Thursday, January 28, 2010

NOTE FROM SNIP-ITS

Snip-its is going to be having a fundraiser Haircuts for Haiti, Monday, Feb 1st - Thurs, Feb 4th in our Burlington Store. We will be donating $5 for each regular haircut that we service during these dates to Partners In Health to be used for the Haitian earthquake relief. This is for the Burlington location only. The Partners in Health website is www.pih.org. We will also be raffling a birthday party for up to 8 children (value $225), with raffle tickets sold for $5 each. Appointments can be made by calling 781-221-9939.

NOTE FROM GIRL SCOUTS

Daisy troop 77246 is holding a cookie booth to sell cookies and raise money for their troop and also to collect cookies for the US troops overseas. They will be collecting orders for donated cookies and selling cookies, at the Used Book Store on Jan. 30th 10-2:00pm and at Shaw's Feb 6th 10-1:45.


Junior Troop 71590 will be selling Girl Scout Cookies and collecting donated cookies for the US Troops overseas at White Hen Pantry on Rte 62, Saturday 1/30/10 from 11am to 4pm. They will also be at Trader Joe's on the Middlesex Turnpike Saturday 2/6/10 from 10am to 2pm. Please come and support a good cause.

Brownie Troop 71582 is holding a cookie booth Saturday, February 6th at L.L. Bean at Wayside Commons. The hours run from 1-5. Come buy a box of Girl Scout cookies for your Valentine Hope to see you there!

NOTE FROM BYS

The Burlington Spring U-6 (Kindergarten) and U-8 (1st and 2nd graders) Soccer Clinic programs will begin Saturday April 10th and run 10 weeks through Saturday June 12th at Lower MSMS with U6 running 2:30-3:30 pm and U8 running from 4-5:30 pm. You can register now on-line at www.BurlingtonSoccer.org. The fee is $60, after April 10th a $15 late fee will apply. We will be holding an in-person registration night at the Recreation Department Friday March 26th from 7-9 pm.

MENU----------WEEK OF February 1, 2010 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY----------Baked Chicken, Potato, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk TUESDAY--------- Grilled Cheese & Soup, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY --- Meatball Sub, Chips, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Pasta w/Butter/Meat Sauce, Toss Salad, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
FRIDAY------------Tuna Sandwich, Chips, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

Coming Attractions – Kindergarten Registration February 1st thru February 5, 2010, 9:00 – 11:00

Principal Notes

There has been a lot of coverage recently in the media on the topic of bullying. This past Friday, January 22, 2010 before these events came of light in the media, we had a grade 1-5 whole school assembly to discuss the themes of bullying, acceptance of differences (prejudices), and respect. Myself, DARE Officer Keith Sheppard, and the school guidance counselor, Jessica May, all spoke at this assembly. One of the practices the staff at Pine Glen introduced is “Fishing for Respect.” This is a practice of recognizing respect- students “being there” for their classmates. When a staff person observes a child showing respect or “being there” for a fellow classmate, they will issue that child a “fish.” This certificate has a top and bottom form. One part will go home to inform parents of how proud they should be of their child. The other part of the form will be hung up in the building in recognition of how much we value respect in our building.


Some of the additional policies and practices we have in place to preventively address the issue of bullying is students receiving instruction in the Second Step Program.

The Second Step Program is divided into three units:
• Empathy Training: children learn about feelings and ways to show understanding and caring toward others.
• Impulse Control and Problem Solving: Children learn new ways to solve problems and practice skills such as calming down, apologizing, interrupting politely, and making new friends.
• Anger Management: Children learn to manage their anger in ways that refrains from hurting others.

Incorporating photographs and videos of children in everyday situations, Second Step lessons, introduce and teach all of the above skills. All students are given the chance to practice the skills they’re learning through role-playing, activities, and games which are an essential component of the lessons.

In addition, students participate in the DARE program which has an anti-bullying component. Furthermore, in our physical education classes the topic is addressed. This topic is also addressed in morning meeting with homeroom teachers.

We have a wonderful community here at Pine Glen. I am daily witnessing students working together and showing respect for one another. Children learn the most from the models they observe. It is our continued respect for one another, admiration of kindness/caring and recognition/modeling of community service that will continue to be the best way to thwart or hamper bullying.

The following is taken from the Pine Glen School Handbook. It is the school policy on bullying.


BULLYING
In order to create an environment in which every member is appreciated, respected, and valued, bullying will not be tolerated at the Pine Glen School. No child should feel unsafe in school due to another child’s bullying behavior.

