School Comm. Meeting

Birch Meadow Staff presented at School Committee on Monday night. Below are the presentations done by each team. If you have difficulty viewing the links please contact your child's teacher.

Mr. Sprung's presentation
Kindergarten Presentation
First Grade Presentation
Second Grade Presentation
Third Grade Presentation
Fourth and Fifth Grade Presentation

The week in pictures 2/14 - 2/18

Author Lita Judge speaks with 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students about being an author and illustrator.

Author Cheryl Shaw Barnes speaks with kindergarten and first grade students about being an author and illustrator.

The snow removal process continues on the roof of Birch Meadow.

Birch Meadow Lego Robotics teams at Coolidge Middle School. The two Birch Meadow teams came in first and third place at the competition.

One of the many great after school programs here at Birch Meadow. These student chefs are cooking banana pancakes.


Have a great February vacation!

Thank you!

Dear Birch Meadow Families and Colleagues,
Thank you so much for your generous contributions to my Zimbabwe Clothing Drive! I delivered everything last evening and could not be more appreciative! Thank you so very much for your generosity!

Peace,
Maria Simon

Why twitter?

If you are not a twitter user don't worry...you're not the only one. I am certainly not skilled at using twitter, but this funny video/song encouraged me. (You can be one of over 350,000 people who watched the video). I am quickly learning twitter is a place where many colleagues post great information about teaching, learning, and leadership. I also enjoy sharing information with you about Birch Meadow and the future of education impacting your children. My twitter updates are listed on the right side of my blog.

You can follow these links which show the value of twitter...
http://novanews.global2.vic.edu.au/2011/02/03/wow-the-power-of-twitter/
http://teacherbootcamp.edublogs.org/2009/10/07/presto-how-to-build-a-pln-using-twitter/

You can follow me on twitter to see my postings or sign up to get an e-mail anytime my blog is updated.

I continue to post updates related to Birch Meadow School and information which may be of interest. Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback related to my blog or twitter updates.

Have a great day!

The week in pictures 2/7 - 2/11

The pictures above are from parents, teachers, and students working together to discuss the Blue Ribbon School Improvement process. Thank you to everyone who completed the Blue Ribbon survey and those who are involved in creating an action plan for continuous school improvement.


100's day activity in the 1/2 day kindergarten program. Thank you to the many volunteer supporters for this event.


Yes...this picture is from inside the bathroom in the grade 2/3 hallway near the cafeteria. The bathroom recently received new stalls and flooring to provide a nicer restroom for students and easier to clean space for custodians.

The lunch on Thursday was very popular!
Nickelodeon Day
Spaghetti Taco
Crabby Patty
Coral Puffs
Squidward Salad
Pineapples under the Sea

Here is the 3rd round of snow pictures

Thank you to all the families who submitted pictures from your snow days!


Snow Queen


On top of the world


Snow Buddies








In the beginning, there was work


In the middle, there was fun



In the end, there was more snow

Tribute to Mrs. Cloonan

I am excited to announce nurse Donna Cloonan is planning to return to Birch Meadow after February vacation. She will start back on a part time basis. In Mrs. Cloonan's absence, we appreciate the work done by Mrs. Costello supporting students in the nurses office.

Judy Cianciolo, a Reading parent and para educator, is running the Boston Marathon in Mrs. Cloonan's honor. Last year Judy ran the marathon to honor former Reading Superintendent Pat Schettini. To learn more about Judy's tribute or support her and Dana Farber please follow the links below.

Information about Judy's support of Mrs. Cloonan

Donation form

Snow Pictures 2

Thank you to all the families that sent in snow pictures last week. If you have additional pictures you want to have posted please pass them along. A few more pictures will be added soon.
Have a great week!


What? I am wearing my coat.


We're on top of Mt. Everest!



Snow buddies!



It's quiet in here!



Just hanging out



Snowcave















I am going through a tunnel today!


Fun in the snow fort!



Don't worry. I will make you a path.


Shoveling a path to Mrs. Davie's class



This is the awesomest snow tunnel



Building snow bear with little sister


Big air in the backyard

Birch Meadow roof snow removal

The following message is from the superintendent of schools related to snow removal. He also indicated additional snow removal will be happening this weekend.

We have been monitoring all the roofs in the district for the last few weeks and have been removing snow where necessary. Birch Meadow was addressed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday by our maintenance staff. They shoveled the snow drifts and any areas that between long spans on the roof where structural damage could occur. In addition, they cleared away any roof drains.

I hope this helps. Take care.

John F. Doherty, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Reading Public Schools
82 Oakland Road
Reading, Massachusetts 01867
Phone: 781-670-2849
jdoherty@reading.k12.ma.us

Snow Pictures Part I

Thank you for sharing these great pictures! I always enjoy snow through the eyes of children. This is the first set of pictures which I received from parents on Tuesday and Wednesday. Keep sending me your pictures of your wonderful children! I will post the remaining pictures this weekend. They will be ready for your viewing first thing Monday morning. Have a great weekend!


Snow Train



Snow High



Snowed In



sNOw Parking


Snow Face


Punxsutawney Phil says "I'm going back to bed- six more weeks of winter!"


Mom...we're stuck


I am in the air


My very own snow seat #1


My very own snow seat #2


Hangin with dad


Upside down friends