Friday, May 28, 2010

PRINCIPAL NOTES

Last night I had the opportunity to go to the retirement party for Michelle Fitzpatrick, principal of the Howe Manning School. Michelle has been in education for 40 years and a principal in Middleton since 1992. She has been recognized by such organizations as Massachusetts Elementary Principals Association (MESPA) as Principal of the Year. Prior to serving at Principal of Pine Glen, (a position I truly love) I worked at the Howe Manning School for two amazing years in special education administration. Michelle was principal of the school and an incredible mentor. One day Michelle called me into her office unannounced to ask me a question. She asked, “What makes us the same?” I immediately thought maybe it was that we both lived in the same town or liked the same ice cream flavor - both of which were incorrect. Michelle told me what made us the same was that we both didn’t just think every child could learn - we knew every child could learn.


I consistently tell parents and write about how we want to develop life long learners at Pine Glen School. The prerequisite to that is that we develop life long learners because we know all students can learn. I know Michelle Fitzpatrick affected and changed many teachers and students lives all with the understanding that education is all about the students. I wish her the best as she starts her retirement and heads down to North Carolina.

SAILIN INTO SUMMER WITH MATH GAMES

Volunteers - Pine Glen in looking for volunteers to help run a Math night. Volunteers will be trained on a math game and teach the game that night. You will learn the rules for the math game and the mathematics behind the game. The math night is scheduled for June 9th 5:00-6:30. If you are interested in helping, please contact Carrie Fortunato @ Fortunato@burlington.mec.edu


Description - Save the date: Wednesday, June 9th @ 5:00 - 6:30 Pine Glen is having a new Math night. Sailing into Summer with Math Games will give you and your child the opportunity to learn new math games and revisit old math games. Come and explore with us! Make a couple of games to bring home to keep math alive throughout the summer!

NOTE FROM DARE

DARE DAY will be held on Saturday JUNE 12, 2010. The Burlington Common will be the site of our 22nd annual D.A.R.E. Day on the Town Common. Bring your family and friends to the Burlington Common from 11am to 3pm and enjoy raffles, prizes, and rides. If you would like to volunteer your time, or make a donation or for more information, please contact the Burlington D.A.R.E. Program at 781-270-1919. You may also contact Anisha Shaikh at 781- 272-6272 or Anisha@rcn.com for more information.

NOTE FROM LIBRARY

 For information on local Reading incentives, go to Mrs. Magliozzi’s link and view what is being offered as summer reading programs. http://www.burlington.mec.edu/~magliozzi/

MENU----------WEEK OF May 31, 2010 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY----------No School
TUESDAY---------Chicken Parm Sandwich, Veggie Dippers, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY ---Taco’s, Vegetable, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Scrambled Eggs & Sausage, Tossed Salad, 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

Coming Attractions

June 10, Field Day, Rain Date June 11, 2010

June 17, Moving up Ceremony Grade 5
June 22, 2010 ½ Day, Last Day of School
September 1st, 2010 First Day of School for year 2010-2011

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Note from PTO

Pine Glen Family BBQ 2010


When: Tuesday, June 8th
What Time: 6:00 – 8:00PM
What: Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken
Sandwiches, FUN!
Where: Pine Glen School
How Much: $10 per family of 4 or $3 per person
DON’T FORGET…Bring your own drinks, chairs, blankets and Bug Spray!
Music and fun by: Jack Ferren
FOOD PROVIDED BY BUGABOO CREEK!!!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! Join us to help with set up, break down, or assist during the BBQ. Contact:
Erynn Mitchell 781-698-7324 or emitch_623@yahoo.com



Child’s Last Name: _______________________________ Room # __________________
Hamburger/ Cheeseburger: ____________________
Hot Dog: __________________________________________
Chicken Patty: ___________________________________
Vegetarian Hot Dog: _____________________________

Please return your payment ($10 per family of four or $3 per person) with the completed order slip no later than June 4th!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Campbell's Labels for Education Program


Attached is a picture of the physical education equipment Pine Glen School received from the Labels for Education Program.
Please don’t forget to continue collecting labels particularly over the summer. Please cut out the UPC code and send them to Pine Glen. The Pine Glen PTO will continue to redeem them for free items for our school!