The term bullying shall mean: intentional, repeated written, electronic, or verbal expressions, physical acts, or gestures which a reasonable student under the circumstances should know would or could cause: 1) physical harm, 2) damage to another student’s property, or 3) a hostile school environment. The behavior must be severe, repeated, or pervasive, and must interfere with a student’s academic performance or ability to learn, or interfere with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from services, activities, or privileges.

Bullying may be of a social nature or a physical nature. Social bullying may include:
• Excluding or leaving others out
• Spreading hurtful or untrue stories
• Name calling
• Threats or trying to scare someone
• Threats to control another child or their friendship with someone else
• Disrespect for a child’s family members
• Disrespect for the property of others

Physical bullying may include:
• Hitting
• Tripping
• Shoving
• Spitting
• Punching
• Pinching

Accusations of bullying should be brought to the attention of the principal immediately. The principal and/or designee will investigate the claim and make a determination regarding steps to be taken. Students whose conduct does not comply with the school’s expectations may be subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the principal or a designee. Pine Glen School has a zero tolerance for any kind of bullying behavior. No child should feel unsafe in school due to another child’s bullying behavior.

What Bullying is Not

It is equally important for all members of the school community to understand that conflict is not automatically synonymous with bullying. Bullying is NOT two students of about the same age and size arguing with each other, a back and forth banter or teasing, or a shouting match between two disagreeing students. Those are some typical interactions that may occur and will be dealt with, but they are not the same as bullying, which is characterized by intention, repetition, and a power imbalance.

Friday, January 22, 2010

NOTE FROM MASTER CALENDAR

New Year Reminder ... stay on top of school district, individual school and PTO events ... the Master Calendar for Burlington Public Schools is up running , go to the new BPS website at www.burlington.mec.edu and click on "Resources" and then "System Wide Calendar of Events".

NOTE FROM GIRL SCOUTS

Daisy troop 77246 is holding a cookie booth to sell cookies and raise money for their troop and also to collect cookies for the US troops overseas. They will be collecting orders for donated cookies and selling cookies, at the Used Book Store on Jan. 30th 10-2:00pm and at Shaw's Feb 6th 10-1:45.


Junior Troop 71590 will be selling Girl Scout Cookies and collecting donated cookies for the US Troops overseas at White Hen Pantry on Rte 62, Saturday 1/30/10 from 11am to 4pm. They will also be at Trader Joe's on the Middlesex Turnpike Saturday 2/6/10 from 10am to 2pm. Please come and support a good cause.

The Fox Hill Daisy troop will have a Girl Scout Cookie booth on Sunday, January 24 at LL Bean on the second floor from 1-4 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to US troops and to the Burlington Police Dept. towards the purchase and training of a new police dog.

NOTE FROM K of C

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship, January 30, 2010, Marshall Simonds Middle School, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., ages 10 through 14. For information please call Bill Breen K of C (781) 272-2493 , Charlie McLean K of C 781 266-6233, or Kelly Lehman 781 270-1741 Burlington Recreation Dept.

MENU----------WEEK OF January 25, 2009 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY----------Chicken Parm Sandwich, Potato, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
TUESDAY--------- Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY --- Corn Dog Nuggets, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Pasta w/Butter/Meat Sauce, Vegetable, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
FRIDAY------------Meatball Sub, Chips, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Note form Principal and Guidance Counselor

Please plan on attending the PTO meeting on February 4th at 7:00 p.m. Jessica May, guidance counselor, will be doing a presentation on Raising Resilient Children by Robert Brooks. This presentation will talk about effective strategies to help promote self-esteem and confidence in school age children. This book happens to be a personal favorite of mine and Ms. Mays. We would both love to share with the audience our reflections on this book.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Note from Recycled

One New Year's resolution that is easy to keep is to cut down on waste and increase the amount recycled- more and more every week.  Keep track at home, at school, and in stores and restuarants.  Almost 37% of landfills are made up of paper, which could have been recycled.  One and a half trees per person and greenhouse emissions could be saved over five years by reducing or eliminating junk mail.

For a more active resolution see the following websites on working for recycling: kids.earth.nasa.gov/archive/career, www.blm.gov/education, www.epa.gov/careers, www.epa.gov/epahome/intern/htm

Note From Master Calendar

New Year Reminder...stay on top of school district, individual school and PTO events...the Master Calendar for Burlington Public Schools is up running, go to the new BPS website at http://www.burlington.mec.edu/ and click on "Resources" and then "System Wide Calendar of Events."

