Note from Physical Education Department

Scoliosis Testing

To Parents/Guardians of 5th Grade Students,

The Burlington Public Schools will be doing an annual Postural Screening starting the first of the New Year.

The purpose of this is to find early signs of possible spinal problems in children in grades 5 – 9. It is not a diagnostic service, but a program to identify young people who should have a further medical evaluation.

If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified and asked to take the child to a physician as a precaution. The majority of students exhibit no findings. If nothing is found, we will NOT be contacting you again till the screening next year.

Female children are asked to either bring a ONE OR TWO PIECE SWIMSUIT, to school the day of the screening or to wear it under their regular clothes. This type of clothing permits a more accurate observation of the back.

The exact date of the screening is below.

If you have any questions, please give Mrs. Ferrick or me a call at:

Mrs. Ferrick-—781-270-1713
Ms. Govoni----781-273-7037

Sincerely,

Ms. Govoni

Room # 209—-Ms. Marcus ---------Monday JAN 4th
Room # 215—-Mrs. Fitzpatrick----Monday JAN 4th
Room # 208—-Mrs. Beaulieu-------Tuesday JAN 5th
Room # 109—-Mrs. Theirrien------Wednesday JAN 6th

ADOPT-A-CLASS 2016

Are you looking for a great holiday gift? The Class of 2016 published a wonderful cookbook last spring. It features everyone's favorite recipes. The cost is $10.00. Please contact Michelle Tigges tigges@burlington.mec.edu or Jennifer Jankowski jbjtwins@aol.com.

Tea For Teachers hosted by the Teach India Project

This is a networking event for teachers and educators who teach about India in different kinds of schools and for all those interested in Global studies. There will be a presentation by Jane Hundley, a curriculum specialist from the Burlington, MA school district, about her experiences in India this summer on a six week Fulbright-Hays Fellowship. She visited schools and met with educators all over India. This will be followed by a short presentation about the teaching resources offered by the Teach India Project. There will be an opportunity to network with others with similar curricular interests and to discuss ways to engage with the Teach India Project and other community resources. Location: Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02420 Phone: 781.862.6288 on Saturday January 9th, 2010, 10:30 a.m. - 12.

NOTE FROM BHS MUSIC

The BHS Music Boosters Association will hold a YOUTH MOVIE NIGHT, 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 movie “UP,” games and prizes, snacks & drinks. Benefit for BHS Marching Band trip to DisneyWorld. $10/child, $20 max/family. Babysitting by band students and adult chaperones. Flyers and registration forms will be sent home in January. Info: lmkash@verison.net.

NOTE FROM PTO – WINNERS AT PINE GLEN!

Congratulations to the Shea Family for winning the Bruins tickets donated by the Chutes for the winter raffle! The raffle ticket was drawn during Tuesday evening's holiday concert. The Shea Family was also awarded the $100 cash prize for selling the winning ticket. This raffle raised $2,160 to purchase non-fiction books for Pine Glen School! Again, many thanks to everyone who participated. Your generosity will add important resources and enrich our children's learning experience.

A big thank you to The Giusti Family who won the 50/50 raffle held during the winter concert and then generously donated their entire winnings back. The 50/50 Raffle raised $295 for the Family Fund which helps Pine Glen families in need. The Meadow Farms fall fundraiser raised $4031.62 and the new Scrips Program raised $1,016.94 for the Pine Glen PTO. These funds will be used to sponsor a variety of enrichment programs and supplies throughout the school year. Thank you to everyone who participated. Pine Glen School certainly has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. The continued generosity of the entire community is a wonderful example of the level of support for our children's education. In the end, we are all winners!

Again, thank you for your continued and steadfast support of the Pine Glen PTO and by extension the entire Pine Glen community.

Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year to all!

December 18, 2009

Dear Pine Glen Community,

I am very proud of all the talented musicians at Pine Glen Elementary School. It was wonderful to see the joy on the students faces as they sing. Their youth, hope and optimism speaks to what the holidays are truly all about. I would like to thank our band instructor Mark Napierkowski, music teachers Jennifer Agati and Jennifer Rzasa for putting together a magnificent concert. I also would like to thank Akiko Coram for volunteering her time to accompany the students on piano.

This week I also had the pleasure of reading the Polar Express to the kindergarten students while we were all in our pajamas. The hot chocolate was delicious. Several of the older students told me how much they remembered this event in kindergarten and what a special memory it held. The older students also had shown great concern in asking me if I had forgotten to change that morning for work as I was wearing my pajamas. At the end of the Polar Express, on the last page the narrator and main character informs the reader that now that he has grown older many of his friends do not hear the “sweet sound” of the bell. The bell is symbolic and does not just represent the traditions of Christmas but, childhood. The author states, “Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.” Sharing this wonderful day with the kindergarten students in particular and all days with the students at Pine Glen allows me the opportunity to still hear that bell ring in all its sweet sound.

I hope everyone has a safe, happy and joyful holiday season.

Sincerely,

John Lyons
Principal
Pine Glen School

Note from the Principal

Congratulations to the Student Council. The student Council organized and ran a Math-A-Thon.  The 4th and 5th grade students that participated in this event at Pine Glen Elementary School raised $590.00 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Thank you to all that participated in the Math-A-Thon.   Also, thank you to Mrs. Beaulieu and Ms. Hayes the Student Council Advisors.  The work that went into this evident will make a difference in the lives of children suffering from cancer and other diseases.

To learn more about St. Jude Children’s Hospital please feel free to visit their web page at www.stjude.com.

FROM THE PTO:

Thank you Pine Glen Family and Friends!  We sold a total of $13,676.60 worth of gift cards and earned a profit of $1,016.94!!!  Your gift cards have arrived and were delivered to the school, on Monday, December 14th!  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 that are picking their orders up at the school, please sign the gift card sheet to confirm you have received your order.  Julie Gosselin has also volunteered to be at the Grade 4 & 5 Concert on Tuesday, December 16th at 6:30 p.m., and also at the Grade 1,2 & 3 Concert on Friday, December 18th at 9:00 a.m.

A Special thank you to Nicole Hillis and Lauren Terranova who devoted many hours tallying, assembling and distributing the gift cards!  I could not have done it without them!  Also, thank you Julie for the copying, emails and your help with the program. 

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!

Kathleen MacMunn
Scrip Coordinator - Pine Glen PTO/Volunteer

P.S. We may run the program again in the Spring for Mother's, Father's Day, Graduation and Birthdays----please let me know your thoughts via email! 

Note from Girl Scouts

Girl Scout Cookies on sale this weekend at L.L. Bean:
 
It's that time of year again.  Girl Scout cookies are back.  Pine Glen's 3rd grade brownie troop #77321 will be selling cookies at L.L. Bean located at Wayside Commons, Burlington on Sunday December 20th from 1:00 - 5:00.  Getting together with friends and family to celebrate the holiday season?  Come on down and pick up some delicious cookies to bring to your gathering.  We will have all varieties at $4.00 per box.  Hope to see you there.

NOTE FROM PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Parents of 5th grade students: Our 5th grade physical education ice skating program will be starting Jan 7th...... Please return the parent volunteer forms..... The more the merrier. Also: CORI forms will have needed to have been processed prior to any volunteering.

Exciting News!

I am pleased to announce that the BEF has awarded Mrs. Agati a grant to bring an Artist-In -Residence to Pine Glen this winter. His name is Jeremy Cohen and his expertise is in the African Drumming of Ghana. He will be instructing 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students throughout the winter months. The residency will culminate with a drumming, and singing performance at the Spring Concert. If you would like to learn more about the program and Mr. Cohen, please visit his website at www.thisworldmusic.com.

A Note From the Music Room:

I am currently looking for parent volunteers to help out by watching students during the Winter Concert. If you are interested please contact Mrs. Agati at ext. 7766.

Note from PTO

The Meadow Farms merchandise has arrived and is available for pick up immediately!  The boxes are located in the foyer.  The boxes are sorted by teacher/room number and by student.  Boxes with yellow labels will contain the order of one student and will be clearly labeled with that student's name.  Boxes with white labels contain orders for more than one student from the same class.  The individual orders within the box are separated and clearly labeled with each child's name.  Please feel free to contact Katherine Swan if you have any questions.  Cell: 617-448-7253, email: kanialem@gmail.com.

NOTE FROM BYL

 Registration for Burlington Youth Lacrosse’s spring season is underway. Boys and girls in grades 1-8 are encouraged to participate (boys and girls play on the same teams). Registrations are accepted via internet (www.burlingtonlax.com). Deadline is January 2, 2010. Team sizes are limited, so register early to ensure a spot. For more information, email info@burlingtonlax.com or visit www.burlingtonlax.com.

NOTE FROM THE DRAMA CLUB

The Burlington High School Drama Club will present Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” this Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 pm in the Fogelberg Auditorium of the high school. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors/students. Tickets can be purchased at 781-A-FUN-TIC, online at www.BurlingtonTickets.org or at the door.

