Burbank Bulletin

Dear Luther Burbank Families,

I hope that this message finds everyone having enjoyed the long weekend and the opportunity to stop, pause, and reflect. Every year, I always appreciate the extra day to reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message and think about what I can do to take one step closer to making a difference in the world. While the difference I may make in the world may not be a difference on the grand scale, I do know that what I do, and what our teachers do, matters for our students each and every day... for each and every student. For me, this reflection resonates deeply. I know, without a doubt, our students are the hope and future for the world. They are talented, enthusiastic, creative, innovative, smart, and collaborative. Future problem-solvers, future - everything. It is in service to our students wherein there is infinite potential to make a difference. This I know for certain.

On Thursday, the Luther Burbank School Council will spend time exploring the concept of Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate. Nashoba has engaged in a partnership with Batelle for Kids, an organization that helps districts crystallize their core values with an eye on the current environment and future environment to help inform strategic plans for visioning purposes including upcoming building projects such as our new high school building project. We invite any parent/guardian who is interested in participating in this discussion to our School Council meeting this Thursday afternoon.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child's journey. It truly is an honor and a privilege.

Laura

Laura Friend

Principal

January 17: Holiday, No School

January 19: Basketball v. Florence Sawyer, Home

January 20: Basketball @ Hale

January 20: LBMS School Council, 3:00 PM

January 24: Basketball v. Maynard, Home

January 27: Basketball v. Clinton, Home

January 27: SEPAC Event, Ask the Advocate, (POSTPONED, New Date TBA)

January 31: Basketball @ Bromfield

February 3: Basketball v. Tahanto, Home

February 4: Early Release Professional Development, 11:30 Dismissal

February 7: Basketball @ West Boylston

February 10: SEPAC Event, Understanding Assessments, 7:00 PM (Virtual Event)

February 17: LBMS School Council, 3:00 PM

February 21-25: February Vacation, No School

Link to NRSD 2021-2022 School Calendar

Congratulations to our first trimester recipients of the Luther Burbank Award. Recipients are selected by their teachers for demonstrating the qualities of citizenship, respect, and kindness. These qualities are ones that epitomize the vision set forth by our school’s namesake, Luther Burbank. Please take a look at our video monitor in the main hallway where we recognize these award recipients: Leyner Manon (gr. 6), Merrick Beary (gr. 6), Sofia Cerioni (gr. 7), Sloane Maher (gr. 7), Izabela Sloane (gr. 8), and Alexander Overstreet (gr. 8).

Pictured left: Leyner, Merrick, Izabela, Sofia, and Sloane (not pictured, Alexander)

I’m pleased to share that the School Committee approved an increase to the daily substitute pay rate. This increase is currently in effect. The substitute rate is now $100/day for teachers and instructional assistants. Please spread the word. If you know of anyone who may be available/interested in substitute teaching, please send them our way. We are happy to work with schedules and allow for flexibility where we can.

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.

We continue to remain vigilant with our COVID protocols. All current COVID protocols remain in place. If you have not already done so, we ask that families review these protocols with their children at home. If families could also review the importance of properly wearing masks, that would be greatly appreciated. This shared approach is very helpful.

At this time, all visitors to LBMS are prohibited. Visitors with educational purposes only may be allowed on site with permission granted ahead of time. Spectators for our basketball games have been limited to parents and immediate household members of players on the teams competing in a game.

There are no additional changes to our extracurricular activities; however, our instrumental band classes and music ensembles continue to rehearse in the auditorium where there is more space and airflow.

The district has been working hard to keep the COVID Data Dashboard up to date. While we have had an uptick in COVID related cases over the past three weeks, we still do not have evidence of any in school transmission. Please click here for the NRSD COVID Data Dashboard.

Our consent for testing percentages continue to grow. Please click on the following link to complete the consent to test if you have not already done so. Thank you for your continued support. Here is a link to the consent to test.

Nashoba Associated Boards of Health will be offering the Pfizer COVID vaccine to children ages 5-11 years at this week's clinic (as supplies last). The clinic will be held Wednesday, January 26th, from 1-5 pm at St. Anthony's Church Hall-33 Chapel St, Shirley MA. Appointments may be scheduled by visiting the website: www.nashoba.org<http://www.nashoba.org> or https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/. Stay tuned for more information as the Nashoba Board of Health is planning to offer additional weekly clinics for ages 12 years and up (Pfizer) soon.

Are the visual arts a part of your profession?

The study of Visual Art helps students develop creativity and innovation skills. Visual Art helps us understand history and culture, too. Art also helps us decode imagery presented in communication in our daily lives (for example, in advertising). We benefit from understanding the role of visual art in all aspects of society. Students can learn from marketing professionals, web designers, architects, engineers, retail workers, product designers, landscapers and other professionals who use knowledge of art in their daily work. Even if these careers are not labeled as "artists," visual art and the creative process is woven into the work that they do.

Are you willing to talk about your profession and how creativity, visual images, and/or design principles are used in your work?

Luther Burbank's Art teacher, Mrs. Slattery, will be recording video interviews with adults in a wide range of professions. The series of videos will be shared with students to develop an understanding of the widespread use of art in a myriad of careers. If you are interested in helping with this project, or would like more information, please fill out this Google Form: Art in Professions Questionnaire

Our efforts to collect non-perishable food items to donate to the WHEAT center in Clinton were undeniably impressive. Luther Burbank and Hale Middle School were "competing" for bragging rights to see which school community could collect the most non-perishable food items to donate to the WHEAT center. The final counts are in and, I am very proud to announce that Luther Burbank was the clear winner. Luther Burbank collected more than 400 food items with Hale Middle School collecting 36 items. Way to go, Luther Burbank! Move over, Ms. Macharia... as promised, Mr. Grant and I will be joining you in the "Pie to the Face" fun soon to follow. We will be sure to share pictures!

A special thank you to Maddie Oxnard and Margot Sonia, LBMS alums, and to Amalia Nagale, who organized this wonderful event.

During these times, it has never been more important for our students and staff to be able to get outside for fresh air. With the weather becoming increasingly colder and inclement, it is critical that students come to school with the proper winter apparel. Families, I ask for your help in ensuring that your child arrives to school with a jacket, hat, and gloves/mittens. Layers are perfect.

This year we have continued with our longer recess blocks so that students can benefit from the fresh air and activity. During the winter months, students may elect to play in the snow. In this case, students MUST wear snow boots and snow pants. Thank you for your support with ensuring your child is adequately prepared. We know that sometimes it is tricky to wrangle a middle schooler when it comes to attire, and we appreciate your support from the homefront.

Email: lfriend@nrsd.net
Website: burbank.nrsd.net
Location: 1 Hollywood Drive, Lancaster, MA, USA
Phone: 978-365-4558
Twitter: @LBMSPrincipal