Note from Mrs. Fragomeni

Families,

Congratulations to our Fun Run Blue Jay Winners! All students who donate $1.00 or more will be entered into a Friday drawing to win a Blue Jay hype chain. Thank you for families for the early donations! We look forward to seeing everyone on Friday, October 2 at the Fun Run!

The current classroom leaderboard:

1. Mrs. Henry

2. Ms. Williams

3. Ms. Karas

4. Mrs. Napolitano

5. Mrs. Martin

We are currently at 34% of our goal and almost at $14,000! Way to go Blue Jays!

Go Blue Jays!

Mrs. Fragomeni

Mark Your Calendars

September

Wednesday, September 30

Cheetahs Running Club begins at lunch

October

Friday, October 2

Burton Fun Run!

Tuesday, October 6

PTA Meeting at 7:00pm - Burton Media Center

Thursday, October 8

Picture Retake Day

Tuesday, October 13

Burton PTA Reflections Kick - Off from 6-7:30pm

Wednesday, October 21 & Thursday, October 22

Scholastic Book Fair from 4-8pm in the Media Center

Tuesday, October 27

Burton Trunk or Treat

Friday, October 30

Halloween Parade at 9:00am

November
Monday, November 2 & Tuesday, November 3

No school for students

Tuesday, November 10

PTA Meeting

Tuesday, November 17

Music concerts for grades 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

Monday, November 23

Evening Parent Teacher Conferences from 5-8pm (in-person)

Tuesday, November 24

No School for students
Parent Teacher Conferences from 8am-4pm (in-person)

Wednesday, November 25-Friday, November 27

No School (Thanksgiving Break)

Monday, November 30

School resumes

Berkley Schools Calendar

Constitution Day

This past Thursday, our students learned about the Constitution and why we celebrate Constitution Day. Teachers incorporated a variety of activities, including Scholastic News articles, read-alouds, and classroom discussions - such as, what does a good citizen look, sound, and feel like? Students had opportunities to connect the rights and responsibilities outlined in the Constitution to the ways they can contribute to their school and community each day.

two students reading book of constitution

Our 1st Grade Constitution agreements created gy all kids

In Room 110 We will - Look out for others, use safe bodies, focus on speak, be kind, repect others, and have fun

Teacher reading book and students sitting on carpet

student smiling with coloring page of constitution

Leading the Blue Jay Way - Habit 1 - Be Proactive

This week, we're spotlighting the first of the 7 Habits: Be Proactive, "I am a responsible person, in charge of my own choices."

Being proactive means students understand that they are in charge of their own attitude and actions. Rather than blaming others or waiting to be told what to do, a proactive Blue Jay makes good choices, even when no one is watching.

You can see this habit show up all around Burton:

In the classroom, being proactive looks like students filling out their planner and remembering to bring homework, library books, or supplies on time, taking ownership of their responsibilities without needing a reminder.
At arrival and dismissal, students follow their grown-up's plan and make safe choices before and after school.
At recess, students line up right away when called, showing they can be counted on to do the right thing.
In the classroom, being proactive looks like students taking ownership of their learning and their behavior, without needing a reminder.

This habit connects directly to our Blue Jay Way... being proactive is one of the clearest ways students show responsibility and respect for themselves and others.

At home: Try asking your child, "What's one choice you made today that you're proud of?" This helps reinforce that leadership starts with the small, everyday decisions they make on their own. Be sure to check out the Habit 1 posters and I'm in Charge of Me - activities for home.

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Habit 1: I'm in Charge of Me

Stock the Lounge

October is 1st Grade’s month to Stock the Burton Staff Lounge!

As part of Teacher Appreciation, we are helping keep the two Burton staff lounges stocked with snacks, drinks, and other goodies for our approximately 60 staff members. The staff has really appreciated having these items available throughout the school year, and we’re excited to continue this tradition!

How Can You Help?

We’ve made it easy for families to participate. There are two ways to contribute:

Shop from the Amazon Wish List
Choose an item (or items!) directly from our Stock the Burton Staff Lounge Amazon Wish List, and they can be shipped directly to us. You can also select a different item from Amazon and have it sent directly to Burton.
Burton Staff Lounge Amazon Wish List

Make a Monetary Donation
You can also make a monetary donation to our Stock the Lounge campaign. We will use the funds throughout the month to purchase and restock whatever is needed.
Donations also allow us to provide fresh items such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, and other refrigerated foodsthat aren't practical to include on the Amazon Wish List. We’ll price shop to make your donations go as far as possible!

