Bulletin 1/25/2013

MEMORIAL SCHOOL NEWS

January 25, 2013

(Memorialprincipal.blogspot.com)

IMPORTANT DATES

JANUARY 30 - Kindergarten Field Trip

FEBRUARY 15 - 4th grade Invention Convention 8:30 (cafeteria)

FEBRUARY 18 - No School - Presidents’ Day

FEBRUARY 19 - 22 - No School - Winter Vacation

 
LUNCH MENU- MAIN ENTRÉE CHOICES (SEE MENU FOR MORE DETAILS)
Jan. 28th - Feb. 1st
Monday – Chicken Nuggets
Tuesday – Burlington BurgerWednesday – Beef NachosThursday – French ToastFriday – TBA

 
FROM the OFFICE
From Mrs. R(ickershauser)
Dear Memorial Families,
I’d like to share with you one of the most difficult and exciting decisions I have ever made: I will be retiring this year to spend more time with my own children and grandchild, all living in the Austin, Texas area.

I have so loved what I do here at Memorial.  Our students - your children! - make it a very special place.  But with my grandson nearly a year old, I find myself yearning to spend time with him in a way that does not take me away from my responsibilities here at school.  Retirement will make that possible.  How fortunate am I that 'work' is so enjoyable that the decision to leave has been such a difficult one?

Leaving will be made easier knowing that Memorial will be in very good hands, thanks to:
- a highly skilled and dedicated staff who work closely together to meet student needs, nurture a positive sense of self and community, and a love of learning;
- parents and families who engage in that all-important partnership between home and school in the best interests of the children we share;
- a PTO committed to supporting our school and helping to build a strong school ‘Family;’
- a Superintendent and Central Office who will lead the effort to find a new principal and continue to support the many good things happening at Memorial and throughout the district;
- and last but not least, the Memorial children themselves -- TeRRiFCC kids who know that learning to be a responsible citizen and caring friend is as important as learning about their world and developing their skills.

Please know that in the coming months, I will continue to give my all to Memorial, making memories I will cherish as I move on to that next chapter.  

With warmest regards and great affection,
Mrs. Rickershauser



 
MCAS Test Dates  
Several families have requested information about specific MCAS test dates at Memorial School.  The tests involve students in grades three through five.  Dates are:

Gr. 3: ELA: March 20, 21; Math: May 6, 7;

Gr. 4:  Long Composition: March 19; ELA: April 2, 3; Math: May 13, 14;

Gr. 5:  ELA: March 27, 28;  Math: May 9, 10; Science: May 15, 16.

It is important for children to arrive at school on time on these dates - well-rested and having had a good breakfast.  This will allow them to show what they know and do their very best on these assessments.
 
FROM the NURSE
Cold & Flu Season
With winter upon us and the general increase in illness (especially flu-like symptoms), please pay very close attention to possible changes in your child’s health.  Flu-like symptoms can have a quick onset.  Within a few hours, a child can go from feeling perfectly fine to feeling ill.  It is in everyone’s best interests to increase their awareness of symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, body aches, and fever.  If your child shows these symptoms, please keep them home to avoid transmission to others at Memorial School.  Thank you.

 
ATTENTION 5TH GRADE PARENTS!  
This is an exciting time for our children as they enjoy their last year at Memorial School and prepare to move on to middle school.  Special events and projects are planned for the coming months such as a “Moving up Ceremony,” a day-trip/picnic to Cedardale in June, and the creation of a Memory Book.  There are many ways for parents to help out and get involved.  

If you have not yet returned a signed ‘permission slip’ for your child’s pictures to be included in the Memory Book, please do so as soon as possible.  Thank you for your help and participation!  

-- Elaine Manners, 5th Grade Activities

 
COMMUNITY INVITED TO OPEN HOUSE AT MARSHALL SIMONDS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Parents and members of the community are invited to tour the “new” Marshall Simonds Middle School at an Open House scheduled for Saturday, January 26th between the hours of 9:30 and 11:30a.m.  All classrooms and instructional areas will be available for public viewing.  The renovated building and addition features 9 well-equipped science labs, updated technology, student lockers, one large cafeteria, 3 connecting corridors that improve pedestrian flow, a new kitchen, computer rooms, special education facilities, a main entrance with a large skylight to utilize natural lighting, outdoor courtyards, and a 5,000 square foot library.
The $32 million construction project is the first major renovation of the middle school in fifty years.  Students and teachers are expected to benefit from the increased space and modern educational resources.  Hopefully, many Burlington citizens will take advantage of this opportunity to visit M.S.M.S. on Saturday, January 26th.

