Burke Bulletin

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I am thrilled to be back at Burke, but in this brand new role. Thank you for this opportunity. This year, we are looking to build a school community using many of the tried and true ingredients we know work: communication, trust and ownership. I want all community members to feel they have the chance to be heard; I am going to strive to earn and keep the trust of all stakeholders; and we here at BTS want all community members to know these are our kids, our future, and work together to ensure it's one we all want to be a part of. The best way to do that is to get started and work hard to accomplish our goals, so let's get going!

Finally, to all our families impacted by the flooding and wild weather of the past 5 weeks, we are here for you. Please reach out to us at school if there is anything we can do to support you. We do better when we work together, and there are many who are willing and ready to lend a hand.

Please join us on Thursday, August 22nd from 5:30-6:30PM for our Back to School Night. Prek and Kindergarten families are welcome to come starting at 5:00 in order to give our youngest learners a slightly quieter start. This evening will be an opportunity for you and your student to meet their teachers, see friends, and get ready to get back into the swing of things. We will gather on the basketball court at 5:30 to kick things off.

• Every family is expected to read and go over the Parent and Student Handbook before the beginning of school. I understand, however, that this is a hefty document with a lot of information. While everyone should continue to read the whole handbook, I have created a quick guide to reference. This quick guide has what I think are some of the most essential pieces for all BTS families and students to understand. You can find the quick guide here.
• Arrival for the first two weeks: the beginning of school can be a tough transition for many, especially our youngest learners. For our students in K-1, we understand parents may want to walk their students to the classroom for these first days, and that's OK! It is important, however, after the first two weeks that we build the routine of saying goodbye at the front doors. This will help students transition more successfully into the day and build their identity as a learner and member of the classroom community. They will feel so proud of themselves as they build their confidence and ability! If you have concerns about this transition, please reach out to your child's teacher.
• Personal Devices: this information is in the Quick Guide as well, but worth saying twice. Personal devices may not be carried with students during the day. Cell phones, smart watches that communicate, or tablets must be placed in the classroom lock box and not carried in pockets or worn on wrists. If guardians need to contact a child during the day, or vice versa, the school phones should be used to do so. Our goal is to help students feel safe and comfortable while at school, but we must also keep personal devices out of classrooms, bathrooms, playgrounds and other learning spaces to ensure the safety of all.

Here are some resources for parents. These are focused on social media use in kids, back to school tips and tricks, and more:

Back to School Tips for Families

Resources to Help our Kids Thrive: Back to School Tips

Until 8th: Why waiting until 8th grade for a phone is a good idea

Social Media use in Teens: What's good, what's not

As we get ready to return to BTS, teachers will be reaching out with welcome letters and information. I am beyond excited to see students and families at the end of the month, and cannot wait to start our new school year along side you all. See you soon!