The first day of the 2020/2021 school year for students in Burlington School District is August 26, 2020.
The full calendar will be presented in April at a Board meeting, but for now please pencil it in!
By relek
The first day of the 2020/2021 school year for students in Burlington School District is August 26, 2020.
The full calendar will be presented in April at a Board meeting, but for now please pencil it in!
By relek
Report Shares Strategic Plan Update, Key Budget Information
Burlington School District’s (BSD) 2019 Annual Report is here! The report on the 2018-19 school year highlights a number of student and staff achievements, shares an update on BSD’s strategic plan initiatives, and provides a look into the District’s financial management and proposed budget for next school year. In addition to being available online, hard copies of the report are also available free of charge at:
“I want to invite the community to dig into this report and celebrate with us,” said BSD Superintendent Obeng. “With a continued focus on our strategic plan initiatives, Burlington School District is on the right track towards addressing and closing the achievement gaps that exist in our District while raising the bar for all students.”
The District’s three strategic plan focus areas are Inclusive Teaching and Learning; Equitable Climate and Culture; and Sustainable Finance and Facilities. In the report, Obeng specifically highlights key work being done to achieve success in these areas:
“In the area of “Sustainable Finance and Facilities,” we operated with a budget surplus for the fifth consecutive year and continued to work towards addressing our capital plan needs. In the area of “Equitable Climate and Culture,” we spent time analyzing our previous year’s climate survey data and began making recommendations to improve relationships and safety in our District. We dedicated the entire year’s professional learning focus in the District to Restorative Practices (RP). Our District Safety Team researched Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) endorsed “Options-based Response Protocols”…
We also added gender-neutral changing facilities at Burlington High School (BHS) and expanded the number of accessible playground options at Sustainability Academy and Flynn Elementary. For our goals under “Inclusive Teaching and Learning,” our Afterschool Program completed a pilot in partnership with UVM to connect English Learners (EL) with UVM students studying cultural and linguistic literacy. We also received an AOE Career Pathways Implementation Grant and founded the Future Planning Lab, a program that provides assistance to our growing number of EL students in the application for college, financial aid, and employment. And we launched “Burlington City and Lake Semester” at BHS, a class held outside the walls of BHS in downtown Burlington, offering hands-on learning within the city. Finally, we successfully implemented the Kansas Coaching Model in all K-8 Schools, and hired our first Achievement Gap Lead and first Data Manager to ensure we are equitably serving all.”
The 2019 Annual Report also offers a look into the District’s demographics (BSD represent 45 different home languages), community partners (more than 60 on the District-level alone), and student support services (serving 723 students with Individualized Education Plans).
Burlington residents will also be pleased to see a detailed summary of the proposed budget for next school year, alongside a multi-year budget comparison dating back to fiscal year 2018, school tax comparison rates for Chittenden County and more. The budget information is published annually to allow Burlington residents to better understand how the District uses their tax dollars in anticipation of Town Meeting Day.
“I hope that Burlington voters can dig into this document and use the information to make an educated and informed decision when then they vote on March 3rd,” said Obeng.
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Join the Journey! Burlington School District (BSD) is a pre-k-12 public school system of about 4,000 students in Burlington, VT. BSD’s mission is to graduate students who: value different cultures, engage with the community, communicate effectively, think creatively, skillfully solve problems, and achieve at their highest academic, intellectual, and personal potential.
By relek
Last month, BSD’s School Board unanimously approved a proposed budget for next school year. Entering into our budget planning, we knew that the District’s baseline budget was predicted to go up $3.5 million without adding any new programming. Our projections showed that a budget increase of $3.5 million would have resulted in a 10.5% tax increase. The Board and I knew we needed to bring that tax impact down and we worked closely to do so.
Because of careful financial management over the past five years, we were able to use a $1.3 million surplus to bring the tax impact down to 8.5%. Our District leadership then went line-by-line to identify additional savings and the Board also made suggestions. Ultimately, the Board voted to make more than $1 million of reductions, which allowed us to add a few key investments while still bringing the estimated tax rate increase down to 7.36% for property payers and 3.18% for income payers.