ADOPT-A-CLASS 2021

On February 2nd from 9am to 2pm, ACC 2021 will be hosting a Yard Sale for Education.  Rid yourself of items taking space and make some money, while helping support our local students. Table space is on sale now $25.00. For more information or to purchase a table, please contact: Jacki Pazzia 781-272-0912 or domandjacki@verizon.net

Bulletin 01/18/2013

MEMORIAL SCHOOL NEWS

January 18, 2013

(Memorialprincipal.blogspot.com)

IMPORTANT DATES

JANUARY 21 - NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Day

JANUARY 22 - Gr. 5 Parents Memory Book Meeting - Mem’l Library - 7pm

JANUARY 24 - 3rd Grade Field Trip

JANUARY 25 - Pizza Movie Night

JANUARY 30 - Kindergarten Field Trip

LUNCH MENU- MAIN ENTRÉE CHOICES (SEE MENU FOR MORE DETAILS)
Jan. 21st-25th
Monday – No School- Martin Luther King Day
Tuesday – Ham, Egg & Cheese CroissantWednesday – Chicken Fajita or Grilled CheeseThursday – Pasta with Choice of SauceFriday – Pizza

FROM the OFFICE
MCAS Test Dates  
Several families have requested information about specific MCAS test dates at Memorial School.  The tests involve students in grades three through five.  Dates are:

Gr. 3: ELA: March 20, 21; Math: May 6, 7;

Gr. 4:  Long Composition: March 19; ELA: April 2, 3; Math: May 13, 14;

Gr. 5:  ELA: March 27, 28;  Math: May 9, 10; Science: May 15, 16.

It is important for children to arrive at school on time on these dates - well-rested and having had a good breakfast.  This will allow them to show what they know and do their very best on these assessments.

FROM the NURSE
Cold & Flu Season
With winter upon us and the general increase in illness (especially flu-like symptoms), please pay very close attention to possible changes in your child’s health.  Flu-like symptoms can have a quick onset.  Within a few hours, a child can go from feeling perfectly fine to feeling ill.  It is in everyone’s best interests to increase their awareness of symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, body aches, and fever.  If your child shows these symptoms, please keep them home to avoid transmission to others at Memorial School.  Thank you.

ATTENTION 5TH GRADE PARENTS!  
This is an exciting time for our children as they enjoy their last year at Memorial School and prepare to move on to middle school.  Special events and projects are planned for the coming months such as a “Moving up Ceremony,” a day-trip/picnic to Cedardale in June, and the creation of a Memory Book.  There are many ways for parents to help out and get involved.  

On Tuesday evening, January 22nd at 7pm, we will meet in the Memorial School Library to begin work on the Memory Book.  All parents of 5th grade students are welcome to participate!

If you have not yet returned a signed ‘permission slip’ for your child’s pictures to be included in the Memory Book, please do so as soon as possible.  Thank you for your help and participation!  

-- Elaine Manners (Christina’s mom)  

COMMUNITY INVITED TO OPEN HOUSE AT MARSHALL SIMONDS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Parents and members of the community are invited to tour the “new” Marshall Simonds Middle School at an Open House scheduled for Saturday, January 26 between the hours of 9:30 and 11:30a.m.  All classrooms and instructional areas will be available for public viewing.  The renovated building and addition features 9 well-equipped science labs, updated technology, student lockers, one large cafeteria, 3 connecting corridors that improve pedestrian flow, a new kitchen, computer rooms, special education facilities, a main entrance with a large skylight to utilize natural lighting, outdoor courtyards, and a 5,000 square foot library.
The $32 million construction project is the first major renovation of the middle school in fifty years.  Students and teachers are expected to benefit from the increased space and modern educational resources.  Hopefully, many Burlington citizens will take advantage of this opportunity to visit M.S.M.S. on Saturday, January 26th.

FROM DENNIS VILLANO, DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

The Burlington EdTech Team will be hosting our first Parent Technology Night of 2013 on January 22nd  at Marshall Simonds Middle School. The topic for the discussion will be Google Apps for Education in Burlington schools. Please join us for an opportunity to learn about some of the powerful technology tools being used by Burlington students. The session will highlight how our students are beginning to use Google Apps during the 2012-2013 school year. Time during every session is also dedicated to technology related questions and support. The session will be held in the new MSMS Learning Commons on the 2nd floor.

