Flynn PTO Blog Post 10-5-14

Greetings Flynn Families!

FEEDBACK?

We have a new tool to help PTO gather constructive feedback from families on events and activities.  If you have specific feedback or suggestions, for example, fundraising ideas or ideas for a Flynn Family Night, please take a moment to fill out this quick feedback form. Your input is valuable! 

WALK OR BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY

Our school is participating in Walk or Bike to School day THIS WEDNESDAY October 8, 2014-this is a national initiative to celebrate the benefits of walking and bicycling.  Join the fun!

BOOKFAIR AND PASTA DINNER

Come enjoy a a wonderful Pasta Dinner and browse through a terrific selection of books and top the night off with a yummy treat from the bake sale table!!

When: Tuesday, October 28 5:30-7pm (Bookfair starts at 5:00pm, dinner starts at 5:30pm) 
Where: Multipurpose room at Flynn 
Why: To have a great time and help support your school
Who: Everyone!!!!
Suggested Donation:  $5/person / $15/family
HOW TO HELP??- If you are still interested in donating food, baked goods or time on the day of the event please contact your room parent or e-mail Flynn School at flynnschoolpto@gmail.com  Thanks so much!!!

PICTURE RETAKES

Pictures should arrive this week.  Picture retake day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22. If you were absent and have already paid, you do not need to bring in another form.  If you were absent and have NOT paid, please bring your form and check in on the retake day (extra forms can be found in the PTO box in the office).

ROOM PARENTS

We are still in need of room parents in Ms. Hodgson’s Kindergarten.  We also need additional room parents in Brown, Cronin, Dee and Lessard.  Please consider helping out!  The role of the room parent is to help organize class events, recruit other volunteers to help in the classroom and to help organize one teacher appreciation event with other grade-level room parents.  Please feel free to come to the orientation even if you have not signed up!  Room Parent Orientation: Thursday, October 9 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm in the Learning Center. Thank you to Shanta Eastman who has volunteered to serve as Room Parent Coordinator!  If you have any questions- email flynnschoolpto@gmail.com

PLAY: Marvelous Land of Oz

Please check out the following link to find out more info on how to support the play though Advertising!

FUNDRAISING

Correction:  While the Meadowfarm fundraiser brought in over $3,000 total-this is not what Flynn school earned. We will know our percentage soon! Thank you Happy Vail and Missy Hellyer for organizing! Didn’t buy wrapping paper? Don’t worry...there is still an opportunity to support Flynn with the Pay It Forward fundraiser. Write a check (to Flynn School PTO) and send it in to the office! We are almost to $800! Help us reach our goal of over a $1000!

LOST AND FOUND

Have you been to the Lost and Found already this year?  A good indication that your child's clothes need labels!  Help reduce the pile of Lost & Found items at Flynn School!  Order all kinds of labels through Mabel's Labels and a portion of each sale will go directly to Flynn School PTO!

https://www.mabelsfundraising.com/f/33919

OCTOBER PTO MEETING

Thank you to all who attended the PTO meeting last week.  Remember, YOU are the P. in PTO!  You are your child’s first teacher, strongest advocate and life-long cheerleader.  Your presence and participation at Flynn School sends a strong message to your child that you value school and academic achievement. Educational research has found that family participation in school strengthens students’ academic success.  Minutes from the meeting will be sent in the next blog post. Thank you to Tammy Kuypers for bringing a pasta dinner to share with everyone!  

Thank you to all the volunteers who have offered to take on a leadership position:

Co-Presidents: Heather Simmons and Sarah DeShaw

Vice President: Jessica Hook

Treasurer: Betsy Ward

Secretary: Christine Leithead

Shanta Eastman will serve as Room Parent Coordinator

Please take a moment to review the: MINUTES & BUDGET

Save The Date… 

October 8- Walk or Bike to School Day
October 15- Early Release (11:30 dismissal)
October 16 & 17- No School- Conferences
October 22- Picture Retakes
October 22- Principal's Coffee- 8:30 am Learning Center
October 28- Book Fair and Pasta Dinner- 5:00-7:00 pm
October 31- Annual Birchwood Halloween Parade- 1:30 pm

Other Links:
STEM Blog

Flynn PTO Update 4/6/14

Hey There Flynn Families - Sooo loving this sun and warmer weather.  I encourage you to visit the Flynn playground for some good (muddy) family fun!  We have a great, new play structure, accessible to everyone and a full basketball court (not muddy).  Enjoy!

