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

Gifts to Public School Teachers and Staff - State Ethics Commission - Mass.Gov

Gifts to Public School Teachers and Staff - State Ethics Commission - Mass.Gov

Grade 3 Pioneer Day

Our 3rd grade students expanded their understanding of pioneer living through this valuable hands on program. The PTO funded a traveling museum which came to Birch Meadow. The students had the opportunity play pioneer games, mine for gold, work in an 1800's kitchen and more. Here you can see Mrs. Thurnauer's class enjoying their experience

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Author Day - Tracy Kane

Kindergarten, first, and second grade students had the opportunity to visit with author and illustrator Tracy Kane. The students learned about Fairy Houses and they had the opportunity to build them at our school. Thank you to the PTO for supporting this positive experience.

Blue Ribbon School Visit

Thursday, April 12 Birch Meadow hosted a group of educators from across the state as part of Reading Public School's Blue Ribbon Conference. The visit provided Birch Meadow an opportunity to highlight the many wonderful qualities of our school. Thank you to the parent volunteers and student leaders who helped with this wonderful day. Pictures are below and on our Shutterfly site.

BIRCH MEADOW STAFF PRESENT TO SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Birch Meadow staff presented to the Reading School Committee this week. Staff highlighted many of the great accomplishments of our school. Along with great instructional strategies, the information highlighted our journey becoming a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School. Thank you to the following staff members who presented. You can see the presentations as part of the April 9 Reading School Committee on RCTV.

Birch Meadow Cares

Birch Meadow students participated in Birch Meadow Cares community projects. Students partnered between grades and created projects together helping others in need. The projects supported such organizations as The Reading Food Pantry, Birthday Wishes, Jimmy Fund, and the Heifer Foundation. Thank you to the teachers and school council who helped coordinate this great event.
Many more pictures are available on our Shutterfly page.