February 2009

Calendar

5 Open House for Parents, 6:15 pm

6 Green Mountain Instrumental Music Festival

7 ACTs

16-20 Winter Break

28 One Act Drama Festival Workshop [see below under Performing Arts]

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From the Headmaster

Dear Families,

Out with the old, in with the new. No, I am not talking about the Inauguration; there has been plenty written already, and I don’t need to add to that dialogue in this forum. Rather, I am talking about the new semester, what we refer to as the “spring” semester, something of a misnomer with more snow on the ground than anyone can remember. But here we are: the second semester has begun.

Next week, we will have the Parents Open House (February 5, 6:15 pm). This past fall, we had well over 500 attendees at the Open House in early October, and I hope to exceed this figure next week. As you contemplate whether or not to attend, I’d like to share some thoughts on its importance:

#1 Study after study shows that student performance in school is directly connected with parent involvement. By coming to the Parent Open House, you are demonstrating an interest in—and commitment to—a Burr and Burton education. You send a message that you care about your child’s education. You send a message that you value Burr and Burton Academy and the opportunities that this school presents.
#2 If you know the teachers, the teachers know you. We all communicate better with those we know, and strong communication is essential to any partnership.
#3 By attending Parents Open House, you are recognizing and appreciating the efforts of our teachers. Teachers work very hard all year long, and there are too few opportunities simply to say “Thank you.” This is one of them.

So we invite you to come to the Open House, and we also ASK that you attend. Your attendance will help make us a better school.

Sincerely,
Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

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Parents Open House February 5

All parents and guardians are encouraged to return to campus for our second semester Parent Open House on Thursday, February 5, 2009. This is your opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, to understand curricular expectations and grading policies, and to gain a better sense of how your son or daughter spends their day at Burr and Burton Academy. We look forward to seeing you on February 5 starting in the cafeteria in the Rowland Center.

Schedule
6:15 pm – 6:45 pm
Registration, pick up schedules, and socialize with other parents

6:45 pm
Welcoming remarks: Headmaster Mark Tashjian

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Class rotation for A, B and C blocks

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From the Advancement Office

Considering the economic challenges we have been facing in the past six months, as a nation, as families and as individuals, we are making good progress on the Annual Giving Campaign for Burr and Burton. To those parents who have already stepped forward and made a gift we are most grateful. To date, about 20 percent of our parents have given.

While we’ve made progress, we still have over $100,000 left to go to reach our goal. Participation is key to the success of this effort, so if you haven’t made a gift please consider making one. The size of your gift doesn’t matter – if all you can do at this time is $25 that is OKAY! If your personal circumstances allow you to do more, we would appreciate your support. But please do something.

In his letter to parents, Mark Tashjian stated, “Parent giving sends a powerful message to others in this community.” We’re asking you to respond to his appeal and show your strong support for this school and Mark in his first year as headmaster of this amazing institution. Thank you!

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We’re Looking for Host Families!

Every year Burr and Burton welcomes students from Asia, Europe and South America to study for one or both semesters. These students come to Burr and Burton hoping to perfect their English skills and to learn more about American culture by living with a host family in Manchester. Many go on to study at American universities before returning home.

We invite community members to experience the joy of hosting a young person and giving them a chance to know our country. A host family may consist of a traditional nuclear family, a single-parent household, “empty nesters” whose children are grown, a family with young children, or any variation thereon.

“Our participation in the International Program at Burr and Burton Academy has been fun, rewarding, and very surprising,” says Mary Kayhart. “My only regret is that we did not participate in the International
Program as a host family sooner.”

There are only two requirements: students must have their own bedrooms and families must have a willingness to share their lives and hearts with a student from a different culture. A stipend is provided to cover the host’s costs. Contact Andrea Thulin at 549-8133 or e-mail a athulin@burrburton.org.

