Happenings
Burruss High Museum Field Trip, April 25 A.L. Burruss Elementary fourth graders recently visited the High Museum of Art to see the Frida Kahlo/Diego Rivera Exhibit. Frida & Diego: Passion, Politics and Drawing featured more than 120 paintings and drawings and included an important group of photographs by artists who captured the couple's shared passion for each other and for Mexico's revolutionary culture during the 1920's and 1930's. Burruss Exceeds Marietta Reads! AR Goals, May 6  A.L. Burruss Elementary students exceeded their Marietta Reads! reading goal of 20,000 Accelerated Reader (AR) points. To celebrate their achievement, a representative from each class got to throw a pie at their teacher during the monthly assembly. When the school achieved their AR school challenge, students that earned the most AR points got to throw pies at the principal, assistant principal, and counselor!  PhotosBurruss Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser, May 3  A. L. Burruss Elementary recently held a Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser to benefit the American Heart Association. Students were challenged by the Physical Education staff to raise $4,000 during the campaign. Overall the students met the challenge by raising $4,017! Ms. Tyler and Ms. Wardlaw honored their challenge, and the students slimed them with yucky green slime! Burruss Visits Atlanta Braves, May 3  A. L. Burruss Elementary second graders recently visited the Atlanta Braves Stadium. PhotosMarietta Kiwanis Read-A-Book Visits A.L. Burruss, May 1  Marietta Kiwanis recently visited A.L. Burruss Elementary to support Marietta Reads! Kiwanis read Snuffles by Joan Anson-Weber to 1st graders and presented them with a copy of the book. Burruss 2nd Annual Pet Parade, April 26  A. L. Burruss Elementary first graders recently held their second annual Pet Parade featuring animal learning stations that included a calf, dogs, rooster, sheep, hens, goats, rabbits, and much more. Students especially loved seeing Jaclyn Bell, a first grade teacher, ride her horse for all to see. Burruss Celebrates Earth Day, April 22  A. L. Burruss Elementary students in Ms. Campagna’s class recently dressed up as Earth Day Kids to celebrate Earth Day. The students made up their own song, performed a skit, and made their own creations out of recycled materials for the day’s events. Parents also joined in the fun!. PhotosBurruss Kindergartners Plant Environmental Garden, April 15  A. L. Burruss Elementary kindergarten classes are learning about plants and their environment by planting a garden. Students have brought in seeds, soil, and plants to make this project a success. PhotosBurruss Readers Celebrate, Throw Pies, March 30  A. L. Burruss Elementary students recently met the reading challenge their teachers issued and celebrated with a pie-throwing event during the school assembly. PhotosBurruss All Pro Dads Breakfast, March 29  A. L. Burruss Elementary fathers and their children recently enjoyed the Chick-fil-A All Pro Dads breakfast. All Pro Dads is a Chick-fil-A sponsored program dedicated to strengthening families. PhotosBurruss Spring Math Celebration, March 29  A. L. Burruss Elementary first graders celebrated spring by solving math problems on their plastic eggs. It was "egg-axtly" what the Burruss bunnies were searching for on the playground. PhotosBurruss Read Across America Day, March 1  A. L. Burruss Elementary recently celebrated the 16th annual National Education Association's (NEA) Read Across America Day, which honors Dr. Seuss's birthday and the joys of reading. In honor of Read Across America Day, Burruss first graders marched through the hallways chanting “R-E-A-D, reading is fun for you and me!” The Cat in the Hat led the parade. It was spe–cat-ular! PhotosA.L. Burruss Celebrates Digital Learning Day, Feb. 6  A. L. Burruss Elementary teachers and students celebrated Digital Learning Day to recognize and encourage the integration of technology in classrooms. Computers, digital technology and use of the Internet are an integral part of everyday learning at Burruss. PhotosBurruss 3rd Annual Math Fair, Feb. 6  A. L. Burruss Elementary students enjoyed a fun day of math activities during the school’s third annual Math Fair. PhotosBurruss 4th Annual QUEST Speech Competition, Feb. 10  A. L. Burruss Elementary students recently competed in the 4th annual Quest Speech Competition. Students prepared and presented speeches on the topic, “If I Were President.” The winners are Vesey, 1st place; Michael, 2nd place; and Abby, 3rd place. Congratulations to the winners and to all eight finalists! PhotosBurruss, MHS Place 2nd Regional Reading Bowl, Feb. 2  The A.L. Burruss Elementary and Marietta High School (MHS) Reading Bowl Teams each placed 2nd at the Regional Reading Bowl. Both teams will go on to the Divisional Competition. Congratulations to all students, sponsors, and schools. A.L. Burruss Performs “Aesop’s Fables”, Jan. 31  A. L. Burruss Elementary third graders taught fellow students life lessons in a performance of selected Aesop’s Fables, including “The Tortoise and The Hare,” “The Lion and The Mouse,” “The Fox and The Grapes,” and “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” A.L. Burruss Science Night, Jan. 29  A. L. Burruss Elementary Science Night was a big hit! Parents and students worked together to solve problems and conduct science experiments. Activities included building barges, planetariums, clay boats and wrapping eggs in different materials to test materials that would keep the eggs from breaking. Photos |
