Constant Comment

Jeff

Valentine's Day is almost here, and we're also in the middle of Black History Month. Our students are enjoying marking both.

Second and third graders recently got a fun lesson about entrepreneurship and Black History on a recent Discovery Theater field trip. They learned about Madam C. J. Walker, the African American woman known as the first female self-made millionaire in America, and Lonnie G. Johnson, inventor of the Super Soaker. (Apparently, students who remembered his name got rewarded with squirts with the Super Soaker, before the entire class, in a gesture of Burgundian fairness, was soaked.)

Lessons and field trips that celebrate creativity and innovation remind Burgundy students that there is always a new invention or 'better way' to be invented; and many a successful business career has emanated from the wedding of one's interest with creative thinking and problem-solving, skills that are being developed at Burgundy! Those skills are nurtured first and foremost by an interest and enjoyment in learning. As I make my high school visits to discuss our 8th graders applying to high schools, that interest, enjoyment and spirit in our students is reflected back to me by admission personnel who tell me that even in the interview and application process our students are standing out!

My early Valentine's gift came from parents of two new Burgundy students. These parents approached me before the Annual Meeting of the Burgundy Corporation Tuesday evening to share how happy their kids were at Burgundy. One of them said, "Each week our son finds something new to be grateful for in his new school! We are so delighted with our choice of school!" I told them that as a new JK parent (as well as the parent of a Burgundy graduate soon to graduate from college) I feel exactly the same way. So one of my Valentines this year goes to our teachers and staff, who give me and Tee great joy and peace knowing that our little person is in just the right school!

What do you love about Burgundy? See if your response echoes what some of our students had to say (PDF).

Jeff Sindler
Head of School

Coming Up at Burgundy ...

Congratulations to Kari

Assistant Head of School Kari Cafeo, who will be leaving Burgundy in June, has been named Head of School at Shrewsbury Montessori School in Shrewsbury Massachusetts. Kari started at Burgundy in 2009 as Director of Admission and also served as Lower School Head before becoming Assistant Head. Her son Kevin Cafeo will be graduating in June. He and Kari will join the other half of their family. Kari's husband Rick is already in Massachusetts, and older son Kyle '13 currently attends South Kent School in Connecticut. Congratulations, Kari!

BCWS Camp Is Filling Quickly

If you're interested in sending a child to Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies camp this summer, act fast! The senior sessions are filling quickly, and don't forget about the adult weekend. Learn more or register online. The junior program has already filled all its slots. If you would like to place your child's name on the waitlist for junior program or have questions, please contact the BCWS Camp Registrar Michele McCabe.

Auction Update: Volunteers and Kids' Creations

Seeking Volunteers

We hope you have marked your calendars for Saturday, March 7, for our 33rd Annual Auction, which is not only a fun social event, but also our primary fundraiser for financial aid. We have already received lots of volunteer support in soliciting and donating items, coordinating the upcoming raffles, designing class items, and more. We are seeking additional volunteers who are able to help with preparations the week of the auction:

March 5 and 6: Office work in Advancement Office

March 5, 6, 7: Gym Set Up

March 7 and 9: Gym Clean Up

Next week you will receive an email from Auction Set Up and Clean Up Volunteer Coordinator Fatima Ast with a link to a Sign-Up Genius form through which you can indicate your availability to help. If you have any questions, or if you do not receive the information, please contact Fatima.

We request that parents come without children who need to be supervised while they work for two reasons: 1) equipment such as tall ladders may be in use making it an unsafe environment for children, and 2) the Gym will be filled with fragile decorations and auction items. Note that Friday, March 6 is a faculty in-service day (no classes). Extended Day care is available at no charge for volunteers; however, we need notice by Thursday, February 26 in order to arrange for sufficient staffing. Please indicate a need for childcare on the Sign-Up Genius form.

Thank you for helping to make this special night a successful fundraiser for financial aid!

Preview Kids' Creations

Kids' Creations class project items will go on sale next week when the auction invitation is send. You will be able to buy auction admission and raffle tickets, contribute to financial aid, and purchase your child's special auction creation. Learn more about this year's Kids' Creations (PDF).

Burgundy Bulletin

Nora and Bill check out the Energy Freedom racecar.

Nora Garland, 2nd grade, and her father Bill are featured in a commercial for the Energy Freedom campaign. The commercial also features Leilani Munter, a race car driver and environmental activist. The campaign promotes clean energy. Bill was selected because he is an Army veteran who works in the field of renewable energy and has served as an operational energy advisor to both the Army and industry. The commercial, "Driving Sunshine," will air this weekend during races at Daytona International Speedway.

Don't Forget!

There is no school on President's Day, Monday,February 16.

Re-enrollment contracts are due Tuesday, February 17.

Vote in the annual election of trustees through 11 p.m. Thursday, February 19. Each parent or guardian of a current Burgundy student is among those eligible to vote. There are 10 nominees on the ballot, and they are not in competition with each other. A nominee is elected if he or she receives more "yes" than "no" votes. Trustees serve a three-year term. Contact Joanne Petty with questions.

Burgundy's Junior Girl Scout troop (4th grade) and Brownie troop (2nd grade) will be selling Girl Scout cookies near the blacktop on Thursday, February 19, and Friday, February 20 during afternoon carpool. $4 per box ($5 for gluten free cookies); cash preferred.

Keep clipping those Box Tops! Burgundy earns 10 cents for each one. Please send in Box Tops by Wednesday, February 25 for the last collection of this school year. Get more details or download an optional collection sheet.

Get a hands-on preview of new offerings from Burgundy Farm Summer Day Camp at an open house Sunday, February 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Burgundy Gym. Learn more and register now.

Complete Burgundy Calendar

Recently at Burgundy ...

Burgundy's Immunization Policies

With vaccinations in the news lately, we have received a few questions asking about the immunizations Burgundy requires. In accordance with Virginia law, Burgundy requires eight immunizations on an age-based schedule. New students enrolling in any grade and students going into specific grades (when they need new immunizations) are required to have an updated Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form before they can attend Burgundy. This form is completed jointly by parents and medical providers and includes Certification of Immunizations. If the school suspects a student may have a major infectious disease, we are required to report that to the Virginia Department of Health, who would direct the school on the proper procedures and communications.

Parting Photos

A video sneak preview of the 6th grade Burgundy on Broadway musical. More next week! Mark your calendar for February 26 and 27.

The 3rd grade Buckeyes put together ingredients for ice cream in Carol's science class. More photos on Facebook.

Children in Extended Day make painted valentines.

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