Holiday Note to Parents and Staff

Dear Parents and Staff,

This past weekend I again watched the students’ Holiday Performance via my Blog.  While watching the videos, a quote from the movie Elf kept replaying in my brain, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”    I don’t just think of it as Christmas cheer but holiday cheer for one and all.

Elf is one of my favorite movies to watch during the holiday season.  It speaks to the joy one can experience as an adult when he/she tries to see the world through the eyes of a child.   Over the holiday break please take time to be a kid again.   If we get snow, go sledding, throw snowballs, or make a snowman.   Locate your old toys or play with children’s, nephews, nieces, or friend’s kid’s dolls, action figures or board games.   Enjoy a favorite holiday movie or one from when you were little.   Make a play-date to get together with family, friends, or call someone you haven’t talked to in a long time.   Dance around the house singing 1980’s music or any other fun music that reminds you of your childhood.    Get a group of friends together and play touch football.   Most importantly, take some time to have fun.  I truly believe that when everyone on earth begins to look at the world through the eyes of a child we will have peace on earth and goodwill towards all.  

I would like to wish everyone a fun, safe and most joyful holiday break!   

Yours Truly,

John Lyons

Principal

Pine Glen School

P.S. I would not suggest showing the movie Elf to your own children prior to viewing it yourself to see if you deem it appropriate to show to your children.

Note from the PTO

Hi Fellow PTO Members,

We would like to thank all PTO members for their constant, steadfast support of the Pine Glen PTO and its mission to provide educational enrichment for all our students. Since the beginning of the new school year, we have been able to make a variety of contributions.  The PTO purchased new iPods, splicers, and headphones that will be used by all students  in classroom reading centers.  To provide books on tape, the PTO also purchased iTunes gift cards to be used at the staff's discretion.  The PTO also bought the new Town of Burlington flag for the school building and paid for the publication of handbook/calendars for all families, as well as student directories for PTO members.  We would like to thank Julie Gosselin for all her help with these publications.

There were a couple of successful fall fundraisers as well.  The Genevieve catalog and the Scrip Gift Card Fundraisers.  We would like to thank everyone who participated in any way.  Especially, Maria Woods, and Kathleen MacMunn who chaired these committees and Jolene Fogarty for the extra Treasurer's work involved.  The funds raised will be used to continue to fulfill the PTO mission.

We also would like to thank everyone who participated in the 50/50 raffles held during the holiday concerts.  The monies raised will be deposited into the Pine Glen PTO Family Fund that assists Pine Glen families in need.  The two raffles, including an generous anonymous donation by member(s) of the staff, raised $396 for this fund.  A special thanks to Robin Hurley, Jolene Fogarty, Michelle Grossman, and Nicole Woods for helping to run these raffles.  Congratulations to Allison Theirrien who won the evening concert raffle.  A special thanks to Bill Withycombe who won the day concert raffle and then generously donated his winnings back to the Family Fund.  

Please mark your new 2011 calendar:  Thursday, January 6th at 7 p.m. will be the first PTO meeting of the New Year.  Principal John Lyons plans to conduct a school tour for all in attendance.  He will highlight recent improvements and plans for the building.

We hope you and your families all enjoy a wonderful holiday season and we hope to see many of you at the January meeting.

Thank you,

The Pine Glen PTO Board

Video: First, Second, and Third Grade Winter Concert

Earlier today we had the Winter Concert done by the first, second, and third grades. Ms. Agati and Ms. Rzasa helped put together a very active performance by the students. Thanks to all the parents who could attend!

Video: Fourth and Fifth Grade Winter Concert

Pine Glen held its annual Fourth and Fifth Grade Winter Concert on the evening of December 14. Thanks to the parents for their great performances; Ms. Agati, Ms. Rzasa, and Mr. Napierkowski for getting the students ready for the show, and all of the parents who attended.

The video is in 3 parts, embedded below. Part 1 features the band, and parts 2 and 3 feature the chorus.

PTO News

PTO News-  Gift Cards have arrived

Thank you Pine Glen Families and Friends!  We sold a total of $ 15,713.10 worth of gift cards and earned a profit of $ 1,129.14!!!  Your gift cards have arrived and were delivered to the school, on Wednesday, December 15th!  Please watch for your gift cards in your child's backpack.  Please review your order for accuracy and contact me rmacmunn@msn.com with any questions. 

For those parents requesting a pick-up at school --- if you wish, you can pick them up at the Grade 1,2 & 3 Concert on Friday, December 17th at 9:00 a.m.

A Special thanks to Katie Capobianco, Nicole Hillis, Deb Murphy and Lauren Terranova for assemblying and distributing the gift cards!  I could not have done it without them!  Also, thank you Allison Theirrien and Julie Gosselin for the copies.  Don't forget our devoted PTO members Maria Woods and Jolene Fogarty.  

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!

Kathleen MacMunn

Scrip Coordinator - Pine Glen PTO/Volunteer

Flag Dedication

Last month Pine Glen dedicated our new Burlington flag.

Turkey Trot

Right before Thanksgiving, Pine Glen had its annual Turkey Trot.

