Friday, February 7

Families,

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and reflecting over these past several weeks. Through that process, I found it hard to believe that I have only been part of this incredible community for just a year and a half. However, in that short time I’ve come to realize that serving as your principal and being a part of the BSD family has been an honor for me.

In particular, the District’s vision—to create an inclusive culture that inspires, empowers, and leads all learners to realize their full potential and make a positive impact—was a major driving force behind the decision for my wife and I to choose the Berkley School District. We wanted to belong to a community where our family would feel supported, seen, and valued, and where I could lead with those same principles in mind. I feel like we’ve found that in Burton.

As I continue to serve the Burton community, I want to be transparent about the values that guide me: honesty, authenticity, passion, inclusion, kindness, justice, respect, and learning. My hope is that these values are reflected in both the big and small moments of my leadership each day. Furthermore, I hope that these values trickle down through our classrooms and to your students. Through it all, I want to assure all families and students that the Burton team will always lead with compassion, acceptance, justice, and compassion to ensure all families are part of the Burton community.

With that in mind, we have a great opportunity here at Burton in the month of February to live into these values. Through the month, I’ll be sharing a glimpse into some of the learning about Black History Month in the Blue Jay Journal. For example, down below you’ll see some highlights from Ms. Smith in the Library and Mrs. Jakuc in the Art room. We feel it’s important to recognize and celebrate the stories, histories, and extraordinary people who have shaped the world we live in.

Go Blue Jays!
Lauren Fragomeni

TK students and some Kindergarten classes learned about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Students learned how he loved to make art, play music, and speak Spanish, French, and English. Blue Jay artists drew crowns, hearts, dinosaurs, and also colored just like him.

Kindergarten Artists loved learning about the glass artist Dale Chihuly. We were so excited to make glass- like bowls out of our marker-colored paper filters! At first they were flat, but we sprayed them with a little secret spray to “melt” the colors together and stiffen their design (shhh…they’re now drying over plastic cups!).

Each month Ms. Smith celebrates extraordinary people, stories, culture, and traditions of each Heritage Month. February is Black History Month. Ms. Smith currated books for students, teachers, and families to highlight inspiring people both past and present. Books teach students and ourselves about empathy and understanding a different perspective.

We believe that all students should see themselves in books that they read. We want students to see themselves in characters who look like them, share similar backgrounds, or have the same challenges.

We also believe that books should serve as a "window" where students can view experiences, stories, cultures, and traditions that are different from their own life.

Congratulations to all the Reflections participants in the Berkley School District. Reflections program is the National PTA art program. The goal is for participation and appreciation for the arts. Reflections program allows students to express themselves and receive positive recognition for original works of art, inspired by a theme. The theme was "Accepting Imperfections". BSD had 54 participants with 26 students going to the state for further judging. The winners were celebrated on Wednesday, January 29th. We are so proud of our BSD finalist and especially our Blue Jays!

Winter Temperatures:

When the temperature "feels like" is 9 degrees or below, we will have indoor line-up and indoor recess. In the morning (beginning at 7:50am), our 5th grade safeties will open the doors and allow students to line-up inside the building. Students will then walk and line-up outside their classroom.

Student Drop Off:

• Please utilize the rec center drop off area to ensure students are exiting vehicles safely.
• Please pull forward before dropping off your child.
• All students should exit and walk on the sidewalk for student safety.
• If students arrive prior to 8:00 am, they may walk and line-up with their class
• Indoor line-up: Students can enter through the playground doors (near clock tower) at 7:50am
• Please do not drop off students near the Nadine doors. This area is utilized for families in the ASD program.

Looking for a glimpse into all the learning, fun, and creativity at Burton? Please follow me, principal_fragomeni on Instagram.

The spirit wear shop features Burton's updated logo. The crest, much like the classic football clubs, signifies the strength and lineage of our community. The bricks proudly represent our school building, the welcoming front sign, and the iconic clock tower—a true testament to our heritage. And, of course, our Blue Jay has been given a modern look, embodying the spirit of growth and innovation that defines us.

Let's show off our Burton pride!

February:

*February 10: Candy Grams Must be Returned

*February 12: Count Day

*February 14: 1/2 Day for students (AM only) - Dismissal at 11:20am, Candy Grams Distributed

*February 17 - Feb 21: Mid-Winter Break (no school). School resumes February 24

March:

*March 4: PTA Meeting - 7pm Burton Media Center

*March 5 - 7: 5th Grade Camp (4th grade safety patrol takes over)

*March 20: Spring Conferences, 5pm-8pm (virtual)

*March 21: Spring Conferences, 8am-4pm (no school for students)

*March 24-29: Spring Break (district is closed)

*March 31: School Resumes

All families are invited to join a 3-part parenting workshop focused on anti-racist parenting. Participating is free-of-charge with funding from Oakland Country. Please see flyer/PDF for details and registration.

Utopia Sweets by Elyse:

Our HW neighbor, former Burton parent, and Burton alum, is offering us a SWEET deal! Utopia Sweets is unique and creative homemade desserts and confectionery creations. Elyse is giving back 15% of each Valentine's Day order to Burton PTA. Click on her Facebook or Instagram pages to view her custom chocolates and DM, call or txt her to order: Elyse 248-230-0400 and mention Burton!

Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00pm in the Burton Media Center or join for a "listen only" on Zoom.

Meeting ID: 880 9518 4741

Passcode: 26315

All are welcome! Please join the Burton PTA to help support our community!

President: Leah Wallbilich

Vice President: Natalie Friedman

Secretary: Ciara O’Laoire

Treasurer: Max Shear

Chair of Standing Committee: Elizabeth Scott

Principal: Lauren Fragomeni

The Burton PTA Tree of Giving highlights incredible contributions from our PTA, each leaf showcases items they've generously funded for our school community.

Each week our morning announcements on kindness, respect, and empathy featuring:

• The Pledge from a different classroom each week
• Wednesday Would You Rather? and Too Cute Tuesday!
  
• Friday Read Aloud
• Important events happening at Burton

On Tuesdays, Domino's Pizza will be among the five food choices students can select. All students ordering pizza will receive ONE free slice and a vegetable, fruit, and milk. If your child would like an additional slice of pizza (2 slices total), they must preorder it in the morning and have at least $2.00 in their student account. On Tuesday mornings, classroom teachers will ask students if they would like one slice or two. This is helpful so the lunch team is accurate on the total pizza slices to decrease food waste.

To add funds to your child's account, please access the Parent Portal.

Go Blue Jays!