Note from Dr. Eicher
Dear John Burroughs Families,
The students and staff at John Burroughs have been very busy during the month of January, and February is already here. There are several exciting events during the month of February as well as several important dates to add to your calendars. During January, our fifth graders recently attended Columbus Downtown High School and learned about a wide variety of career possibilities and our fourth graders continued their work with CATCO, Columbus’ own Contemporary American Theater Company.
Our English language learners will be participating in the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) assessments during the month of February. The Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) is the state summative test used to determine an English learner’s progress to English proficiency and readiness to exit from the English language development program. The OELPA is aligned to Ohio’s K-12 English Language Proficiency Standards and meets the federal requirement of an annual assessment of English proficiency measuring listening, speaking, reading and writing.
John Burroughs Elementary School is partnering with Columbus City Schools Office of Engagement to “Stay in the Game”. The Office of Engagement has provided student t-shirts, posters, and cookies to remind our students about the importance of strong attendance—in other words—to “Stay in the Game.” Burroughs Elementary is also encouraging strong attendance through our Good Attendance initiative which runs from January 23 through March 24th, 2023. Students who miss five or less days with no late arrivals/early dismissals will be rewarded the first week of April with a Good Attendance Dinner. Students with strong attendance during this time will be invited to a special dinner along with a family member of their choice. Dinner will be provided by Chris’ Cakes for the rewards dinner. Please help your student to understand the importance of strong school attendance.
ATTENDANCE + ENGAGEMENT = SUCCESS
In addition, Columbus City Schools and the Columbus Crew have teamed up for a historic partnership to promote the importance of school attendance. Student success starts with attendance and engaged learning, either in person. Students who are absent from school experiences miss important learning opportunities, which can be difficult, or even impossible, to make up. The mission of the Stay in the Game! Keep Learning, Everyday Network (the Stay in the Game! Network) is to prioritize attendance by connecting its users to resources aimed at tackling chronic absenteeism. Burroughs Elementary looks forward to working with the Columbus Crew during the winter and spring.
Healthy Hearts Rotations will take place on Friday, February 10th in honor of Valentine’s Day. This is a special day where students rotate through a variety of science stations and complete fun and exciting STEM related activities. Later in the afternoon each class will have a Valentine’s Day party. The Valentine activities focus on science activities and experiments dealing with the heart. Students will walk around with gallon-sized Ziploc bags so that they can either take what they have made with them or take directions to recreate at home.
Students may bring in Valentines and treats for the party. Treats must be store bought. We cannot have food treats that were made at home. Please remember no peanut butter items! Each teacher will provide a class list so students can write names on the cards before the party.
Please plan for the following dates in February:
February 1 Teacher/Staff Professional Development Day (No School)
February 16 Parent-Teacher Conferences 3:45 to 7:15 pm
February 17 Teacher/Staff Professional Development Day (No School)
February 20 President’s Day (No School)
Thank you for your continued partnership in the education of your child. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school or your child’s teacher by phone or email.
With John Burroughs Pride,
Michael D. Eicher, Ed.D.
Principal
Character Strong: Honesty
Every month we focus on a different character trait at Burroughs. In February we are focusing on Honesty. As we learn about the character trait, teachers will nominate a student each week that exhibits that character trait at school.
These students will be celebrated on Wednesdays through recognition during the announcements, a certificate and small gift, and by participating in the Bee Kind Squad at dismissal. The Bee Kind Squad will cheer their classmates out of their classes with foam fingers and high-fives! Everyone is encouraged to participate in these Kindness Wednesdays by wearing a kindness shirt or button to spread Kindness at our school! Let's all work together to Bee Kind!
Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA)
Valentine's Day Parties: Feb 10
We need parent's help on the 10th to help make goody bags for our students and have a station for student's to make valentines for their classmates if they need them. Please let Andi Douglass know if you can come help any time from 8:45 AM -11:30 AM
adouglass@columbus.k12.oh.us or text or call 614-594-9110
Free Dinner for Good Attendance
Remember minutes late or leaving school early count against the student's attendance record!
Join the PTA!
https://johnburroughs.memberhub.com/
or contact the PTA at: burroughspta.ccs@gmail.com
The next PTA meeting is on February 16 at 7:00 PM in the Cafeteria at the school
Family Surveys!
School Choice - 23/24 School Year
Middle School
Applications for Middle School lottery are accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, January 4, 2023 through Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
Elementary Schools
Applications for Elementary school lottery are accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, February 1, 2023 through Friday, March 31, 2023. The Virtual Elementary School Fair is on February 7, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thurber House Writing Workshop
Hilltop Library
Get Free school help and a an after-school snack at the Library starting at 3:00 PM Monday - Friday
Lifewise Academy
Highland Youth Garden
Temporary Gardener
COMPENSATION: $17/hour plus:
- access to organic produce for personal use during the growing season!
HOURS: 30 hours/week from March through October (seasonal position)
The Temporary Gardener will care for all plants at Highland Youth Garden throughout the growing season. The Temporary Gardener will support the expansion of HYG onto a new .3 acre site in spring of 2023. The temporary gardener will also work with existing staff and volunteer efforts at a partner site, MYProject USA on Sullivant Avenue during some of their hours.
Columbus Parks and Rec Summer Camps
REGISTRATION
Outdoor Recreation Camps:
Online: Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023
All Other Camps:
Online: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023
In-person: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023
https://columbusrecparks.com/community/summer-camps/
PLAY Scholarships are available for 1 week of summer camp. You MUST apply for the scholarship before registration.
Free Tax Filing Assistance
Black Girl Dad Week in February
Sponsored by Columbus Urban League - A Week of Activities Focused on Learning, Healing, and Fun!
Research demonstrates that the presence of supportive fathers in daughters' lives can have huge impacts on girls' self-esteem , academic and career success, and relationships.
Black Girl Dad Week 2023 celebrates these important relationships and gives families and role models a chance to make lasting memories together. Activities range from educational to celebratory, culminating in a father-daughter dance that's sure to be memorable.
Join us for a Virtual Family Engagement Session on February 9 (6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) to hear more about this impactful week and learn some tips and strategies on different ways fathers can be more present in their daughters’ lives. And check out the links below to sign up for the activities.
Discovery Garden
tinyurl.com/discovery-garden
Burroughs Elementary School General Information
Email: adouglass@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: ccsoh.us/burroughses
Location: 551 South Richardson Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA
Phone: (614)365-5923
Twitter: @burroughsbees
