This issue of the Bulldog Bulletin is dedicated to the many volunteers that assist the staff & students at Burkevale. According to civil rights activist, Dolores Huerta:

“Giving kids clothes and food is one thing but it's much more important to teach them that other people besides themselves are important, and that the best thing they can do with their lives is to use them in the service of other people.”

Our school community is blessed with wonderful volunteers. Parents, grandparents, and complete strangers with no connections to Burkevale, give of their time and/or expertise freely to help make our school a better place. A number of regular classroom volunteers assist teachers with a variety of tasks, such as running reading groups and giving one-to-one support. Others share their ideas and energies as part of the School Council, running fundraisers and providing the principal with valuable input on school matters. Others assist with a specific function or program, such as helping in the library, organizing the milk program, or helping staff & students on class outings or at special events.

Despite concerns that new requirements for volunteers this year would hurt the level of participation, this selfless commitment to our school remained strong.

The contribution of all the volunteers enhances the program we offer at Burkevale and strengthens our ties to the wider community.

Thank you for your kind efforts.

Tim Mallon, Principal

According to the American author, Bern Williams, "The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring."

Education is very much like the transition from winter to spring. Spring is a hopeful time of renewal and fresh beginnings. Students with Individual Education Plans are able to prosper due to the extra support and accommodations they receive from our Special Education Department and their classroom teacher. Other students who have had academic or social adversity at school are able to “turn it around” by recognizing the need for improvement and showing a willingness to receive help, demonstrating cooperation (this month’s character trait) with those offering support. By accepting responsibility for their actions, students are more likely to experience success by adopting the positive academic and social lessons demonstrated by their peers, staff, and family members.

Farmers know that the seeds planted in the spring, when nurtured and tended to, will lead to a rich harvest in the fall. Parents can continue to support their child’s transition from periods of adversity to prosperity by communicating with the teacher, and reinforcing the concepts of accepting responsibility, putting forth an honest effort, and fresh beginnings. Working together, Burkevale staff and parents can ensure we nurture and enrich the children’s educational experience as we enter the final phase of the school year. Have a wonderful Spring, everyone.