3  End of Marking Period
3  Scholarship Night (7 pm)
4-6  Underclass Exams (Early Dismissal – 12:35 pm)
5  Commencement Rehearsal
7  Faculty In-Service – Make-up Exams
7  Commencement (5:30 pm)

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From the Headmaster

Dear Families:

We have arrived at the end of the school year and, for our seniors, the end of their four years at Burr and Burton.  It has been an amazing year, and the recent run of our public events has been incredible: the AP Psychology fair, Holocaust class presentations, Little Shop of Horrors, choral performances at Lincoln Center, the performing arts showcase at SVAC, Sophomore Service Day, The Gawlik Awards, last week’s fundraising Gala, sports performances galore, among others.  

While there is always a desire to look back and reflect, I would also like to look forward as we have had a confluence of events and decisions recently that look to the future.

First, we are in the process of purchasing 20 acres of land directly adjacent to our main campus, and it is simply magical. The woodland is beautiful, there is a crystal clear pond, and the main building, Birchbrook, is representative of architecture from a bygone era. I do not think it is hyperbole to say that this is the single most important land acquisition since Joseph Burr funded the initial property upon which our beloved Seminary Building sits, and it opens up a host of possibilities for the future of our main campus as it brings it to almost 50 acres.

On the technology front, next year, we will furnish every student at Burr and Burton with an iPad, thereby unleashing the tremendous potential for today’s technology to transform the teaching and learning process. As with the land acquisition, this step will be transformative and might be as momentous on the pedagogical front as the land acquisition is on the physical.

Further, as announced on Earth Day, we have brought to fruition a hydroelectric power deal with the Carthusian monks on Equinox Mountain.  Effective immediately, our entire electric supply is being provided through this carbon-free source at a 10% price reduction.  Thus, we will save $15,000 per year while preserving the environment and providing an educational venue for our students. This is a true “triple bottom line” project.

All this, and we have just completed our first year of the Mountain Campus. Over forty students have now experienced the rigor and challenge of a semester on the mountain, and the results are unequivocal: the Mountain Campus program is a life-changing opportunity.

Then, there is the daily business of teaching and learning, which is our true heart and soul.  In every department, there is evidence of reflective practice, the challenging of assumptions, and a commitment to continuous re-thinking of our program and approach. We came through the NEASC accreditation process with flying colors and a comprehensive road map for the future.  This summer, a team of students and adults will go to Shelburne Farms for a “farm to school” program that will impact our relationship with food and the local agricultural community.  Homework Academy is now an integral part of our school and has met with great success. Our assembly program is revitalized. We are refocusing our efforts to address drug and alcohol issues, and on a daily basis, we are making and supporting the human connections so vital to making us a true learning community.

In support of all these efforts, we have an advancement office tirelessly seeking support for the future (newsflash–the Gala on May 24 set yet-another record on the fundraising front), a business office ensuring that our finances and operations remain true, a food service department keeping our bellies full and our taste buds interested, and a maintenance department working behind the scenes to keep our buildings and campus in tip-top shape.

* * * * * * *

There is no one thing that makes a school “great.” Rather, greatness is a function of being able to create a unique, passionate experience for each and every student, whether it is in the classroom, on stage, behind the camera, on the sports field, or elsewhere.  And each of these experiences is dependent on students working with adults in a truly collaborative relationship.

If there has been someone who has been particularly meaningful to you and your daughters or sons this year, please consider letting that person know.  Your words of support are very meaningful and very powerful.

On June 7, we will honor the Class of 2013, and then we will all head off for a much-deserved respite.  It has been a great year, and I look forward to celebrating its accomplishments and bringing it to a close.  Our future is bright.  

Onward and forward,

Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

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From the Parent Association

The Burr and Burton Parent Association endeavors to foster partnership between families, school, and the community through communication, education, social and fundraising activities and advocacy.

June is here already! Can you believe it?
The end of the marking period is on the third and scholarship night is also on the third at 7 pm.
Then final exams from the 4th-6th with early dismissal (12:35) those days. The last day of school is June 6th.
Rehearsal for commencement is on the 5th and commencement for the class of 2013 is Friday, June 7th. That’s also a faculty in service day, so the kids have that day off!

I told you there was a lot going on by the 7th!

See you next year!

Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President 

From the Athletic Department

IMPORTANT FALL SPORTS INFORMATION

August 11 - Mandatory Football Parent and Athlete Information Night 5 pm in the cafeteria.

August 12 - Football practice begins.

August 14 - Mandatory Fall Sports Parent and Athlete Information Night for ALL Fall Sports 6:00 pm in the gym. All athletes and parents will meet in the gym first. Football players and parents will be dismissed and all others will go to individual team meetings.

August 15 - Soccer, Field Hockey and X-country practices begin.

Fall Head Coaches:

Football: Jason Thomas                jthomas@burrburton.org

Girls’ Soccer: Dan DeForest          ddeforest@burburton.org

Boys’ Soccer: Peter Mull               pmull@burrburton.org

Field Hockey: Barb Miceli              bmiceli@burrburton.org

Field Hockey: Julie Fifield              jfifield@burrburton.org

X-Country: Sandy Birch               sbirch@burrburton.org

All students must have had a physical exam after October 31, 2011 prior to participating in fall sports. Copies of new or existing physicals must be provided to the athletic department.

All the necessary forms needed to participate in athletics can be downloaded from the schools web site, burrburton.org. These completed forms must be brought to the meetings on August 11  or August 14 or mailed (attn. Kathi Bierwirth) to the school before August 10.

Returning Burr and Burton students must be in attendance at the first day of practice and all juniors must attend the varsity tryouts.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Director of Athletics Kathi Bierwirth kbierwirth@burrburton.org.

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From the Advancement Office

As the school year comes to an end, it’s a time to look back on our successes and what a year it has been!  And the Advancement Office couldn’t be more grateful for all of the support that has come through our doors.  

First, our annual fundraising gala, Evening under the Stars, was a huge success!  From the online auction, to the raffle, to gala sponsorships, sponsoring faculty members to attend, and the live auction and call to support the Student Success Program, it was an evening to remember.  While we are still working on paying our expenses and gathering the pledges made during the event, it looks like we will net well over $300,000.  That is a remarkable number and we are appreciative of all who supported the efforts of the gala committee and responded to our expert auctioneer, Eric Nathan’s call to action. 

Second, at our last tally, our parent participation in the Annual Giving Campaign is up over last year by 3.3%.  Any trend upwards is a good trend and we have yet to add in the support we received in May.  I’m confident we’ll end up even higher.  So thank you to all parents who gave to the annual fund.  Whether you made an outright gift, a gift in kind, supported Friends of Hockey, bought raffle tickets or an online auction item – all count toward our parent participation number. 

Third, we once again exceeded our annual fund goal which means all of the extraordinary opportunities we offer to YOUR student will continue.  While other schools cannot always offer after school activities, fun and interesting clubs, three seasons of sports, music, dance and drama programs, a plethora of out of the ordinary courses and more, Burr and Burton Academy can because of the annual fund.  

And last but certainly not least, we want to thank all of our parent volunteers. Peggy Brockett, Parent Association President led a stellar group of dedicated committee members.  Bob McLeish and Kathleen James led the Advancement Committee of the Parent Association and Gina Vickers was an awesome Gala Committee chair. Vice president and communications liaison Drew Dunigan did a super job at outreach to our BBA families.  Jennifer Amatruto and Tracy Staton served admirably on the Arts and Humanities Committee, Peggy Brockett and Tammy Pollard warmly welcomed parents of Freshmen and transfers students to our community.  And Kate Miskovsky headed up the Community Life committee.

To all of our parents who worked with the Performing Arts Department, the Friends of Hockey, the Booster Club, helped out with fundraisers for all sorts of student needs, all home bakers who contributed countless cookies and bars to bake sales, and many other unsung heroes, we give you our sincere thanks for your help and support of our BBA students! 

I know I’ve probably missed someone and if I did, I apologize.  Please know that this school is a special place because of you.  Dedicated and talented faculty are a major factor; visionary and supportive administration and staff are extremely important; but PARENT involvement is key.  Being involved in your student’s education ensures they will be engaged and succeed in school.  And that’s why we do what we do – to help each and every student find success at Burr and Burton.

Have a great summer and if you’re around campus, stop by and say high to the Advancement Staff.  And once again, a heartfelt THANK YOU for all that you did to support our Burr and Burton students this year.