FROM ADOPT-A-CLASS

AAC 2021 is putting the FUN in fundraising!!  Shopping?  No time to cook? Rest your feet and have a bite to eat. On Thursday, January 24th, Pizzeria Uno's in the Woburn Mall will donate up to 20% of your check to AAC 2021 just for dining in or taking it home!.  It's a WIN WIN . . .no cooking for you = TIME SAVED and it's Scholarship MONEY SAVED for Burlington students of the class of 2021!  Reward yourself this holiday season with time saved, good food and the great feeling of helping the class of 2021!

On June 2nd from 9am to 2pm, ACC 2021 will be hosting a Yard Sale for Education.  Rid yourself of items taking space and make some money, while helping support our local students. Table space is on sale now $25.00. For more information or to purchase a table, please contact: Jacki Pazzia 781-272-0912 or domandjacki@verizon.net

RELAY FOR LIFE

Please be our guest for the 2013 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Burlington Kickoff Celebration on Tuesday, January 22nd  at 7 pm.  Join us in the fight against cancer and help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!  Kickoff will take place at the Temple Shalom Emeth, Social Hall, 16 Lexington Street, Burlington.  Please join us to start off another great year of Relay in Burlington! There will be lots of information about Relay For Life.  If you are at all curious about our community event, please stop by.  Feel free to bring friends to join in the fun!  Light refreshments will be served.  For more information, or to RSVP, contact Cheryl Shafman at 781-771-6410or cheryl.shafman@verizon.net, or visit our website at www.RelayForLife.org/Burlingtonma. The theme for 2013 Relay For Life is Dream Big, Hope Big, Relay Big – we hope you will come and help us to RELAY BIG!

Kindergarten Registration for Sept. 2013

Burlington Public Schools
Student Information Office
123 Cambridge Street
Burlington, MA 01803

Phone (781) 270-8179
Fax (781) 229-4893

PRESS RELEASE - KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Registration of children entering Kindergarten in September 2013 will be held on the following dates and times at the elementary school they will be attending:

Francis Wyman School - February 4th, 5th, and 6th - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Fox Hill School – February 7th and 8th - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Memorial School – February 11th, 12th, and 13th – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Pine Glen School – February 14th and 15th – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.


If you are unable to attend registration for your child at the above dates and times, you may register your child at The Student Information Office located at the Burlington High School beginning Monday, February 25, 2013 thru Friday, March 1, 2013 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. We will also hold registration during the evening of February 27, 2013 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please refer to the link http://j.mp/UJTx9b for a list of street address and elementary school listings.

A child entering kindergarten must have attained the age of five by August 31, 2013. At the time of registration, parents are required to bring the following items:

- Original birth certificate for your child.

- Two proofs of residency need to be provided in the Town of Burlington. This requirement can be satisfied with: settlement document on a new home, presentation of a lease, a recent utility bill, bank statement, payroll records, insurance bill, DTA benefit verifications.

- Medical forms with current physical and up-to-date immunizations must be completed by your physician and returned to school two (2) days prior to the opening of school. Children will not be able to attend school in September 2013 unless a complete medical form is provided. Your family physician must detail that your child has been given the following immunizations and also indicate the dates the immunizations were given:
- 5 doses Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DTaP)
- 4 doses Polio
- 3 doses Hepatitis B
- 2 doses Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- 2 doses of Varicella Vaccine or Chicken Pox disease
- Proof of Lead Screening
- Vision and Hearing Screening

The medical forms can be picked up at registration or by referring to the following links:

http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/com_health/school/health_record_form.pdf
http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/immunization/record_certificate_of_immunization.pdf

bulletin Jan. 11, 2013

MEMORIAL SCHOOL NEWS

January 11, 2013

(Memorialprincipal.blogspot.com)

IMPORTANT DATES

JANUARY 17 - 3rd Grade Field Trip

JANUARY 21 - NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Day

JANUARY 24 - 3rd Grade Field Trip

JANUARY 25 - Pizza Movie Night

JANUARY 30 - Kindergarten Field Trip

LUNCH MENU- MAIN ENTRÉE CHOICES (SEE MENU FOR MORE DETAILS)
Jan. 14th - 18th
Monday – Chicken Nuggets   
Tuesday – Beef Tacos 
Wednesday – Hamburger or Cheeseburger 
Thursday – Macaroni & Cheese 
Friday – Pizza


FROM the OFFICE
MCAS Test Dates  
Several families have requested information about specific MCAS test dates at Memorial School.  The tests involve students in grades three through five.  MCAS dates are:

Gr. 3: ELA: March 20, 21; Math: May 6, 7;

Gr. 4:  Long Composition: March 19; ELA: April 2, 3; Math: May 13, 14;

Gr. 5:  ELA: March 27, 28;  Math: May 9, 10; Science: May 15, 16. 

