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Online Yearbook Orders

Burdick yearbook's are available to purchase online. Order yours before April 1. https://orders.schoolandsportpics.com/ordering/with?key=E5TJMKNZ 

MPS Invest and Grow community meetings

Join MPS Academic Superintendents at meetings across the city to hear important updates and give feedback. Leadership will be making the rounds from November 2025 through May 2026 to present information to students, families, staff, and community members. Sessions are...

Get essential back-to-school tips and be ready on Tuesday, September 2

Milwaukee Public Schools wants to help students get the new school year off to a great start! The district is offering important information to guide families as the start of school approaches this fall. All MPS students begin school Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Visit...

Burdick Buzz, 10/09/2024

October 9, 2024 | News

Greetings Burdick Families!
Welcome to October! It looks like fall has finally arrived. We have plenty of exciting activities ahead. From fall festivities to sports events, there’s a lot to enjoy this month.
Important Dates
October 7-11- Scholastic Book Fair
October 10- Conferences
October 15- Conferences
October 18- No School
October 21- No School
October 25- Burdick Family Fall Fest
October 28- Middle School Play Parent Information Meeting 
October 29- Middle School Play Auditions
November 5- No School
November 6- Picture Retakes
November 12- SEC Meeting
Staff Spotlight
For 30 years, Mr. Balistreri has been a reliable and dedicated presence at Burdick School. As the sixth-grade math and science teacher and wrap-around coordinator, he not only sparks curiosity in his students through engaging lessons but also ensures they have a safe and supportive environment beyond the classroom. Mr. B’s passion for both math and science inspires his students, and his dedication makes him a go-to person for staff and families alike.
Beyond his work, Mr. B is also a fierce competitor. His love for sports is well-known. When he’s not in the classroom, Mr. B turns into a full-on sports legend. Whether it’s softball or volleyball, his competitive streak is no secret, and his spike? Let’s just say, you don’t want to be on the receiving end of it! Plus, his love for The Office keeps the school day filled with humor— you’re guaranteed a few laughs and probably some Michael Scott quotes too!
Thank you, Mr. B, for 30 incredible years at Burdick! Your humor, reliability, and dedication make you an invaluable part of our school community. Get to know more about Mr. B below!
  1. How long have you worked at Burdick?  
This is my 30th year.
  1. What was your favorite school subject when you were a kid, and do you still love it today?  
I have always loved math and science in school and those are my favorite to teach.
  1. If the school had a theme song that played every morning, what song would you choose?  
Thunderstruck by AC/DC
  1. What’s your favorite school tradition or event, and why is it special to you?  
I love the fall season and all that goes with it but I really like Halloween so I enjoy the fall harvest dance (or Halloween dance in the old days).
Fall Fest
We are in need of volunteers and donations for one of our biggest Family-Teacher Team school events of the year-Burdick’s Fall Fest! Click the Sign-up Genius link to check out how you can sign up to help or donate! Ms. Liza will contact you with more information if you plan on hosting a table or volunteering the evening of the event. Thank you in advance for helping us make this fun family event a success!
Fall Conferences
Fall Conferences are approaching! This is a great opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss their progress and goals for the school year.
Conference Dates:
Thursday, October 10 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 15 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
**Please note that 7th and 8th grade conferences will be in the Gym and are first-come, first-served.
The scholastic Book fair will be in the gym during conferences and we are looking for two people per session to help with book sales. 
Session #1- 3:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Session #2- 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Please contact Ms. Liza at 414-294-1288 if you are able to help.
High School Enrollment
Thank you to our 7th and 8th grade families who joined us on October 1 for the high school enrollment information meeting. If you missed the meeting and would like information, please contact Mr. Skonecki at skonecdr@milwaukee.k12.wi.us, Ms. Nisleit at nisleirr@milwaukee.k12.wi.rr or Ms. Liza at cohenl1@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
As a reminder to 8th grade families, the MPS high school enrollment application is now open through November 4, 2024.
For more information about the MPS high school enrollment process, visit https://mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/en/Schools/How-to-Apply/High-School-Enrollment.htm
For more information about choosing an MPS high school, visit:
Family-Teacher Team
The FTT will be meeting virtually on Monday, October 14 (please note the change of date due to Fall Conferences). We will be finalizing plans for Fall Fest and planning Family events for November.
Click the link below to join the google meet:
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 304-790-6320‬ PIN: ‪334 615 191‬#
Family Volunteers Needed
Burdick is seeking dedicated volunteers in the following areas:
Burdick Care Closet
We’re happy to announce the launch of the Burdick Care Closet—a special resource designed to provide students in need with essential clothing and other care items. To help make this initiative a success, we are looking for volunteers to assist with organizing and maintaining the closet.
Volunteers can contribute by:
  • Sorting and folding clothing donations
  • Organizing items by size and type
  • Ensuring the closet stays tidy and well-stocked
  • Donating new or gently used plastic bins to store items
  • Helping manage incoming donations
Volunteering for the Burdick Care Closet is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact and support students within our community.
Winter Sports Coaches
Thank you to the family members who have volunteered to coach a sport this winter. We are still looking for a 4-5 Grade Coed Basketball Coach.
If you’re able to contribute your time, please contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Liza at 414-294-1288 or cohenl1@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.
Picture Day
If you didn’t have the chance to turn in a paper order form for picture day, you can still order your child’s school picture online.
Use the drop down menu to select our school name
Picture Retakes will be on Wednesday, November 6.
District News
MPS School Engagement Survey
MPS is asking all families to take the Family Interest Survey so that we can determine what types of activities/events would be most interesting and useful for you. Please take a moment today to fill out this brief survey.
Attend an Immunization Clinic
Get caught up on childhood vaccines like measles, polio, and meningitis. MPS will host two more clinics this fall.
Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Road, on Friday, Oct. 11, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St., on Saturday, Oct. 12, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For questions, contact your health care provider or the Milwaukee Health Department at (414) 286-6800.
Family Resources
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