The Labels for Education Points can be found on such products as Campbell's condensed soups, Campbell's microwaveable soups, Spaghettio's, V8 Juice, and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers. Please visit www.lablesforeducation.com for a full list of eligible products. There is a Campbell Soup container in the lobby where students can drop their collected UPC codes.

If you have any questions about this program, please call or email Adrienne Mattson at 781-272-2423 or adrienne.mattson@verizon.net

Thursday, May 20, 2010

PRINCIPAL NOTES

Yesterday, I was walking through a kindergarten classroom. I witnessed students writing in their journals about why they like Mr. Lyons. The students wrote about how they enjoyed it when I do walk-throughs and ask them what they are doing, and why they are doing it.

I do walk-throughs of classrooms as much as possible because it is a researched based best practice. What I learned in that encounter yesterday, was that there is always a human side to what we all do as parents and educators. When we ask questions, we show that we value the individual. I try to spend as little time in my office as possible and the majority of my time in the classrooms. I do this because I want to ensure we are developing a love of life long learning and that I care very much about each and every individual child at Pine Glen.

Coming Attractions

June 10, Rain Date June 11, 2010 Field Day
June 17, Moving up Ceremony Grade 5
June 22, 2010 ½ Day, Last Day of School

MENU----------WEEK OF May 24, 2010 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY----------Chicken Teriyaki Dippers, Vegetable, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
TUESDAY---------Nacho Grande, Veggie Dippers, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY ---Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Egg & Cheese Croissant, Tossed Salad, 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

FIVE STAR GENERALS

Congratulation to our latest Five Star Generals in the School Reading Program!

Devin DeLuca, Cole Capobianco, Andrew Kaye, Jack Laverty, Kevin Mahoney, Jasin Hensley, Devin Ralston, Robert Aloisi III, Ashlyn Biundo, Bridget Conceison, Dilan Churchill, Judith Desmond, Kaylin Frisaura, Matthew Hanlon, Jenna Hensley, Piper Ladd, Riley McHugh, Kiera Murphy, Caroline O'Callaghan, Julia Papasodoro, Patrick Pape, Spencer Reith, Jason Wu, Angela Russo, Daniel Sullivan, Grace Visco, Sarah Accardi, Isabella Alessi, Carli Boodakian, Ashley Capobianco, Jaimee Carney, Marissa Cormier, Emily Cui, Sean Desrochers, Elaine Claire Felizardo, Cassidy MacMunn, Liam Murphy, Emily Ovesen, Divyansi Pandey, Morgan Powers, Enzo Ramirez, Holly Stellberger, Nimisha Thakkar, Jamie Theirrien, Meaghan Theirrien, Nadia Zaganjori, Juliana Cameli, Simran Jakhu, Kailey Lane, Erin Mackey, Marissa Nicoloro, Sarvesh Sakunala, Jason Biundo, Ginger Boodakian, Jordan Dalla Santa, David DeLuca, Gabrielle Desrochers, Olivia Giusti, Nicholas Karwan, Fiona Maxwell, Rachel McNeil, Emily Moreira, Nicholas Papasodoro, Jalina Pedersen, Tiffany Wu, Coulter Ralston, Maeve O'Callaghan, Thomas Peterson, Brianna Abruzzese, Leighton Reith, Adrianna Marinaccio, Sullivan Christopher, 2nd Time Teresa Chai, Alexandria Floyd

NOTE FROM DARE

DARE DAY will be held on Saturday JUNE 12th, 2010 on Saturday. The Burlington Common will be the site of our 22nd annual D.A.R.E. Day on the Town Common. Bring your family and friends to the Burlington Common from 11am to 3pm and enjoy raffles, prizes, and rides. If you would like to volunteer your time, or make a donation or for more information, please contact the Burlington D.A.R.E. Program at 781-270-1919. You may also contact Anisha Shaikh at 781- 272-6272 or Anisha@rcn.com for more information.

