THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Help with Understanding Our Differences


We need some volunteers for Understanding Our Differences on Friday, November 2. We'll present the Intellectual Disabilities Unit to the 5th grade. Because we have a big 5th grade, we need a few more volunteers than normal, so even if you don't have a 5th grader, we'd love it if you'd spend some time with us. We need volunteers from 9 to 11 am. (The speaker starts at 10:30 am and you can leaven then or stay for the speaker.) 

 Please email slreillyfamily@gmail.com if you can help. Thank you! 

at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Diwali Night—Nov. 16


Diwali is a Hindu festival that takes place between mid October and mid November each year. Lights are lit to commemorate the legend of the return of the Hindu god Rama to his kingdom after 14 years in exile. Hindus also believe Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, enters their homes during this period. In Indian villages Diwali is more a celebration of the end of the harvest and many months of hard work.

 This year Indian Families along with Burr PTO are coming together to host a Diwali Nite on Friday, November 16 from 7:00-9:00 pm in Cafetorium. All Burr Families are invited to this biggest Hindu Holiday celebration. Come dressed for the occasion and enjoy some art/crafts, music and delicious snacks.

 Please contact Ruchi Bhasin via rusona@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering to set up at 6:00 pm prior to the event. Thank You! 


at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Burr Book Fair—Nov. 6-9


Burr will have its Book Fair November 6-9 in the Burr library! This year, the Burr PTO is excited to bring a one-of-a kind book fair, curated by Burr's own librarian Ms Patino, in partnership with local bookstore Porter Square Books. 

 All Burr students will visit the Book Fair during their regular library time. The Book Fair will also be open during the following hours for all Burr families to purchase books:

 Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7:30 to 8:30 am 
Thursday, Nov. 8 from 5 to 7 pm
Friday, Nov. 9 from 3 to 6 pm

 Can you help? We especially need volunteers cashiers. No experience necessary and training will be provided. 

 Please sign up here: https://bit.ly/2R3RIGt 

 We need your help to have a fun and successful Book Fair!

at


FOOD for Families - FUEL Program at Burr

Burr Elementary School is happy to announce we recently became part of the FUEL program. The FUEL program is a program provided by the City of Newton in partnership with the Newton Food Pantry. This school year the FUEL program is offering FREE backpacks of supplemental food designed for weekend breakfast/lunches which are distributed to families once a week through the Burr Elementary School.

 If you are interested in the FUEL At School program, please contact Burr Elementary School Social Worker, Kerri Fahey at 617-559-9376 or kerri_fahey@newton.k12.ma.us

 Thank you,

 Kerri Fahey, MSW, LICSW
Burr School Social Worker
Monday and Wednesday 9:30am-1:30pm
Tuesday 8am-12:30pm
Thursday 8am-2pm





at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Bertucci's Fundraiser—Nov. 1


Save the date! Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 1, 11 am to 10 pm, for this year's first Bertucci's fundraiser! Flyers will go in folders later this month. 

 It's an early dismissal so enjoy lunch or dinner (or both!) at the Newton Corner Bertucci's and fundraise a little for the PTO.

 Bring this flyer and the Burr PTO will receive a portion of the proceeds.

at



Burr Newsletter 10/22/2018


Dear Burr Families,

 It has been so nice to check in with many of you during the grade level breakfasts these past weeks. We have our final two breakfasts for kindergarten and grade 5 this week. I realize that for many parents coming to morning school events is difficult and I thank you for making time to attend. I know that the children have really enjoyed starting the day with breakfast at school and socializing with their friends and family.  

 In the coming weeks we have two more social events planned by our PTO that I know will be wonderful for community building.  On Saturday, October 27 we have the Burr Boo Fest and on November 16 we have a Diwali celebration.  Be sure to check out the PTO website for more information and to sign up to help out.  I look forward to enjoying these events with Burr families. 

 On November 16, we have a Parent Principal Coffee scheduled from 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM. Morning coffee times with me are usually a drop-in time when parents can come and initiate a discussion about things that are important to them and/or get some answers to questions about the school. I am also happy to plan a presentation on a topic that is of interest to Burr families. Please feel free to email me any suggestions or requests to make this time most useful to you. 