Note from the Principal

This week on my drive into school I questioned myself as to whether process is as important as content.  It didn’t take long for me to find my answer.  I simply walked into a classroom and arrived at the answer within five minutes.

When I am in classrooms in the morning, I will occasionally join in on the morning meeting.  During the morning meeting teachers use an independent, evidence researched based approach called the Responsive Classroom.   This approach helps students to be successful academically and socially.  It helps students gain social skills such as cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control. The Responsive Classroom also helps create learning environments where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.  It is a very productive instructional practice to help implement our Pine Glen School Mission of being a school that creates life-long learners. 

The fourth grade morning meeting I joined was fantastic.  Much like a house will not stand without a foundation, a student still will not learn if she or he does not take intellectual risks.  During the meeting, I witnessed a strong sense of community where students felt and knew they were safe.  In addition, students were learning from each other by noticing and internalizing expected behaviors through modeling.  The great positive language by the teacher and her kind tone were not only establishing a sense of community but promoting active learning and self-discipline.  Students had a means by which they were allowed and knew how to fix and learn from their mistakes in a dignified way.  Students were being creative and responsible.  The wonderful interactions amongst students in an organized structure promoted social and academic growth.  During a 15 minute time period, I saw students learning geography, math multiples, pragmatic language, oral expression, problem solving skills and written expression while simultaneously having a sense that they were part of a community that cared about them.  

This exemplar continued to reaffirm in my mind that Pine Glen School is a special place to learn.  It also confirmed that the greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction and providing academic choice.  Leading me to think that ultimately, process is just as crucial as content. 

Note from School Nurse

Puberty Information Night for Parents of 4th and 5th grade students will be presented by Anne Azarian RN, BSN, Supervisor of Nurses, at the Burlington High School, School Committee Room on Tuesday January 11, 2011.  (Snow Date is January 12, 2011)  Grade 4 Parents' Night will be held from 6:30pm--7:30pm.  Grade 5 Parents' Night will be held from 7:30pm--8:30pm.  Please call Anne Azarian at 781-270-1702 or the Pine Glen Nurse at 781-270-1713, if you have any questions.  Subsequently, the grade 4 and grade 5 students' puberty classes will be held at school on Friday January 14, 2011.

Note from Music Teachers

Winter Concert Reminders

 

Here are the dates and times to remember:

4th and 5th Grade Chorus and Band Concert: Tuesday December 14th @ 7 p.m.

Students should arrive at 6:45 p.m. wearing black and white.

1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade Concert: Friday December 17th @ 9 a.m.

Students should come to school wearing their dress-up outfit for the concert.

Additional information is available on the Pine Glen Music Blog:

www.pineglenmusic.wordpress.com

We are looking forward to seeing you all there!

  

Mrs. Jennifer Agati

Mrs. Jennifer Rzasa

Music Specialists

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTH SALE

Troop # 77231 will be at Shaw's Supermarket this Saturday 12/11 from 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. kicking off the cookie selling season, so come on by and support Troop # 77231 and get your girl scout cookies early.  Troop # 77231 will also be collecting donations for "Cookies for a Cause" which they will deliver to Hanscom Air Force Base in March for our troops. 

Principal Notes: Creating a Science Zone

Students, particularly in the primary years, are fascinated by sea life such as lobsters, crabs, and barnacles that live in our New England coastal zone (tide-pools).  This rich curriculum provides wonderful opportunities for higher order thinking skills like compare and contrast as well as categorization.  When walking down the stairs to enter first floor where the majority of the kindergarten and first grade classrooms are located, one encounters unused space.  It is my hope to make this area a science zone.  The theme in this area would be the different marine life zones in the rocky shore located in New England.  We are hoping to put a mural up that the students would draw illustrating these different zones.  Likewise, we are hoping to fill the area with artifacts related to the ocean.  We are looking for donations such as lobster traps, buoys, or a small boat.  The boat could not be bigger than 6 feet wide by 10 feet long and would need to be fiberglass.  If you would like to make a donation, please feel free to contact me at jlyons@burlington.mec.edu.

PTO NEWS: Pine Glen PTO Scrip Fundraiser

Have you placed your scrip/gift card order?  Time is running out!  The deadline is next TUESDAY, December 7th.  Don't forget no school on Monday!   All orders must be received on this date, so they can be processed!  Unfortunately, any orders received after this date will be returned to your child's classroom unprocessed.  

Enjoy your long weekend and let your fingers do the shopping!  Any questions, need forms via email or instructions to shop on line contact Kathleen at rmacmunn@msn.com or 781-229-1805.  

Happy Holidays!  Thanks for your support. 

NOTE FROM TOYS FOR TOTS

•  Pine Glen will be collecting Toys for Tots.  Any unwrapped toy can be dropped off outside the main office.  The boxes will be collected on December 12, 2010.

Principal Notes Happy Thanksgiving

My family like yours will take part in many traditions on Thanksgiving.   Football, great food, and spending time with family are not only great traditions but a few of my favorite things.   One tradition my family has during Thanksgiving is to go around the dinner table and say what we are most thankful for over the course of the year.   In anticipation of the event I was thinking of what to say on the drive into school today.

