Weekly Bulletin

At School
We are very fortunate to have some school traditions at Francis Wyman that  have continued through the years.  Our Kindergarten classes give us an outstanding Nutcracker performance every December, and it's quite fun for all students to look back fondly at the dances and songs they performed. Thank you K teachers for continuing this festive tradition year after year. Happy Holidays to everyone!  Have an enjoyable and restful vacation. See you on January 2, 2014!

Around Town

The Burlington Baseball Softball Association is now accepting online registrations for Spring baseball and softball.  We are also looking for coaches.  Anyone interested in coaching should fill out an online application and must have a current CORI with the BBSA.  Please go to bbsaonline.com for more information and to register.  A discount is offered for early registrations.  We look forward to seeing you at Opening Day in April

Winter Procedures

Winter is really here in full force as the ice and snow is now upon us! I would like parents to know about the winter procedures for morning drop-off and afternoon student pick-up. If the sidewalks are icy or too snowy in the morning, we will have students enter the building through the gym. Students who are being picked up at the end of the day will be dismissed through the kindergarten doors as the parking lot area can be too icy or snowy for anyone to walk on. These winter procedures will be in place until further notice as we will not return to dismissal though the cafeteria until the weather is better.

Weekly Bulletin December 13, 2013

News and Info!

Thank you for joining us this week at our annual Winter Concert.  It was quite a festive show and all the fourth and fifth graders and teachers... Mrs. Gendron, Mrs. Peabody, and Ms. Potts worked hard to put it together.  Great show!  

We were also fortunate to have Ms. Pavlicek and Mr. Musselman here today to present "Forces and Motion" to all FW students.  Here are a couple of pics...

Our 2013 Holiday Book Fair was a great success.  Thank you all for your generous support! The Fair actually continues on line at scholastic.com/fair until December 17th.

Around Town

RELAY FOR LIFE is GIFT WRAPPING and RAISING SOME DOUGH: Visit the gift wrapping booth at the Burlington Mall anytime, right up until December 24^th and have your gifts wrapped. Proceeds to benefit American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Wrapping booth is located on the second floor right outside the food court. And, while you are there, if you stop to eat at UNOs, they will donate up to 20% of your check (eat-in and take-out) to Relay for Life. Go to http://relay.acsevents.org/site/DocServer/Relay_for_Life_-_Burlington.pdf?docID=334019. to print out your coupon or bookmark it on your phone and show your server. If you forget, you can mention the “dough raiser” and they will give you a coupon. It’s a great way to spread some cheer this holiday season. For more information, contact Julie at quinns@rcn.com.

Weekly Bulletin

At School

Our annual holiday concert will be held next Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Grade 4 begins at 6:00pm and Grade 5 begins at 7:00pm.  Hope to see you then.

Around Town

Share the Spirit!

During the month of December, the Burlington Education Foundation has partnered with Burtons Grill for their Charitini Fundraiser! For every Charitini sold, Burtons Grill will donate $5 to the BEF. Make sure to stop by sometime this month while shopping for the holidays! Keep in mind, their gift cards are fantastic presents! This month, Burton’s Grill is also partnering with Toys for Tots. Receive a complimentary Pan Fried Crab Cake for every unwrapped toy you donate!

The Burlington Education Foundation (BEF) is a non-profit organization that promotes community support for education excellence in the Burlington Public Schools. 

Book Fair This Week!

Please come visit the Francis Wyman Book Fair in the library this week. It will be open for parent-teacher conference day on December 5 for your convenience!  Hope to see you there.

PARCC Will Replace MCAS For Most BPS Students

This post originally appeared on Superintendent Conti's Blog

In case you missed it in the news last week, the Massachusetts Board of Education voted to accept a two-year transition plan to the PARCC assessment. The original plan to implement PARCC testing called for all Massachusetts students begin taking the new assessment in 2015, but MA Commissioner of Education Mitchell Chester has been listening to school and district leaders across the state and has advocated for a more gradual transition:

“I have heard a great deal from school superintendents and others about the importance of pacing ourselves so that schools can implement PARCC and other reform initiatives in a thoughtful way,”he said in the memo. “This transition approach is responsive to the field…”

(From EdWeek - Massachusetts Won’t Require All Schools To Give PARCC Test in 2015)

Many of the concerns schools have is in regards to the online aspect of PARCC testing, something that is new to our state. In order to help facilitate this transition, Burlington has volunteered to help support students and educators across the state in this transition.

We are pleased to be participating in the Spring 2014 PARCC Field Test – and have asked PARCC to expand the sample of our students involved because we believe that this experience will be good for children in Burlington and across the state. The Burlington Community has generously provided us with the technological resources to expand our Field Test to include all students. We are also lucky to have talented people working in the district who are willing to learn from this experience and to share this knowledge with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and across Massachusetts.

