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Burgundy Farm Country Day School
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March 14, 2014
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Quick Calendar
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March 14
Pizza Day
Arts Festival
March 21
Pizza Day
March 24 - 28
Spring Break
No Classes
Extended Day Open
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Earlier this week I had the pleasure of getting a sneak preview of the Arts Festival, led by Monica Campbell and Connie Fleres, two of our wonderful visual arts teachers. I savored a wall of enlarged photographs that showed off our Middle School photography students' sensibilities and emerging senses of symmetry and perspective. I lingered over Lower School students' indigenous looking pastels of animals and the 2/3 watercolors. I looked at the JK Chicks' paper collages celebrating the snowy winter...
The Arts Festival, which runs this Thursday and Friday, is one of Burgundy's great expositions of learning. It shows off artwork and arts performances from each and every Burgundy student! Over the past two days, the Loft has been filled with work in various media, from clay to photography to drawing to junk art. Musical and theatrical performances each evening complement the visual art on display! This year we will be fortunate enough to enjoy a scene from the Shakespeare elective, which Tuesday won (again this year) great accolades at the Folger Shakespeare Theater Festival, a high school theater event.
Kudos to the entire Burgundy arts faculty for their work in teaching our children fundamentals of art in a way that brings out the artist in each child! Congratulations to: Connie Fleres (Arts Department chair and visual arts teacher); Monica Campbell, Annie Rocha, Hallsi Killian and Taylor Welch (visual arts); along with Cathy Manley, Emily McCrory, Charles "Mitch" Mitchell and Andreas Barrett (all music); and Deborah Ives and Roberta Masters-Cullen (drama).
Burgundy students' exposure, explorations, and successes in a diverse range of the arts reinforce our core values of innovation, collaboration, and creativity. Observing their handsome work, we recognize threads of the Burgundy mission, too: of respect for Nature and a respect for human diversity, for instance, which are reflected in so much of our students' pieces.
Our robust arts program, which is often integrated with classroom curriculum, helps students develop a practical yet deep appreciation for art. Many avidly participate in the arts in high school. More than a few of our graduates study art or participate in performing arts in college -- witness recent graduates at schools like Oberlin, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Emerson, to name a few. A few students go on to respected careers that draw and build directly on what they learned and experienced at Burgundy.
At Burgundy we allow students to make some choices about participation in the arts. Because all of our students are involved in the arts, both fine and performing, and because we celebrate the work of all of our students through experiences such as this week's Arts Festival, each student leaves Burgundy having explored his or her own creative expression. Each graduate, then, carries a certain savvy and an appreciation for artistic expression, a degree of culture that will make them well-rounded persons and more capable people, regardless of whether they become lifelong artists.
If you haven't already, please be sure to visit the Loft tonight from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (or during the day today, if you can't make it in the evening). Perhaps you'll see work from Burgundy's next great artist...
Sincerely,
Jeff Sindler
Head of School |
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Congratulations, Shakespeare Students 
Congratulations to the 13 seventh- and eighth-graders, and teacher Deborah Clark Ives, of Burgundy's "Shakespeare Made Easy" elective. The group performed a 25-minute adaptation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at the Folger Library's Secondary School Shakespeare Festival on Tuesday, March 11. The annual celebration of Shakespeare spans five days and is primarily a high school event, with approximately 150 students from eight schools participating.
Burgundy's entire ensemble was recognized with one of two special awards given that day: The Peggy O'Brien Award, which is given to the individual or group that best exemplifies the joy found in Shakespeare. The two commentators, Nick Newlin (theatre professionals) and Howard Overshown (actor in series such as Elementary, White Collar, and Law & Order), commented on Burgundy's performance that "the joy was apparent, the whole ensemble had great energy, worked well as a group, presented clear and differentiated characters, had crisp entrances and exits, kept the story moving, knew what they were saying, and were totally committed to their work... Brilliant... Excellent adaptation."
