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 On the eve of the King national holiday, all of us at Burgundy should reflect on the progress of his dream. We can celebrate that America's identity has become distinctly more multi-racial. With an African American President many have wanted to believe we are approaching a post-racial America. With multi-racial families and friendships multiplying in America, the Promised Land Dr. King envisioned for us seemed in sight. Yet we continue to face cold realities that challenge the hopes and dreams of realizing a post-racial reality for all. Events of the past couple of years don't allow us to hide from the harsh fact that black lives too often are at risk in unique ways. Many black people feel more vulnerable to racial violence than they have in years. Many parents of black children, especially boys, do not feel they have an option when it comes to having 'the talk' about how to keep safe, including the do's and don'ts of dealing with police -- not when a young black man in the "wrong attire" in the "wrong place" at the "wrong time" is presumed a perpetrator, or a young black woman complaining about brutality toward her friends is man-handled, or a black man who runs from a police officer is shot. Statistics regarding murder, incarceration, and graduation rates that mostly correlate to class but that also coincide to race because of economic as well as other disparities that persist, are hurtful in their own right; but they contribute even further to enduring stereotyping and conscious and unconscious bias. This bias can be seen, for instance, when a black woman passionately arguing her case is considered threatening. And so, on this eve of another Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday, we are not on the mountaintop. Therefore, we should reflect not only on the encouraging signs of an increasingly post-racial America but also on the reality that African Americans, other people of color, and multi-racial families often do not live in a post-racial America. They can not yet afford to believe that they do. The recent blog-turned-popular-literature entitled "To the white parents of my black son's friends," written by the white mother of a black son, may challenge some of our sensibilities or what we think we know. But it speaks a truth. That is why I am asking you to read it, with an open heart and mind. If we are to engage one another in an effort to become a cohesive multicultural society and one mutually caring and respectful community, then we must make room for the experience and testimony of others -- others whose experience is different from, but just as true as, our own. Even when it hurts to hear their testimony. Especially when it hurts. Burgundy historically has been known as a bastion of thoughtful, courageous leadership by example. We have an opportunity to build on that legacy, on- and off-campus. I hope we can engage in brave and honest dialogue and thoughtful listening that allows us not only to be the best Burgundy community we can be for one another and our own children but also for the world beyond our little sanctuary. That is my goal for my own family and for our Burgundy Family.
Jeff Sindler
Head of School |
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Coming Up at Burgundy ...
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Reminder: Food Collection Ends Jan. 18
As a part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, each year Burgundy collects food items to benefit ALIVE (Alexandrians InVolved Ecumenically), a non-profit organization that supports Alexandria families in need. Please drop off food items by 9 a.m. Monday, January 18, as Middle School students will sort and box the food for delivery later on Monday. Thank you!
Burgundy Alert System Test Jan. 20 We will hold a test of Burgundy's emergency notification system the morning of Wednesday, January 20. Current parents are enrolled in the system and should receive an email and an automated telephone call; those who are subscribed to text alerts will also receive a text message. Please bear in mind this is only a test -- please do not call the school for more information.
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| | Join Jeff on Friday, January 22. |
Java with Jeff Jan. 22:
Campus Renewal Jeff will host a coffee at 8:30 a.m. in the Library on Friday, January 22 to discuss Campus Renewal efforts over the past few years and plans for the future. All families are welcome! Those new to the school may find it especially helpful to get caught up with our recent projects. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Jen Pusatere.
Board Meeting Jan. 23 Burgundy's Board of Trustees will have its next meeting Saturday, January 23, at 9 a.m. in the Loft. All current parents/guardians are welcome to observe Board meetings. Please notify Board Secretary Seileen Mullen if you plan to attend to ensure adequate seating.
 Burgundy Bingo Night Jan. 31 Come one and all to Burgundy Bingo! Join us Sunday, January 31, 4-6 p.m. in the Loft. We will be playing some good old-fashioned bingo games, including "Four Corners," "The Big X," and super-fast "Lightning Rounds" just for Middle Schoolers! We'll have a raffle -- get a ticket and you might be chosen as a special guest caller! Popcorn and drinks will be on hand. This event is free, but RSVPs are requested by Friday, January 29.
Preview Summer Camp at Cooper's Cove! If your child just can't get enough of nature, Burgundy has the perfect program for you: an overnight summer nature camp at Cooper's Cove. Staffed by a talented crew of college and high school students and directed by our own Vini Schoene, Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies provides your child a great place to explore nature in familiar surroundings, learning science and natural history along the way. BCWS camp is open to children ages 8 to 15. Learn details about the program and get all your questions answered at a presentation Sunday, January 31, at noon in Burgundy's drama room. For more information about the camp, you can also check out www.burgundycenter.org
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| | Get a preview of what BCWS summer camp has to offer on January 31! |
6th Grade Rising Night Feb. 2 Parents of 5th grade students are invited to join the Middle School teachers for the 6th Grade Rising Night, an information session on life in the Middle School on Tuesday, February 2, 7-8 p.m. in the Middle School Atrium. From homework and academics, to community service projects and activities, this is a chance to learn all about the next phase in your child's life at Burgundy!