What I am most thankful for this year is children and life.   Two events in my life this year have shaped my feelings to make think this way.   My two-year old daughter has severe allergies.  She has learned what foods to not touch or eat well as ask before given food if it will make her sick.   My wife and I have to have epi-pens available to us at all times and will need to leave one with her at all times, for example,  a play date.     

Last year my sister’s family and our entire extended family were delighted to welcome a new baby girl.  The baby came much sooner then expected and was born at 24 weeks.   This beautiful baby girl, in the words of the doctors in Boston, is a miracle.   She requires a lot of attention and has the most beautiful smile.   I also think she has the best godfather in the world.

What my niece and daughter have taught me is that life is very fragile and delicate.    It is also exciting.   Much like an artist starts with clay and makes a sculpture we as parents have the opportunity to empower our children and help mold them as they grow.  I have two daughters, two nieces, and three nephews and I would not miss it for the world to have the opportunity to see them grow.   I have dedicated my entire professional career to helping children and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else in the world.   It is why I truly love my career.

Please make sure to tell your children, nieces and nephews how thankful you are for them during Thanksgiving dinner.   Children benefit so much hearing from family members that someone cares about them.   

I hope everyone has a great long weekend.   Best of luck to Burlington football team in the their game versus Lexington.   Most importantly, on behalf of the entire staff at Pine Glen School, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Video: A Day at Pine Glen

I hope you enjoy the video A Day at Pine Glen.   I would like to thank Dan Callahan, our technology integration specialist, for all his hard work putting it together.   This video is a snap-shot of what a typical day at Pine Glen is like for our students.  

PTO NEWS:

Holidays are coming.....remember to bring that list of SCRIP PINE GLEN PTO FUNDRAISER (gift cards) to the gathering!!!  You will be surprised at how many people will love the idea (don't forget this is a condensed list of retailers so visit the website for the retailer you are looking for)!  Last minute....or.....what should I get for that special someone....Perfect....GIFT CARDS (Let them buy what they want)!   Help support Pine Glen PTO and save you and your family time and gas from running to store to store.  Enjoy the holidays---HAVE THEM delivered to you!!!  Buy your cards ON-LINE or simply complete the forms that have been provided in your child's backpack!   If you need additional copies or any questions email Kathleen at rmacmunn@msn.com or call 781-229-1805. 

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping!  Everything is there at your fingertips!

Note from High School

Burlington High School will present the stage version of the holiday classic “It’s A Wonderful Life” on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 5 at 2:00 pm in the Fogelberg Performing Arts Center of the high school. Bring the whole gang to this great family-friendly production.  Adults: $10 and Students/Sr Citizens: $5. Tickets available at www.BurlingtonTickets.org. For more information call 781-A-FUN-TIC.

Thanks.

Vanessa Ovian

Turkey Trot

Mrs. Nicholas would like to invite you to the Turkey Trot, next Wednesday, November 24, at 9:00.

Principal Notes- Parent Conferences

As a parent I can identify with the butterflies the flutter in your stomach prior to a parent conference.    On the drive to my daughter’s conference thoughts kept popping up in my brain and I could hear a ding like my email icon informing me a new email had arrived.  These thoughts all had a central theme - this little girl is the most important thing in the world to me and I would do anything for her.  What assisted me most going into the conference was I thought of three simple questions: 1) How is she getting along with her peers, (2) Are you happy with her rate of progress, and (3) What can my wife and I do at home to help?  I think of a conference is an opportunity to develop a game plan with your child’s teacher.   Working together as a team will mean victory.

 An additional fun question I love to ask at parent conferences is if the teacher has any recommendations for books we could purchase for our child over the holidays.   In casual conversations with parents around this time of year I am often asked for recommendations for a great developmental toy to get children for the holidays.  I always answer a book.  I also recommend writing a dated note to your child on the first page.  Children take great delight looking at the notes parents have written them years from now. 

We have books in our home library from when my wife and I were children.  Inside those books are notes our parents wrote us.  Children are fascinated to read what grandma or grandpa wrote to mommy or daddy when they were the same age.  They also can’t believe the date (warning: you might feel a little old).   A book with a note is a gift that can open new worlds to multiple generations.  It is also one of my favorite gifts to give to nieces and nephews.  

Just like I had great confidence in my daughter’s teacher, I have tremendous confidence and respect for the excellent instruction provided to your children by the teachers at Pine Glen.  Thank you for the opportunity to teach your wonderful children.   

Scrips Program Announcement:

Just in time for the holidays!  Back by popular demand, the SCRIP (gift cards) fundraiser program will begin this week.  Please look for order forms in your child's backpack.  For those of you unfamiliar with the program simply purchase gift cards through the PTO that you would normally buy in the stores (Dunkin' Donuts, Shaw's, GameStop, etc.) and the school earns a percentage of the sale. 

