At Burgundy, Veterans Day traditionally means an admission open house. This week was no different, with more than 50 prospective families visiting and meeting about a dozen parents and all our 8th graders, who helped with tours and childcare. Many thanks to them!

But Veterans Day has a larger meaning both at Burgundy and across the nation. I want to pause to recognize and thank Burgundy Facilities Manager Larry Inguagiato, Assistant Facilities Manager Jerry Vaughn, Middle School PE teacher Steve LeBoo and all of the members of our extended Burgundy family who are veterans. They join current parents, alumni, alumni parents, and former faculty and staff who have served our country nobly and strived to protect and preserve freedom for Americans and others around the world.

On a personal note, I have two older children, Ed and David, serving in the US Army. And my father, 87, was a doctor in the Air Force who treated some of the first wounded from the Korean War.

Julie and Eamon

Middle School Math Day

Six Burgundy eighth graders and one seventh grader took part in the annual Thomas Jefferson Intermediate Math Open recently. The students are Eamon Abramson, Noah Ashenafi, Margaret Ann Herbold, Hannah Miller, Forest Miller, JJ Ridenhour, and Majlis Walker. The first part of the day included an individual competition, where Eamon won second place in the Algebra I division. The remainder of the morning was dedicated to teaching specific strategies in preparation for the official team competition. This session was taught by Thomas Jefferson Varsity Math Team members to teams of participants made up  of students from different schools. After lunch, each team participated in the team power, guts, and orienteering rounds. Thanks to Emily McCrory and Julie Vega for chaperoning the students so they could take part in this day of mathematics.

The group of Middle School mathematicians

Campus Renewal Construction Update

Things are really coming together in the center of campus! The hillside has turned into a terrace and adjustments continue on the lower portion--in front of the Science Cottage and pool--and on the upper level, soon home to the new Discovery Playground. A main feature of the playground, The Worm, is taking shape, with the cedar support poles now permanently installed and most of the steel support pipe placed and curving high above the ground. Check out this video of the steps in installing a pipe segment:

The Worm Takes Shape

The next step on the Discovery Playground will be installation of play equipment--hanging swings from The Worm, setting up the Icarus and Omni Spinner, and positioning the 30-foot-long slide.

Lost and Found at the Fall Fair

A pair of sunglasses was lost near the Haunted House at the Fall Fair. If you have any information, please email Michele McCabe.

A picnic tote, pictured, was left behind at the Fall Fair Bake Sale. The tote has red and white stripes and blue whales, but no name. If it is yours, please email Allison Niedbala.

Directory Updates

Peter Brooks (father of Clara, 5th, and Anna, 7th) has an updated address: 510 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Coming Soon: Charlotte's Web 

Next week our seventh graders take to the stage with an adaptation of E.B. White's classic Charlotte's Web. Performances are Thursday and Friday, November 20 and 21, 7 p.m. in the Loft. Admission is $5 each adult and $1 each child at the door.

The class has been working hard, with more frequent rehearsals recently ahead of the premiere. They report that their production features an interesting human-like approach to even the animal characters in the play that viewers will enjoy. In an interview with several of the student actors, they highlighted several different parts as their favorites, including one scene with a chase and another with an argument between Fern and Avery. Check out the video of this interview for more from Emma, Eliza, Clara, Hanna, Anna, Evan, Ethan, and Isaac:

Favorite Parts of Charlotte's Web

Cove Chaperone Meeting

Several parents, especially in our 2/3 classes, have raised questions about the implementation of the new Cove chaperone policy during class trips this fall. To respond to these concerns, we've scheduled a meeting to discuss the implementation and clarify the policy, as well as to ensure we are hearing parent concerns. The meeting is open to our entire parent community, but our agenda will likely focus on topics of particular relevance to 2/3 parents. We will send out more information--including a summary of the questions and concerns we have heard, as well as some thoughts we have, and a link to register--closer to the meeting. If you're interested, please mark your calendars for 6:15 p.m., Wednesday, January 21. Childcare will be available courtesy of Extended Day.

Toys for Tots Drive

Nicholas Sansone, 8th grade, and Micah Hendricks, 7th, are organizing a Toys for Tots drive at Burgundy. Students are invited to bring new and unwrapped toys appropriate for children up to age 12. Collection boxes will be available in each classroom December 8-17. This year's toy drive is dedicated to the memory of LTC Greg Hendricks, USA (Micah's father) who was a strong believer and supporter of the Toys for Tots program.

Burgundy Bulletin

• Tuesday, November 25 is a full school day with regular dismissal. There is no afternoon bus service; Extended Day is open only until 5 p.m. School is closed Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28, for Thanksgiving.
• Share your photos with Burgundy's yearbook staff for possible publication.
• Sign up for a community home-canned goods swap.
• BPA Family Fun Night Destination Imagination tonight, 6-8 p.m. in the Gym.
• New sibling applications are due tomorrow. Contact Lori with any questions.
• Bikes for the World collection tomorrow, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Middle School parking lot.
• Please share contact information for grandparents and special friends so we can keep them apprised of Burgundy news.