THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 



We’re excited to welcome renowned origami artist Michael G. LaFosse to Burr for a special “Origamido” program with our 5th graders on Monday, March 23. With over 40 years of experience, Michael brings a unique blend of art, science, and nature-inspired design to his work, and students will have the opportunity to experience his craft up close. 

9:15 - 10:10am Mr. McCool
10:15 - 11:10am Mr. Cameron
11:15am - 12:10pm - Ms. Harris

This enriching program is made possible through the generous support of the Burr PTO and the Burr Wolf Fund—we’re so grateful for our amazing community! 





Burr Book Swap (4/1) is coming! 




Please donate gently used children’s or YA books to help our students discover “new-to-them” stories and share the joy of reading.

What to donate: Picture books, early readers, chapter books, or YA titles in good condition
Deadline: Tuesday, March 31
Drop-off: Burr Elementary School

🙋Volunteers needed!

Tuesday: Help sort donated books
Wednesday: Help students choose their books
If you’re able to help on either day, please sign up here!

Thank you for supporting our young readers! 




Save the Date: 

Celebrate with Us at MayFair on May 9





Get ready for a fantastic afternoon at the Burr School Mayfair on May 9th from 2:00–5:00 PM at the Burr playground! Join us for delicious food, great music, and a wide variety of games and crafts for kids and families. This year, we’re extra excited to feature the music band “Mismatches” from Parallel Sound Studios, performed by our amazing Burr 5th graders. There will also be a hilarious pie-on-the-face game and many more fun surprises in store. Please mark your calendars—signup information and ticket sales will be shared soon, so stay tuned! 




Burr School World Cultural Fair 

Sign Up Now!





Join us for the Burr School World Cultural Fair on April 11th, 2026 from 3–5 PM in the Burr Cafeteria as we celebrate cultures from around the world. 

✅ Choose a country or culture to represent – families can team up and host a table together
✅ Create a visual display (poster, clothing, artifacts, artwork, etc.) to showcase traditions
✅ Come enjoy live performances, including dance, singing, and more from around the world
✅ Optional: Bring small food samples (homemade or store‑bought) to share a taste of your culture

Registration closes on April 6th, 2026, so be sure to sign up soon. 
Sign up link- https://burrpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/165427



This Month, the Pack Brings 

Learning to Life



In late January and February, Wolf Fund donations are bringing hands-on learning directly to Burr classrooms through Creative Arts & Sciences programs across multiple grades, from Drumlin Farm visits with Grade 4, to Force & Magnetism experiments at the Discovery Museum for Grade 3, to a Historical Women program for Grades 4 and 5.

These experiences go beyond textbooks, sparking curiosity and helping lessons truly stick. If you’re able, please consider donating to support these programs and future enrichment for all Burr students.  

👉Donate here: https://givebutter.com/burr25-26

Important Upcoming Dates


March 16 from 6:30-9:30pm  - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
March 18 from 6:30-9:30pm (budget) - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
March 19 - Literacy & Math Coffee from 8:10 - 9:10 AM at Burr Cafeteria
March 19 - Special Early Release at 12:10 PM
March 23 from 6:30-9:30pm - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
April 1 - Book Swap
April 3 - Good Friday (No School) 
April 11 - World's Culture Fair
April 16 - Community Budget Forum #2 at Brown Middle School directions here) from 7:00–8:00pm
April 20-24 : April Recess
May 9 - May Fair from 3-5 PM

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 


Burr Book Swap (4/1) is coming! 




We’re planning the Burr Book Swap and would love your help! If you have gently used children’s or young adult books at home, please consider donating them.

Donated books will give students the chance to pick out “new-to-them” stories while sharing the joy of reading with others.

What to donate: Gently used picture books, early readers, chapter books, or YA titles in good condition.
Deadline: Tuesday, March 31st
Drop-off: Burr Elementary School

Thank you for supporting our young readers! 





Burr School World Cultural Fair 

Sign Up Now!





Join us for the Burr School World Cultural Fair on April 11th, 2026 from 3–5 PM in the Burr Cafeteria as we celebrate cultures from around the world. 

✅ Choose a country or culture to represent – families can team up and host a table together
✅ Create a visual display (poster, clothing, artifacts, artwork, etc.) to showcase traditions
✅ Come enjoy live performances, including dance, singing, and more from around the world
✅ Optional: Bring small food samples (homemade or store‑bought) to share a taste of your culture

Registration closes on April 6th, 2026, so be sure to sign up soon. 
Sign up link- https://burrpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/165427


🌸 Volunteers Needed for Mayfair! 🎡 


Mayfair is coming up (May 9 – save the date!), and we’re looking for volunteers to join our Mayfair Planning Committee! The committee will meet once a week for about an hour leading up to the event, with each member helping lead a key area like food, games, raffle, or decorations.

It’s a great way to get involved and help make this special spring tradition unforgettable for our students. 🌷✨

Interested? Please email info@burrpto.org to join us!


Community Coffee Chat: 

Supporting Students with Disabilities

 

Join us on April 2 from 8:15–9:00am for a coffee conversation with Dr. Simone Kotraba and MaryBeth Kinkead, Assistant Director of Elementary Special Education.

