Visitors from the British International School

Teachers from the British International School visited fourth grade classrooms today at Pine Glen Elementary School.  Michelle Ardizoni, our technology integration specialist, Mr. Lyons along with the fourth grade students and fourth grade teachers helped to show our guests some of the ways we integrate technology into instruction.  Our guests loved seeing how students used Foundational Apps on their iPads to show knowledge, skills and learning. 

England has recently adopted a  national curriculum for computing or coding beginning in the primary grades.  

Pine Glen Carnival - Saturday March 19th, 9am - 2pm

Come to the Pine Glen carnival 

this Saturday, 9:00am - 2:00pm!

Welcome Mrs. Doherty

Mrs. Doherty is our new secretary at Pine Glen Elementary School. She joined Mrs. Gosselin in the main office this week. We are very excited to have Mrs. Doherty join our staff.

Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical

PRESS RELEASE

BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

Contact: Vanessa Ovian, 617-257-9916, vovian@comcast.net

March 10, 2016

Burlington MA. Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical. Presented by Burlington High School Drama Club and Performing Arts Department: April 1, 2 and 8 @ 7:30 pm, April 3 and 10 at 2:00 pm. The delightful story of nanny Mary Poppins who brings magic and memorable adventures to a family who is in desperate need of a lesson or two and who advises, “Anything can happen if you let it!”

Filled with iconic music that has stood the test of time including "Let's Go Fly a Kite," "Practically Perfect," “Spoonful of Sugar,” "Jolly Holiday," "Step In Time," "Chim, Chim, Cher-ee," "Feed the Birds!" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”

Tickets range from $10-$15: www.BurlingtonTheatre.com, 781-A-FUN-TIC, at the box office.

Fogelberg Performing Arts Center, a fully accessible venue, is located on the campus of Burlington High School, 123 Cambridge Street, Burlington MA.

BHS Art Exhibition, Fashion Show, Raffle for the Arts - March 17, 2016

BHS 43rd Annual Art Exhibition,

4th Annual Fashion Show

and 3rd Annual Raffle for the Arts

You are cordially invited to the opening reception for Burlington High School's 43rd Annual Art Exhibition this Thursday, March 17, from 6:30 until 8:30 pm, which is also the night of the high school's Open House. Hundreds of pieces of work from all art classes will be on display in the high school library and main lobby. The show will be up until the April 1, but this is the only night that the exhibition will be open to the general public.

Also that night, the Fashion Design class will be hosting its fourth annual Fashion Show in the lower library. Sure to be an exciting event, the fashion show will begin at 7:00, and will last approximately ½ hour.

The Music program’s Winter Guard plans on conducting a demonstration performance in the library lobby around 7:30.

The third annual Raffle of the Arts, a fundraiser for the Burlington High School Art Department Scholarship Fund, is currently underway. Prizes have been funded with the financial support of Salem Five Bank, and include:

Apple Watch Sport

38mm Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band ($349 value)

Beats Solo2 Wired On-Ear Headphones - Black ($149 value)

David's Teas Gift Basket -- tea set and loose tea sampler ($100 value)

The raffle is a fundraiser for the department’s scholarship fund, which provides awards for graduating seniors enrolling in art, design, photography and architecture programs in college. Ticket sales are currently underway and the raffle will run until March 17. The drawing will be held at the high school’s 43rd annual art exhibition on March 17 at 8 pm. The purchaser does not need to be present at the drawing to win. Tickets are $5 each, or five tickets for $20. Please contact George Ratkevich at ratkevich@bpsk12.org, any high school art teacher, or most art students for more information.

Also open that night will be the high schools’ Cambridge Street Gallery, featuring the paintings of BHS World Languages teacher Ilaria Hoerle.

(Posters and fliers for the event were created by students in Mr. Keith March-Mistler's Digital Publishing class, which is charged with designing and producing graphic works for the Burlington schools and community. One poster is embedded in this document, and others can be found at this link.)