The North Avenue Corridor study presented at the PTO meeting last week.  Below is a link to the document.  They will have a public forum on May 20^th at 7:00 pm.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1UXS2vf_5OeY0ktZ2NSMkZPZnBMSGhaYno5TVBsU0wtQjlj/edit?usp=sharing

Attention 5th Grade Families  There will be an organizational meeting for the fifth-grade bridging ceremony on Thursday, May 1st at 5:30 in the library.  5th grade parents organize this event to mark the transition of their kids from elementary to middle school.  The event usually consists of a slideshow, certificates, songs and a dessert reception.  Come be part of the planning team.  There will be a PTO meeting to follow if you choose to stay.

Dan's Chocolate orders due in on MONDAY!!!

Math Night at Flynn this Thursday - be there or be square(d)- get it, be squared???  Come play fun math games from around the world and eat free pizza with your friends and neighbors - family fun for all ages!

PTO Minutes are included at the end of this blog post.

BFOE The Burlington Friends of Education will be hosting a meeting on Tuesday, April 8th at 7 pm in the BHS cafeteria to educate community members about how they can assist efforts to pass the next budget. 

The specifics and timeline for the next vote are not yet known, but the next vote is likely to occur in early June.  It is critical that supporters of public education in Burlington rally and organize now to avoid the drastic cuts that will result if this second budget gets defeated.

Donations of any size are always welcome to help defray expenses related to advertising and the get out the vote effort that we are currently planning. 

Checks can be written to BFOE and mailed to Christopher Hood at 44 Caroline Street Burlington, VT 05401.  Paypal donations can be made by visiting

http://burlingtonfriendsofeducation.wordpress.com/

After the April 8 meeting, the BFOE will send out information and updates so that people can learn how they can help get the next budget passed!

Warmly,

Christopher Hood

BFOE Treasurer

Check out the BFOE Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/burlingtonfriendsofeducation  The clip below is from their Facebook page

A quote from the last school board meeting: "What we're doing is working. Why would we choose to break it?"

We're not the only ones who think Burlington Schools are doing great work. Just read this article from The Atlantic.

Vermont Report: Shaping the Soul of a School

www.theatlantic.com

By Deborah Fallows

Tom Sawyer wrap up meeting scheduled for Monday, April 14th at 7pm at the home of Kim Hunt.  Play families new and old are welcome to wrap up this year's production and weigh in on choosing a play for next year.  If you have an incoming 3rd grader, you might want to chime in too - all are welcome!  This is an adult only event.  Contact Kim for directions to her home  kimberlyannhunt@gmail.com

Save the date...

April 7 - Chocolate orders due in to Flynn

April 8 - BFOE meeting to pass the school budget - Tuesday, April 8th at 7 pm in the BHS cafeteria

April 9 - Chess Club meets in the cafeteria - 7:30am
April 10 -Flynn Math Night - Dinner starts at 5:30 - Please RSVP to dinner if you want to eat at school! 

April 14 - Tom Sawyer Wrap up meeting

April 16 - Chess Club meets in the cafeteria - 7:30am
April 17 - Principal's Coffee, 8:30am

April 21-25 - Spring Break - No School!

May 1 - Meeting about 5th grade Bridging Ceremony - 5:30pm

May 1 - PTO Meeting

June 11 - Last Day of School (note date change due to last snow day...)

PTO Meeting Minutes – April 3, 2014

Meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm.

Heather Simmons facilitated meeting, standing in for President, Jessica Hook.  Minutes kept by Christine Leithead, standing in for secretary Sarah DeShaw. 