With deep appreciation,

Cynthia Gubb, Rich Thompson, Nancy Brown and Christine Hoard 

Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
802-549-8201
cgubb@burrburton.org

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The Student Success Program has had a great first year at BBA. Jason Pergament, Director of the program, has been hard at work planning interventions to address the achievement gap that exists here in our community.

One of the major programs being initiated this year is the Summer Success Camp (July 22 – August 8, 2013). The Success Camp Staff has been focusing their energy on getting ready to welcome our incoming Freshman. They are working hard to finalize the details of camp – including time on the ropes course, a Vermont college tour and a week up on the Mountain Campus. There is a great energy at the sending schools about this offering and all of the staff involved are excited to meet this new cohort of scholars. They are confident that their efforts will ensure these students start off their career at Burr and Burton on the right foot!

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Student Travel Opportunities

The itinerary and more information may be found here.

Moroccan Wanderers

During April break, 2014 a group of BBA students will head to Morocco for 10 days. They will visit Casablanca, where they will relive the 1940s classic Casablanca when they eat dinner in Humphrey Bogart-style at the famous “Rick’s Cafe”.  Following this, they will explore the golden kasbah of Ait Benhadou on a scavenger hunt that takes them throughout the town in a search for Moroccan treasures. This is only the beginning! The trip includes a sunset camel ride and sand boarding through the desert, a hike deep into Todra Gorge, and time in the UNESCO-acclaimed thousand-year-old market of Marrakech, where they can watch snake charmers mesmerize their cobras and buy trinkets sold by vendors. Throughout the week, students will hear Mosques make their calls to prayer and students will journal about their experiences. 

During the middle of the week, students will perform Community Service in Ait Bougamez. The nature of the community service will be set closer to our departure time, based on the needs of the community. Students will earn 16 hours of community service during the time spent in Morocco, allowing them to give back to the communities they stay in.

The trip is jointly sponsored by the foreign language department and the social studies department, allowing all students to apply. Rustic Pathways is the tour guide responsible for the itinerary and leadership, with Michelle Emery, French teacher, and Kendra Larson, Social Studies teacher, as chaperones. For more information, contact Michelle Emery at memery@burrburton.org or Kendra Larson at klarson@burrburton.org.

See the Spain video here.

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From the Media and Performing Arts Department

A free, public viewing of the Lincoln Center performance DVD of Calling All Dawns will be presented at 7 pm, Wednesday, June 5 in the Riley Center for the Arts at Burr and Burton Academy.  The performance is approximately one hour in length.  For further information, please contact Julie Freebern at jfreebern@burrburton.org or 802-362-1775 ex. 231.

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College and Career Information

Summer Homework for Rising Seniors

• Request a college recommendation from a teacher before summer vacation – use the Teacher Recommendation Request Form (available in the School and College Counseling Office).
• Visit college campuses and enter your observations in your Naviance journal.
  Update your online Naviance resume (http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton)
• Complete all summer work required for your fall classes –Information and summer reading assignments available on http://www.burrburton.org under academics.
  Draft a sample college essay – Rising seniors received the new essay topics for the Common Application in advisory, copies are available in the School and College Counseling office and are currently posted on the Common Application website (www.commonapp.org). The new version of the entire Common Application will be available August 1.
• Work on Service Learning projects.
• Learn something new through work, summer programs or self-study.
• Set a personal goal and achieve it; think about how you want to challenge yourself in your senior year.
  Register by August 23 for the September 21 ACT at www.actstudent.org. There will be another opportunity to take the ACT in October. Registration and test dates not yet announced for the SAT- check on www.collegeboard.org for updated information.

Mandatory Application Seminar for all College-Bound Seniors

Tuesday, August 20, 10 am – 1 pm
 Information on the college admission process and preliminary work on college applications.

Senior College Application Workshops (optional but recommended)

Application Workshops 10am – 12 pm Wednesday, August 21 and Thursday, August 22 
Come to one-or both-sessions to work with your counselor and get your college applications filled out before the busy fall semester begins.

Summer Homework for All
Students need to budget time over the summer for any required academic work. All students will have a summer reading requirement and assignment from the Social Studies Department. Students enrolled in AP English 11 or 12, AP US History, AP Biology and AP Psychology will have course-specific summer work. Assignments will be posted on the Burr and Burton website and available in hard copy in the School and College Counseling Office.

