THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Meet Author Jacob Kramer—Nov. 6

Burr Book Fair is proud to partner with Porter Square Books for our book fair and to host Jacob Kramer, author of Noodlephant, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on November 6. Jacob will read his book, answer questions, sign copies of the book and help with Noodlephant art projects. 

We hope you will join us to hear this engaging story, see its charming illustrations, and meet its exceptional (and local) author.

Here's a description of Noodlephant's story:

Famous for her pasta parties, Noodlephant is shocked when the law-loving kangaroos decide noodles are only for them!

Noodlephant won’t let this stand―Noodlephants can’t survive on sticks and branches, after all. Determined to do something to push back against an unjust law, she and her friends invent a machine that transforms pens into penne, pillows into ravioli, and radiators into radiatori. With that, the pasta parties are back! But that very night, the kangaroos come bounding through the door… ready to enforce their unjust laws. A zany tale full of pasta puns, friendship, and one Phantastic Noodler, Noodlephant, written by Jacob Kramer and illustrated by K-Fai Steele, explores a community’s response to injustice.

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Author Suzy Kline—Nov. 7, 2019

Grade 3: 2pm to 3pm in classroom 14

In a fast-paced humorous presentation, Suzy Kline shares her writing experiences with the students and shows them 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 attend, but no younger siblings please.

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Author Dana Alison Levy—Nov. 8 

Dana Alison Levy is the author of The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher, The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island, This Would Make a Good Story Someday, and It Wasn’t Me. Her books have garnered multiple starred reviews and have been named to Best Of lists, and were Junior Library Guild Selections.

Ms. Levy speaks about demystifying the process of writing so students find joy in writing and reading. She speaks about the writing process, about the steps it takes to go from an idea to a novel, about the importance of revision and the ways partners (teachers, parents, classmates, editors) make us better writers. 

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

Boofest Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to make Boofest 2019 a success! We are grateful for all of the time and energy that our volunteers gave so that our children could have a fun night! The community at Burr is strong and it is because of all of you.

We would also like to make a special thank you to all the 5th graders who were a huge part of Boofest this year! They did a wonderful job running the craft and games stations, as well as the bake sale. All of the money earned will go to the 5th grade moving on ceremonies.

Another special thanks goes out to our awesome DJ, Aidan Vahey, a Burr alum! Not only did he do all the music, but he is also the one who created the light show.

Many of our committee members have children who will graduate from Burr next year. If you are interested in joining the committee to plan and run Boofest, please contact the committee at boofest@burrpto.org.

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Diwali Night

Hi Everyone,

Burr PTO is excited to bring their Diwali Celebration for another year and all families are invited. If you are planning to attend the event and would like to help us set up or bring any food/water  please use the link below for our sign up genius. Signup is optional.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945A4A72EA02-diwali1

Thank You,
Diwali Planning Committee

Burr School Sports

Friday Soccer & Tuesday Basketball is open for REGISTRATION!
2019 WINTER INDOOR SPORTS TRAINING
TO BE AT BURR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYM,
SOCCER/FRIDAYS OR BASKETBALL/TUESDAYS
FOR 1 HOUR EACH GROUP IN EVENINGS.

BASKETBALL TUESDAYS ARE: 12/3/18, 12/10/18, 12/17/18; 1/7/19, 1/14/19, 1/21/19, 1/28/19, 2/4/19, 2/11/19, 2/25/19, 3/3/19, 3/10/19;  makeup on 3/17/19. 

SOCCER FRIDAYS ARE: 12/6/18, 12/13/18, 12/20/18; 1/3/19, 1/10/19, 1/17/19, 1/24/19, 1/31/19, 2/7/19, 2/14/19, 2/28/19, 3/6/19;  makeup on 3/13/19. 

PLEASE REGISTER AT www.bit.ly/burrschool

Looking forward to a great season!
Burr School Sports

School Health October Newsletter

Did your child walk or roll to school this month? Or take the bus to help reduce the car congestion around our school? If so, thank you for supporting National Walk to School Day this month.
If not, there’s still time to make a healthy change this month or next in how your child gets to and from school. 
Walking or rolling (biking, scootering, etc.) to school increases your child’s opportunity for physical activity. At least 60 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended for children. Incorporating physical activity into your usual school routine is a great way to become more active. People who are physically active live longer and have a lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers. 
If you do drive, consider parking a bit away from the school and walking the rest of the way. Students who walk and bike to school arrive awake and alert, with better focus and concentration, which can improve academic performance.  
And a heads up for drivers who do queue at school: new “No Idling” signs are making their way to schools throughout Newton. These are a great reminder to turn off your car while waiting to drop off or pick up your student. Turning off your car improves air quality for everyone around you and reduces pollutants that can be particularly harmful for our students with asthma.
Even seemingly small changes like walking a few extra times per month or turning off a vehicle for a few minutes can make a big difference over time.
For more walk to school ideas, visit https://www.cdc.gov/policy/hst/hi5/saferoutes/index.html

School Lunch Updates

There are several new updates to the school lunch program:  


Staffing: The year started with several food service positions that were not yet filled.  We have since filled all positions at the Elementary level and we are close to filling all middle and high school positions.

