Thanksgiving 2019

Dear Burr Families,

So, what am I thankful for this year?

I am thankful for turning 50. (Crazy, right?) I think I have more perspective, tolerance, and foresight. I feel like the older I get, the more comfortable I get in my own skin. I am thankful for the early morning runs I do before work. They energize me and spark my creativity in ways that I don't get while sitting at a desk. Of course, I am thankful for my two sons - their grit, their character, and their empathy for others. They're good guys - people I would be proud to know even if I wasn't their dad. I am thankful for loud 70s rock music, brownie ice cream sundaes, and dragging my feet through beach sand. I am thankful for travel. What an amazing world we live in. Walking through the streets of a city like Paris, you feel part of something greater. Something big, bold, and wonderful. I am thankful for the work I do every day, and the students, staff, and families I do it with. In my 27 years in education, I have never worked with a more hard working and caring staff. Burr's students are amazing -full of energy and curiosity and a zest to learn. Thank you families for sending them to us every day.

Here's a quick Parent magazine article if you want to engage in thanks with your children over the break.

https://www.parents.com/kids/responsibility/values/kids-giving-thanks/

Have a great holiday!

Jason

Diversity Week is coming December 9-13

• We are looking for an assembly speaker to speak with students who has adapted to a handicap. This could involve someone who has adapted to a visual or physical handicap. For example, a few years ago, students had the privilege of spending time with an artist who painted with her feet. if you know of anyone who would talk or demonstrate with our students on Friday, December 13th, please e-mail me at jbluestein@fairfieldschools.org
• Please consider volunteering for one or more time slots for the interactive assembly using Sign-up Genius. We need your help on Friday, December 13th. If you have never participated in Diversity Week, it's an awesome opportunity to be part of interactive, hands on learning with students. Sign Up Genius - Diversity Day

Family Handbook

I have included a link to our family handbook. It contains practical information about our school as well as links to many district resources.

2019-2020 Family Handbook

lost and found

Please have your child claim their clothes. Every 6-8 weeks, we donate what's left to Goodwill and/or shelters. I would also suggest discussing taking care of clothes with your children. It's a good opportunity to talk about responsibility, and your expectations for how they manage their belongings. In elementary school, students should be responsible for getting their clothes to and from home to school.

Behavior handbook

Below is a link to our Behavior handbook. For the month of November, please focus on the topic of understanding. We want students to know that understanding is fundamentally about how they treat others and whether they can put themselves in the shoes of others.

• Page 4. This page (in chart form) defines what understanding looks like across different parts of the school day. I would ask that you review this page with your children as well as think about how your child can demonstrate understanding in settings outside of school.
• Last Page. This page has a list of books that can be used to teach understanding. I would encourage you to read multiple books from this list. They have great messages which could lead to great conversations about how to apply these skills in your child's everyday life.

Behavior Handbook 2019-2020

Upcoming Dates

Wednesday, November 27 - Early Dismissal, Thanksgiving Break - No School November 28 and 29

Progress Reports - Released through Infinite Campus on - Wednesday, December 18