THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


The Newton Special Education 

Parent Advisory Council 

(Newton SEPAC)



In case you have never heard of Newton SEPAC, the Newton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Newton SEPAC) is an all-volunteer group of parents of children with special needs in Newton, MA. As mandated by Massachusetts law, we provide feedback to the School Committee and school district on special education programs and policies, and participate in their planning and development. Newton SEPAC also serves as a liaison between parents of students with special needs and school district administrators. Please join us at our next open board meeting if you’d like to learn more and discuss special education in Newton!

Newton SEPAC Open Board Meeting 
Tuesday, October 6 @7-8pm
Zoom link on site: https://newtonpac.org/meetings/ 

For more information, visit https://newtonpac.org/. Please reach out with any questions / comments / concerns to Burr’s SEPAC liaison: parent Kris Ferreira (kferreira@hbs.edu


Meet and Greet with ELL Teachers πŸ€

Come and say hi to your ELL tearcher on Tuesday, October 13 from 8:15-9:15AM in the library. Enjoy coffee and muchkins sponpored by the PTO.

We hope to see you!


πŸŽƒBooFest is Back — And We Need YOU!πŸŽƒ


Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 24th, from 3–5 PM and join us for a boo-rific afternoon of fun for the whole family! This year’s BooFest will feature our beloved Trunk-or-Treat, spooky entertainment, festive crafts, and so much more!

But we can’t pull it off without your help...
 
Join the BooFest Committee!

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us plan and organize the event. Committee meetings are held virtually once a week and only take 30–45 minutes of your time. If interested, reach out to Michelle at michelle@burrpto.org.

Volunteer at the Event!
We're also in need of:
  • Mad Scientists
  • Tarot Card Readers
  • Face Painters
  • Decorated Trunks for Trunk-or-Treat

Don’t worry—Burr PTO will provide candy for all participating trunks!


Let’s make this year’s BooFest another unforgettable experience for our kids. Without enough volunteers, we may have to cancel—so please consider helping however you can!

Thank you for being part of the magic! 





πŸ“š Volunteer in the Burr Library!


Looking for a fun way to get involved at Burr? Volunteer in Ms. Patino’s library class and be part of your students’ learning experience!

Sign up for one session or twenty—you choose! You don’t need to volunteer during your own child’s class. Volunteers help organize shelves and assist students with checking books in and out.

Please make sure your CORI forms are up to date before volunteering.

Questions? Contact jie@burrpto.org.
Ready to volunteer? SIGN UP HERE!

You’ll need a Membership Toolkit profile to sign up if you don’t already have one—it’s quick and easy!



Auction Season Is Here - We Need You!




It's auction season! We're looking for volunteers, and the good news is the asks are small.
A few easy ways to help, sign up HERE, search "Fall Auction"
  • Share our launch post on Instagram or Facebook (2 minutes, from your couch)
  • Text 5 friends about the auction, we'll give you the wording (5 minutes)
  • Reach out to 5 local businesses for a donation, template included (30 minutes)
  • Help distribute winning items once the auction closes (30 minutes, in person)
Have an item to donate (professional sports tickets very welcome), a business connection, or an idea, including how to spread the word beyond Burr families? Skip the sign-up and email us directly: Hannah@burrpto.org 


Grown-Ups Night Out: 

Saturday, November 14



Line up a sitter and join fellow Burr parents for an adults-only night out. Catch up with friends, meet new families, and enjoy a night where nobody asks you for a snack.

A portion of the proceeds supports the Burr PTO Caring Committee, which helps Burr families through life's challenges and celebrations. That looks like a take-out dinner after a surgery or a new baby, a get-well basket for a student recovering at home, and a welcome bag for families who join Burr mid-year.

When: Saturday, November 14, 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Where: Brewer's Tap and Table, 256 Moody St, Waltham
Tickets: $35 per person, includes food (cash bar)
RSVP: By Friday, October 30. Your ticket purchase is your RSVP.

How to pay: Venmo Kate Pitman at @Kate-Melville-1. Please include "Grown-Ups Night Out" and your name in the note.

Other payment options: Email Kate at kmel4029@gmail.com



πŸͺ” SAVE THE DATE! πŸͺ”

Burr School Diwali Celebration


What: Burr School Diwali Celebration
When: Saturday, November 21 | 3:00–5:00 PM
Where: Burr School

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights! ✨

This is a FREE event, and everyone is welcome! Come enjoy an afternoon of celebration featuring dance performances, crafts, delicious food, and more.

Bring your family and friends and join us as we celebrate the joy, light, and traditions of Diwali!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! πŸͺ”✨ 

Volunteer Opportunities 2026–2027



There are many ways to get involved and support the Burr community this school year! We’re looking for volunteers for a variety of PTO roles, including:
  • Events Co-Chairs
  • BooFest Committee Members (date: Saturday, 10/24/2026)
  • Garden Team Co-Chairs
  • Teacher Appreciation Co-Chairs
  • Auction Volunteers
Whether you have a little time or a lot, your involvement makes a difference! Please sign up here to volunteer and help make this a wonderful school year for our students, teachers, and families.







Work Out & Give Back: 

Help Burr PTO Win the Challenge! 



Work out and give back at Cardio High in Auburndale! From September 25, Cardio High in Auburndale is hosting a fundraising competition, "Burr vs. Williams." Every time a Burr parent works out, Cardio High will donate $4 to Burr PTO—and when a new Burr parent tries a workout, Cardio High will donate $30. There is no fee for new clients, so your first workout is completely free!

The score after 3 days is Williams 28. Burr 4. 

Contact Cardio High at info@cardiohigh.com or 617.459.3807 to reserve your workout, and let’s raise some funds for Burr!