
Burbank Bulletin
September 20, 2021
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Luther Burbank families,
This week’s Bulletin is our “Extra-Curricular Bulletin.” We are so excited to bring our IN PERSON extra-curricular program back this year! We aim to offer an extra-curricular program that is diverse - a little bit of something for everyone. Please look through the offerings with your child and encourage your child to consider participating in one, two, or even more opportunities. Extra-curricular opportunities are an excellent way for students to explore different interests and to develop new friendships. With so many offerings, it may be hard to decide!
An important note about transportation and extra-curriculars - This year, ALL students participating in an extra-curricular activity must be picked up by a parent/guardian or pre-approved adult. The Mary Rowlandson buses will not be available for middle school ridership this year. Parents/guardians should park in the front parking lot. Extra-curricular advisors will escort students to the flapole where they will supervise students as they walk to their car. Thank you for your prompt arrival for pick-up and for your continued support of these opportunities for our students.
In partnership,
Laura
Dates to Remember
September 28: SEPAC Business Meeting, 7:00 PM, Virtual (see attached flyer)
October 11: Holiday, No School
October 13: Community Forum with Superintendent Downing, 7:00 PM, LBMS Library
October 22: Early Release Professional Development, 11:30 Dismissal
October 28: Early Release, Parent-Teacher Conferences, 11:30 Dismissal
October 29: No School, Parent-Teacher Conferences
LBMS EXTRA-CURRICULAR OFFERINGS, 2021-2022
With the exception of Honors Wind Ensemble and Mr. Burks's DnD Club, ALL clubs meet after school from 2:15-3:05. Students MUST be picked up no later than 3:15. Thank you!
Art Club (Advisors: Mrs. Slattery & Mrs. Lattimore)
Art Club is an opportunity for students to enjoy additional time to create and express using a variety of art materials. Art Club activities include painting, printmaking, collage, drawing, and work with clay. The Art Club will meet in the Art Room on Monday afternoons beginning September 20th. Permission slips must be returned prior to attending the first session and can be picked up from the Art Room or printed out from the Art Club Google Classroom (a link is posted on Mrs. Slattery's website). Mondays
Best Buddies (Advisor: Mrs. Lonardo)
Since 2008, Luther Burbank Middle School has been an “officially chartered chapter dedicated to establishing mutually enriching one-to-one friendships to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.” Our membership has continued to grow through the years, developing strong friendships between the students. Our chapter will plan to meet on the first Wednesday of each month in Mrs. Lonardo’s classroom, beginning in October. If your child is planning to participate, please go to bestbuddies.org/join and complete a member application (it will take 5 minutes or less). Additionally, there will be LBMS extracurricular activity permission forms and instructions posted in the main hallway. These forms need to be completed and returned prior to the start of our activities. We are really looking forward to meeting in person this year. If you are ready to have some fun, join us on October 6th! First Wednesday of the month
Book Club (Advisor: Mrs. Brunelle)
This Club is for students who love to read and talk about books! This club will meet on Thursdays in room D-132 (the 6th grade ELA room). The first meeting will be on Thursday, September 30th. Please see Mrs. Brunelle's classroom website to sign up. Thursdays
Chorus (Advisor: Ms. Belhumeur)
Chorus is a place for students to come together, sing, laugh, and enjoy choral community. Chorus is NOT auditioned!! Students with or without singing experience are welcome and encouraged to give it a try. The LBMS Chorus explores repertoire from a variety of genres including jazz, folk, classical, musical theatre, and even pop! Students learn about vocal health, technique, 2-4 part singing, and experience singing in both English and other languages. Wednesdays
Creative Writing Club (Advisor: Mr. Burks)
The Luther Burbank Creative Writing Club is a productive, reflective, fun, and collaborative space where students will be invited to engage in a variety of creative writing and discussions about creative writing. Students will be writing, discussing each other’s writing, and working to build their skills as authors! This is a great opportunity for students to make new friends, develop collaboration and critical thinking skills, and have a lot of fun with Mr. Burks. Joining the club requires a permission slip in advance of participation. The first meeting for those who submit signed permission slips will be on Monday, September 20th. The club will meet in Mr. Burks’ room. Mondays
Drama Club - More information coming soon!
Dungeons and Dragons Club (Advisor: Mr. Burks)
Students, have you ever wanted to try Dungeons and Dragons? If so, then the Luther Burbank DnD Club is the place for you. With Mr. Burks as your Dungeon Master, you'll go on incredible campaigns, exploring forgotten realms, and discover priceless artifacts. If that sounds good, dust off a D20 and join! Since DnD campaigns only work with a small group, six members will be chosen randomly from the pool of interested students. These members must commit to the meeting times/dates and be able to walk home or be picked up by their parents. In order to express interest, sign and return the DnD Club permission slip by Monday, 9/27. Mr. Burks will announce the members of the club on Tuesday, 9/28. The club will meet every other Friday from 2:15-4:30, starting on Friday, 10/1. In order for students to attend, they must be able to be walk home or picked up by their parents/guardians at 4:30.