 This week fall conferences will begin in all Newton Elementary Schools. Teachers are given three afternoons to meet with parents. This year, they are October 23, October 30, and November 1.  Teachers also offer some additional times before and after school during this two-week time frame. I ask that parents make every effort to adjust their schedules to attend meetings during the offered times.  Conferences are greatly valued by our teachers because they get to focus on each child’s individual strengths and goals. Below are some tips from the Harvard Family Research Project to help you get the most out of your parent-teacher conference.

 Best,

 Mindy Johal

 Parent–Teacher Conferences: A Tip Sheet for Parents

 Harvard Family Research Project

 As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. You and your child’s school have something in common: You both want your child to learn and do well. When parents and teachers talk to each other, each person can share important information about your child’s talents and needs. Each person can also learn something new about how to help your child. Parent–teacher conferences are a great way to start talking to your child’s teachers. This tip sheet suggests ways that you can make the most of parent-teacher conferences so that everyone wins, especially your child.

 What should you expect?

 A two-way conversation. Like all good conversations, parent–teacher conferences are best when both people talk and listen. The conference is a time for you to learn about your child’s progress in school: Ask to see data about your child’s attendance, grades, and test scores. Find out whether your child is meeting school expectations and academic standards. This is also a time for the teacher to learn about what your child is like at home. When you tell the teacher about your child’s skills, interests, needs, and dreams, the teacher can help your child more.

 Emphasis on learning. Good parent–teacher conferences focus on how well the child is doing in school. They also talk about how the child can do even better. To get ready for the conversation, look at your child’s homework, tests, and notices before the conference. Be sure to bring a list of questions that you would like to ask the teacher.

 Opportunities and challenges. Just like you, teachers want your child to succeed. You will probably hear positive feedback about your child’s progress and areas for improvement. Be prepared by thinking about your child’s strengths and challenges beforehand. Be ready to ask questions about ways you and the teacher can help your child with some of his or her challenges. 

 What should you talk to the teacher about?
  • Progress. Find out how your child is doing by asking questions like: Is my child performing at grade level? How is he or she doing compared to the rest of the class? What do you see as his or her strengths? How could he or she improve?


  • Assignments and assessments. Ask to see examples of your child’s work. Ask how the teacher gives grades.


  • Your thoughts about your child. Be sure to share your thoughts and feelings about your child. Tell the teacher what you think your child is good at. Explain what he or she needs more help with.


  • Support learning at home. Ask what you can do at home to help your child learn. Ask if the teacher knows of other programs or services in the community that could also help your child.


  • Support learning at school. Find out what services are available at the school to help your child. Ask how the teacher will both challenge your child and support your child when he or she needs it. How should you follow up?

at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Election Day Bake Sale


Calling all Bakers and Sellers!   We need your help on Election Day!

 The Election Day Bake Sale is this Tuesday! Please sign up to bake or help sell the baked goods.
 We're looking for volunteers to donate baked goods and some folks to help sell to voters.

 Tuesday, November 6th from when the polls open until they close! (7:00 AM- 8:00 PM)

 Please note the 2 signups. One for Sellers and one for Bakers! Feel free to bring the kids along to help sell in the afternoon and evening. 

 Shift Sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4ba4ac2ea02-2018

 Baked Good Sign Up
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4ba4ac2ea02-election2

 Contact: Sloane Goldhagen (sloanego@gmail.com) with any questions. 



at

  CREATIVE ARTS AND SCIENCES PRESENTS 



Voci Angelica Trio's Passages: Exploring the Migration of Music
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
9am - 9:45: Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade
10am-10:45: Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade

Voci Angelica Trio shares an interactive educational performance of world folk music from nine countries and six continents using dialogue, colorful maps, and songs to trace the migration of early humans across the globe. Students become part of the experience by accompanying the trio with instruments, sound effects, clapping, and movement. 

Join us! Parents are encouraged 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.

image.png



at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Burr Book Fair—Nov. 6-9


Burr will have its Book Fair November 6-9 in the Burr library! This year, the Burr PTO is excited to bring a one-of-a kind book fair, curated by Burr's own librarian Ms Patino, in partnership with local bookstore Porter Square Books. 

All Burr students will visit the Book Fair during their regular library time. The Book Fair will also be open during the following hours for all Burr families to purchase books:

 Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7:30 to 8:30 am 
Thursday, Nov. 8 from 5 to 7 pm
Friday, Nov. 9 from 3 to 6 pm

 Can you help? We especially need volunteers cashiers. No experience necessary and training will be provided. 