Our plan is to use different devices at different grades (i.e. tablets, chromebooks, computer labs, etc.) to determine which environment is best for students. We will be conducting focus groups with students and teachers after each testing window and sharing this information with our stakeholders and other school districts to help prepare for what is ahead.  This district preview will help us to better prepare our students and curriculum for future test administrations.

Because our students are participating in the PARCC, we have the option of opting out of MCAS English Language Arts and Math testing at all grades except grade 10 . Our sophomores will have to take both PARCC and MCAS due to both the state graduation requirement and to qualify for the Adams’ scholarships.  In other words, it appears that we will not be administering the MCAS Test this year (aside from grade 10 and possibly Science in grades 5,8,9)

There are two testing windows for the PARCC assessments. The first, for the Performance Based Assessment (PBA), is March 24 – April 11 and the second, for the End of Year Assessment (EOY), is May 19 – June 6. The PBA consists of three testing sessions and the EOY consists of two. We will share more specifics in regards to dates for each grade as soon as we coordinate them with the DESE and PARCC testing officials.

We have been informed that we will not see the results of the Field Test.  Pearson (the creator of the PARCC test) may share district results but they will not be sharing individual school or student results.  While this may concern some parents, we feel confident in our ability to continue to show evidence of students growth through a variety of assessments that our staff members conduct throughout the year.

You may have lots of questions.  We have lots of questions.  We will be getting out more information as it becomes available.

Weekly Bulletin - November 22, 2013

News and Info

Burlington High School presents the madcap dark comedy, “Arsenic and Old Lace” in the Fogelberg Performing Arts Center of BHS on November 22 and 23 at 7pm and November 24 at 2pm. Tickets: $5 students/sr citizens, $10 adults. www.BurlingtonTheatre.com or 781-A-FUN-TIC.

PTO Info

Francis Wyman PTO Scrip Fundraising Program.

Place your Holiday orders now!  The deadline to order gift cards is THURSDAY, December 5th.   Information went home in backpacks this week. Your order, payment, and enrollment form must be received at Francis Wyman.  Your gift cards will be delivered back to you no later than Monday, Dec 16^th using the method noted on your form.   Please remember to choose a delivery option!!!  Any questions contact Denise Griffin, PTO Scrip Coordinator at fwscrip@gmail.com. 

Pumpkin Patch at Francis Wyman

Please enjoy this walking tour of the Fourth Grade Pumpkin Patch!  All fourth graders created a "character" pumpkin head based on a book they had recently read.  School looks wonderful with all these colorful gourds!

Picture Re-take Date Correction

The date for picture re-takes is December 3, not December 2 as previously stated on this blog.  The Parent Calendar to the right has the correct information.  Our apologies for any confusion.  

Weekly Bulletin - November 15, 2013

News and Info

• Student pictures were sent home this week.  Please note that the classroom composite photos will be sent home after picture re-take day on December 2, so as to include as many students as possible.  If your child was absent on the original picture day, please have them prepared for getting their picture taken on December 2.  If you'd like to order additional photos, use the order form  in your package,  include payment,  and send back to school. If you are unsatisfied with your photos, send the entire package back to school on re-take day.  

• Parents of 4th and 5th Grade Students: Our first concert is coming up soon! This year your child will be participating in the 4th or 5th grade Chorus.  All students in these grade will perform at two evening concerts.  The dates for these two concerts are- Wednesday, December 11, 2013 and Wednesday, April 16, 2014. Please put these dates on your calendar now. The Massachusetts State Standards in Music state that all students will sing, alone, and with others.  One of the ways we can assess that all students are doing this is through the Francis Wyman concerts. This is a large part of how the music department assesses each student. Therefore, a large part of your child’s music grade is based on attendance and participation in the two concerts.  If for some reason your child will not be able to make it to either concert, please contact us as soon as possible. Any excused absences need to be approved by the music department prior to the concerts.
  If you have any questions regarding our grading policies or other music related questions, please contact us or refer to our Francis Wyman music blog.
  
  
  Amanda Potts, Francis Wyman Chorus teacher 781-238-6812
  
  
  Lindsey Peabody, Francis Wyman Chorus teacher 781-238-6812
  
  
  franciswymanmusic.wordpress.com
  
  
  

Weekly Bulletin - November 8, 2013

FRANCIS WYMAN SCHOOL - WEEKLY BULLETIN

11/8/2013

News and Info

The Francis Wyman Parent calendar should be ready to view.  Please check the right side of the blog for all upcoming dates!  

Parent Advisory Council - Is your child currently on an IEP?  Do you feel your child needs special education services?  If so then don’t miss our upcoming workshop on IEP process and development. 

On Wednesday, November 13^th the federation for Children with Special Needs will present:

An IEP for my Child

This workshop takes parents step-by-step through IEP development, including how to articulate a vision,

using evaluations to write measurable goals, and measuring their child’s progress. This is a great opportunity to learn about the IEP process and how it works for your child. 