Author David Sargent, Jr. Visits A. L. Burruss, Jan. 25 Students, teachers and parents at A. L. Burruss Elementary recently enjoyed a visit from Arkansas author David Sargent, Jr. Sargent brought along some of the pets that he writes about in his books and discussed how his dogs have inspired him to be an author. After the school assembly, Sargent autographed books for many of the students. PhotosBurruss Hosts Vet Visit, Jan. 24  A. L. Burruss Elementary first graders were recently visited by veterinarian assistant, Elizabeth Walsh. She discussed the importance of proper animal care. Students were able to “operate” on Fred, a stuffed canine companion who got into a little bit of trouble by eating things. PhotosEmployee of the Month  Carla Brooks is an Early Intervention Teacher at A.L. Burruss Elementary. She also serves as a Response to Intervention (RTI) Coordinator and a School Governance Team (SGT) representative. Over the past year, Carla has helped to refine and streamline the RTI process at Burruss. Teachers depend on her to ensure students receive the appropriate interventions and assistance they need. She is currently piloting a new ACCESS code program that will help students to develop their literacy and language skills. Carla spends many hours of her personal time researching new Web sites, educational trends, and resources that she always shares with her fellow teachers and staff. Burruss Visits Georgia Aquarium, Jan. 18  Thanks to a grant provided by the Georgia Aquarium, A. L. Burruss Elementary first graders recently visited the Georgia Aquarium Learning Loop. They enjoyed classes with aquarium guides and had a chance to view the whales, sharks, dolphins, and penguins. PhotosBurruss Spelling Bee Winners, Jan. 15  Congratulations to A. L. Burruss Elementary Spelling Bee winners! Ryan placed first and Lillian placed second. Ryan will now compete in the district Spelling Bee on January 25. PhotosBurruss Wins Annual MCS Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, Jan. 11  A. L. Burruss Elementary placed 1st (will compete at Regional competition); West Side Elementary placed 2nd; Marietta Center for Advanced Academics placed 3rd; and Sawyer Road Elementary placed 4th. Marietta City Schools fourth and fifth grade student teams recently competed in the district’s annual Reading Bowl. Students read books from the 2012-2013 Georgia Children’s Book Awards list. The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl is an annual event celebrating reading and supports Marietta Reads! Photos  VideoBurruss Empty Bowls Help MUST Ministries, Jan. 3  A. L. Burruss Elementary students recently hosted an “Empty Bowls” project to help MUST Ministries. Art teacher, Martie Moore, who is part of the Special Area Interest Learning program (SAIL) taught the students not only how to make bowls without using a potter’s wheel, but also to raise awareness and serve those in need. A.L. Burruss Wonkamania Day, Dec. 14  A. L. Burruss Elementary first graders recently celebrated Wonkmania Day as their culminating activity for completing Roald Dahl’s book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. This extended text was part of the first grade Common Core curriculum that featured standards such as character analysis, comparing and contrasting, adjectives, imagery, and the significance of being an inventor. PhotosBurruss Safety Village Visit, Dec. 4  A. L. Burruss Elementary second graders recently visited the Cobb Safety Village to tour the facility and learn about safety. PhotosBurruss Performs “The Turkeys Go on Strike”, Nov. 30  A. L. Burruss Elementary fourth graders recently performed "The Turkeys Go on Strike," a play about the history of Thanksgiving and being thankful for the right things. Burruss International Folktale Festival, Nov. 29  A. L. Burruss Elementary 2nd and 3rd grade MILE students recently concluded their Folktales Around the World unit by participating in an International Folktale Festival. Each student researched a country their ancestors originated from and memorized a traditional folktale from that nation. The students demonstrated their storytelling abilities during the Festival, and sampled food from the countries represented. PhotosBurruss Safety Village Visit, Nov. 26  A. L. Burruss Elementary fourth grade students recently visited the Cobb Safety Village to tour the facility and learn about the importance of road safety, fire prevention and fire safety. Burruss Students Adopt-A-Stream, 2012  As part of the Georgia Adopt a Stream volunteer program, A. L. Burruss Elementary students have adopted Ward Creek, a stream that runs behind the school. Each month, students conduct chemical monitoring tests to test temperature, conductivity, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen. The collected data is reported to Georgia Adopt a Stream so that state officials can monitor water pollution in local streams. PhotosFormer Governor and Chief Judge Visit Burruss Students, Nov. 16  Former Governor Roy Barnes and Chief Judge John Ellington of the Georgia Court of Appeals recently visited A. L. Burruss Elementary third graders, and spoke to the students about their work in government. Burruss 3rd graders are currently studying the roles of each branch of government. During the visit, the students donned judge’s robes to play the part of a judge and use a gavel. PhotosBurruss Veterinarian Explorers Meet Toby, Nov. 9  A. L. Burruss Elementary first and second graders participating in the Veterinarian Explorers SAIL class met Toby, the therapy dog and his friend, Amber Langston, a veterinarian technician. The students listened to Toby’s heartbeat, looked at a model of the heart, and learned about animal behavior. Photos |
