THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Seeking Volunteers for Hospitality Committee


Dear Burr Community, 

 Hospitality Committee needs 1-2 team partners to carry on next year. If you are interested in being involved in this committee, please feel free to reach out to Ruchi Bhasin via rusona@gmail.com with any questions and can also provide more details about the role. 


Understanding Our Differences


Dear 4th Grade Families, 

 Hope you are doing well. 

 The end of year is soon approaching and PTO needs to recruit new volunteers for available positions and committees. Last year it was decided to divide Understanding Our Differences at each grade level from 3rd to 5th. 

 I am writing to you to seek a 5th Grade Understanding Our Differences Coordinator for next year. I will be moving out of 5th Grade Role. Please let me or Deanna Salemme know if you can take up this role. It is fairly easy and doesn’t involve a lot of time! 

 Apart from this position there are some more roles available and if anyone wants to sign up for those, please reach out to any board member including me. 

 Please contact me at rusona@gmail.com or Deanna Salemme at deannasalemme@gmail.com with any questions. 

 Thank you for your attention and time! Burr appreciates all your help. 

 Best, 

 Ruchi Bhasin


Mayfair 2018 was a success!


Fun was had by all who attended our fair indoors! Thank you to our fantastic volunteers, especially our Mayfair Maidens: Ruchi Bhasin, Justin Fialkoski, Sloane Goldhagen, ​Gina Quinn, Hema Rao, Jyoti Shah, Deanna Salemme and Valerie Wastcoat! 


Congratulations to our Cake Decorating Contest Winners! Our judges: Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, City Councilor Chris Markiewicz, Jimmy Alden (Owner of Wally's Wicked Good Ice Cream) had quite a difficult task. It was so close, we had to get an extra judge for a tie-breaker! 1st Place: Jillian and Sophia Fialkoski, 2nd place: Chloe Goldhagen and Jillian Schneider and 3rd place: Amani Arunga, Charlotte Dutt-Whittington, and Sisi Reilly!


Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors! 

Best,

Sloane


Parent Principal Coffee Notes from 5/21/18


Mindy presented certain changes for next year as similar has been sent out in her newsletter. Ms. Bordman who is currently 4th Grade teacher will be moving onto 5th grade as there will be four 5th Grade classrooms. 

 Art teacher Erica Marksteiner will be moving to New York. Currently plans are being made to hire new art teacher and there are some school staff involved in hiring decision. 

 Librarian Mrs. Tarah Patino will continue for 4 days at Burr next year, just like this year. 

 4th Grade teacher, Ms. Bapat will be resuming work on June 6th. 

 Math Coach Nicole Feroleto had started a new math program this year with only 3rd and 4th grades. Next year this program will be spread throughout all grade levels except Kindergarten. Teachers have been happy with the current math program. 

 Three Kindergarten classrooms consisting of approximately 54 children are projected for 2018-19. This number could change occasionally as the year progresses. 


Babysitting at the next PTO Meeting


Mark your calendars for May 31 at 7 PM for the final PTO meeting of the school year! 

No childcare? No problem! We will have babysitters coming from Newton North to babysit. Note: babysitting is for Burr students only and you must signup in advance. Signup here - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45aeae2ca5ff2-ptomeeting 

This month's PTO meeting will feature Amanda Bressler, a youth librarian from the Newton Free Library. She will be presenting all that the Newton Free Library has to offer, including their summer reading program! Come learn about all of the fun happenings at the Newton Free Library. The meeting will also include a presentation of the proposed PTO Budget for 2018-19 and election of new PTO officers.



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 THE BURR GARDEN 


Burr Garden—Wednesday & Thursday, May 23 & 34, 2018



The Burr Garden is ON for this week (weather permitting)! Seventeen of the nineteen classes have already signed up for slots in the garden. See below for the exact details about when your child will be in the garden. PLEASE join us, if you can, when your child's classroom comes to the garden. You can help plant, take photos, and enjoy this little outing with your child's class. If your child is in one of the two classrooms not yet signed up, do not worry! You will receive an email from either the Burr Garden crew or your child's teacher with the details. If you cannot make it, also don't worry - the Burr Garden crew will make sure your child has some fun in the dirt and sun! Here is the schedule:

 Wednesday, May 23:
8:40-9:10: Claudia Li (4)
9:15-9:45: Julie Canning (3)
9:50-10:20: Vanessa McMahon (K)
11:00-11:30 David Gaita (2)
11:35-12:05 Nancy Fitch (1)
12:40-1:10 Helen Oh (3)
1:15-1:45 Nicole Golden (1)
1:50-2:20 Annalee Harris/Kim Hunt (5)
2:25-2:55: Natalia Espinal (1)

