THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


CAS Update


Creative Arts & Sciences brings high-quality, highly relevant, and carefully planned programming to Burr's students. CAS is fully funded by the Burr School PTO and administered by hard-working parent and family volunteers!


Upcoming from CAS


Len Cabral, Storyteller
Monday, May 9 from 8:45am – 9:45am, Grades 4 and 5
In the Cafetorium

Cabral, an African American storyteller, has been enchanting Newton student audiences for years. He presents African, and world and original folk tales with a spellbinding style that includes audience participation, movement, and dramatic flair. He has authored two books, Anansi’s Narrow Waist and
Len Cabral’s Storytelling Book.

A reminder that all Burr parents and caretakers are welcome to attend the presentations (not just 4th and 5th grade parents!), but no younger siblings please.

    Recent CAS Presentations

     

    On Tuesday, April 26th, 2nd graders learned about the culture of Ghana. Joe Galeota, an associate professor at Berklee College of Music, lived in Ghana for many years, and his wife, Vida, grew up there. Together they have created a rich program that brings students to Vida’s village for a day. The day includes the family’s morning chores, the marketplace, school, and the family’s evening activities. Throughout the program, Joe and Vida presented artifacts, music, games, and proverbs.



     THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


            PTO 22–23 Board Elections Are Coming!


    Board elections for the next school year are coming up in May. This year we are looking for a Co-President, and two Community Events Chairs. The board is comprised of 10–12 volunteers who are elected for a 2 year term. These roles generally require 8–15 hrs/month of commitment, including monthly board meetings, and various committee/community meetings. We generally meet in the evenings outside of business hours (usually via Zoom), and flex to support each other when other life demands need to take precedence. If you want to help support great community events like BooFest, the Burr World Cultures Event, STEAMFair, Creative Arts and Sciences and more—we'd love to work with you! Reach out to anyone on the board or email info@burrpto.org for more information. 


     THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


    Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week Begins Monday, May 2nd


     THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


    FORJ Movie and Discussion: Zootopia


    Burr FORJ is excited to present a Family Movie Night on Saturday, April 30th, from 4:00-6:00 pm in the Burr School cafetorium! See flyer for more details, and click HERE to RSVP.

    We will be watching the movie Zootopia. At various points, the movie will be paused so that we can discuss topics about race that arise. Advance viewing is a bonus! Discussion will be facilitated by Ellie Axe from Story Starters.
    • What to bring: Folding chairs or blankets for sitting on the floor.
    • COVID protocols: Masks required (ages 2+)
    • Want dinner: 5th grade families will sell pizzas to take home after the event.


    Did You Know?


    The Newton Community Farm, which is helping us plan the spring Burr Garden Days, has a summer program for ages 8-12. Scholarships are available as well.








    Earth Day Festival, Sunday April 24th


    Celebrate the Earth Day Festival with Green Newton at Newton City Hall on Sunday April 24th from 1-4pm. Enjoy a petting zoo, face painting, an electric vehicle display, starter composting kits, an ice cream truck, and live music! 




     THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


                             AUCTION WRAP-UP


    Thank You for a Successful 2022 Auction!
    Thanks to everyone's support and participation the online auction raised nearly $8,000 for the Burr PTO. Those funds will go to support classroom supplies, Creative Arts & Sciences programming, playground improvements, and more. We hope everyone enjoyed the fun! The auction committee will be reaching out about delivery in the coming weeks. If you have any questions email amie@burrpto.org.


    Seeking Burr Gardeners!


    Tuesday April 12th 5:00–6:00 PM at the Burr Garden*

    It's time to get the Burr Garden ready for spring plantings! This year we plan on bringing back the pre-pandemic gardening activities that are incorporated into each grade's curriculum. But we need some extra hands to get the garden ready! Please let Benny Lee know if you can come (benjamindavidlee@gmail.com) then or if you have general interest in helping! 

    * The Burr Garden is located behind the "small" playground with the blue slide.

     THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


    Newton SERVES



    NewtonSERVES is a Day of Community Service where 1,000+ volunteers complete projects all over Newton to benefit our community. Join members of the neighborhood to help beautify the Burr grounds on Sunday, May 1. We'll be weeding, spreading mulch, picking up litter, pruning, etc. Please be sure to REGISTER HERE in advance.  Families welcome.