NOTE FROM PTO

The SCRIP/GIFT CARD Dead line Dec 8, 2009. Please support our school while enjoying the convenience of shopping for gift cards without traveling from store to store! The retailer list was condensed....so if you are looking for a particular gift card, go to www.glscrip.com and add the retailer to your order. Any questions please feel free to contact Kathleen, at rmacmunn@msn.com.

MENU----------WEEK OF December 7, 2009

 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY---------No School
TUESDAY---------French Toast & Sausages, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY ---Meatball Subs, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY-------Pasta w/meat sauce, Fruit Slushie, Juice/Milk
FRIDAY----------- Pizza, Tossed Salad, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

Coming Attractions

NO School Dec 7, Professional Development


Grade 4 & 5 Concert Dec 15, @ 6:30 P.M.

Grade 1, 2, 3, Concert Dec 18, @ 9:00 A.M.

PTO News

Pine Glen PTO Scrip Fundraiser (Gift Card) deadline has been extended until TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8th due to No School - Professional Day on Monday! 
All orders must be in on that date, so they can be processed!  Unfortunately, any orders received after that date will be returned to your child's classroom unprocessed.  Thanks for your cooperation.  Any questions, contact Kathleen at 781-229-1805 or rmacmunn@msn.com. If you have lost forms, email me and I will forward (Microsoft Word Documents).

 Enjoy the long weekend to review the condensed retailer list or visit www.glscrip.com for an extensive list.  You can also let your fingers do the walking and shop on-line at www.shopwithscrip.com.  Please remember if you shop on-line you still need to complete the enrollment form and send check to school by the 8th.

Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays

Bus

I will on occasion randomly travel on one of the school busses. This does not mean there was a past problem. This offers me a terrific way to see the bus routes. In addition, while on the bus I can remind students about the importance of obeying bus rules (being respectful and safe) and the importance of listening to the bus driver. I have enjoyed the opportunity to talk to students on the bus and hear the many interesting details and stories they like to share.

Babysitting Event at Suzanne's Dance Connection

Drop off your child aged 3 and up for activities, crafts, dancing, and snacks while you run your holiday errands. Friday, Nov 27 8:00 am-12:00pm and/or Sunday Dec 12 5:00-9:00 pm. $20 per child, $10 for additional child with $35 family max. Small child to sitter/dancer ratio with several moms in attendance. Please contact Felicia Maida for more info at 781-272-6498. Pre-registration and payment due 7 days prior to event.

NOTE FROM BURLINGTON WRESTLING

Burlington Youth Wrestling is now having sign ups for its 2009-2010 wrestling season. The first practice is held the Monday after Thanksgiving and they continue until the fist week of April. Sign ups are open to all wrestlers from grades K-8. Practice will be on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 in the Burlington High School wrestling room. You can register at any practice. Burlington Youth Wrestling is one of the most successful wrestling programs in the Massachusetts. This is a great opportunity to learn balance, coordination and strength as well as the great sport of wrestling. We compete in scrimmages, meets and tournaments in and around Massachusetts from January through March. You can try it for 2 weeks, if it’s not for you we’ll give you your money back! For further information e-mail burlingtonyouthwrestling@gmail.com, visit our website at www.burlingtonyouthwrestling.com or call our Director, John Barrucci at 781-471-4771.

COATS FOR KIDS

Pack 105 Bear Scouts will be collecting gently used coats (any size), hats, gloves, mittens and boots throughout November and December. Please bring in these items and place them in the box in the entryway of the school. Thank You for Your Support!

NOTE FROM BOY SCOUTS

Burlington's Troop 103 will be selling 22" wreaths decorated with a red velvet bow. Please support your local Boy Scout Troop and purchase your wreath for only $15.00 (cash and checks). Please call Sue at 781-229-2357 and we would be happy to order yours.


Fundraiser for Burlington Troop 103 - The Burlington Boy Scout Troop # 103 is having a benefit night at Flatbread Pizza from 4-9 pm, Tuesday, December 1st. Flatbread Pizza will donate $3.50 for each large pizza and $1.75 for each small pizza purchased that evening (dine-in or take-out) to the Burlington Boy Scout Troop # 103. While there, please enter the raffles or purchase your fresh holiday evergreen decorated wreath in support of your local Boy Scout troop. Flatbread Pizza is located at 213 Burlington Road in Bedford, right on the Burlington line (corner of Network Drive and Rte. 62). Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at dinner.

NOTE FROM BHS MUSIC

The Burlington High School Music Boosters are selling tickets to see The Lion King on February 17, 2010 at 7 pm (Feb vacation week) through Broadway Across America and its Event Usher service. Ticket purchases include a built-in donation to the group! Go to: http://www.eventusher.broadwayacrossamerica.com/. (enter “BURLING2009” at the login prompt). For info contact Boosters Pres. Donna Gregorio: burlgregs@yahoo.com.


The Burlington High School Music Boosters Association is holding a Calendar Raffle chock full of prizes! Raffle Tickets are being sold by BHS Marching Band students to fund their Disney trip in April. 31 days of prizes will be drawn from December 7, 2009, through January 6, 2010! Also available at Thanksgiving game, bhsmusicboosters@gmail.com, or 781-270-1860.

NOTE FROM TOYS FOR TOTS

Pine Glen will be collecting Toys for Tots. Any unwrapped toy can be dropped off outside the main office. Till December 12, 2009.

MENU-WEEK OF November 23, 2009 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY---------Chicken Teriyaki Dippers, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
TUESDAY---------Nacho Grande, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY ---Half Day
THURSDAY-------No School
FRIDAY----------- No School
AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

NOTE FROM PTO – LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE BRUINS RAFFLE TICKETS!!

If you haven't done so already, please return all sold (and unsold) Bruins Raffle tickets along with payment to school by Tuesday, November 24th. Remember all proceeds will be used to purchase non-fiction books for Pine Glen School. Many thanks to the Chute Family for generously donating the Bruins tickets. The winning ticket will be drawn during the evening Holiday Concert on December 15th. Good luck and thank you to everyone who participated!

Coming Attractions

11/20 Parent Conferences…No School Students

11/25 Turkey Trot/ Student Council Bake Sale

11/25 11:30 Dismissal and start of Thanksgiving Break

PRINCIPAL NOTES

The Master Calendar (System Wide Calendar of Events) is up and running on the BPS Website. Just go to www.burlington.mec.edu ... click on the "System Wide Calendar of Events" option in the left-side menu. You can see an overview of all school and PTO events or choose the option to see one school at a time. Events are added and updated as received from each school's main office and PTO.

PTO NEWS:

www.glscrip.com is adding NEW RETAILERS everyday for the holidays (just added American Express Gift Card)! If you don't see a gift card that you are looking for, visit the website and use the alphabetical tab or scroll through the extensive list. Remember, I had to condense the list for printing purposes! If you choose one not on my list, simply add it to page 2 of 3 under Other Retailers! Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!!!

From the Principal

November 18, 2009


Dear Members of the Pine Glen Community,

After successfully completing the first marking period, it has given me reason to reflect upon the many accomplishments we have achieved, in these three months at Pine Glen School. We as a community should all take pride in the successful implementation of a new schedule. This schedule has allowed us to not only maximize student time on learning but increase it. In addition, we have drastically reduced the interruptions to instruction. Likewise, we have become a data driven school where bi-weekly grade level teams have met with myself and the reading specialists to look at data and make sure students are receiving appropriate instruction at his or her level. In addition, I have had the great opportunity to meet with several parents with teachers to discuss students and develop immediate plans to introduce interventions. Our goal of increasing literacy and teacher collaboration is not just a goal. It has become part of our culture. We have recently added several non-fiction books to our literacy closet collection. The Bruins' ticket fundraiser will also add a considerable amount of books too. Of course we have also had our fun. We have had some wonderful after school events such as the Ice-Cream Social and Halloween Dance. One of my favorite aspects of my position is the ability to be in many classrooms throughout the day. As I walk through classrooms, I have noticed great changes. I see high levels of student engagement and teachers asking critical thinking questions to students. Students are expressing themselves and working together as leaders. I am so proud of each of your children and the teachers at Pine Glen. There is nothing more rewarding then seeing a child expand upon the way she or he looks at the world, problem solve a math equation, or read a book that opens up a new world to them. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of the intellectual growth of the students at Pine Glen.

I am sure parents are eager to meet with teachers and hear about their children’s progress. Due to some of the systematic changes this year, not only at Pine Glen but throughout the district, there may be questions that arise in these conversations. Please know that if you have questions, you can contact me by phone or set up a meeting to talk in person.

We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season. Thank you for your continued support and investment in education.

Sincerely,

John Lyons
Principal
Pine Glen School

Note From Burlington PACE

Monday November 30, 2009 -School Committee Room at Burlington High School at 7:00 P.M. “Bright Kids with Social Difficulties: Helping Your Child at School and in the Neighborhood” - Don Sugai


For children, negotiating the social scene can be one of the biggest challenges of growing up.  Dr. Don Sugai, a gifted speaker from the Lahey Clinic Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, will share effective strategies parents and teachers can use to help children make and keep friends.  Dr. Sugai has over 20 years' experience assisting children with disabilities such as ADHD, OCD, and Aspergers, and is the co-author of Social Skills Assessment and Training with Children: An Empirically Based Handbook.