Three Burgundy actors were among the five total actors recognized that day for excellence in acting. Peter Devlin '14 was recognized for his work as Malvolio, "...creating a well-defined character who demonstrated a range ...traversing arrogant smugness, humor, and sorrow. Great transitions...His diction was excellent and he was always in character."
As a comic duo, Russell Broman '14 and Christian Gardner '14 were recognized as "...a unit that played well off one another, were supportive partners, demonstrated great team work, comic timing, physicality, and stage presence...they were funny!" Christian was also recognized by actor Howard Overshown for his "Show Must Go On" attitude.
All of the students (eighth-graders Abbas Ali, Ben Archie, Russell Broman, Katherine Conner, Peter Devlin, Christian Gardner, Catherine Mellette, Thea Mills and Brielle Quarles; and seventh-graders Abigail Abraham, Eamon Abramson, Annette Hasnas and Katie King) came together to do a hard thing very well and represent Burgundy at its best. Thanks and congratulations to all!
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Sports Spotlight: End of Basketball Season
The Varsity and JV Basketball teams have completed successful seasons. More important than the final record is the story of how each and every player improved from the very first practice to the final buzzer of the final game, and how the teams came together.
The Varsity Boys lost to a very tough Alexandria Country Day School team in the league semi-finals, but they played an incredible game. The Varsity Girls, a very small team, played tough and worked hard throughout the season. The JV Girls were a pleasure to watch and were as good as any of the competition; they obviously love to play the game. The JV Boys had a successful season as well, working hard throughout: by the end of the season, their passing would have made the Harlem Globetrotters jealous! Burgundy has a strong foundation for next year!
A special THANK YOU to our coaches: Emily Jonas, Ivana Bulirova and Jen Pusatere. Go Blazers!
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 Service Spotlight
More than 20 Burgundy Middle School students volunteered at this year's Hip Hop for Heart on Friday, March 7, at the Durant Center in Alexandria. The annual event, chaired by parent Catherine Joyce, is a dance party for youth in foster care, youth associated with services in the City and their families. There was a professional DJ, lots of food, games, crafts, a photo booth, a game room and magic show for the younger kids, as well as a book swap, so that all kids could leave with a bag full of books. Burgundy students helped with set up, supervising games and crafts, working in the book room, serving food, and cleaning up after the event. In between, they got to enjoy the music and the food.
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Student Spotlight
Congrats to Rowan Smith '18, who will perform as the Lory Bird in the Caucus Race during Creative Cauldron's production of Alice in Wonderland. Performances begin this weekend and continue through April 6. Click here for more information and ticket purchases.
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Spring Break Camp: A Taste of Summer!
Attention, Parents! Do you know what your child is doing for Spring Break? You may want to consider Burgundy's Spring Break Camp, "A Taste of Summer," March 24-28. Here is everything you need to know:
Schedule:
Monday: Sports
Come join the coaches from Excite Soccer as they teach campers all about "The Beautiful Game." Campers will also participate in other fun group games and friendly competitions.
Tuesday: Art
Participate in a fun pottery project with Valerie from Pottery Playground! Campers will also create beautiful art projects using natural materials.
Wednesday: Science
Come spend some time investigating the Burgundy Barnyard, make your own stomp rocket, and see if you can design the ultimate flying machine!
Thursday: Water Day!
It's all about getting wet and staying cool on this wild water day! Participate in water games and sprinkler play, and learn all about what makes water so cool!
Friday: Spring Party!
Show off your talent at our Spring Break Camp Talent Show and celebrate spring with a fun cookout lunch! Come and join the party with Ex Day!
Registration:
Campers can sign up for one day or all five days or any combination in-between. Please register your camper by emailing Hugh Squire (hughs@burgundyfarm.org). If you are registered with Ex Day and signed up for the Holiday Plan, you are already registered for this program. If you are not, the fee for the program is $80/day/camper. Check payment will be due at drop-off of your campers' first day. Please make checks payable to Burgundy Farm Country Day School.
