Flynn PTO Update 12/15/13

Hey There Flynn Families - Snow at last!  At least now it feels and looks like winter!  Budget hearings this week for the 2014-15 school budget.  See below for more info from Jeanne Collins.  Stay warm and safe travels if you are going away over break.  Kate B.


Holiday Assembly this Friday at 1:45-2ish.  Mr. Reynolds will play Holiday favorites and invite students, staff and families to join him in a sing along.  Also, a check will be given to Tom Fleury for the New North End Food Shelf.  It is not too late to make a donation to the Food Shelf!  Money donations can be sent in to the office until Friday morning.  Families are invited and encouraged to attend.

 

Budget Process and Hearing Date by Jeanne Collins

We are in the midst of the budget process this year and you may have noticed it is a bit different from year’s past. This year, we are attempting to build a budget that meets an overall financial goal of 6.9% increase over per equalized pupil spending, as well as meet program goals identified by the Board. Early on, in September, there was input by the community (you were all invited to give input in the survey), the administration and the Board that led to the decisions being made now. This budget is designed on the priorities that were set by the Board following that input. Budgets in the past have been presented as line item budgets, where certain positions are cut or added and the administration had to live within those parameters. In designing a budget set on goals, the administration has room to make adjustments as revenue changes are known along the way. For example, a budget discussion o kindergarten para-educators meant that those paras could not move to 1st grade with a large class, even though kindergarten might have been smaller the next year. This type of decision making limits the ability to flex with changing conditions and meet changing needs.
The Board has made commitments in the following areas:

• An aligned system leading to high achievement for all students
• 21st century, student centered learning in technology rich environments
• Restructuring for equity and diversity
• Maintain and upgrade facilities for safety, efficiency and accessibility

Priorities that guide this budget process, as determined by the Board are:

• Technology for the 21st century
• Developing a multi-tiered system of support
• BHS/Edmunds facilities planning for 21st century learning and accessibility
• Diversity & equity needs in professional development, recruitment and response to harassment
• Facilities & maintenance needs
• Professional Development for differentiation, ELL, high achievers and common core
• Teacher evaluation system for greater student outcomes

As always, there are choices to be made within a set of goals to provide the best outcomes for our students within our means. We cannot afford to add to this budget and have to reanalyze how we use current resources as well as determine what programs or functions we can no longer afford. This budget process gives some time for us to do that in an ever changing financial environment. In absorbing the current programs with compensation and health increases, we add over $3M to the current budget. We need to make up a $1.2M deficit that stems first from under budgeting a couple of years ago combined with cost shifts that occurred at the local and federal level. These expenditures combined put our budget above our financial goal and thus we need to determine what to do differently and what to stop doing.
Budget hearings this week will focus on the priorities- are they the right program priorities? Is the financial goal one this community can accept? If the answers are yes, they will guide our spending decisions going forward and set us on the path to have a budget that is aligned with our goals, rather than a budget that is volatile and unstable.
I hope you choose to participate in the hearings and learn more about the goals the district is seeking to achieve. The hearings are Monday, Dec. 16, 7pm @ BHS and Thursday Dec 19, 7pm @BHS.

Lost and Found items are piling up in the cafeteria....  Come on in and see if you can find that missing mitten, those warm winter boots that were "stolen!" or that coat that walked away on the playground - likelihood is that those items are in the pile...  We encourage you to label all your kid's clothes so that if they are found they can be returned!  In need of some warm stuff?  Come take a peek through the Outerwear Swap - there are plenty of warm things that are free, clean and in great shape.  The outerwear swap is located in the hall outside the cafeteria.


The Talent Show is coming!!!!!  Mark your calendar for 2/14/14 and make a Valentine's Date to come see the annual Talent Show at Flynn.  Sign-ups start next week so students can start their preparations during the Winter break.  Keep your eyes on the backpack for a permission slip.

Podcast: Natural Consequences

In this conversation with Vicki Hoefle, we talk about natural consequences.

The purpose of using natural consequences is to encourage children to make responsible decisions, not to force their submission. When a child makes a poor decision and the parents stay out of it, the child learns from the consequence, gains new information, and is in a position to choose differently the next time.

Listen in and let us know how natural consequences have been your child’s best teacher.

http://vickihoefle.com/podcast-natural-consequences/

Save the date...