NOTE FROM GIRL SCOUTS

On Sunday, May 23rd, Burlington Girl Scout Troops 71599 and 71605 will be holding a "Gear up for Baby" Drive at the Burlington Recreation Center from 1:00p to 3:00p. The girls are partnering with Cradles to Crayons to provide new and gentle used children's essentials to children in need in Massachusetts. You can make a difference by bringing donations to the Burlington Recreation Center (61 Center Street). There will be light refreshments and activities for children during this drive. Please visit www.cradlestocrayons.org for more information.

NOTE FROM ADOPT A CLASS 2020

We would like to express our sincere thanks for our community’s generous support of the Adopt-A-Class Tasting Fundraiser Event that took place on Friday, May 7th at the American Legion. This event was a huge success and raised over $4,800 for the class scholarship fund. The basket raffles were one of the highlights of the evening, special thanks to all the Burlington 2nd grade classes who generously donated items for these beautiful baskets.

Again, thank you to all who participated in this event! We hope to see you next year at this annual event.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

MTA and the Boston Red Sox Promote Literacy with Summer Reading Contest!

"Research tells us that the more children read, the better they read. And the more children read outside of school, the better they perform in school."

Join the Red Sox Summer Reading Game 2010! Children are bringing home a post card/bookmark that tells you about this exciting program.

1. Kids who pledge to read nine books, one for each position on the baseball field, between now and July 17 are entered into a drawing for prizes. Five grand-prize winners receive tickets, gift cards and baseballs autographed by Jason Varitek. The grand-prize winners also participate in an on-the-field recognition ceremony.

2. To enter just complete the postcard, pledging to read 9 books, and mail it before July 17, 2010.

For a complete set of rules, visit www.readingmatters.org Go, Sox! Go, Readers!

Friday, May 14, 2010

PRINCIPAL NOTES

I want to thank the PTO for their amazing support this year. I also want to thank all the parent volunteers who came in and helped on teacher appreciation day. Our school is an amazing place thanks to PTO and their heartfelt dedication. The PTO has always come through for us this year and I want to thank them for the great work they do.


I also shared with the teachers on Teacher Appreciation Day and many other days throughout the year my appreciation for their dedication too.

I recently attended MESPA (Massachusetts Elementary School Principal’s Association) conference and left with an extreme shortage of business cards. Several principals wanted to come see our school and see how we achieved in 4 months what their system has struggled to achieve for the past four years. One part of our success I explained was how we make decisions and policies based upon an unbiased, scientific research base. The other and most crucial part is making everything we do about student growth.

Listening to such nationally respected speakers as Dr. Robert Evans and Dr. Tony Wagner offering their unique perspectives on our world at MESPA was exciting. We are not going to be living in but, currently are in a “global knowledge society. The research is showing that the children currently in school have a strong sense of community, want to change the world and are incredibly technology savvy. Also, they want to use this technology to enhance and be aware of the members in their community (i.e. Facebook) and make the world a better place particularly in regards to the environment.

A novel is great when the main character is dynamic and not static. The same can be said of our school. Like a main character in a novel our community is dynamic in how the PTO, students, parents and staff come together when families require assistance or nature offers us a challenge (flooding).

Our Pine Glen Community will prepare students to live in this “global knowledge society.” In addition, we will not only educate students but develop life long learners by embracing them with empathy and care everyday. It is because of our strong community, PTO and the teachers this is possible. Together we as community will create a better tomorrow for our children.

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.