It is important for children to arrive at school on time on these dates - well-rested and having had a good breakfast.  This will allow them to do their very best on these assessments. 

Wintertime Recess

With the cold temperatures and snow-covered ground, it is clear that winter is upon us!   As always, boys and girls will be going out during recess on days that the weather allows it.  (Deciding factors include temperature, precipitation, and slipperiness of surfaces.) Slopes at the back of the school are too steep for safe sliding, sledding, or even walking.  Due to safety issues, when there is snow or ice on the ground, outdoor recess will take place on the play structure and on the plowed hardtop areas at the back of the school.  Warm coats, hats, and mittens will be needed for outdoor play, but there is no need for actual snowpants.  Boots will be needed for grade levels scheduled for the play structure on given weeks.  

Enjoyable as playing in the snow might be, safety is our first priority.  We hope you will enjoy playing in the snow with your child during out of school hours.


FROM the NURSE

Cold & Flu Season
With winter upon us and the general increase in illness (especially flu-like symptoms), please pay very close attention to possible changes in your child’s health.  Flu-like symptoms can have a quick onset.  Within a few hours, a child can go from feeling perfectly fine to feeling ill.  It is in everyone’s best interests to increase their awareness of symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, body aches, and fever.  If your child shows these symptoms, please keep them home to avoid transmission to others at Memorial School.  Thank you. 

PTO

Save the date! Memorial School Pizza Movie Night will be held on Friday, January 25th! This wonderful Memorial tradition is sponsored by the PTO.  We will be offering 2 sessions, Session 1 at 5:00pm and Session 2 at 6:00pm. 

One movie will be shown at each session.  Please see the flyer that went home this week for more information.  Registrations are due next Friday, January 18th; space is limited.  

FROM the TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

The Burlington EdTech Team will be hosting our first Parent Technology Night of 2013 on January 22 at Marshall Simonds Middle School. The topic for the discussion will be Google Apps for Education in Burlington schools. Please join us for an opportunity to learn about some of the powerful technology tools being used by Burlington students. The session will highlight how our students are beginning to use Google Apps during the 2012-2013 school year. Time during every session is also dedicated to technology related questions and support. The session will be held in the new MSMS Learning Commons on the second floor. 

                                            -- Dennis Villano, Director of Technology Integration

Adopt-A-Class: On June 2nd from 9am to 2pm, the ACC 2021 will be hosting a Yard Sale for Education.  Rid yourself of items taking space and make some money, while helping support our local students. Table space is on sale now $25.00. For more information or to purchase a table, please conact: Jacki Pazzia 781-272-0912 or domandjacki@verizon.net

Wintertime Recess

Dear Memorial Families,
With the cold temperatures and snow-covered ground, it is clear that winter is upon us!   As always, boys and girls will be going out during recess on days that the weather allows it (deciding factors include temperature, precipitation, and slipperiness of surfaces). 

Slopes at the back of the school are too steep for safe sliding, sledding, or even walking.  Due to safety issues, when there is snow or ice on the ground, outdoor recess will take place on the play structure and on the plowed hardtop areas at the back of the school.  Warm coats, hats, and mittens will be needed for outdoor play, but there is no need for actual snowpants.  Boots will be needed for grade levels scheduled for the play structure on given weeks.  (We alternate week to week, so if your child is on the play structure this week, they will be on the hardtop the next.)

Enjoyable as playing in the snow might be, safety is our first priority.  We hope you will enjoy playing in the snow with your child during out of school hours. 

Thank you for your support and understanding,
Mrs. Rickershauser

technology night

January Parent Technology Night

The Burlington EdTech Team will be hosting our first Parent Technology Night of 2013 on January 22 at Marshall Simonds Middle School. The topic for the discussion will be Google Apps for Education in Burlington schools. Please join us for an opportunity to learn about some of the powerful technology tools being used by Burlington students. The session will highlight how our students are beginning to use Google Apps during the 2012-2013 school year. Time during every session is also dedicated to technology related questions and support.
The session will be held in the new MSMS Learning Commons on the second floor.
Dennis Villano, Director of Technology Integration

bulletin 01/04/2013

MEMORIAL SCHOOL NEWS

January 4, 2013

IMPORTANT DATES

JANUARY 10 - PTO Meeting 6:30pm in the Library

JANUARY 11 - 2nd Grade Field Trip

JANUARY 17 - 3rd Grade Field Trip

JANUARY 21 - NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Day

JANUARY 24 - 3rd Grade Field Trip

JANUARY 25 - Pizza Movie Night

JANUARY 30 - Kindergarten Field Trip

LUNCH MENU- MAIN ENTRÉE CHOICES (SEE MENU FOR MORE DETAILS)
Jan. 7th - 11th
Monday – Hamburger or Cheeseburger
Tuesday – Hot DogsWednesday – Beef NachosThursday – French ToastFriday – Pizza