For more information Contact Dennis McCarron at dandmmccarron@hotmail.com

Samples for the Pine Glen Clothing

The following pictures show samples of clothing and other items with the Pine Glen name on them.  On confrence day the PTO will have a table set up so parents can look at them.  Order forms will be available at the table and will be going home this week.

LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE BRUINS RAFFLE TICKETS!!

If you haven't done so already, please return all sold (and unsold) Bruins Raffle tickets along with payment to school by Tuesday, November 24th.  Remember all proceeds will be used to purchase non-fiction books for Pine Glen School.  Many thanks to the Chute Family for generously donating the Bruins tickets.  The winning ticket will be drawn during the evening Holiday Concert on December 15th.  Good luck and thank you to everyone who participated!

MENU-WEEK OF November 16, 2009 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY---------Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
TUESDAY---------French Toast Sticks & Sausage Links, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
WEDNESDAY – Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Veggie Dippers, Juice/Milk
THURSDAY------Pasta w/butter or meat sauce, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk
FRIDAY----------- No School
AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

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.

COATS FOR KIDS

Pack 105 Bear Scouts will be collecting gently used coats (any size), hats, gloves, mittens and boots throughout November and December. Please bring in these items and place them in the box in the entryway of the school. Thank You for Your Support!

NOTE FROM BOY SCOUTS

Burlington's Troop 103 will be selling 22" wreaths decorated with a red velvet bow. Please support your local Boy Scout Troop and purchase your wreath for only $15.00 (cash and checks). Please call Sue at 781-229-2357 and we would be happy to order yours.

NOTE FROM PTO

The SCRIP/GIFT CARD fundraiser has begun! The forms were sent home on Tuesday in your child's backpack. Please support our school while enjoying the convenience of shopping for gift cards without traveling from store to store! The retailer list was condensed....so if you are looking for a particular gift card, go to www.glscrip.com and add the retailer to your order. Any questions please feel free to contact Kathleen, at rmacmunn@msn.com.


Also don’t forget to take a chance on the Bruins Tickets Raffle. Thank you for your support!

Note from the Principal

Engage your child in reading for pleasure to boost skills

If your child gets “engaged” in what he reads, he’ll be more motivated to read and become a better reader.
Being engaged means being totally absorbed. Engaged readers enjoy reading for its own sake. In fact, research from the Center for Applied Special Technology says your child can’t become engaged unless he/she enjoys reading. To make reading more enjoyable:
• Provide a quiet, pleasant place in your home for your child to read. Include shelves for books, a comfortable chair and good lighting.
• Take your child to the library or bookstore. Help her select books that interest her.
• Get your child books related to his favorite movies and TV shows.
• Give your child reading material that’s just for fun—joke books, baseball cards, newspaper comics.
• Let your child subscribe to a children’s magazine. Or join a children’s book club. It’s exciting for your child when these arrive in the mail.
• Let your child stay up later at night to read. She’ll view the extra 15 to 30 minutes of reading time as a treat.
• Continue reading with your child. Inspire him to tackle longer books by reading the first chapter with
him.
Source: Kenneth Shore, The Parents’ Public School Handbook: How To Make the Most of Your Child’s Education, From Kindergarten Through Middle School, ISBN: 0-671-79498-1
(Simon & Schuster).

PTO News

Someone said "they don't buy gift cards for people".  You can still support the school by purchasing gift cards for YOURSELF.  You have to buy groceries, gas, pharmaceuticals, or maybe you dine out once a month.  So buy a Shaw's, Stop & Shop, Sunoco, Shell, CVS,  Walgreens or any restaurant gift card and earn money for the school!  Don't forget deadline is approaching -- DECEMBER 4TH.  Happy Shopping!  Any questions contact Kathleen at rmacmunn@msn.com.

NOTE FROM SCHOOL NURSE

Vision and hearing tests will be conducted on students in grades 1-5, beginning November 16, 2009. You will be notified only if your child does not pass a test. BMI testing will also be done on students in grade 1 and grade 4. Please continue to check your child for head lice, as we have some positive cases of lice. Call me at 781-270-1713, if you have any questions or concerns.

Pine Glen School’s Scholastic Book Fair

Pine Glen School’s Scholastic Book Fair  will be held on November 16-20, 2009 in the PG Library!

Our Book Fairs connect students to books they want to read. To help your child find the best
books, he or she will visit the Book Fair during his or her class Library time to purchase books.
We encourage you to look over the attached Book List, which previews only a few of the books
offered at the Fair. Many more titles are available. Children can make purchases with cash or checks made out to PINE GLEN LIBRARY. Please add 6.25% MA tax to the amount you calculate
for the purchases.

As we have done in the past, Pine Glen will participate in the ONE FOR BOOKS program. One of our goals is to put more books in the hands of children. Please donate $1 or any loose change to the program and Scholastic will match monetary donations raised with a donation to 3 non-profit organizations dedicated to helping kids and families. On behalf of all the students and teachers at Pine Glen, Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Downes and Mrs. Magliozzi

Notice from the PTO

Tonight’s meeting has been canceled. Several of the members will be unable to attend.

Notice

Dear Members of the Pine Glen Community,


The Blog is updated at times during the week as events may unfold. For example, on Tuesday, October 27th there was an update from the school nurse in regards to head lice. Likewise, the Superintendent’s Blog follows a similar procedure. Regular updates to my Blog will be posted on Friday if not earlier. Please check the Blog regularly for updates after dismissal time on Friday. This is a great way to make sure members of our community are up to date on the latest happenings at Pine Glen School.

Sincerely,


John Lyons
Principal
Pine Glen School

Milk and Cookies with the Principal

I will host an informal milk and cookie hour on Thursday, November 12 from 3-4:00 P.M. in the Pine Glen Library. Parents and guardians of the Pine Glen students are welcome to attend. This is an opportunity to meet and talk with other parents in the community and discuss some of the many wonderful things taking place at Pine Glen School.

A Note from the Music Room

The Annual Pine Glen Winter Concert will be held on December 15th at 6:30 p.m. The Fourth and Fifth grade Choruses and Bands will be performing that evening. These students have been eagerly preparing for this performance since mid-September! In addition, the First, Second and Third grades will also be holding their annual Winter Concert on December 18th at 9:00 a.m. Please put these dates on your calendars, we would love to see you all at these performances!

NOTE FROM PAC

Attention parents. You are invited to a presentation. "Response to Intervention- How Will it Effect Your Child?" Monday November 9, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. in the School Committee Room at Burlington High School.


Did you know that education is not "One size fits all"? How does your child's teacher determine what teaching practices work best for your child? Do you know how to work with your child's teachers and school to build the best educational programs for your child? Have you ever heard of "RTI" Response to Intervention? Come find out how our schools are working with our children to create the best outcomes possible. Your participation in your child's education is a huge component of your child's success in school and in life.

Dr. Eric Conti, Burlington Superintendent of Schools will explain how Response to Intervention, “RTI” is being implemented in the Burlington school system. The goals include a common elementary instruction and planning time, implementation of universal screening to identify student’s weaknesses, progress monitoring and research based interventions, and data-based decision making to address student’s needs, which will involve the parents’ participation. Presented by the Burlington Parents Advocating for their Children's Education (PACE). For more information on this presentation or other issues effecting your child's ability to learn please contact Dennis McCarron at dandmmccarron@hotmail.com

NOTE FROM BHS MUSIC

The BHS Music Boosters will host a Gala Benefit Concert and Silent Auction on Sat, November 7, at 7:30 pm in the Fogelberg Auditorium. This family friendly concert will feature Disney musical selections showcasing friends & members of the BHS Marching Band. Festive dessert reception included. Auction includes tix for NE Patriots, Reagle Players “It’s ChristmasTime”, Improve Asylum, BHS productions, much more. Tix: 781-A-FUN-TIC.


The Burlington High School Music Boosters are selling tickets to see The Lion King on February 17, 2010 at 7 pm (Feb vacation week) through Broadway Across America and its Event Usher service. Ticket purchases include a built-in donation to the group! Go to: http://www.eventusher.broadwayacrossamerica.com/. (enter “BURLING2009” at the login prompt). For info contact Boosters Pres. Donna Gregorio: burlgregs@yahoo.com.

NOTE FROM GIRL SCOUTS

The Burlington Girl Scouts are having a benefit night at Flatbread Pizza from 4-9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3rd. Flatbread will donate $3.50 from every large pizza and $1.75 from every small pizza purchased that night (eat-in or take-out) to the Burlington Girl Scouts Family Partnership. Customers do not need to be affiliated with Girl Scouts.

Halloween Dance

The Halloween Dance is tonight from 7-9 P.M.  Please remember this event is not a drop-off.  Parents need to be with students.  The following Blog post below is being reprinted below.

