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