Note From Daisy Troop 77246

Daisy troop 77246 is holding a cookie booth to sell cookies and raise money for their troop and also to collect cookies fro the US troops overseas.  They will be collecting orders for donated cookies and selling cookies, at the Used Book Store on Jan. 30th 10-2:00pm and at Shaw's Feb 6th 10-1:45.

Coming Attractions

Kindergarten Registration February 1st thru February 5, 2010
9:00-11:00

Note from the Burlington Drug & Alcohol Task Force

NOT IN OUR HOUSE:  STRATEGIES TO REDUCE UNDERAGE DRINKING PARTIES

PRESENTED BY MEMBERS OF THE

BURLINGTON DRUG & ALCOHOL TASK FORCE

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2010

7pm to 9pm

MARSHALL SIMONDS MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

RESULTS OF THE UNDERAGE DRINKING SURVEY WILL BE PRESENTED!

• 76% OF BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS SAY IT IS EASY TO GET ALCOHOL FROM HOME WITHOUT PARENTS KNOWING.

• 58% OF HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS & 59% OF PARENTS SAY THAT UNDERAGE DRINKING IN BURLINGTON IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM.

Prevention strategies including a Social Host By-Law will be discussed.  If you have teenagers, you need to know what may be done in our community to prevent adults from providing alcohol.   Get your questions answered and voice your opinions.

For more information, contact Marilyn Belmonte at 781-229-2638 or Charlie Franich at 781-270-1964

Notes from the Principal

Marshall Simonds Middle School

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit Marshall Simonds Middle School. During the visit, I had the good fortune to observe lessons and sit in on a team meeting. I would like to thank the many teachers, Team Leader Noreen Abati, and Principal Richard Connors for allowing me this opportunity. It has been many years since I have visited a middle school (1999). I was taken back upon arrival at the amazing application of technology in the classrooms. All the classrooms I visited had Smartboards. You might have seen these at Pine Glen as each grade level currently shares one Smartboard. Also, like Pine Glen, I was thoroughly impressed at the upkeep and cleanliness of the physical plant given the age of both of our buildings. When our current fifth graders leave our Pine Glen School, they will continue to be part of a school community that holds to the same values as our Pine Glen Community. For example, thorough my visit I saw incredible levels of student engagement and teacher collaboration. It was clear to any observer that Marshall Simonds is a student centered building. Emphasis is on the learners. Likewise, there is great care and compassion from all staff toward students. It makes me sad to think we will say good-bye to our fifth graders at the end of this academic year. However, that sadness is greatly minimized by the excitement I have for these students to continue to learn under from the talented middle school teachers and inspiring leadership of Mrs. Abati and Mr. Connors. I was rest assured yesterday seeing our similar value set that Pine Glen and Marshall Simonds are not two separate schools but, two like cultures in one school system.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Note from the School Nurse and Principal

We have recently had one confirmed case of head lice in the building. Burlington Public Schools Head Lice Protocol is posted below and it can also be located under the Burlington Public Schools website www.burlington.mec.edu -- go to Pupil Services.

Burlington Public Schools
No-Nit Pediculosis
(Head Lice Protocol)

The School Nurses will:

• inform parents of students in the same classroom of a positive pediculosis case, when there are 2 or more cases of head lice in the student's classroom.

• inspect the heads of students in a classroom that has 2 or more identified cases of head lice.

• notify the parent/guardian once a student has been identified as having an active infestation of head lice at school.

• give parents/guardians information regarding standard treatment and follow-up procedures and encourage parents to contact their physician/pharmacist for further questions or information. The parent should pick the student up from school to allow the school nurse to show the parent the evidence of infestation, and at the same time, provide assurance and guidance. The student will be dismissed from school.

• identify siblings attending other Burlington Schools, and immediately notify that School Nurse to asses those siblings for head lice. Also, if a student is positive with a case of pediculosis, any after school programs they attend will be notified.

• follow-up the day after treatment by checking the student's head to assure that proper practices were used for treatment of head lice in the presence of the parent. The parent brings the student to school to meet with the school nurse for the follow-up evaluation. If it is determined that the child still has an active infestation, the school nurse will dismiss the student from school.

• provide additional instruction to the parent on standard head lice management, treatment, and follow-up. Continued follow-up and assurance will be given to the family.

• provide privacy and confidentiality when dealing with head lice issues.

Click here for up-to-date information in the control of head lice http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/factsheets/head_lice.pdf.