Feedback Form: Since the start of school, we have received over 70 comments on our Food Service Community Feedback form.  As a group we have reviewed these comments and are tracking them.  We hear your concerns and we are committed to making continuous improvements.

Meatless Mondays: Starting in November we are moving forward with Meatless ONLY Mondays at the Elementary level.  This is being done as a direct response to your comments.  

Participation: Current rates are already above last year’s average.  We will be sharing more information with you after our next meeting.


While we have received a lot of positive feedback, we also recognize that there is a lot of room for improvement.  Here are the areas we are looking into:

• Increasing efficiencies in food service so that students have more time to eat
• Creating easier access to all allergen information and increasing overall allergen awareness
• Improving the accuracy of food counts to prevent running out of items
• Increasing numbers of pizza to allow students a second meal option
• Partnering with NPS to improve storage, space and equipment challenges
• Adding addition registers and lines where needed to make sure students are served quickly
• The quality of food, sustainability efforts and nutritional excellence are priorities in our community.  

Questions?  Email the Burr Food Service Advisory group representative:  krissym@gmail.com 

Cornhole & Crockpots a Success!

We had a great time and a great crowd at Friday night's Cornhole & Crockpots fundraiser! Thanks to everyone who came out, tossed some bean bags and brought delicious food. Thanks as well to Jenn & Rich Reale for hosting! We raised $650 towards the playground improvements (if we missed you at the registration table there is still time!). 

Congratulations to Cornhole Champions Dave Poras & Tom Fisk and to our Best in Crock,  Marie Andrawes, with the seriously addictive spinach dip. Looking forward to next year's event!

If you are interested in helping with fundraising events, (or have the perfect yard to host next year) please let us know!

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Diwali Celebration at Burr (November 17, 2019)

Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

Please join us for our Diwali Celebration in the Burr Cafetorium on Sunday November 17 4:00-6:00 pm. There will be art and crafts, music, dance performances by some Burr Students, and Indian home made food. Henna Tattoos by a professional Henna Artist will be available at the cost of $5 per person. So, please bring cash. Thank you for helping us host this wonderful event, we look forward to seeing all. Come dressed for the occasion if you wish! 

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 Tuesday October 22nd. 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 18th.

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

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Volunteer for the Book Fair!

Please help with Burr Book Fair 2019! Do you love reading and books? Then sign up to be a classroom helper who will assist and support Burr Students in choosing books. Always wanted to run a cash register?  We need two cashiers for every book fair shift! (no experience necessary; training will be provided.)

We also need many hands to unload the delivery of books and set up the Book Fair at 8:30 am on October 31. (We'll provide coffee and breakfast snacks!) And many hands to pack up the Book Fair when it's over on November 7 starting at noon. (We'll provide coffee and snacks!) 

Please help promote literacy and a love of books at our school by volunteer for Burr Book Fair 2019!

Sign up here: http://bit.ly/BurrBookFair

Look for a flyer with more details soon! 

Questions: Contact Christine at duttch2@gmail.com or Cristal at cbalis@me.com.

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Volunteers needed for

UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES

The Understanding Our Differences program is a terrific parent led program that teaches our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade children about various disabilities. It’s focus is on teaching children to be inclusive of and to be allies for persons with disabilities in their community. This program is run entirely with parent volunteers and we need your help! Volunteering is easy, fun and anyone can do it – you don’t need any background knowledge about disabilities or to have a child in the grade to volunteer. Please consider volunteering for the following units:

3rd grade (Thursdays 11am-1pm)

• November 14, 2019 -- Physical Disabilities
• March 12, 2020 -- Blindness/Low Vision
• April 9, 2020 -- Deafness/Hard of Hearing

Contact Christine Dutt (duttch2@gmail.com) to volunteer!

4th grade (Thursdays 9:40-11:40 am)

• November 14, 2019 -- Learning Disabilities
• April 9, 2020 -- Chronic Medical Conditions

Contact Michael Grubb (mgrubb@gmail.com) or sign-up via sign-up genius to volunteer!

5th grade

• October 28, 2019 -- Intellectual Disabilities  (Monday 9-11am)
• January 16, 2020 – Autism  (Thursday 1-3pm)

Contact Deanna Salemme (salemme@comcast.net) to volunteer!

Volunteering is easy – anyone can do it. Part of the reason the program is so successful is that it is designed to run well with first-time volunteers. Volunteers will take small groups of kids through learning activities – but this is easy to do because there is a script to follow and it is fun for the kids. You can get ready very quickly the evening before by watching a few minute video online and looking through the activity outline. 

The whole program takes only 2 hours (and you can leave 30 minutes early if you need to) – so it is shorter and easier than a field trip – and your kids will love having you participate just as much as they love you coming on field trips.

Want to know more?
www.understandingourdifferences.org

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Cornhole & Crockpots - This Friday!

The Burr PTO is excited to host an adult only fundraiser of competition and fun!