 Thursday, May 24:
8:40-9:10: Brianna Russo (K)
9:15-9:45: Kara MacNeill (3)
10:25-10:55: Catalina Frail (K)
11:00-11:30: Amy Roberts (2)
12:40-1:10: Robin Cooley (5)
1:15-1:45: Sarah Field (1)
1:50-2:20: Sonja Robinson (5)
2:25-2:55: Sydney Tice (4)
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 PARENT PRINCIPAL COFFEE 


Parent Principal Coffee—Monday, May 21, 2018


Ms Johal will host a parent principal coffee on Monday, May 21 at 8:30 am in the cafeteria. This is a great opportunity to come hear about what next year will bring at Burr and ask any questions you may have. 


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BURR SCHOOL COUNCIL 


Burr School Council Needs 2 New Members


School Council: The Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 mandated the establishment of a School Council at each public school in Massachusetts. This group advises and assists the Principal in such matters as the school budget, the school improvement plan, the identification of educational needs of the student body, and the adoption of educational goals. (More details on Mass.gov) At Burr this group consists of four parent representatives, four teachers, community members, and the Principal. The Council meets roughly once a month. All Council meetings are open to the Burr community.  We will elect two parent representatives to the Burr School Council for a 2-year term spanning the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years.

 In order to be eligible, the parents must have a child at Burr for the entire time they will serve on the council.  Please think about this opportunity to be involved in your child’s school. You will serve an important advisory function while getting to know the teachers on the Council and Principal Johal. Consider running yourself, or nominating another parent. (In the past, candidates have usually nominated themselves; don’t hesitate to express your interest!)

 If you would like to run for one of the open School Council positions, please write a brief statement (125 words or less) about yourself and why you would like to serve on the School Council. Please submit the statement either by mail to the school office (171 Pine Street, Auburndale, MA 02466), via your child’s Folder (write “School Council” on the envelope), or via an email to the PTO Communications Coordinator, by Wednesday, May 23.  If more candidates than we require step forward, an election will be conducted during the week of May 31. If only two candidates step forward, those candidates will be granted the parent representative positions and will be announced the same week.

 If you have questions about the School Council and/or would like to know more about serving as a parent representative, feel free to contact any of the current parent representatives, below, or Ms. Johal, Burr School Principal (617-559-9360).

 Current Burr School Council parent representatives:

 Jess Engel - Outgoing

 Dan Finkelstein - Outgoing

 Christine Kwan  -  Continuing

 Linda Ma -  Continuing

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 BABYSITTING FOR PTO MEETING 


Babysitting At Next PTO Meeting—Thursday, May 31, 2018


Mark your calendars for May 31 at 7 PM for the final PTO meeting of the school year!  

 No childcare?  No problem!  We will have babysitters coming from Newton North to babysit.  Note: babysitting is for Burr students only and you must signup in advance.  Signup here -  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45aeae2ca5ff2-ptomeeting

 This month's PTO meeting will feature Amanda Bressler, a youth librarian from the Newton Free Library.  She will be presenting all that the Newton Free Library has to offer, including their summer reading program!  Come learn about all of the fun happenings at the Newton Free Library. The meeting will also include a presentation of the proposed PTO Budget for 2018-19 and election of new PTO officers.  
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 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


PTO Meeting—Thursday, May 31, 2018


The last Burr PTO meeting of this school year will start at 7 pm on Thursday, May 31.  Amanda Bressler, supervisor of Youth Service, from the Newton Free Library, will make a presentation about all the that the Newton Free Library has to offer, including the summer reading program. The meeting will also include a presentation of the proposed PTO Budget for 2018-19 and election of new PTO officers. 
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Last Burr PTO Meeting: May 31


The last Burr PTO meeting will start at 7 pm on Thursday, May 31 at Burr School. Amanda Bressler, a youth librarian from the Newton Free Library, will make a presentation about all that the Newton Free Library has to offer, including the summer reading program. 

 The meeting will also include a presentation of the proposed PTO Budget for 2018-19 and election of new PTO officers.
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Burr School Council Needs Two Members for Next Year


School Council: The Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 mandated the establishment of a School Council at each public schoolin Massachusetts. This group advises and assists the Principal in such matters as the school budget, the school improvement plan, the identification of educational needs of the student body, and the adoption of educational goals. (More details on Mass.gov) At Burr this group consists of four parent representatives, four teachers, community members, and the Principal. The Council meets roughly once a month. All Council meetings are open to the Burr community. We will elect two parent representatives to the Burr School Council for a two-year term spanning the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years.