Kathy Mathis, Family School Partnership coordinator for Burlington School District.  -Annual Title 1 Meeting.

Discussion included what Title 1 means, how schools qualify, presentation of the Burlington School District Parent/Guardian involvement policy, and presentation and discussion of  JJ Flynn’s Home and School Compact. 

Parents were made aware that they can give feedback regarding the Flynn Home School Compact.   Information about doing so for this year will be on the PTO blog and at Family Math Night.  Kathy Mathis can also be reached directly at kmathis@bsdvt.org

Homework is one of the items included on the compact.  A question was raised regarding whether or not there is an official homework policy at Flynn.  Parents are interested in seeing one created. 

 A copy of the Compact is sent home to every family at the beginning of the school year, to be signed and returned.  It is offered in several languages. There was a suggestion to change the form to include a space for feedback.

Principal’s Corner – Graham Clarke was not in attendance.  Information was presented via written handout, with Graham fielding questions via phone.

Because the budget did not pass, Spanish will not be taught in Burlington elementary schools next year.   At Flynn, STEM will be added as a specials class. 

New school board will be in place soon – agenda and minutes are available online at the BSD website. 

Next Principal’s coffee will be April 17^th.

Family School Partnership – Shanta Eastman

Math Night is next week from 5:30-7, with pizza at 6:00 for families who have returned forms.  FSP will be paying for dinner, organized by Mary Dunsmore.

Currently working to survey teachers regarding classroom events to which parents are invited.  FSP created a classroom events scheduling tips checklist which has been adopted by the district.   Family School Partnership has lost its funding due to budget cuts.

Treasurer’s Report – Betsy Ward  - (See treasurer’s report)

Fundraising for the play was very successful.  We’re about halfway to our goal for fundraising for the year.

Fundraising – Tammy Kuypers

Dan’s Chocolates fundraiser is currently happening.   Spring Fest will be on Sunday, May 18^th, and will include a fun run, bouncy house and silent auction.   “Gift Certificates” from either businesses or those in the school community with talents/skills are needed for the silent auction.  The Fundraising committee was asked to create a form parents can use to try to solicit donations of gift certificates from businesses.

Next year will be Tammy’s last year at Flynn, so if anyone is interested in fundraising chair position, they could “apprentice” with her next year. 

Enrichment – Kim Hunt

The play was great!  There will be a wrap up meeting at Kim’s house, during which, options for next year’s play will be discussed/decided.  Anyone is welcome to come, but please email Kim so she can plan for the right number of people.   There was a suggestion of exploring seating/stage options to hopefully improve visibility of actors for next year.

Flynn Family Nights – Heather Simmons

Plan is to create schedule for next year in advance for improved coordination and planning.

Staff Appreciation –

3^rd grade’s goal of buying a popcorn machine for the staff break room was not met, but will hopefully still be able to happen at a later date.

In May, the PTO will sponsor a luncheon for teachers and staff – any volunteers to help please contact Kate Belluche.

Kindergarten Tours and lunch to be offered to incoming families in addition to an orientation meeting with Graham are in the works, and volunteers are needed.   Heather, Tammy and Christine volunteered.

Meeting finished with a presentation about the North Avenue Corridor Study. 

Flynn PTO Update 2/9/14

Hey There Flynn Families - I'm back in business with Blogger - found a work around - hope it sticks! 

Lost and Found  There is a MASSIVE pile of lost and found at Flynn - not sure how kids "lose" their winter boots, jackets and snow pants in the middle of winter...  Mittens and gloves I can believe, but boots!!!!  Anyway, come take a peek through the pile.  Unclaimed clothing will be donated over the Winter break to make way for new lost and found items that are sure to pile up come March... All items are located outside the cafeteria.

Minutes from the February PTO meeting can be found at the end of this blog post.  An updated Treasurer's Report can be viewed at the top of this page - see tab.

Tom Sawyer Update  Cast and chorus are practicing away and the Stage Crew starts this week making props for the production.  Whether you have a child in the play this year or are just looking forward to the experience in years to come, we have ways you might want to get involved...