Date: Friday, October 18th

Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: 87 Rowe St, Auburndale 

Get your recipes and team names ready! Prizes for:

Best In Crock: Appetizers, Soups/Stews/Entrees and Desserts
Best Signature Drink: Non-Alcoholic & Alcoholic
Cornhole Tournament Champions

$20 per person - pay online or pay at the door. All proceeds go to the Burr playground enhancements

DJ, (beer, wine, and soda), 50/50 raffle and a raffle item!

This event is open to the community & friends of Burr Elementary so bring your friends!

For more info and to register: http://bit.ly/burrcrocktoberfest2019

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

BURR SCHOOL DAY OF THE DEAD

Saturday, November 9 at 3PM

Join us for our first ever Burr Dia de Los Muertos Celebration & Movie Night on Saturday, November 9 at 3pm at the Burr Cafeterium.  Join us to celebrate our loved ones that have passed by helping us built a traditional Day of the Dead Altar, participate in interactive traditional Mexican dances, crafts and a calavera costume parade. Feel free to bring a picture of your deceased loved one to be honored that day.  

Traditional Mexican hot chocolate and pan de muerto will be provided and the celebration will be followed by COCO!  Please note the movie will begin promptly at 4pm. Best “Calavera” or “Skull” Costume will be awarded a special prize! Face painter and concessions will be available for a small fee. $10 per child, $15 per family. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE BURR DAY OF THE DEAD FLYER!

Join us!

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Diwali Celebration at Burr!

Please save the date for Diwali Celebration at Burr this year on Sunday November 17 from 4:00-6:00 pm. All families and friends from Burr Community are cordially invited to this event. It’s a nice way to learn about the Hindu Culture and this important auspicious holiday celebrated by many Indian Communities. 

If your family is new to Burr and also celebrates Diwali, we welcome you and would love for you to join and help at our event. Please reach out to Ruchi Bhasin via rusona@gmail.com (mom of Riva Bhasin from Ms. Field’s 2nd Grade) if you can help before or during the event. 

Thank you and hope to see many of you at this special cultural event hosted in the Burr Cafetorium! 

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

New School Lunch Website and App

Whitsons just launched their FD Meal Planner website and app. It’s a great new tool for families to not only view menus, but also access nutritional information for all meals provided in the Newton Public Schools. Perhaps most importantly, it shows allergen information and allows families to “build” meals based upon their student’s needs.

There are a few things to note about the new website:

The FD Meal Planner is linked from the “menus” button on the district and schools homepage here: NPS Food Service.

However, your browser must allow “pop-ups” so that when you plug your school name into the search bar, you see the schools populate below the bar. Please make sure “pop-ups” are enabled on your selected browser.

The FD Meal Planner App is available for Apple and Android. Once you download and open the app, you will be prompted to create an account. You must create an account to access the menus for your school.

We are excited about this new tool offered by Whitsons. Please be sure to let your Food Service Advisory Group representative know if you have any questions! Or, visit this page on the district webpage to provide feedback via our Google Form: Feeback Form

Wolf Fund Kick Off - Be Part of the Pack!

Hello Burr Families!

This year our Burr PTO fundraising goal is approximately $47,600, which helps to fund our school’s technology needs, all of our amazing Burr community events, supplies for teachers and classrooms, and curriculum enhancing programs such as Creative Arts & Sciences. 

Here is an overview of the fundraising campaigns and events you’ll see coming this year, including a few new parent events, as we look to meet or exceed our goal. Thank you for all of your support. 

The Wolf Fund: Our annual fall fundraising campaign that covers approximately half of the PTO goal. The Wolf Fund kicks off the first week in October this year and our goal is to meet the target by January 31st next year. Letters with details went out in folders this week, and the link to donate online is here: https://www.burrpto.org/. 

Cornhole and Crockpots Parent Night, Friday, October 18th: Parents only!! Join fellow Burr parents for a fall game night at Jenn Reale’s house. Details and signup here: http://bit.ly/burrcrocktoberfest2019

Online Auction: The online auction happens in late January, and offers the opportunity to score many great camps, experiences, travel, restaurants, and fun items. **Burr parents who run businesses, let us know if you are interested in adding your services or items to the auction, we love to support our local community!

The Book Fair: The Burr PTO and Porter Square books bring you the Burr Book Fair, November 1st through 6th, in the library and art room. Details coming soon, and many times morning, day, and evening to browse this year’s curated book selection. New this year, author night on Wednesday, November 6th, featuring local author Jacob Kramer (Noodlephant). Jacob will read Noodlephant, which is illustrated by Burr extended family, and will do a Q&A and sign books. Noodlephant art projects in the art space!  

Parent Prom: New this year! Parent prom party night and silent auction featuring the best of the 80’s and 90’s. Location TBD, mid-March date so be on the lookout for details. 

Other Fun Stuff! Through the year, we run several other events to make sure we meet our fundraising goal, such as the sleepunder, Mayfair, and Color Day. However, there’s always room for more community fundraising events, so if you have an idea or want to host or coordinate event, please feel free.