Burruss Pancake Breakfast, Nov. 5 A. L. Burruss Elementary recently celebrated outstanding 1st quarter A and B students with a pancake breakfast. Students and their parents were welcomed by staff members cooking delicious pancakes with lots of syrup for everyone! Yum! PhotosBurruss Launches Brain Lab, Nov. 5  The purpose of the A. L. Burruss Elementary Brain Lab is to provide a place for Burruss Beavers to participate in in multi-sensory games and activities that help develop creativity, logical reasoning, deductive thinking, and other higher order thinking skills. PhotosElementary Students/Teachers Perform GMEA District XII Chorus, Oct. 25  A. L. Burruss Elementary, Dunleith Elementary, Lockheed Elementaryand West Side Elementary students recently performed with the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) District XII Elementary Honor Chorus. Eight students from schools in Cobb County, Marietta City Schools (MCS) and several Private schools were invited to send their best singers to perform in a choir of 326! MCS teachers Dell Alford, Liz Carroll, Gene Howell and Kristin Runnion also performed. Burruss MILE Students Study Criminology, Oct. 25  A. L. Burruss Elementary fourth and fifth grade MILE students had a remarkable time investigating Criminology this semester. They solved the Chocolate Caper, learned from guests Judge Jason B. Fincher and criminal investigator Ron Delaby, and enjoyed an in-house fieldtrip. Scientist C challenged students with fiber analysis, fingerprinting, footprint comparisons, and chromatography. PhotosBurruss Magic Show Celebrates PTA Reflections, Oct. 23  A. L. Burruss Elementary students who participated in the PTA Reflections contest enjoyed a magic show. A magician provided entertainment and parents and students were recognized for their achievements. PhotosStudents Visit Wren’s Nest, Oct. 16  A. L. Burruss Elementary second and third grade MILE students recently visited the Wren’s Nest in Atlanta. They toured Joel Chandler Harris’ home, learned more about the Uncle Remus stories, and heard folktales retold by Akbar Imhotep. PhotosBurruss Constitution Day Celebration, Sept. 17  A. L. Burruss Elementary music teacher, Gene Howell, recently led students in singing the National Anthem in honor of Constitution Day. Students learned about the Constitutional Convention and studied the Constitution and how it protects the rights of U.S. citizens. Burruss Night Playground Fun, Sept. 14  A. L. Burruss Elementary students and parents recently enjoyed a night on the school playground. Families pitched tents and camped, and the children enjoyed the playground equipment wearing headlamps and carrying flashlights. Hotdogs, s’mores, and glow-in-the-dark necklaces made the evening complete! PhotosBurruss Performs Wizard of Oz, Oct. 31  A. L. Burruss Elementary first graders recently performed their version of Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz. The play was called “Follow the Burruss Brick Road” which featured Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, and the Lion along with some other recognizable ALB characters. Students had a fantastic time performing this play that coincided with their Common Core (CCGPS) curriculum.  PhotosBurruss Beavers Celebrate 7th Annual National College Colors Day, Aug. 31  A. L. Burruss Elementary school students displayed their college spirit in honor of National College Colors Day by sporting t-shirts celebrating their favorite colleges. Go Burruss Beavers all the way to college! Burruss Traveling Treasure Trunk Display, Aug. 13 – 31  A. L. Burruss Elementary 3rd graders have learned some interesting things from the Traveling Treasure Trunk display on loan from the Cobb County Water Stewardship Program. The antique steamer trunk is filled with learning resources to enrich student learning of environmental education. Burruss “Give Peas a Chance” Nutrition Awareness, Aug. 30  A. L. Burruss Elementary recently invited Kaiser Permanente to present “Give Peas a Chance”, a nutrition education assembly program. Using colorful puppets and very energetic actors, the presentation provided students with information about the importance of daily exercise and how their food plates should look when they are consuming the right food groups in the right quantities. Marietta Water Visits Burruss Beavers, Aug. 30  A. L. Burruss Elementary third graders recently enjoyed a visit from Kim Holland at Marietta Water. As part of their environmental science studies, students learned about water pollution and ways to conserve resources. Burruss Hoe Down Kicks Off New School Year, Aug. 17  A. L. Burruss Elementary celebrated the beginning of school with a Hoe Down. Bar-B-Que, Crazy Hair, Pony Rides, and dancing all added to an evening of making new friends and enjoying old friends. PhotosBurruss Celebrates Grandparents Day, Sept. 7  A. L. Burruss Elementary recently honored grandparents. Burruss Beavers invited their grandparents to spend time with them at school in celebration of National Grandparents Day. Grandparents enjoyed lunch with their grandchildren and participated in fun activities with the children and their teachers. Photos |