 Please sign up here: https://bit.ly/2R3RIGt 

 We need your help to have a fun and successful Book Fair!
at


Burr Safety Day—Oct. 23



 October 19, 2018

 Dear Burr Families,

 Every year the Burr staff and students go over building safety protocols and procedures to ensure that we are prepared in the event of an emergency. We plan to introduce all of these drills to students on one day and then revisit them as needed throughout the school year.

 Burr 2018 Safety Day will be on Tuesday, October 23th.

 The essential drills that we will practice that day are:

 +Fire drill: As children’s classrooms change they have to learn the building exit routes for their new classrooms. We have already had one practice run through as a whole school.

 +Shelter in Place: All children and teachers stay in their classrooms and learning continues. There is limited or no use of hallways.

 +Lockdown: All children and teachers stay hidden and quiet in classrooms. All classroom and hallway doors are locked. This protocol would be used if there were a threat in the building.

 This year we will not practice walking to Franklin School which is our off site evacuation location. This drill is practiced every other year with students, and reviewed by staff annually.  

 The Newton Police & Fire Departments will join us for parts of the day and provide feedback to make sure we are executing all drills appropriately.

 Teachers are preparing children for the day. They will provide them with the concrete information of what we will be doing, how we will be doing it, and why. The goal is to deliver this information in a calm, matter-of-fact, and reassuring way.  We will remind children that there are many adults at school to keep them safe. We do not want to scare them. We want children to feel empowered because they know what to do in an emergency. Generally speaking, less detail is better. Your child’s classroom teacher may share additional information with you. If you have any questions and concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.      

 Sincerely,                                                                                

 Mindy Johal

at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Wolf Fund Off to an Amazing Start


The Wolf Fund has raised $8,374 as of October 18! That's almost 35% of our goal! Thank you to everyone who has contributed!


Everyone who contributes in October is eligible to entered in drawing for a fabulous family game night package. This package includes fun games like Hedbanz, Guess Who?, and Super Tooth (from local company GameWright), plus popcorn, candy and drinks for all ages!

There is still time to make your contribution. You can contribute by sending a check into school in your child’s folder or donate online using this link: https://www.burrpto.org

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

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Boo Fest—Saturday, Oct. 27
DON'T FORGET THE BURR BOO FEST!!

 SATURDAY OCTOBER 27
6pm-8pm

 This beloved Halloween event is just around the corner. If you haven't already please consider signing up to volunteer at:

 www.bit.ly/boofest18

 ● We need help to set up Friday evening 10/26 as well as help the night
of the event.
● Whether you can offer a few minutes or a few hours, your help is
greatly appreciated!!
● Help at the bake sale, run a game, manage a crowd, or setup/cleanup.

 Feeling creative? Help decorate! Explore your theatrical side and try being a fortune teller, mad scientist, or haunted hallway spooker!

 There is a volunteer role for everyone!

 *Enter the pumpkin carving contest by bringing a pre-carved pumpkin to the Boo
Fest. Prizes will be awarded for spookiest, silliest, and most school spirit!

 Questions? Please contact us:

 ● Renee: repk1013@gmail.com 
● Cristal: cbalis@me.com
● Molly: spencermolly@gmail.com 
● Tamika: tamikaolszewski@yahoo.com
● Brenna: tomandbrenna@gmail.com
at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Save the Date for Diwali Night—Nov. 16


Burr PTO presents Diwali Night for the very first time at Burr School. Please save the date for Friday November 16, 2018 from 7:00-9:00 pm.

 There will be art and crafts, traditional Indian dishes to try and lots to learn about this beautiful Indian Holiday of Lights. This event is welcome and open to entire Burr Community.


More details to follow. Paper Flyers will be sent via your children’s folders in early November. 

 If you are interested in helping with some set up on day of event or available to read a book about Diwali in your child’s classroom anytime during the next few weeks please contact Ruchi Bhasin at rusona@gmail.com

 Thanks,

 Diwali Planning Committee 
Janhavi Wadhwani
Hema Rao 
Ruchi Bhasin
at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Bertucci's Fundraiser—Nov. 1


Save the date! Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 1, 11 am to 10 pm, for this year's first Bertucci's fundraiser! Flyers will go in folders later this month. 