• We could use a few parents/grandparents with sewing skills to work on bonnets - in all we have 41 bonnets to prepare in the next few weeks - if you have basic sewing skills, they are not difficult.

• We still need fabric for bonnets (small prints, calico, muted colors- old fashioned looking)- the more we get donated, the less fabric we have to buy...  Please respond to this email if you have some to share (1/2 yard is needed per bonnet)

• There will be a raffle at the talent show for front row seats and VIP parking...  You might want to bring a few small bills to enter the raffle..

Box Tops Please send in all the box tops you have collected!  We can also earn cash for our school online, too! You can shop online through the Box Tops website and earn eBoxTops® credits on all your purchases. Just click the “earn” section at the top of the BTFE.com homepage and scroll down to “shop marketplace.”  Any eBoxTops you earn will be automatically credited to our school. Each eBoxTop is worth 10¢, just like a regular Box Top.

Parenting...  So I am a HUGE fan of Vicki Hoefle (as you may have guessed by now).  We took our first parenting class with her when my kids were 4+6, read her book, Duct Tape Parenting (in our Parent Resource Library in the lobby - can be checked out...) and my husband and I are presently taking her class on Adolescent Parenting.  Another parent asked me the other day why I was taking a parenting class - and remarked that all the hard work was over and the kids were doing fine.  I was surprised by these remarks and told her that in many ways, the hardest parts are now and coming - the launching of young people who are ready to meet the demands of college, living on their own, paying bills, spending and saving money, learning to make decisions, making choices about drugs, alcohol and sex, standing up for their needs...  these skills take years of practice and training.  The parents are the trainers and it takes extra effort to train and guide vs. just doing it for them because they are too busy with school/sports/ extra curricular activities...  The podcast below speaks to this need for training and is really thoughtful.  Contributions are really important in my family and might work into your family as well.  Take a listen...

Podcast: Contributions    In this conversation with Vicki Hoefle, we talk about contributions. Learning how to contribute to thehousehold helps children develop self-esteem and resiliency, qualities that will support them for life. This episode explains how to encourage our children to contribute, including very young children.

Listen below and learn how to invite your kids to participate in the operations of the home. Would you like to quit your job as the maid?

http://vickihoefle.com/podcast-contributions/

This one is about starting Family Meetings: http://parentingontrack.podbean.com/2011/07/24/parenting-strategy-importance-of-family-meetings/

North Avenue Reimagined – by you!

The North Avenue Corridor Study’s second community meeting is right around the corner, and we need your participation during this exciting phase of the project. We’ve collected data, observed the corridor, identified issues, and established a vision. The fun and interactive phase is now launching, so join your friends and neighbors for a hands-on workshop as we begin to develop the improvements that will remake North Avenue into a more walkable, bikeable, and safe corridor for all users. We’ll supply the maps, markers, and information to answer questions; you bring your creativity and collaborative energy!

Join us on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room of St. Mark’s Church (1251 North Avenue)! Questions? Call Diane at 865-1794. If you can’t attend or want to learn more visit http://bit.ly/north-ave.

Save the date...

February 11 - Tom Sawyer Stage Crew meets afterchool
February 12 - Chess Club - 7:30am
February 14 -Flynn Talent Show - 7pm (Free admission,bake sale, Raffle for front row tickets to Tom Sawyer) 
February 19 - Chess Club - 7:30am
February 24-March 4 - Winter Break - no school
February 5 - Costume check for Tom Sawyer - all costumes to school
March 7 – Free Family Skate Night  at Leddy Arena and Pizza Dinner Out (fee) to benefit Tom Sawyer production- 6-8pm
March 8 - Spring Bottle Drop at Merolas - Save your cans and bottles!!!
March 15 - Tom Sawyer Set Building Day
March 16-22  - Tom Sawyer Production Week
March 21 - Tom Sawyer show - 7pm
March 22 - Tom Sawyer show - 4pm
March 25 Book Fair dinner and shopping
April 4-Drive In Movie Night with building of cars in the afternoon.  
April 10-Flynn Math Night 

February PTO MINUTES

Flynn School PTO

Learning Center

February 6, 2014

Free Dinner and Childcare 

6:15-6:30 - Come a little early if you want to enjoy a community style dinner and settle the kids into childcare.

