets will be reserved for family members of students who are performing in the show. The audience for the first show will be asked to exit the building using the doors to the playground so we can efficiently bring in the audience for the 3-5 graders.
Conferences
Next week teachers will begin the spring conferences. It is a great time to review your child’s progress and set goals for the coming months. Please be sure to sign up for a conference time that is convenient for you.
Kindergarten Screening
On March 1 and March 8, we will have screening and registration for next year’s kindergarteners. Yes – it’s already that time of year! It is such a fun time for us as we prepare to bring in another group of students and families into the Burr community. We also love seeing the younger siblings of current students who are now ready to enroll.
Staff News
A couple of our teachers have new additions to their families and are out on maternity leave. Fourth grade teacher, Katie Collins, is now the proud mother of a baby girl, Willa. Willa was born on February 2. Both mother and baby are doing well. We have an excellent substitute, Kelly Young, covering during Ms. Collins’ leave. Kelly completed her Bachelors degree at Bridgewater State University and was a student teacher in Ms. Canning’s third grade classroom in the fall. Kelly stood out during her practicum as a strong and dedicated educator.
Burr literacy specialist, Alice Wong-Tucker, gave birth to her son, Nathaniel, on February 16. Alice and her baby are also doing well. I have hired a substitute literacy specialist, Sarah Churchill Silberman, to cover during Alice’s leave. Sarah comes to Burr after completing a similar position in the Lexington Public Schools in the fall. She is well versed and experienced in literacy education. Both Kelly and Sarah are great additions to our staff.
MCAS 2017 Testing Dates
If you have a child in grades 3, 4, or 5, please put the following dates on your calendar. Most children perform better on these tests when they are able to take them at the same time as their peers, so I ask that you avoid taking your child out of school during scheduled testing times.
English Language Arts
Grade 3: April 26, 27 & 28
Grade 4: April 3, 4, & 5
Grade 5: April 5, 6, & 10
Mathematics
Grade 3: May 3 & 4
Grade 4: May 8 & 9
Grade 5: May 1 & 2
Science, Technology & Engineering
Grade 5: May 17 & 19
I look forward to seeing many of you at the events planned for coming months and as always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Best,
Mindy