Let your fingers do the shopping and ORDER on-line or complete the forms and send in with your child attn: PTO SCRIP along with a check payable to the Pine Glen PTO.  Remember to ask your family and friends if they wish to participate - save time and money on gas--don't run store to store.   If you are placing multiple orders, simply complete separate forms or create a separate order on-line for friends and family.  Again, save yourself time from sorting orders--just designate to have all orders delivered to your child's classroom. 

If you have any questions or need extra forms, contact Kathleen MacMunn at rmacmunn@msn.com.  DUE date for Scrip orders are December 7th with delivery on or before December 15th.

Thank you.

Note from PTO

Our Genevieve’s Orders are In!

Please pick up your order.

DATE:         TODAY - NOVEMBER 12^TH

HOURS:      DURING SCHOOL OR RIGHT AFTER SCHOOL DISMISSAL

WHERE:      SCHOOL LOBBY 

Large orders are boxed by student separated by class.

Smaller orders have been sent home with student or are in office.

Mail the Pre-paid Correction Postcard (found in your order) immediately to Genevieve’s to report any problems.

If you ordered a Magazine Subscription or a Personalized Gift, complete and mail the 

Pre-paid Voucher (found in your order) to start the subscription or receive the gift.

Online orders may still be placed at www.genevieves.com using school code #398.

For orders of 6 or more, the CoCo Key pass was sent home with student.**

Call Maria Woods @ 781-270-4584 with any other questions.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE FALL FUNDRAISER!

Note from PTO

HALLOWEEN DANCE THANK YOU:

A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered or made contributions to the annual Halloween Dance:  Parents, Pine Glen students, faculty, staff, middle and high school students, Roche Bros., NSK Inc., iParty, Genevieve, Jack Ferren, Carol McDonald Macri, Nancy and Bill Keddy, and Maria Woods.  The children and their families had a wonderful evening because of the collaborate effort of many. Thank you all for being part of this special Pine Glen tradition.

Numerous prizes were awarded that evening:

Andrew Woods - Hershey Kisses estimation jar

Madison Hoyt - jelly bean estimation jar

Denise: iParty Halloween gift basket

Robin Hurley: Genevieve gift basket of household items

Rebekah Babcock: Genevieve gift basket of wrapping paper supplies

Mary Sullivan: Genevieve gift basket of candles and Crab Tree & Evelyn products.

Kimberly Daly: VIP seating to a Pine Glen event for submitting a PTO volunteer form

April Weaver: VIP seating to a Pine Glen event for submitting a PTO volunteer form

The Grand Prize winner of an overnight stay for four including passes to the Coco Key Water Resort was Maeve O'Callaghan in Ms. Redfern's class.  All students with orders over $100 were entered into this raffle.

We hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween and look forward to seeing you at next year's dance.

The Pine Glen PTO Board

Note from PTO

STUDENT DIRECTORIES 

Attention all PTO Members: Your complimentary copy of the Pine Glen student directory will be sent to you via the backpack of one of your children.  One directory per family was distributed and should arrive home either today or by Monday.   It's still not too late to join the PTO.  If you're not a member yet, but would like to receive a copy of the directory, dues are only $15 per family. The PTO publishes directories for all current members.  Thank you.

Note from PTO

Just a friendly reminder that our next PTO meeting will be held this Thursday evening, November 4th at 7pm.

Our special guest speaker will be Mr. Callahan, Technology Specialist at Pine Glen School.  He will highlight the progress and additions made to technology resources at Pine Glen by the school department and the Pine Glen PTO.

We hope to see you there for we will not meet again until the new year.  Thank you.

The Pine Glen PTO Board

TREATS FOR OUR TROOPS

Too much candy after Halloween?  Buy more than you needed?  If you find yourself in this situation, don’t let it go to WASTE or WAIST!  Donate your extra treats to our troops overseas.  Drop off your extra candy to the Treats for Our Troops box on the table outside the office here at Pine Glen, and send a little Halloween spirit to our troops overseas.  Cards and notes from the children are also welcome. 

Halloween Dance

Thanks to everybody who came to the Halloween Dance!

Happy Halloween!

The staff at Pine Glen hopes that you all have a safe and happy Halloween weekend!

Reminder

The P.T.O. Halloween Dance is tomorrow night from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P. M. and students do not have school on Tuesday on account of the professional development day.  

Congratulations

Congratulations to Alexandria Floyd, Brianna Abruzzese, Isabella Floyd, Liam Brown, Jack Cormier, Jack Giles, Riley Hillis, Savanna James, Kenan Wilson, and Brian Murray.   All of these students were winners in the Burlington Union’s Spooky Story Contest.    

