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Burgundy Farm Country Day School
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March 1, 2013
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Quick Calendar
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March 1
Pizza Day
March 2
Summer Camp Open House
March 8
Pizza Day
March 9
Annual Auction
March 14
Arts Festival
March 15
Arts Festival
March 17
Garden Work Day
March 22
No Classes - Faculty In-Service Day
March 25 - 29
Spring Break - No Classes
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Greetings!
One of the many great and consistent characteristics we recognize in our students and our graduates is an ability to speak or perform before a group, whether a group of peers, adults, or both. As so many of us adults recognize, this is no small thing!
Last Friday I was fortunate enough to be able to join our seventh-graders and many of their parents at Busboys and Poets in Shirlington for a lunch and extended reading of students' original poetry. The event, which took place in a large private room, was not only a wonderful demonstration of the poise, insight and creativity of a very talented 7th Grade class but also a true community gathering and celebration of learning.
The outing arose from a student suggestion in the 7th Grade's new suggestion box. Our humanities teachers Cara Will and Levita Mondie considered the request and collaborated to integrate this poetry exercise into their Latin American Unit, in which they studied poets and wrote poetry of their own.
One of the most impressive aspects of the poetry reading was that each and every student took the stage to share their poetry. No student appeared reluctant to do so. Rather, students were excited and fearless as they addressed in their poems topics of personal importance.
Students also emceed the event with flair and appropriate measures of fun and respect for the occasion.
Fellow students, parents and even Busboys staff were highly attentive to each reader; a round of bohemian thumb snaps accompanied each reader to the stage and served as applause for each poet.
Some of our teachers, and even one of our parents, took the stage as well, making this a real community event. Thank you and congratulations to everyone who made this outing so impressive and meaningful.
Sincerely,
Jeff Sindler
Head of School |
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Henry Edwards wears an auction flower at carpool as a reminder for parents to register for the event.
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Reminder: Auction Registration
Congratulations to Missy Murrell, who won the drawing of the $100 VISA gift card for which she was entered by registering early for the auction (and many thanks to Missy for generously donating that card back to the auction in support of financial aid). If you haven't registered yet, please let us know right away whether or not you'll be able to attend this fabulous fundraiser on Saturday, March 9. Because we need to report a final headcount to the caterers and rental company on Monday, we are asking everyone to take a few moments now to RSVP (yes or no). If you cannot attend the auction, please enter your information and mark "1" on the final drop-down menu next to "I cannot attend the auction." Thank you, and we hope to see you there! |
 Auction Update: What to Expect
For anyone who has never attended a Burgundy auction before, it is quite a sight! On Saturday, March 9, you will enter the event through the Middle School Atrium beginning at 6:30 p.m. At the registration tables you will check in alphabetically (alphabetized by student's last name) and collect your seating information and bidder number. Then, you may think you're entering the Gym, but you will be entering a mystical forest in which we can adequately honor A Walk in the Woods: The Burgundy Dream. As you walk through the woods, keep your bidder number handy. This number is what you'll use to bid on items in the silent and live auctions and to enjoy the various games, raffles and festivities, including:
Artisanal Cocktail Bar: Delight in specialty cocktail drinks ($8) from Suellen and Joe Savukas and Cindy Dyer and Jason Ankele. Look for these fun bartenders in the far corner of the forest. Be sure to try the signature drink of the evening, "A Walk in the Woods." It is fantastic!
Photo Booth: While you're all dressed up, grab some friends for fun in the auction's first Photo Booth in the Atrium ($8). Show your silly side or dramatic talents, and use the props provided for additional flair.
Pick a Flower: A new take on the ever-popular Balloon Pops, Pick a Flower is a game through which you can win gift certificates to some of your favorite local restaurants in $25, $50 and $100 values. Look for people holding large bouquets of flowers to play (and play early -- these flowers go fast!).
Burgundy Raffle and 50/50 Raffle: If you haven't had a chance to purchase raffle tickets, or you want to increase your chances of winning one of these great prizes, look for the raffle ticket table immediately upon entering the forest. Burgundy Raffle tickets are three for $25 or ten for $75, and 50/50 Raffle tickets are $50.
Heads or Tails: Purchase a wristband ($10) to participate in this entertaining, interactive game of chance. Just before the Live Auction begins, our auctioneer will help participants choose "heads or tails," and the winner will receive a Wireles Smartphone Photo Printer, compatible with all iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch models running iOS3 and up, as well as Android-powered devices running OS 2 and up (donated by Burgundy's Board of Trustees). These wristbands are sold at the raffle ticket table.
