We are having a great roll with the monthly PTO meetings - lots of families showed up early to share dinner, we had great attendance, ended before 8pm and many folks stayed late just to chat. I am so happy to see so many families investing in their school community. I may sound like a broken record, but schools and teachers alone cannot fix what is happening with student achievement - parents are a huge part of the solution. Get to know other parents, connect with your child's teacher, volunteer you time and SHOW your child how important school is to your family. I didn't make this up... check out the link below for more information.
http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/involved_parents_hidden_resource_in_their_children039s_education
In case you haven't been to a PTO meeting this year, it is never too late to start.... We are a super friendly group (if I do say so myself) and we have a great leadership team! Thank you Jessica, Heather, Sarah, Betsy, Tammy, Lisa, Claire and Graham for leading the troops.
Can/Bottle Drive at Merola's - No final tally yet, but it looks like we pulled in ~$150 including cans and the 10% that Merola's tacks on. Be sure to thank the folks at Merola's for their generosity next time you pop in. And thank you Mary Mitchell for organizing this for us!
Minutes from the November PTO meeting are included at the end of this blog post btw - someone left their coffee cup at the PTO meeting. It is washed - come retrieve it in the PTO mailbox!
Chilled to the bone? Check out our winterwear swap outside the cafeteria on the south side. There are lots of warm items to choose from... We are also accepting donations of winter gear that is clean and in good condition - all sizes and genders. HUGE thank you to Gadue's in the stripmall for providing us with so many coats to get our swap started!!!
Box Top update from Denise Haggerty I have submitted the Fall submission of Box Tops. We raised $260 for this period. The check will arrive sometime in December. The next submission is in early Spring. I would love to increase our box top collections and set $300 as a goal for the Spring which means 3000 box tops. Please continue saving box tops and sending them in to school! If every student collects 10, we could reach 3650 or $365. Please consider trying to collect an average of 10 box tops between now and February! Ask your neighbors and friends as well. This is an
easy way to support the PTO as Box Tops are on a variety of products you may buy regularly. Thank you! Denise Haggerty
Tips to Stop the Fighting!
Q&A with Vicki Hoefle
Question: I know many families who have kids that do not fight. Mine do. What’s the trick to stop the fighting?
Scenario: I have two kids (ages 9 and 6) who are very physical when they fight. I’ve tried to ignore it when I can, I tell them to work it out and it still continues. They kick, scratch, squeeze and hit one another on occasion. No one has gone to the ER but they have drawn blood.
Answer: The good news is, there is no trick.
Most families that have kids who consistently get along and do not demonstrate a high degree of physical fighting have one thing in common. They layer their strategies and create an entire system for raising respectful kids who know how to handle frustration and how to work things out without resorting to physical fighting. Why doesn’t every parent use this layering technique if it gets such great results? Because like anything worth having it can be difficult in the beginning. Here are a few tips to help you turn things around and stop the fighting.
- Understand that most kids fight for their parent’s attention (no not always, but enough of the time that it’s a good place to start). What happens if you leave the room, or put headphones on? Do they follow you? Do they get louder? When they tattle, what is your response? Do you say – “Oh, wow. That doesn’t sound fun at all?” Or, do you start playing referee and trying to help them come up with ways to solve the problem. If you are involved in the back and forth, chances are good that some of the fighting is for your benefit.
- It’s easy to say to kids “work it out” but who in the world takes the time to actually teach kids how to work through conflict? We used weekly Family Meetings to teach our kids the skill of conflict resolution, which included an emphasis on communication and it worked well. Ask a parent you see who has kids who get along how they taught their kids to work it out. It doesn’t mean the strategy will work in exactly the same way for you, but I bet you pick up a tip that you could try. There are great books out there to help as well. Start with Non-Violent Communication if you want to influence the entire family.
- Focus your attention on the behaviors that you want to see more of. That doesn’t mean you praise those behaviors. It means you notice them, acknowledge them and let the kids know, that YOU know how hard it is to walk away from a fight or to forgive a brother who is bugging you or how helpful they are and how much you enjoy their company in the kitchen, etc. Remember that you get more of what you pay attention too, so if you want to raise kids who leverage their strengths and develop character traits that will last a lifetime, focus your attention and energy on those.
Fighting can easily become a way of life if you aren’t armed with multiple strategies for creating a peaceful and harmonious household. It is possible though and with some thought, it can be an exciting journey.
