Flynn Flyer
January15, 2021
January 1- March 15- Kindergarten Registration/ bsdvt.org / register online
January 18-Martin Luther King Day- 11:30 Dismissal- No Burlington Kids afterschool programJanuary 20- Principal's Coffee 8:15 am - 9:00 am
Meeting ID
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 224-701-0029
PIN: 323 012 351#
January 27- Student Council Meeting 2-2:45
February 10-Student Council Meeting 2-2:45
February 19- Report Cards go home
February 19- 3rd Book Giveaway
February 22-March 2- Winter Break
March 3-Student Council Meeting 2-2:45
March 18- Early Dismissal 11:30-Parent/Teacher Conferences
March 19- No School- Parent/Teacher Conferences
Sponsor Thank you
CLiff Book Giveaway
STEAM News
Firefly Celebrations
Kindergarten Registration
COVID Update
District News
Winter Reminders
Please label all coats, hats, gloves, snowpants and boots with your child’s name. Anything unclaimed goes to lost and found. Last year we had a TON of winter attire that was donated because no owner was found.
Meet Flynn's Student Council
Student Council Members
Thank You!
HUGE shout to the Flynntasic PTO who helped Ms. DiMasi receive 9 Sleds and 14 Brooms donated from Timberlane Dental. This will allow us to participate in Broomball and Sledding during the winter. We are so thankful for all our PTO does for this community and we are so thankful for Timberlane Dental for donating to the Flynn PE program! THANK YOU!
Thank you
Thanks Flynn Community!
Thank you!
Clif Book Giveaway!
STEAM News
Even though STEAM looks a lot different this year, we have been able to do some incredible projects! Check out some of our work:
Kindergarteners engineered new ways for the Three Billy Goats Gruff to cross the river. Some students built boats, some built planes, and some built ziplines!
1st grade students designed and built a shoe mimicking an animal’s foot. Students copied a sloth’s nails, a gecko’s sticky feet, and more to create their shoes.
2nd grade students planned and built an above ground home for rabbits using only materials found outside.
3rd grade students created a zoo exhibit for animals using simple machines. Students used catapults, pulleys, and ramps to make a better home for their animal.
4th grade students learned all about circuits and electricity. Students then designed their own card and included an LED circuit to light up part of the card.
5th grade students used the design process to create, test, and improve a COVID-friendly outdoor game.
Firefly Celebrations!
Kindergarten Registration
ELEMENTARY NEW STUDENT AND MAGNET SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Registration for the 21-22 school year opens on January 4, 2021 and closes on February 22, 2021 (after this date, registration is on a rolling basis)
Welcome to Burlington Schools! The Burlington School District has six excellent elementary schools that families can choose from when registering their children. Please read below to learn more about these schools and then rank your preferences for which schools you would like your children to attend when you register online at the district website: www.bsdvt.org, then going to “Students and Families” and then to “School Registration.” If you do not have access to a computer or need assistance you may stop by your neighborhood school where they can give you access to a computer and help you as needed with any questions.
How do we determine which elementary school a student will attend? We ask families to indicate a first, second and third choice school for their children. Enrollment is ultimately determined by school capacity or how many spots are available in schools, and if necessary, these factors: 1) Siblings. What elementary schools do any sisters or brothers attend? We try to keep families together if we can. 2) Family Income (magnet schools only). We want our schools to be as representative as possible of all families in the Burlington community. 3) Proximity. What schools are close to where you live? Please note that middle school placement is based upon your home address and is not based on where your child attends elementary school.
Registration for the current 2020-21 school year is now on a rolling basis. Registration for the 2021-22 school year opens on January 4, 2021, and closes on February 26, 2021, with school placement notification sent out no later than the week of April 26, 2021. If there are more First Choice registrations than there are spots, we will look at families’ Second and Third Choices. When a student does not receive their First Choice school, a district employee will contact the family to discuss their options for schools.* Applications received after February 26, 2021, will be considered based upon available space.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT KINDERGARTEN AND THE REGISTRATION PROCESS?