December 16- School Budget Hearings - 7pm at BHS
December 19 - Principal's Coffee, 8:30am
December 19 - School Budget Hearings - 7pm at BHS
December 20 - Holiday Assembly/Donation to Food Pantry
December 23- January 1 - Winter Recess
January 3 - Permission slips go home for Tom Sawyer Grades 4/5
January 20 - No School - MLK Day

Flynn PTO Update 12/8/13

Hey There Flynn Families - Hope you had a lovely weekend.  Staff appreciation this Thursday sponsored by the PTO, led by Lisa and Happy.  Thank you ladies and to the other Flynn families sending in items to round out a baked zitipalooza luncheon.  The staff will be tickled!


North End Food Pantry  Each year around the holidays, Flynn staff choose an organization to receive funds gathered from Flynn students, families and Flynn staff.  This year they chose a very local organization - the North End Food Pantry. Each time a child brings in a dollar, they write their name on a paper can that is added to the display.  On December 20th, a check will be presented to the North End food Pantry at the Holiday Assembly.  For more information about the Pantry, take a peek at the info below furnished by CP Smith Principal, Tom Fleury.

The North End Food Pantry continues to serve the people of our community on Saturday mornings from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Oddfellows/Rebekahs Lodge at 1416 North Avenue.  Please use the door in the back of the building to visit the pantry.   

Due to recent cuts in food stamps, we are now seeing a record number of people coming through the door seeking food support.   

Those who wish to donate food items may do so by dropping them off at the pantry during the time it is open or by calling Thomas Fleury at 651-0978 to arrange to have food picked up for you. 

The pantry exists thanks to the generosity of donors such as Vera Fleury, Sarah Flynn, Hannaford Bros. Supermarket, Jean O’Sullivan, Judy and Bob Rivers.

JJ Flynn theatre presents Tom Sawyer.  Play sign-ups and permission sheets will start right after winter break.  Auditions, casting and rehearsals start mid-month!  An information sheet will be going home to all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in the next week - included is information about the audition process, chorus, character groups and what adult roles are needed to pull this production off.  We highly encourage students and parents to read the script (it is on-line and the link is provided) and to read Tom Sawyer.  The Flynn library has copies, the Fletcher Free library has copies and the book itself is in the public domain so it can be downloaded on e-readers for free!  We have books for a variety of reading levels - check in with Ms. Clopton to see what is available 

Here is a Round-up of our Leadership Team and Opportunities for YOU!:

Production Managers: Kate Belluche and Kim Hunt
Make-up Lead : Abby Greenip, Miranda Purvis
 Costume Lead: Janet Coutrayer
Playbill/poster Lead: Bren Alvarez
Sales Lead:  Janet Coutrayer,  Bren will help sell
 Fundraising Planning team: ?
 Greenroom Lead: Tammy Kuypers and ?
 Lights: Kim Hunt

 Sets: Alex Messinger
 Soundboard: Don W
 Stage Manager/crew: ?
 Concession/Front of House Lead: ?
 3rd Grade Chorus Lead: ?
 Cast Party: ?
 Production Week snacks: ?

*critical role - lead needed ASAP

SCHOOL BUDGET Things are heating up and now is the time to start informing yourself about the BSD school budget that will be finalized in the next month or so and then voted upon in March. 

Honestly, I find it very hard to sort through and find information that I can make heads or tails of...  I have poked around the budget info on the BSD website and found the items below.  I also saw another document at the Hunt PTO meeting that I cannot find on the BSD website - it says that the Finance Committee is hoping to set an increase of 6.9%.  This includes a rise in state taxes and a deficit to retire and means there will need to be significant cuts - this is where we come in... 

Start digging for information and finding out what the increases are and what the cuts are.  Contact your School Board representatives - let them know what is important to you.  Go to one or more of the budget hearing below and make your voice heard.  Parent support at Hunt Middle school last year saved the Healthy Living Program and the Community Outreach programs.  It looks like the Community Outreach Program is on the block again as well as Spanish in the elementary schools and a  number of para-professionals/teaching assistants.  Just a little of what I have been able to dig up. 

I will keep looking and forward anything I find out.  Please send your findings to flynnschoolpto@gmail.com and I will pass info along to Flynn families via the blog.