Question: What is your go-to strategy for teaching kids how to get along?
Public Forum on School Board Configuration under City Redistricting
Tuesday, November 12th, 2013
6 - 7 p.m.
Burlington High School Cafeteria
The Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee of the Board will hold a public forum prior to a Board discussion regarding the configuration of the School Board if redistricting in Burlington passes in March. The current proposal calls for an 8 Ward, 16 member School Board, increasing its current configuration by two. The Full Board will discuss this proposal at its meeting later Tuesday night and would like to hear from citizens about this or other proposals for Board configuration.
Flynn Elementary Holiday Card Fundraiser - Were you planning to order photo cards for the holidays??? If so, check this out first ! Take cards off your list, support a local company and send 40% of the cost back to Flynn school
We are partnering with Dan's to offer Flynn families and friends high quality holiday cards. (no, cards do not have a scratch and sniff chocolate smell - first question I asked!)
(remember...we successfully raised $6,000
for our universally accessible playground by selling chocolate last year with this company)
The best part: 40% of sales go directly to the PTO!
For samples, more information on ordering, specifications and pricing go to:
Want more information?:
Email Sarah DeShaw with questions: sdeshaw@mac.com
Order Now!
Fundraiser closes at
Midnight on Tuesday,
December 10, 2013
This card supports Flynn Elementary School-
This message and the new Flynn Firefly will
appear on the lower left-hand of the back of
the card!
2014-2015 Burlington School District Budget Survey Resultsby Jeanne Collins |
In September, the Burlington Board of School Commissioners reached out to residents with a desire to get input from voters on program priorities prior to making budget decisions. A community survey was conducted, asking what program priorities are in order to use that information to develop proposals for further public comment and input, with the goal of bringing greater transparency into identifying the values of the Burlington community for its schools. The Board and the District would like to extend their appreciation to all who participated in the Survey and who continue to be engaged in this process. The information gathered is being strongly considered and will help to inform upcoming budget proposals and decisions.
A wide variety of opinions were collected, with many creative ideas for programming changes. Specific priorities that were reflected in the data included funds for planning reconstruction of Burlington High School, equitable outcomes for all students, and redefining special education services, among several others. Suggestions for additions to programs included comprehensive course offerings, rigor and enrichment, co-curricular/athletics, and non-academic support for students. Suggestions for reductions to programs included non-academic support for students, management of instruction, and administrative services. Full data and analysis of the Budget Survey are available on BoardDocs, as attachments to the October 8th Full Board Meeting:
In October, the Survey data was reviewed by the Board and the Finance Committee, at the same time that financial goals were set for 2014-2015. A preliminary set of budget priorities was then developed at the administrative level, based on program priorities set by the Board, and presented to the Finance Committee on October 22nd.
On November 12th at 7 p.m. in the Burlington High School Cafeteria, the Board will convene to review the preliminary budget priorities as prepared for the Finance Committee. All are invited to attend this meeting and be part of the process. A budget proposal will be completed by early December and public input on the proposed budget will be gathered on December 16th and 19th. Per law, the budget will be finalized in early January for a March vote on Town Meeting Day. Future additional budget information can be found at:
Save the date...
November 4-18 - Food Drive (items can come in via backpacks and will be collected in the office)
November 21 - Principal's Coffee CANCELLED due to the 1/2 move
November 21,22,25 - Inquiry Fair for Grades 1 and 2 at St. Joe's
November 26 - All Flynn students back on one campus!!!
November 27-29 - Thanksgiving break - No School!
December 5 - PTO Meeting
November PTO Minutes
Flynn School PTO
November 7, 2013
Principal's Corner
We are done with construction. No Principal's coffee this month.
Invite to Nov 26th assembly in that afternoon around 1pm- everyone welcome. This
will be a celebration. Take photo around new structure. First day back from vacation regular
drop off. South cafeteria and north for others.
Security cameras close to being installed on the playground. Already installed in the front.
Waiting for other campuses to get theirs before our 2nd set in back.
Inquiry fair 21st-25th for St. Joe's during the move. Each grade will take two
field trips. There will be no choices just set in place for safety purposes.
Each student will get all aspects of inquiry. Classes are being kept in tact.
120 students skating at Leddy at one time. Trips to Echo and Burlington city arts and
Shelburne farms and Vermont community sailing center. A diverse group will be
with the students teaching various options. Check with your child's teachers.
