The Summer Literacy Program

The Summer Literacy program still has openings for students! The theme for this year’s program is Red Carpet - Award Winning Books! The program hosted at Fox Hill Elementary School runs two sessions. The first session begins July 6 and ends July 16, the second session begins July 19 and ends July 30th. Students can enroll in either one session for ($225) or both sessions for ($375). Please call Rosemary DeSousa at 781.270.1989 or email Karen Sunderland at sunderland@burlington.mec.edu.

NOTE FROM BHS

PLEASE HELP: Will you be a chaperone at the BHS Post Graduation (all-night) Party? We still need 15 chaperones (men and women) for the third shift (3am -5am) on Monday June 7. Any adult that does not have a senior at the party is welcome. This is a great way to "pay it forward." Help us this year and when your child graduates, the parents of underclassmen will be there for you! To volunteer, or if you have any questions, please contact Michele Shields at Michele_Shields@verizon.net or 781-270-5142.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE PROGRAM IN BURLINGTON

Burlington Presbyterian Church and Farmer Dave’s, a sustainable farm in Dracut, MA, have teamed up to bring locally-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables to the town of Burlington with a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. In the CSA program, consumers will receive a share of freshly-harvested produce throughout the growing season. Shares will be available for pick-up on Monday afternoons from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Burlington Presbyterian Church, 335 Cambridge St. For more information about 2010 CSA membership, contact Farmer Dave's at (978) 349-1952 or visit http://www.farmerdaves.net to register.

NOTE FROM BEF

BEF Invites you...your family, children, and friends to the upcoming Board of Director’s Annual Meeting and Grant Showcase. This event will take place on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 3:30 PM in the Lower Library of the Burlington High School. You will be able to take a peek at a few grants – in – action like Starlab, and meet a few talented and dedicated grant recipients, while enjoying light refreshments. Please join us and help us make a difference in Burlington Public Schools...one grant at a time.


The Burlington Physical Education Staff would like to challenge all students and their families to a fitness challenge. Please join us at the Annual BEF 5K run/walk race on Sunday, May 23, 2010. Each school will have a different team color. Pine Glen will wear green shirts. The challenge is to see which school can get the most people to attend and exercise. There is a family fun run which costs $2 dollars to enter and a 5K run/walk which costs $20 to enter. There will be prizes for many age and group categories. There will also be food and games as well. Come and support a great cause (BEF) and jump start your summer fitness program. Exercise and be Fit For Life!!!! Hope to see you there. The Physical Education Staff.

MENU----------WEEK OF May 3, 2010 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY----------Popcorn Chicken, Rice, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
TUESDAY---------Hot Dogs, Chips, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY ---Taco, Choice of Toppings, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Turkey & Cheese Sub, Chips, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
FRIDAY------------Tuna Sandwich, Chips, Veggie, Fruit, Juice/Milk
AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

TAKE A SEAT IN MEMORY OF MIKE PETERS

The staff at Pine Glen is collecting money to dedicate a granite bench in honor of a favorite teacher, colleague, and friend. Mike Peters was a teacher at Pine Glen for many years that passed away last June of pancreatic cancer. If you or your family would like to donate toward this memorial bench, please send a check in the amount of $10.00 (or whatever you can afford) made payable to Mike Peters’ Memorial to Denise Keough-Lane or Krystel Anderson c/o Pine Glen School, Pine Glen Way, Burlington, MA 01803.

Coming Attractions

June 17, Moving up Ceremony Grade 5

Lost and Found

Please also come in and check the LOST and FOUND box we have many items, at the end of the month we will be sending the items to goodwill.

Note from Music Department - Spring Concert Photos Wanted

Congratulations to all the 4th and 5th graders who performed in last night's Spring Concert! Both the Band and Chorus did a fabulous job! Unfortunately my camera wasn't working properly, and I am in desperate need for photos! If you would be willing to share your photos with me for a collage I am putting together, please email them to agati@burlington.mec.edu. Thank you!

