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Burgundy Farm Country Day School
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September 13, 2013
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Quick Calendar
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September 13
6th Grade returns from Cove
Cross Country Practice
JV Soccer Practice
September 15
Garden Work Day
September 16
Varsity Soccer Practice
Middle School Curriculum Night
September 17
JV Soccer Game vs. ACDS
September 18
8th Grade goes to Cove
Cross Country Practice
Volleyball Practice
September 19
8th Grade at Cove
Varsity Soccer Practice
September 20
8th Grade returns from Cove
Cross Country Practice
JV Soccer Practice
September 23
Varsity Soccer vs. Edlin
September 24
Volleyball vs. St. Thomas Aquinas
JV Soccer Practice
Lower School Curriculum Night
September 25
7th Grade goes to Cove
Cross Country Practice
Volleyball Practice
September 26
7th Grade at Cove
Varsity Soccer Practice
September 27
7th Grade returns from Cove
Cross Country Practice
JV Soccer Practice
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Greetings!
It was great to see so many of you at the Back to Burgundy BBQ on Sunday. Wow. What a crowd. Amidst all the activity, it was quite an effort to keep sight of my little one, who was on the move and enjoying the celebration as much as I was, so I apologize if my conversation with you was fleeting! Tee and I (and Tatum) had fun seeing you and your families enjoying the nice evening and the campus and getting to know one another! Thanks to the busy teachers, staff and administrators who joined us, and special thanks to organizer Cathy Guertin and the maintenance team, Jerry Vaughan, Gene Douglas and Russell Boone, who staffed the event, along with Cathy's husband Jim.
Another rite of the new school year is the Curriculum Night we hold each September for Middle and Lower School parents. I urge you to attend. Each evening consists of a general overview and introduction of teachers along with specifics on curricular goals, class events and helpful suggestions regarding your role as parents. Each evening begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. in the Gym with a welcome and introduction of the specials teachers. Middle School Curriculum Night is this coming Monday, September 16, and Lower School Curriculum Night is the following Tuesday, September 24.
Parents will have a great opportunity to hear from and get to know teachers and better understand the academic program for the 2013-14 year. Please note that Curriculum Nights are not the best opportunity for questions specifically about your individual child; calls or appointments can be arranged to address individual questions or concerns. Thanks for your understanding on that, so that we can ensure that parents get the most, collectively, out of Curriculum Nights.
It's been a great start to the new school year, and we look forward to sharing at Curriculum Nights all the ways we anticipate this positive momentum to continue. Many thanks for your support and enthusiasm thus far and throughout the year!
Sincerely,
Jeff Sindler
Head of School |
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Reminders
Vote for Burgundy!
Your vote makes a big difference to our school. This year, Target will give money to schools all over the country for one simple act: a vote. Burgundy needs just 25 votes to earn a $25 donation from Target. But that's only the beginning! Our goal is to earn $500, which will support program and instruction, financial aid, and professional development. Facebook users, click here to vote for Burgundy once a week through September 21 (or until Target has given away $5 million). And please spread the word to friends and family on Facebook!
Buy a Book for Burgundy
Participate in the annual Buy a Book for Burgundy tradition! Through this program, families may donate the purchase price of one of our new books, which will then live in the Library with a bookplate stating "Given by" followed by a child's or family's name. New books will be on display in the Library for the entire month of September. Books will not be available for donation at Curriculum Night this year. Please come by before or after school, or even during the day -- whatever is most convenient for you. You and your child can choose one of our new books together. If you wish to have your student choose a book, just send $18 cash or check (made out to BFCDS) with them. Credit cards can also be accepted for payment. As an added bonus: your child will be the very first student allowed to check out the donated book! Contact Ann Van Deusen (annv@burgundyfarm.org) or Barbara Krainik (barbarak@burgundyfarm.org) with questions.
Maryland Bus Service
Burgundy parent Kim McDaniel is interested in coordinating morning bus transportation from the Oxon Hill/Ft. Washington area to Burgundy. She has identified a licensed bus driver who is willing to drive the route, but she would like to identify other parents who would utilize the service. If you are interested in this opportunity, please call Kim at 202.431.5181.