In addition, we have begun to pay back debt associated with our voter-approved capital plan. Thank you for supporting the plan, Burlington, and thank you to everyone who attended our recent Ribbon Cutting on the Edmunds Campus which demonstrates how your tax dollars are being spent in the service of our students.
For a complete budget breakdown, including all additions and reductions, please view our budget presentation or take a look at our proposed budget one-pager.
Don’t forget to vote on March 3rd!
Join the Journey,
Superintendent Obeng
By relek
District and Search Firm to Hold Community Meetings January 8, 23, and 29
Burlington, VT. The Burlington School District (BSD) Board of School Commissioners is pleased to announce that McPherson & Jacobson, LLC, Executive Recruitment and Development has been selected to assist the Board in the important task of selecting superintendent candidates for the board to interview.
Beginning immediately, the consultants and board commissioners will be meeting with community members to gather input regarding the qualities of the District’s next Superintendent. Three public input meetings have been set, and all are open to any community stakeholders wishing to provide input:
January 8, 2020: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Hunt Middle School
January 23, 2020: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Integrated Arts Academy (Interpretation and Childcare Provided)
January 29, 2020: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Champlain Elementary School (Interpretation and Childcare Provided)
RSVP to the events on Facebook and invite a friend!
During the meeting, attendees can expect to answer a number of questions, including:
Answers to those questions will be recorded and displayed on a screen at the meeting in real-time and shared on the school district website afterward. Additionally, candidates for the position will be able to view all of the comments, allowing them to gain a better understanding of the Burlington School District.
Those who cannot attend the meeting are encouraged to take a few minutes to submit answers to these questions via email. Answers can be sent to: superintendentsearch (at) bsdvt (dot) org
These first three input meetings are designed for BSD parents and the greater Burlington community but anyone is welcome to attend. The search firm and Board are also working to schedule additional meetings designed specifically to get input from teachers, students, and administrators; those dates will be shared once they have been confirmed.
McPherson & Jacobson, LLC has been conducting national searches for boards of education since 1991 and is one of the leading national superintendent search firms. They have placed more 750 superintendents and other officials in public and non-profit organizations across the United States.
Refreshments will be provided at all events and the District is working to provide childcare and interpretation services at the January 23 and 29 meetings. Community members with questions and suggestions can contact the Superintendent Search Committee at: superintendentsearch (at) bsdvt (dot) org.
By relek
Congratulations Ms. Chris Souliere, Physical Education Teacher at CP Smith!
The Society of Health and Physical Education Teachers of Vermont (SHAPE VT) has named Ms. Souliere Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year!
Ms. Souliere was honored with the award at SHAPE Vermont’s annual conference on October 25th at Killington. Principal Len Phalen nominated Ms. Souliere for the award, praising her commitment to working with all students.
“The enjoyment that her students experience in their physical education classes provides a high degree of motivation for them to fully and joyfully engage. This high level of student engagement also helps support good mental health, sportsmanship, the development of a positive outlook, interpersonal skills and problem solving ability in our students.” -Principal Phalen
Ms. Souliere addressed the conference, thanked those who have contributed to her success and was presented with this prestigious award.
Congratulations Ms. Souliere!
By relek
If you have a child turning five on or before September 1, 2020, it is time to register them now for Kindergarten!
Registration can only be done online through the district website. If you do not have access to a computer or need assistance, please stop by your neighborhood school and you will be given access to a computer and help with any questions.
To complete registration, you will need:
1) a copy of the child’s birth certificate or other proof of age
2) a copy of their immunization records
3) proof of residency.
Join us at an information session in your community. Hear from kindergarten teachers, talk to our Afterschool team, connect with our Preschool director, and ask questions with the registration team.
