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!

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. The report can found at locations throughout the city or be accessed online at https://www.bsdvt.org/district/superintendent/school-assessments-data/

“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 3^rd,” said Obeng.

In addition to being available online, hard copies of the report are also available free of charge at:

• BSD Central Office (150 Colchester Ave.)
• All BSD Schools
• Fletcher Free Library
• Burlington Department of Public Works
• The Miller Center
• Burlington City Hall

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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.

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

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.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT KINDERGARTEN AND THE REGISTRATION PROCESS?

Learn about the day in the life of a kindergartener.

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. 

• Wednesday 1/15/20 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Flynn Elementary
  1645 North Ave, Burlington, VT 05408
• Thursday 1/23/20 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Champlain Elementary
  800 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401
• Wednesday 1/29/20 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Family Room (in room #4344)
  20 Allen St, Burlington, VT 05401
• Wednesday 2/12/20 9:00-10:00 at Ira Allen Pre-School
  150 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401

Visit Our Elementary Schools

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.

Learn More About Our Elementary Schools

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

On Friday, September 20th, students across the nation and right here in Vermont will be participating in a “student strike” to raise awareness about climate change. Burlington School District is working to support students in this activism. Students wishing to participate in the teach-in at Main Street Landing and/or the Burlington youth-organized Climate Change Rally at City Hall Park will have their absences considered excused. (Parents should please call their student’s schools to excuse your child’s absence from school.) 

Students who do not wish to participate in the strike will also have a chance to focus on climate change during their school day. Our school leaders have encouraged their teachers to focus on climate change.  Several schools have planned age-appropriate activities related to climate change and the events of the day. 

At BSD, we believe supporting students and teachers in this advances several facets of the Mission of the Burlington School District 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. Please join us in supporting and commending our student activist leaders on drawing attention to this important matter and helping to create positive change in the community.

Thank you,

Superintendent Obeng

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:

1. Look for your student’s name as shown on the bar in the upper left corner;
   1. Click on the student’s name.
   2. Then click the Ecollect Student Update Form and then start with the form called “A. Introduction” and complete the information.
   3. It will take you through each form.
   4. Once you finish with this student, move on to the next student by clicking on their name on the bar in the upper left corner. All students must be updated one at a time.
   5. Done

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:

1. “Account Preferences” on the menu on the left side,
2. Then click on “Students”
3. Then “Add Student”
4. Enter your student’s name, their Access ID and Access Password.
5. Then select your relationship to your student through the Relationship dropdown.

If you are not certain if you have a PowerSchool account, follow these steps:

1. Go to bsdvt.org or to your school’s home page.
2. Click on this image in the upper right-hand corner of the webpage:
3. Enter your username and password.
4. Follow the steps for “Forgot Username or Password?” if needed.

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.