Fine Arts and Technology Night

Before we began the Fine Arts/Technology Night this past Wednesday night, I was humming the beat to the Black Eyed Peas Song “I Gotta Feeling.” The students had been practicing their songs on instruments, working hard on all their art projects, finishing up computer assignments, rehearsing the percussion and singing performances. I had a tremendous sense of pride in all the work I saw presented by the students. In addition, we are so fortunate to have very talented, strong instructional teachers in the fine arts. Ms. Fallon, Mrs. Agati, Mrs. Rzasa, Mr. Napierkowski and I constantly have conversations. We frequently talk about promoting the development of fine/gross motor, problem solving skills, phonemic awareness, and high-order thinking skills through their instruction. I consistently read in professional journals how the way in which our students will compete in a “world is flat” or global economy is through their creativity, high-order thinking skills and ability to problem solve. It was great to witness students demonstrating these skills Wednesday night as a Pine Glen Community.

I would like to thank the Burlington Education Foundation for the funds to help us have Jeremy Cohen, our artist in residence, who added so much to our music program with his African Drums. I would also like to thank Mrs. Canfield for the high quality computer work the students produced and displayed that night.

Has Cancer Touched Your Lives?

Join us in the fight against cancer at the Burlington High School Track on Friday, May 21st-22nd, for Burlington's Relay For Life. Relay For Life is an overnight team event where people come together to celebrate life, remember loved ones lost and fight back against cancer. It's your chance to make a difference in the fight against cancer! For more information Please feel free to contact one of Burlington's co-chairs, Tiffany Freeman 781-771-8481, tiffanyfreeman@comcast.net or Cheryl Shafman 781-771-6410, cheryl.shafman@verizon.net.

NOTE FROM ADOPT A CLASS 2020

Save the date - Friday, May 7 for a "Toast to the Class of 2020" scholarship fundraiser at the American Legion in Burlington. Look for the flyer to come home soon. Parents of current 2nd graders are encouraged to volunteer to help with the fundraiser and earn scholarship points for your children. Call Karen Arrigo at 781-221-4140 or e-mail Karrigo1@verizon.net

Lost and Found

Please come in and check the LOST and FOUND box we have many items. At the end of the month we will be sending the items to goodwill.

NOTE FROM THE PTO

We will be holding elections to vote for Pine Glen Elementary School PTO Board Officers for the 2010-2011 school year. Names of those interested will be announced in the Principal’s Blog. Nominations must be submitted no later than April 30th. Elections will be held during the May 6th meeting.

NOTE FROM FOX HILL PTO - COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Do you have household items that you never use and would like to sell, children's clothes and toys that have been outgrown? If so we have an opportunity for you. Reserve a table for the Community Yard Sale at the Fox Hill School on Saturday, May 1st Rain date Sunday May 2nd from 9am - 2pm Reserve your 12 foot space for $20 by Friday, April 23rd For info contact Nancy @ 781-221-8581 or mailto: Nancy_Kiehl@comcast.net

TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

The first full week of May has been designated as Teacher and Staff Appreciation week. These members of our school community really make a difference in the lives of our children. 
 At Pine Glen we like to show our gratitude by having a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon which is scheduled for May 4, 2010 this year. In order to make this a successful event we need many donated items. We still need breakfast, lunch and dessert items as well as raffle items for the teachers.

 To make this a successful event we also need a few volunteers:

7:30-8:00am Set up
8:00-8:45am 2 people to collect the donated items
10:30-11:00am 2 people to switch from breakfast to lunch
2:30-3:00pm  2 people to clean up

Please reply to [ mailto:joanna.defrancesco@gmail.com ]joanna.defrancesco@gmail.com with your donation and/or time you can volunteer by Friday, April 30.  As always THANK YOU for your generosity!!