 In order to be eligible, the parents must have a child at Burr for the entire time they will serve on the council. Please think about this opportunity to be involved in your child’s school. You will serve an important advisory function while getting to know the teachers on the Council and Principal Johal. Consider running yourself, or nominating another parent. (In the past, candidates have usually nominated themselves; don’t hesitate to express your interest!)

 If you would like to run for one of the open School Council positions, please write a brief statement (125 words or less) about yourself and why you would like to serve on the School Council. Please submit the statement either by mail to the school office (171 Pine Street, Auburndale, MA 02466), via your child’s Folder (write “School Council” on the envelope), or via an email to the PTO Communications Coordinator, by Wednesday, May 23. If more candidates than we require step forward, an election will be conducted during the week of May 31. If only two candidates step forward, those candidates will be granted the parent representative positions and will be announced the same week.

 If you have questions about the School Council and/or would like to know more about serving as a parent representative, feel free to contact any of the current parent representatives, below, or Ms. Johal, Burr School Principal (617-559-9360).

 Current Burr School Council parent representatives:

 Jess Engel - Outgoing

 Dan Finkelstein - Outgoing

 Christine Kwan  -  Continuing

 Linda Ma -  Continuing
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The Burr Garden is HAPPENING on May 23 and May 24




Look out for a schedule in the Bulletin next week that will show when your child will be visiting the garden. 

 Also, we are hoping to expand the Burr Garden team. The current garden crew is inching its way toward graduating from Burr and it would be lovely if one or two parents wanted to work with us for a while before officially taking over. 

 The garden is such a special part of Burr! What does being on the garden crew entail? FUN! SUN! PLANTS! KIDS! Please consider joining our team so this fabulous tradition can continue! 

 If you are interested, please email Marni Caputo at mgolds2@yahoo.com.
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A Note of Gratitude from the PTO Hospitality Committee



The Hospitality Committee would like to thank all Burr families for their monetary as well as food donations and help in making Teacher Appreciation a success! Burr teachers had a hearty, healthy and delicious breakfast on Thursday morning! The teachers were SO happy to enjoy breakfast, and the food and flower arrangements definitely made them feel special. 

 A huge special mention of thanks goes to the following people who brought in everything for the breakfast and helped prepare for this week:

 Penelope Thal-Nir, Justine Fialkosky, Sloane Goldhagen, Jenna Poras, Hema Rao, Michelle Frayman, Cristal Balis, Jenn Reale, Louisa Hunt, Lisa Parker, Lisa Pagana, Julie Engel, Stephanie McNeil, Marni Caputo, Emily Lopiccolo, Christine Dutt, Betsey James, Carina Sanchez, Dina Hajjaj-Saouli, Ken’s Flowers, Judy Vasselin, Barbara Brousal-Glaser, Lorenz Glaser, Fredrick Andermann, Tamika and Al Olszewski

 A very big thanks to Finagle A Bagel for their generous donation of two huge boxes of bagels! 

 All this couldn’t have been possible without the help of so many of you! The Hospitality Committee is eternally grateful for all your help, and in order to continue this tradition we need more team partners starting next year! If you would like to sign up to volunteer for the Hospitality Committee, please reach out to Ruchi Bhasin via rusona@gmail.com and you can learn more about it.

 Thank you, everyone!

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 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Creative Arts and Sciences Voci Angelica Trio (5th Grade): May 15


Creative Arts and Sciences Welcomes the Voci Angelica Trio’s presentation of Passages: Exploring the Migration of Music for fifth graders.



Passages: Exploring the Migration of Music is an interactive educational performance of world folk music from nine countries and six continents. Through dialogue, colorful maps, and songs, the trio traces the migration of early humans across the globe using the cello, djembe, claves, cuatro, maracas, shell shaker, tambourine stick, finger cymbals, doumbek and their voices. Students become part of the experience by accompanying the trio with sound effects, clapping, movement and answering quiz show geography questions.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

10:00-10:45

Presentation will take place in the Cafetorium.

Join us! Parents are encouraged to attend!

This program was fully funded by your generous donations to the Burr PTO and the Burr Wolf Fund. To donate, go to Burr PTO.org and click on "Donate."

Thank you!

