Burr Elementary School Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2024
From Principal Whidden
Dear Burr Families,
It is hard to believe that we are halfway through the school year already! The 100th day of school is quickly approaching! With the second trimester well under way, we want to thank everyone for your continued support of our students, teachers, and school as we collectively strive to provide high-quality learning opportunities each and every day.
If a student is bringing in Valentines for the class, there must be enough for each student in the class. Small items such as pencils, stickers, fidgets, or candy can be included with the Valentine. Any candy or food Valentines will be sent home with students and not eaten at school. Students are also encouraged to wear red, pink, or white to school on February 14th in recognition of the holiday.
The 100th day of school is February 9th. Students are invited to dress as the 100 year old version of themselves. Be creative in helping your child envision what he or she might look like as a 100 year old. If you take any pictures of your child before they leave for school, please share them with me via email so that we can include the pictures in the yearbook! I will take pictures at school throughout the day but we’d love to include your pictures from home as well.
Please remember that our procedures for drop off and pick up require vehicles to drive on the LEFT side of the road once you enter the school driveway. Please remind any family members that may be helping with drop off or pick up about the procedures. Students should exit the car from the passenger side whenever possible for safety reasons. Please DO NOT pass a car that is still unloading in the drop off line unless directed to do so by a staff member. This is also a safety hazard and we do not want to have any accidents!
Our character focus for the month of February is fairness. We discussed how fairness means that everyone gets what they need as opposed to everyone getting the same thing at our recent Town Meeting. I encourage you to have a conversation about fairness with your child at home.
Attendance matters! As we hit the halfway point in the school year, please remember that daily school attendance is critical to student success. Research has indicated that chronic absenteeism (18 or more absences during 1 school year) in elementary years makes a student twice as likely to not be a proficient reader as they reach higher grades.
Sincerely,
Brienne Whidden
Important Dates in February
Feb 2nd-Spirit Day (wear your Burr or HK gear)
Feb 2nd- PTO Valentine's Dance at HKMS Cafeteria at 6:00pm-8:00pm
Feb 7th- PTO Meeting at 6:00pm
Feb 9th- 100th Day of School!
Feb 13th- Early Dismissal- at 1:05pm- Staff Professional Development
Feb 14th- Happy Valentines Day
Feb 19th-20th-No School- Presidents' Day/Winter Recess
Feb 23rd- Gold & Grey Day-Wear gold & grey to support childhood brain cancer research
Notes From the Office
If your student is participating in a Park & Rec program or another afterschool program please email
besattendance@rsd17.org. In the email please include the students name, the program name and dates. This will ensure your student is sent to the right place after dismissal. Since Park & Rec is a separate identity from RSD 17 we need a note or email authorizing your student to go directly to the program after school. thank you in advance for your
If you are coming to pick up your sick student from the nurse please ring the front buzzer, state your name and the nurse will bring your student out to you. At that time she will update on your student.
Kindergarten News
We will start the month by predicting the weather with Groundhog Day on February 2nd. We are looking forward to celebrating the 100th day of school with lots of fun activities. In math, we will continue learning about simple addition and subtraction. As February moves on, we will talk about those we love and the friendships we have in recognition of Valentine’s Day. In reading, students will continue to discuss story elements. Students will continue to work on decoding words to read them. Students will also work on reading and spelling high frequency words. We look forward to snow falling so we can enjoy outside time in the snow!
Mrs. Aithal, Mrs. Boudreau, Mrs. Burt, and Mrs. Macauley
First Grade News
February is a fun, busy month with the excitement of the
100th day and Valentine’s Day. In math, we ended January with
solving true and false equations (5+4 = 3+6). Next, we will be
working with place value as we explore tens and ones with
numbers to 120. In reading, your child continues to work on
automatically blending sounds into complete words. The
children may be at very different stages right now but they
are all making steady progress in becoming strong decoders in
their reading groups! In Fundations we are finishing up our
work with -ng and -nk words and will soon be working on
reading and writing words with consonant blends. We will
continue to work on Module 2 in Wit & Wisdom, which is titled,
Creature Features. In science, we are learning about animal
adaptations that help them survive in their habitat.