FESTIVAL OF TREES ON THE COMMON

The Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation is holding a fundraiser sponsored by Morandi’s Barbershop and Marini Chiropractic.  Purchase a live Christmas tree or wreath, decorate in your own style and display on the town common (electricity provided). If you buy a tree from the Lions Club they will deliver it free.  Place your name, business or In Memory of on a plaque. Cost $100 to display tree or $50 to hang wreath.  For more information call Joe @ 781-272-9826, Dave @ 781-229-6333 or Pat @ 781-270-1624.  Forms can also be picked up at the main office of all schools.  Proceeds to benefit the scholarship foundation.  Deadline November 23, 2010

Wrestling

Burlington Youth Wrestling is now accepting registrants for its 2010-2011 wrestling season.  The first practice will be held Monday, November 29^th from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm in the Burlington High School wrestling room.  Regular season practices continue until March 3rd and sign ups are open to all children from grades K-8, no experience necessary.  Practices are Monday & Thursday evenings, $150.00 per child and you can register at any of the first 4 practices.  This is one of the most successful wrestling programs in the state.  Its a great opportunity to learn balance and coordination while building strength and confidence.  A fully conditioned wrestler is the most an aerobically fit athlete in any sport. We compete in scrimmages, meets and tournaments in and around Massachusetts from December to March.

Registration forms are available on our website at www.burlingtonyouthwrestling.com or e-mail us at  mailto:burlingtonyouthwrestling@gmail.comburlingtonyouthwrestling@gmail.com.

Pine Glen Halloween Dance

The annual Pine Glen Halloween Dance will be held on SATURDAY, October 30th from 6-8 p.m.  All Pine Glen families are invited to this fun social event sponsored by the Pine Glen PTO.  Come in costume and enjoy music by DJ Jack Ferren and take a tour of the haunted house on the school stage.  ***Parents, please remember that this is not a drop-off event.  All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times during the dance.

Admission to the dance is $5 per family and admission tickets may be entered into a raffle for some great door prizes!  We also plan to announce the winner of the Coco Key overnight stay for four, courtesy of Genevieve.  Everyone who ordered $100 or more in products will be entered for a chance to win.  Also, the PTO will select winners from volunteer forms for VIP seating to a Pine Glen event.

We need new dance co-chairs for upcoming years and could use more parent volunteers for during the dance and clean-up afterwards.  Please contact us at pineglen@burlingtonpto.org, if interested.  Thank you.

.

Celebrations

As the Pine Glen community is shortly about to begin the holiday season, it is a time of celebrations and a great opportunity for  children to learn of other’s celebrations and cultures.  There are times over the course of the academic year when food is used to as a learning tool for instruction or as part of a celebration.  A common practice at Pine Glen School is that our school nurse, Mrs. Ferrick, informs teachers about specific health needs for individual students.  We will be continuing our protocol of teachers communicating about specific needs of students to room parents in the planning and logistics of not just food but also activities that are curriculum relevant.  We have noble goals at Pine Glen: student achievement, developing life long learners, and providing a safe nurturing community.  We want to ensure the safety of all our learners by collaborating to provide safe, fun, celebrations for all.

Music Boosters

The Burlington High School Music Boosters Association will host the third annual 

Gala Benefit Concert and Silent Auction 

Saturday, November 6, at 7:30 pm in the Fogelberg Performing Arts Center.

This year’s event will feature 

The New England Tenors,

a trio of professional musicians, (including our own John Middleton-Cox; Music Coordinator). The Tenors have years of performing experience singing in a variety of genres.

The Burlington High School Chorus and Select Singers will be joining The New England Tenors on stage in the performance, providing a unique learning opportunity to rehearse, watch and emulate the highly trained professionals, something most of them will never experience when they leave BHS! To read more about the performance, click here. 

Admission to the Gala Benefit Concert and Silent Auction is $15 adults, $10 senior citizens and students. Ticket prices include reserved seats and a festive dessert buffet while browsing some terrific silent auction iems. All net proceeds go to Music Boosters programs for the students.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.burlingtontickets.org. For more information please phone 781-A-FUN-TIC. 

Cash for Gold

SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA ’10 – Fox Hill’s annual shopping event is Thursday, November 4, 6 – 9 pm at Fox Hill School. Join us to conquer some of your holiday shopping. Here’s your chance to get out and browse, find some fabulous gifts, enjoy some fun company and support the students of Fox Hill.  Great raffle table and light refreshments also. Admission is free and open to the public. “CASH FOR GOLD” WILL BE THERE! BRING YOUR GOLD TO CASH IN – PAID ON THE SPOT!

Coke Rewards Program

The Pine Glen PTO has registered the Pine Glen Elementary School with the Coke Rewards Program at www.mycokerewards.com .  By entering Coke product codes found under caps or inside carton boxes, Pine Glen will earn points that will be redeemed for art supplies.  This is a "FREE" way to support the school.  Participation in this program is not to promote the consumption of soda.  However, we realize that some families do enjoy Coke products occasionally.

You may log on yourself and enter codes or send in the caps/carton codes to school.  To enter codes simply log onto the website, click right-hand tab "Donate to Your School", enter 01803 zip code, tab down to "Pine Glen", register and enter codes.  Feel free to contact Laura Kaye at LLKayenc@yahoo.com with any questions.  Thank you for your participation.

Picture Day

Picture Day is tomorrow October 21st.