Friday, October 16, 2009


I am very excited and eager to attend my first Halloween Dance at Pine Glen School. This looks to be a lot of fun. In order to ensure this is a great and wonderful time for all, please help us make this event safe. There is one and only one entrance to the school during this event: the front doors. All other doors - particularly the Fire-Exit doors in the cafeteria - are not to be used. The play structure outside is designed to be used for recess. We do not have sufficient lighting for nighttime and staff to supervise at such activities. Likewise, the doors in the lobby leading out to the structure are not to be opened. Children are under parental supervision for evening and after school events. Students at these events are not allowed to run.
In planning your Halloween costume, please remember that no swords, light-sabers, knives, guns or other violent objects can be brought to school (even play parts of costumes).


Please help me remind parents at the Halloween Dance of the Fire/Safety guidelines. Parents/students who might impede upon the rest of the participant’s terrific and enjoyable evening will be asked to leave the event and be suspended from all future events over the course of the academic year.

PTO News

The SCRIP/GIFT CARD fundraiser has begun!  The forms were sent home on Tuesday in your child's backpack.  Please support our school while enjoying the convenience of shopping for gift cards without traveling from store to store!  The retailer list was condensed....so if you are looking for a particular gift card, go to www.glscrip.com and add the retailer to your order.  Any questions please feel free to contact Kathleen, at rmacmunn@msn.com.  Thank you for your support!

Campbell's Labels for Education Program

Collect labels, cut out UPC code and send them to Pine Glen.  Pine Glen PTO can 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

NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

There have been several positive cases of head lice. Please check your child for head lice as a precautionary measure. One of the most common signs of head lice is itching. Lice are transmitted through close contact with another infected person or through shared combs, hats, and other personal items. To learn more about Burlington Public Schools Head Lice Procedure, check out the webiste at www.burlington.mec.edu and click onto the Pupil Services link, then Health. Please call me at 781-270-1713, if you do find head lice on your child and/or if you have any questions. Also, please remind your child not to share Halloween costumes, especially masks and hats--prevention of head lice is the best approach to eliminating them.

What is guided reading, DRA and flexible grouping?

“Guided Reading: Using a teacher-chosen text as the basis for instruction, the teacher works with a small, temporary group of students to develop their processing strategies as they read a variety of increasingly challenging texts”(Guiding Readers and Writers: Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell).

Guided Reading is a researched based instructional approach. Students are flexibly or temporarily grouped. This is a critical difference from traditional grouping practices witnessed in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. In such programs, students might have been labeled or put in “red-birds” or the “blue-jay” group. These groups were often static. Once a student was in a low group they stayed there. These lower performing groups typically received lower-quality instruction and often were not presented with higher order thinking skill questions.

Flexible grouping creates a community within the classroom where all students are readers. Groups are formed and re-formed many times. These data created groups vary in purpose. The goal of guided reading is to provide students in groups with what they need, when they need it by monitoring growth and progress, as well as identifying the appropriate intervention to fulfill our promise for reading growth.

One of the tools utilized to assist teachers in assigning students to a guided reading group is the DRA and DRA2 (Developmental Reading Assessment). This tool allows teachers to identify student’s instructional level with an evaluation of the three components of reading: reading engagement, oral reading fluency, and comprehension. The DRA2 was administered in the 2008/2009 academic year in grades 3-5. It will continue to be administered this academic year. The noticeable difference between the DRA and the DRA2 is the DRA2’s emphasis upon written response to show a student’s comprehension of text. A written response necessitates more rigor and cognitive demands on higher order thinking skills to show comprehension. This assessment provides teachers the benefit of having an excellent measure of reading and not strictly decoding. In addition, this data can assist teachers in identifying which students could benefit from interventions on a targeted reading skill. Likewise, it can be used as a progress monitoring tool to ensure students are making enough progress that they will no longer need an intervention or assistance.

Parents can play a huge supporting role in reading development. A terrific idea is to have a set schedule on school nights for example, when teeth are brushed, children are in their rooms at a set time, and literacy occurs right before sleep. For example, with primary grade students it is great fun to have your child read one of his/her instructionally appropriate books to you and then after you read a book to your child. This is one of my favorite parts of the day that I do myself with my kindergarten daughter. For older students, it might be taking turns reading pages or chapters. Reading is not just about stating the words. Oral language is a big component of literacy. The rich, engaging and fun conversations you can have with children about what you read will be wonderful (Taken from my Blog post Literacy and Home).

Another idea is to put sight words up throughout the home. Take flash cards and stick magnets behind them and post them on the refrigerator as an example. Practice the sight words as a memory game. Take a stick with a string attached to it and a magnet at the end of the string and then play magnet sight word fishing with sight words cards that have paper clips attached to them. A sight word list such as the Dolch Sight Word List or Fry Sight Word List can quickly be found in with a Google search on the computer.

Lunch Menu

The school lunch menu is available online at the Burlington Public Schools Web Page.

The link below will bring you directly to the web page.

http://www.burlington.mec.edu/finance/lunch.html

NOTE FROM FOX HILL

Thursday, November 5th – 6:00-9:00 pm – Fox Hill Shopping Extravaganza – Come get some of your holiday shopping done and find many unique gifts that you won’t find at the mall (and won’t have to fight the mall parking lot, either). Great chance to get out browse, find some fabulous gifts and enjoy some fun company. Vendors include personalized decorations, jewelry, Burlington apparel, photography, gift baskets, skin care & make-up, pet & children’s accessories, doll clothes, purses, candles & accessories, sport memorabilia, athletic apparel, hair accessories and much, much more. Take your chance at a raffle for some fantastic prizes. Admission is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available. Fox Hill School is located at 1 Fox Hill Road in Burlington. For more information, contact Julie Quinn at quinns@rcn.com.

Picture Day on Wednesday

School pictures will be taken on October 28th.

Note From the PTO

Want to support the school without spending any additional money that you would not have already spent? Look in your child's backpack next week to see how this can be done! Watch for the Pine Glen PTO Scrip Program (Gift Cards) for full details! Any questions---we will have a booth/information at the Halloween Party! Thanks for your support!

NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

Reminder to Parents of Grade 4 Students--All 4th grade students are required by State law to have an updated physical. Please send a copy of your child's most recent physical to the health office. If you need another health form, please contact me at 781-270-1713. Many thanks to those parents who have already submitted their child's updated physical.

Note from PTO: Pine Glen Halloween Dance

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are looking for volunteers to help with the annual Pine Glen Halloween Dance scheduled for Friday, October 30th, 7 - 9 p.m.

It’s a lot of fun!!!

If you can spare 1 hour (or even a ½ hour) to volunteer, please contact Nancy Keddy or Maria Woods.

We are looking for volunteers to help set up and decorate that afternoon and we need help that evening to monitor the haunted house, to run the refreshment and ticket tables, and to assist with the breakdown and clean up.

All volunteers must have a current CORI form on file. If you filled one out last year or the year before you’re all set. If not, you must go to the Superintendent’s Office at the High School with a photo ID and complete the form. It can take up to 10 business days to process. It really takes only five minutes to do so.

Thank you.

If you have any questions, please call or email:

Nancy Keddy 781-273-2890 – nsk@nskinc.com or

Maria Woods 781-270-4584 – woodscounty@rcn.com

Many, Many Thanks!

Pictures From The Burlington “Up in the Air” Science Center Program

Lunch Menu

MENU----------WEEK OF October 19, 2009 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50


MONDAY--------Chicken Teriyaki Dippers, mashed potatoes, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

TUESDAY--------Nacho Grande, Rice, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

WEDNESDAY – Meatball Sub, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

THURSDAY------Pasta w/butter or meat sauce, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

FRIDAY-----------Pizza, Veggie Dippers, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

FANTASTIC PUMPKIN FAIR

Friday night, October 16, 2009. 6-9 pm at Fox Hill School. Come join in the fun of our annual fall tradition. Great games, fall crafts, fabulous prizes and a few good scares. The ever popular Haunted Hallway will be sure to fright, along with many old favorites: Moon Bounce, Cake Walk, Pumpkin Painting, Duck Pond, Pizza, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Raffles plus lots more. New games and activities this year include Fishing, Soccer, Token Toss, Haunted Hayride, Putt-Putt Golfing and more. Admission is free, tickets for each activity/game can be purchased at the door. For additional information, contact Julie Quinn at 781-229-2851 or quinns@rcn.com.

NOTE FROM BHS

Craft Fair, Sponsored by Athletic Booster Club on Saturday October 17, 2009, 10 – 3 at Burlington High school.

NOTE FROM THE FOOD PANTRY

A Food Drive in Memory of Whitey Graham (to benefit the Burlington Food Pantry) will take place at the Presbyterian Church, 335 Cambridge Street, on Saturday, October 17. Please bring donations between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. No expired items, please! Jointly sponsored by Masons of Simonds Lodge and the Presbyterian Church.

Halloween Dance

The Halloween Dance is Friday October 30th from 7:00-9:00 P.M. 

Principal Notes

It has been an amazing fall. I would like to again just thank all members of the Pine Glen Community (parents, the P.T.O., teachers, fire and police officials) for their continued support. We have put into practice an unbelievable amount of academic researched based practice in a short amount of time. Please pass along and share a thank-you to the teachers at Pine Glen for the hard work they have and will continue to provide. We are the envy of many communities given the fact that we have up and operating a common schedule that has daily built in common planning time for teachers. In addition, we have created a culture through new practices (i.e. drop-off, pick-up, and absentee policy) that holds instructional time has crucial and not to be interrupted. Furthermore, we have a set intervention time with intervention practices and staff to provide them up and going. Our goal is a noble one: to ensure the ALL students are making gains.