MEMORIAL Families Care

Thank you to the many of you who made the holidays brighter for many families in need!  For those of you who haven’t yet had the opportunity to contribute, we will continue to collect for victims of Hurricane Sandy (any amount welcome) and Coats for Kids until next Friday, January 11th. Hurricane Sandy donations will be sent to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.  All sizes are needed for Coats for Kids - kids, moms, and dads too.   Thank you for your generosity!

PTO

Save the date! Memorial Pizza Movie Night will be held on January 25, 2013! This wonderful Memorial tradition is sponsored by the PTO.  We will be offering 2 sessions, Session 1 at 5:00pm and Session 2 at 6:00pm. One movie will be shown at each session.  Please see the flyer in next week’s backpack folder for more information. Registrations will be due January 18, 2013; space is limited.  

FROM THE BURLINGTON FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

It is the policy of the Burlington Public Schools to limit the amount of money a child can owe the Burlington School Lunch Program. When the limit is reached, the child is given a cheese sandwich and a carton of milk for a charge of $1.50 for lunch for the duration of their negative balance.  To enable your child to continue to receive a full school lunch, you must deposit the missing funds into his/her lunch account. This can be done either online through the PayPams System or by sending in a check to your child's school cafeteria made out to 'Burlington Public Schools Lunch".  If you have any questions, please call Karen Damaso, Food Service Coordinator at 781-270-1756.  (Information about applying for Free or Reduced Lunch is available at www.bpsk12.org - then ‘administration,’ then ‘food service.’)

“BRIDGES TOGETHER”

Burlington Elementary Schools and Council on Aging Looking for Adult Volunteers for New Program

The Burlington Elementary Schools, under the direction of Dr. Eric Conti and the Burlington Council on Aging (Marge McDonald, Director), are looking for adults age 55 and older to participate in an intergenerational program called “Bridges Together.”  This very special program unites elementary school students with senior members of the local community in an effort to promote mutual respect, understanding, and friendship between generations.

The commitment from volunteers would involve one hour each week for a total of six consecutive weeks. This new program will begin in January, and will be held at two Burlington elementary schools.  Beginning January 8th, volunteers can participate on Tuesdays from 1pm - 2pm at the Francis Wyman School, and on Thursday, January 10th, from 8:45am - 9:45am at the Pine Glen School. Training for volunteers will be held January 3, 2013 at 10:30am at the Burlington Library.  Another six week session is planned for March through April at the Memorial and Fox Hill Schools.

If you know of someone who might be interested (grandparents? aunts/uncles?  friends?) please tell them about this wonderful opportunity to ‘build bridges together!’

BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRESCHOOL

Send your preschool child to High School--that is, the Burlington High School Child Development Preschool!  We are accepting applications for January and September enrollment.

January to May Openings

Afternoon Session – 3 year olds

Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri     12:30-1:55 pm

Tuition $180

September 2013 Openings

Morning Session – Age 4 by 8/13                          Afternoon Session – Age 3 by 8/13

Mon/Wed/Fri     8:30-11:00 am                            Mon/Wed/Fri     12:30-1:55 pm                  

Tuition $480                                                        Tuition $360

Please contact Sheila Kennedy for more details at 781-238-4629.  Thank you.

PAC: Burlington Special Education PAC will be holding an Open House on Monday, January 7th in the BHS Library, where you will have the opportunity to consult with a wide variety of special education experts. These experts include Special Ed Attorney Lillian Wong, Neuropsychologist Kaaren Bekken, Special Ed Consultants Sue Terzakis and Melody Orfei, and Marilyn Weber, Advocate/Transition Specialist.  Dr. Conti, Supt. of Schools, and Louise D’Amato, Special Education Director, will also be available to speak with parents. This is a unique opportunity to have your questions answered in a low-key, informal environment, and will prove useful for parents of general education students as well.  After brief introductions in the library, the professionals will be available for private 1:1 consultations. Take advantage of this informal, free opportunity to meet highly qualified professionals.

Happy New Year to All!  

May it bring good health,

happiness,

& peace!