Dear Luther Burbank Families,

I hope that this message finds everyone having enjoyed a restful winter break. Vacation time provides everyone an opportunity to rest and recharge. I hope that this was the case for you and your family. I know that I appreciated the opportunity to catch my breath and enjoy time with my sons who are home from college. Although, I will say “quality time” with them was somewhat limited due to some pretty significant sleep patterns they seem to have developed in college - boy, can they sleep (or, maybe they are just savvy chore avoiders??!) Anyway, it’s been nice to have them home - chore avoidance and all.

Winter break allows us to pause and the New Year presents us with the opportunity to reflect. As I reflect on the past year, I think about the obvious challenges the pandemic has created, but I also think about the strength of our community, a strength that has never been more profound. Our faculty and staff have worked tirelessly in support of one another so that our students can continue to learn and grow. And, the support we have felt from our families has been truly palpable. As we step into January, we know that the omicron variant presents its own set of challenges, yet we also know that we step forward together as a strong community, together. As we have done these past two years, we will continue to work in support of our students each and every day.

It is an honor and a privilege to step into a new year with all of you.

Here's to a great year ahead (one with maybe a few less covid-related challenges!)

Laura

January 4: Basketball @ Clinton

January 6: Basketball v. Bromfield, Home

January 10: Basketball @ Tahanto

January 13: Basketball v. West Boylston, Home

January 13: SEPAC Event, Navigating the College Search for Students who Learn Differently, 7:00 PM (Virtual Event)

January 14: Early Release Professional Development, 11:30 Dismissal

January 15: SEPAC Event, S'Mores Family Fun at Slater's, 5:00 PM (In-Person Outdoor Event/RSVP Required)

January 17: Holiday, No School

January 19: Basketball v. Florence Sawyer, Home

January 20: Basketball @ Hale

January 20: LBMS School Council, 3:00 PM

January 24: Basketball v. Maynard, Home

January 27: Basketball v. Clinton, Home

January 27: SEPAC Event, Ask the Advocate, 7:00 PM (Virtual Event)

January 31: Basketball @ Bromfield

February 3: Basketball v. Tahanto, Home

February 4: Early Release Professional Development, 11:30 Dismissal

February 7: Basketball @ West Boylston

February 10: SEPAC Event, Understanding Assessments, 7:00 PM (Virtual Event)

February 17: LBMS School Council, 3:00 PM

February 21-25: February Vacation, No School

At this time, all visitors to LBMS are prohibited. Visitors with educational purposes only may be allowed onsite with permission granted ahead of time. Spectators for our basketball games have been limited to parents and immediate household members of players on the teams competing in a game.

There are no additional changes to our extracurricular activities; however, our instrumental band classes and music ensembles have been moved to the auditorium where there is more space and airflow.

Please see Superintendent Downing's recent emails for information and protocols regarding updated guidance for close contact and quarantine situations. I will be sure to keep everyone updated should any further changes be made relative to our COVID protocols which impact our students.

Link to the consent for weekly Covid safety checks

Are the visual arts a part of your profession?

The study of Visual Art helps students develop creativity and innovation skills. Visual Art helps us understand history and culture, too. Art also helps us decode imagery presented in communication in our daily lives (for example, in advertising). We benefit from understanding the role of visual art in all aspects of society. Students can learn from marketing professionals, web designers, architects, engineers, retail workers, product designers, landscapers and other professionals who use knowledge of art in their daily work. Even if these careers are not labeled as "artists," visual art and the creative process is woven into the work that they do.

Are you willing to talk about your profession and how creativity, visual images, and/or design principles are used in your work?

Luther Burbank's Art teacher, Mrs. Slattery, will be recording video interviews with adults in a wide range of professions. The series of videos will be shared with students to develop an understanding of the widespread use of art in a myriad of careers. If you are interested in helping with this project, or would like more information, please fill out this Google Form: Art in Professions Questionnaire

This year we have continued with our longer recess blocks so that students can benefit from the fresh air and activity. During the winter months, students may elect to play in the snow. In this case, students MUST wear snow boots and snow pants. Thank you for your support with ensuring your child is adequately prepared. We know that sometimes it is tricky to wrangle a middle schooler when it comes to attire, and we appreciate your support from the homefront.

Substitute teaching offers flexibility and a direct interface with our awesome students. It also offers interested community members a way to contribute to our school. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a substitute teacher and/or are interested in applying to become a substitute teacher, please email Laura Friend at lfriend@nrsd.net or call our main office at 978-365-4558. Substitute teaching offers flexibility and a direct interface with our awesome students. It also offers interested community members a way to contribute to our school.