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.

 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.

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Thank you!

A big Thank you to Everyone who donated treats and wrote cards to the staff.  Thank you for making Hospitality Teacher Appreciation Events a success!  

Wishing you all the joys of the season and happiness throughout the coming year.

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Burr Spirit Week

See all the fun events that Burr has planned for Spirit Week this week, December 18th-22nd! Please know students can participate in whatever way they feel comfortable.

Please feel free to ask your homeroom teachers if you have any questions.

Wolf Fund

The Wolf Fund is our annual giving campaign for the Burr PTO and runs from October to January. The money raised provides the majority of funding for PTO activities throughout the year.  Our goal this year is to raise $22,000 through the Wolf Fund with at least 130 Burr families giving a gift of any amount. We still have a ways to go towards our goal and are behind our progress last year.  If you have not donated yet this year, please consider making your tax-deductible gift of any amount to the Wolf Fund today.  

Get a BURR car magnet with a $100 donation!

As an added incentive, all families who donate $100 or more to the Wolf Fund through January (including those who have already given) will be eligible to receive one coveted Burr School car magnet! You can even choose to make a recurring monthly donation to spread your donation across the year.

Your Gift in Any Amount Helps 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.

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 

Just Next Door Shopping Day

Wednesday Dec. 6th

One day only—20% of your purchase at Just Next Door on Wednesday Dec 6th will go to the Burr PTO!

Just Next Door is located at 327 Auburn St. / Auburndale, MA 02466

Make sure to mention Burr School at checkout!

Giving Tuesday for Burr PTO

Thanks to your donations, we met our Giving Tuesday match, securing a $1,500 match for the Burr PTO!  

We have raised more than $8,500 with more than 50 supporters so far, but have a ways to go to meet our overall goal of $22,000 with at least 130 Burr families giving a gift of any amount. 

Help us reach our goal and contribute to the Wolf Fund now at www.givebutter.com/Burr23-24

Your donation will help support community events, educational interactive programming, teacher supplies and more.

Thank You, Burr Families!