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 A little over two weeks ago I had the privilege of sitting in on a conversation in an 8th Grade Humanities class. They were reviewing a timeline of events in the Women's Movement. Such rich conversations and thought-provoking questions emerged as we moved along the timeline. We spent a bit of time on Title IX and its impact on medical schools and law schools opening up to women beyond their previous 5% quota. The students shared their observations about how schools and corporations value (or devalue) women's sports programs and female athletes in general. Within minutes of discussing Title IX, one of the students googled Hope Solo to see what she earned as a salary and also googled a goalie for the U.S. Men's team, only to find that he made 40 times Hope Solo's salary. Hearing that number made discrimination and gender equity salient to these 8th graders. They were completely appalled by such a blatant discrepancy.
This recent discussion caused me to reflect back to an interaction I had last year with my advisees at my old school, a boarding and day high school for girls. In a weekly advising group meeting one of my advisees mentioned that she was "sick of hearing about feminism and women's rights" and that she felt like we were always cramming this irrelevant stuff down their throats. As a teacher and her part-time parent I really felt like a failure. I asked myself, "How could she not get the importance of all of this? How could she feel that feminism and women's rights were irrelevant? What are we not teaching?" With a little gentle probing I learned that it was all a matter of her perspective. At 16, she saw women in positions of power in her community, school, and in the world. She'd learned about what happened "way back when" but for her it was not tied to anything tangible in her everyday, modern life. One of my other advisees, a self-proclaimed feminist, was shocked (and appalled) that gender equity work could be lost on anyone.
In the two advising group meetings that followed we spent some time dissecting the sense of urgency that some felt around gender and equity, looked at data that morely clearly demonstrated gaps in education and hiring, and examined stereotypes and gender roles. As a starting point for conversation we began by discussing Verizon's Inspire Her Mind commercial which encourages more girls to get involved with high-tech STEM fields. This was especially meaningful given that 5 of my 8 advisees were interested in STEM careers. What struck me the most in the conversation that followed was that we as girls all shared the same experiences of loving math and/or science in elementary school and at some point being inadvertently or even directly discouraged from following that academic passion by a teacher. As a teacher myself, hearing my girls echo my own experiences from decades before hurt my heart. However, what encouraged me was that several of the girls specifically sought out an all-girls education because of their past experiences with teachers who didn't encourage them to defy statistics.
Tied to this notion of defying statistics or stereotypes we also discussed the thought-provoking and inspiring #LikeAGirl campaign sponsored by Always, that seeks "to keep confidence high during puberty & beyond." Given that all of my eight advisees were athletes of some sort they were especially moved by this video. Each of the girls shared a bit about an experience when they felt someone had attempted to diminish their confidence just because they were a girl, and therefore perceived them to be inferior in some way. They also spoke about the importance of meeting boys who'd been raised to value women who defied stereotypes, as they all do.
To circle back to my advisee who prompted these discussions, I didn't change her mind completely, but we made progress. Our group conversations enabled her to get a better understanding of why we (the school) kept inundating her with this information. As we know (and she learned) that despite our progress as women, she and her generation still have a lot of work to do and in some instances the deck is stacked against them.
As we move through March, Women's History Month, please use this opportunity to help our daughters and sons unpack some of the stereotypes that we've all heard about girls. A good way to dismantle these tired, inaccurate stereotypes is to provide them with examples of women who defy statistics and stereotypes. If you are looking for resources, the National Women's History Museum is a wonderful repository for information.
De Shan Lett Director of Academic and Student Support
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| Several Burgundy 8th grade girls show off their #LikeAGirl t-shirts from
the Kennedy Center's recent Vital Voices event, an extracurricular opportunity
made possible thanks to the Dyer-Ankele family. Photo by Paige Pluymers-Durand. |
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Coming Up at Burgundy ...
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Reminder: Parent Teacher Conferences March 17-18
We look forward to meeting with parents at conferences next week! These are days carefully set aside for conferences and taken from the academic year, and teachers prepare accordingly. Thus, we ask parents not to ask for conferences on other days than these. Childcare will be offered through Extended Day. Up to an hour per student is available for free. Ex Day is also open both days for a $80/day drop-in fee (free for those on the Holiday Plan).