Donate to Stock the Lounge
There is no required amount to donate — every contribution, big or small, helps us show our Burton staff how much we appreciate all they do for our kids!
Please note: Snacks do not need to be peanut-free.
Thank you so much for helping us kick off the year of Stock the Lounge! We are so grateful for our Burton teachers and staff and the care they give our kids every day. This is just one small way we can show them how much they are appreciated!

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
Thank you!
Annmarie Sanderson
alsanderson@icloud.com
Melissa Purdy

mostasze@hotmail.com

Math Pentathlon

Grades 2, 3, 4, and 5

Does your 2nd , 3rd , 4th or 5th grade student enjoy math and solving problems?

Maybe Math Pentathlon® is for them!

Mathematics Pentathlon® is a time-tested Program of interactive problem-solving games,

supportive curricular and instructional activities for students. This Program

strengthens math concepts and skills and aligns with National and

State Mathematics Standards. A focus on conceptual understanding and the integration of

spatial, computational, and logical reasoning are key attributes of Mathematics Pentathlon.

This program begins in late fall and is dependent on parent volunteers. Please read below for

grade specific information. Sign-up will run through October 20th .

If have any questions, please contact Melissa Purdy at 586-770-0806

or mostasze@hotmail.com.

2nd Graders

Second Graders will attend Math Pentathlon on Monday during lunch recess one day a week

until mid-April with Tammy Hurvitz. We can host up to 16 second graders. If there are more

students interested, we will hold a lottery.

To express your second-grade student’s interest for Burton's 2nd grade Math Pentathlon® Club click here:

https://forms.gle/E2LxeQVcrKeqJxHu9

3rd Graders

Third Graders will attend Math Pentathlon on Wednesday during lunch and lunch recess, one

day a week until mid-April with Daniil Gunitskiy and John Kerwin. We can host up to 18 third

graders. If there are more students interested, we will hold a lottery.

To express your third-grade student’s interest for Burton's Math Pentathlon® Club click here:

https://forms.gle/EUUgSjDdwGa8wxzn9

Click here information on the games the second and third grade students will learn.

4th Grade

Currently this grade does not have a volunteer to learn and run the games. Click here

information on the new games the fourth-grade students will learn. Training is available for the

parent volunteer. If we find a volunteer for during the school day, we can host up to 18 fourth

graders. If there are more students interested, we will hold a lottery. The tournament is in mid-

May.

To express your fourth-grade student’s interest for Burton's Math Pentathlon® Club and

interest in leading the group click here: https://forms.gle/4La8Gt3XqrkCB5NW8

5th Grade

Fifth Graders will attend Math Pentathlon on Thursday during lunch and lunch recess until mid-

May with Drew Hansz and Tammy Hurvitz. We can host up to 18 fifth graders. If there are more

students interested, we will hold a lottery.

To express your fifth-grade student’s interest for Burton's Math Pentathlon® Club click here:

https://forms.gle/kjwUtbSxopsKQFRA6

(REPEAT) Cheetahs Running Club

The Wait Is Over… Cheetahs Running Club Is Back!

Cheetahs Running Club is back for another year of running, walking, and having fun! Cheetahs is a lunchtime program open to all Burton Blue Jays (grades TK-5). Participating students will run or walk laps around the Burton track and earn fun toe token prizes as they reach different milestones.

Cheetahs will take place during lunch recess on Wednesdays this fall (weather permitting) and will begin on Wednesday, September 30.

Ready to Join the Cheetahs?

To participate in Cheetahs, parents/caregivers must register their child. Tap the button below.

Your child does not have to participate every week. If your child has any interest in joining, even if they think they may only participate occasionally, we encourage you to register them now so they have the option to participate throughout the year.

Please complete one registration form for each child in your household who may be interested in participating.

Please register by Friday, September 18th

Please send any questions or concerns to burtoncheetahclub@gmail.com.

We are looking forward to getting back out on the track and having some fun! Let's go, Cheetahs!

Cheetahs Running Club Registration Form

(REPEAT) Burton Fun Run - Fundraiser!