Attention Class of 2015  
All rising juniors must report to school on Tuesday, August 27, for the Junior Jump Start Program. Juniors have reached an important milestone and we’ll mark this special day with activities to kick off the second half of high school! Students will be introduced to career and college information, standardized testing options, and more. They’ll also meet new students and have some time to reconnect with classmates and advisors.

Summer contact information for School and College Counseling Office
All of the counselors work a different schedule throughout the summer and will periodically check and respond to email. We are also available to meet with students and parents by appointment. Please keep in touch with your questions and updates.

As advisory groups, rising sophomores have shifted counselors from Phil Anton to Andrea Hogan, Melissa Michaud or Cristin Rose. Juniors and seniors will retain their current counselor for consistency. Phil Anton will continue to be the counselor for incoming freshmen. School and College counselor assignments will again be noted in the end-of-the-year mailing.

Senior Plans
Members of the Class of 2013 recently completed surveys about their various plans for life after Burr and Burton. We will automatically send final transcripts for seniors who indicated enrolling in a college. (There is no need for a special request or form!) Students who later change their enrollment decision should let us know so we can follow up appropriately.

We wish graduates good luck in their ventures. Please know that we look forward to hearing from you. We’ll miss you!

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From the Library

HAPPY SUMMER READING!

Teen Book App!

Want an easy way to find awesome, award-winning teen books? Use the YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) Teen Book Finder App!  It’s easy to use & has lots of info on great books for teens. More info (including the download link) is here: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/products/teenbookfinder.

Here are some recent additions to the Lisa B. Tuttle Memorial Collection and they are a great place to start if you are looking for some recommended summer reads. 

Marr, Melissa and Kelley Armstrong, eds.  Shards and Ashes.  A collection of nine dystopian tales, with selections by Veronica Roth, Nancy Holder, Melissa Marr, and others.

Van Draanen, Wendelin.  The Running Dream.  When a school bus accident leaves sixteen-year-old Jessica an amputee, she returns to school with a prosthetic limb and her track team finds a wonderful way to help rekindle her dream of running again.

Johnson, Maureen.  The Name of the Star.  Rory, of Boueuxlieu, Louisiana, is spending a year at a London boarding school when she witnesses a murder by a Jack the Ripper copycat and becomes involved with the very unusual investigation.

Schrefer, Eliot.  The School for Dangerous Girls.  Sent to a remote, run-down reform school in Colorado, fifteen-year-old Angela is placed with the better girls, but upon learning that her “dangerous” friends are being isolated and left to live as animals, she takes radical steps to join them and help them escape.

Blake, Kendare.  Anna Dressed in Blood.  Cas Lowood, armed with his late father’s mysterious athame, set out to kill a ghost known as Anna Dressed in Blood, but what he believes will be a routine task turns deadly when he discovers Anna is unlike any ghost he has ever encountered before.

Ness, Patrick.  A Monster Calls:  a Novel.  Thirteen-year-old Conor awakens one night to find a monster outside his bedroom window, but not the one from the recurring nightmare that began when his mother became ill–an ancient, wild creature that wants him to face truth and loss.

Berger, Jonah.  Contagious:  Why Things Catch On.  Berger reveals the secret science behind word-of-mouth and social transmission. Discover how six basic principles drive all sorts of things to become contagious, from consumer products and policy initiatives to workplace rumors and YouTube videos.

Kiernan, Denise.  The Girls of Atomic City:  The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II.  In this book the author traces the story of the unsung World War II workers in Oak Ridge, Tennessee through interviews with dozens of surviving women and other Oak Ridge residents. This is the story of the young women of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, who unwittingly played a crucial role in one of the most significant moments in U.S. history.

Andrews, Jesse.  Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.  Seventeen-year-old Greg has managed to become part of every social group at his Pittsburgh high school without having any friends, but his life changes when his mother forces him to befriend Rachel, a girl he once knew in Hebrew school who has leukemia.

Saenz, Benjamin Alire.  Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.  Fifteen-year-old Ari Mendoza is an angry loner with a brother in prison, but when he meets Dante and they become friends, Ari starts to ask questions about himself, his parents, and his family that he has never asked before.