To learn more about our schools, join us for a tour! We have several tours and presentations scheduled throughout the District, all geared toward families looking to enroll in the following school year. Please find a day and time below that works for you and call the school to reserve your spot. Don’t see a time that works for you? Call any of our schools to schedule a tour by appointment.
Champlain Elementary:
Thursday, 1/9, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 1/15, 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, 1/16, 9:00 a.m.
Please call the school at 864-8477 to let us know that you are coming.
C.P. Smith:
Monday, 1/13, 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 1/15, 8:30 a.m.
Friday, 1/24, 9:00 a.m.
Monday, 2/10, 1:00 p.m.
Please call the school at 864-8479 to let us know that you are coming.
Edmunds:
Tuesday, 1/14, 8:15 a.m.
Thursday, 1/23, 5:30 p.m. (Kindergarten “Sneak Peek” Pizza Party)
Monday, 1/27, 4:30 p.m. Friday, 1/31, 11:00 a.m. Friday, 2/7, 2:00 p.m.
Please call the school at 864-8473 to let us know that you are coming.
Integrated Arts Academy (IAA):
Monday, 1/13, 8:15 a.m.
Wednesday, 2/5, 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, 2/6, 5:00 p.m.
Please call the school at 864-8475 to let us know that you are coming.
J.J. Flynn:
Wednesday, 1/8, 8:45 a.m.
Wednesday, 1/22, 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, 2/4, 5:00 p.m.
Monday, 2/17, 9:00 a.m.
Please call the school at 864-8478 to let us know that you are coming.
Sustainability Academy (SA):
Thursday, 1/16, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, 2/4, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, 2/11, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 2/19, 5:30 p.m.
Please call the school at 864-8480 to let us know that you are coming.
*Please check school websites for any updates to tour schedules.
Champlain Elementary: Champlain’s mission is to provide opportunities for students to achieve their personal best, become responsible and productive citizens, and embrace lifelong learning. Striving for academic excellence in our caring, diverse learning community represents our highest ideal. Champlain’s faculty, families, and community partners plant and harvest together in our school gardens and cook healthy treats in our classrooms with a mobile kitchen. Our students learn in our forest and outdoor classroom, and especially enjoy our annual fall Harvest Fest and community focused events. Located in the South End of Burlington at 800 Pine Street, Champlain serves approximately 300 students K-5. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit champlain.bsdvt.org, where you can read the principal’s blog and Champlain’s Family Handbook. Feel free to contact Principal Joe Resteghini at 864-8477 or jrestegh@bsdvt.org, see also the Champlain Community Facebook page to get a sense of community and read the Blue Notes.
C.P. Smith Elementary: C.P. Smith Elementary School is a Grades K-5 school of approximately 280 students located on Ethan Allen Parkway in Burlington’s New North End. Since 1959, we have worked hard to build a learning community that is respectful, responsible, and safe for all who come through our doors. We offer equal amounts of academic rigor and joy in a wide variety of hands-on learning activities. A focus on science and the environment engages students in learning using the Ethan Allen Woods, the Community Sailing Center, Star Base, Shelburne Museum, and Shelburne Farms and other exciting venues as extended classrooms. C.P. Smith serves a diverse population of students and strives to make sure each one becomes an inquisitive learner and contributing citizen. We engage parents and guardians as vital partners in the education of their children. All are welcome at our Friday Community Meetings from 8:15-8:40. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit smith.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Len Phelan at 864-8479 or lphelan@bsdvt.org.