Info from Jeanne Collins- The Board continues to work with Administration, trying to craft a budget that focuses on the priorities of the District and is affordable for voters. This continues to be very difficult, as the State plans to increase taxes even before we pick up our pencils, and other external pressures that we have no control over continue to impact the process. What we do know is that the increase in cost of our current program as it carries over to next year, as well as covering our deficit of last year, means that we need to reduce programs or change the way we do things to meet the financial target set by the Board. The Board is offering two specific opportunities to comment on the proposal and look at the priorities being set: Hearings will be held on December 16^th and 19^th at BHS at 7 p.m.













 

School Board Members/Contact Information:


Parenting Those of you who attended the Duct Tape Parenting presentation with Vivki Hoefle last Spring might be interested to know that she has a local parenting class starting in January focusing on Adolescent Parenting.  (for those of you with adolescents, you know that the strategies you used 0-10 might not be so effective...)  There are a few Flynn families already signed up, so if you decide to join and want to connect with other families for support, email flynnschoolpto@gmail.com.  See link below for dates and pricing.

Six Week Adolescent Parenting Class (South Burlington, Vermont) Thursdays: January 9 – February 13, 2014, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
FH Tuttle Middle School
Library
500 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT
05403

Register Here


Minutes from the December PTO meeting are included at the end of this post.
 

Save the date...

December 16- School Budget Hearings - 7pm at BHS
December 19 - Principal's Coffee, 8:30am
December 19 - School Budget Hearings - 7pm at BHS
December 20 - Holiday Assembly
December 23- January 1 - Winter Recess
January 20 - No School - MLK Day



December Meeting Minutes:

Meeting called to order with Heather Simmons facilitating in place of Jessica Hook and Christine Leithead taking meeting minutes in the absence of Sarah Deshaw.

Principal's Corner - Graham Clarke

Graffiti was noticed on the playground Thurs or Fri and brought to Graham's attention.  There is spray painting on the brick wall in two places.  A work order has been submitted to property services for removal.  Unfortunately, our security cameras have not yet been installed.

A parent has brought up a concern to Jessica regarding noise, involving a staff person possibly using a whistle in the cafeteria.  This concern was noted by Graham.

The transition back to one campus has meant some changes.  Primary teachers are now able to use the entrance at the end of their hall for children to enter after recess.  With the changes, there are tweaks to be made.  Schedules are all in place and adjustments will be made as needed.

Landscaping design students at UVM presented their designs at UVM.  Plans are being developed for designs to be shared with Flynn families and staff.

5 Students from Norwich University presented to 4th and 5th graders around a project collecting rainwater from roofs, as part of a VT science initiative connecting indoor and outdoor learning. 

The inquiry fair for 1st and 2nd grades was a successful three days, including a large number of students skating at Leddy.  There was a lot of support from parents, which is appreciated.

Treasurer's Report

Betsy Ward was absent.  A summary of this month's finances was presented in paper copy.  We're still waiting on reinstatement of our non-profit status.

Fundraising:  Tammy Kuypers

Plans are coming together for a Lake Monster's game fundraiser for the spring.  Components would include a visit from Champ at Springfest, and other involvement at the game by Flynn students/families.

The Holiday Card fundraiser via Dan's Chocolates is happening now.  There hasn't been a lot of response.  It was noted that the date may have been too late and families had already ordered cards.

Tammy mentioned an idea for a new fundraiser/event: Parent's Night Out.  It would be a dance party for parents with childcare for children.  Possible venues were suggested. 

A fundraiser specifically to support the play is tentative.  During, Skate Night, the enrichment committee is hoping to be able to sell food and snacks to fund raise for the play in lieu of Leddy's snack bar selling snacks. 

We missed being included in Hannaford's money for schools fundraiser this year because we missed the deadline.

Enrichment:  Kim Hunt

At a play production meeting, some parents stepped forward for leading roles but there are still opportunities for parents, including 2 specific roles:
Stage Manager (working backstage) and an assistant to help work with the 3rd grade chorus.  Anyone interested should contact Kate Belluche or Kim Hunt.

Chess club will begin soon, lead by Shanta Eastman and Jon Kuypers.  The tentative schedule is for a start date of Wednesday January 8th, from 7:30-8:00 am, in the cafeteria.