Inviting PTO to contribute $250 for activities for students. Graham will bring to
finance committee. Will ask parents to contribute also.
Will need some parent volunteers.
Treasurers report
See updated report on main page of blog - click tab for link.
Fundraising on target.
Check on security camera allotment. Graham will get back to Betsy.
IRS -- 501 c 3 status: still waiting on status. Grants for plays can say on
hold.
Teacher mini grants-finalizing request form.
Books on bike??
Fundraising
Pasta dinner $600 good success. $172.55 went to the library. Other went into
general funds.
Holiday cards: personal cards for this fundraising. Get 40% of it. Goes right
to the families home. Can create own card. Will have Flynn logo. Blog and front
porch forum.
Wrapping paper FR for 2014: need a lead for this-Happy and Missy volunteered
Dan's Chocolates: doing earlier in the spring or around Easter.
Box tops leave in library or office or send in back pack.
Amazing 4-H kits---passed around ask Tammy for more information
Will put up thermometer in website and maybe in the school to track fundraising
Enrichment
K-2 all paid for Flynn theatre
Chess club are working on schedule Will start soon
Musical petting zoo-waiting on dates
Teachers doing mindfulness hoping to take video to share with parents.
Math club starting in upper grades- just rumor
Play has started-Kim working on grants, locking in dates for rooms, 1st Production
Meeting Dec 2nd 6:30 or 7 for parents of 3-5 students or even for younger
grades. Grade 3 do choir have own practices on stage for two performances.
Inquiry on girls on the run program-this is a spring program
Some teachers have individual blogs-this might increase. There might be privacy
issues with this.
Landscape/garden
UVM students came to explore. Two visits from Norwich on rain water capturing.
Norwich and uvm are talking about landscaping
Family fun nights
Any suggestions.
Will print out dates
FSP (family school partnership)
1st and 3rd Tuesday from 3:05 to 4:05
Parent resource center-need to be able to sign out at after school. Write up
reviews on the blog for parents to see.
Room parents
2nd grade November 19th breakfast items
December will be making ziti with meat and dessert for lunch from PTO. Will be a
Wednesday or Thursday. Lisa will let us know.
Pictures are done. Retakes were completed. 31 were given free photo package. Photos
for playbill, CDs for teachers will 5th grade picture in spring.
Teacher suggestion box
Nothing in there
Outdoor swap: all set up. Load came from Gadue's and leftovers from last years.
Can we do something to acknowledge them? In the blog and card.
Open forum
Blog--waiting on email drop. Jessica will check with Karen on her data dump.
Black signs: afterschool program will do this
Last year for Kate--she does the blog then someone needs to come forward--any
takers??? Jon Dorwat volunteered!
Parent library: need to promote this year! There are items to be taken out and
need to be signed out with Karen. Parents can write up reviews---Missy will be
the first one.
Birchwood reading program. Great response from 1st and 2nd graders not so much
from upper grades. Happy will do earlier this year. Will look at twice a month
or more with different students. Go for 45 minutes with four to five students.
Christine L. volunteered. Birchwood has windows of availability. Graham suggested
looking at Everyone Wins for assistance.
Tetherball has an option for the playground. Suggesting to finance committee.
Worried about stealing of them. Recess toys: winter items are still available.
Cart needs to be cleaned. Can do it at school. Need balls.
Walk to School day-- can we promote this more often--year round? More bus
information so more children will ride. Alternatives to driving. Put on the
blog-bus route. John will write up information and experience regarding the bus
to go on the blog.
Rain days: help with younger children during those days until they know what to
do. Older children pushing the younger children. Graham noted the issue and
will continue to explore a plan for this to ensure the safety.
Looking for funding for fish tank. Students really enjoy the fish tank. Is
this for PTO? Mixed reviews.
November 21,22,25 - Inquiry Fair for Grades 1 and 2 at St. Joe's
November 26 - All Flynn students back on one campus!!!
November 27-29 - Thanksgiving break - No School!
December 5 - PTO Meeting
November PTO Minutes
Flynn School PTO
November 7, 2013
Principal's Corner
We are done with construction. No Principal's coffee this month.
Invite to Nov 26th assembly in that afternoon around 1pm- everyone welcome. This
will be a celebration. Take photo around new structure. First day back from vacation regular
drop off. South cafeteria and north for others.
