BECS Family Update

We’ve wrapped up yet another fantastic week here at Burbank, and we couldn’t be happier! The classrooms are buzzing with energy, curiosity, and creativity as the children dive into their daily routines. Each day, we see new friendships blossoming, teamwork building, and, of course, countless little moments of joy and discovery. Our dedicated teachers and staff are continuously inspired by the children’s enthusiasm and growth, and it’s wonderful to witness such a strong, supportive community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making Burbank a place where every child feels welcomed, encouraged, and excited to learn. We’re looking forward to all the wonderful adventures the upcoming weeks will bring!

A Huge Thank You for Making Our Election Day Bake Sale a Success!
We are thrilled to share that, thanks to your incredible support, our Election Day bake sale raised $767.57! Every cookie, cupcake, and treat purchased brings us closer to our goals for enriching our school community. Thank you for showing up and making a difference—it truly means the world to us!

Mark Your Calendars for Our Next PTO Meeting!
We’d love for you to join us for our upcoming PTO meeting on November 12th from 6-7 PM. It's a wonderful chance to connect with other parents, share ideas, and work together to create even more opportunities for our kids. Plus, we’ll have dinner provided and childcare available, so you can relax and enjoy the evening with us. We hope to see you there!

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Thomas Johnston, who has been a dedicated part of the Burbank team for nine years! Thomas values the family-like atmosphere here at Burbank, where staff, families, and children come together to create a warm and supportive community. One of his greatest joys is serving as a role model for the children, a role he truly treasures.

As one of the few male staff members at Burbank, Thomas brings a unique perspective. When he first joined, there was only one other male employee, and he spent two years as the only male staff member. Now, Thomas is excited to see more men, including our male director and other male teachers, joining the early childhood profession.

Outside of work, Thomas is a certified pickleball instructor and an avid player. He also has a passion for fishing and loves spending quality time with his family. His adventurous side doesn’t stop there—Thomas enjoys both water skiing and snow skiing!

We’re grateful to have Thomas as part of our Burbank family, where his commitment and enthusiasm make a positive impact every day.

Burbank Community, let’s show our support together! On Friday, November 15th, we invite all students and staff to wear purple, the color of epilepsy awareness. This simple act can help spark important conversations and show solidarity with those impacted by epilepsy.

This November, we’re joining millions of people in raising awareness about epilepsy, a neurological condition affecting over 3.4 million people in the U.S. Epilepsy is often misunderstood, and increased awareness can help build understanding, reduce stigma, and foster support for those affected.

Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, which can vary widely in type and intensity. With greater awareness, we can promote acceptance and encourage inclusivity for individuals with epilepsy, helping to create safe and supportive environments for everyone.

We’re excited to announce a new experience for Burbank students, brought to us with the support of our PTO! This year, WellKids will be joining us to help nurture the physical, mental, and social wellness of our young learners through engaging programs designed just for them.

WellKids focuses on practical ways to help children develop healthy habits, build self-esteem, and foster meaningful connections with others. Guided by trusted experts, these sessions will provide our students with positive experiences and tools that promote wellness in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable.

We’re thrilled to bring WellKids to our Burbank community as part of our commitment to supporting the whole child. Stay tuned for more updates on how your child can participate in these enriching activities, all made possible by our wonderful PTO!

The Upper Arlington Education Foundation (UA+Ed) invites you to celebrate the teachers and staff who are making a meaningful impact on your children’s school experience! The 2024 Thank-a-thon is your chance to easily express your gratitude with a personal note.

How it works: Click this link to designate one or more teacher(s) and staff member(s) and share a brief heartfelt message of thanks. UA+Ed will deliver your note(s), along with a little treat, straight to their mailbox the week of Thanksgiving.

Deadline: Be sure to submit your message by Wednesday, November 13!

The Upper Arlington Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for students that go beyond the Upper Arlington School District’s budget. Explore recent Grants In Action to see how UA+Ed is making a difference!

With the rapid shifts in weather recently, we want to remind everyone to ensure your child is prepared for outdoor time. Many of our classrooms will continue to go outside, even on colder mornings, as long as conditions are safe. Please make sure your child has adequate layers, including hats, gloves, and jackets, to keep them comfortable.

Thank you for helping us make the most of each day outside!

Once again, the district is partnering with Tri-Village Packers (TVP) to provide grocery support during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This food distribution can offset some of the increased food expenses associated with an extended break from school. Groceries are distributed at no cost to families who sign up for the program. Volunteers work to honor dietary needs/restrictions, and delivery is available for those who experience transportation barriers.

If you would benefit from this assistance, please sign up by completing this Google Form by November 8.

It’s time to join your friends and neighbors and get involved in phase two of facilities master planning! Upper Arlington Schools officially kicked off this community-driven process, focused on the aging middle schools and Burbank Early Childhood School, with the first round of community engagement sessions this week. All Upper Arlington stakeholders will be essential to this process, exploring both the physical and educational needs of each building and helping to identify possible solutions.

Join a building team! Serve as an expert and committed stakeholder for your school(s) of choice by signing up to volunteer for one or more building teams — Hastings, Jones or Burbank. Each team will have three meetings between December 2024 and April 2025. To sign up and learn more, visit the Building Teams page on our website.

Please take note of the following important dates and when our school will be closed.

• November 11th - Farm To You
• November 13th and 14th - UA Fire Safety Education
• November 15th - Wear Purple for Epilepsy Awareness Month
• November 18th - WellKids
• November 27th - 29th - Thanksgiving Break (No School)
• December 3rd - Facilities Planning Building Team Meeting