Fun Run - Friday, October 2

Our 2026 fundraising goal is $40,000! These funds are essential to sustaining and enhancing the many programs and school-wide initiatives that make Burton such a vibrant learning community.

Each student will receive a free Fun Run t-shirt on the day of the run to wear! Students should keep their Fun Run shirts as we wear them for Field Day in the spring as well as school field trips.

Packets for parents - that include the schedule, shout-outs, and a coupon for 50% off gelato from Monarch - have been sent home with students in their folders.

When making donations please note: once you click 'donate' and enter your information to checkout, you will be prompted to search for a student. You can make one donation and split your total dollar amount across multiple students.

https://app.givebacks.gives/burtonfunrun2026

FUN RUN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

If you are able to volunteer your time the morning of Fun Run, we'd love to have you! Note: it is best not to sign up for a shift while your students are running - the morning's schedule, along with the open slots can be viewed via the following link:

2060 Fun Run Volunteer Sign Up

SENSORY AREA & SILENT LAP!

Again this year, we will have a silent lap to kick off our Fun Run along with setting up a sensory area for any child that this may benefit. If you think your child could benefit from the silent run and/or the sensory area, please let their teacher know.

(REPEAT) Girls on the Run

Registration is still open for Burton Girls on the Run in grades 3-5. Families can registers now through September 25th. Practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays on the Burton track from 3:30-4:45pm.

Questions about Girls on the Run - contact Kelsey Preese (kelseylynnpreece@gmail.com)

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Burton Elementary GOTR Flyer.pdf

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PTA Update

Save-the-Date: Our annual Fun Run is Friday, October 2! It is our largest event and fundraiser!

Click HERE to donate to Fun Run!
Fun Run T-Shirts! Each student will receive – FREE of charge – a Fun Run t-shirt. These will go home with students the week of Fun Run. Students will be asked to wear these shirts at other times during the year (Field Day in the spring, field trips, etc.).
New this year! If a family member would also like to order a t-shirt, they can! Click HERE to order any extra shirts. *T-SHIRTS ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH*
*Please do not use this form for your student. All students will be sent home with a FREE shirt!*

Join PTA Today! Each member is able to vote in our elections and budget meetings and will receive a copy of the 2026-2027 Burton Directory. Note: directories are printed 10/1.

Thank you, Mother Handsome! In addition to signing on as one of our Silver Fun Run Sponsors again this year, Mother Handsome is offering our Blue Jay community 20% off all online takeout orders! Just enter Burton20 at checkout. Code is valid 8/24/26 - 6/12/27.

(REPEAT) Burton Spirit Gear

Show your Blue Jay pride with Burton gear! Students can wear their Burton gear during Birdhouses, Burton Bashes, or any day! Tap the button below to shop! All items will be shipped directly to your home.

Burton Spirit Gear

(REPEAT) Classroom Volunteers & Field Trip Chaperones

All parents/family members volunteering in the classroom or during school-sponsored functions or field trips must complete the Volunteer Release form prior to any activities.

Please keep in mind that the Volunteer Release Form is sent to the Berkley School District Administrative Offices and may take up to three weeks to process so we recommend you submit the required forms well in advance of your planned activity.

You will need to upload an image of your valid driver's license or state-issued ID when completing the Volunteer Release Form.

Volunteer Release Form - Please Complete

Berkley Schools Volunteer/Chaperone Information

(REPEAT)September Menu

Food Service - Berkley Schools

(REPEAT) Smart Watch - Cell Phone Policy

District-wide Cell Phone Policy

In February 2026, Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141 were signed into law stating that Michigan school districts must create action plans that keep devices away during class, with exceptions for emergencies and academic use. Our administrative team has reviewed the law and will be implementing the following parameters:

Elementary: All personal electronic communication devices must be away for the entire day, including smart watches. All devices must be stored in backpacks or a phone caddy in the classroom.
Middle School: All personal electronic devices must be away for the day, including lunch. All devices must be stored in each classroom phone caddy during class time, and not be in use during passing and lunch times.
High School: All personal electronic devices must be away during class time and stored in each classroom’s phone caddy during instruction.

(REPEAT) PTA Information

PTA Hearst Award Winner - Burton Elementary

A Note from the PTA President

Hello Burton Families!