Lost and Found The BPA is busy doing some spring cleaning in the lost and found areas. Items will be sorted for easy viewing during the Arts Festival and conference days next week. Please come to the area in the Loft outside of the drama room, near the girls restroom to reclaim your lost items. Even if you don't think your child has lost something, come check anyway--you never know what you will find! All items not claimed by 3 p.m. Friday, March 18 will be donated.
Curriculum Night March 31 Please join us Thursday, March 31, 7 p.m. in the Loft for a lively and informative presentation on our JK-8th curriculum in three key areas: social studies, arts, and bibliotech. Teachers will share the framework and highlights of their subject area disciplines from JK-8, reflecting on their year-long curriculum review process, and discussing recent updates to the curriculum. In addition to the presentations, teachers will be available to share curriculum materials and projects that document the learning process in their areas. Please RSVP if you plan to attend; childcare will be available and should be indicated on your RSVP.
After Auction Updates Pick Ups and Connections 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.
To everyone who received a certificate at the auction: please reach out to the donor as soon as you can to make arrangements to redeem your item. Similarly, if you as a donor know who won the item you donated, please reach out to the winning bidder. If you have have a question about who won the item you donated, please contact Allison.
 Post-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. Don't forget, all sales benefit financial aid.
There are a handful of items available in our after auction sale (PDF). 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 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15. First come, first served!
Kids' Creations Still Available There's still time to purchase your child's class project if you haven't already done so! Order online through Wednesday, March 16.
For K Polar Bears, 1st Sheep, 2/3 Buckeyes, 2/3 Viceroys, 4/5 Coopers, and 6th grade: To pick up your child's project, stop by the Advancement office--upstairs in West Barn. If you haven't yet paid you can do so at that time. We'll be in the office during parent-teacher conference days if you don't have a chance to come by before.
For Junior Kindergarten, K Penguins, 1st Goats, 4/5 Redtails, 7th grade, and 8th grade: Your child's project will be available in the coming weeks. We'll let you know when it's ready!
Additional Copies of Soundtrack CDs Emily (McCrory) East offered four soundtracks (Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and 3rd Grade) of students singing their favorite songs. Each CD is $25 each. If you did not purchase at the auction and wish to buy, please email Michele McCabe by Wednesday, March 16. Copies will be ready for pickup Tuesday, March 29.
Additional Spaces for Sign-Up Party There are three spots available for Art Afternoon with Kira Cotter and Ann Douglas on Friday, April 8. First Grade teachers Ann Douglas and Kira Cotter will team up to host an afternoon of art for up to 10 1st or 2nd Grade students. These lucky children will immerse themselves in art and also enjoy a healthy snack. The art session will take place 3:00-4:30 p.m. in the First Grade Building. To sign up, please email Allison Niedbala by Tuesday, March 15.
Lost and Found After the Auction, we discovered someone had forgotten a black Arc'Teryx coat with red and animal print Foster Grant glasses in the pocket (pictured at right). If you're missing these items, stop by the Advancement office to collect them!
Music Box Student Recital April 4 The final sign-up student recital of the year is Monday, April 4, at 7 p.m. in the Loft. This recital is for any student in the school. Please email Cathy Manley or Emily (McCrory) East by Friday, April 1 if your child would like to perform that evening. It will fill up quickly! Cathy and Emily would like to hear each child's piece prior to April 1. If performers need accompaniment, they need to have their own music.
Please keep an eye out for all of the special end of the year recital showcases; these are class recitals for each of the grades.
 Cove Opening Weekend April 16-17 This is a fun and hard-working weekend at Cooper's Cove, as we push back all the winter buildup of dust and rodents. Anyone is welcome to attend for as much as you can manage, we just ask you to share your plans, including: how many people will be there, for which meals, and any food issues you have.
Bring your own bedding and plenty of layers for your own body. Expect to supervise your own children and probably someone else's as well.
RSVP to Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies Director Vini Schoene '73.
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Don't Forget!
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Monday: Cosmic Bowling in Arlington
Tuesday: National Air and Space Museum in Washington
Wednesday: Flight! Trampoline Park in Springfield
Thursday: National Museum of the American Indian in Washington
Friday: Ex Day Party and BBQ on campus
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Monday, March 14: Math Mondays: MS Math Club, 3:15 p.m., Matthew's classroom.
March 15-16: Arts Festival, 6:30-8 p.m., Loft.
