Birch Meadow Newsflash
January 29, 2024
Student Council Members at the Reading Food Pantry
Student's at our monthly school-wide assembly. The theme this month was "respect."
District leaders, building based staff, families, and students at the grade 5 Author's Celebration
Notes From Dr. Burnham
*We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire Birch Meadow Community for the tremendous success of our recent food drive. The overwhelming generosity displayed by our dedicated staff and families has truly had a significant impact on those in need. Our Student Council members were actively involved in every step of the process, carefully packing up the donated items, diligently checking expiration dates, and dedicating time to personally deliver the collected items to the Reading Food Pantry. As we reflect on this achievement, we are excited to share that while some of our students were busy organizing the food drive, others were already channeling their energy into our next initiative. The coat drive, set to run throughout this month, has been enthusiastically kicked off with students creating vibrant posters to promote the cause. It is heartening to witness the spirit of giving alive and thriving in our community. Thank you all for your kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. Together, we make a difference.
*We were excited to district leaders, building based staff, families, and students for our annual 5th grade author’s celebration. Congratulations to our 5th grade students for their incredible writing projects!
*Projected MCAS dates for planning purposes:
4/3 & 4/4 - Grade 4 ELA
4/10 & 4/11 - Grades 3 & 5 ELA
5/8 & 5/9 - Grades 3 & 5 Math
5/15 & 5/16 - Grade 4 Math
5/20 & 5/21 - Grade 5 STE
*Please see the attached information "From the Health Office" provided to families by our nurse, Peggy Costello.
*2024 Preschool Summer Adventure: Registration is now open for the 2024 Preschool Summer Adventure Program. This is a 7-week program run Monday through Friday from 8:00-11:30 AM. Click here to check out the flier and learn more about the registration process!
*Reading Community Garden: The Reading Community Garden has announced dates for their third upcoming season of planting. Applications officially open on February 1 and will begin being processed on April 1. Click here to see the flyer and learn more about the application process.
-Dr. B
Birch Meadow PTO News
Read Across America Events!
National Read Across America Day is Saturday, March 2nd! It's a special day to call attention to the efforts of educators, parents, and others who motivate and teach children to read.
There are a few fun activities we'll be doing at Birch Meadow to celebrate!
Read-A-Fun Fundraiser - February 26th - March 29th
Students will receive Read-A-Fun portal login information and instructions during library time beginning February 26th.
How it works:·
- Students read books and log them on their personalized online profiles.
- Students answer questions and earn Wisdom Coins to customize their Owlvatars.
- Sponsors make pledges based on how much students read.
- Our school keeps 80% of funds raised. Funding will go towards enrichment programs for all grades (including bus fees for all students), reimbursement of supplies for classroom teachers and support staff, staff appreciation events, special events and yearbooks for our 5th grade graduates.
Book Fair - March 4-8.
- Students will visit the book fair during their weekly library time. Parents are welcome!
- Before and after school hours will be available
Author Visit
- More Info to Come!
Community-Building Circles
This spring, Dr. Burnham will host three Community-Building Circles for Birch Meadow care givers (K/1, 2/3, 4/5 grades). If you are interested in participating, please respond to the survey with details about your child/children, availability and possible topics.
About: Community-Building Circles help participants understand and appreciate one another’s experiences and points of view by providing an atmosphere where participants can share their stories and learn from each other.
Dr B. Circle availability survey: https://forms.gle/d9pG5fxpFrnkTPFX9
Outdoor Recess Snow Gear Donation
Please consider donating items to our school's new "Outdoor Recess Closet"! Items will be used for students who don't have boots, snow pants, etc. for outdoor recess, as students must wear these items to play in the snow during outdoor recess.
We are collecting:
* snow boots
* snow pants
* winter hats and gloves/mittens
Please drop off your donations to PTO volunteer Julie Wall's house (37 Colburn Road in Reading) so items may be sorted for sizes. Items may be left on the front stoop or the side deck. Please contact Julie with any questions (wall.julie516@gmail.com).
If your family has a specific need related to winter gear, please reach out to Dr. Burnham (stephen.burnham@reading.k12.ma.us) and include specific sizes.
Winter Gear Clothing Swap (Facebook Group) - We'd also like to encourage posting in a swap (read: free) format on the Birch Meadow Parents - Reading, MA group on Facebook.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING DATE REMINDERS
Tuesday, January 30th - Birch Meadow @ Boston Celtics Night (don't forget to look at the jumbo tron at the first timeout in the first quarter for our message!)
Tuesday, February 13th - PTO General Mtg @ 8:30AM or via zoom
Monday, February 19th - Friday, February 23rd - Presidents Day/February Vacation
Monday, February 26th - READ-A-FUN fundraiser starts
March 4 - 8th - Book Fair
PROJECTED MCAS DATES
- April 3 - 4th - 4th Grade ELA MCAS
- April 10 - 11th - Grade 3 & 5 ELA MCAS
- May 8 - 9th - Grade 3 & 5 Math MCAS
- May 15 - 16th - Grade 4 Math MCAS
- May 20 - 21st - Grade 5 Science MCAS
NEW VOLUNTEER SPOTS!
Birch Meadow Enrichment & Event Volunteer Opportunities:
If you are interested in helping with any of our open volunteer opportunities below:
March Read-a-thon fundraiser support (2 volunteers - 8-10 hrs of work overall)
BIRCH MERCH
CUSTOM NAME LABELS
MINTED STATIONARY & CARDS
Enjoy 20% off Minted cards & gift orders throughout the year, and Minted will donate 15% back to Birch PTO.
Use code: FUNDRAISEBIRCHMEADOW
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council works for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community (including ALL children on IEPs or 504 plans and children who may require specialized support). Watch this brief introductory video to learn more!
Upcoming Event:
Tuesday, Feb 6th, 5-6:30PM - Virtual
Raising Superpowered Middle Schoolers:
How Parents can Help Tweens Thrive Socially and Academically
Presented by Phyllis Fagell
Social Media Pages
Please "like" Birch Meadow Elementary PTO" Facebook page and follow our Instagram: @birch_meadow_pto