We're looking to a fun and festive night, and we're excited to celebrate with you. See you there!
- Amy Heist and Amanda Traub, Auction Co-Chairs
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March is Women's History Month
Women's History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28, which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as "Women's History Week." Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as "Women's History Week." In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women's History Project, Congress...designated the month of March 1987 as "Women's History Month." Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as "Women's History Month." Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as "Women's History Month."
- From the Law Library of Congress's guide to the legislative history of Women's History Month.
Take a moment to click through the Diversity Haiku page to learn more about Women's History Month and other cultural, religious and social events. Some of the topics we'll highlight this month include:
- March 1: St. David's Day (Wales)
- March 2: National Reading Day (United States)
- March 8: United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace
- March 10: Abolitionist Harriet Tubman Day
- March 15: World Day of Muslim Culture, Peace, Dialogue and Film
- March 21: Naw Ruz (Baha'I, Persia)
- March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Recognized by the UN)
- March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (Recognized by the UN)
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 Student SpotlightKatie King '15 in Production of My Son Pinocchio
Katie King '15 plays the role of an entertainer and town father, and Cathy Manley is Musical Director in Mt. Vernon Community Children's Theater's production of My Son Pinocchio March 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and March 10 and 17 at 3:00 p.m. Join Pinocchio, the Blue Fairy, Geppetto and a lively cast of characters in this classic tale of a toymaker and his puppet. The play features a compelling score of original songs and the beloved classics "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "I've Got No Strings." Enjoy Pinocchio's journey from an awkward wooden puppet to a real, live boy and Gepetto's transformation from demanding creator to a real, live father. Tickets are $10 in advance online and $12 at the door. Performances at Bryant Alternative High School (2709 Popkins Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306).
Ethan Steinberg '14 Recognized as World-Class Hockey Player
Ethan Steinberg '14 has been recognized as one of the best young hockey players in the United States and was invited to compete for the U.S. against these European teams in the World Selects Invitational. He will be playing in Bolzano, Italy against teams from Russia, Norway, Sweden, and more. Congratulations, Ethan!
Middle School Students Support Hip Hop for Heart
Last Saturday, a group of Burgundy Middle Schoolers and many of their parents helped make the second annual Hip Hop for Heart a great success. This event, chaired by Burgundy parent, Catherine Joyce, is a Valentine's Day party and dance for children in the Alexandria foster care program and other at-risk children in Alexandria. With activities for preschoolers through teenagers and lots of food and festivities, it was a wonderful evening. Burgundy students helped set up the event and staffed some of the crafts tables, helping others make jewelry and pinwheels. They even had an opportunity to have some fun themselves!
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| Sports Update
On Monday, the Varsity Boys' Red Basketball Team played their final game of the season against Gesher Jewish Day School, losing 47-20.
On Tuesday, the JV Boys' Basketball Team won their first game of the season against Edlin School with a final score of 16-9. That same afternoon, the JV Girls' Basketball Team lost to Edlin 22-16 in an intense game that came down to the wire.
On Thursday, the JV Girls' and Boys' Basketball Teams played their final games of the season against Capitol Hill Day School. The girls played aggressively on both offense and defense, which resulted in a 9-2 win. Despite a 29-11 loss, the boys showed impressive improvement from the start of their season to their Thursday game.
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| Extended Day Open During Spring Break: Drop-Ins Available
There will be no classes March 22 through March 26. Extended Day will be open on these days from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The drop-in rate is $80 per day or $375 for the full week. Please register via email by March 20 to Janice Kinard-Bean (janicek@burgundyfarm.org). Please contact Janice (janicek@burgundyfarm.org or 703.842.0480) for more information.
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 Annual Giving Update
Thanks to everyone who has already made their pledges or donations toward Burgundy's Annual Giving Fund. You've raised $183,969 to date, 74% of our $250,000 goal. Annual Giving is our most critical fundraising effort of the year, and it supports program and instruction, financial aid and professional development. Please contact Director of Advancement Jen Pusatere (jenp@burgundyfarm.org or 703.842.0466) to ask for more information or to make a donation.
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Parting Pictures
Christian Gardner '14 recites a poem among classmates, teachers and friends at Busboys and Poets.
Barbie Holland visits her Kindergarten Polar Bear classroom to share news about her twin babies, read a story, and hear updates from the students before officially returning from maternity leave in April.
Students from the 4/5 Coopers play their clarinets as part of a lunch concert that showcased a variety of instrumental performances from our students.
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