Landscaping update:  Tabled due to absence of Sarah Deshaw

Flynn Family Nights:  Heather Simmons

"Drive in movie night" is scheduled for Fri, April 4th, lead by Tracy Truzanski.  The even will involve two parts.  Directly after school, children will make "cars", for the movie to happen later.  Times are as follows:  Car making from 3-5 pm, movie start time at 7:00Parent volunteers are needed.  Interested parents should contact Tracy.

Need volunteers to lead events for January as there are still some open dates for Family nights.

Family School Partnership:  Shanta Eastman

Meeting twice per month.  This year's action plan is almost completed.  Planned actions for this year include evaluating parent participation and the obstacles to participation.   Math night plans are in the works.  The Family School Partnership can no longer fund the bike mobile the same way it has in the past, so changes will need to be made regarding how funds are used.  The PTO will coordinate for funding.

Room Parents/Staff Appreciation - Lisa Tulkop

November appreciation was provided by the second grade families.  December will be sponsored by the PTO, with plans for a pasta luncheon this coming Thursday.  Parent contributions for drinks, salads and desserts are needed and a sign up sheet passed around. Parents interested in contributing can contact Lisa Tulkop.  January Appreciation will be sponsored by the 5th grade class, with plans to spruce up the staff break room.

Teacher Suggestion Box and Outerwear Swap - Christine LeitheadNo notes from staff at this time.
Outerwear swap is set up.  Julie Tegeder has helped set up and maintain it.  The question of visibility was discussed because it is located in the back of the school rather than in the front lobby as in previous years.  Christine and Graham discussed ways to improve visibility. 

Open Forum:

Claire Noble:  Teachers discussed wish list for recess cart and would like sturdy sand toys, balls and jump ropes. 

Flynn PTO Update 12/2/13

Hey There Flynn Families - No much new to report.  See the short list below.

Tom Sawyer Production meeting tonight from 7-8pm in the library.  Director Don Wright will join us to talk about the show and to outline the important production dates. We welcome your presence at the meeting and help with the production - there are tasks small and large for all families!!!

PTO Meeting this Thursday at 6:30 in the library.  Come at 6:10-6:15 for a light supper before the meeting.  There will be childcare offered during the meeting. 

Dan's Photocard Fundraiser  Kids brought home a handout at the end of the week with details about this low hassle, low pressure fundraiser.   Tammy N. made an facebook event page for this fundraiser that you might want to share with your friends and family.

This is the event page link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1433142346897751/

Questions?  Email Sarah DeShaw at sdeshaw@mac.com

4 Tips for Peaceful Holidays from Vickie Hoefle 
          

Oh holiday joy and splendor and…yes, hustle and bustle. Thanksgiving is upon us and while this next month is, for many, the most cherished time of year, we all feel some level of extra anxiety, stress and aggravation because we know the Holidays and all their tinseled commitments, are charging toward us, whether or not we’re ready.

 

As we become excited to see loved ones and look forward to sharing delicious food and fun traditions, we also feel the pressure to prepare, serve, find, give, make, decorate and  attempt far too many tasks our calendars can comfortably accommodate. When the to-dos eclipse the be-happys, it becomes far too easy to overlook the very thing that we are supposed to be celebrating: our relationships with our family members.

 

Reasonably, everyone can become a little, shall we say, short-fused, when tired from travel or hopped up on sugar! We can say things we don’t mean or snap in frustration at those who simply ask a question. Harmony during the Holidays isn’t always 100% and that’s ok. If you’re willing to let the little stuff go and focus on what matters – the relationships and making memories- then you’ll feel more relaxed and happy in times of chaos.

 

4 Tips for Peaceful Holidays:

1. Be easy on yourself and your kids. Messes and mistakes are bound to happen. Expect them and move it along quickly!
2. Don’t worry if each moment isn’t picture perfect. So what the sweaters don’t match? Oh well, life goes on.
3. Choose what matters and don’t feel guilty! Yep, those cookies didn’t get made but you sure did enjoy snuggling on the couch, beside the fire, watching the snow fall in peace and quiet.
4. Give what you can. If the budget’s tight, then the budget’s tight. Do not add extra pressure to give perfect gifts if the stress of paying for them (and the shipping too!) will cause a ripple effect on your family’s holiday harmony.

Enjoy that cup of cheer, and smile. This is the good stuff.

 

 

Save the date...

