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Burgundy Farm Country Day School
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January 17, 2014
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Quick Calendar
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January 17
Faculty In-Service Day
No Classes
Extended Day Open
January 20
Martin Luther King Day of Service
No Classes
January 21
JV Boys' Basketball v. Gesher
Varsity Girls' Basketball v. Gesher
January 22
Varsity Girls' Basketball Practice
January 23
Varsity Girls' Basketball v. CHDS (home)
Varsity Boys' Basketball v. CHDS (home)
January 24
Pizza Day
JV Girls' Basketball Practice
JV Boys' Basketball Practice
January 25
Board Meeting
Yearbook Meeting
January 27
Varsity Girls' Basketball Practice
Varsity Boys' Basketball Practice
January 28
JV Boys' Basketball v. Green Hedges (home)
Varsity Girls' Basketball v. Green Hedges (home)
January 29
JV Girls' Basketball v. Merritt
JV Boys' Basketball v. Merritt
Varsity Girls' Basketball Practice
January 30
Varsity Boys' Basketball v. Trinity (home)
Varsity Girls' Basketball v. Trinity (home)
January 31
7th Grade Ski Trip
JV Girls' Basketball Practice
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We have had a bundle of sad news recently with the deaths of Michael Sevareid '53, son of founders Lois and Eric Sevareid, one of Burgundy's first entering and graduating class, and moderator for many of our Sevareid Forums; Anna McKenna, one of Burgundy's legendary teachers and a mentor of many teachers; Mike Niccolls, Burgundy parent-leader, volunteer, champion for Burgundy and good causes, and feminist before the term existed; and this week, Don Mills, Burgundy's longest-serving director, from 1963-1986. In addition, over the holidays, our extended Burgundy Family lost alumni parent Shawn Bernstein (Liana '11 and Daniela '13), a devoted Burgundy dad and volunteer.
Although many of us current Burgundians knew none or only some of these persons, I can tell you that many of us are feeling profound loss for the departing of these individuals, whose contributions to Burgundy span at least six decades, and who represent distinctive and important pieces of Burgundy's past. But there is solace in having known and been connected to these remarkable people! What incredible people our community has included and benefited from over the years!
Burgundy has always had many great teachers, and Anna McKenna, a master teacher before the term may have been popularized, was one of certain number of Burgundy teachers who not only left a legacy of alumni to sing their praises, but also generations of teachers fortunate enough to have learned from them.
Great teachers make each student believe that her or his teacher cares, is interested in her or him, and unequivocally desires to facilitate her or his learning and growth. That unconditional regard is instantly recognizable to their students. When we speak with alumni we so often hear from them that one of the most valuable aspects of their Burgundy education was the relationships they developed with their teachers, who cared in such a personal way for them.
Burgundy teachers know and understand each child as an individual. Through the close student-teacher relationship, they can challenge and nurture each child academically, socially and emotionally. Where a particular student has a strength, the teacher celebrates it and builds on it; where there is less obvious talent or development, the teacher seeks to scaffold. One current parent recently told the story of her little girl coming to Burgundy and being afraid to get her hands dirty -- how un-Burgundy!...Ultimately, of course, she overcame this fear. She has returned home caked in dirt with the best of them, and she has flourished in every other way. She is one example of a student who was given respect and support as our teachers challenged her to stretch outside of her comfort zone.
Similarly, some students initially fear speaking before a group or talking to adults, but few (if any) students leave Burgundy afraid to speak -- to anybody! Or, take for instance the student who is a stellar investigator in science but a hesitant reader. Our teachers find a way to leverage the love of investigation in order to build the other critical skill. It's magic to observe. As a result of collaborative teacher-student relationships, children can stretch further and grow safely and confidently, and, unlike so many students in different kinds of schools, unafraid to take risks -- even to fail! The relationships and personal care inspire an intrinsic love of learning to sustain itself. A great gift.
The same kind of magic happens among adults here at Burgundy. Teachers have enough room to experiment and grow within a structure and community that nurtures, challenges and inspires. In many ways, this culture was created by Don Mills, who ensured that teachers gave their best selves to their teaching, and Anna McKenna, who mentored generations of Burgundy teachers. Both were true educators!
We issue fond and grateful farewells to all of these fine Burgundians. They have each contributed to Burgundy in more ways than we can count, helping to shape our culture and community. After all, it is people who make the institution. Anna, Don, Michael, Mike and Shawn will each be sorely missed, and we will continue to carry forward their legacy.
Sincerely,
Jeff Sindler
Head of School
Note: A memorial service for Anna McKenna takes place this Saturday at Burgundy. We will share more information about Don Mills when we have it. |
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Reminder
Spring Enrichments: Registration Due January 21
The Spring Enrichment session has begun! Click here for a brochure that contains all the information you need for the upcoming session of exciting enrichments. We hope you and your children find some classes that pique your interests and spark your imaginations. Please submit registration forms and payment to the Main Office (or directly to Hugh Squire, Director of Auxiliary Services) by Tuesday, January 21. If you have any questions, please contact Hugh (hughs@burgundyfarm.org or 703.842.0480).