Open to all Burr parents and caregivers, this discussion will build on recent survey feedback and focus on how we can continue strengthening supports for students with disabilities. We’ll explore what an ideal, inclusive school community looks like, where we’re doing well, and where we can grow together. Our goal is to foster partnership, shared understanding, and a spirit of continuous improvement. We hope you’ll join us for this thoughtful and collaborative conversation.


From the Community 


Newton Little League - Open to Register!

Newton Little League is open to boys and girls ages 5–12, and with multiple skill divisions available, there's a perfect team for every child — whether they're stepping up to the plate for the very first time or are seasoned players looking to sharpen their game.

Registration is open NOW, but the deadline is March 31st, so we encourage all interested families to sign up in the next few weeks to secure your child's spot on a team.

Little League is a wonderful opportunity for kids to:
• Learn the fundamentals of baseball in a fun, supportive environment
• Build teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship
• Get outside and active this spring!

Ready to play ball? Register today at newtonllbaseball.org before the March 31st deadline.

Questions? Visit newtonllbaseball.org or reach out to the Newton Little League board at info@newtonllbaseball.org - they'd love to help you find the right fit for your child.

See you on the diamond this spring! 

Parent-to-Parent Group for Dylexia/ LBLD/ Reading delays

We’re a community of parents and guardians who come together to share our experiences, exchange resources, and build a supportive network for families navigating Dyslexia, reading delays, and Language-Based Learning Disabilities (LBLD). The group is organized by Newton parents Karen Gage, who has a son in 8th grade OOD, and Janet Jackson, who has a son in 4th grade at Countryside.  Our goal is to offer a safe, informal space for adult discussion and mutual support. Your insights will help us better understand the successes and challenges families are facing and how we can collectively support one another in advocating for our children’s needs. 

We invite any Newton parent or caregiver to join us.   In addition to scheduled meetings, we are happy to coordinate impromptu discussions as needed.  

Upcoming Meeting Date:

·  April 2 (virtual meeting)

Please email janetreillyjackson@gmail.com for joining information.  

Where Champions Are Made, Friendships Are Forged, and Fun Is the Goal

Sign up for the official youth NFL Flag Football league in the Newton area! Newton NFL Flag Football offers a safe, fun environment where kids can learn the game, develop their skills, and enjoy the excitement of flag football. Our league focuses on positive coaching, teamwork, and personal growth.

Why families love Newton NFL Flag:
  • Skill development for all levels — Players learn passing, catching, and defensive fundamentals from experienced coaches.
  • Teamwork & sportsmanship — Kids build confidence, communication skills, and respect for teammates and opponents.
  • Safe, positive environment — Non-contact play keeps the game exciting while minimizing injury risk.
  • Official NFL experience — Players receive NFL team-branded jerseys and flag belts.
  • Pure Fun and Lasting Memories — Every child stays active, engaged, and leaves with a smile.

Ready to join the action?

Sign up today and give your child a chance to build skills, make friends, and have fun with Newton NFL Flag Football!





This Month, the Pack Brings 

Learning to Life



In late January and February, Wolf Fund donations are bringing hands-on learning directly to Burr classrooms through Creative Arts & Sciences programs across multiple grades, from Drumlin Farm visits with Grade 4, to Force & Magnetism experiments at the Discovery Museum for Grade 3, to a Historical Women program for Grades 4 and 5.

These experiences go beyond textbooks, sparking curiosity and helping lessons truly stick. If you’re able, please consider donating to support these programs and future enrichment for all Burr students.  

👉Donate here: https://givebutter.com/burr25-26

Important Upcoming Dates


March 16 from 6:30-9:30pm  - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
March 18 from 6:30-9:30pm (budget) - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
March 19 - Literacy & Math Coffee from 8:10 - 9:10 AM at Burr Cafeteria
March 19 - Special Early Release at 12:10 PM
March 23 from 6:30-9:30pm - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
April 1 - Book Swap
April 3 - Good Friday (No School) 
April 11 - World's Culture Fair
April 20-24 : April Recess
May 9 - May Fair from 3-5 PM

 THE BURR PTO PRESENTS 



Attention Steam Fair Participants (Message from our Principal to Parents): Thank you for making STEAM FAIR fun and successful. Please save your child’s posters and projects from STEAM FAIR. These will be shared during Buddy Classes on March 18th.



Burr School World Cultural Fair 

Sign Up Now!





Join us for the Burr School World Cultural Fair on April 11th, 2026 from 3–5 PM in the Burr Cafeteria as we celebrate cultures from around the world. 

✅ Choose a country or culture to represent – families can team up and host a table together
✅ Create a visual display (poster, clothing, artifacts, artwork, etc.) to showcase traditions
✅ Come enjoy live performances, including dance, singing, and more from around the world
✅ Optional: Bring small food samples (homemade or store‑bought) to share a taste of your culture

Registration closes on April 6th, 2026, so be sure to sign up soon. 
Sign up link- https://burrpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/165427


A Long Way Home 


Please join Burr and Franklin's FORJ groups for A Long Way Home, a program that Newton Historic has adapted for elementary-aged kids that explores: What makes a place home? Why might people choose to leave that place for a foreign country? Students examine the lives and stories of families from four countries (Ireland, Italy, Ukraine, and China) at the turn of the 20th century. Using artifacts, photographs, and other primary sources, they piece together the stories of immigration to Newton. 



