Letter to Birch Meadow families

Welcome back to the 2012-2013 school year! It’s been a busy summer and I have been eagerly awaiting the return of staff and students. The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time, and this year is no different. The new school year provides an opportunity for returning Birch Meadow students to come back to a familiar and comfortable place. In addition, new and returning students look forward to what is going to be new at school this year. I think a good balance of positive changes and continued tradition makes Birch Meadow a special place. As we start this year, I hope you will embrace the opportunity to foster the energy and enthusiasm of Birch Meadow. We pride ourselves on having a culture where parents, students, and teachers work together and support learning. It is my belief we are all learners, and we have a wonderful school where we can do it together. Our school motto, “Learn, Achieve, Believe TOGETHER” are words we say and live by each day. Thank you for working together with us to make Birch Meadow great! I hope you will join me as we welcome new staff to Birch Meadow this year: - Jennifer Scribner – fifth grade teacher - Luciana Lancellotta – learning center teacher - Robyn Sullivan – school psychologist - Kelly Strob – half day kindergarten teacher Since the summer began, a few staff members have left for personal or professional opportunities. We wish these former staff good luck in their future: - Kristie Lambert (teacher) took a job closer to home in Gloucester. - Marissa Pace (paraprofessional) took a job as an educator in a different district. A few changes you may notice this year: - Families do not need to purchase scissors and rulers – these will be purchased by PTO. These items may have been on the supply list, but they are being purchased by the PTO. - The hallway doors and windows at end of the grade 2/3 hallway were replaced. - We have many new pictures and art work around the building. - The staff will have portable radios in the mornings, at recess, and during emergencies to better enhance student safety. - 60 iPADs were purchased to support instruction in the classrooms. A special thank you to Birch Meadow parents and the PTO for supporting this initiative. - The floors in the reading room, PE storage area, and in one of the classrooms were replaced to eliminate cracked and chipped tiles. - If you are interested in Birch Meadow clothing to start the year, please visit the following web site for a variety of options to choose from. https://ssastores.com/store/birch-meadow-reading-ma/ It is my goal to continue the greatness of Birch Meadow. The staff and I are committed to delivering a high quality education for your children. We look forward to a successful year. If we can be of any assistance, or if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me here at Birch Meadow at eric.sprung@reading.k12.ma.us or 781-944-2335. We are partners in your child’s education. Please review the district calendar and EDLINE to monitor important school dates throughout the year. See important dates below. Wednesday, August 29 First day of school AM kindergarten students, full day kindergarten students, and 1st grade - 11 AM dismissal PM kindergarten - No school Grades 2 – 5, 12:45 PM dismissal Thursday, August 30 AM kindergarten students, full day kindergarten students, and 1st grade - 11 AM dismissal First day for PM kindergarten 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM Grades 2 – 5, 2:45 dismissal Friday, August 31 No-School Monday, September 3 Labor Day Holiday – No School Monday, September 10 Curriculum Night – Grades K-2 Wednesday, September 12 Curriculum Night – Grade 3-5 Friday, September 14 Picture Day Monday, September 17 Rosh Hashanah – No School Wednesday, September 19 PTO picnic and Book Fair Wednesday, September 26 Yom Kippur – No School Sincerely, Mr. Sprung