Literacy and Home

One of our Pine Glen community’s big focuses this year is literacy. Parents can be active team members in helping us with our literacy focus. One of leading causes of difficulty with reading, obesity, lack of attention, and sickness is related to not getting enough sleep. Please ensure your children are receiving an appropriate amount of sleep. A terrific idea is to have a set schedule on school nights for example, when teeth are brushed, children are in their rooms at a set time, and literacy occurs right before sleep. For example, with primary grade students it is great fun to have your child read one of his/her instructionally appropriate books to you and then after you read a book to your child. This is one of my favorite parts of the day that I do myself with my kindergarten daughter. For older students, it might be taking turns reading pages or chapters. Reading is not just about stating the words. Oral language is a big component of literacy. The rich, engaging and fun conversations you can have with children about what you read will be wonderful. If you think about how much time students spend at sports or after school activities during the week, it is interesting to compare this to how much time they spend on literacy during the week. To use another sports analogy, Tom Brady did not simply become a great quarterback by simply going to games and practices; he put in additional time above and beyond. This holds true for literacy as well.

The Halloween Dance

I am very excited and eager to attend my first Halloween Dance at Pine Glen School. This looks to be a lot of fun. In order to ensure this is a great and wonderful time for all, please help us make this event safe. There is one and only one entrance to the school during this event: the front doors. All other doors - particularly the Fire-Exit doors in the cafeteria - are not to be used. The play structure outside is designed to be used for recess. We do not have sufficient lighting for nighttime and staff to supervise at such activities. Likewise, the doors in the lobby leading out to the structure are not to be opened. Children are under parental supervision for evening and after school events. Students at these events are not allowed to run.

In planning your Halloween costume, please remember that no swords, light-sabers, knives, guns or other violent objects can be brought to school (even play parts of costumes).

Please help me remind parents at the Halloween Dance of the Fire/Safety guidelines. Parents/students who might impede upon the rest of the participant’s terrific and enjoyable evening will be asked to leave the event and be suspended from all future events over the course of the academic year.

Safety: Security at Drop-Off and CORI’s

The large majority of parents are doing a terrific job in ensuring a safe procedural way for their children to begin the school day.

Please remember not to drop-off students prior to 8:20. Teachers are not on duty. It is not safe to leave your children unsupervised in a parking lot.

At 8:35 the school day has begun. Teachers/staff on duty need to leave their duty assignments and report to their respective teaching spaces. If a car arrives at 8:35 or later, simply park your car and walk your children to the office to sign in. Please do not walk your children to class, this results in a distraction to classroom instruction.

No adult can be in the building with students if they have not had a CORI check. If you are unsure about your CORI being up to date, please call Mrs. Gosselin in the office to confirm. A CORI can be completed at Central Office located at Burlington High School.

Event Notice

Does your son or daughter send text messages?

Does your son or daughter have a Facebook page?
I’ll bet the answer TO ONE OR THE OTHER is YES!
If it is YES, then you’ll be interested in this event!

What’s really going on when your child is online? Become better informed about online issues impacting youth, such as social networking sites, predators, sexting and cyber bullying. Effective prevention and intervention strategies for parents will be outlined and discussed. Co-sponsored with the Burlington Public Schools, presented by Margie Daniels, M.Ed., L.I.C.S.W., Executive Director of Partnership for Youth, in conjunction with the Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone’s Office.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the Burlington High School Auditorium.

For more information please contact Dennis McCarron at dandmmccarron@hotmail.com

Note from the PTO

Note From the PTO


Thank you to all that attended the Ice Cream Social!!  What a wonderfully attended event!!  Fun was surely had by all!!

Thank you also to the the many volunteers!! The Ice Cream Social would not have been possible without you.

The winners of the PTO Raffle are as follows:
VIP Seating to a Pine Glen Event

Virginia Churchill Sahid

Melissa Ganley

$25 Shaws Gift Card

Karla Arrington

PTO News

We are excited to begin a Scrip Fundraising Program (Gift Cards)!  Order gift cards from local & national retailers and we automatically get a percentage.  Francis Wyman have had great success with this program and we hope we can do the same!!  Look for details in your child's backpack on October 30th!

Note from PTO

............COMING SOON...............

PINE GLEN PTO ARE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE THE SCRIP FUNDRAISING PROGRAM!!!!

LOOK FOR FULL DETAILS IN YOUR CHILD'S BACKPACK ON OCTOBER 23rd.

WHAT IS SCRIP--- simply put --- GIFT CARDS from retailers that we all know!! (They are the same gift cards you buy at the store)! Some of the retailers included in the program are: STOP & SHOP, SHAW'S, SHELL, OUTBACK, DUNKIN DONUTS, HOME DEPOT, PANERA BREAD, CVS PHARMACY, CHEESECAKE FACTORY, BARNES & NOBLE, I TUNES, OLD NAVY, just to name a few!!!!

PINE GLEN PTO purchases the Gift Cards from Great Lakes Scrip Center at FACE VALUE and they give us a certain percentage of all Gift Card Sales!!!!!

NO SELLING....

NO ADDITIONAL SPENDING...

JUST PLAN AHEAD FOR UPCOMING HOLIDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, THANK YOU's or MISCELLANEOUS GIFTS.

Note From the PTO

Ice Cream Social

Sponsored by the Pine Glen PTO

Join us for the annual ice cream social!! This is a free event open to all Pine Glen families. Come and make your own ice cream sundae! The social is a great way to meet new friends and spend time with old friends. We hope to see you there!

If you haven't signed up to become a member of the Pine Glen PTO please take a minute to stop by the PTO table.

Once you sign up your name will be entered into a drawing for a Gift Card or VIP Seating at a Pine Glen School Event!

Winners will be drawn during the Ice Cream Social!!

WHEN: Thursday, October 8
TIME: 6 PM – 8 PM
PLACE: Pine Glen Cafeteria

NOTE FROM BHS MUSIC

The Burlington High School Music Boosters are selling tickets to see The Lion King on February 17, 2010 at 7 pm (Feb vacation week) through Broadway Across America and its Event Usher service. Ticket purchases include a built-in donation to the group! Go to: http://www.eventusher.broadwayacrossamerica.com/. (enter “BURLING2009” at the login prompt). For info contact Boosters Pres. Donna Gregorio: burlgregs@yahoo.com.

NOTE FROM BURLINGTON UNION

Halloween is right around the corner, and the Burlington Union wants to read your spookiest story. Burlington pupils in grades one through six is eligible to write a spine-tingly tale to share with Burlington Union readers. Entry form, rules, and information are available on the Burlington Union's web site at www.wickedlocal.com/burlington. All entries must be received no later than Wednesday, October 22. Simon Malls has once again graciously donated prizes for the top three stories and all stories will be printed in a special section of the October 29 edition of the Burlington Union and will also be posted on the web site at www.wickedlocal.com/burlington.

Lunch MENU---WEEK OF October 5, 2009 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MONDAY---------Chicken Wrap, Potato Puffs, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

TUESDAY--------Taco’s, Corn, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

WEDNESDAY – Turkey on Croissant, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

THURSDAY------Pasta w/butter, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

FRIDAY-----------Pizza, Salad, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

Note From the Principal: Schedule Change

As a result of contractual obligations with the cafeteria staff in the district, changes will be made to the master schedule that will begin on Monday (October 5, 2009). Second and third grade had been going to lunch and then recess (12:45-1:35). The new schedule will have students in those grade levels go to lunch first and then recess. A second change will call for first grade to now go to recess/lunch with kindergarten from (11:30-12:20). One second grade class that went to lunch with the first grade once a week will now go with the kindergarten and first grade on that day. I want to thank the cafeteria workers at Pine Glen for their flexibility to date.
John Lyons
Principal

Note from the Superintendent: Schedule Change

Due to contractual obligations at the district level there will need to be change to the recess and lunch schedule at Pine Glen. I understand the research that initiated this change and benefits for students to have recess before lunch. It is too late for the district to have detailed contract changes without disrupting the progress that we have made in the schedule. We can certainly meet with the cafeteria workers this coming spring to discuss additional changes to the lunch schedule for next year. I apologize for requiring the change back to the lunch and recess schedule. The fault is mine. The cafeteria workers have been very accommodating.
Dr. Eric Conti
Superintendent

Note from the School Nurse and Principal

The annual vision, hearing and growth screening program will be happening within the next few months at Pine Glen School in grades 1-5. In addition to measuring height and weight the Burlington School Nurses will be using a standard screening tool called "body mass index" (BMI).

Last spring, public health regulators unanimously approved the screening of body mass index (BMI) in school children. 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. Your child's screening will be supervised by the school nurse and physical education staff. 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.

For more information please click on the link below.