Adopt a Class

Don’t miss out on a great family fall day. Flatbread and Adopt A Class 2021 present- The Fall Family Harvest Festival. Saturday October 23^rd 11am-3 pm on the town common. We will be having pizza from Flatbread, popcorn, cotton candy, music, games for the kids, face painting, pumpkin painting, and more. Tickets are $5.00 each or $20.00 per family. Tickets can be purchased through your school (look for the flyer that will be sent home)or at Perfect Promotions(265 Winn St). If you have any questions please contact Kim Pigott 781-750-8834 or email perfectpromo@verizon.net. All proceeds go to Scholarships for the 2^nd grade. Tickets are non-refundable. Any 2^nd grade parents that would like to volunteer please call Kim Pigott-781-750-8834. Your hours will go to your child’s scholarship.

Cub Scout Community Service Project: Warriors in Need

Burlington Cub Scout Pack 105 Bear Den 3^rd graders at Fox Hill & Pine Glen are collecting “care packages” for our local troops deployed overseas in need of many personal items to support their health and welfare.  These young men and women are in desperate need of personal hygiene/toiletries, non-perishable food items, and handmade greeting cards from our students.  Collection boxes will be placed at both FH & PG schools and there will 2 collections/deliveries to our troops for Veteran’s Day (11/5) & Christmas (12/10).

Student Achievement

Dear Parents,

The Pine Glen School is committed to student achievement and developing life long learners.

As a function of this I will be spending two full days every week in classrooms in order to help further improve the teaching and learning that happens on a daily basis.

Therefore, I may not always be available to speak with you when you drop in or telephone me.  However, I value communicating with you.

When you would like to speak with me please contact my secretary, Julie Gosselin, at gosselin@burlington.mec.edu (781-270-1712) who will schedule a time for us to talk.   If this is an emergency or a matter of great concern, Mrs. Gosselin will certainly alert me to communicate with you.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our schools and your patience and understanding as I implement this practice.

Sincerely,        

John Lyons

Principal

Pine Glen School

Spooky Writing Contest

The Burlington Union is kicking off its third annual Spooky Writing Contest. Burlington pupils in grades one through six are eligible to write a spine-tingling tale to share with our readers. Download and print an entry form with the complete rules from www.wickedlocal.com/burlington (look in the highlight section).  The top three entries will receive a Simon Mall gift card for $100, $75 and $50, respectively, courtesy of the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club.

Adopt A Class

Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation Adopt A Class 2017 & 2018 (current 5th and 6th 

graders) together with Meadow Farms are pleased to present Grandma’s Gourmet Country pies.   

Orders are due by 10/12/2010.    Please send your order form to the main office of the 

school your child attends.   There are twelve wonderful flavors of gourmet pies.  Each 10” 

pie is at least 48 oz. and cream pies are 44 oz. GUARANTEED TO PLEASE.  Any questions, 

please call:  Anisha Shaikh 781-272-6272 or Julie Gosselin 781-273-7640 

Treats for Troops

"HALLOWEEN IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, and if you are like many of us, you may find yourself with too much candy on your hands come Monday, Nov.1st.  If so, don't let it go to WASTE or WAIST!  A wonderful solution to the problem is to donate the extra candy to our troops overseas.

Beginning Monday Nov. 1st, extra candy may be dropped off to the Treats for our Troops box on the table outside the office here at Memorial ( each school name goes here).  If you have a loved one or dear friend stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan that you would like to have included in the list of recipients, please contact Caroline Mallard at treatsforourtroops@gmail.com"

Support Burlington Ed. Foundation & Shop for a Cause!

Find the magic of giving back on October 16, 2010 at Macy’s.  Purchase a $5.00 shopping pass and receive exclusive savings in every Macy’s store and online at macy’s.com.  10, 20 or 25% off most items all day and you can enter to win a $500 Macy’s gift card.  BEF receives 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the shopping pass. Didn’t see the flyer?  Contact Suzanne Gaudio sgaudio@comcast.net

Note from PAC

Attention Parents. Does your child have any difficulty with educational, social or emotional issues? Is your child receiving extra help or special education services? Do you think they should be, but don't know how to get these services? Come out on Wednesday October 20 at 7:00 P.M. and join other parents in the School Committee Meeting Room at Burlington High School. Maureen Ryan will give a very informative presentation that will help all parents learn how to help their children succeed in school and in life. For more info, email Dennis McCarron at dandmmccarron@hotmail.com or by phone at 781-273-5663. This is your chance to help your child.

Ice Cream Social

Thanks to the PTO and all of the parents and teachers who came to the ice cream social last night!

Note from PTO

Attention:  All current Pine Glen PTO members.  You should have received a recent email from the PTO announcing the extension of the Genevieve fundraiser through Columbus Day.  We're no longer using Constant Contact, but rather a new parent express email system - GroupVine.  If you did not receive this email, please contact us via email at pineglen@burlingtonpto.org and let us know so we can resolve the issue.  We are trying to maintain good communication.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Reminder:  Tonight from 6:00-8:00 p.m. is the Ice Cream Social.

Note from PTO

Box-Tops for education are due at the end of October.  Please send your Box-Tops in soon.

Note from the Principal

We were very excited at Pine Glen on Friday to see the arrival of our new copier machine.  The arrival of this will allow us to send out the 2010-2011 Student Handbook/Calendar.  Thank you for your patience waiting for this document.