Sincerely,
Joanna DeFrancesco
Co-Vice President, Pine Glen PTO

Reminder for this Wednesday

The Pine Glen Spring Concert and Art and Technology Night is Wednesday April 28th! The Art Show will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the concert which will begin at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you all there!

Silly Bandz

SillyBandz bracelets are now no longer allowed at Pine Glen School. Several teachers have reported that they have become a distraction. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

Cedardale 2010

The fifth grade Cedardale field trip will be held on Friday, June 4 (rain or shine), in Groveland, Ma. At Cedardale the children will be able to enjoy many activities such as swimming, tennis, volleyball, softball, basketball, horseshoes and miniature golf. They will need a $1.00 deposit to play miniature golf.

The bus will depart Pine Glen at 8:45 a.m. and return to the school at 3:00 p.m.

Parents will need to provide transportation from Pine Glen to home for their children. Please plan to be at the school on time.

The cost of the field trip is $17.00 per child, which includes admission and unlimited drinks.

All children will need sunscreen, a bathing suitsuit if they plan on swimming (changing rooms are provided), towel, sport’s equipment like a tennis racket or baseball glove if they plan on playing, a disposable lunch with snacks, and $1.00 for miniature golf (unlimited play).

All parents interested in chaperoning, will need to provide their own transportation to Groveland. See directions below.

DIRECTIONS: Take interstate 95 North to Exit 54B (Rt. 133 West Georgetown). At the top of the ramp turn right (the only choice) to the center of Georgetown. In Georgetown center turn right at the set of lights onto North St. Take the first left onto Pond St. (across from the red brick Perley School). Follow Pond St. approximately 1.7 miles, through a residential area. At the next stop sign you will bare left (around an island) and then left again onto Bare Hill Rd. It is on Bare Hill Rd. approximately 9/10 of a mile on the right.

Permission slip and money must be returned by May 14, 2010.

***Burlington School Policy requires all volunteers to be CORI checked. It can take up to 3 weeks to process a CORI form, so please don’t hesitate so you will be able to attend this wonderful field trip!***

Fifth Grade Moving-Up Ceremony June 17, 2010

Dear Fifth Grade Parents,
Please note the date for the Fifth Grade Moving-Up Ceremony is Thursday, June 17. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and the children should arrive no earlier than 6:15.

Immediately after the ceremony, families will have a chance to enter the gym for food and refreshments. We are asking each family to bring a dozen baked or bought items (cookies, brownies, cupcakes, etc.) to place on the refreshment tables in the gymnasium. Please bring the item with you that evening and drop it off in the gym before taking your seat in the cafeteria. The PTO will provide the refreshments and a special cake for the occasion.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation in this event.

Sincerely,

Pine Glen
Moving-Up Committee

Note From Principal

This week I will be sending home my spring letter. I hope everyone has a great vacation.

NOTE FROM PAC

Calling all parents with an interest in Burlington's schools and the manner in which students are supported. The Burlington Parents Advisory Council (PAC) is holding its last meeting of the school year on Monday April 12, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in the School Committee Room at Burlington High School. This meeting will be held to elect officers and to begin organizing for next school year. Volunteers are needed to run for officer positions such as Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. The PAC is a group that collaborates with and advises the school district on matters pertaining to special education. We have organized more than fifty educational seminars for the public in the last eight years. The PAC has also worked constructively with school administration towards a great number of improvements in our school district. Please be a part of a vital organization that has helped thousands of families. Come on out, volunteer a little time, share your thoughts and ideas. For more information on the Burlington PAC contact Dennis McCarron at dandmmccarron@hotmail.com

A TASTE OF SPRING

A fundraising event for NuPath, (formerly known as CMARC), a Woburn-based, not-for-profit organization, serves individuals with developmental disabilities. Attendees gather to sample menu items, a silent auction, and take a chance on raffle items in this evening of food, friends, and fun. The event will be held on April 28, at the Holiday Inn Select, Woburn from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. To purchase a ticket ($25.00 each), make checks payable to NuPath, 147 New Boston Street, Woburn, MA 01801 or register at http://tinyurl.com/tasteofspring-april2010

NOTE FROM BEF

Testing your memory... Did you remember that The BEF Movie Trivia Night is Friday, April 9? Come by for movie popcorn and a real show! 7-12 at the Billerica Elks. And don't forget - vote for your favorite race T-Shirt logo and save the date for the BEF road race Sunday 5/23/10. Go to our newly designed website for all the details, www.burlingtonedfoundation.org.