Stay warm!
~ Mrs. Blasiak, Ms. Castro, Mrs. Kulmann, Mrs. Reynolds & Mrs. Smedley
Second Grade News
February promises to be an exciting month in second grade. We are HALFWAY done with second grade! We are looking forward to the 100th Day of School and Valentine’s Day. In Wit and Wisdom we continue studying about the American West. Students have been learning how to notice and wonder, examine texts and vocabulary, and most importantly practice respectful listening when others are speaking and sharing. In writing, we continue to write about reading through short responses and informative paragraphs. Second graders will be learning more about capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, and parts of speech. Students are now spelling two syllable words, so additional focus on open and closed syllables is necessary. In our new math unit, we are learning all about three digit numbers! We will be learning different strategies to add and subtract three-digit numbers. We have used base ten blocks and open number lines to add and subtract two-digit numbers with and without regrouping. This will carry over to three- digit numbers. Please continue to practice addition and subtraction math facts, counting coins, and telling time at home.
Mrs. Masci, Mrs. Harkin, Mrs. Lonergan, and Mrs. Penney
Third Grade News
Happy February! We continue our hard work in 3rd Grade and are looking forward to Valentine’s Day. During language arts time we are learning about space! Students have been studying Galileo, the stars, planets and the moon! Recently, we have begun talking about the Apollo 11 mission and the first lunar landing. We are really interested in space and its mysteries! In math, we are working on wrapping up addition and subtraction and heading into multiplication fluency, area and two step word problems. Students have been doing a great job in the math lab where they work together to solve higher order thinking questions and use rigorous problem solving skills. In science, we are wrapping up Forces and Motion and working on applying our learning into real world situations.
The Third Grade Team- Mrs. Bovey, Mrs. Formica, Miss Narducci and Mr. Snow
Art News
Students in kindergarten through grade 3 are highlighted each month with a special display for their “Pawsome” art work for all to enjoy. Students selected know the “BES WAY” and are class role models that have demonstrated “Paws”itive Burr School expectations which include, doing their Personal Best, Acting Responsibly, Working and being Safe, and Showing Respect during art class.
Library News
Dear students and parents,
We hope this newsletter finds you well. We have some important reminders and updates to share with you.
Firstly, we kindly request that you remember to return your borrowed library book each library day. This allows others to have the opportunity to take a different book home. In case you forget your book, you can place a book on hold and pick it up once your late book has been returned. We appreciate your cooperation and prompt return of late books to the library return bin.
This month, we have been focusing on the importance of Digital Citizenship when using technology. Our students have been learning about various aspects of being responsible and safe online, including using kind words, asking questions, standing up for what they believe is right, balancing their time online, and being cautious about their digital footprints. We have been utilizing resources from Common Sense Media, which provides valuable information for parents and teachers to help keep our children safe in the digital world. We encourage you to explore Common Sense Media to further enhance your understanding of digital safety.
Additionally, we are excited to inform you that all students in have been signed up for code.org and have it bookmarked to their address bar. Code.org offers high-quality free curricula for all grade levels, from preschool to college. This platform provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop their coding skills and explore the world of technology in a fun and engaging way.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at csalzano@rsd17.org. I am here to
Sincerely,
Ms. Salzano
Literacy News
Math News
How to Help Kids with Math at Home (even if you hate math)
If you have a less than stellar math history, it’s okay! You can still help your child learn the math they need to succeed. Here’s how.
1. Maintain a positive attitude
A lot of kids (and adults) feel anxiety when presented with a math problem. But if your child is struggling with a concept, that doesn’t mean they’re bad at math. You’re not bad at math either!
Math is a skill that takes practice, just like any other. You’ll learn it, even if it’s confusing right now. This just means you don’t understand it yet.