Location: School CommitteeRroom at Burlington High School

Doors open at 6:30 for networking presentation begins at 7:00

Sponsored by the Burlington Parent advisory Council

For more information contact us at burlingtonspedpac@gmail.com

PTO Fall Marketplace - Tomorrow, Nov. 7 from 5:00 - 9:00 pm

REMINDER...
FALL MARKETPLACE

Tomorrow - November 7, 2013
5:00 - 9:00pm

Francis Wyman Elementary School

Admission is FREE

Shop with over 60 vendors from across New England.

Each vendor offers unique gifts such as jewelry, candles, glassware, apparel and more!

Including all these wonderful vendors there will be baked goods for sale, and raffles.

KidStuff Coupon Books will be available
for $25 each.

This is the perfect place to buy all your holiday gifts!

Weekly Bulletin

FRANCIS WYMAN SCHOOL - WEEKLY BULLETIN

November 1, 2013

News and Info:

The school calendar is under construction.  Eventually, we hope to have a running calendar where you can check all future dates.  For now:

November 4 - Math Olympiad begins on Mondays, 2:45 - 3:45, grade 4/5
November 5 - Carnival Planning Meeting, 6:30pm, FW Library
November 5 - Parent Technology Night, 7pm, MSMS Library
November 7  - Fall Marketplace 5-9pm
November 12 - No school for students, Staff Development
November 13 - Used Bookstore Open for students, 8:30-9:00am
November 21 - Math Title I Coffee Hour, 9:00am
November 22 - Grade 3 Concert, 9:00am
November 27 - 1/2 day of School, Thanksgiving Break, ~11:30am dismissal
November 28, 29 - No School, Thanksgiving Break
December 2 - Report Cards Go Home
December 5 - No School for Students, Parent Conferences



Parent Technology Night
We have our second parent technology night of the year next Tuesday night.  Please visit http://www.bpsedtech.org/2013/10/15/parent-technology-night-foundational-apps-and-ios7/ for more information.  


Volunteers needed for our school Used Bookstore:  We are looking for volunteers for our used bookstore.  It is open once a month on Wednesday mornings, from 8:10-9:00.  Volunteers help set up the tables in the cafeteria with used books that are sold for 25 cents to students.  Then you will help pack up the books again. You can bring your children with you at 8:10 when you come to set up.  A CORI check and a Confidentiality meeting with Mrs. Astone is needed prior to helping.  CORIs need to be renewed every 3 years and the Confidentiality meeting with Mrs. Astone is only once.  If you are interested, please call Donna Murphy, Reading Specialist, at 781-238-6859 or email dmurphy@bpsk12.org      Thank you.

PE NEWS
Great news, Francis Wyman Physical Education is now on Twitter! Check us out at @FrancisWymanPE for the latest information on all the great things happening in the gymnasium at Francis Wyman as well as all upcoming PE assignments and projects. 

Elementary Principals Present at RtI Best Practices Conference

From Right to Left:Nicole McDonald, Asst. Principal  FW,  Ellen Johnson,  Principal FH,  Deb Dressler,  Principal MEM,  John Lyons, Principal PG,  Susan Astone,  Principal FW

Dr. Tom Jenkins and Dr. Scott Methe join the principals.  Tom is the founder and driving force of the RTI Best Practices Institute. His expertise has been a great resource to Burlington. Scott's specialty is mathematics and he is currently involved in several RtI projects in Burlington. We feel most fortunate to have opportunities to work with them and learn from their expertise.  

iPads in Action

Mr. Levin teaches first grade students how to use Tumble-books and Accelerated Reader on their  iPads. Students will choose books to read based on their own individualized interests and reading levels.
They will  complete Accelerated Reader quizzes  to assess comprehension. Students have access  to hundreds of book selections right at their fingertips!

Grade 4 students work on science research projects using iPads. Students search for information about their animals from selected websites. They read  a variety of articles, view photos and learn vocabulary through the interactive options  of the iPads. Students read a variety of informational materials without leaving their classroom. Students  appreciate being able to tap on bolded vocabulary words to develop their understanding of content vocabulary.

New Playground Equipment! Thank You PTO!

Students enjoy playing with the balls, jump ropes and hulla-hoops purchased by the PTO! 

Weekly Bulletin - October 25, 2013

FRANCIS WYMAN SCHOOL - WEEKLY BULLETIN

* Please check out the running calendar on the right side of the blog.  Scroll down to see future events.  For instance... can you find the date for  Field Day?  How about the time for the Halloween Parade? As always, please call the office if you have any questions.