NOTE FROM THE LIBRARY

Our Spring Book Fair will take place in the Pine Glen Library April 9 through April 15. I could use some help during this time. If you have a couple of hours on your hands and are interested in assisting with collecting money at the Book Fair, please contact me with your availability. I can be reached at downes@burlington.mec.edu.

Please note that you must have a CORI check before working with the children. Thank you very much.

NOTE FROM THE PTO

Thank you to members of the entire Pine Glen Community who helped to make this year's Carnival one of the most profitable! We held this annual PTO sponsored event with the generous assistance and donations of many parents, high school/former students, teachers, staff, and administration. A big thank you to Leesa Mitchell for organizing over 100 volunteers.

TAKE A SEAT IN MEMORY OF MIKE PETERS

The staff at Pine Glen is collecting money to dedicate a granite bench in honor of a favorite teacher, colleague, and friend. Mike Peters was a teacher at Pine Glen for many years that passed away last June of pancreatic cancer. If you or your family would like to donate toward this memorial bench, please send a check in the amount of $10.00 (or whatever you can afford) made payable to Mike Peters’ Memorial to Denise Keough-Lane or Krystel Anderson c/o Pine Glen School, Pine Glen Way, Burlington, MA 01803.

MENU WEEK OF April 12, 2010 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY----------Baked Chicken, Mashed Potato, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
TUESDAY--------- Taco’s w/Toppings, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY --- Corn Dogs, Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Meatball Subs, Veggie Dippers, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
FRIDAY------------Grilled Cheese & Soup, Chips, Veggie, Fruit, Juice/Milk
AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

Note from Principal Emma Rittweger

April 9, 2010

I was fortunate to win the raffle prize at the Pine Glen Carnival to be Principal of the Day. Mr. Lyons has been helping me out and left me a note to do the Friday blog post. This morning I announced no homework for the weekend and five minutes of extra recess. I also called Dr. Conti and informed him the school was safe and we have no flooding issues. In the afternoon, I had the opportunity to do walk-throughs. This is when the principal goes into rooms and takes a look at the instruction. In addition, I talked to Mrs. Astone, the principal at Francis Wyman and sent an email to all the teachers. Attached are my pictures from my day as principal.

Letter Sent home on April 7, 2010

Below is a copy of the letter that went home on April 7, 2010.  Parents do not have to fill out and send in the Student Information Form. This form is a means to share parent perspective regarding their child’s academic, social and emotional strengths. All staff at Pine Glen put in a great deal of time to the placement process and work together to make your child’s new school year productive, meaningful and enjoyable.


April 7, 2010

Dear Parents,

In the spring two things always happen. The Red Sox start the beginning of a new season and elementary school principals and teachers begin creating new class lists for the 2010-2011 school year. Creating class lists is a complex, thoughtful and cooperative process that involves a variety of components and perspectives. Teachers, guidance, reading and special education staff will assist the principal in developing class lists for the 2010-2011 school year based on several factors that ensure balanced and cohesive classrooms. Factors that influence the placement process include:

-Even Distribution of Boy/Girl -Social Strengths/Needs
-Academic Strengths/Needs -Emotional Strengths/Needs
-Organizational/Study Habits -Class Size
-Instructional Groupings -Peer Relations

I invite parental input and believe it is important to provide parents with an opportunity to share their perspective regarding their child’s academic, social and emotional strengths and needs. I have enclosed a Student Information Form for parents to participate in the placement process. Please return this Student Information Form to me by Friday April 16, 2010.