 It's an early dismissal so enjoy lunch or dinner (or both!) at the Newton Corner Bertucci's and fundraise a little for the PTO.

 Bring this flyer and the Burr PTO will receive a portion of the proceeds.  
at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


FLU CLINIC - OCTOBER 15th


Shoo Flu:
Get the flu vaccine at school, not the flu!
Seasonal flu vaccination clinics will be held during the school day at the Newton Public Schools beginning in late September. Students in Kindergarten through grade 12 may receive vaccine.

The BURR SCHOOL clinic will be on October 17th. Each student to be vaccinated must have a parent/guardian complete two forms:
1. Consent/Screening form
2. Vaccine administration record/Insurance form.

Forms are available in the school nurse’s office, or may be downloaded at www.newtonma.gov/flu. You may electronically complete the form, print, sign and return. Forms are due to the School Nurse October 15th

Only the flu shot (no nasal spray) will be offered at school this year. The Vaccine Information Statement about the flu shot, and additional information for families including tips on preparing kids for a shot is available at www.newtonma.gov/flu or in the school nurse’s office. There is no cost to receive the vaccine, but insurance information is requested. All students, regardless of insurance status, are invited to receive vaccine with parent permission.

Students are not required to receive flu vaccine, however the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccine for all people age 6 months and up. There are many places to get a flu vaccine including at school, your primary health care provider or community clinics. For additional clinic dates for the whole family, visit www.newtonma.gov/flu.

In addition to vaccination, it is important to practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette by washing hands often; covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the arm; and staying home when sick.

For more flu prevention tips, talk to the school nurse or check out these websites: www.newtonma.gov/flu and www.cdc.gov/flu



at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH


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 help sell the baked goods.

We're looking for volunteers to donate baked goods and some folks to help sell to voters.

Tuesday, November 6th from when the polls open until they close! (7:00 AM- 8:00 PM)

Please note the 2 signups. One for Sellers and one for Bakers! Feel free to bring the kids along to help sell in the afternoon and evening.

Shift Sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4ba4ac2ea02-2018

Baked Good Sign Up
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4ba4ac2ea02-election2


Contact: Sloane Goldhagen (sloanego@gmail.com) with any questions!


at

HALLOWEEN ON THE FARM


Friday, October 26 3-5PM


We hope you'll join us for this fun Halloween event at Newton Community Farm!

Put on your costumes and join us for spooky stories, fun fall games, Halloween crafts, and much much more!

Event is for preschool-3RD grade children with an adult.
$10/child (no charge for adults).
Pre-registration required.

Newton Community Farm
303 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459




at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


BREAKFAST AT BURR!


We hope the third and fourth grade families enjoyed Breakfast at Burr this past week!  Here are the SignupGenius links for the rest of the breakfasts.  Please RSVP and signup if there's anything else that is needed for breakfast.  

Note:  Breakfast at Burr is for Burr students AND their parents or guardians.  Students will be dropped off normally and then brought down to the caf with their class.  Students will stay from 8:30-9 before returning to their classes and parents can stay until 9:30 to mingle and finish their breakfast.  Siblings at Burr should only go to their own grade's breakfasts, but siblings who aren't yet at Burr are welcome to attend.  


 Grade 2 – Tuesday, 10/16 


Grade 1 – Friday 10/19      


Kindergarten – Tuesday, 10/23  


Grade 5 – Friday, 10/26    




at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Bertucci's Fundraiser— November 1st



Save the date! Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 1 for this year's first Bertucci's fundraiser! 

Flyers will go in folders later this month. It's an early dismissal so enjoy lunch or dinner (or both!) at the Newton Corner Bertucci's and fundraise a little for the PTO.





at

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 



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 help sell the baked goods.
 
 
  • We're looking for volunteers to donate baked goods and some folks to help sell to voters.
  • Tuesday, November 6th from when the polls open until they close! (7:00 AM- 8:00 PM)
Please note the 2 signups. One for Sellers and one for Bakers! Feel free to bring the kids along to help sell in the afternoon and evening. 

Shift Sign up:


Contact: Sloane Goldhagen (sloanego@gmail.com) with any questions.


at
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)