SAILIN INTO SUMMER WITH MATH GAMES

Volunteers - Pine Glen in looking for volunteers to help run a Math night. Volunteers will be trained on a math game and teach the game that night. You will learn the rules for the math game and the mathematics behind the game. The math night is scheduled for June 9th 5:00-6:30. If you are interested in helping, please contact Carrie Fortunato @ Fortunato@burlington.mec.edu


Description - Save the date: Wednesday, June 9th @ 5:00 - 6:30 Pine Glen is having a new Math night. Sailing into Summer with Math Games will give you and your child the opportunity to learn new math games and revisit old math games. Come and explore with us! Make a couple of games to bring home to keep math alive throughout the summer!

MENU----------WEEK OF May 17, 2010 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY----------Chicken Nuggets, Vegetable, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
TUESDAY---------Grilled Cheese & Soup, Veggie Dippers, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY ---Hot Dog, Baked Beans, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Pepperoni & Cheese Pizza, Tossed Salad, 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

Coming Attractions

June 10, Field DayRain Date June 11, 2010

June 17, Moving up Ceremony Grade 5
June 22, 2010 ½ Day, Last Day of School

NOTE FROM BEF

Burlington Education Foundation's 6th Annual "Exercise for Education" 5K Road Race and 1/2 mile Family Fun Run. Recipe for enriching your child's education:

Step 1 - Get out those running shoes.
Step 2 - Tell your friends and family.
Step 3 - Sign up at www.BurlingtonEdFoundation.org and check out all the details!
Step 4 - Show up at Burlington High School at 8Am, Sunday, May 23, 2010 to check in and receive a goody bag and T-shirt designed by BHS graphic design student Samantha Bressi.
Step 5 - Laugh, smile, sweat and cheer on the runners and walkers while enjoying music and food provided by our many loyal sponsors.
Step 6 - Vow to do it again next year!!

NOTE FROM BOYS SCOUTS

The Burlington Scouts are holding their fourth annual Burlington Scouting Expo on Sunday May 23, 2010 from 9am-12noon at Rahanis Park. There will be water rocket launches and catapult activities for all to participate in. Representatives from all of the Burlington Scouting Units will be available to talk with you about our programs. Please stop by and find out how we have "fun with a purpose".

NOTE FROM ART CAMP

Art Camp this summer - Mrs. Spang, former art teacher at Pine Glen and Fox Hill Schools will be offering an Art Camp for children ages 7 to 12 in Burlington, the weeks of June 28 and July 5. If you are interested in more information and to find out how to sign up, please contact her at 781-273-0032 or katalinspang@yahoo.com

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

ATTENTION 4TH GRADE PARENTS!!!!

The director of Camp Bournedale is holding an informational meeting for all current 4th grade parents throughout the district.

The meeting will be held at Francis Wyman Auditorium on Wednesday, May 12th at 6:30pm .

Darin Fabrizio (camp director) will be showing a PowerPoint presentation discussing the educational programs and facilities provided to all students who attend Camp Bournedale. Darin will answer any questions that you may have. Teachers will also be there to answer any questions you may have.

In September, the fifth grade is going to Camp Bournedale in Plymouth, MA!!

Camp Bournedale is an overnight, nature-based camp committed to providing schools with exciting, enriching and rewarding educational and social experiences. The unparalleled opportunities for hands-on science, social studies, health, and physical education provide tangible learning experiences for every student.

Over the last fews years, we’ve had a great turnout and we hope that the word continues to spread on how beneficial this experience is for all fifth grade students. We really urge all fourth grade parents in Burlington to attend this informational meeting!!!

Friday, May 7, 2010

PRINCIPAL NOTES

I hope everyone enjoyed their vacation! I was able to spend some time with my family and visited the San Diego Zoo. A highlight of the trip was seeing the joy and wonder in my daughter’s face as she held a saber-tooth tiger’s skull and hearing her asking the keeper a lot of questions. It is times like this that I take great delight in being a parent. Opportunities like these are chances to “strike while the iron is hot.” I can immediately follow this with more research on line or a trip to the library. When children’s curiosity level hits critical velocity this is a chance to READ, READ, READ!