December 2 - Tom Sawyer Production Meeting - 7pm in library
December 5 - PTO Meeting 6:30 in the library
December 20 - Principal's Coffee, 8:30am
December 23- January 1 - Winter Recess

Flynn PTO Update 11/24/13

Hey There Flynn Families - Short week with lots going on... The first and second graders spend their last day at St. Joe's tomorrow with one final day of the Inquiry Fair.  Tuesday will welcome all students back to Flynn school - no more noisy buses and compressed days...  Parents are invited in to the Playground Celebration on Tuesday at 1:50.  Mr. Clark will thank the many parents and community members that made this endeavor possible, share a slide show about our new universally accessible playground and then lead the kids and staff outside for a whole school photo (photo services generously donated by Ambient photography).
Have a great week, safe travels and a lovely Thanksgiving/Hanukkah
 













The Thanksgiving Food Drive for Flynn families in need is wrapping up.  Thank you for your generous donations.  There are still some items missing that would be great to add to the baskets.  Can you help with any of these fresh items?  The following items would need to be dropped off in the office by 4pm on Monday to be included:
3 jars of gravy
2 bags potatoes
4 bags fresh carrots
4 Gallons milk
4 Fresh pies


Snow on the ground means that all students will need to be wearing snowpants, boots, hats and mittens during recess.  Kids not properly suited will not be allowed out onto the snow and will have to stay on the sidewalk  :(  

 If your child needs any of the above items, please check out the winter clothing swap located on the rack outside the cafeteria.  There are lots of sizes to choose from!  Can't find anything that fits?  Let us know at flynnschoolpto@gmail.com and we will put out a call for certain sizes.

Dan's Photocard Fundraiser  Kids brought home a handout at the end of the week with details about this low hassle, low pressure fundraiser.   Tammy N. made an facebook event page for this fundraiser that you might want to share with your friends and family.

This is the event page link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1433142346897751/

Questions?  Email Sarah DeShaw at sdeshaw@mac.com

F L Y N

Playground Celebration  Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Our community worked hard to build the new

Universally Accessible Playground at Flynn.
Join us in an all-school assembly and celebration!
 Timeline of Events:

1:50: Opening remarks from Mr. Clark

1:55: Community appreciation
2:00: Playground slide show
2:15: All school aerial photograph on the playground!


Rain Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2013 

 
 

School Reform... Thought other parents might be interested in a really interesting TED Talk I recently heard.   It is worth watching and thinking about how schools need to reach all children.  If this sparks your interest, you might want to check out the Partnership for Change website and read about how Burlington and Winooski are moving towards Personalized Learning Plans for all high school students and what that might mean for your kids as they work their way through the Burlington School District.  See links below:

• Ted Talk with Todd Rose:  The Myth of Average. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eBmyttcfU4

• From Partnership for Change:  http://partnershipvt.org/category/personalized-and-proficiency-based-learning/

• From VT Dept of Education: http://vtdigger.org/2013/10/09/educators-hear-students-benefits-personal-learning-plans/

Encouragement Without Praise  Might this work for your family?  Take a listen... A Podcast with Vicki Hoefle

In this conversation with Vicki Hoefle, she talks about encouragement. Encouragement implies faith in and Read More... 

Save the date...

November 26 - All Flynn students back on one campus!!!
November 26 - All School assembly at 2:15
November 27-29 - Thanksgiving break - No School!
December 2 - Tom Sawyer Production Meeting - 7pm in library
December 5 - PTO Meeting 6:30 in the library
December 20 - Principal's Coffee, 8:30am
December 23- January 1 - Winter Recess

Flynn PTO Update 11/17/13

Hey there Flynn families - Last week with kiddoes on two campuses...  For some of you, this is just the norm at Flynn school.  Get ready for the new and improved Flynn school reunion coming on November 26th!  You are invited to attend an All School assembly on Tuesday, November 26th at 2:15 to help celebrate and dedicate the new, universally accessible playground.

Donations to the annual Flynn thanksgiving food drive have been trickling in.  Trickling in might be generous… now is the time to really be generous!  Your donation of Thanksgiving type foods/turkeys/grocery store gift cards will be greatly appreciated by Flynn families in need.  Feast gift baskets will be assembled right before Thanksgiving break and distributed to Flynn families.  Can you help? Donations can be sent into the office anytime between now and the Wednesday before school break – November 27th.
 

