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