|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 What do sheep shearing, book fair and the 8th grade musical all have in common?
Not much, you might be tempted to say! But they're all Burgundy spring rites of passage! And they demonstrate the range of educational and fun learning experiences in which our kids partake.
This week I was fortunate to join the First Graders at the barn for the sheep shearing. The reduced volume of the animal after shearing is remarkable; to the kids it's a revelation that the sheep's markings remain visible on their skin after their wool is cut. Some of the kids told me in an aside later, in confidential and concerned tones, their concerns about what can happen to unshorn sheep! And it turns out, their fears were well informed, as I learned when I Googled the matter.
In the same week as these transformations in the barnyard, our library has been transformed into an epic Book Fair! Kids are so excited about books at Burgundy -- a credit to the culture and to our teachers, very much led by our wonderful librarians. Barbara and Cindy not only know what our kids are reading currently and what is likely to interest them in the future, but also they will literally get down on the floor at the first invitation to engage more directly with a child and encourage his or her interests!. Thanks and kudos to our librarians and library volunteers!
Of course, the 8th grade musical, coming next week, is one of the most signature and awaited rites of passage for 8th graders. They have hands in the entire production, from dramaturgy ('page to stage') to set making to marketing to technical production, in addition to the acting, singing, and dancing! Parents offer tons of support, especially creating the set and costumes. Putting on a full-scale production is a massive effort that tests each middle school and 8th grade class but also, ultimately, binds class members forever, in an accomplishment larger than any one member's effort and dependent on each and all!
Even 10 years into my tenure at Burgundy I continue to be impressed, amazed, and grateful for all that we are able to provide for our children. As a parent and educator it is joyful. Sometimes hectic, always engaging and wonderful! Thanks for what each of you are bringing to the diverse experiences we offer our students, by volunteering at school and supporting the children at home.
Finally, let me say Happy Mother's Day! I am married to a marvelous mom. To Tee and all of moms and grandmothers, we love you and appreciate you. You do SO much to keep all of our lives rich, balanced and humming happily along!
Jeff Sindler
Head of School
|
|
|
Coming Up at Burgundy ...
|
|
Spring Cove Letter
Next Week: The Music Man! The Class of 2016 presents The Music Man, running Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 12, 13, and 14, with shows beginning each night at 7 p.m. in the Loft. Given the space constraints of the Loft, we strongly encourage families without 8th grade students to attend on Thursday or Friday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children. Concessions will be available to purchase. Sales require cash.
The production's video team--8th graders Maddie Kocher, Hanna Murrell, and Ethan Oleksa--have put together a preview of the show: Burgundy Gap Camp: Secret Agent Adventure! Calling all spies! Are you ready for an adventure full of challenging missions, mystery villains, and a whole lot of fun? Then you will not want to miss Gap Camp this year as we take you on a secret agent adventure! Registration for this Secret Agent Adventure will begin on Friday, May 13. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to locate the online registration details located in next week's issue of Constant Comment! Contact Hugh Squire at headquarters if you have any questions.
 This summer, you'll discover that there is a mole at Burgundy secretly working with the nefarious organization known as Sentinel Corporation and Manufacturers. Join our team of secret agents--we'll help you get your cover identity ready, pack your spy gadgets, and infiltrate the criminal empire--and then we'll capture the mole!
Current Burgundy students, including graduating 8th graders, are invited to join us for this exciting Gap Camp. Mark your calendar: Monday, June 13-Friday, June 17. Camp is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spy activities will take place 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Secret agents are welcome one day, multiple days, or the entire week. There will be an overall story that builds each day, but activities can be joined and completed on a day-to-day basis. The fee for Gap Camp is $80 per day. Members of the holiday plan have already paid, but will be asked to register to confirm attendance.
Personnel News Sadly we have to prepare for some goodbyes as the end of the school year approaches.
Kira Cotter, who was back this year as the First Grade Sheep teacher, is moving to Charlottesville, Va.; she is taking a position as an Instructional Specialist for K-4 students at a private school there. Kira came to Burgundy in August 2012; last year she completed her Masters in Education at the University of Virginia.
Music teacher Emily (McCrory) East has decided to take the next year off from full-time teaching to stay at home with the newest member of the Burgundy family, newborn Ryann Evelyn. Emily plans to return this fall to teach the Middle School vocal elective. She has been at Burgundy for 5 years.
Emily 'EJ' Jonas '03 has been accepted, with a fellowship, into Emerson College's Theatre Education Masters program. This year EJ has taught theater--a subject that's been a passion for her since performing as a 2/3 student in A Midsummer Night's Dream at Burgundy. EJ has also coached basketball for the past four seasons. Previously she was a Middle School Humanities teacher.