PTO Enrichment Dollars. Did you know that the Flynn PTO has budgeted $7,500 this year towards enrichment for our kids?   (Total PTO budget this year is $17,500 ) Here is how we break down the budget so that all students get "equal" enrichment opportunities:
$2500 towards Spring play (almost half of the play expenses)
$2500 for K-2 Enrichment (this year all K-2 classes will go to the Flynn theatre)
$1000 to the 3rd grade overnight to Camp Abnaki (to offset their fundraising and compensate for smaller role in school play)
$1500 other experiences like Flynn Family nights, recess toys, VSO musical petting zoo

Want to peruse the budget with greater detail?  Go to the Treasurer's Page on the blog for the latest.



Parenting Resource Library Tucked into the corner just under the TV screen is a fabulous resource in need of some serious attention.  Have you poked around to see what is available in the Parent Resource Library? 

Everything on those shelves are for YOU - Flynn families!  There are parenting books -Including Duct Tape Parenting by Vickie Hoefle, multi-cultural picture books, cookbooks, books about divorce and death and learning styles.  There are educational games galore to play at home!  Your biggest problem will be deciding what to check out first!  The link below will take you to the catalog of resources available.  Browse around, come on in and check something out!   

During the schoolday, take your stuff into the office and Karen Carr will sign it out to you.  Afterschool, see Mandi or Elizabeth at the afterschool table and they will do the same.   

Missy  H. is a frequent visitor to the library - She recommends the game Dino Math Tracks-  super family fun and a great skill builder!

LINK to Parent Resource Library List:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/12at4YUWnqGA5WAGtLSvqddwk1Y9rawcFyoqgeK6pw8Q8rug17SpkwbtgnPUc/edit?usp=sharing&userstoinvite=flynnschoolpto@gmail.com


Staff Appreciation breakfast this week for our fabulous Flynn folks.  Thany you to the 2nd grade doing breakfast

VSO SymphonyKids Musical Petting Zoo

The VSO's SymphonyKids Educational Outreach program will visit Flynn classes K-5 on January 8,9.
Visiting is a program called the Musical Petting Zoo.  The "Zookeeper," Rebecca Kopycinski, brings a variety of orchestral instruments into the schools for a hands-on introduction to the VSO.  After an explanation and demonstration of each instrument, the children get a chance to play on their own, under the supervision of “handlers.”

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled introduction to the world of classical music!
When this event gets closer, we will be looking for parents to come in and help - no musical experience necessary. 

JJ Flynn theater kicks off Tom Sawyer on December 2.  Join us for the first production meeting of the season at 7 PM in the library.  Don Wright will join us to talk about the play.  We will discuss the production cycle, volunteer opportunities for parents and how we will pay for the play.  The more the merrier - it takes a lot of parents to help support our young actors.  (sometimes we even get parents helping who do not yet have a child in the play - it's that fun!!!) Students in grades 4,5 will be given speaking/singing roles while 3rd graders will join a chorus that performs several songs and dances during the show.  Everyone is guaranteed a spot!   Questions can be directed to Co-Production Managers Kate Belluche (akbelluche@aol.com) or Kim Hunt (kimberlyannhunt@gmail.com)


Speaking of Musical theatre... All of our young actors will hone their skills in reading , memorizing lines, interpreting lines, developing his/her character, time management, developing their focus and flexibility, listening, speaking, observing, developing their stage presence, cooperating, empathy, problem solving, trust, friendship, joy, pride, teamwork… 

 For some students who struggle everyday in their academics, acting in a play can be an important experience that allows them to shine on stage and see themselves as successful.  Many children do not have the opportunity to be involved in plays outside of school and this is where they can discover hidden talents and a passion for performing.  It really is a magical experience to watch children develop their voice and their characters under the direction of Don Wright.  Many of these same students continue with musical theatre at the middle school and some even at the high school level.  The majority of participants in Hunt plays like The Sound of Music, Grease and the Pajama Game came from Flynn school.  AND, each year the middle school play has grown in numbers by leaps and bounds.  This elementary play experience is wonderful for what it gives to our students now, but even more important is how it affects them going forward into those tricky adolescent years. 

For a really comprehensive article about the benefits of participating in live theatre, click on the link below.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-the-Theatre?-The-Benefits-of-Participating-For-Children-and-Youth&id=4248960

Save the date...