Security cameras close to being installed on the playground. Already installed in the front.
Waiting for other campuses to get theirs before our 2nd set in back.
Inquiry fair 21st-25th for St. Joe's during the move. Each grade will take two
field trips. There will be no choices just set in place for safety purposes.
Each student will get all aspects of inquiry. Classes are being kept in tact.
120 students skating at Leddy at one time. Trips to Echo and Burlington city arts and
Shelburne farms and Vermont community sailing center. A diverse group will be
with the students teaching various options. Check with your child's teachers.
Inviting PTO to contribute $250 for activities for students. Graham will bring to
finance committee. Will ask parents to contribute also.
Will need some parent volunteers.
Treasurers report
See updated report on main page of blog - click tab for link.
Fundraising on target.
Check on security camera allotment. Graham will get back to Betsy.
IRS -- 501 c 3 status: still waiting on status. Grants for plays can say on
hold.
Teacher mini grants-finalizing request form.
Books on bike??
Fundraising
Pasta dinner $600 good success. $172.55 went to the library. Other went into
general funds.
Holiday cards: personal cards for this fundraising. Get 40% of it. Goes right
to the families home. Can create own card. Will have Flynn logo. Blog and front
porch forum.
Wrapping paper FR for 2014: need a lead for this-Happy and Missy volunteered
Dan's Chocolates: doing earlier in the spring or around Easter.
Box tops leave in library or office or send in back pack.
Amazing 4-H kits---passed around ask Tammy for more information
Will put up thermometer in website and maybe in the school to track fundraising
Enrichment
K-2 all paid for Flynn theatre
Chess club are working on schedule Will start soon
Musical petting zoo-waiting on dates
Teachers doing mindfulness hoping to take video to share with parents.
Math club starting in upper grades- just rumor
Play has started-Kim working on grants, locking in dates for rooms, 1st Production
Meeting Dec 2nd 6:30 or 7 for parents of 3-5 students or even for younger
grades. Grade 3 do choir have own practices on stage for two performances.
Inquiry on girls on the run program-this is a spring program
Some teachers have individual blogs-this might increase. There might be privacy
issues with this.
Landscape/garden
UVM students came to explore. Two visits from Norwich on rain water capturing.
Norwich and uvm are talking about landscaping
Family fun nights
Any suggestions.
Will print out dates
FSP (family school partnership)
1st and 3rd Tuesday from 3:05 to 4:05
Parent resource center-need to be able to sign out at after school. Write up
reviews on the blog for parents to see.
Room parents
2nd grade November 19th breakfast items
December will be making ziti with meat and dessert for lunch from PTO. Will be a
Wednesday or Thursday. Lisa will let us know.
Pictures are done. Retakes were completed. 31 were given free photo package. Photos
for playbill, CDs for teachers will 5th grade picture in spring.
Teacher suggestion box
Nothing in there
Outdoor swap: all set up. Load came from Gadue's and leftovers from last years.
Can we do something to acknowledge them? In the blog and card.
Open forum
Blog--waiting on email drop. Jessica will check with Karen on her data dump.
Black signs: afterschool program will do this
Last year for Kate--she does the blog then someone needs to come forward--any
takers??? Jon Dorwat volunteered!
Parent library: need to promote this year! There are items to be taken out and
need to be signed out with Karen. Parents can write up reviews---Missy will be
the first one.
Birchwood reading program. Great response from 1st and 2nd graders not so much
from upper grades. Happy will do earlier this year. Will look at twice a month
or more with different students. Go for 45 minutes with four to five students.
Christine L. volunteered. Birchwood has windows of availability. Graham suggested
looking at Everyone Wins for assistance.
Tetherball has an option for the playground. Suggesting to finance committee.
Worried about stealing of them. Recess toys: winter items are still available.
Cart needs to be cleaned. Can do it at school. Need balls.
Walk to School day-- can we promote this more often--year round? More bus
information so more children will ride. Alternatives to driving. Put on the
blog-bus route. John will write up information and experience regarding the bus
to go on the blog.
Rain days: help with younger children during those days until they know what to
do. Older children pushing the younger children. Graham noted the issue and
will continue to explore a plan for this to ensure the safety.
Looking for funding for fish tank. Students really enjoy the fish tank. Is
this for PTO? Mixed reviews.
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