It may be bold as an elementary-middle school to have a mission that speaks about teaching "responsibility for self, for others, and for the natural world." But the idea of children growing into engaged and responsible citizens is at the core of progressive education and the Burgundy education.
In keeping with becoming real citizens, our 4th and 5th grade Coopers students have cultivated a long-standing relationship with the Charles Houston Senior Center and are hosting their senior buddies for a cookout lunch this coming Tuesday, as a culmination of their full year (or two-year) relationships. Our Middle School kids have been involved in one form of service or another nearly every weekend, including the King national holiday. [Some of these students were recognized in the local press, see "Burgundy Bulletin" below!] And several weeks ago, 7th graders hosted students from John Adams Elementary for playdates at the new Discovery Playground. These are but a few ways Burgundy students learn responsibility for others!
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| | Aveda recently recognized our first grade classes
for their help recycling plastic caps.
Photo by Jeff Sindler. |
Beginning in Early Childhood, our students develop a sense of caring for their Earth; across various parts of the program from art to music to science they learn about litter, recycling, and reusing. For many years First Grade students have collected plastic caps to recycle with Aveda, but now that recycling is better established nationally, this specialized program is ending. When world-traveling didgeridoo performers enthralled the 2/3 classes in April, they also reinforced messages of sustainability and caring for the earth. As these students learn about these environmentally aware actions, they inspire others and even help keep us adults thinking sustainability!
One of my favorite visual reminders of our commitment to these kinds of citizenship, by the way, is the fencing along the back deck of Early Childhood, which is constructed from black locust trees sustainably harvested from the Cove by Burgundy staff, students, and parents!
But in so many ways large and small Burgundy students are learning the fundamentals of citizenship in their community and indeed in their world.
Jeff Sindler
Head of School
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Coming Up at Burgundy ...
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 Gap Camp: Secret Agent Adventure!
Just a few more days to sign up for fun and excitement with the Burgundy Gap Camp: Secret Agent Adventure! Registration for this top secret program will terminate Wednesday, June 8. Put your spy skills to the test with a series of games, activities, projects, and assignments all designed to turn you and your team into super secret agents. Can you help your team find out who the mole is, and what nefarious plans they have? School may be out, but the adventure continues with Gap Camp -- sign up today! Contact top operative Hugh Squire with any questions.
 Year End Events Burgundy's graduation for the Class of 2016 will be Thursday, June 9, 7 p.m. in the Gym, with a reception to follow. On Friday, June 10, all parents and volunteers are invited to a volunteer appreciation coffee, beginning at 8 a.m. in the Middle School parking lot. Parents are also welcome at an all-school assembly to recognize students "moving up" to the next grade level, which begins at 9 a.m. in the Gym. We're happy to be able to recognize all our students and families with these events!
Survey about Burgundy Enrichments In order to better serve the Burgundy Community with our after school Enrichment classes, we ask that Burgundy families complete a very short survey. It is our hope to better understand the types of classes your students have enjoyed and what types of classes you would like to see us offer in the future. You are welcome to give responses even if your family has not participated in enrichments in the past. Thank you very much for sparing a few minutes to help us better serve you!
Personnel News Kimberly Mott will join us this fall as the 4th grade Redtails teacher taking over for Zoë Bailey, who will be spending the year as a full-time new mom with her son Sam. Kimberly currently teaches 4th grade at Alexandria's John Adams Elementary School and has also taught at Mount Vernon Community School. In addition to her experience teaching, Kimberly is familiar with Burgundy; her nephews Brandon Dennis '08 and Marcus Dennis '10 are Burgundy graduates, her sister LaGreta Mott Dennis is past president of the BPA, and her brother-in-law Jack Dennis served on the Board as treasurer. Kimberly holds a bachelor's degree from the UC-Santa Barbara and a master's from the University of Phoenix. She is excited to join 5th grade teacher Henry Edwards and the Redtails students this fall.
With Emily "EJ" Jonas '03 heading to Boston for graduate studies, Elena Velasco, an experienced teacher, director, and choreographer, will join Burgundy as a drama teacher alongside Roberta Masters-Cullen. Elena has previously worked with our Middle School productions. Additionally, she has taught children at the Synetic Theater, Educational Theatre Company, and Classika Theater and held program director roles at Imagination Stage and Synetic Theater. She also has university teaching experience. Elena has a bachelor's degree in drama and a master's in directing from Catholic University.
Theresa Ducassoux will join us next year as music teacher teaming with Cathy Manley while Emily (McCrory) East moves from full-time to electives teaching next year to spend more time with newborn Ryann Evelyn. Theresa has been a music teacher and band teacher in West Chester, Pennsylvania for 13 years with students of various ages. She is Director and Founder of the Chester County Youth Wind Ensemble and plays piano and French horn. Theresa has a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's in instrumental wind conducting. |
Interested in volunteering next year? Share your preferences through a BPA survey!
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Don't Forget!
Friday, June 3: Last day to pick up Lost & Found items (in the Loft outside girls' bathroom.) MS Running Club, 3:15 p.m.
Monday, June 6: Math Mondays: MS Math Club, 3:15 p.m., Matthew's classroom. Thursday, June 9: Graduation, 7 p.m., Gym. Friday, June 10: Last day of school. Volunteer appreciation coffee, 8 a.m., MS parking lot. Moving Up assembly, 9 a.m., Gym. Saturday, June 11: Loft Farewell Party, 1-4 p.m., Loft and Blacktop. RSVPs requested even if you cannot attend.
June 13-17: Burgundy Gap Camp: Secret Agent Adventure.
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Relive Burgundy Memories with Videos!
Thanks to Austin Fodrie and Joe Peacock in the technology department, as well as parent volunteers, we are happy to share videos from community events this year:
More videos, including the 8th grade musical The Music Man and the Class of 2016's graduation, will be shared at a later time.
Please note that to protect students' privacy, many Burgundy videos are "unlisted" on YouTube, meaning they can only be seen with a direct link like those above. Contact Meghan Williams if you're looking for another specific video.
Burgundy Bulletin Burgundy students garnered recognition of their volunteering and community service efforts in last week's Alexandria Gazette Packet. Tae and Riley Casagrande and Estee and Eliza Marcus were among several young people highlighted for their work during LemonAide Day May 21. Burgundy Middle School students and parents are among several schools who were recognized for their assistance with Meals on Wheels deliveries throughout the year. Check out the photos on pages 14 and 15 of the May 26 issue (PDF). |
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