Learn about the day in the life of a kindergartener. In a normal year we would extend the offer to join us at an information session in your community and at each school, where you could hear from kindergarten teachers, talk to our Afterschool team, connect with our Preschool director, and ask questions of the registration team. Due to Covid-19 Restrictions, we are offering alternatives to learn more about our schools. By the end of January, 2021 we will be offering pre-recorded and live introductions to the kindergarten experience and to each individual school. Please check back in late January on our website, this page and Front Porch Forum for more information.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Champlain Elementary: Champlain’s mission is to provide opportunities for students to achieve their personal best, become responsible and productive citizens, and embrace lifelong learning. Striving for academic excellence in our caring, diverse learning community represents our highest ideal. Champlain’s faculty, families, and community partners plant and harvest together in our school gardens and cook healthy treats in our classrooms with a mobile kitchen. Our students learn in our forest and outdoor classroom, and especially enjoy our annual fall Harvest Fest and community focused events. Located in the South End of Burlington at 800 Pine Street, Champlain serves approximately 260 students K-5. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit champlain.bsdvt.org, where you can read the principal’s blog and Champlain’s Family Handbook. Feel free to contact Principal Joe Resteghini at 864-8477 or jrestegh@bsdvt.org, see also the Champlain Community Facebook page to get a sense of community and read the Blue Notes.
C.P. Smith Elementary: C.P. Smith Elementary School is a Grades K-5 school of approximately 260 students located on Ethan Allen Parkway in Burlington's New North End. Since 1959, we have worked hard to build a learning community that is respectful, responsible, and safe for all who come through our doors. We offer equal amounts of academic rigor and joy in a wide variety of hands-on learning activities. A focus on science, the environment and place-based education engages students in learning using the Ethan Allen Woods, the Community Sailing Center, Star Base, Shelburne Museum, and Shelburne Farms and other exciting venues in our area as extended classrooms. C.P. Smith serves a diverse population of students and strives to make sure each one of our students becomes an inquisitive learner and contributing citizen. We engage parents and guardians as vital partners in the education of their children. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit smith.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Len Phelan at 864-8479 or lphelan@bsdvt.org.
Edmunds Elementary: Edmunds Elementary School is a Grades K-5 school of approximately 250 students that has been recognized as an Exemplar School by the State of Vermont five consecutive years, for our achievements in our climate and academics. We work to provide an exciting and engaging school experience that balances developmental needs with academics. We are excited about our research based literacy program, that is used around the world, which successfully meets the needs of all young children through sound, sight, motion and stories. Walking field trips provide our students with access to the Flynn Theater, Fletcher Free Library, Echo Science Center, UVM, North Beach, Centennial Woods, as well as exploring geological formations along Lake Champlain. To learn more about what is happening at EES visit our website at ees.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Bonnie Johnson-Aten at 864-8473 or BJAten@bsdvt.org.
John J. Flynn Elementary: Flynn School is a strong, community-based school where adults, parents and staff consistently focus on meeting the various needs of all students, helping them learn, play and laugh. It is a professional community that partners with a wide range of community organizations to support and enrich student learning. Some examples of our community partnerships include: ECHO Center, VT National Guard Starbase Program, Very Merry Theater, Burlington Community Sailing Center and the Flynn Theater. Located at 1645 North Avenue in the New North End of Burlington, Flynn serves approximately 340 Pre-K through 5th grade students. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit flynn.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Lashawn Whitmore-Sells at 864-8478 or lsells@bsdvt.org
Integrated Arts Academy (IAA): The mission of the IAA is to explore academic knowledge through intentional art experiences. Our diverse community collaborates and celebrates the world through meaningful learning and creative self-expression as we prepare students for success in the 21st Century. At this magnet school, students are learning through the lens of the four art forms: movement, drama, music and visual arts. IAA core partners include the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington City Arts and St. Michael’s College. Located at 6 Archibald Street in the Old North End of Burlington, IAA serves approximately 260 students in grades Pre-K-5. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit iaa.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Kevin Robinson at 864-8475 or krobinso@bsdvt.org.