Stiefvater, Maggie.  The Raven Boys.  Though she is from a family of clairvoyants, Blue Sargent’s only gift seems to be that she makes other people’s talents stronger, and when she meets Gansey, one of the Raven Boys from the expensive Aglionby Academy, she discovers that he has talents of his own–and that together their talents are a dangerous mix.

Levithan, David.  Every Day.  Every morning A wakes in a different person’s body, in a different person’s life, learning over the years to never get too attached, until he wakes up in the body of Justin and falls in love with Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon.

Kontis, Alethea.  Enchanted.  When Sunday Woodcutter, the youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week, kisses an enchanted frog, he transforms back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland–a man Sunday’s family despises.

Quick, Matthew.  Boy21.  Finley, an unnaturally quiet boy who is the only white player on his high school’s varsity basketball team, lives in a dismal Pennsylvania town that is ruled by the Irish mob, and when his coach asks him to mentor a troubled African American student who has transferred there from an elite private school in California, he finds that they have a lot in common in spite of their apparent differences.

Condie, Ally.  Matched.  Cassia has always had complete trust in the Society to make decisions for her, but when she is being paired with her ideal mate, a second face flashes on the screen, and Cassia begins to doubt the Society’s infallibility as she tries to decide which man she truly loves.    If you like Matched try its sequels:   Reached and Crossed.

Ritland, Mike and Gary Brozek.  Trident K9 Warriors :  My Tales from the Training Ground to the Battlefield with Elite Navy SEAL Canines.  Provides an inside look at the dogs that serve as highly trained K9 warriors doing detection and apprehension work in battlefield conditions as elite Navy SEAL canines, with anecdotes from the author’s experience as a Navy SEAL and a trainer and supplier of working and protection dogs.

Erdrich, Louise.  The Round House.  An attack on 13-year-old Joe’s mother near their North Dakota Ojibwe reservation home leads him and his friends on a quest to solve the crime.  This coming-of-age story highlights friendship, family, tradition, and the uneasy relationship between the tribal and white communities.

Hohn, Donovan.  Moby Duck: the true story of  28,800 bath toys lost at sean and of the beachcombers, oceanographers, environmentalists, and fools, including the author , who went in search of them.  Journalist Donovan Hohn chronicles his quest to learn about the mysterious loss of 28,800 bath toys lost at sea, discussing the discoveries he made during his conversations with environmentalists, experts in oceanography, and various other individuals.

Skilton, Sarah.  Bruised.  When she freezes during a hold -up at the local diner, sixteen-year-old Imogen, a black belt in Tae Kwan Do, has to rebuild her life, including her relationship with her family and with the boy who was with her during the shoot-out.

King, A.S.  Ask the Passengers.  Astrid Jones, who realizes that she is a lesbian, deals with the gossip and rejection she faces by sending love up to the people on airplanes as they pass over her.

Rowell, Rainbow.   Eleanor & Park.  “Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits–smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.”

Moyes, Jojo.  Me Before You.  “They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose–Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life–steady boyfriend, close family–who has never been farther afield than their tiny village.  She takes a badly needed job working for ex-Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after a motorcycle accident.”

Emerson, Jason.  Giant in the Shadows: the life of Robert T. Lincoln.  After nearly 10 years of research, Emerson offers the first truly definitive biography of the famous lawyer, businessman, and statesman who, much more than merely the son of America’s most famous president, made his ow indelible mark on one of the most progressive and dynamic eras in U.S. history.

Souder, William.  On a Farther Shore: the life and legacy of Rachel Carson.  Offers details about the life of marine biologist, environmentalist, and author Rachel Carson and discusses the influence of her book “Silent Spring.”

Mam, Somaly.  The Road of Lost Innocence.  Somaly Man, a Cambodian woman who was sold into the sex trade when she was twelve, relates her experiences in the industry and discusses her work as an activist in Southeast Asia.

Donovan, Jeremy.  How to deliver a TED talk: secrets of the world’s most inspiring presentations.  A complete guide to creating presentations that inspire others with your story.

Shlaes, Amity.  Coolidge.  A provocative reexamination of America’s thirtieth president, Calvin Coolidge.