6:30-8:00 - Meeting

WELCOME – Jessica Hook, PTO President

• Looking for volunteers to step up for PTO president next year

Principal’s Corner- Graham Clark (Graham unable to attend tonight’s meeting)

• Partnership for Outdoor Learning to "present" UVM conceptual drawings of Flynn’s future campus that engulf the library walls
• Parents discussed UVM student renderings and some shared ideas that were brought up at the original meeting
• PTO would like a representative from the Outdoor Learning Committee to come and share at a meeting

Treasurer’s Report- Betsy Ward (5 min)

• Available Funds: $4.570.21
• We are about halfway to our fundraising goal of $13,000

           

Fundraising- Sarah DeShaw

• Dan’s chocolate is coming in April- will be rolled out end of March and selling occurring during April and wrapping up and chocolate being distributed
• Box Tops to be publicized more- there is untapped earning potential- more information to be going home soon
• Bottle Drive at Daylight Savings at Merola’s

Enrichment- Kate Belluche (10 min)

• Tom Sawyer in full swing, $500 grant was received from Ben and Jerry’s Foundation
• Chorus started last week, Stage Crew starts this week
• Artwork still needed for the play bill/poster- due in the PTO Box by the 14^th of February (no pencil- pen or marker).  Each entry gets a free raffle ticket for front row seats or VIP Parking
  
  

Flynn Family Nights - Heather Simmons (5 minutes)

• Tracy Truzansky- coordinating with Burlington Kids to coordinate with the April 4^th event where students will be “building” cars and then returning to school to enjoy a “drive in movie” night at school- more details will be coming home in the Flynn Flyer soon
• Heather Simmons- suggested to plan out family nights in the beginning of the year
  
  

Flynn Family Partnership

• Math Night coming up on April 10
• Principals coffee times have been inconsistent – it was discussed to vary the times

Room Parents- Lisa Tulkop (5 min)

• 5^th Grade in Jan spruced up the breakroom
• 4^th Grade in Feb will do crock pot lunch
• 3^rd Grade in Mar TBD

Teacher Suggestion Box & Outerwear Swap – Christine Leithead (5 min)

• Outwear swap still ongoing- currently located by the Starr Farm entrance

OPEN FORUM (10 min)

            On the horizon -         Book fair

                                                Geography Bee - completed

Flynn PTO Update 11/10/13

Hey There Flynn Families- Hope you have recovered from the post Halloween candy stupor.  I noticed that the discounted Halloween candy has been purged and all the Christmas candy has already been replaced it at the grocery store - enough already!!!! 

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

https://www.dans.com/cards/ft7b

 

 

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 Results  by 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:

 

http://www.boarddocs.com/vt/bsdvt/Board.nsf/Public. 

 

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:

 

www.bsdvt.org. 

 

 

 

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.

Flynn PTO Update 10/6/13

 Hey There Flynn Families -  Hope you had a great weekend. Here's the skinny for the week...

Picture Day at Flynn and St. Joe's had lovely Fall weather.  If your child was absent, there will be picture retakes.  It is not too late to order a picture package - there are forms in the office at both Flynn and St. Joe's. 

Room Parent Orientation this Tuesday at 6:30.   There will be childcare provided if you need to bring your kiddoes.  You can still sign up to be a room parent for your child's classroom - most classrooms have 2-3 room parents to help.

Calendar 2.0 Meeting Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 p.m. - Burlington High School   The meeting is designed to provide an opportunity for families and educators to connect directly about how time could be used to further the quality of education in this region of Vermont.

Minutes from the PTO meeting last week and the approved budget can be found at the end of this post.