Sustainability Academy (SA): The mission of SA is to educate and empower all students to improve the quality of life for all - economically, socially, and environmentally - now and for future generations. At SA, one of BSD’s two magnet schools, students are learning through the lens of sustainability by exploring our diverse society, our local economy, and the environment. We do this through hands-on, place-based and project-based learning. Education for Sustainability comes to life through SA’s learning environment. We use geothermal energy to heat and cool our building and solar panels to power our school! Additionally, at SA we have a thriving school garden that each of our classes use to cultivate fruits, flowers, and vegetables as a part of our curriculum. SA’s core partner is Shelburne Farms, which hosts all SA students for learning trips each school year. Located at 123 North Street in the Old North End of Burlington, SA serves approximately 180 students in grades Pre-K-5. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit sa.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Nina Oropeza at 864-8480 or noropeza@bsdvt.org
COVID Update
A Message from School Health
Thank you families for continuing the challenging work of screening your children each morning to ensure that we all do our best to keep our school community healthy and COVID free. Please continue to review the symptoms for which to keep your children home. Also, please remember that fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) will treat and mask a fever, and that students should be fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Just a reminder of COVID-19 symptoms
Fever (100 or over)
Chills
Loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea
Sore Throat
Cough
Muscle pain or body aches
Shortness of breath
Congestion or Runny Nose
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea Or Vomiting
If your child has had any of these symptoms in the last two days we ask that you contact your primary care provider for follow up.
If you have traveled outside of Vermont please quarantine for 14 days or for 7 then test. A negative test result is required prior to reentry of school.
We work closely with the Vermont Department of Health to keep our community healthy. The VDOH conducts necessary contract tracing for positive cases by phone call. Please pick up the phone if the VDOH is calling you. Please call the VDOH back as soon as possible if you receive a message from them.
Stay safe and we will get through this together
Nurse Mary
We Need Your Help!
Have you seen the awesome Meal Kits that are being distributed by the Burlington School Food Project? Each kit contains 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 snacks, and 7 suppers! These boxes include many fresh fruits and vegetables, and are designed to cover meals for remote days, weekends, holidays, & breaks. They can also help you to prepare your own meals to send to school with your student! These kits are available at no cost for ANY CHILD 18 and under. Each week, we are creating, packaging, and distributing over 700 of these kits. That’s nearly 20,000 meals and snacks per week!
Do you have a few hours a week to help us get these kits prepared for our community? We have many openings and are very flexible with days and hours. Please go to https://bsdvt.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=1552 to apply for this fun and rewarding opportunity! Positions start at $15.23/hour.
Reach out to Doug Davis, ddavis@bsdvt.org with any questions!
District News
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – In keeping with previous practice, BSD will once again be in school for a half-day on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year (January 18th). Recognized by Americorps as “a day on, not a day off,” our schools will focus this day’s curriculum and learning on Dr. King and his legacy of equity, inclusion, hope, and love. As in previous years, we will accommodate parents who choose not to send their child to school on this day so that they may participate in service or other educational opportunities.
Snow Days – Depending on the extent of severe weather, Snow Days may eventually look different this school year. However, we will treat the first two days of inclement weather as traditional “Snow Days,” provided they do not fall on a Wednesday when we are already engaging in remote learning. The first two days we are closed due to weather will be made up on June 14th and June 15th. If we are required to close beyond two days, students will receive remote instruction.
Responsive Teaching – In the aftermath of last week’s disturbing attack on our Capitol Building and democracy as a whole, I let you know that teachers and principals would be prepared to create safe spaces at schools and encourage conversation and reflection where appropriate. Thank you, Principal Oropeza and EMS Social Studies Teacher Jeremy DeMink, for taking the time to share what this process looked like in their school and class.
BHS Leadership Transition Plan – As mentioned above, I have asked Lauren McBride to serve as Acting Principal of BHS. She will be supported in this role by Assistant Principal Herb Perez, as well as long-time BHS teacher Gayle Botelho, who I have asked to serve as Acting Assistant Principal. Principal McBride and APs Perez and Botelho are smart, passionate, and knowledgeable professionals who have the skills and abilities to help our students and staff navigate our current situation.