BMI screening will begin this fall in Mass. schools - White Coat Notes - Boston.com

Note From the PTO

Ice Cream Social

Sponsored by the Pine Glen PTO

Join us for the annual ice cream social!! This is a free event open to all Pine Glen families. Come and make your own ice cream sundae! The social is a great way to meet new friends and spend time with old friends. We hope to see you there!

WHEN: Thursday, October 8
TIME: 6 PM – 8 PM
PLACE: Pine Glen Cafeteria

A Note From Traffic Safety Officer

To all Pine Glen Parents:

Please adhere to the proper drop off and pick up procedures outlined by the school administration. Together we have worked hard, with the bus company, to ensure that all of the children attending the Pine Glen are safe and away from any moving vehicles. By parking in the wrong place, dropping off students to early, dropping off and picking up in non designated areas and driving too fast, you are endangering all of the children here including your own!

To those of you already complying with the rules, I thank you.

Bernie Schipelliti
Traffic Safety Officer
Burlington Police Department

NOTE FROM BSTC

The Burlington Swim and Tennis Club is having a huge yard sale on Saturday, September 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Available for sale will be children's toys, books, Halloween costumes, baby items, exercise equipment, household items, and more. Coffee and baked goods will also be available for sale. BSTC is a nonprofit, volunteer operated pool/tennis/social club. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the club. The club is located at 1 Country Club Lane (off of Center St.).

NOTE FROM PAC

Parents, do you feel that your son or daughter could be doing better in school? Perhaps your child is a bright kid who just isn't reaching their potential. Maybe your child gets along well with others, loves coming to school and has lots of friends. Maybe not.


If you want to know how to help. If you'd like to learn how to work in a positive way with your child's school to help your child reach their potential, join Burlington P.A.C.E. (Parents Advocating for their Children's Education) at our annual Basic Rights Seminar on Wednesday September 30, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. in the School Committee Room at Burlington High School. Hundreds of parents have raved about how much they learned at this presentation. Please join us, you'll be glad you did.

Contact Dennis McCarron at dandmmccarron@hotmail.com for more information about this and other Burlington P.A.C.E. programs.

Lunch Menu

MENU----------WEEK OF September 28, 2009 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50


MONDAY---------Popcorn Chicken, Mashed Potato, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

TUESDAY---------Egg & Egg Croissant, Potato Puffs, Rice, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

WEDNESDAY -- Hot Dog, Veggie Dippers, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

THURSDAY------Pasta w/Butter or Meat Sauce, Tossed Salad, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

FRIDAY-----------Chicken Parm Sandwich, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

Note From the Principal

Thank you to all who attended at our annual Open House. The Pine Glen staff enjoyed the opportunity of sharing student work and outlines for the upcoming academic year. There was excitement in the air by all who were present in the building. We are so fortunate to have a school community that recognizes the importance of supporting one another. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet and talk with many of the attendees last night. I truly thank all members of the Pine Glen Community for their commitment to education.

Sincerely,
John Lyons

NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

Hearing and vision will be checked on all kindergarten students at Pine Glen, beginning on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. Parents will be notified only if their child does not pass a test. Please call the health office at 781-270-1713 if you have any questions.

Volunteers Needed

Mr. Papadonis needs 5 parents from each school to volunteer for the RE/MAX hot air balloon ride and Burlington “Up in the Air” Science Center Program. If interested, please email the Pine Glen P.T.O. at their new email address: pineglen@burlingtonpto.org.

Principal’s Message

We believe that reading is a fundamental skill for academic success, and that every child has the potential and ability to read fluently with strong comprehension skills at grade level expectations. As you may know from watching Dr. Conti’s presentation on BCAT or visiting the Burlington Public Schools’ website (www.burlington.mec.edu), we have developed a plan to make that belief a reality for every Burlington student. The term ‘RtI’ (Response to Intervention) has been used to describe the model we are using, which essentially means flexibly grouping students for instruction based on their skill level and need, tailoring instruction to meet those needs (known as ‘intervention’), checking progress frequently to ensure that the student is responding positively (making progress), and modifying the instruction if necessary to promote improvement. Over the next week, we will continue to administer the diagnostic online reading assessment called DORA (explained in last week’s bulletin) to all students in grades 1-5 to determine where they are as readers at this point in time. The results from this testing, along with data from other forms of assessment used by teachers to measure growth, will guide us in determining reading groups and specific instruction to help every child to become a more skilled and more confident reader. Please join us at Back to School Night on September 24th to learn more about the curriculum and learning experiences planned for the upcoming year, and how you can support your child’s success as a reader and as a learner.

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.

RE/MAX Balloon to Appear at “Up In The Air” Burlington Science Center Program

The Burlington Science Center has coordinated with Burlington resident and local Realtor, Carol McDonald Macri of RE/MAX Encore, to offer a very special opportunity to take a ride in the RE/MAX of New England Hot Air Balloon. Sponsored by RE/MAX Encore, "Big Max," the seven-story-tall red, white and blue RE/MAX hot air balloon, will take place at the Burlington High School Football Field on October 6th @ 3:15PM. Burlington students in grades K-5 will be invited (parents and siblings are also welcome to attend the event). Approximately, 100 students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will be selected to actually ride in the RE/MAX balloon while tethered to the ground! The students will gain the opportunity by having their ticket “drawn” in a raffle at the event. The “Up In The Air” Launch will take place Weather Permitting. Attendees should watch the BCAT Educational Channel for a postponement notice due to inclement weather conditions.
The event will also include The Burlington Science Center’s Rocket Car, Mini Hot Air Balloon and the launching of some very Large Scale Model Rockets. Mr. Papadonis and Ms. Pavlicek of the Science Center will also share their “flight science” expertise with the students.
“Most children don’t ever have an opportunity to experience something like this. It’s great community fun, while at the same time educational. My team and I are pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this community event,” said Carol.
The RE/MAX hot air balloon is the widely recognized corporate logo for RE/MAX real estate offices worldwide, owner of the largest corporate hot air balloon "fleet" in the world. Carol McDonald Macri, and The Solutions Team are affiliated with RE/MAX Encore of Wilmington. They are proud to be able to give back to the community and have a positive impact on the children. www.SolutionsRealEstateTeam.com.

NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

Symptoms of the flu may include fever and cough/or sore throat. Some people may also have a runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, diarrhea and vomiting. The most important thing you can do to help keep the flu from spreading is to keep your child home when he/she is sick. Use this checklist (guidelines from the Dept. of Public Health) to determine:

WHEN SHOULD I KEEP MY CHILD HOME?
Has your child had a fever of 100.4 degrees or more in the past 24 hours? Yes or No
Does your child have a cough or sore throat? Yes or No
If you answered YES to both questions above, keep your child home. Your child has an influenza-like illness.

WHEN CAN MY CHILD RETURN TO SCHOOL?
Has your child had a fever of 100.4 degrees or more in the past 24 hours? Yes or No
Has your child had acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) in the past 24 hours? Yes or No
If you answered NO to both questions above, your child can return to school.

If you answered YES to one of the questions above, your child CANNOT return to school. Keep your child home for at least another day to observe for additional symptoms. Then use the checklist questions again to decide whether to keep your child home.

Children should be kept home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (over 100.4 degrees, without the use of fever-reducing medicines like Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil.

For more information check-out the Mass. Dept. of Public Health influenza website: mass.gov/flu or www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu

Thank-you for your help in keeping our children and school healthy.

NOTE FROM BBSA

BBSA is having tryouts for 2010 baseball Major league. Tryouts are Saturday September 19th at 12 Noon at Memorial School rear field. And Saturday September 26th at 2pm at Regan Park. For 11 year old players (played in AA last year), the tryout is mandatory to be considered for the Majors draft next Spring. If you do not attend one of the tryouts, you will still be able to play AAA next Spring. 12 year old players (born 5/1/97-4/30/98) have their choice of playing in AAA or Majors next Spring. If you would like to play Majors, it is recommended that you attend the tryout for evaluation.

NOTE FROM THE LIBRARY

Need 2 Read Book Club: If you enjoyed the Star Jumper Club (or wish you had the chance to), this is for you! Join Mary at the Burlington Public Library for monthly meetings. The first book is "Billy the Fish." Pick up your copy and register today at the Youth Services desk. Thurs., Oct. 8, @ 3:30 will be our first meeting. (Call 781-270-1692.)

NOTE FROM MUSIC TEACHER

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 22-23, 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 5. Any questions please call Mr. Napierkowski's voicemail at 781-273-7032 or email napierkowski@burlington.mec.edu.

Lunch Menu for Week of September 21, 2009

MENU----------WEEK OF September 21, 2009 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50


MONDAY---------No School Professional Development Day

TUESDAY--------Nacho Grande, Rice, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

WEDNESDAY – Baked Chicken, Potato, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

THURSDAY------Pasta w/Butter or Meat Sauce, Tossed Salad, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

FRIDAY-----------Pizza, Veggie Dippers, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

Meadow Farms Fundraiser

The fundraiser packets going home today state the return date as 9/25/09. This is an error on the part of the company. The actual due date is October 2nd. Please notify Katherine Swan at kanialem@gmail.com if you have any questions.

COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

I will host an informal coffee hour on Tuesday, September 29 from 9-10 a.m. in the Pine Glen Art Gallery. Parents and guardians of the Pine Glen students are welcome to attend. This is an opportunity to meet and talk with other parents in the community, look at student art work and discuss some of the many wonderful things taking place at Pine Glen School.

Open House

Pine Glen Open House will be on September 24, from 6:00 to 7:30. The night will begin in the cafeteria at 6:00 for opening remarks. Then you will be free to proceed to your child’s classroom. 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.

NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

I will be happy to administer medication to your child if he/she needs a school-time dose. The medication needs to be in a pharmacy-labeled container. A signed parental consent and physician's order are also needed before the medication can be administered. Also, please check your child for any signs of head lice. One of the most common signs is itching. Lice are transmitted through close contact with any infected person or through shared combs, hats and personal items. Please call me at 781-270-1713, if you have any questions. I look forward to your child having a happy, healthy school year.

NOTE FROM THE LIBRARY

Need 2 Read Book Club: If you enjoyed the Star Jumper Club (or wish you had the chance to), this is for you! Join Mary at the Burlington Public Library for monthly meetings. The first book is "Billy the Fish." Pick up your copy and register today at the Youth Services desk. Thurs., Oct. 8, @ 3:30 will be our first meeting. (Call 781-270-1692.)

NOTE FROM MUSIC TEACHER

4th and 5th graders attended an assembly on Wednesday that demonstrated the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone. Students interested in beginning lessons on one of these instruments received a notice describing the instrumental program. Please return the bottom of that notice to school by Monday, September 14 if you and your child wish to participate. A commitment to practicing at home is essential for success. The Rayburn Music company will be at the Burlington High School cafeteria on Tuesday, September 15 from 6:00-8:00 pm. They offer a rent-to-own program for new and previously owned instruments. If you can not attend this meeting, please call Rayburn at 1-888-729-2876 or the company of your choice to obtain an instrument and an Accent on Achievement method book. Beginner lessons will start the week of September 21. Deadline for obtaining instruments is the week of October 5. Any questions please call Mr. Napierkowski's voicemail at 781-273-7032 or email napierkowski@burlington.mec.edu.

NOTE FROM BURLINGTON SOCCER

The Burlington Fall U-6 (Kindergarten) and U-8 (1st and 2nd graders) Soccer Clinic programs will begin Sat. Sept. 12th and run through Sat. Oct. 31st, at Lower MSMS with U6 running from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and U8 running from 4-5:30 p.m. You can register now on-line at www.BurlingtonSoccer.org. The fee is $60, after 9/15 a $15 late fee will apply.

Coming Attractions – Open House September 24, 2009

Lunch MENU-WEEK OF September 14, 2009 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50

MENU----------WEEK OF September 14, 2009 Full Lunch $2.50 Milk $.50


MONDAY---------Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

TUESDAY---------French Toast Sticks, Sausages Links, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

WEDNESDAY -- Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

THURSDAY------Pasta w/Butter or Meat Sauce, Cheesy Bread Sticks, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

FRIDAY-----------Pizza, Tossed Salad, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

AVAILABLE DAILY—Pizza, Bagels, Peanut Butter & Jelly/Fluff, Cereal & Yogurt, Assortment of Snacks & Ice Cream

DORA (Diagnostic Online Reading Assessment)

Last spring we piloted an online reading test called DORA (Diagnostic Online Reading Assessment) with some of our students. This pilot allowed us to work out the logistics of administering the online test as well as an opportunity to learn more about the information this test provides regarding the reading achievement of each student. This computerized test takes about 45 minutes and provides us with immediate results regarding several reading skills. These results will guide us as we determine reading groups and specific instruction for our students. Results will be shared with parents. Next week, students in grades one through five will be administered this assessment. The students in grades kindergarten through grade 5 will take the test again in January as a midyear check point. The test will be administered in June as an end-of-year check. By utilizing this test as a “Universal Screening” tool, we will be able to quickly and efficiently determine all students’ progress and determine instructional needs. This is an important testing program to assure that all students’ reading skills are showing growth. If you are interested in learning more about this test and online program, please visit the website http://www.letsgolearn.com.

September 11, 2009

Students at Pine Glen today will honor heroes in our community. This is a time to remember those individuals in our community who help keep us safe. The event will take place outside at 1:30 P.M. In the case of rain, the event will be held in the café.

Parents can not drop-off students before 8:15 A.M. and leave them unattended. Teachers are on duty at 8:15 A.M.

Pine Glen School doors open for students at 8:20 AM. For safety reasons, it is important that children are never dropped off before 8:15 A.M. If children travel to school by bus, they enter through the front door. If transported by car, children enter through the door at the end of the academic wing. Upon arrival, all students should report to their classrooms where they are greeted by their teachers. Our school day officially begins at 8:35 A.M., when students should be in their classrooms. To ensure optimum learning and maximum teaching time, students need to be present and on time every day.

Meeting Wednesday, September 9th at 7:00 p.m. about School Choice

There have also been many questions about the School Choice option. To address questions and concerns about School Choice and AYP, Dr. Conti will host a meeting on Wednesday, September 9 at 7:00 in the Francis Wyman School auditorium. The meeting is open to all parents from any of the four elementary schools. Please plan to attend so that you can have a better understanding of the MCAS results, AYP, and School Choice.

The First PTO Meeting is on Thursday, September 10th at 7 p.m.

The PTO

The PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is a vital component to any school. Parent participation is the best way to show support for your child's school and teachers, and shows that you value your child's education.

The Pine Glen School benefits greatly from our PTO, but so can you as parents. It can provide you with an excellent forum for parental concerns and issues, a communication network for sharing ideas, and a wonderful way to meet other parents and families.

Your PTO cannot survive, however, without active parental support. We welcome and encourage participation from all parents. Meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of most school months. Please come and support the Pine Glen School and our students.

How Does the PTO help Pine Glen?

• Defrays cost of field trips
• Kindergarten orientation & t-shirts
• Camp Bournedale scholarships
• Halloween Dance
• D.A.R.E. Graduation
• Carnival
• Family BBQ
• Fifth grade Cedardale Trip
• Fifth grade graduation and yearbook
• BHS scholarships
• Teacher/Staff appreciation lunch
• Five Star General rewards
• Enrichment programs
• Playground equipment
• Computer hardware/software
• School Spirit committee
• B.E.E.P. programs
• Ice Cream Social
• School beautification
• School Calendar/Handbook
• School Telephone Directory
• Pre-School reading program

How Can YOU Help?

• Pay your annual dues (giving you voting rights at PTO meetings).

• Attend some or all of the eight PTO meetings held in September, October, November, January, February, March, April, and May. Be part of the decision-making process.

• Volunteer your time by participating on a committee or helping on the day of night of an event.

Kindergarten Orientation

It was wonderful to meet the new kindergarten students and their parents at kindergarten orientation. Thank you to the P.T.O. for providing breakfast.  P.T.O. volunteers pictured are Secretary Michelle Grossman, Treasurer Jolene Fogerty, and Co-President Maria Woods.

President Barack Obama Speech to America’s Students

September 4, 2009

President Barrack Obama will deliver a speech to the students of America on September 8, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. The president will speak to students about succeeding in school. The U.S. Department of Education invites students of all ages, teachers, and administrators to participate in this historic moment by watching the president deliver the address.

This is a historical event and Dr. Conti and the Burlington School Committee have said it is at teacher’s discretion to show this event to students. If you do not want your child to watch this historic event, please send a note to your child’s teacher.

New Books

In the Spring of 2009, the Pine Glen School Community wanted to do something special to honor Mrs. Dwyer upon her retirement. With donations from parents and students, the Library was able to purchase books for the Library in Mrs. Dwyer's name. These new purchases which include The Massachusetts Children's Book Award Nominees for 2009-2010, Art books and Folktales are now displayed in the Pine Glen School Library.

First Day of School

The first day of school is usually always accompanied by angst and nervousness as students ponder what their first day will be like. “Will I have friends in my classroom?” “Will my teacher be nice?” Where will I sit in the cafeteria?” These are just a few examples of the many questions that are probably zooming through your child’s head. To help calm their fears empower your child by advising them to think positively and remind them that their classmates are probably just as worried as they are! Everyone hopes for the best and imagines the worst but I propose that we realize the best by planning for the worst. Ensure less stress by packing up the backpack the night before rather than the morning of school. A good night’s rest will help recharge your children’s internal batteries so be sure to have them sleep at least eight hours. Finally, be sure to give them some healthy fuel to start their day, breakfast is essential. Once they arrive at school, hopefully all first day butterflies will quickly fly away as your student connects with staff and classmates. We at Pine Glen School are excited to welcome your children, encourage their confidence and help them feel in control as they start the 2009-2010 school year!

Jessica May
Pine Glen School
Guidance Counselor

Arrival

Pine Glen School doors open for students at 8:20 AM. For safety reasons, it is important that children are never dropped off before 8:15 A.M. unless they are enrolled in a before school program or school related activity. If children travel to school by bus, they enter through the front door. If transported by car, children enter through the door at the end of the academic wing. Upon arrival, all students should report to their classrooms where they are greeted by their teachers. Our school day officially begins at 8:35 A.M., when students should be in their classrooms and ready for morning announcements. To assure optimum learning and maximum teaching time, students need to be present and on time every day.

