Principal's Newsletter
April 14, 2020
Dear Burr Families,
We are now into week five of being away from school, and you are hopefully settling into a routine that works for your family. The last weeks have been filled with adjustments as we’ve all tried to figure out how to navigate this “new normal.” Each day scary statistics are reported on the news, both nationally and close to home, and we’re all dealing in our own way with the worry that someone we know and love may become infected. In all of this, I know you are trying to ensure that your children feel safe and continue to thrive. I hope the connections with the Burr staff provide support for you and bring joy to your child’s day.
We have seen a high participation rate in our Zoom meetings, and we are grateful for your support in helping your children engage in these opportunities. We hope the weekly distance learning plans are clear and engaging. Children are encouraged to do the best they can at completing the activities. Our intention is not to replicate a school day, nor to overwhelm a student or family. The work we are providing for each grade level amounts to approximately 3 hours of daily learning, practice, and connection. It is okay if a child does not complete everything in a given week, we recognize there are complex factors that we are all trying to navigate. We will be reaching out to children and families who are not participating or completing assignments to see how we can be of assistance. Below I have included some resources that you may find helpful.
The Burr staff continues to miss the daily interactions with children and families. We are working hard to replicate some of them online. This week, the Burr fourth grade team, Ms. Bapat, Ms. Li, and Ms. Tice, invited staff members to share a message for Burr students and put it together in a Burr Staff Video to Families. I hope you will enjoy watching it. Our message is simple – we care, and we can’t wait for the day our community is back together again.
Take care, and please do reach out if you need anything.
Mindy
Additional Resources:
Guidance for Families on Virtual Play Dates from the Burr Mental Health Team
NPS Distance Learning Family Resources - Resources to assist families in supporting their children and creating routines
Self Care Tips for Parents
Mindy Johal, Principal
Burr Elementary School
171 Pine Street
Auburndale, MA 02466
Email: johalm@newton.k12.ma.us
Dear Burr Families,
We are now into week five of being away from school, and you are hopefully settling into a routine that works for your family. The last weeks have been filled with adjustments as we’ve all tried to figure out how to navigate this “new normal.” Each day scary statistics are reported on the news, both nationally and close to home, and we’re all dealing in our own way with the worry that someone we know and love may become infected. In all of this, I know you are trying to ensure that your children feel safe and continue to thrive. I hope the connections with the Burr staff provide support for you and bring joy to your child’s day.
We have seen a high participation rate in our Zoom meetings, and we are grateful for your support in helping your children engage in these opportunities. We hope the weekly distance learning plans are clear and engaging. Children are encouraged to do the best they can at completing the activities. Our intention is not to replicate a school day, nor to overwhelm a student or family. The work we are providing for each grade level amounts to approximately 3 hours of daily learning, practice, and connection. It is okay if a child does not complete everything in a given week, we recognize there are complex factors that we are all trying to navigate. We will be reaching out to children and families who are not participating or completing assignments to see how we can be of assistance. Below I have included some resources that you may find helpful.
The Burr staff continues to miss the daily interactions with children and families. We are working hard to replicate some of them online. This week, the Burr fourth grade team, Ms. Bapat, Ms. Li, and Ms. Tice, invited staff members to share a message for Burr students and put it together in a Burr Staff Video to Families. I hope you will enjoy watching it. Our message is simple – we care, and we can’t wait for the day our community is back together again.
Take care, and please do reach out if you need anything.
Mindy
Additional Resources:
Guidance for Families on Virtual Play Dates from the Burr Mental Health Team
NPS Distance Learning Family Resources - Resources to assist families in supporting their children and creating routines
Self Care Tips for Parents
Mindy Johal, Principal
Burr Elementary School
171 Pine Street
Auburndale, MA 02466
Email: johalm@newton.k12.ma.us