As part of Pine Glen’s initiative to promote health and wellness, a Healthy Classroom Parties Guide will be included in the new Student Handbook/Calendar.  This document is an excellent resource for room parents. The occasional classroom party is an excellent time to help reinforce the healthy eating habits.  By promoting healthy behaviors, you can have a positive impact on students’ daily attendance, classroom participation, test scores, behavior, and help influence life-long healthy lifestyle habits.  Room parents can request a copy of Healthy Classroom Parties Guide from their children’s classroom teacher. 

Note from the PTO

A “TOAD-ALLY” GREAT SALE!

Genevieve’s orders are due:  October 5TH

Please make checks payable to the Pine Glen PTO.

YOU CAN make THE difference!

With your help, we can reach our goals. 

Remember, out-of-town friends and family can

order online at: www.genevieves.com

Use our Account Number:  398

Please remember to participate in the Genevieve Fall Fundraiser.

It's one of our major fundraisers of the school year.

40 - 50%! of all sales totals directly benefit Pine Glen School and its programs!

This year, every child who sells at least 6 items will receive a FREE pass to Coco Key Water Resort.  A $25 value!  Sell $100 or more and be entered into a raffle for a Family Overnight Package that includes a one-night stay (one room) for 4 and 4 water park passes to Coco Key.  Drawing will be held during the Halloween Dance.

Phones

The phones at Pine Glen School stopped working yesterday.  I was informed today that hopefully by tomorrow we will have service back.    If you need to contact the school, we will be checking voicemail at the 781 273 7640 phone number periodically.   

School Directory

The School Directory lists children’s names, addresses and phone numbers by classroom. Parents who join the PTO are entitled to a copy of the directory.   If you do not wish to have your child in the student directory, please contact Mrs. Gosselin at gosselin@burlington.mec.edu before October 5, 2010.

Note From the PTO

The PTO’s first meeting of the new school year will be tonight.   Dr. Conti will be attending the meeting and discussing re-districting.   The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the café.

Magical Moments

This week I was walking in the hallway alongside a third grade class on their way to gym.  One of the third grade students said, “Guess what Mr. Lyons?   The student had great excitement in his voice and a little bit of a shake in his body as if he was going to pop if he did not share his news immediately.  I responded back with an eager smile showing my willingness to hear his news.

“Today I was writing in class and -I had never written that much!  So I stopped, looked at it, and kept writing some more.  And, then I wrote even more.   (At this point the edges of his smile were approaching his eyes.)    I finished it.  Read it.  And it’s really good.  I didn’t think kids could write that long and that good.”

I immediately let this student know how proud I was of him.  

I recently heard Angela Maiers speak at the high school to parents (Blog post 9/5/2010 A Can’t Miss Presentation with Angela Maiers). Angela talked about how amazing it is to witness a child come to the realization that literacy matters.   Angela was correct-it is magical.

I see many of these magical moments daily.   Being a principal has so many incredibly rewarding components to the position.   One of my favorites is seeing the students’ smiles and the sparks of joy as they learn.  

Open House is tonight!

Ms. Fallon would love for you to visit the Art room:


Open House is tonight from 6:00 to 7:30!

PTO Announcements

FRIENDLY REMINDER!

PTO membership dues are just $15 per family.  Thank you to everyone who has already enrolled.  To date, about one third of all families have joined.  Our goal is 100% participation.  Please support the enrichment of our children’s education.  NEW membership perks include a FREE copy of the student directory and email notification of meetings and school updates.  There will be a PTO information table during Pine Glen’s Open House night, Thursday, September 23^rd, 6-7:30 p.m. where you can pay dues.

Come visit us!

Public Safety Night

The Burlington Police and Fire Departments are holding a Public Safety Night on Friday, September 24^th at 5pm.  This event is co-sponsored by HMart Supermarket, and will be held at their store which is located at 43 Middlesex Tp (the old Decathlon Sports store).  This event is running during HMart’s one year anniversary celebration.  Come down to check out the police cars, fire trucks and other special equipment that will be on hand.  Come meet the new Police and Fire Chiefs, as well as ‘Havoc’, Burlington’s new K9.  HMart will have food samples to try and live music will be provided by the Real School of Music.  Other participants include the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department, New York Life’s Child ID unit, the Burlington Rotary and Interact clubs, the Boy Scouts,  the National Honor Society and Robotics clubs from the high school, ADT Advanced Driver Training, and the Burlington Recycling Committee.  Any questions, call Officer Jim Tigges at 781-505-4972.  

Birthday Celebrations

Due to the national focus on the health and wellness of our children, the growing number of students with food allergies, and the shortness of learning time during the school day, birthday celebrations at Pine Glen School will be food-free -- but will continue to include singing, a crown (if age appropriate!), and a pencil or sticker to honor the Birthday Boy or Birthday Girl.

