Burbank Bulletin

September has been a foundational month here at Luther Burbank Middle School, setting the tone for the rest of the year. This month was all about establishing expectations, forging connections, and creating a shared understanding of our community values.

1. Classroom Expectations: Every classroom has taken time to develop its own set of expectations and rules. These guidelines serve as a roadmap, helping students understand what is expected of them and creating a sense of purpose for the academic year ahead.
2. School Handbook and Rules: Mr. Burks and I have met with each grade level to discuss the school's handbook and rules in detail. We emphasized that Burbank is not just a place for academic learning but also a community where students can grow socially.
3. Addressing Mistakes: Learning isn't just about getting things right; it’s also about understanding and correcting our mistakes. This applies to academics as well as social interactions. We've implemented new reflection opportunities, like after-school detentions, as spaces for students to think about their actions and make plans for improvement.
4. Parental Involvement: Parents and guardians are essential partners in this journey. You'll be kept in the loop and notified if additional support is needed for your child. We've already seen many students rise to the occasion, adapting to new expectations and showing signs of personal growth.

A Month for Data-Driven Planning

In September, our teaching staff dedicated substantial time to reviewing various performance metrics for our students. We analyzed MCAS results, last year's Star Data, and preliminary assessments administered by our teachers. This data-driven approach helps us set informed goals at the school-wide, grade-specific, and individual instructional levels.

Focused Goals for the Academic Year

Our overarching goals for this year center on two pivotal areas: math proficiency and social-emotional learning (SEL).

• Math Proficiency: Both MCAS and Star Data have highlighted math as an area in need of collective improvement. The challenges posed by the pandemic, coupled with the structured curriculum from elementary education, make it imperative for us to focus on bolstering math skills across the board.
• Social-Emotional Learning: The Panorama survey revealed that students could be more engaged in their learning journey. They need a greater sense of ownership and resilience. We aim to address this by implementing strategies that encourage active engagement and perseverance.

We will be actively discussing and prioritizing these focus areas throughout the academic year. Stay tuned for updates on our progress in upcoming editions of the Burbank Bulletin.

September 28: Mandatory DC Meeting, 8th Grade Students and Parents, 6:00 PM

October 9: Holiday, No School

October 12: PTO Meeting, MRE Library, 6:00 PM

October 13: Nashoba Band Day, 7:00 PM, NRHS Football Game

October 20: Early Release, 11:30 Dismissal

The LBMS school council is a school-based representative body that is composed of the principal, parents, teachers, and community members. School Councils help improve outcomes for students by collaborating with and advising the building principal on a variety of subjects including: school policies, the school improvement plan, developing a shared vision and goals for the school, and the site-based budget.

The Luther Burbank School council is in need of three parent members. If you are interested in serving on the LBMS School Council please let Mrs. Ursuliak know at jursuliak@nrsd.net. If there is more interest than available positions, Mrs. Ursuliak will provide the names of those interested to the PTO. A vote will then be held through the PTO to determine the new council members.

Our after school activities are off to a great start! For a complete list of all that are offered please refer to our last Burbank Bulletin, which can be found here, this information can also be found on the Activities Tab on the Menu of our school website.

We have some sweet news to share with you! The cafeteria will be offering delicious ice cream for sale after student lunches every Friday. It's the perfect way to treat your child and make their Fridays even more enjoyable.

Here are the details:

• Ice cream will be available for just $2.00
• To make it convenient for your child, please ensure they have sufficient funds in their lunch account

We hope this little treat adds some extra excitement to your child's day. Thank you for your continued support!

Dear Parents and Guardians, we're reaching out to our amazing community with a special request—our school is in need of substitute teachers! If you have a bit of time on your hands and are interested in making a positive impact on our students' lives, this is a fantastic opportunity for you. No teaching experience is required; we'll provide all the training you need. Plus, it's a great way to be involved in the educational environment. If you're interested or know someone who might be, please reach out to our school office for more details. Thank you for considering this important way to contribute to our school community!

Looking to help support the school and the students? Join the PTO! Becoming a member of the PTO does not require your attendance at meetings (though your presence is appreciated!) It's a means of contributing to the schools and students by providing funding for field trips, events, and activities. The PTO recently distributed a flyer to all families, offering you the opportunity to join. If you're interested in becoming a part of or supporting the PTO, kindly fill out the form and return it to the school.

October Newsletter: PTO October Newsletter

Fall/Winter PTO Event Volunteer Sign Up

Family Paint Night Sign Up - October 13th

Trunk or Treat Sign Up - October 29th

PTO Meeting Dates:

September Minutes September PTO Meeting Minutes

October 12, 2023

November 9, 2023

December 14, 2023

January 11, 2024

February 8, 2024

March 21, 2024

April 11, 2024

May 9, 2024

June 13, 2024

Meetings are always held in the MRE Library at 6:30. (Usually the 2nd Thursday of each month) ~ Children welcome for those that need ~ Hope to see you there!

Email: jursuliak@nrsd.net
Website: https://burbank.nrsd.net/
Location: Lancaster, MA, USA
Phone: 978-365-4558
Twitter: @LBMSPrincipal

Come tune up for your basketball season with fundamental skills and drills with Coach Seabury and Coach Manyak along with help from the boys & girls coaching staff as well as HS student-athletes.

Dates: October 24, 25, and 26
Time: 6:30 – 8:00PM
Location: Nashoba Regional HS
Girls and Boys Grades 4-8

Registration: Complete the online form - https://forms.gle/2ipaRAjqh2f88TLd8
Cost: $75/player

Check payable to Nashoba Athletic Booster Club (NABC). Send check to Nashoba Regional High School, c/o Athletics Department, 12 Green Rd., Bolton, MA 01740.

The NRHS Instrumental Program has 2 great events coming up in the month of October. First, the NRHS Pep Band is holding it's 9th Annual Nashoba Band Day at the Homecoming Football Game on Friday, October 13th. This event is where we welcome all of the 7th and 8th grade band students from across the district to come and play with our Pep band. This event is co-hosted with all of our amazing middle school music teachers. Nashoba's Concert Choir will be singing our National Anthem at this event.

On Tuesday, October 24th, the NRHS Instrumental Ensembles will hold our annual Fall Concert. This concert will feature our 2 Jazz Bands and our Concert Band. The concert begins at 7pm in the NRHS Auditorium and admission is $5. Students, Seniors, and NRSD Employees are free. We hope to see you there and support our amazing musicians.

On Sunday, October 29th at 3 p.m., Nashoba Symphonic Band will open its 2023-24 season with a program entitled “Vive la France!” in the NRHS auditorium. The concert includes Norman Dello Joio's Scenes from “The Louvre,” Pavane pour une Infante defunte by Maurice Ravel, and the dazzling Paris Sketches by Martin Ellerby. The concert is free to one and all. Now in its eighth season, the 90-piece Nashoba Symphonic Band is a multi-generational performing group composed of students, parents, educators and members of the greater Nashoba community and surrounding towns.

On Wednesday, November 1st at 7 p.m. Nashoba Regional High School will present the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Tenor and Bass Choir, Unified Music, and the newly-formed Treble Choir for the Fall Choral Concert. Concert Choir will perform some of their exciting festival pieces, including a Haitian song, Wangolo. Look forward to singing along with Unified Music, and hearing Treble Choir's debut! The concert begins at 7pm in the NRHS Auditorium and admission is $5. Students, Seniors and NRSD Employees are free.