Parent Teacher Conferences coming up Oct 17/18 - all families can register on Monday at http://ptcfast.com/schools/John_J_Flynn_Elementary_School

Burlington/Winooski Partnership for Change monthly team meetings this Thursday from 6:00-7:30 at BHS.  It is never too late to join a team of teachers, students, parents and community members.  For more information about the different teams, click the link  http://partnershipvt.org/approach/implementation-teams/   The opportunity for serious educational change at the high school level is in our hands - and in your child's near future.  Consider being part of this exciting shift that will have a profound impact on your child's high school experience. 

 Enrichment at Flynn school  A large portion of the money the PTO raises each year goes directly into enrichment opportunities at Flynn school.  It breaks down to about $2500 for grades K-2, $2500 for grades 3-5 and an additional $1500 earmarked for the 3rd grade Camp Abnaki overnight (3rd grade gets the extra as their role in the Flynn play is much smaller the first year)

Below is a breakdown of existing projects and a list of ideas for additional opportunities at Flynn.  The Enrichment committee is soliciting your feedback on the ideas generated, would like to hear YOUR ideas and is looking for parents/guardians that might have a special interest in getting one or more of these ideas off the ground. 

What opportunities do you want for you child?  How can you help?  To inquire, contact Kate Belluche at flynnschoolpto@gmail.com

Current Enrichment Projects:
 

Project	Organizers/Info
JJ Flynn Theatre	Kate Belluche, Kim Hunt
K-2 Enrichment	Kate B./teachers - K all set with trip to Flynn theatre and buses ordered, ½ still deciding on their enrichment
Chess Club	Shanta Eastman, Jon Kuypers
Flynn Family Nights	Christine Leithied
Spelling Bee	Ms. Burdick, PTO Money
Geography Bee	Mr. Brown, PTO Money

Ideas for additional enrichment opportunities:

Idea	Potential Partners
VSO (Vermont Sym Orchestra) Petting Zoo	Mr. Reynolds?  Kate contacted - this year Burlington schools get 1 free visit - we would need two for all students and would have to pay the 2nd day.  Proposed dates in January to Graham - waiting on him
STEM/Science Night	STEM committee/Mrs. Dee? Mrs Noble?
Afterschool Science Club/Lego robotics	Shanta looking into, Flynn owns 14 sets of WeDo Legos (younger grades), Middle school might have more advanced sets
Mindfulness	Teachers - Tenenbaum, Hodgson, Brown, Noble, Brooks, Lessard, Fitzpatrick, Cronin, Bloomberg and possibly more!  Do they need any support now or in the future?
Service Learning- tacked onto other projects/activities (like welcome back potluck, Springfest, Martin Luther King Day)
Girls on the Run (grades 3-5)
Tech Club (produce for Flynn TV, learn different applications like SCRATCH, Google Sketch up, Glogger, video production)
Literary Journal
Geography Club
Spelling club/team
Project Based Learning on a regular basis (one afternoon a week during a session - kids are offered exploratory classes and meet with their multi class, multi age/grade group to explore deeper (like SchoolHouse)	Teachers, Paras and parents

Sibling Rivalry: A Parent’s Role advice from parent educator, Vickie Hoefle.           

Many parents suspect that they have something to do with all the fighting, but they simply can’t figure out what that something is. If they knew, they’d avoid it all together.
Well, here’s the deal. Your kids are often fighting for you. Hard to believe, but true. Think about it – how many times have you left the room when the kids were fighting and they were kind enough to bring the fight to you? Exactly. They fight for you.
And as they follow us around the house, the fighting escalates, and as a reaction to the rising level of agitation, our (likely unconscious) idea of the “right” parenting strategy is to start talking to them about stopping. And because they generally ignore us, we start to get frustrated and then angry and then downright ticked off at them and before long, our voices have escalated into a scream (and, huh, that sounds just like their fighting, doesn’t it?). Exactly. They wanted us to join the party. And here we are wearing a party hat, waving our hands at the tiny little hosts.
And so we go from wanting nothing to do with this little shindig to dressing up and responding, YES! When we join in like this (even though we didn’t want to), we say “I will give you my undivided attention when you fight. I will stop what I am doing, start yelling at you to stop and even allow my emotions to get the best of me.”
What kid wouldn’t fight for the chance to control mom or dad— not only into attending but becoming the entertainment? Silly right? Ready to RSVP “No” to the next invitation? 