Sincerely,

George Ratkevich

Visual Arts Coordinator

Burlington Public Schools

123 Cambridge Street

Burlington, MA 01803

ratkevich@bpsk12.org

781.273.7024

Adopt-A-Class 2016 Foxwoods Bus Trip

Please join us for a day of fun at Foxwoods, April 30, 2016. Trip includes: R/T motor coach, Wine, Beer, Cheese & Crackers served on the way to Foxwoods, buffet dinner at the Festival Buffet, $10 gaming package, pizza on the ride home,tax and gratuities (driver, trip leader & wait-staff).

All this for just $69 per person.

Departure: St. Margaret’s Church at 1:30 PM. Returns around 11:00 PM

Contact Michelle Tigges at tigges@bpsk12.org to secure your seats.

Burlington High School Guidance Department Early College Planning Grades K through 8

On Thursday March 24th the Burlington High School Guidance Department will sponsor an Early College Planning seminar for parents in grades K through 8. A representative from the Massachusetts Educational Financial Authority, also called MEFA, will discuss college financial planning, saving options and paying for college. This event will be held in the Burlington High School Auditorium beginning at 6:30 on March 24th. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any specific questions about this please contact your respective school.

Reminder to Pre-Order Author Brian Lies' Books

Author and illustrator Brian Lies will be visiting Pine Glen on Tuesday, March 22nd. He will be speaking to our K-3 students about his work. Pre-sale order forms for Brian's books will be sent home this week. Take advantage of the 45% discount- autographed books make great birthday and holiday gifts! Please contact Miss Carney at 781-221-7798 or mcarney@bpsk12.org for more information.

Math

The work attached is from a third grade classroom. I love how this assignment shows higher order thinking and incorporates our school values.

Introducing Ollie

Fourth graders in Mrs.Visocchi's class had an opportunity to work with Ollie, an app controlled robot. Students first learned how to steer Ollie and had the chance to "drive" it around the room. Once everyone had a "test drive," it was time to see if students could complete a challenge. They were asked to move Ollie three meters in a straight line, turn it around, and bring it back to the starting line. Students designed a runway using meter sticks. They measured three meters and discussed strategies to complete the challenge. Students recorded their strategies and observations with each attempt. With each attempt, students got closer to completing this challenge. The students had a wonderful time using Ollie, and it was a fun, engaging way to work collaboratively incorporating math, technology, and the design process.

Harlem Superstars vs BPS Teachers

The Best Family Entertainment in Burlington is Back!!! TD Bank, in support of BHS DECA, Proudly Presents: The Harlem Superstars versus the Burlington Teachers.  Come join us March 18th for great family fun and an entertaining show! This night of family fun includes: a comedy basketball show versus your favorite Burlington Public School Teachers​, and an audience involved half-time show, and spectacular dunk and trick shots.  Tickets are on Sale now at the Burlington Rec Department​ or go to: https://squareup.com/store/bhsdevils $8 advance ticketing (ages 3 and up) by 3/17 and $10 at the door. VIP options available online. Game Info: March 18, 7-9pm, Burlington High School Gym.

Author Brian Lies to Visit Pine Glen

Author and illustrator Brian Lies will be visiting Pine Glen on Tuesday, March 22nd. He will be speaking to our K-3 students about his work. Pre-sale order forms for Brian's books will be sent home this week. Take advantage of the 45% discount- autographed books make great birthday and holiday gifts! Please contact Miss Carney at 781-221-7798 or mcarney@bpsk12.org for more information.

A Letter From the Principal - Student Safety

"Gardening is Easy" Lecture

BURLINGTON COMMUNITY VICTORY GARDEN PRESENTS

Gardening is easy - Come learn how to make it easy and fun at this FREE interactive lecture at the Burlington Library on Saturday March 12 from 10:15AM - 1:30PM. It will increase your understanding of plants and gardening techniques and you can get all your gardening questions answered by our Master gardener Peter Coppola. Also, whether your are a seasoned gardener or a newcomer consider joining the volunteer crew at the Burlington Community Victory Garden behind Francis Wyman Elementary School growing vegetables for the Burlington Food Pantry. Call Jane at 781-864-9367 to volunteer or learn more.