November 4-27 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

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 11/3/13

Hey There Flynn Families - Thanks to all the families that participated in our bottle drive this weekend at Merola's.  We'll update you as soon as we get the total.  Wasn't it nice to get up in the light this morning?  I'll take a little extra light in my life...  Construction is starting to wrap up - the fences are down and the kids have the run of the back field again.  It won't be long before all kids are back on the Flynn campus and then we are just "Flynn school" again.  Why not pop in for the November PTO meeting on Thursday - we're a friendly bunch... Have a great week 


November PTO meeting this Thursday from 6:30-8 in the library.  Free childcare and light supper provided.  We are off  to a strong start this year - let's keep the trend going!  The agenda is included at the end of  this post.

Can/Bottle drive  It was a great turn out Saturday for the Fall bottle drive and due to the generosity of Merola's they said we could leave the sign up for a few days to see if any more people would like to donate their deposits to the school.  So...if you forgot or didn't make it to Merola's on Saturday, there's still time.  Swing by and let them know you'd like to donate your bottles to JJ Flynn.  

Mindfulness in the Classroom  A number of Flynn staff are receiving training and classroom support for a mindfulness program.  I have been hearing rave reviews from both staff and kids.  Is your child in one of these classrooms?  What have you heard?  How is your child receiving this program?  Teachers:  Anyone want to share their experience thus far and maybe a video of their classroom mindfulness practice in action???

Flynn Food Drive starts this week.  We encourage families to send in non-perishable donations of foods that can be used to stock Thanksgiving food baskets. (think Thanksgiving type foods and ingredients....) Gift cards to Hannaford of Price Chopper are also helpful to help round out food items not collected.  Gift baskets will be assembled for Flynn families in need. 

The weather has turned chilly and the annual outerwear swap is now set up in the cafeteria entrance (near Staff Farm) on the Flynn campus.  All outwear is free for all Flynn families- please help yourselves to whatever you need to stay warm this winter!    We also welcome donations.  Please send in winter coats, boots, mittens, gloves, hats, and snow pants of all sizes - munchkin through adult.  There are adults and younger siblings who need warm clothes too!  Please send only CLEAN items in good condition.  If you have items to donate, please bring them to the office at Flynn.  Thank you!

To Bribe or Not to Bribe? No Question  Parenting insights from Vickie Hoefle *Take a look at the recent debate on the NY Times Opinions page and then read Vickie's response.

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/10/28/should-you-bribe-your-kids?smid=tw-roomfordebate&seid=auto

It took me three separate visits to the article in the New York Times Opinion Page, posted on October 28, 2013 in order to finish reading the article. At the end of each section, I hit the delete button and swore I wouldn’t read any more. But then I wondered – maybe there is an a-ha moment later in the article, and so I went back to read more. There was no a-ha moment, just an unabashedly boastful proclamation about one author’s use of bribes and rewards to manipulate her children.
I can’t really describe how upsetting and confusing this article is for me. Don’t get me wrong, I understand this kind of article creates a real buzz out there in the world, just look at all the comments. But to paint such a disparaging picture of your own children and then share it with the world to what – boost subscriber-ship or ignite a fire storm of controversy? I have to be honest, I just do not get it. Here is what I find so distasteful about this article.
1. I am a mother who has raised 5 children. I can not for the life of me understand how a mother could show such little faith in her children’s innate desire to learn, master their environment, and contribute to the world in positive ways
Oh sure, I know kids have long moments of apathy, disinterest and being less than cooperative, but for the most part, when a supportive parent provides a nurturing environment, kids get about the business of learning, mastery and contribution with very little coaxing from anyone.
And I wonder, when her children are older, what they will think of this article and the lack of faith their mom had in them. Maybe they will understand and accept that it was her job or that she didn’t really mean what she wrote, but I have found, that you never know how a child is going to interpret a parent’s intention and I am not sure I would be willing to risk what is at stake here.
2. Does she really believe there will be a moment when her children no longer depend on bribes and rewards to do the unpleasant tasks we are all required to do as adults? Or are we, the unsuspecting public going to have to pay for her unwillingness to help her kids learn that sometimes, whether you like it or not, things need to be done and most people don’t care whether you do them with a smile or a pout on your face. That choice is entirely up to you.
It seems her kids are missing out on a few critical skills that would make their adult lives far more rewarding, fulfilling and satisfying. But again, maybe teaching those skills is someone else’s job.
3. And finally, I shudder to think how many other parents will be influenced by her position and subscribe to the idea that bribing and rewarding children in order to manipulate them and make their lives easier is a reasonable proposition, and forget, that these kids are the future leaders of the free world. Maybe she doesn’t hold high hopes that her kids will have the grit, mental muscle or interest in becoming leaders who lead by example.
I’m not really sure what the purpose of this article was – except maybe to piss a lot of us off, in which case, I think it worked brilliantly. But beyond that, I can’t see that it offers any real value to a parenting conversation that supports any of us in our effort to raise more thoughtful, resilient, responsible and respectful human beings.