News and Info:

3rd Grade Concert! Classics for your Stomach 
Friday, November 22, 2013, 9 am, Auditorium 
Any questions? Contact Mrs. Lindsey Peabody or Ms. Amanda Potts-Peabody@bpsk12.org APotts@bpsk12.org or call 781-238-6812

Around Town

Burlington High School Athletic Hall of Fame Fund-Raiser

Tuesday November 26, 2013 5:00pm-9:00pm

Flatbread Company

213 Burlington Rd.

Bedford, MA

Old Friends - Food - Drink - Raffle - Memories

Sponsored by the BHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee                

There is no upfront cost or tickets to purchase, just show up. The cost is the food you eat and the beverages you drink. The BHS Hall of Fame gets a percentage of the sales for that night.

We hope to see everyone there. Please pass this on to all your friends and family. Take out or eat in. 

Special screening of the film A Place at the Table 

Join the Presbyterian Church in Burlington for a conversation and special screening of the film A Place at the Table on Friday November 8 at 6:30pm. The documentary examines the crisis of food security, hunger, obesity and food access in the United States. The film will be screened at the church (335 Cambridge St. Burlington, MA 01803) at 6:30pm and will be immediately followed by a panel discussion featuring local community leaders to discuss hunger, food access and obesity in the Burlington area. The screening is free, however donations for the Burlington food pantry will be collected.  For more information visit http://www.magpictures.com/aplaceatthetable/ or contact bpcyav@gmail.com.

Scouting for Food is coming to your neighborhood. The scouts from Pack 555 will be dropping of plastic bags on your neighborhood doors with a request to collect donations for the food pantry. This philanthropic event is something simple but extremely rewarding to our scouts. If you know a scout in your neighborhood and didn't receive a bag, let them know you would like to help out too.  Scouts will be coming by your house to pick up the bags of donations around November 2.  Your grateful contributions keeps them participating every year. So if you get that friendly bag on your doorknob, please help them assist the needy families in our community. Thank you in advance.

October 18, 2013 Weekly Bulletin

FRANCIS WYMAN SCHOOL - WEEKLY BULLETIN

Dates to Remember:
October 21 - 7pm RtI/PAC meeting, school committee room
October 22 - Homework Club, Session 2 begins
October 23 - 7pm Envision Math Night, All parents encouraged to attend
October 31 - 1:15 pm - Annual Halloween parade for Grades 1-5
                     9:15am -  Kindergarten Halloween Parade
November 5 - 6:30pm - Carnival Planning Meeting - all parents welcome
November 7 - 5 - 9pm - Fall Marketplace

News and Info:

• Response to Intervention -  October 21, 7pm School Committee Room.  Please join Burlington PAC for this presentation which will review how Response to Intervention is being implemented in the Burlington School System.  The goals include common elementary instruction and planning time, implementation of universal screening to identify student's weaknesses. progress monitoring and research-based interventions, and data-based decision-making to address student's needs. This presentation is for all parents of students in the Burlington Schools not specific to students receiving special education services.  Doors open at 6:30 for parent networking, 7pm the presentation begins.  

• Would you be interested in substituting in the Burlington Public Schools' cafeterias?  You  must be available on an as-needed basis to work in any school building.  Hours are generally 10am-1pm, but can vary depending on which school. You must be reliable, flexible, and able to work in a team environment. Pay is $9.00 per hour.  Applications received by October 24, 2013 will receive first consideration.  Apply online at www.burlington.catsone.com/career

• Looking for a place to donate those second-hand boys sweatpants?  The school nurse's office could sure use some in size 6.8. and 10.  Thanks a bunch!

• Often times, students will take a different bus home or have a change dismissal plans.  When this happens, please send a detailed note regarding the exact plans.  Please list the student's first and last name, homeroom number, bus/dismissal change, and the new destination.  This will help the office staff document all changes for the day.  Remember that the bus company cannot accommodate large groups, such as birthday parties, religious ed. classes, etc.

Around Town

• Do not miss the grand opening of Burlington's newest restaurant, BONEFISH GRILL, 44 Wayside Road, Wayside Commons on Saturday, November 9th 6:00 - 8:30!!!! Bonefish Grill will generously host a fundraiser to benefit American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Burlington and Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation. Please join us for a sampling of Bonefish's appetizers, market fresh fish, wood grilled specialties! Unlimited food will be served for the entire evening!! Tickets are $35 per person which includes 2 BEVERAGES!! (specialty martinis, cocktails, craft beers, and adventurous wines). Additional beverages can be purchased for a discounted price of $5.00!! For the BURLINGTON'S DANCING WITH THE STARS enthusiasts, we will reveal ONE, possibly TWO of this year’s Burlington Dancing with the Stars participants!!! So do not miss out on this great event! For tickets, please contact Cheryl Shafman at cheryl.shafman@verizon.net or at 781-771-6410. Purchase your tickets before November 1st, tickets are limited!!