A Note From The Music Room

For the next several weeks Grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 students will be playing violins in music class.  We are asking that all students bring in a “bow tube” from home to use during class.  This could be an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll.  The “bow tubes” will be stored in the music room until the end of the unit, and then recycled.  Playing the violin can sometimes be uncomfortable for beginners, so it is also recommended that each student bring in a washcloth (or some other small piece of cloth that can be folded) that they can rest between their shoulder and the instrument.  This cloth would be stored in the student’s desk or backpack for use on music class days.  If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Agati @ x7766.

Instrumental Lessons

Registration for 4th and 5th grade beginners is now complete. Any registered student who still needs an instrument or Accent on Achievement method book should call Rayburn at 1-888-729-2876 (rayburnmusic.com) or the company of your choice. The first lesson will be Tuesday or Wednesday, September 21-22, the day that your child has music class. Students should bring instrument, book and folder to each lesson. Deadline for obtaining instruments is the week of October 4. Please go to the band blog at www.elemband.wordpress.com for further information. Any questions please email Mr. Napierkowski at napierkowski@burlington.mec.edu.

Burlington Education Foundation

BEF is looking for liaisons for Pine Glen and Burlington High School.  The Liaison's job is to be "The Face of BEF".  To establish good communication within the school and BEF.  This includes delivering flyers and being the contact person for teachers and principal.  If you are interested and would like to know more, please contact Kim Winn at  mailto:Kimmwinn@verizon.netKimmwinn@verizon.net.

Food Allergy Awareness Team of Burlington

Does your child have food allergies?  Get informed & be aware!  Meet with other parents who share your concerns.  Join the Food Allergy Awareness Team of Burlington on Tuesday, September 28 at 6:45 p.m. to discuss the schools' role in setting up a new Food Allergy Policy.  The meeting will be held at the Burlington Fire Department.  Please e-mail Lisa Hovasse with any questions at FAATOB@gmail.com

Per Diem Nurse Candidates

Burlington Public Schools is looking to hire per diem nurses.  Candidates need to have a RN license.  If interested, please send a cover letter, resume, 3 letters of recommendation, and RN certification to:  Dr. Cathleen Estep, Burlington Public Schools, 123 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA  01803.

Free and Reduced Lunch Program Notification

As of October 4, any child carried over from last years Free and Reduced Lunch Program that has not filled out a current school year application will be removed from this years Free and Reduced Lunch Program.  Applications can be obtained from the main office of each school.  Only one application is necessary per family.  Any questions, please contact Debbie Miller at 781-270-1816.

Note from the School Nurse

The annual vision, hearing and growth-screening program will be happening within the next few weeks at Pine Glen School.  In addition to measuring height and weight the Burlington School Nurses will be using a standard screening tool called "body mass index" (BMI).

Body mass index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both men and women. At the elementary level, the regulations call for all first and fourth graders to be screened each year. Parents can opt to have their children not participate in this screening by submitting a written request to the school nurse.

These measurements can help to identify children who may be at risk for specific health problems in grades 1 and 4.  Student privacy will be respected at all times. The results of your child's height, weight and BMI measurements are strictly confidential and will be documented on your child's school health record. We are very interested in making sure that children are healthy and ready to learn. We are undertaking this state requirement with care and strict regards for privacy. Please feel free to call your child's school nurse with any questions you have.

Student Empowerment

At the end of every week at Pine Glen School I drive home and think about what an exciting place the school is.   I interact with terrific students, talk to dedicated parents and work with amazing teachers.   This week I greatly enjoyed holding lobsters, spider crabs and hermit crabs with the fifth graders at Camp Bournedale.  I also talked to committed parents who volunteered their time to chaperon at Camp Bournedale (Thank you very much!).  On Thursday night, I had the opportunity to hear Angela Maiers speak and was captivated at the opportunities teachers have to instruct students with new tools.  

What makes Pine Glen great every week is its spectacular learning environment. Students are empowered to take intellectual risks.  Pine Glen has been very proactive in promoting student empowerment.   A lot of the new legislation at the state level emphasizes what we have and are presently doing.   This legislation has reinforced the great work currently being done with empowerment programs such as Second Step, Responsive Classroom, DARE and the great communication I have between with  resource police officer.

There are many ways that parents have helped in the empowerment of their children.  Parents have made sure their children are spending enough time studying and reading at home.   Also, parents have regulated the content and amount of time their children watch television and play video games.   A high degree of encouragement from family, relatives and friends is likewise another terrific means that has helped to promote empowerment.  Proper sleep, exercise and nutrition have a direct impact on how much a student is capable of learning.   I consistently am informed by students how much they enjoy the wonderful youth sports programs.    

Our top priority at Pine Glen is a safe environment where students make academic progress and become life long learners.   We have a strong learning community that cares deeply about each and every child.   I look forward to the upcoming months and the learning our empowered students will achieve.  

Open House

Pine Glen Open House will be on September 23, from 6:00 to 7:30. The night will begin in the cafeteria at 6:00 with opening remarks from the principal.  We will leave the back doors of the cafeteria open so parents can enter and exit the building through the cafe.  At 6:10 parents are free to proceed to classrooms. We will continue to have two informational sessions. The first session will be held from 6:20-6:50.  The second session will run from 7:00-7:30.  You are welcome to attend either session.