Important Information:
Campers will need to bring a lunch (except on Friday!), but Ex Day will handle all snacks. The emphasis will be on play and outside time, so campers should dress appropriately. For Thursday's Water Day, campers may want to bring their swimsuits and a change of clothes so that they can completely participate in all the activities.
Hours:
The camp activities will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A regular Ex Day program will take place from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. All campers must be picked up by 6:00 p.m.
Please contact Hugh Squire (hughs@burgundyfarm.org or 703.842.0480) with any questions. Register your camper today!
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Thanks to Auction Contributors
Thank you to the many donors who contributed directly to financial aid and/or who helped underwrite the cost of tickets for faculty or others who might not otherwise attend:
- Kelly and Joel Abramson
- Juana Alvarez and Juan Ferrer
- Stephanie Babin
- Philip Baroody
- Karen and Ben Block
- Charis and Michael Calhoon
- Pat Davis and Wes Callender
- Alison and Marc DeCourcey
- Sasha Field and Mike Gaugh
- Erin and Michael Futrowsky
- Ann Grillo and Bill Garland
- Heather and John Haberl
- Joanne Harris and Gary Puckrein
- Linda and Bob Kocher
- Melissa Koval and Russ Smith
- Tina LePoer and Steve Coren
- Deanne Maynard and Charlie Rawls
- Seileen Mullen
- Allison Neidbala
- Jacqueline and Jeff Norris
- Joanne and Josh Petty
- Kate Powell and Barry Maglaughlin
- Jen Pusatere
- Ann and Steve Ridenhour
- Christina and Chad Sarchio
- Suellen and Joe Savukas
- Ema Scheidel and Fouad Saad
- Mary and Chris Sexton
- Barbara Simmons
- Tee and Jeff Sindler
- Holly Sloan and Colby Smith
- Amanda and Larry Traub
- Sarah Zapolsky and David Williams
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After Auction Updates
Congratulations to our Raffle Winners
Thanks to everyone who participated in our exciting raffles, and congratulations to those of you who won the following raffle items:
- 50/50 Raffle: Holly Milton and Erik Synnestvedt
- Burgundy Raffle, iPad Mini: Mari Katayama and Francis Dobbs
- Burgundy Raffle, Neighborhood Restaurant Group Gift Certificate: Tee and Jeff Sindler
- Burgundy Raffle, Redskins Football for Two: Linda and Bob Kocher
- Burgundy Raffle, Choice of Beats Solo or Beats Pill & $50 iTunes Gift Card: Georgia and Rocky Gillette
- Burgundy Raffle, Nationals Baseball for Four: Andrea and Ed McNicholas
- Bucket Raffle, Kindle Paper White: Tricia Maher-Miller and Paul Miller
- Bucket Raffle, Jawbone UP Activity Tracker: Seileen Mullen
- Bucket Raffle, VuPoint Wireless Color Photo Printer: Seileen Mullen
After Auction Sale
Because there were so many terrific items available on the night of the auction, a few great ones got lost in the shuffle and did not receive bids. Click here to see what's still available. We think you'll agree that these items are worth a second look! Please note that many prices are set at 40% of value. Contact Allison Niedbala (allisonn@burgundyfarm.org or 703.842.0488) to indicate your interest in purchasing by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18. First come, first served!
Thanks to Donors
Many thanks to everyone who donated items or experiences to the auction or who solicited businesses for donations. A special thanks goes out to the 12 new families who jumped right into the auction excitement in their first year and donated items.
Pick Up Reminder
Please remember to pick up your items from Allison Niedbala (allisonn@burgundyfarm.org or 703.842.0488) in the Advancement Office prior to Spring Break.
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Sign Up Parties Still Available
We had a lot of interest for our Sign Up Parties at the auction this year, and we're happy to report that there are still opportunities to participate in some of these great events. Information about each event is below, but availability is limited. If you would like to attend any of these fun events, please email Allison Niedbala (allisonn@burgundyfarm.org) right away, as tickets will go to the first people to respond. As a reminder, all proceeds benefit financial aid.