Wednesday, March 16: Make-Up Pizza Day. Work Smarter session, 3:15 p.m., Library.
Thursday, March 17: Work Smarter session, 3:15 p.m., Library.
March 17-18: Parent-Teacher Conference, no classes. Ex Day open.
March 21-25: Spring Break, school closed.
Monday, March 28: Professional Development Day, no classes. Ex Day open.
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Virginia House Resolution Commends Burgundy
Earlier this week in the Virginia House of Delegates, Del. Mark Sickles offered House Resolution 218, an official commendation for Burgundy marking our 70th anniversary this year. The resolution passed Thursday, and recognizes that Burgundy "has nurtured a love of learning in countless young students, presenting innovative curricula in a positive, supportive environment."
Burgundy alumnus Paul Krizek '76 is serving his first term in the House of Delegates; he was a chief co-patron of the resolution in addition to Del. Sickles.
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Burgundy students at the Shakespeare Festival. Photo by Jeff Sindler.
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Students Recognized for Shakespeare Performances The Middle School elective Shakespeare Made Easy enjoyed success in the presentation of their final project, performance of an edited version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The class was accepted to perform at the Folger Shakespeare Library Secondary Schools Festival, a non-competitive event that allows students to celebrate Shakespeare's work and encourages having fun with the text through performance.
Each day of the Festival is observed by theatre and education professionals, who take notes on the performances they see to encourage students to continue performing. From these notes, students are recognized for exhibiting an understanding of the text as they perform, their work directing their peers, excellence in acting, or for working together to tell their story. Two named awards are reserved for students or groups who exhibit qualities which embody the essence of celebration and fun at the Festival through their participation and performance.
The comic ensemble of Rude Mechanicals, or 'play within a play' actors, were awarded the Peggy O'Brien Award for Comedy "for understanding why the text is funny, for adding their own comedic touch, and for giving the audience something to enjoy." 8th graders Sophia McNicholas, Violet Regan, Evan Roper, Ethan Wales and 7th graders Noah Abramson and Elizabeth Chapman were honored recipients. Riley Casagrande, 8th grade, was recognized for Distinction in Acting; she "personified passion...boldly embodied a male character... used her voice and language to create a lovelorn Lysander, and was fearless in physicalization that included crawling." Sophia McNicholas was recognized for Distinction in Directing: "She employed clear staging, used appropriate stage focus, and created different worlds that represented the three realities within the play."
All 16 participants, including 8th graders Anna Brooks, Sofie Drexler, Lily Hunt, Carrie Rawls, and Majlis Walker, and 7th graders Anna Blackmon, Sam Oelkers, Ena Sullivan, and Elias Walker were recognized as an ensemble for their "generous and colorful storytelling, use of space, understanding of the text, great transitions, distinct characterizations, creation of three realities on stage, excellent reactions to other actors on stage (fun to watch the cast watch and react to the 'play within a play'), comic timing, and use of live music. The actors' physicalization indicated they knew what their characters were saying and added to the performances. Once the story began, great momentum was achieved and the throughline of the story continued to a great conclusion." -- Deborah Clark Ives
 Personnel News We are happy to share that Holden Hoover '03 has returned to Burgundy and started work last week as a new member of the maintenance team.
Holden's parents Bill Hoover and Mary Lou Guthrie ran the Cove as BCWS directors 1978 - 1981. At the same time, Bill taught science and managed one of the earliest computer skills classes in Middle School, and Mary Lou taught for many years at the Middle School and in the 4/5 Coopers.
Holden joins the maintenance team as Larry Inguagiato's work as project manager for the Arts & Community Center and Campus Green project intensifies.
Affinity Program Update Thank you for your support of Burgundy through the "School Days" fundraiser hosted by the Tea Collection. The school will receive a check for $180.47 from this fundraiser! Thank you to everyone who participated. Learn more about other Burgundy affinity programs. |
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 Parting Photos
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Recent Burgundy alumni took questions from current 8th graders
about the transition to high school at Alumni Speak on Tuesday ...
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... But a few days later 8th graders were the ones answering questions
about Burgundy at an event for newly accepted families.
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The 5th grade Redtails took to the Outdoor Classroom & Discovery Playground to learn about energy transference and forces on Thursday.
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And Kindergarten went on a ball rescue (and cleanup!) mission
in the campus stream bed earlier this week. Photo by Jeff Sindler.
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