Reminder: Celebration Party Feb. 6 Recently all current parents received, via Paperless Post, an invitation to a cocktail party at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial on Saturday, February 6: Celebrating 70 Years of Burgundy and our Vision Forward. Please RSVP via Paperless Post by Wednesday, January 27.
Auction 2016: The Wonder of Burgundy  Burgundy's Annual Auction is Saturday, March 5, and this year we celebrate the theme "The Wonder of Burgundy." As many of you know, the auction is our school's primary fundraiser -- 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 Ann Grillo and Moley Evans distributed a letter (PDF) via U.S. 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 Burgundy's website. Contact co-chairs Ann Grillo and Moley Evans 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 businesses or donating items purchased from a business. Learn more online! - Ann Grillo and Moley Evans, 2016 Auction Co-Chairs |
Don't Forget!
Saturday, January 16: Yearbook Meeting, 1-4 p.m., 8th grade homeroom.
Monday, January 18: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; school closed (no classes or Extended Day). Day of Service volunteer events on campus.
Wednesday, January 20: All School Meeting, including a reflection on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 8:40 a.m., Gym. Parents welcome! Work Smarter session, 3:15 p.m., Library.
Thursday, January 21: Work Smarter session, 3:15 p.m., Library. Basketball home games vs. Edlin: JV girls, 3:30 p.m., JV boys 4:45 p.m., Gym. 8th Grade Recital, 7 p.m., Loft.
Friday, January 22: Pizza Day.
Saturday, January 23: Board of Trustees Meeting, 9 a.m. Yearbook Meeting, 1-4 p.m., 8th grade homeroom.
Monday, January 25: MS Math Club, 3:15 p.m., Matthew's classroom. Basketball home games vs. Capitol Hill Day School: varsity boys, 3:45 p.m., varsity girls 5 p.m., Gym.
Wednesday, January 27: Work Smarter session, 3:15 p.m., Library. Basketball home games vs. Trinity: JV boys, 4 p.m., varsity boys 5:15 p.m., Gym.
Thursday, January 28: Work Smarter session, 3:15 p.m., Library.
Friday, January 29: 7th Grade Skip Trip. Basketball away games vs. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes, varsity boys and girls.
Saturday, January 30: Yearbook Meeting, 1-4 p.m., 8th grade homeroom.
Sunday, January 31: BCWS summer camp presentation, noon, drama room. Burgundy Bingo Night, 4-6 p.m., Loft.
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 Personnel News
Today, Margaret Connor joins the Advancement team in the role of Annual Giving and Campaign Coordinator.
Margaret, a parent of past Burgundy Summer Day Camp campers, was founder and director of Community Partners for Children, an Alexandria non-profit that assists needy children, and prior to that she served as director of marketing for a masters and open water swimming organization. She is also founder and owner of Open Water Works, coaching and counseling athletes in open water swimming.
We welcome Margaret!
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Burgundy students and families came together over Winter Break to celebrate Kwanzaa. Photo by Joanne Harris.
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A Celebration of Community for Kwanzaa Activist Maulana Karenga, who established Kwanzaa in 1965, says that on the second day of Kwanzaa, we should honor the principle ofkujichagulia (self-determination) and reaffirm our right to build the good communities, societies and futures we conceive. That's exactly what we did on an unseasonably warm December day over winter break. The Loft provided comfort to a large segment of Burgundy's community who came together to share food, fellowship and fun. There was a feast to satisfy varying tastes -- downhome soul, vegan and gluten-free; chicken fingers and mac and cheese for kid appeal; even some decadent sweets. We reached out to new members of the community and reconnected with old. Little kids took advantage of the weather and enjoyed the playground while the big kids and adults conversed. We began the celebration with a libation to our elders and ended with a brief ceremony that highlighted all seven principles of Kwanzaa. This event was hosted by Parents of African-American Students, and it was open to the entire community. A special thanks is due to Kristen Noble for organizing the event and to Leslie Simpson-Summey for organizing the program.
Geography Bee On Wednesday, a group of Burgundy students from 4th through 8th grades participated in the schoolwide round of the National Geography Bee. Questions came from U.S. and world geography, and included a section on identifying relevant data on a map. Gabriel Pospesel, a 4th grade Redtail, is the Burgundy Geography Bee champion and will move on to the next step, which is a test to determine statewide bee competitors. Congratulations to Gabriel and all participants!
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| Gabriel gets high fives from his classmates and friends
after the Geography Bee. |
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Parting Photos
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| And so it begins! Cathy Manley speaks to 6th graders at the first rehearsal for Burgundy on Broadway. Photo by David Williams.
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| | Geography Bee participants answered several rounds of questions read by teacher Mary Akeley. |
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| | First graders just hanging around. |
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