Archery with Steve LeBoo
Saturday, April 5 (rain date Saturday, April 12)
Director of Athletics and PE teacher Steve LeBoo will teach a group of 12 students, Grades 3 - 6, the fundamentals of archery. The two-hour session, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., includes safety introduction, proper technique, and practice-practice-practice! Shooting distances and activities will be matched to participants' levels. After the workout on the field, students will enjoy a pizza lunch.
Tickets: $35 per student
Kentucky Derby Party Hosted by Holly Sloan and Colby Smith
Saturday, May 3
Enjoy mint juleps and appetizers before post time, watch the big screen TV on the patio as the horses thunder along Churchill Downs, and celebrate the winning horse with bubbly! You'll enjoy a scrumptious dinner and drinks, including herb lemonades made by teacher Levita Mondie. If you've never been to a Kentucky Derby party, you should plan on coming. If you've never been to one of the Sloan/Smith's legendary parties, you should come. And if that isn't enough, you should come to support Burgundy financial aid. Due to popular demand, Holly and Colby have added 15 more spaces to this party at their home in Old Town Alexandria, from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $90 per person
Parrot Party Hosted by Seileen Mullen, Mary and Chris Sexton, and Amanda and Larry Traub
Saturday, June 7
Enjoy a mix of margaritas, Jimmy Buffet music, leis, Hawaiian shirts and poolside frivolity at Sexton Island. Terrific themed food, including a roast pig, and great company. The party will be at the Sexton home in Alexandria, from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $75 per person.
Newport, Rhode Island Circa 1900: The Gilded Age Party Hosted by Ann and Steve Ridenhour and Suellen and Joe Savukas
Saturday, September 13
Come join the fun as the Ridenhour and Savukas families recreate an adults-only version of the world of the Astors and the Vanderbilts. Weather permitting, Steve will set up a croquet court. A dazzling array of appetizers and finger foods reminiscentof The Age of Innocence will be provided by Ann and Suellen's masterful cooking, and our Auction mix masters, Suellen and Joe, will supply their expertise and supplies to create cocktails such as the Stinger, made by mixing brandy and white crème de menthe! Gilded Age attire requestedbut not required. The party will be at the Ridenhour home in Alexandria, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $90 per person
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 Cove Opening Work Weekend: April 12 & 13
Come help open up the Cove for the 2014 Season! We have been mostly unable to get into the place since December: last time we tried, there were still 8 inches of snow on the road. So there is going to be LOTS to do to get the Cove opened up. We are opening early to avoid conflicts with all major religious holidays. Let's just hope the snow is melted by then...
Email vinis@burgundyfarm.org any time between now and April 9 if you are coming. As we get into the weekdays before, I mostly just need to know info related to food:
- how many people will come
- what meals will they eat
- food allergies and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diets, etc.
Those who come unannounced are welcome, but might be fed plain pasta and oatmeal because that's mostly what is stored there. And raisins. Many boxes of raisins.
Children are welcome and put to work. Parents are also welcome, and are utterly responsible for their own kin, but we often organize group jobs for children so that adults can handle the many tasks that are not child-friendly.
See you there!
- Vini Schoene, BCWS Director
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Looking for Front Desk Volunteers
We are in need of parent volunteers to help staff the front desk and clinic on an as-needed basis. If you are available during the school day and interested in helping, please contact Geraldine Portillo ( geraldinep@burgundyfarm.org or 703.960.3431).
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Burgundy Bulletin
Maria-Sophia Martin '12 is performing the lead role in The Field School's production of Pippin this weekend (Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m.). All Burgundy community members are invited to attend.
Integriti Reeves '02 will be celebrating her Live EP release on Saturday, March 15, at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. at DC's legendary jazz club Bohemian Caverns. Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door.
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Lost and Found
We found a key to a 2006 Midnight Blue Porsche Carrera Cabriolet on Thursday morning near the Admission Office. If this belongs to you, please pick it up from the Advancement Office (above the Early Childhood classrooms).
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