Burlington Public Schools

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  • 3-5

Contact Information:

Cynthia Marchand
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction 781-270-1989

Rosemary DeSousa
Confidential Secretary, Office of Curriculum and Instruction 781-270-1989

Dear Families,
I am delighted to be working in the town of Burlington as the new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. The community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive since I arrived last May. 

My background has prepared me well for my new role as Assistant Superintendent.  I have spent over thirty years in public education at several levels. I am an experienced teacher having taught in both elementary and middle schools in Newton, Massachusetts and both Woodbridge and Fairfax Counties, Virginia.  For the last fifteen years I have served as a school principal in Newton, Massachusetts.  Each stage has brought new challenges, excitement and delights as I worked with students, staff and families to create the most positive learning experience possible.  Additionally, I served as a curriculum and staff developer in the city of Newton.  These past experiences along with other more recent (including grandparenting), prepare me well for new responsibilities in Burlington Public Schools.

The dedication and hard work of Burlington staff is evident in student achievements and the sense of community created in each school. Many initiatives ranging from global studies, the fine arts, AP Italian, and Physics flourish in Burlington and support student academic growth. Our committed staff share an exciting vision for the future which provides varied opportunities for student and faculty development.

Since my arrival, I have worked closely with staff to implement the new organizational structure. The re-organization encourages an examination of practice through the creation of K-8 Curriculum Coordinators. The Coordinators’ mission is to support staff in recognizing and sharing best practices, to provide materials, model lessons, serve as coaches, and develop curriculum. Although new roles create challenges, they also bring an exciting opportunity to reflect on our practice and to refine our skills.  

I introduce to you the K-8 Curriculum Coordinators:

• Social Studies- Jane Hundley comes to us from Sudbury where she was the highly respected K-8 Social Studies Curriculum Specialist. She brings a great deal of expertise in curriculum and staff development to her new role in Burlington Public Schools and has already been welcomed warmly by the K-8 staff. (Extension 2937)
   
• Science- John Papadonis, formerly the K-5 Science Specialist and director of the Science Center, has expanded his role to become K-8 Science Coordinator. In this role, he is now able to support staff and to share his expertise and extensive resources with the middle school. Wendy Pavlicek works with John in the area of natural science and will also support the Middle School. (Extension 1835)
   
• English Language Arts- Bette Murray, formerly the K-8 Writing Specialist, looks forward to exploring literacy instruction in both reading and writing at the middle school. Bette also brings much experience to this role and enthusiastically embraces collaboration with middle school staff. (Extension 1846)
   
• Assessment/Intervention Coordinator-Katie Bercury was formerly a Social Studies teacher at Burlington High School and has also taught middle school. Katie has done extensive work in reading, writing, and assessment in the content areas. Her expertise collaborating in staff development is an asset to her .5 position at Marshall Simonds. She will be working with staff to assess and implement instruction to match the needs of students. (Extension 4942)

The reorganization has also created two Math Coaches K-5,(Math Link)a Literacy Coach at the high school level, and an Assessment and Intervention Specialist at the middle school.  The coaching model is new to the district but plays a crucial role.