Principal's Message

Dear Bursch Families,

Welcome to an exciting new school year! I hope you all had a restful summer and are feeling
refreshed and ready for the year ahead. We are looking forward to a year of growth,
achievement, and community. I am grateful for each and every one of you, our dedicated
families, who make Bursch Elementary such a special place.

This year’s theme is: Soaring Together: One Band, One Accord – Every Blue Jay. Every Day.
Excellence for All. This theme reflects our commitment to unity, inclusion, academic
achievement, and respect across our school community. Together, like a symphony, we will
create something powerful for our students.

Last year, we saw measurable academic growth. On the CAASPP, we achieved:
● Math Proficiency: 46.1% (8.4% growth)
● English Language Arts Proficiency: 45.8% (3.2% growth)
● Science Proficiency: 21% overall (5th grade – 14.3%, 8th grade – 46.2%), with an overall
increase of 8.3% from the previous year
● English Learner Reclassification Rate: 11%

This year, we are excited to announce our new partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning
Schools (VILS) for grades 5th–8th! Through this program, each student in these grades will
receive a personal iPad with internet access to enhance learning both in and out of the
classroom. The VILS program will allow our students to develop digital skills, engage in
innovative projects, and access a world of learning opportunities. More information, including
distribution dates and parent orientation sessions, will be shared soon.

Our Focus for 2025–2026
● Strengthening English Language Arts, Math and Science instruction and outcomes
● Supporting SPED students and ALL student groups through targeted interventions
● Creating an inclusive learning environment where all students thrive
Important Information:
● School starts Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.
On the first day of school, parents are invited to walk their children to the area where
students line up. The middle gate and upper gate will open at 7:45 a.m. on 8/14 and
8/15. Gates will be labeled with signage. SDC students enter through the main office
gate. We ask that parents exit the campus by 8:05 a.m. to allow teachers to get the day
started.
● Supplies - Student supplies are provided by the school site. Teachers may send home
a wish list, however, it is not required because the school provides supplies.
● Save the Date - Back to School Night -September 10, 2025.
● Class assignments - parents are welcome to visit the campus or call on Wednesday,
August 13th, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to obtain their child’s teacher’s name, (310)
898-6130.
● Breakfast and lunch is served daily or students are welcomed to bring their own lunch.
● Dismissal - Preschool - 1st dismiss through middle gate and 2nd - 8th dismiss through
upper gate SDC students enter and exit through the main office gate
● Technology - ALL students are assigned their own device to be used on campus and at
home, as needed. Students are to use their devices for school assignments and tasks.
The school has the authority to take the device away from students if not used
appropriately. Any problems or issues with devices should be presented to the school
office as soon as possible. Devices that are damaged or lost will be replaced once
during the device loan period; there is a $50 deductible for any device that is returned
damaged or lost, and needs replacement. Students who experience a second incident of
damage or loss will be limited to in-school use of a device only.
● Cell phones - Students are not allowed to have their cell phones active during school
hours for they are a distraction to the instructional day. Any cell phones that are out
during school hours will be confiscated by the teacher/staff. Parents will have to pick
them up from the office.
● Uniforms are required daily. Light blue, dark blue and white collared polo tops and dark
blue uniform bottoms. Middle school students have the option of wearing black or navy
blue uniform bottoms. NO JEANS. Closed toe shoes are required. Please no crocs,
sandals, slides or open toe shoes.

Together, we will continue to ensure that Bursch Elementary is a place where excellence is not
just expected, but a reality every day. I look forward to another year of collaboration and growth
with you all.

Warm regards,

Aisha Provost
Principal, Bursch Elementary School