My two year old daughter will not go asleep unless we read her books every night. She is at the point where she now has her favorites; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Goodnight Moon, Goodnight Boston, The Hungry Caterpillar. She is at that the point where she wants to read many of her favorite books several times. At this point I have memorized many of these books and sometimes think, "How can I read this book again?" However, now I start the sentence and she finishes the ending. This is an early sign of literacy it is not reading but, it is what sets the foundation for later reading. After my two year old has fallen asleep, it is time for literacy with my kindergartener. We take out her books which we got from the town library (children love to have their own library card) and begin our reading time. The books I have selected for her I have gotten slightly below her reading level. I have done this because I want to increase her fluency (speed at which she reads or when reading sounds like she talks). After she has mastered a book, she writes it down on a list to take pride in all the books she has read. I will have her go back and reread some of the books which is a tremendous way to increase fluency. After she has read to me, it is time for me to read to her. It is now time to read aloud a picture book where I can ask question, model good reading expression and enunciation, and expand her vocabulary.

I know when my children get into the higher elementary grades I will expand upon this and maybe read a chapter of one of their books or listen to them read a chapter and engage in rich conversation. My wife and I will sometimes share these roles or she will have to take upon it herself sometimes for a whole week; the life of a principle’s wife. However, we don’t do this exercise because we both are educators; we do this because both our parents did it with us. Also, we know we are the biggest stakeholders in our children’s future success. Although I am not thinking of either child taking the MCAS when I read with my children at night, I know what I am doing is building capital for when they take not only MCAS, but SAT’s. Another reason my wife and I enjoy working with our children is we love them and it is the greatest feeling in the world to see your children learn and grow. I want to thank all members of our Pine Glen Community for allowing us the opportunity to see your children learn and grown everyday. I love doing walk throughs and seeing the amazing growth in students. Please don’t deny yourself this opportunity and work on literacy with your children every night.

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.

MENU: WEEK OF May 10, 2010 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY----------Chicken Parm Sandwich, Vegetable, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
TUESDAY---------Turkey & Cheese Wrap, Veggie Dippers, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY ---Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Choice of Toppings, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Pasta w/butter/meat sauce, Tossed Salad, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
FRIDAY------------Ham & Cheese Croissant, Chips, Veggie, Fruit, Juice/Milk
AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

NOTE FROM BEF

Ready, Set, GO! To the 6th annual "Exercise for Education" 5k road race and 1/2 mile family fun run hosted by the Burlington Education Foundation. Join in on all of the spectacular fun, samples, music and more on Sunday, May 23, 2010, 8am-11am at the Burlington High School. Check out www.burlingtonedfoundation.org for all the details, registration and our t-shirt contest logo designed by Samantha Bressi, graphic design student at BHS!

NOTE FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Does your child have food allergies? Get Informed & Be Aware! Meet with other parents from Burlington that share your concerns, and discuss the schools role in setting up guidelines. Please attend this first meeting at the Burlington Fire Department on Wednesday May 26th at 7:00 pm. Please contact Lisa Hovasse @ llhova@gmail.com or 339.927.2222 with any questions.

NOTE FROM BURLINGTON RECYCLING COMMITTEE

Happy 40th birthday Earth Day. Since 1970 there have been explicit efforts to save and improve the environment and future of our planet. How can we celebrate? *Reduce the amount of packaging used; reuse items several times or among several people; recycle waste products at home, at work or school, and at recreation. *Look for paper and clothing recycle bins at stores, parks, churches, malls, and take discards there. *Reward each recycling behavior in a meaningful way (treats, perks, etc.)* Read books about recycling at the library or bookstores; read recycling articles online published by EPA or other credible sources. Recently National Cell Phone Recycling Week asked consumers to be mindful and turn in the old mobile devices to electronics/grocery stores, to the Board of Health at 61 Center Street, or to other sites listed on EPA website. Improper disposal of the metals in cell phones can leach into the ground and pollute drinking water. In addition, gold, silver, and copper can be recovered and reused.