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Performing Arts Department

February 1 Scotland trip meeting and dance demonstration 12:00-2:00
February 6 Green Mountain Instrumental Music Festival
February 28 One Act Drama Festival Workshop

Performing Arts Department Hosts Actors Symposium
February 27-28
Burr and Burton Academy’s Performing Arts Department is sponsoring a new initiative this winter for aspiring student actors and directors. The Actors Symposium, to be held on February 27 and 28, will provide students with the opportunity to study with professional actors and directors during this two-day event. These professionals draw from a diverse range of experience on and off Broadway, reaching from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York to international experience in Europe, Denmark, and Australia.

In preparation for this event, several one-act performances are currently in rehearsal under student direction. Faculty mentors are working with these student directors on advanced directorial techniques. In the spirit of collaboration, the Performing Arts Department has invited the Varsity Players from Arlington High School to join the symposium.
During the symposium, students will share their one-act performances with the professionals who will in turn provide constructive feedback, workshops, and mentorship for all participants. At the conclusion of the event, these one-acts will be performed for the public on Saturday February 28, at 6:30 pm in the school’s Riley Center for the Arts. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Doors will open at 5:45 pm.

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College and Career Counseling

Meetings with Juniors
Individual meetings with juniors are now underway as we help them shape their futures in college, gap programs, employment, military service, and other options. All students will have a scheduled appointment with their counselor sometime in the next few months when they will complete a resume of activities and explore opportunities with us.

For students who don’t have college in their sights at this time, we will discuss ways for students to determine possible career and job interests. Field Study, elective courses and part-time jobs are good avenues for students to prepare for employment after high school.

We assist college-bound students with the college search process, discuss academic preparation, review PSAT scores and plan for standardized testing. We look forward to continued contact with juniors throughout the next year as we work together to find good college matches.

Parents often wonder how they can help. We meet with students and help them compile an appropriate college list, but families need to take the next step. Please facilitate some college visits during the spring semester. In our experience, we have found that students who have visited a few campuses prior to applying find the process more meaningful, directed and manageable. With advanced notice to teachers and the Dean of Students, college visits are excused absences from school. Plan a trip to see a campus or two and take advantage of information sessions and tours. Then be sure to let us know your family’s impressions.

Another way that we coordinate efforts with students and families is through the Naviance Program (http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton). This on-line program has multiple resources and also serves as a communication tool. We demonstrated various program functions during our evening College Program for Junior Parents in October. Individual account access codes were also mailed home earlier this year. If you have misplaced your access code or need to reset your password, please email Lynne Welsh, office assistant, by e-mail at lwelsh@burrburton.org.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns. We are eager to partner with parents in the college and career planning process.

Andrea Hogan, 549-8145; ahogan@burrburton.org
Melissa Michaud, 549-8130; mmichaud@burburton.org
Cristin Rose, 549-8126; crose@burrburton.org

Standardized Testing Registration
Most juniors should sign up to take either the SAT Reasoning Test (the regular SAT) on May 2 or the ACT (with writing) on April 4 since they are given here at the school and students are generally more comfortable in a familiar testing environment. Some highly selective colleges also require SAT Subject Tests so some students should also plan to take these on June 6 at another site. Although this is the traditional junior testing schedule, individual students do choose alternative plans. For example, students anticipating athletic championship contests during the first weekend in June need to be aware of a potential conflict.

Information on the SAT and ACT, registration forms and free practice booklets are available in the School and College Counseling Office and at www.collegeboard.com and www.actstudent.org, respectively. The table below outlines spring testing options. Additional testing opportunities will come next fall. Please contact us if you have questions.

Test: ACT
Registration Deadlines: February 27 and May 8
Test Dates: April 4 and June 13
Place: BBA and Other

Test: SAT or Subject
Registration Deadlines: March 31 and May 5
Test Dates: May 2 and June 6
Place: BBA and Other

Prep for Standardized Testing
SAT prep classes are currently forming for the spring semester. The Manchester Tutorial Center offers two courses at a moderate fee. Please call 362-0222 for information and to register for classes beginning in mid March. High-End Test Prep offers an intensive and pricier course beginning in mid February (call 802-233-7732 or email highendtestprep@yahoo.com). A best value SAT prep option will take place on the weekend of April 25-26 when Bruce Hammond, former managing editor of the Fiske Guide to Colleges, will offer a two-day workshop for approximately $100. Details on that course are forthcoming.

