A very important responsibility that we are happy and proud to share with parents is preparing our children to take their place in our democracy as citizen-leaders.

Four years ago I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take our daughter Tonasia '07 to the presidential inauguration. That day our nation realized the promise of the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and many others had held for America decades earlier, and the sense of making history and the emotions shared among strangers, but fellow citizens, were palpable, much as I am sure they were at the March on Washington in 1963.

We have been inspired by Dr. King's legacy to coordinate the Burgundy 'Day On' Day of Service in his honor. This year, our 4th annual Day of Service, we have moved to a school day to avoid conflicting with the inauguration.

The Day of Service teaches our children in direct ways that they are connected to all people, and that they have a role in addressing our society's greatest challenges. Our students today, after participating in an interactive assembly to celebrate Dr. King's life and legacy, will work together to complete more than a dozen service projects that support mostly local non-profit organizations.

Burgundy's Day of Service is unique in many ways, and one of the most distinctive features of our approach is that we create an opportunity for young children -- children as young as 4-years-old -- to participate in authentic and meaningful service projects. Through this event, every child will participate in a hands-on activity that fulfills a real and existing need for a local organization. That kind of opportunity is rare, and it is critical in creating the kind of civic and global awareness for which our graduates are known.

Many thanks to all the teachers and parent volunteers who help make this day successful. A special thanks to Charlene Pritzker,  Community Service Coordinator; Stephanie Borges, Director for a Diverse and Inclusive Community; and Torun Walker, parent volunteer. They have demonstrated true teamwork and innovation in making this day a valuable experience for our children and our community.