Student safety is priority number one at the Pine Glen School. Burlington Police Safety Officer Bernie Schipelliti is has been instrumental in the development of our dismissal policy.

From Safety Officer Schipilletti:
• DO NOT PASS VEHICLES IN FRONT OF YOU

• DO NOT PASS SCHOOL BUSES WHILE THEY ARE DISCHARGING STUDENTS

• BY STATE LAW, BUSES MAY NEVER BE PASSED IF THEIR LIGHTS ARE FLASHING

When dropping children off in the morning or picking them up at dismissal time, all vehicles must enter the first entryway into the parking lot and drive in a clockwise path through the parking lot to the horse shoe path in front of the side academic wing of the building. Cars must stay in a single file line as they wait their turn to pull up for student exit or entry from the vehicle.

No one is to drive a car in the driveway in front of the building during pick up and dismissal.

Parents leaving their vehicles and walking into the building to take students at pick-up time or escort them to by-pass this procedure will kindly be asked to return to their vehicles and proceed to the pick-up/drop-off line.

If you need to enter the school with your child in the morning or afternoon during dismissal or pick up for a related educational reason (to carry in a special project, provide medicine to the nurse, etc.), you must park in the parking lot and enter the school through the FRONT door. Under no circumstances should children be crossing the traffic line between the lot and the school without an adult.

For the safety of everyone – children, parents, and staff members – please follow these very important guidelines

New Staff Members to the Pine Glen Community

Pictured above are three new staff members to our Pine Glen Community. We are very excited to welcome Maureen Skehan (special education teacher), Jessica May (guidance counselor) and Noreen Groom (special education teacher). Please make sure you give our new staff a warm Pine Glen welcome when you meet them.

Additional Information on Pick-Up/Drop-Off

We will have three teachers on duty for Pick-Up/Drop-Off. As cars pull-up, the driver will tell a teacher with a walkie-talkie to radio into the school the name of the students he/she is picking up. Another teacher will escort students to the car. If for some reason students are not ready, the teacher will ask the car to pull-over to the side in order that the flow of the Pick-Up/Drop-Off line will continue.

Superintendent's Blog Post

I would kindly invite the anonymous dad that wrote the post on the Superintendent's Blog to contact me via a phone call. I would be very happy to invite this individual into my office to discuss the powerful initiatives we have in place at Pine Glen School for the upcoming school year. The welcome back letter which is posted on this Blog outlines some of these exciting modifications we are making at Pine Glen.

AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRANCE

A child entering kindergarten must be five years old by August 31st of the entering year. A child entering first grade that has not attended public kindergarten in Burlington must be six years old by August 31st of the entering year.

Public Safety Meeting

Student safety is priority number one at the Pine Glen School. This summer I had the opportunity to meet with public safety officials.  At the public safety meeting Fire Chief Lee Callahan, Lieutenant Mark Saia, D.A.R.E. Officer Keith Sheppard, Police Chief Francis Hart and I reviewed the Pine Glen Safety Team Plan.

KINDERGARTEN MEET AND GREET - Tuesday August 25 2009

It was wonderful to meet the many kindergarten students, siblings and parents who attended the Kindergarten playdate today.  The students had fun and enjoyed the popsicles.  Thank you very much to Pam Moreira and the P.T.O. for organizing this terrific event!

Welcome Letter

August 21, 2009


Dear Members of the Pine Glen School Community,


I would like to welcome staff, parents, students, and all members of Pine Glen Elementary School Community to the start of our school year. It has been such a pleasure this summer to meet so many of you. Thank you for making my first summer at Pine Glen so enjoyable.

The staff at Pine Glen has been working hard all summer to prepare the building for the upcoming school year. Teachers have been in frequently during the summer putting up bulletin boards, preparing their classrooms, and collaborating. I would especially like to thank custodians Kenny Ramsdell, Barbara Nunes, Brian Hayes, and school secretary Julie Gosselin for their countless hours of hard work in both the never-ending rain and 90 degree heat. We are all looking forward to an exciting school year at Pine Glen filled with learning, community, and fun.

This summer I have had the opportunity to meet several parents, staff, public safety officials, town officials, and students. I have greatly valued and enjoyed the wonderful conversations and suggestions. In all my discussions it was very apparent that Pine Glen is an exemplary learning community.

Our community is fortunate to have amazing teachers with high levels of expertise. We as a community this year will see adjustments made to Pine Glen to capitalize upon teachers’ high level of aptitude and knowledge. These adjustments will allow teachers the flexibility to maximize instructional time, ensure student safety, increase student exposure to technology, institute data driven instruction, provide scientifically based interventions and continue to maintain caring inviting classroom communities that encourage students to take intellectual risks.

To maximize time on learning we as a community must value and understand the importance of uninterrupted instructional time. With regard to requests for changes in student departures, the Pine Glen office will only honor these requests until 10:30 A.M. unless it is an emergency. It can be disconcerting to a student to be uncertain where he or she is going after school while simultaneously learning new concepts. Likewise, classroom interruptions to inform the teacher and student of these changes result in the need to redirect the class and the loss of quality instructional time. In addition, it is of great benefit to all learners that students arrive at school with a definitive departure plan for their day.

Student safety is priority number one at the Pine Glen School. Burlington Police Safety Officer Bernie Schipelliti and I examined the student drop-off and pick-up procedure and realized the urgent need for modifications. This school year parents will take part in an improved and safer drop-off and pick-up process. Vehicles will enter the first entryway into the parking lot and drive in a clockwise path through the parking lot to the horse shoe path in front of the side academic wing of the building. I encourage parents to visit my Principal’s Blog which contains pictures and video to assist in navigating the new process. (To access the Blog go to the Burlington Home Page, http://www.burlington.mec.edu, click on the Pine Glen link under the School Sites heading and on the Pine Glen Home Page the chalk board will have as one of the choices Principal’s Blog.) Parents leaving their vehicles and walking into the building to take students at pick-up time will kindly be asked to return to their vehicles and proceed to the pick-up line. This new procedure will help provide a more extensive and secure monitoring of individuals entering and exiting the building at the end of the school day.

Our Pine Glen community must embrace and promote technology to prepare and provide students with technological skills necessitated by our society. We are very fortunate this year to welcome the purchase of five new Smart Boards. This technology offers many unique and engaging opportunities for students to learn and grasp new skills and concepts. We as a community can also serve as models for students in the use of available technology. As mentioned earlier, I am excited to inform community members of information this year via the Blog. (The Superintendent’s Blog is also a great source of information.) The blog, in lieu of a weekly newsletter, provides the ability to share video/pictures, an archive, and information in a timely manner. An email chain was considered this summer however, as I am sure people have experienced with their own email when doing mass emails, several are often “bounced back” and a potential computer virus to an address bank of 300 or more potential emails could be catastrophic. If there is an urgent need to communicate information to parents immediately, a Connect-Ed phone call will be issued and follow up information with be posted on the Principal’s Blog. If members of our community do not have access to a computer, a form will accompany your child home with the first day materials where a request can be made for printed information. An additional added benefit of the blog is, hopefully, a large reduction in paper consumption. A reduction in paper is not only of benefit to our environment but, also allows more flexibility for financial and human resources to be directed to students.

A further way we can strive to promote a caring and inviting learning community for students is to examine all portions of the school day. This year students will have recess before lunch. There has been much research recently showing the benefits of students having recess before lunch. Students who have lunch prior to recess typically eat their lunch too quickly or skip portions of the meal all together in a desire to seek play time. Also, those students who do eat lunch and then run immediately after often complain of an upset belly (indigestion). On the other hand, students having lunch after recess grants them the ability to eat a meal and give them the needed energy and down time to refocus and learn at optimal levels.

I am pleased to welcome new staff members to the Pine Glen Community this year. We have two new special education teachers joining us this year; Noreen Groom and Maureen Skehan. We will also have Jessica May joining us as our new guidance counselor. Jennifer Rzasa will be joining our music staff. In addition to the new teachers, I would like to welcome Michelle Gilbert who will be joining us in the role of instructional assistant and Melissa Hanafin who will be our permanent substitute teacher. Please make sure you give our new staff a warm Pine Glen welcome when you meet them.

One of the best ways to support and promote our Pine Glen Community is to join and participate in the Parent Teacher Organization (P.T.O.). I wish to thank P.T.O. president Maria Woods and all the members of the P.T.O. for their on going support and assistance! We are so fortunate to have such a caring and committed organization supporting our students, school, and community.

I am eager and excited to start our first day of school with students in grades 1-5 on September 2nd and kindergartners on September 8th. The Pine Glen staff is eagerly looking forward to the joy and creativity which the students bring us. We cannot wait to instruct and inspire student expression.

If you have any comments, concerns or questions throughout the year, please call me at (781) 270-1712 or email jlyons@burlington.mec.edu. On behalf of the entire staff, I would like to wish all of you a wonderful school year.


Sincerely,


John Lyons
Principal
Pine Glen School