Creative Arts and Sciences programs are fully funded by the Burr School PTO. 
Parents are welcome to attend, but no younger siblings please.
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 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Teacher and Staff Appreciation

Message by Hospitality


We have started receiving donations and contributions for teachers’ breakfast and luncheon events. Thank you very much to all those who already contributed ! There is still time to send money in for those who haven’t been able to! The luncheons are catered and we are proud to be able to serve a delicious and luxurious spread to teachers, all this is made possible due to generosity of Burr Families!

 Please Sign Up or Donate
Celebrating Our Teachers And Staff 

 Help us dish out some appreciation as we host our Spring Breakfast! 

 The end of the school year is quickly approaching and our plans for the Teacher and Staff Appreciation Breakfast, End-Of-Year Luncheon and Back-to-School Luncheon have begun. These events provide Burr Families an opportunity to thank the staff for their hard work and dedication. This year, National Teacher Appreciation Week will be celebrated from May 7 to May 11 2018. 

 For several years, we have been able to serve a homemade breakfast and cater two luncheons with the donations from you! The two luncheons alone cost about $1200. We are planning for these events right NOW and are looking for your help in one of the following ways: 

 Contribute $10-$15 toward the 3 meals we will prepare- any amount is most appreciated. Cash or check signed to BURR PTO can be sent in with your child’s folder by Friday, May 4, 2018. Contribute a Breakfast Item of your choice. Deliver the morning of Thursday, May 10 (Before 7:30 AM, or contact Hema Rao at hrao23@gmail.com to make other arrangements). Link to the sign up is below. Examples of items families can donate are Egg dishes, Fruit, Bagels or Hot and Cold Drinks. Please list the ingredients with item. 

 Help in another way of your choosing! Flowers? Decorating Teachers Room? Special Ethnic Dish? Set-up? Clean Up? Just let us know by April 30th. More info on the luncheons will follow. 

 Burr PTO appreciates and thanks you for all your support! 

 Contact: Ruchi Bhasin at rusona@gmail.com with any questions. 

 Thank You! 

 Burr Hospitality Committee

Burr Garden Classroom


The Burr Garden Classroom will once again be in full swing this spring and we are hoping to expand the Burr Garden team. The current garden crew is inching its way toward graduating from Burr and it would be lovely if one or two parents wanted to work with us for a while before officially taking over. The garden is such a special part of Burr! What does being on the garden crew entail? FUN! SUN! PLANTS! KIDS! And... planning the garden curriculum (usually fairly close to the same year to year), shopping for garden materials (a quick excursion), 2-ish days at the Burr garden working with each classroom for about a half hour, and making a schedule for families to care for the garden during the summer. Please consider joining our team so this fabulous tradition can continue!

 Contact Marni at mgolds2@yahoo.com


Burr Parents of Kids in SPARK or FOCUS


I am hosting a meeting for parents of students recommended for Spark or Focus at my home (64 Hatfield Road, West Newton) on Thursday, May 10th at 7pm. I would like to invite parents of current or recently graduated students from both Spark and Focus to attend as well - we would appreciate your information and insight! Please email me at jdschulz2@verizon.net if you would like to attend. 

Joan Schulz, SEPAC Board Member


Caterpillar Lab, Grade 2 


The Caterpillar Lab showcases the complexity and beauty of local Northeastern caterpillars. Students act out the metamorphosis from egg to moth or butterfly and then observe a diverse sampling of New England caterpillars to learn about survival and adaptation methods.

Monday, May 7, 2018
Ms. Roberts (in the Caf): 9:15-10:15am
Ms. Field (in the Caf): 10:20-11:20am
Mr. Gaita (in the classroom): 12:20-1:10pm

 Parents are welcome to attend, but no younger siblings please. 

 This program was fully funded by your generous contributions to the Burr PTO and the Burr Wolf Fund. To donate, go to Burrpto.org and click on “Donate.” 


May Fair—Saturday, May 19, 2018


WHAT IS MAY FAIR?? The May Fair started in the 60’s as a community-building event led by some dedicated parents. Back then; it was a swap meet with some simple games and grill. Times have changed, but it’s still a fun community event. 

 Families enjoy a variety of activities for children and adults including: games of chance and skill, face painting, inflatable games and bounce house, arts and crafts… and weather-permitting, a Teacher Dunk Tank! We’ll also hold our famous Cake Decorating contest and plenty of great food and treats for sale. 

 In order for the May Fair to be a success, we need support from the Burr Community. See link below to sign up for a shift during the May Fair. We also have a bake sale, see link to sign up to contribute an item. 

 SHIFT SIGN UP
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f49aaab23a0f94-2018 

 BAKE SALE CONTRIBUTION
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f49aaab23a0f94-20181
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