Financial Aid
Financial aid information was distributed to all seniors in advisory in December. All Vermont students applying for need-based financial aid must submit the FAFSA and VSAC forms. Pay close attention to individual college financial aid deadlines; many colleges require students to file the FAFSA in February and March.

To file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and VSAC grant application, go the these websites: www.fafsa.ed.gov and www.vsac.org. Families are urged to file on-line as soon as possible and you are welcome to use our office computers if you need internet access. If you have questions about the FAFSA or other financial aid forms, don’t hesitate to contact the helpful folks at VSAC’s toll-free help line: 800-642-3177.

In addition, some private colleges require students to file the CSS Profile form. You will need to check your individual college financial aid requirements. Information about the CSS Profile can be found in the financial aid section at www.collegeboard.com.

Scholarships
Students can pick forms for individual scholarships in the School and College Counseling Office. For a current list of scholarships available please go to www.burrburton.org/parents. VSAC coordinates applications for multiple Vermont-based scholarships through its VSAC Scholarship Booklet and Unified Scholarship Application (due March1). This publication is available for pick-up in our office; information and forms are also available on the VSAC website.

Summer Programs / Study Abroad
The School and College Counseling Office has collected information about a variety of summer programs, including two Vermont-based programs: MedQuest (for health-related careers; www.southernvermontahec.org) and Governor’s Institutes (topical sessions: www.giv.org). See websites for details and deadlines.

Students planning to spend a semester abroad or in an alternative educational setting in 2009-10 should meet with their counselor to plan an appropriate academic schedule. Students need to submit a Burr and Burton Off-Campus Study application for approval.

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Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning
Cabin Fever Classes

The Green mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning is offering some great Cabin Fever classes, several taught by Burr and Burton faculty. For complete information visit their website at www.gmall.org.

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School Club Roundup Announcement
The School Club Roundup is an annual ham radio contest with the purpose of promoting amateur radio communications in schools. During the week of February 9-13, Burr and Burton Academy’s ham radio station (K1BBS) will participate for the eleventh consecutive year. Over the past decade, 277 Burr and Burton students have made 2,342 contacts with individuals, clubs, and schools. K1BBS has ranked nationally between third and ninth for the high school division with nine of the ten years producing the Vermont state champion. Worldwide, depending on the year, K1BBS ranked between fourth and thirtieth. Come 20:00 UTC on Monday, 2-9-09, K1BBS keys the microphone to defend BBA’s state, national, and international honor. For previous year’s statistics, pictures, etc. go to: http://bba-kochenour-chemistry.wikispaces.com/Ham+Radio

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From the Library
Come Join Us for a 200th Birthday Party for Abraham Lincoln, Thursday February 12. Books, Photos, Trivia Contest and Birthday Cake!

With more than fifty Lincoln titles in our collection, there is much to read and enjoy and many works will be on display all month for borrowing. Here are just three suggestions: The Lincolns: Portrait of a Marriage by Daniel Epstein, Abraham Lincoln the Writer, compiled and edited by Harold Holzer and Lincoln at Cooper Union: The Speech That Made Abraham Lincoln President by Harold Holzer. In addition to books we have other formats such as DVDs, photographs and CDs that focus on Lincoln.

We are featuring a presidential trivia contest during February – just five correct answers results in a “sweet” reward!

Library website: http://northshirelibraries.com

Library Hours
Monday – Thursday 7 am – 4 pm
Friday 7 am – 1 pm

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New Club in Town Holds Food Drive February 21
The Manchester Lions Club’s new Leo Club, under the direction of Pam Nichols, is having a Stuff-a-Bus food drive on Saturday, February 21, at Shaw’s supermarket from 8 am to 2 pm. Stop by and help them fill the mini-bus. All food donated will go to the Manchester Food Cupboard. The Leo Club, a youth version of the Lions, is an international community service club and is open to all local high-school students. Burr and Burton junior Mary Kate Hancock is the current president of the club. Please call Pam for more information: 362-3504.

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