The Buzz
Edmunds Elementary School | September 26, 2025
Hello Edmunds Elementary Students, Staff, Families, and Caregivers:
And just like that, fall is here! It's hard to believe that we are nearing the end of the first full month of school. The past several weeks have be filled with new learning in each classroom, establishing routines and procedures, and forming positive new relationships. We are excited to be working with your students and look forward to partnering with you throughout the year.
During the month ahead, we will be diving deeper into the curriculum and working to understand student strengths/areas for growth as we aim to create opportunities for meaningful learning. One way parents and caregivers can support student progress is by talking at home about learning at school. If you are wondering how to shift from asking the question, "How was school today?" and receiving only the answer, "fine," please see below! Long-time teacher, leader, and educator coach Elena Aguilar has a few great suggestions that can lead to stronger conversation and connection.
You may have read in the The Buzz last week (and again below) that BSD is looking for bus drivers! Helping students get to and from school is an important part of making sure that our district can equitably serve ALL students. If you or someone you know might make a great bus driver, please consider applying today or passing along the information.
I look forward to seeing you soon. As always, reach out with any questions.
Warmly,
Michelle Basile
Principal
September 29 - Morning Assembly, 8:15am (parents and caregivers welcome to join)
September 29 - Picture Re-Take Day
October 2 - No School for Students and Staff (Yom Kippur/Dashain)
October 3 - No School for Students (Staff Professional Learning Day)
October 6 - Morning Assembly (parents and caregivers welcome to join); PTO Chocolate Fundraiser announcement at morning assembly
October 9 - PTO Meeting, 7:30pm (virtual)
October 13 -Morning Assembly (parents and caregivers welcome to join)
October 23 - No School for Students and Staff
Searching for additional calendar information? The calendars below may have what you are looking for!
Edmunds Elementary Website Calendar
Burlington School District 2025-2026 Calendar At a Glance
Burlington School District 2025-2026 Wall Calendar and Family Handbook
Looking to learn more from your student about what they are doing during the school day? Long time teacher, leader, and educator coach Elena Aguilar has suggestions for questions that help draw out information that can lead to more meaningful conversation and connection.
15 Questions to Replace ‘How Was School Today?’
( By Elena Aguilar - originally published on Edutopia.com 10/27/16)
The Questions
(With slight wording modifications, these questions can work with children of all ages.)
- Tell me about a moment today when you felt excited about what you were learning.
- Tell me about a moment in class when you felt confused.
- Think about what you learned and did in school today. What’s something you’d like to know more about? What’s a question you have that came from your learning today?
- Were there any moments today when you felt worried? When you felt scared?
- Were there any times today when you felt disrespected by anyone? Tell me about those moments.
- Were there times today when you felt that one of your classmates demonstrated care for you?
- Were there any moments today when you felt proud of yourself?
- Tell me about a conversation you had with a classmate or friend that you enjoyed.
- What was challenging about your day?
- What do you appreciate about your day?
- What did you learn about yourself today?
- Is there anything that you’d like to talk about that I might be able to help you figure out?
- Is there anything you’re worried about?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
- Is there a question you wish I’d ask you about your day?
Tips for Asking Questions
How and when we ask these questions makes a big difference in the information we receive from our kids. First, you don’t want to ask all of these questions on the same day. You might ask one or two. After a while, you’ll figure out which ones elicit the most meaningful responses. You’ll want to ask during a time when you have the ability to focus so that your child feels they have your full attention.
Morning assemblies are an important part of building community and fostering a sense of belonging among students, staff, and families alike. Last week, our fifth graders shared what they have been learning in music class and led the school in song. In support of our school wide expectation, "Be Safe," fifth grade students also engaged classes in an "Is it Safe?" thumbs ups/thumbs down discussion. The final part of the assembly was, as is tradition, a slide show of happenings around the school from the week prior. How fun it was to watch students enjoying seeing themselves in action!
We have enjoyed coming together the past two Monday mornings and will do so again this coming Monday, September 29. Morning assemblies will take place weekly on Mondays from September 15-October 13 (five Mondays) at 8:15am and will occur approximately biweekly thereafter. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are always welcome to join by signing in at the front desk and proceeding into the gym. Please check the calendar as the year continues for dates of future assemblies.
Join Us!
Our next PTO meeting will be held on October 9th at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us whether you want to help out or just learn more about our upcoming events and planning. We will be sending out a zoom link separately.
We are still looking for volunteers to help out with our PTO events and fundraisers, all help is much appreciated. Sign up to help out!
Lastly, you should have received our email about the new project that Mission Murals, together with our PTO, is bringing to life.
*A Community Eyesore Becomes a Community Canvas*
266 Main Street, right across from Edmunds Elementary and Middle Schools at the corner of South Union and Main, has become a prominent eyesore. Covered in graffiti and vandalism, it serves as the daily backdrop for our children’s commuting, play, and learning. As a gateway to downtown Burlington, its condition affects the character and vibrancy of the entire community.
*The Solution: “Building Blocks”
Starting Monday September 22, Mission Murals will partner with our school community to transform 266 Main St. into “Building Blocks”—a 3,461 sq. ft. mural designed by local artist Clark Derbes. Inspired by Vermont’s natural beauty, early digital design, and the “building blocks” of childhood growth and play, the mural will bring color and vibrancy back to this important space. The bold, geometric shapes also make the mural easier to maintain over time.
*How You Can Help*
There are two key ways to get involved:
Community Paint Days: Volunteer: Join us for Community Paint Days on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28 from 10 AM–4 PM at 266 Main Street. Paint, rollers and guidance will be supplied—just bring your energy and creativity and help us fill in shapes on the wall! Kids under 10 are welcome with an adult. We would love to have as much community participation as possible so we can all feel connected to this new streetscape. Let us know that you are interested in joining the community paint days or just show up next weekend ready to paint!
Donate: Support Building Blocks with a contribution of $5 or more. Donations are processed through the Edmunds Elementary PTO, and are fully tax-deductible.
Burlington, we need your help! Join our team helping students get to and from school safely and earn between $30-$34 an hour… Apply here today!
The BSD Elementary School Family Handbook and the BSD Restorative Code of Conduct serve as important resources regarding school programming, policies and procedures and contain answers to many questions students, families, and caregivers may have about guidelines and requirements. Should you need to reference them during the school year and have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the main office at (802) 864-8473. We will be happy to help.
Burlington School District Elementary School Family Handbook