Students of the Week

Students of the Week: Angela Simeone and Jordan Lloyd

Congratulations to Angela Simeone and Jordan Lloyd for being our Students of the Week. Angela and Jordan have done great work showing appropriate, safe and kind behavior (ASK). Thank you for being role models Angela and Jordan.

Burlington PAC Presentation

Please join us for our next presentation

Understanding Executive Functioning

Presented by OTA Wakefield

Wednesday, March 9^th
7:00-9:00pm

(doors open at 6:45)

Marion Tavern

Ever wonder what executive functioning is? 

When kids have issues with executive functioning, any task that requires planning, organization, memory, time management and flexible thinking becomes a challenge.

The more you know about the challenges, the better you’ll be able to help your child build executive skills and manage the difficulties.

Join us for a discussion about what executive functions are and how they impact learning and everyday living.

We hope you can join us for what's shaping up to be a very informative night!

*In addition, Jessica Reedy from the Burlington Youth & Family Services Center will be there for an introduction to their services.

Please contact us at burlingtonspedpac@gmail.com with questions

Dollars for Scholars

The Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation Annual Telethon Fundraiser is Wednesday, March 9, 2016. I invite you and your business to make a tax deductible donation live on Burlington Cable Access Television (BCAT), 6-9PM. Businesses should schedule a time to present your donation and to be interviewed on live TV, please contact Debbie Keene 781-270-8192 or dkeene@bcsfds.org.  You may also make your tax deductible donation on our website www.bcsfds.org, click the donate now button or mail your donation Payable to BCSFDS: BCSFDS Treasurer's Office 29 Center St. Burlington, MA 01803 or drop off at the Treasurer's Office, Town Hall.  The Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation is a Non Profit 501C3. This is our annual major fund-raiser! Thank you for your consideration and helping to...

“Raise Dollars for Scholars.”

Sincerely,
Jack Ferren, President
jferren@bcsfds.org
339-234-4728
www.facebook.com/bcsfds

Harlem Superstars

First Grade and The Lorax

I greatly enjoyed reading the Dr. Seuss book, The Lorax, to the first grade today. The first graders made fanastic Lorax mustaches for Lorax Day.

Dr. Seuss's Birthday

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to read to Mrs. Hoyt's kindergarten classroom.  It was a lot of fun reading a book by Dr. Seuss with all the students wearing their hats.   

Burlington Police School Resources: Twitter Account

Burlington Police School Resources now has an official Twitter account.

We need followers @bpdschools

There’s information on youth issues as well as upcoming BPD programs and classes for our Burlington students. The account will be updated frequently so check back often. Even if you don’t use Twitter a lot please consider following us, the higher the number the more we get recognized. Thanks and have a great day!

Officer Steve Cross  

School Resource Officer

Burlington Police Department

45 Center St.

Burlington, MA  01803

781-505-4919

scross@bpd.org

School: 781-270-2913

scross@bpsk12.org

Certified Instructor:

D.A.R.E. G.R.E.A.T.   radKIDS  R.A.D.

MPTC Level III Instructor

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE PROGRAM IN BURLINGTON

The growing season starts with Spring shares on March 7. Burlington Presbyterian Church and Farmer Dave’s, a sustainable farm in Dracut, MA, continue to bring locally-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables to the town of Burlington with a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Join to receive your weekly share of freshly-harvested produce available in 4 seasons from March to December. Distribution happens on Monday afternoons at Burlington Presbyterian Church, 335 Cambridge St.  Last year 7,800 pounds of unclaimed produce was donated to the Burlington Food Pantry. For more information about 2016 CSA membership, contact Farmer Dave's at (978) 349-1952 or visit http://www.farmerdaves.net to register.