When: Sunday, March 15, 2pm
Where: Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington St, Newton, MA, 02458

Details: The program will run for about 1 1/2 hours and include a visit to the new Newton: The City we Make exhibit. Every child who attends will get a free ticket to the Jackson Homestead or Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds as part of their participation, so they can come back to explore more. 

🌸 Volunteers Needed for Mayfair! 🎡 


Mayfair is coming up (May 9 – save the date!), and we’re looking for volunteers to join our Mayfair Planning Committee! The committee will meet once a week for about an hour leading up to the event, with each member helping lead a key area like food, games, raffle, or decorations.

It’s a great way to get involved and help make this special spring tradition unforgettable for our students. 🌷✨

Interested? Please email info@burrpto.org to join us!


From the Community 


March 19th Early Release Day 


Join Service Stars and support wildlife through art! Learn about endangered animals and make a drawing for the Roger Williams Zoo Endangered Species Youth Art Contest! Register here

School Program at Shalom After School



Looking for a meaningful, engaging place for your child after the school day ends? This fall, give them a place to thrive by signing up for Shalom After School (SAS). Our team of experienced educators offers a safe, nurturing environment where elementary-aged children can unwind, build friendships, and explore new interests through hands-on activities, creative play, and structured routines. Monday through Friday, our program includes a balance of homework support, enrichment activities, outdoor play, and time to connect with caring, talented staff who truly know your child. Above all, SAS emphasizes community, confidence-building, and learning from experience through a Jewish lens.

Taking into account the demands of a healthy work-life balance, SAS offers flexible payment plans, transportation, and the option to commit to 1-5 days per week, including extended days, holidays, and vacation weeks.

Fall registration opens on Sunday, March 1st. Be sure to visit shalomafterschool.org to submit your Interest Form. From there, you will be contacted by our After School Director, Michael Siegel, who will be available to answer any questions regarding the registration process. He is reachable at msiegel@templeshalom.org.

We look forward to serving you and your family in the new school year!


Parent-to-Parent Group for Dylexia/ LBLD/ Reading delays

We’re a community of parents and guardians who come together to share our experiences, exchange resources, and build a supportive network for families navigating Dyslexia, reading delays, and Language-Based Learning Disabilities (LBLD). The group is organized by Newton parents Karen Gage, who has a son in 8th grade OOD, and Janet Jackson, who has a son in 4th grade at Countryside.  Our goal is to offer a safe, informal space for adult discussion and mutual support. Your insights will help us better understand the successes and challenges families are facing and how we can collectively support one another in advocating for our children’s needs. 

We invite any Newton parent or caregiver to join us.   In addition to scheduled meetings, we are happy to coordinate impromptu discussions as needed.  

Upcoming Meeting Date:

·  April 2 (virtual meeting)

Please email janetreillyjackson@gmail.com for joining information.  

Where Champions Are Made, Friendships Are Forged, and Fun Is the Goal


Sign up for the official youth NFL Flag Football league in the Newton area! Newton NFL Flag Football offers a safe, fun environment where kids can learn the game, develop their skills, and enjoy the excitement of flag football. Our league focuses on positive coaching, teamwork, and personal growth.

Why families love Newton NFL Flag:
  • Skill development for all levels — Players learn passing, catching, and defensive fundamentals from experienced coaches.
  • Teamwork & sportsmanship — Kids build confidence, communication skills, and respect for teammates and opponents.
  • Safe, positive environment — Non-contact play keeps the game exciting while minimizing injury risk.
  • Official NFL experience — Players receive NFL team-branded jerseys and flag belts.
  • Pure Fun and Lasting Memories — Every child stays active, engaged, and leaves with a smile.

Ready to join the action?

Sign up today and give your child a chance to build skills, make friends, and have fun with Newton NFL Flag Football!





This Month, the Pack Brings 

Learning to Life



In late January and February, Wolf Fund donations are bringing hands-on learning directly to Burr classrooms through Creative Arts & Sciences programs across multiple grades, from Drumlin Farm visits with Grade 4, to Force & Magnetism experiments at the Discovery Museum for Grade 3, to a Historical Women program for Grades 4 and 5.

These experiences go beyond textbooks, sparking curiosity and helping lessons truly stick. If you’re able, please consider donating to support these programs and future enrichment for all Burr students.  

👉Donate here: https://givebutter.com/burr25-26

Important Upcoming Dates


March 9 from 6:30-9:30pm - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
March 11 from 6:30-9:30pm (budget)  - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
March 16 from 6:30-9:30pm  - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
March 18 from 6:30-9:30pm (budget) - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
March 19 - Special Early Release at 12:10 PM
March 23 from 6:30-9:30pm - School Committee Meeting (Click here to watch)
April 3 - Good Friday (No School) 
April 11 - World's Culture Fair from 3-5 PM
April 20-24 : April Recess