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 Auction Update: Donations and Solicitations
You may be asking yourself quite a few questions about Burgundy's Annual Auction (March 8), which this year celebrates the theme "Black and White and Burgundy: A Masquerade Ball Fundraiser for Financial Aid." This year's theme is all about fun and supporting our community. As many of you know, the auction is our school's primary fundraiser, and all proceeds benefit financial aid, which helps one in five Burgundy students. The evening will include a delicious catered dinner, drinks and dancing, mingling with friends, and of course, fabulous auction items!
Auction Co-Chairs Amanda Traub and Jaqueline Norris distributed this letter via Child Mail this week that will answer most of your questions, and you will continue to hear more about the auction in upcoming issues of Constant Comment. You can also find more information about the auction, as well as supporting documents, on this page of the Burgundy website, and you can contact co-chairs Amanda Traub (alwasik@aol.com) and Jacqueline Norris (nelsonnorris@yahoo.com) at any time with questions.
We hope to have support from every Burgundy family, and there are some ways you can get involved immediately, for instance, by soliciting or donating items. Do you have a favorite restaurant? Does your child attend a class or take a lesson that he or she loves? Did you just go to an amazing children's birthday party? Do you want to share your business's products or services with the Burgundy community? Ask these kinds of organizations if they will make a donation.
We also appreciate item donations from Burgundy families. What's the hot new tech toy? Do you own a vacation property that other parents would enjoy visiting? Gather a group of friends to purchase an item or experience and donate it to the auction. Thanks in advance for all your support.
- Amanda Traub and Jacqueline Norris
2014 Auction Co-Chairs
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Annual Giving: Help Us Reach 100% Participation
Did you know that 2014 marks Burgundy's 68th year? Since 1946, parents have played an essential role in maintaining our campus and nurturing our students. One of the most important ways we ask parents to support our mission and ensure that we can sustain some of the most critical components of Burgundy culture (such as financial aid, classroom budgets, professional development and curriculum development) is by contributing to Annual Giving. With more than half of our families having donated to Annual Giving thus far, we are at 54% parent participation. Looking at participation by class, we see that many classes are inching closer to 100% participation:
Junior Kindergarten - 61%
Kindergarten Penguins - 62%
Kindergarten Polar Bears - 62%
1st Grade Goats - 47%
1st Grade Sheep - 53%
2/3 Buckeyes - 55%
2/3 Viceroys - 54%
4/5 Coopers - 67%
4/5 Redtails - 52%
6th Grade - 48%
7th Grade - 65%
8th Grade - 27%
Can you help propel your class to 100% participation? In most cases, one parent gift will increase the class's participation by several percentage points! Lead by example and demonstrate how much you value Burgundy by making your gift or pledge today via our secure website. Your gift will build upon the long-standing legacy of parent leadership and support, and it will help Burgundy continue its mission in 2014 and beyond.
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 BCWS Summer Camp
Did you know that you or your child can attend camp at Cooper's Cove? The Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies (BCWS) Summer Camp fills your days with activities that combine nature study with arts, games, song, story, hiking and swimming. If you like the assistants you meet there during school visits, you'll love them and the many others who join the summer staff. Check out the camp dates below, and watch for registration forms to arrive at your door before the end of January.
Senior Program (ages 11-15)
Session 1: Sunday, June 22 - Saturday, July 5
Session 2: Tuesday, July 8 - Tuesday, July 22*
Session 3: Tuesday, July 29 - Monday, August 11
*Note: Session 2 is designed for campers who have already attended the Senior Program, and is intellectually and physically more rigorous.
Junior Program (ages 8 -10)
Sunday, August 17 - Saturday, August 23
Adult Weekend (ages 21+)
Friday, July 25 - Sunday, July 27
For more information, you can attend one of the following slideshow presentations with BCWS Director Vini Schoene:
Saturday, February 1 - 11:00 a.m.
Burgundy Farm Country Day School (library)
3700 Burgundy Rd., Alexandria, VA 22303
Sunday, February 9 - 2:00 p.m.
Audubon Naturalist Society
8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815
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 Student SpotlightThree Burgundy Students Perform in Beauty and the Beast, Jr.
Cassie Cope '14, Katie King '15 and Sarah King '18 (pictured right, in her Chip costume) have featured roles in the Aldersgate Church Community Theater production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. Performances are January 17-20 and 24-26 and will be in the church's Wesley Hall (1301 Collingwood Road at the intersection with Fort Hunt Drive). All seats are reserved, and tickets ($12 for adults, $10 for children, students and seniors) may be purchased online.
Burgundy Student Plays Hockey at Verizon Center 
During the intermission of the Washington Capitals vs. Buffalo Sabres game on January 12, Alex Montgomery'17 played a hockey game against National Hockey League mascots. This is the third time Alex has been selected to play in the Verizon Center as part of the Mites on Ice Program. He plays on the Select Squirt Team with the Prince William Hockey Club.
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Board Briefs
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be on Saturday, January 25 in the 4/5 Coopers classroom from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you plan on attending, please email Board President Holly Sloan (smithsloan@aol.com) to ensure that there is enough seating.
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Parting Pictures
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy of service, Junior Kindergarten students make blankets for the homeless.
The 4/5 students culminate their studies of China by presenting research on various topics to friends and family during the China Expo.
During the All School Meeting, students, faculty, staff and guests remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement through song.
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