Edmunds Elementary: Recognized as an Exemplar School by the State of Vermont for the fourth consecutive year for our achievements in our climate and academics, we work continuously to provide an exciting and engaging school experience that balances developmental needs with academics. When touring EES, you will encounter happy learners as we work to meet students where they are. We are excited about our research based literacy program that is used around the world that addresses successfully meets the needs of all young children through sound, sight, motion and stories. Walking field trips provide our students with ready access to the Flynn, the Fletcher Free Library, the Echo Science Center, UVM, as well as North Beach, Centennial Park, geological formations along the lake and the city center. Visit our website and come to our Thursday Morning Assemblies from 8:10 to 8:30 to get a feel for EES. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit the ees.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Shelley Mathias at 864-8473 or smathias@bsdvt.org
John J. Flynn Elementary: Flynn School is a strong, community-based school where adults, parents and staff consistently focus on meeting the various needs of all students, helping them learn, play and laugh. It is a professional community that partners with a wide range of community organizations to support and enrich student learning. Some examples of our community partnerships include: ECHO Center, VT National Guard Starbase Program, Very Merry Theater, Burlington Community Sailing Center and the Flynn Theater. Located at 1645 North Avenue in the New North End of Burlington, Flynn serves approximately 340 Pre-K through 5th grade students. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit flynn.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Lashawn Whitmore-Sells at 864-8478 or lsells@bsdvt.org
Integrated Arts Academy (IAA): The mission of the IAA is to explore academic knowledge through intentional art experiences. Our diverse community collaborates and celebrates the world through meaningful learning and creative self-expression as we prepare students for success in the 21st Century. At this magnet school, students are learning through the lens of the four art forms: movement, drama, music and visual arts. IAA core partners include the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington City Arts and St. Michael’s College. Located at 6 Archibald Street in the Old North End of Burlington, IAA serves approximately 300 students in grades Pre-K-5. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit iaa.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Kevin Robinson at 864-8475 or krobinso@bsdvt.org.
Sustainability Academy (SA): The mission of SA is to educate and empower all students to improve the quality of life for all – economically, socially, and environmentally – now and for future generations. At SA, one of BSD’s two magnet schools, students are learning through the lens of sustainability by exploring our diverse society, our local economy, and the environment. We do this through hands-on, place-based and project-based learning. Education for Sustainability comes to life through SA’s learning environment. We use geothermal energy to heat and cool our building and solar panels to power our school! Additionally, at SA we have a thriving school garden that each of our classes use to cultivate fruits, flowers, and vegetables as a part of our curriculum. SA’s core partner is Shelburne Farms, which hosts all SA students for learning trips each school year. Located at 123 North Street in the Old North End of Burlington, SA serves approximately 180 students in grades Pre-K-5. To learn more about upcoming activities and events, visit sa.bsdvt.org or contact Principal Nina Oropeza at 864-8480 or noropeza@bsdvt.org
By relek
Dear Families,
It is time for you to complete the online Annual Student Information Update (now listed as Ecollect Forms in Powerschool) for your student. The form asks you to update critical information, such as emergency contact information, medical information, etc.
Please follow this link to PowerSchool to update their information (see step by step directions below). If you do not already have an account in Powerschool (most of you do), then please refer to the directions below in order to create the account.
NOTE: Please complete this Annual Student Update by Thursday, September 26th at the latest. If student information is not updated by Thursday, September 26, that student may not be allowed to return to school until their update is complete. If a student without updated information comes to school after September 26, they may be sent home.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your child’s school.
Thank You,
The BSD Team
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If you already have an account in PowerSchool, sign in to your PowerSchool account. After you have signed in:
If you already have an account in PowerSchool but the names of other children name do not appear, you must next call your child’s school and ask for their “Access ID and Access Password”. Then again, in PowerSchool, go to:
If you are not certain if you have a PowerSchool account, follow these steps:
If you have never created a PowerSchool account, instead call your school and ask for an access ID and Access Password; when given these, click on create account, and enter the ID and Password as directed.
By relek
Dear Parents, Staff, and Community,
There is an error in the printed version of BSD’s 2019-2020 Calendar & Handbook (pictured to the right).
We accidentally listed April 17th as part of Spring Break and a day off. Please note that April 17th is a full day of school for students and teachers; it is not part of Spring Break. Actual Spring Break dates are Monday, April 20th to Friday, April 24. We apologize that our team missed this in our proofreading.