Save the date...

October 8 - Room Parent Orientation - 6:30
October 9 - Calendar 2.0 meeting at BHS - 6:30pm
October 10 - Partnership for Change team meetings - 6:00pm
October 22 - Book Fair Dinner 5:30-7
November 2- Flynn Bottle drive at Merola's!
November 3 - Daylight Savings - set those clocks back an hour!

MINUTES

Flynn School PTO

Learning Center

October 3, 2013 - 6:30-8:00 pm

Free Pizza and Childcare were provided

Meeting called to order at 6:45pm

WELCOME – Jessica Hook, PTO President

Principal’s Corner- Graham Clark

• Caution tape removed from new playground!
• Cameras in the front of school have been installed- once each school has completed this then the additional playground cameras will be installed (possibly end of Oct)
• Conference sign-up available online
• Oct 16 – UVM Landscape design students will be at Flynn- parents are welcome to attend

Treasurer’s Report- Betsy Ward   

• 2013-2014 Budget passed by vote- see bottom of document for details

Spending Requests The Finance Committee has advised to table the following request until more funds have been raised and alternative funding vetted (grants):

• Library request for seating to make new space cozy (pee-proof couch, bean bag chairs, area rug for story time, coffee table)

• Replacement dimmer for stage gym was removed from the spending request list be Graham

   

Fundraising- Tammy Kuypers

• School Pictures- estimated this year’s revenue will surpass last year!
• Wrapping Paper- initial estimate is $3,800!
• Pay It Forward already at $780
• Pasta dinner needs volunteers- this year it will be “suggested donation” $5 per person, $15 per family
• Bottle Drive on Nov. 3rd- last year brought in $250

Enrichment- Kate Belluche

• K-2 will be going to 2 Flynn performances
• First grade has asked for assistance with transportation
• Beth Bloomberg is researching possible grant to assist with funding
• Chess Club- was a huge success last year- Shanta Eastman and Jon Kuypers have volunteered to run it this year- more info to come
• Additional ideas discussed: MLK give back day, Tech Club, Science Club, Girls on the Run, Maker fair, Lego robotics club, VSO “petting Zoo” where children get to explore instruments

Landscape/Garden- Sarah DeShaw

• Sarah will connect with the newly formed staff “Partnerships for outdoor learning” committee and will reach out to the parents who have expressed interest

Flynn School/Family Partnership- Shanta Eastman

• 5 staff members have joined the FSP committee

Room Parents- Lisa Tulkop

• Meeting for all room parents on Tuesday Oct. 8th

STEM- Tracy Truzansky

• This committee and the Partnerships for outdoor learning committee will join together and work towards providing stem related learning through the evolving outdoor environment at Flynn

Teacher Suggestion Box – Christine Leithead

• The box will be set up soon

OPEN FORUM

• Walk to school day is Oct. 9th – John Dorwart expressed interest but it was also discussed that it might happen at a later date- more info to come!
• Volunteers needed for message board outside the school

FLYNN PTO 2013-2014 BUDGET SUMMARY (approved)

 

Total Budget $17,500.00

Budget Breakdown Amount % of Budget Examples

 

 

Operating Expenses $1,300.00 10%

Copies, materials, food for PTO meetings  $650.00 5%

Reserve (for Maintenance) $650.00 5%

Future playground or garden maintenance

Activities* $10,400.00 80% (See breakout below)

 

Earmarked Funds

Garden $2,000.00

Security Cameras $2,500.00

 

Available Funds (as of 9/29/13)

 

 

 

Checking $2,178.63

Savings $3,253.59

 

* Activity Sub-Categories Amount Examples

 

 

Enrichment $7,500.00

Teacher Mini-Grants $1,500.00 Educational support/enhancement

Community Building Events $800.00 Back-to-school potluck, Spring Fest, family nights, etc.

Educational Support $400.00

Staff Appreciation $200.00