I'm Natalie Friedman and I'm in my second year as PTA President. Our PTA is an Executive Board, Committee Chairs and countless parent volunteers who work on events and initiatives reinforce our mission: To enrich our students experience and provide resources for our teachers and staff through fundraising, supporting school and district initiatives, and actively building community.

I am constantly amazed by both the quantity and quality of the work we do and last year was no exception. One of my goals was to receive a National PTA School of Excellence designation. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, attended our events, offered feedback in our listening session, donated to our fundraising efforts, took our surveys - we added events and discussion groups you needed and expanded our impact across our busy calendar and not only did we receive the designation, we were selected from over 300 School of Excellence designees as winner of the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Family-School Partnership Award.

Please reach out anytime with questions/suggestions: natazoe@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Natalie

(REPEAT) Burton Information

Phone Numbers

Office phone number:

248-837-8600

Enter Attendance on MiStar Parent Portal Website/App

In the top right menu, select Report Absence.
Select "All Day" for a full day absence, or uncheck the "All Day" box and select the start and end date and time.
Select the Reason from the drop-down menu.
Click Submit.

*You may also report absences via phone 248-837-8630

School Hours

Full Day:

School begins at 8:00am and is dismissed at 3:15pm
All students will be dismissed at the same location as they enter each morning.

Half Day of School:

School begins at 8:00am and is dismissed at 11:20am

Medications

All medications should be dropped off at the office by a parent, please do not send the medication in with your student.

If your child has a medical condition that requires a prescription medication that needs to be kept at school (such as an asthma inhaler, epi-pen, etc.), each school must have a medication authorization form on file. The form must be filled out by both the parent and your child's doctor and be signed by your doctor. Please bring the medication in the original container.

If your child needs over-the-counter medication during the school day, we must also have a medication authorization form on file, but it does not require a doctor's signature. Medication (in its original package) should be brought to the office along with the completed form by a parent.

Visitor Information

Berkley School District uses the Raptor Visitor Management System in all our buildings to strengthen the safety of our students and staff. Major components of the Raptor System:

Screens visitors, contractors, and all volunteers in our schools.
It keeps electronic record of who is in our building.
All visitors will be required to check-in at the office.
Visitors will be asked to present a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID. The photo ID scan will happen the first time you visit the building. After the first visit, you will check in using the Raptor system, but will not have to scan your ID.
Raptor will check the visitor's name and date of birth for comparison with a number of national databases to identify anyone on the database of registered sex offenders. No other data from the ID is gathered and the information will not be shared with any outside agency.
Once approved, Raptor will issue a visitor ID badge that contains the visitor's photo, the date, and the purpose/location of the visit.
When leaving the building, return to the office to be signed out.
All parents that are volunteering in classrooms, field trips, mystery readers or plan to be with students at Burton are required to fill out the district required forms (note there is a 2 week turnaround time to complete the background checks.)

Volunteer Form will be available soon!

(REPEAT) Breakfast & Lunch Information

Free Meals Status

Free Meal Information: The State of Michigan will continue free meals for the 2026-27 school year. While no information is required to receive free meals, if you think you would qualify for free/reduced meals, please fill out the Education and Nutrition Benefits Form, also located in the Berkley Schools Back to School Packet. Consider adding some funds for your child into their food service accounts if you plan on having them purchase a la carte items which are not covered by the free meal program.
Ala Carte Item: Available for a fee

Please visit the Berkley School Website for more food service information including menus, allergen information, and student accounts.

Burton is a "nut sensitive" school. Please be aware of snacks and lunches to ensure they do not have nut products.

Ala Carte items available for an additional charge. Single milk is $0.75.

Breakfast:

Students may enter the Multipurpose Doors (The Nest) starting at 7:40am for breakfast. Only families dropping off for breakfast may use the staff parking lot to drop off your child.
At 8:00am students will arrive at their classrooms. Kindergarten and TK students will be walked to their classrooms.

Lunch Times:

11:15-12:00 TK & Kindergarten
11:25-12:10 5th Grade
11:35-12:20 3rd Grade
11:45-12:30 1st Grade
11:55-12:40 4th Grade
12:05-12:50 2nd Grade

Go Blue Jays!

Tuesday, September 8