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Dear Burlingame School Community,

Welcome back to the 2012-2013 school year!  

We have many exciting programs and initiatives in place for this school year! The first one we would like to highlight is a District Transitional Kindergarten Program (TK) at Washington Elementary School. We are very excited to be offering an opportunity for students who do not meet the age eligibility requirements for kindergarten to attend a developmentally appropriate program for students their age. Second, grades TK through 8 will have new Reading and Language Arts materials to start the 2012-2013 year.   Third, through the generosity of BCE, we have hired a Science Specialist for the District. The Science Specialist will be working with K-5 teachers and Middle School Teachers to develop and promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through hands-on 21^st Century learning. Given the world in which we currently live, we are lucky to be able to continue to focus on teaching and learning.

 

As you all know, the educational outlook for 2012-2013 and beyond is dependent upon the November election results. As the State of California continues to struggle economically, our funding continues to shrink.   Due to the fiscally conservative measures the district has taken over the last several years, and due to the generosity of our parent community, we have managed to maintain program and staffing. Whether or not this is possible for subsequent years is dependent upon what happens in the next few months.   At the very best we will be receiving “flat funding.” At the very worst we will be discussing draconian cuts for the next school year and possible furlough days as suggested by the 15 days the state is allowing school districts to eliminate in order to balance their budgets. 

 

At the same time we are managing the economic world around us, we continue to look toward the positive future. The Common Core Standards are nearly upon us and we must prepare our students. 

Teachers across the district will be participating in professional development where they will have the opportunity to learn about the Common Core Standards and to provide input on how to best implement these standards in our District using 21^st Century instructional strategies. Teachers will also be participating in preparation for the introduction of an entirely new assessment system from the State. How will all this work? It will work in the Burlingame School District because we have motivated, innovative students, teachers, classified staff, instructional leaders and we have thoughtful and committed parents.  It will work because we believe in our mission to educate and prepare our students for the 21^st Century.   

May you have a wonderful start of the year!

 

Sincerely,

Maggie MacIsaac, Superintendent

Burlingame School District