Thursday, November 19, 2009

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!!!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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!

Friday, November 13, 2009

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).

Thursday, November 12, 2009

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.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

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.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

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.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

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!

Monday, November 2, 2009

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.