Third Grade MA Historical Figures Movie

On Wednesday our third graders participated in their "wax museum" where they were dressed as their MA historical figure and presented all of their research as well.  After the wax museum concluded in the morning, the third grade students and teachers, Miss Carney and Mrs. Ardizzoni organized an activity where throughout the day, every student came to the lab in character, and we recorded them.  Students stood in front of the green screen, which had an appropriate background, and they were asked to introduce themselves in character and tell us at least two important or significant events in their character's life.  Please enjoy their video below.  Two iPad apps were used to create the video - Green Screen by Do Ink and iMovie.

Students of the Week

Students of the Week: Thomas Gallagher and Liam Gilligan

Congratulations to Thomas Gallagher and Liam Gilligan for being our Students of the Week. Thomas and Liam have done great work showing appropriate, safe and kind behavior (ASK). Thank you for being role models Thomas and Liam!

Appropriate, Safe and Kind (ASK)

Ms. Zanotti, guidance counselor, and Mr. Lyons do quarterly mini-lessons with with all grades about the importance of being appropriate, safe and kind (ASK). The latest lesson focuses on being an "upstander" and not a bystander. In the picture below fourth graders are learning about "upstanders."

Code Blue Drill

We had a Code Blue practice drill today at Pine Glen Elementary School.  The Burlington Police Department and Officer Cross, our School Resource Officer, had a lot of complements for staff and students.  Officer Cross told everyone that we did a great job!  

Fire Drills and Code Blue Drills

Fire Drills and Code Blue practice drills are held periodically during the school year. The purpose of these drills is to prepare children for emergency situations. Fire and Code Blue drills are conducted in conjunction with the Town of Burlington Fire and Police Departments. During a Code Blue drill, police cars might have their sirens on when arriving at the school.   We will be conducting a Code Blue drill this Friday.  A Code Blue procedure will be used when a dangerous scenario impacts the safety of the students. 

Walkthroughs

Today during my daily walkthrough of classrooms, I took some pictures. The first picture is Mr. Wittbold working with a fifth grader on strategies for dividing decimals by decimals. In the second and third picture you can see Ms. Carney, library media specialist, and Mrs. Aridizzoni, instructional technology specialist, working with fourth graders in Mrs. Visocchi's classroom who are researching national parks. The following picture shows Ms. Mills teaching a guided reading lesson to her first graders. The final picture has Mrs. Hayes also teaching a guided reading lesson to her first graders.

Third Grade Wax Museum

The following pictures are from the 3rd Grade's Massachusetts Biography Wax Museum. I am vey proud of all the 3rd graders and the fantastic work they did researching famous people from Massachusetts.

Walkthroughs

Today during my daily walkthroughs of classrooms, I took some pictures. The first picture shows Mrs. Potts teaching a guided reading listen with kindergarten students. The next picture shows Ms. Anderson teaching her second grade students how to read non-fiction text in order to produce informative writing. The third and fourth pictures are from Ms. Lane's class were students are learning about explorers and the age of discovery. The graphic organizers used by the students help with vocabulary acquisition and retaining information when reading a textbook.

Student of the Week

Student of the Week: Missy Skehan

Congratulations to Missy Skehan for being our Student of the Week.  Missy has done great work showing appropriate, safe, and kind behavior (ASK).  Thank you for being a role model Missy!

Pajama Day - Friday, February 12, 2016

Students of the Week

Students of the Week: Joe Withycombe and Dylan Adams

Congratulations to Joe Withycombe and Dylan Adams for being our Students of the Week.  Joe and Dylan have done great work showing appropriate, safe, and kind behavior (ASK).  Thank you for being role models Joe and Dylan!

Burlington All Town Band Concert

Mark your calendars.  Burlington's All Town Band Concert will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 7:00pm.  The event will take place at Burlington High School.