 Need a Job?  Flynn parent Janet Coutrayer wants parents to know about a job opening at CHT.  She says,  "it could be great for moms or dads jumping back into the workplace or just because there is a lot of flexibility.  It's a Home Education Counselor, but you don't have to have a counseling or lending background - basically anyone who would make a good counselor and uses those skills in their lives could make a good case.  I now have a different position at CHT, but this is the job I took that moved me out of administrative assistant work to more direct service working with people."  Might be interested?  Contact Janet at harveycoutrayer@yahoo.com

Fifth Graders Ski FREE with the 5th grade Passport at SkiVermont  Skiing and riding are magical sports and that can change lives, supporting healthier decisions and bonding experiences that can last a lifetime. There is no better time to fall in love with snow-covered mountains than during the final years of care-free adolescence. To help our youth get to the hills, we offer participating fifth graders up to 88 free days of skiing and riding at Vermont’s alpine and Nordic resorts.  http://www.skivermont.com/events-and-deals/program-passport

UVM Kids & Parents research study is still looking for some families to participate in their study.  Don't just talk about science - participate in a real life scientific study! You can also earn some cash for your time... If your child/family structure fits the criteria below you might want to participate. 

* Participants are needed for the Kids & Parents research study – a study at the University of Vermont about families.
* We're looking for families to participate who have a 9- to 11-year-old child whose parents are married to each other.
* The study involves two 2- to 3-hour lab visits approximately 2 weeks apart (Visit 1: mother and child; Visit 2: mother, father, and child).
* Families will receive $100 for Visit 1 and $150 for Visit 2.
* To learn more, please call 802-656-4722.


School Board holds Public Forum on Redistricting and Board Make Up

The Burlington School Board is seeking voter opinion of what the composition of the school board should be under the City’s proposed redistricting plan (number of Commissioners and term of office). 

The Board’s Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee is holding a public hearing on Monday, November 4, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the library in Hunt Middle School, 1364 North Avenue, entrance off of Gosse Court. 

The Ad Hoc Committee will present four school board configurations that the Committee supports for discussion by the public and invites the public to offer comments on any additional options. 

To get to the Hunt MS library, turn left at the front office, walk down the hall then take your first right hallway and the door to the library is on your left. 

CONTACT: 

Miriam Stoll, Chair, Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee

(802) 598-6604

mstoll@bsdvt.org

 

Jeanné Collins, Superintendent

(802) 864-8474

jcollins@bsdvt.org

www.bsdvt.org

 

Save the date...
November 4-18 - Food Drive (items can come in via backbacks and will be collected in the office)
November 7 - Picture re-take day for St. Joes and Flynn campus

November 7 - PTO meeting - 6:30 pm in the library
November 21 - Principal's Coffee
November 21,22,25 - Inquiry Fair for Grades 1 and 2 at St. Joes
November 27-29 - Thanksgiving break - No School!
December 5 - PTO Meeting

AGENDA

Flynn School PTO

Learning Center

November 7, 2013

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

Principal’s Corner- Graham Clark (10 min)

Treasurer’s Report- Betsy Ward (5 min)
 

   

Fundraising- Tammy Kuypers (10 min)

Enrichment- Kate Belluche (10 min)

Landscape/Garden- Sarah DeShaw (5 min)

Flynn Family Nights - Heather Simmons (5 minutes)

Flynn Family Partnership- Shanta Eastman (10 min)

Room Parents- Lisa Tulkop (5 min)

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

OPEN FORUM (10 min)