All digital versions of the calendars have been corrected and we are asking that you please mark your calendar appropriately. We are working with our multilingual liaisons to translate a district robocall in the next week. In the meantime, please help spread the word any way you can.
Again, all students and staff are expected to be in school on Friday, April 17th.
Thank you,
The BSD Team
By relek
It’s here! Thank you, Burlington, for your patience in releasing next year’s calendar. After robust discussion, the 2019-2020 calendar was approved on Tuesday night. The Superintendent would like to thank the board of school commissioners for thinking critically about our community’s needs and expectations regarding Religious Holy Days. In addition, we are grateful the board supports our plan to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by once again attempting to hold a half day of classes on MLK Day (this year plans for this day were “snowed out” in the District). We hope teachers will use this instruction time to explore Dr. King’s life and legacy before encouraging our students to leave our schools and serve in the afternoon.
Please note, in addition to this calendar, we are working on an updated list of Excused Absences for Religious Holy Days for the 2019-2020 school year. The DEALT team is currently updating next year’s list of days, and we will continue the practice of encouraging teachers to take steps, like those laid out in last year’s administrative memo, which are designed to help students navigate missing school to engage in faith practices.
By relek
District to work with staff and community on next steps.
In 2017, Burlington School District (BSD) embarked on a community-led strategic plan planning process. Part of that work revealed the need to conduct a District-wide Climate Survey to better understand how the district and individual schools engage with students, families, and staff. BSD spent the spring of 2018 conducting climate surveys, with more than 2,000 staff, students, and parents participating. The results of the survey, available on the District’s website, point to areas of strength and areas where growth is needed. http://www.bsdvt.org/climate-survey/
Superintendent Obeng noted that the District is in the process of presenting the data to each school, leaders throughout the district, the school board, central office, parents and the community. After each group has a chance to analyze and reflect on the information, the District will begin working together with stakeholders to set aspirational goals for improving the District’s learning and working environments.
“Acknowledging the data is the first step in building environmental coherence, and now that we have this quantitative data, we are working hard combine it with what we know from our qualitative efforts, and to dissect and learn from it,” said Superintendent Yaw Obeng. The Superintendent noted that the full reports for the District and each school are available on the website and that each report has a significant amount of information.
“It’s going to take some time to unpack all of the data, but on the surface, we are seeing that a few things are obvious. For example, the data suggests staff and parents believe that differences are respected in our district. This is very important to us because of the diversity we have and our desire to address the inequities of our district. Understanding and valuing one another’s differences helps us to improve student learning. However, parents and teachers seem to agree that the district has not been equitable in how it distributes resources across the district, and many do not believe the district feels like a positive community.”
Obeng noted that central office has already begun to support some restorative work currently underway on the District level. “As a result of our preliminary review, the leadership team has been working to incorporate a theme of building healthy relationships into the 2018-19 school year, starting with a districtwide in-service day focused on building healthy relationships among staff on August 24th. In addition, the entire year’s districtwide professional development opportunities have been dedicated to Restorative Practices.”
Obeng also noted that the District is taking a deeper look at why stakeholders feel resources are not allocated in an equitable fashion. “This is important for us to understand, especially as we enter this year’s budget process. I know we did a better job this year than in the past of holding public input sessions and trying to spread the word, particularly to sectors of our community that have gone unreached in the past. We are considering these improvements and trying to make our outreach even better going forward.”
Obeng encouraged stakeholders to review the data and begin thinking about and identifying ways to help improve BSD’s climate and culture. The District is planning to make an official presentation to the board at the November board meeting.
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Burlington School District (BSD) is a pre-k-12 public school system of about 4,000 students in Burlington, VT. BSD’s mission is to graduate students who: value different cultures, engage with the community, communicate effectively, think creatively, skillfully solve problems, and achieve at their highest academic, intellectual, and personal potential.
C.P. Smith Elementary School
332 Ethan Allen Parkway
Burlington, VT 05408
Tel: (802) 864-8479
Cultivating caring, creative and courageous people. Join the journey!