Today, Monday, January 10, we will post a 10-day internal job opening for an interim principal, per the Burlington Administrators Association contract, as well as a potential interim assistant principal. Both positions, if filled, would end before the start of the 2021-22 school year. We will also be launching a national search to find the next permanent principal of BHS. There will be a variety of ways for community engagement and when the time comes, I hope you will engage in that process. Most importantly, I hope you will help both our current team as well as the next permanent principal feel welcome, valued, and supported.
BHS Downtown – BHS parents, students, and staff answered a survey and has chosen the name “BHS Downtown” for our new school. On Monday, Burlington City Council took action to support the project by guaranteeing the construction loan being used to transform the former Macy’s building into our temporary school. The BHS Downtown task force has finalized all major design elements for the project, which will cost approximately $3.5 million. Work is well underway to transform this space, which you can see in the most recent copy of North Ave News and in the stories aired by Local 22/44, WPTZ, and WCAX.
PCBs & BHS Campus Occupancy – PCB building material sampling is in full swing on the BHS campus on Institute Road. Environmental consultants are on-site taking hundreds of samples throughout the building. This sampling will continue for the next couple of weeks and will inform the path forward for campus renovations. Once we know the full extent of contamination, we will finalize and begin a pilot program designed to try to remediate certain spaces. This will allow us to know if remediation of the PCBs is really an option and, if so, the project cost associated with going this route. We should have this information this summer, which will allow us, as a community, to make a decision on whether or not we should spend money on a total PCB remediation project or look for alternatives.
In the meantime, the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) has made formal recommendations allowing us to use some areas of “A” Building. These recommendations are based on previous testing that occurred in September and December. VDH identified some spaces where dust samples did not detect PCBs, such as the kitchen and cafeteria, and thus recommended occupancy of those spaces without limitation. Other important areas, such as the gym, locker rooms, exercise rooms, and auditorium, showed some presence of PCBs but on average were below Vermont’s screening values, so VDH has cleared these spaces as suitable to be occupied no more than 30 hours per week by students and staff. This recommendation is important because it allows BSD to proceed safely with activities like indoor athletics. There were some spaces where VDH recommended against occupancy and BSD will not utilize those spaces. You can read the memo above or see the spaces laid out in our consultant’s color-coded map.
Lunch with Tom – This week we launched “Lunch with Tom” as an opportunity to engage with families, staff, and the broader community. More than two dozen people joined me for a brief presentation on the budget, BHS, and in-person learning before participating in 45 minutes of conversation. My goal will be to host these regularly as an opportunity to connect and share with families and community members, and all meetings will be recorded and shared on our website and social media.
Equitable Budgeting and Strategic Planning– BSD has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for support in developing an equitable budget and staffing model. This work is one of my priorities and will occur this spring, with the goal of rolling out the new model for next year’s budget development cycle. This project aims to ensure our budgeting process drives resources to where they are needed most and in a way that is consistent and transparent. We’ve also issued an RFP for help developing the District’s next five-year strategic plan. I am excited to begin both of these projects and cannot wait to join you all in moving our district forward. Please share these RFP’s widely!
PSAT – This year, BHS has been assigned to take the PSAT on Tuesday, January 26th. As our BHS students are without a home to call their own until early March, I have directed the BHS team to use EMS as the testing location so that BHS students can utilize a safe and familiar space as they begin the journey of considering the options available to them after graduation. EMS will pivot to remote learning for the 26th as well as the regularly scheduled remote learning day on the 27th (EES will not be impacted). Special thanks to Principal Keifer and EMS community for accommodating this move.
PreK Updates – We are working hard in preschool on getting back into routines and enjoying the winter weather. By building in independent self-help skills children are becoming more capable of getting all their snow gear on and maximizing their playtime. From a health and safety perspective, we are still focusing on mask-wearing, keeping our group sizes small, and not mixing classrooms. As we all know preschoolers want to play together so we are setting up more small group stations for kids to engage with one other peer. We have also done some great work in getting kids comfortable with Remote Learning and using their iPads for when we have had to make that shift quickly.