We will miss having Kira, Emily, and EJ on campus every day, but we are grateful for all they've done for Burgundy and our students. We wish them the best!
Information about filling these faculty roles will be shared later.
BPA Survey: Seeking Volunteers Since Burgundy's founding, parent volunteers have helped to form the strong, diverse, supportive, and close-knit community that we still know today. For the past few years the BPA has invited you to indicate your interest in various volunteer opportunities in the Fall. This year, BPA is asking for your volunteer preferences in the Spring to get a jump start on planning for a terrific 2016-2017 school year. Through this survey please indicate what role(s) you would consider taking on as part of your much appreciated annual volunteer commitment.
We know that as parents you have many competing demands on your time and we're sensitive to that. Based on this understanding, we are pleased to offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, both large and small, including many projects that can be done off campus and/or outside of school hours to better accommodate challenging schedules. Any way you can participate is welcome! (Grandparents and friends are also welcome to sign up for any of our volunteer efforts.)
Thank you in advance for your help and commitment to continue the legacy of making Burgundy the amazing place it has always been!
|
|
Don't Forget!
Friday, May 6: MS Running Club, 3:15 p.m.
Monday, May 9: Math Mondays: Grades 3-5 Math Club, 3:15 p.m., Scout's classroom. PAAS Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Atrium. Tuesday, May 10: Author Visit: Tom Watson, 8:30 a.m., Library. Wednesday, May 11: School Nurse Appreciation Day. JK Tour, 10-11:30 a.m. Work Smarter session, 3:15 p.m., Library. MS Running Club, 3:15 p.m. Thursday, May 12: Work Smarter session, 3:15 p.m., Library. 8th Grade Musical, 7 p.m., Loft. Friday, May 13: MS Running Club, 3:15 p.m. 8th Grade Musical, 7 p.m., Loft. Saturday, May 14: 8th Grade Musical, 7 p.m., Loft.
|
 Teacher Appreciation DayTuesday, May 3, was Teacher Appreciation Day. Many current and former Burgundy families chose to honor a teacher with a gift to Burgundy's Annual Giving Fund, which supports classroom budgets, professional development for teachers, and financial aid so more students can experience a Burgundy education.
It's not too late to give in honor of a teacher! Make a gift online and in the Gift Information section choose Annual Giving, select an option in the Honor/Memory line, and then type a name or names.
 Auction Payments Still Needed
We expect 2016 Auction proceeds to set a new record, but to announce our total we need 100% of payments! We are getting closer -- we have now received 98% of payments. We are waiting for remaining payments before announcing the total gross proceeds from the Auction. Questions? Contact Auction Coordinator Allison Niedbala.
Thank You: Hockey Equipment Donations! Sixth graders Alex Montgomery and Marty Wilson recently had birthdays, and instead of gifts at their party, they asked for donations to purchase some new sports equipment for Burgundy. The boys were interested in equipment to play hockey at school, and after consulting with Director of Athletics Steve LeBoo and Director of Advancement Jen Pusatere, they finalized the wish list of 12 street hockey sticks (including 2 goalie sticks) and a large pad that simulates shooting a puck on ice. Thanks to the generosity of the boys and their friends and classmates, these items have been purchased and delivered to Burgundy. Alex and Marty are looking forward to breaking them in soon!
Carpool Reminders: Help Us Be Safe! Carpool rules are in place for one reason: to keep our students safe. Unfortunately, we have seen a few instances of unsafe behavior recently. Your cooperation is expected and appreciated. - The campus speed limit is 5 m.p.h.
- Please refrain from using cell phones while in the carpool line. Your children's safety needs your full attention!
- Morning carpool begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 8:25. Students should be on campus by 8:25 so classes can begin promptly at 8:30.
- After you have dropped off or picked up your child, wait until the car at Station #1 pulls away before following station by station. Pulling around risks pedestrian and/or vehicle accidents.
- If you want to walk your child to class, first drop him or her off in the carpool lane, then park and meet your child at the Blacktop. We want to avoid children crossing the carpool lane so they are out of the way of drivers.
- Do not back up from the circular parking lot during carpool times. This creates the potential for rear-end collisions or other accidents. If you park, please wait until after carpool to back out.
|
|
|
|
| |
Sheep shearing at the barnyard on Monday.
|
|
| |
A bird examines the Book Fair poster on Tuesday.
|
|
| |
2/3 classes test rubber band rockets Wednesday morning.
|
|
| |
Also on Wednesday, former faculty and staff visited campus for lunch
and said hello to their current colleagues.
|
|
| |
On Thursday night, 6th graders took to the stage for a musical showcase
in the Loft. Photo by David Williams.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
