Today's Bulletin Now Available

The weekly bulletin for October 14, 2011 is now available.  Please click below!
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend.

The Boston Globe Magazine to Feature FWS

On October 9, 2011, Francis Wyman School will be featured in an article in the Boston Globe Magazine. This magazine is found in the Sunday edition of the Boston Globe. The article focuses on issues related to special education and the increased incidence of children with disabilities. The author, John Marcus, begins his story in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Brigham and Women’s hospital as he researches the increased incidence of children with disabilities. He follows the issue through to the impact on schools and the struggles schools face trying to meet the learning needs of all children. John had contacted the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education to obtain his recommendation of model school districts who implement successful programs. The Commissioner suggested he contact Dr. Eric Conti to learn about the Response to Intervention (RtI) program in Burlington. Dr. Conti suggested to John that he visit FWS to see the program in action. John visited several classrooms and interviewed teachers. Later, a photographer was sent to capture the program in action. It was exciting to share our enthusiasm for the positive impact our RtI program has had on meeting the needs of all our students. It will be interesting to read this article and see how FWS fits into the story!

Principal's Allergy Letter Sept 22, 2011

On September 22, 2011, the following letter was sent home to parents. It was included in a packet that contained a letter from the Superintendent of Schools, a reminder notice printed on bright orange paper, a letter from the Principal, and a copy of the  Burlington School District's Allergy Policy.


September 22, 2011

Dear Parents,

Burlington Public Schools has adopted a policy to recognize the increasing numbers of students with food allergies and to minimize the risk to those students in school. The policy’s intent is to educate the community, increase allergy awareness, and provide a reasonable system-wide policy to accommodate student allergies. The policy is attached for your review and is also available on the school website.

Everyone at Francis Wyman School is knowledgeable regarding the policy and is implementing its procedures. Our school nurse, Mrs. Azarian has conducted staff trainings to all Francis Wyman staff members regarding allergies, its care, and how to administer an epi-pen. Also, Mrs. Azarian has informed the classroom teachers regarding whether a child with an allergy is in their classroom and a letter will be sent home to parents alerting parents that a child with an allergy is in that classroom. Please send your child with a classroom-snack that does not contain peanut and/or tree-nut ingredients. All children with known allergies have an allergy action plan or individual health care plan that is known and followed by the classroom teacher. We provide an allergen sensitive table in the cafeteria and our custodial staff follows safe routine cleaning procedures. Teachers ensure students follow hand-washing procedures and Francis Wyman School is recognizing student birthdays with non-food items.

The policy also requires teachers to request permission from the principal to include food in curriculum activities. If permission is granted from the principal, parents will be informed food will be in the classroom and a safe alternative will be provided for students with allergies. This safe alternative will be approved or supplied by the parent of a child with an allergy.

Finally, classroom parties will be celebrated using non-food items at Francis Wyman School in all classrooms. Everyone at Francis Wyman School appreciates your cooperation, understanding and interest and we look forward to working together for the benefit of children.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 781. 270.1701 or email me at astone@bpsk12.org

Respectfully,
Susan Astone

Principal, Francis Wyman Elementary School