Birch Meadow Newsflash

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader who inspired the world with his vision of justice, equality, and love. Dr. King’s powerful dream continues to guide us: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

As we reflect on his dream, let us remember his call to action: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Together, we can build a community where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired.

Thank you for partnering with us to make this dream a reality for all of our students!

-Dr. B

*For planning purposes, below are our projected MCAS dates. Please help us by trying not to schedule appointments on these days if you can help it. As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions about MCAS.

ELA Grades 3 & 4 April 2nd and 3rd (W/TH)

Math

Science

*School Improvement Plan Presentation - I'm excited to present our 2024-2025 Birch Meadow Elementary School School Improvement Plan at our upcoming PTO General Assembly on January 28th at 8:30 AM in the cafeteria. Stop by for the presentation and a cup of coffee!

Breakfast Links:

KINDERGARTEN BREAKFAST

FIRST GRADE BREAKFAST

We're excited to bring back this favorite event in 2025! Join the Birch Meadow community, family, and friends for a day of fun this spring at Fenway Park.

ORDER TICKETS by Monday 1/27. Order fast as tickets are limited. If families would like to sit together, please coordinate tickets and place one order.

Game: Boston Red Sox vs. Orioles
Date: May 25, 2025
Time: 1:35 PM
Section: Grandstand Section 3, Rows 1-10
Tickets: $48 per person

Please click here to order your tickets!

Volunteers are needed to help support the third Birch Meadow Read-a-thon! Get your Owl-vatars ready!

The Read-a-thon will happen throughout the month of March. Time commitment is 6-8 hours total (late January through March) and involves attendance of 1-2 planning meetings and event support as needed. If interested, please reach out to the fundraiser coordinator at nicole.morinon@gmail.com.

In a nail-biter, the Celts took the Pelicans 120-119. Below are some pics from those who went! Thanks for your PTO contribution!

Ongoing - Red Sox v. Orioles tickets go on sale! Game date: Sunday, 5/25/25 1:35PM

Jan. 20 - MLK Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

Jan 22 - SEPAC Presents: Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP - REGISTER

Jan 24- 5th Grade Parent/Principal Circle.

Jan 28 - School Improvement Plan Presentation 8:30AM Birch Cafeteria ☕

Feb. 17 - 21 - Presidents Day/February Vacation. NO SCHOOL

First Week in March - BOOK FAIR & Read-A-Thon Kick Off!

Date TBA - Shamrock Shuffle 🍀(to replace the Turkey Trot/Winter Walk)

Jan 22 (Wed), 7-9pm (Online; Registration is required)

Presenter: Lynne Hanley is a former Special Education teacher in the Lowell Public School System. She also worked as an advocate previously and is currently a frequent presenter of Basic Rights workshops for the Federation for Children with Special Needs.

Join us for an informative online workshop with The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN). This presentation will delve into the Individual Education Program (IEP) document, its development, the breakdown of each section and understanding how the document will support a student.

Workshop Topics:

• Why the IEP is important, who is eligible for an IEP, and how is it developed

• Student/Parent Concerns

• Student/Team Vision and Student Profile

• Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance

• Postsecondary Transition Planning

• Accommodations and Modifications

• Goals & Service Delivery

• Response, Placement, and Procedural Safeguards

Click here to register for the Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP Workshop.

Registration required to receive the zoom link for the workshop.

Recorded events available on the Reading SEPAC Website:

• The Right to Read Panel Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw_oIuqkUt0
• The New IEP Presentation
• MCAS & Students with Disabilities Presentation
• Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Presentation

• Review tiered system of supports and provide examples

• Outline effective communication channels with your team and school

***Should you wish to reach out to Reading SEPAC anonymously, please use this form

• We have a Birch Meadow storefront and will post items and fundraisers throughout the year. We also welcome direct donations and company match: https://birch-meadow-elementary-school-pto.square.site/

• Drop off your donations of clothing and textiles to the two large bins to the far right of the main entrance on Arthur B. Lord Drive. Birch Meadow earns funds through Helpsy, a for-profit company that offers local non-profits like our PTO this easy, no-cost fundraising program!

Please "like" Birch Meadow Elementary PTO" Facebook page and follow our Instagram: @birch_meadow_pto