A recent article in Medical News Today Dermatology News, “What Are Head Lice? What Are Nits?” shares some good information on this topic. The article can be found at the following web page:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/164492.php

Friday, January 8, 2010

NOTE FROM PAC

Are you wondering why your child struggles with reading? Does your child recognize letters and sight words one day, but completely forget them the next? Does your child avoid reading, because it’s “too hard”? Do you worry that your child is still reversing letters, or that it takes them longer to read than their brother, sister, or classmates? Dr. Kira Armstrong, Ph.D., will explain how children learn to read and why they struggle. She will discuss the early signs of reading delays and reading disorders, and explain what dyslexia really is. Finally, she will present recommendations regarding when and how to assess your child for dyslexia and the different kinds of reading programs available to teach every child how to read. Please join us for this wonderful presentation on Monday January 11 at 7:00 P.M in the School Committee Room at Burlington High School. For more information on this presentation or the Burlington Parents Advocating for their Children's Education group please contact Dennis McCarron at dandmmccarron@hotmail.com or 781-273-5663.

NOTE FROM BECP

Parents of preschool aged children looking to register their child for September, 2010, the Burlington Early Childhood Program will be having its annual Open House on Thursday, January 21st from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Burlington High School, 123 Cambridge Street (rear of the high school). Stop by and visit with our preschool staff, have your questions answered and pick up a Registration Packet (Children must be three years old by August 31, 2010). Any questions contact Louise D’Amato or Laura Caprio at 781-270-1808 or check our website at www.burlington.mec.edu, click on schools, then Integrated Preschool.

NOTE FROM BHS MUSIC

The BHS Music Boosters Association will hold a YOUTH MOVIE NIGHT (grades K-8), on Friday, January 22, 2010, from 6-9 pm in the Fogelberg Auditorium of the high school. Parents enjoy a night out, kids watch the newly released movie “UP” on the big screen. Games and prizes included, snacks & drinks extra. Benefit for BHS Marching Band trip to DisneyWorld. $10/child, $20 max/family. BHS Marching Band member babysitters and parent chaperones provided. See flyer/registration form in backpacks this week. Info: lmkash@verizon.net.

NOTE FROM K of C

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship, January 30, 2010, Marshall Simonds Middle School, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., ages 10 through 14. For information please call Bill Breen K of C (781) 272-2493 , Charlie McLean K of C 781 266-6233, or Kelly Lehman 781 270-1741 Burlington Recreation Dept.

MENU----------WEEK OF January 11, 2009 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY----------Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
TUESDAY---------Tacos, Veggie Dippers, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY ---Hot Dogs, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Mac & Cheese, Vegetable, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
FRIDAY------------Pepperoni Pizza, Toss Salad, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

Coming Attractions – No School January 18, 2010

Lunch

At last night’s P.T.O. meeting there were some questions about the new point of sale system being installed in all of our school cafeterias. The Superintendent’s Blog has information on this new system. If you wish to access the Superintendent’s Blog, the following steps can be followed.

1) Go to the Burlington Web page http://www.burlington.mec.edu, and click on Administration.

2) One of the four options available will be Supt. Blog. Clicking on Supt. Blog will bring you to the Superintendent’s Blog

If a parent wishes to access the school lunch menu online, the following steps can be followed.

1) Go to the Burlington Web page http://www.burlington.mec.edu, and click on Resources.

2) One of the 13 options available will be Lunch Menus. Clicking on Lunch Menus will bring you to a new page.

3) On that page on the left side-bar one of the options is lunch menus. After putting the mouse on the lunch menus, three options will be available (High School Menu, Middle School Menu, and Elementary Menu). Clicking on the Elementary Menu will bring you to the menu for that particular month.

4) Also all checks for school lunches should be made out to Burlington School Lunch.

If members of our Pine Glen Community have questions or concerns about lunch, please contact Paul Virgin, Director of School Food Services (email: food@burlington.mec.edu or phone 781 505 1154).

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break. Students have quickly adjusted back to their school routines. Yesterday I was talking to first graders at lunch about what they had learned that morning in school. They eagerly engaged me in conversation about matter. Their captivating faces showed great enthusiasm as they were excited to know if I was aware that matter could exist in three different states: a solid, liquid or gas. As I moved about the cafeteria, a similar conversation ensued from the kindergarten students about the fascinating patterns they were looking at in math. The students were amazed at all the different combinations that could be equated with the different variables. This love of learning and foundation building for future studies in chemistry and algebra is testament to the strong instruction present at Pine Glen. In addition, it also serves notice to the wonderful teachers who promote and model these qualities daily.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Fundraiser and Books


This picture shows some of the non-fiction books recently purchased with money that came from the Bruins’ ticket raffle. These books are a welcome addition to our literacy closet and will be used in small groups during guided reading instruction immediately. All the teachers are very excited for our next shipment of books to arrive soon.