2. Ask math questions that interest your child
Let’s face it — some math can be boring. Math is everywhere. You’ll find mathematical relationships throughout nature. Your child can discover angles and physics while jumping toy monster trucks. Or they can explore measurements while baking or doing crafts. Find numbers in what they already love and watch their interest in math grow!
3. Encourage communication
When possible, try to open up some judgement-free conversations about math. Ask how it’s going and if they feel good about their new lessons. Don’t jump in and try to solve their problems right away. And be careful about remarks like, “oh, that’s easy”. If they talk, just listen.
4. Be patient and take it slow
Math builds on itself, but that means it can be tricky to keep up if your child is struggling with a new concept. When this happens, slow down and back up. Don’t keep pushing new ideas until they understand the old ones.
5. Practice and refine math vocabulary
Math vocabulary is all around us, but that doesn’t mean we’re very comfortable with it. Try using math vocabulary in everyday language and it will slowly start feeling a lot less intimidating. Bring up percentages when you’re shopping a sale, or talk about parts of a whole while cooking.
6. Show math in everyday life
When kids are young, just counting or sorting is a great start. As they get older, look for math lessons while baking, shopping, playing games, or talking about money. Budgeting is a major life skill that uses so much math. Find these practical math moments and help your child see the value in a math education.
7. Get your child to teach you math
Math looks a little different now. If your kid’s homework is confusing for you, ask them to explain their process.
Adapted from CES Schools newsletter
Music News
Hello from Music!
We’ve had a busy start to 2024 in music class!
Kindergarteners are practicing solo singing and taking turns in our song “Sally Go Round the Sun”
First grade students are decoding rhythms from their song game “Cuckoo, Where Are You? and applying their knowledge of quarter notes and eighth notes.
Second graders are expanding their rhythm bank and learning about the half note through songs like “Who’s That Tapping at the Window”.
Third grade students have been competing in a “rock, paper, scissors” style tournament, using our song game “Tul Tal Til” from Bali, Indonesia.
Ask your child if they can share our song games with you at home!
SELECT CHORUS UPDATE:
The Chorus is working hard to rehearse our songs for the Wolf Pack game in March. Details were sent to parent emails. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach me at aforet@rsd17.org
Ms. Foret
Physical Education News
From the Health Office
As planned, the Lions Club Representatives returned to Burr on January 22, 2024. They performed vision screenings for the 2nd grade classes. If any discrepancies were detected you will be receiving the results in the mail shortly. The District does require follow up with an eye exam. Once your student has had the eye exam you can send in the findings to the Health Office. Thank you in advance for having them seen by an eye care provider.
Hearing screenings are underway. The 3rd grade classes are complete and the 1st grade classes will be done by the beginning of this month. The remainder of the year will be spent getting the Kindergarten classes completed. If you do not receive word from the Health Office, your child has passed their annual hearing screening.
Just a reminder if your child experiences the stomach bug with vomiting they must remain home for a complete 24 hours with no additional vomiting. If they are sent home from school with vomiting, you should plan they will be home the following day to complete the 24 hours. This is to ensure they are over the virus - eating and drinking, and have the energy level to get through their school day. The same 24 hour rule is in place for those being diagnosed with Strep throat. Once diagnosed and started on antibiotic therapy they must remain home for 24 hours from the start of the medicine. The same rule applies for conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Thank you all for abiding by these guidelines. Feel free to reach out to me in the Health Office with any questions or concerns.
Eileen Ulizio, RN
School Menus
Gold & Grey
Cougar Paw Recipients
Personal best,
Act Responsibly,
Work and play safely, and always
Show respect.
Week of 1/2-1/5
Week of 1/8-1/15
Week of 1/17-1/19
Week of 1/22-1/26
PTO News
RSD 17 Preschool
HK Park & Rec
Lost & Found
The following items were found and not labeled. If they belong to you please contact the office.
Any items not claimed will be donated at the end of the month.