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 Introducing Tracy Camp-Johnston, Maria Espinoza and Tricia Schulze
Tracy Camp-Johnston, Kindergarten Penguins Teacher
Q. How would you introduce yourself to the Burgundy Community?
A. Ideally, I would come zipping down a zip line wearing high tops and a crazy hat; but a lot of people already know me, so I suppose I don't need to go that far. I have three children here at Burgundy (Cade '21, Jordan '17 and Kendall '15), so I've been a Burgundy parent for five years, and I began working here two years ago. I have a super supportive husband at home, and I enjoy felting. I don't enjoy running very much, but I've been trying to do more of that lately. I'm thrilled about my new role as a Penguins teacher. I feel "expectant." It's very similar to how I felt when I was pregnant with each of my children. I know something great is coming. I know I'll recognize this class as my own, and I will love each moment with them; but it's also an experience that you can't fully anticipate.
Q. Why did you decide to teach at Burgundy?
A. I knew the moment that I stepped on this campus as a prospective parent that I would teach here one day. It was predestined! I loved it, and I felt this positive energy, and I knew I wanted to make my own mark on this great campus and history. Last year, Cade had such an incredible experience as a Kindergarten Penguin that I wanted to be part of that magic! This team of Kindergarten teachers is so dynamic. I felt a calling. I wanted to be part of this creative, energetic team, and I wanted to bring my own gifts to the table.
Q. What are you most excited about in teaching at Burgundy?
A. I have already really enjoyed working with three really dynamic colleagues, and I'm really looking forward to learning with them all year. The exchange of ideas has been met with such enthusiasm that it's like a room of popcorn when we're together. One idea goes off, and it inspires another, and pretty soon, we're immersed in all of these buttery kernels of goodness.
 Maria Espinoza, Lower and Middle School Spanish Teacher
Q. How would you describe yourself to the Burgundy community?
A. I am originally from Peru. I have lived in United States for the past 15 years. In my spare time I enjoy experimenting with various international cooking styles, painting and reading novels.
Q. Why did you decide to teach at Burgundy?
A. I was attracted to Burgundy for its mission, values and commitment to excellence. When the Spanish teaching position became available I knew it would be a perfect fit for my skills as a teacher. I most enjoy the interdisciplinary approach to teaching and facilitating the students cooperatively learning and developing their creative thinking.
Q. What are you most excited about in teaching at Burgundy?
A. I am excited knowing that the students are learning about various aspects of the Spanish culture and are achieving a learning ability that can be used in other areas of their education.
 Tricia Schulze, 1st Grade Sheep Assistant Teacher
Q. How would you introduce yourself to the Burgundy community?
A. I grew up in Amityville, N.Y. and have lived, worked and learned in many places since leaving Long Island, including six years in D.C. where I worked for Georgetown University's Office of Communications, and most recently eight years in Los Angeles working for Kaiser Permanente. Now settled back on the East Coast, my husband, daughter (Stella '20) and I live cozily in our Del Ray bungalow waiting patiently for a brisk fall day in 2019 when the Wisconsin Badgers will meet the Virginia Tech Hokies for the most important college game day in our history.
Q. Why did you decide to work at Burgundy?
A. Prior to becoming a 1st Grade Assistant, I, like many other parents, spent a good amount of time at Burgundy volunteering in the Library and the Garden, as well as assisting with the 1st Grade computer class. I already knew that I loved Burgundy as a school for my daughter. I also loved the environment and the people, small and tall. What I did not know, but came to learn, was how much I enjoy teaching here (special thanks to Carrie Ustun for showing me the joy!). I would not have predicted it, but it is absolutely the most fulfilling job I've ever had.
Q. What are you most excited about in teaching at Burgundy?
A. I am most looking forward to not only watching, but also being a small part of the growth of my little friends throughout the year, helping them to discover how capable they are.
