THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Information Regarding Teachers’ Strike

Dear Burr parent community:

As our children have missed 4 days of school, we recognize that it’s a difficult time for all of us. Complex feelings and a wide range of opinions are all over the place. We PTO exists to support parents, teachers, and students. Hereby, we will be distributing information and resources daily.

The Newton Public Schools (including Burr) remain closed as the strike continues. There will be No School tomorrow, Thursday, January 25th, 2024.

Latest News and Resources:

• The NTA proposed a Memorandum of agreement

• The School Committee engaged in a very productive day of bargaining with the Newton Teachers Association, but still have not reached agreement. Productive plans for small group work in mixed NTA and administrator groups will start in the morning and the larger group will reconvene in formal mediation after lunch.

• The NTA is facing a $175,000 fine (Monday $25,000 + Tuesday $50,000 + Wednesday $100,000)

• Community Forum with Councilor Bill Humphrey by PEC (Parent Educator Collaborative)

• Spreadsheet with the differences between the two parties from the School Committee

• The Letter from PTOC (The Newton Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Council) to the Mayor and the Mayor’s response.

• Middlesex Superior Court Judge Christopher Berry-Smith will schedule a hearing for January 26, 2024, at noon if the strike does not end after January 25, 2024, at 8 pm.

• FY24 budget message

• Special Education FAQ

• Newton Social Services Support for Families

Burr Teachers:

Burr Teachers will be standing out at Burr school from 8:30 am - 9:00 am and then will move to other locations.

Please contact Angie Kim(angie@burrpto.org) about a more detailed schedule.

Message from Teachers:

Action You Can Take:

• Email your opinion to the Mayor/City Council/School Committee (fuller@newtonma.gov; schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us;citycouncil@newtonma.gov )

• Sign up to support our teachers and Burr staff.

• Read about the Petition made by Newton Parents.

Resource for Children:

• Resources for Families of NPS students, made by Newton parents.

• Talking To Elementary Students about the Strike.

Academic resources:

• NPS Elementary Library Resources (needs to be accessed from an NPS Google Account - student accounts will work)

• K-5 Family Math Page

• Student Quicklinks

Food Service:

Newton Public Schools will offer Grab and Go meals, similar to what we did during COVID on Thursday, January 25, 2024 (4-day breakfast and lunch). Pick-up locations and times are as follows:

Location and time

• Newton North (457 Walnut Dr.) – Tiger Drive 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Newton South (140 Brandeis Rd.) – Wheeler entrance 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

METCO Headquarters (for Boston Families) – 11 Roxbury Street, Boston, MA 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Please feel free to contact info@burrpto.org if there is something we can do to help or if there are questions or concerns about topics that need to be covered.

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

   Chipotle Dine Out Fundraiser February 4th 4:00-8:00PM

    Our Chipotle Fundraiser is coming up next month and we are excited for this one. We have an open window to order on February 4th from 4:00 pm - 8:00pm at 847 Washington St, Newton, MA 02460. 

    You can Order online and pickup at 847 Washington St for our fundraiser by using the Promo Code W3R7LJJ on the Chipotle app or website ONLY. Please note that fundraiser online ordering is only valid through pickup during the fundraiser’s scheduled date, time, and assigned restaurant. Ordering delivery for fundraisers is not permitted at this time. For buying in person please use the flyer that will be sent it out in your kids folder, or order online with the code provided. Please share with family and friends and make this a successful fundraiser for our school. 

Get a Donation Match Today!

Did you know that many employers will match employee donations to non-profit organizations like the Burr PTO? Check with your company TODAY to find out if you can double your impact without costing you anything!  Even if you've already donated, it may not be too late. 

Each year Burr PTO gets a number of these matches and it really helps amplify the generous donations from all of you. If you have any questions about the logistics, email treasurer@burrpto.org. 

Your gift in any amount helps support our school community.

Giving is easy. Choose any of these ways to give to the Wolf Fund:

• Give online. Click here to use your credit card, Paypal, or Venmo.
• Text BURRPTO to 53-555 to donate.
• Send a check made out to Burr PTO to school in your child's folder.
• Mail a check made out to Burr PTO to Burr PTO / 171 Pine St. / Auburndale, MA 02466.

Auction committee

The Burr Online Auction is one of our largest annual fundraisers. It's a great chance to support the Burr community and win some great items!

• Do you have a great idea for an auction item? 
• Would you be willing to reach out to a few people/businesses to ask for donations? 
• Do you have something to donate? 
• Perhaps you could help enter data into the website?  

All help is welcome and this is a very flexible volunteer opportunity!

Please join us for a planning kick off meeting—Wednesday January 17 at 8pm. Please email amie@burrpto.org or sign up here if you can help. 

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO OUR BURR COMMUNITY

After a December vacation week, we are back and ready for what the rest of the year brings. We are thankful for all of our volunteers and the great community that Burr Elementary can count on. We had great events during our fall session. 

We are looking forward to our next winter and spring events, like Lunar New Year, our Online Auction, Mayfair and many more. Please be on the lookout for more details to come, and if you want to be a part of these events, you can contact us at info@burrpto.org.