Green Team (Advisor: Miss Trahan)
The LBMS Green Team is aimed at making our school and the greater community more environmentally friendly. All are welcome and encouraged to join. The more voices we have, the more impact we make. Meetings are held after school on Thursdays in Miss Trahan’s room. Permission slips are available outside of Miss Trahan's 6th grade Science classroom. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 30th. Thursdays
Gaming Club (Advisor: Mr. Burks)
The Luther Burbank Gaming Club is a fun and collaborative space where students will be invited to engage in a variety of table-top, video, and role-playing games. This is a great opportunity for students to make new friends, develop collaboration and critical thinking skills, and have a lot of fun with Mr. Burks. Games that the club will play include: Dixit, Ticket to Ride, Keyforge, Munchkin, and Chess & Checkers. Joining the club requires a permission slip in advance of participation. The first meeting for those who submit signed permission slips will be on Wednesday, September 22nd. The club will meet in Mr. Burks’ room. Wednesdays
Intramurals - Students should view the Bulletin Board in the gym for start dates. Interested students must have a signed participation form on file. Forms may be found in the office.
Before School Fitness Room (with Mr. Gormley), TBA
Wiffle Ball (with Mr. Peirce), Tuesdays, 2:15-3:15
Jazz Ensemble (Advisor: Ms. Belhumeur)
In Jazz Ensemble, students have the opportunity to explore one of the only styles of music that is uniquely American. The ensemble sets up as a traditional "Big Band," but is open to students who play non-traditional jazz instruments as well. Students study a mix of well-known charts, improvisation, jazz technique, and tunes arranged for Big Bands. Jazz Ensemble is open to any student who plays an instrument at 6th grade proficiency. Tuesdays
Math Club: (Advisor: Mrs. Weber) More Info Coming Soon!
Mark your calendars: Math Club will meet on Thursdays
Sign Language (Advisor: Mrs. Aylward)
This club is for any student interested in learning American Sign Language. Students are encouraged to join us in a fun environment to learn and practice ASL with other students. First meeting date, TBA Mondays
Student Council (Advisor: Ms. Campbell)
Student Council is an organization that gives students a voice. Voted by students' peers, students become part of a group that can make a change. Students organize and carry out events such as dances and service projects and help create a more positive school community by building school spirit through activities like spirit week. Through these various activities and more, students are able to make a positive impact on our school and build leadership skills. First meeting date, TBA Mondays
Yearbook Club (Advisor: Mrs. Sullivan)
The Luther Burbank Middle School Yearbook Club is charged with the task of creating a yearbook to be completed and distributed by the last day of the school. Club members will photograph school activities and events, format images, design pages, and assist with the cover contest and the coordination of communications between the yearbook club and students and teachers for submitting information for the yearbook. Meeting dates: TBA
Wind Ensemble (Advisor: Ms. Belhumeur)
**Auditions will be scheduled for early October, first rehearsal TBD**
Wind Ensemble is Lancaster's HONORS ensemble, and is the only auditioned ensemble. Students interested in Wind Ensemble should be active members of their grade level Concert Band who are driven, high-achieving in music, and seeking a challenge. As members of an honors ensemble, these young musicians also exemplify leadership in behavior, musicianship, and overall character. Students should audition for Wind Ensemble based on their desire to push themselves and challenge their musical skills. Wind Ensemble aims to have an ideal instrumental balance. This is based on traditional Wind Ensemble section structure. Remaining open seats will be filled based on director recommendation, following auditions. For audition requirements, please visit the Ensemble Page on Ms. Belhumeur's website. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30
LBMS ADVISORY PROGRAM TO BEGIN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th
Next Wednesday, September 29th, will mark Day 1 of our 2021-2022 LBMS Advisory Program. The Luther Burbank Middle School Advisory program, a pivotal component of our efforts to support students’ social-emotional needs, is now in its sixth year. Advisory offers students an opportunity to build connections and strengthen relationships in a small group discussion format. This year, our Advisory Program will run twice per cycle, on A and D days, in the morning. What a great way to start off the day!
Important Information from SEPAC
SEPAC's monthly business meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, September 28th, at 7:00 PM. Interested attendees should refer to the SEPAC webpage and/or the attached flyer for more information and a link to Google Meet. That being said, updates to the SEPAC page have begun! So far, a disability awareness calendar and Superstar Certificate of Appreciation have been linked. Interested parents and guardians are encouraged to check back regularly for more information.
Nashoba Wolves Spirit Wear
2021-2022 LBMS Student and Parent Handbook
Interested in Substitute Teaching for the 2021-2022 School Year? We Need You!
Substitute teaching offers flexibility and a direct interface with our awesome students. It also offers interested community members a way to contribute to our school. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a substitute teacher and/or are interested in applying to become a substitute teacher, please email Laura Friend at lfriend@nrsd.net or call our main office at 978-365-4558. Substitute teaching offers flexibility and a direct interface with our awesome students. It also offers interested community members a way to contribute to our school.
Luther Burbank Middle School
Email: lfriend@nrsd.net
Website: burbank.nrsd.net
Location: 1 Hollywood Drive, Lancaster, MA, USA
Phone: 978-365-4558
Twitter: @LBMSPrincipal