Please understand a parental request for specific teachers is not considered to be a viable component to the placement process and final placement decisions are the responsibility of the principal. After I gather information from parents, staff, the instructional staff and I will carefully place your child in a classroom that best meets their academic, social and emotional needs while at the same time creating a balanced and cohesive classroom conducive to learning.

Thank you for supporting this placement process and working in partnership with me and the Pine Glen Elementary teaching staff. Pine Glen Elementary School is exceptionally fortunate to have highly qualified teachers that are dedicated and have a level of commitment and passion for teaching and learning. I am very confident that everyone involved in the placement process will work together to make your child’s new school year productive, meaningful and enjoyable.

If you have any questions regarding this process, do not hesitate to call me at 781-270-1712.


Respectfully,
John Lyons
Principal

Spring Concert 2010

Once again the 4th and 5th grade chorus and band are rehearsing for their annual Spring Concert. The concert will take place on April 28th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Pine Glen School Cafeteria.
Students should be dressed in black pants or skirts and wearing a solid color top. Any color of the rainbow is alright, as long as there is no writing or logos on the front of the shirt.

The Art and Technology night is also this evening, and will begin at 6:00 p.m. Students in the concert should proceed to their warm-up area at 6:45. They will then line up in preparation for the concert. Band students should make sure to have their instrument and music.

We are looking forward to putting on a great performance! I hope to see you all there! Please give me a call if you have any questions or concerns!

Mrs. Agati
Mrs. Rzasa
Music Specialists

Winter Carnival mention in boston.com/burlington

The link below will bring you to the article about the Winter Carnival mentioned in boston.com. http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/burlington/2010/03/pine_glen_elementary_community.html

NOTE FROM BURLINGTON FOOD PANTRY

An Election Day food drive will be held April 10 at Burlington High School to benefit the Burlington Food Pantry. Unopened boxes and undented cans within the expiration dates can be donated. Canned soups, vegetables and tuna are always needed. A box for cash or check contributions will be available. Checks may be made out to the Burlington Food Pantry. The Burlington Food Pantry is an all volunteer organization dedicated to serving the community. More information, including volunteer opportunities can be found at http://peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org/index.html

GIANT YARD SALE

Mother to Mother is sponsoring the annual yard sale on Saturday May 8th (rain date Saturday May 15th) from 9am-2pm at Marshall Simonds Middle School parking lot. Many great bargains to be found! For vendors and sellers, remaining spaces are available for only $20 for each 10 foot space. Reserve your space by Friday, April 30th by mailing a check payable to Mother-to-Mother to Jenn Sirois at 6 Duncan Road, Burlington, MA 01803. Attach a note with your name, address, phone and email as well as description of items for sale. Need more info? Contact: Jennsirois@comcast.net"

NOTE FROM LUNCH SERVICE

The new cafeteria cashless system is running at all schools and it has gone very well. Parents must preload the student account either by check, or on www.paypams.com. Please remember if you are on free lunch and your child wants to buy a snack they must have money on their account. Reduced lunch students need to have the money they need on their accounts as well. If you have lunch tickets please send them in to the cafeteria in an envelope with the Childs name and we will put the value on the account for you. Please make checks out to Burlington School Lunch with the child’s name & Pin # on the memo line. Cash will be accepted until April vacation. Any questions please contact Paul Virgin 781-505-1154 or email him at food@burlington.mec.edu.

MENU----------WEEK OF April 5, 2010 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY----------Chicken Parm, Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk TUESDAY--------- Egg, Ham & Cheese on a croissant, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY --- Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Pasta w/butter or Meat sauce, Veggie Dippers, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
FRIDAY------------Tuna Sandwich on a roll, Chips, Veggie, Fruit, Juice/Milk
AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

Coming Attractions – Book Fair April 9 - 15