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Fall Fair: Introducing Chairs
Back to school is a busy time for any parent, which is why we extend a heartfelt thanks to parents Tara Carter (Emma '19 and Landon '22) and Jenn Bohnen (Colby, '21), who are staying especially busy as they lead the 2013 Fall Fair efforts. Tara is this year's Fall Fair Chair, working with Fall Fair Coordinator Allison Niedbala to plan, organize and staff the event. Meanwhile, Jenn will co-pilot while learning the ropes, so she can take over as the 2014 Fall Fair Chair next year. This popular event would not be possible without parent leadership. Many thanks to Tara and Jenn for their enthusiasm and support.
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Burgundy Wins Sustainability Award
We are excited to hear that Burgundy, off of a nomination from Supervisor McKay, has earned an Environmental Excellence award, one of six being given among many worthy nominees across Fairfax County. We will receive the award on September 24 at the Board of Supervisors meeting. There will be more information to follow, and you can click here for more information about the award and past recipients.
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 Service Spotlight
On Friday, August 30, a small group of Middle School students helped to sort and count donated school supplies and pack them into backpacks for students served by Wesley Housing Development Corporation of Alexandria (Wesley). Wesley's mission is to help families find affordable housing and support them with services, enabling them to become fully self-sufficient. Among their programs for children are: after-school homework help, intensive reading tutoring, enrichment activities, adolescent support groups and summer camp. The backpacks were for children in these programs.
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Garden Work Day: September 15
Come out to Burgundy's Garden this Sunday, September 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. to support the first Garden Work Day of the season. Everyone is welcome! We'll provide all the supplies, and we'll teach you what you need to know! The Burgundy Community Garden was completed in 2008 with the help of teachers, students, parents and staff. The Garden is an outdoor classroom for the 285 students in Junior Kindergarten through 8th Grade and relies on volunteers to plan and maintain the 650 square foot space. Classes plant and harvest a variety of foods throughout the fall and spring. Excess produce is shared with the food pantry at Alive!, a local charity serving those in need in Alexandria. The Garden is run by volunteers, and every hand makes a difference! Contact Garden Coordinators Jane Hanson (703.242.7368 or janehanson@yahoo.com) or Jill Reuter (703.807.1199 or jreuter@answerware.com) with any questions.
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Grandparent Contact Information
Your whole family is part of the Burgundy family! If you would like grandparents or other special friends to receive invitations to Burgundy-sponsored community events (such as the Fall Fair and Auction) or other correspondence (such as our annual magazine Voices), please click here to download and print a form, complete it, and return it to Michele McCabe. You may return it via email (michelem@burgundyfarm.org) or fax (703.960.0160), or you may drop it off in the Advancement Office (above Early Childhood classrooms). For families who have filled out this form in previous years, please submit an updated form to help ensure all of our information is up-to-date. |
Support Burgundy Through Affinity Programs
Going shopping for groceries? Making a trip to Target? Help Burgundy when you make your everyday purchases by participating in our affinity programs. It's a simple way to give to Burgundy and can make a big impact, but only if everyone jumps on board! Invite your family, friends and co-workers to participate as well! Proceeds from these programs benefit Annual Giving. Remember, you must enroll in these programs every year. Click here to see the programs we participate in and how to enroll.
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Staffing Announcement
Congratulations to Janice Kinard-Bean, who has accepted an opportunity to become the full-time Extended Day Director for College Park Academy, a new Prince George's County charter school. Janice has served Burgundy in various roles, most recently as Director of Extended Day. Many thanks, Janice, and best wishes!
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Handbook Update
Conner, Katherine - 8th
Tom Conner
1500 West Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220
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Burgundy Bulletin
Children Online Newsletter
Click here for information about subscribing to a monthly newsletter from Children Online, a consulting company that provides up-to-date information about the use and impact of technology on child and adolescent development. The company is run by Marje Monroe and Doug Fodeman, who have visited Burgundy twice to discuss the rapidly changing topic of children, teens and technology use.
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Parting Pictures
Lots of smiles at the Back to Burgundy BBQ!
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