Erdrich, Louise.  The Round House.  An attack on 13-year-old Joe’s mother near their North Dakota Ojibwe reservation home leads him and his friends on a quest to solve the crime.  This coming-of-age story highlights friendship, family, tradition, and the uneasy relationship between the tribal and white communities.

Bergman, Peter.  18 Minutes:  Find Your Focus, Master Distraction & Get the Right Things Done.  Presents tips on how to cut through interruptions and clutter in daily life and focus on the things that are most important to us.

Brunt, Carol Rifka.  Tell the Wolves I’m Home.  June thought she knew everything about her beloved uncle, Finn. After his death from a mysterious new illness called AIDS, his grieving boyfriend delivers Finn’s favorite teapot to June’s door, and she realizes nothing is what she thought it was: not her family, not her uncle, not even herself.

Cross, Sarah.  Kill Me Softly.  After being raised her whole life by her fairy godmothers, Mirabelle runs away to the town where they said her parents had died at. But when she gets there, she starts to notice that this isn’t any ordinary town and that the teens that live here are fated to play out the Grimm’s fairy tales. So when Mira finds out that she, too has a role to play, it’s only a matter of time before her story could lose its happy ending.

Roth, Veronica. Insurgent.  In the sequel to Divergent, Tris Prior is safe housing at the Amity compounds with her fellow survivors. With the whole city at war with its self and Jeannie looking for all the divergent, Tris must learn to embrace her own divergence and understand it, though it might prove a dangerous task.

Stiefvater, Maggie. The Raven Boys.  The Raven Boys is a thrilling adventure that captures you and takes you down the supernatural path with a daring girl named Blue, four complicated guys and one life-altering quest and mystery of finding the Glendower King.

Wein, Elizabeth. Code Name Verity.  Verity is held captive by the Gestapo in 1943. She is told to reveal the secrets of the pilot who brought her to France or face the brutal consequences. As she does this, she weaves a story of an unlikely friends hip and the bonds formed by it. Their tales intertwined form a suspenseful, breathtaking narrative of espionage – hope – horror – and friendship that spans untold secrets!

Hartman, Rachel. Seraphina.  Dragons and humans have finally achieved peace, and the anniversary celebration is fast approaching. For Seraphina Dombegh who is half dragon and half human , life is about blending in. However, a series of events will place her in the path of the Prince Lucian, Captain of the Queen’s Guard, and a hunt for a killer determined to start a war.

Although the BBA Library is closed during the summer, our collection remains available to the entire school community through the Mark Skinner Library. 

Happy summer reading! 

Library Hours:
Monday – Thurs       7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday                      7:00 am – 1:00 pm

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Corporate Sponsors

We thank the corporations below for their generous support of Burr and Burton Academy and hope you will in turn support their businesses.

Headmaster’s List

Berkshire Bank

r.k. Miles

Stratton Mountain Resort

The Orvis Company

The Vermont Country Store

TPW Management

High Honors List

Finn and Stone Insurance

Mack Molding

The Equinox Resort and Spa

W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency, Inc.

Honors List

Casella Waste Management

Homestead Landscaping

Mettowee Mill Nursery, Inc.

The Bank of Bennington

The Richards Group

Academic Letter

Aspen Motel

Battenkill Communications

Bradley D. Myerson Law Offices

Dublois and Associates

Engel Spivey Lemonik, PC

Hand Motors

High-Tech Plumbing & Heating

Mountain Weavers

People’s United Bank

Academic Pin

Dydo and Company, Inc.

Glebe Mountain Gardens & Landscaping

iShip

Northshire Bookstore

TD Bank

4  SAT at BBA
4  Junior Prom
6-15 AP Exams
17 Founders Day and Luncheon
14-18 Spring Musical
23 Spring Performing Arts Showcase SVAC
24 Awards Assembly & Yearbook Dedication
24 Senior Day
24 Gala – Evening Under the Stars
27 Memorial Day – No School
29-31 Senior Exams
31 Gawlik Media and Performing Arts Awards

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From the Headmaster

Dear Families:

Some tragedies happen and some are preventable.

With the prom around the corner, I hope you will indulge me when I ask – even beg – that you find ways to ensure that your daughters and sons are safe when getting in a car.  Prom season is the most dangerous time of year for teenagers.  Each prom season, roughly 300 young people die tragically and needlessly from automobile accidents, often involving drugs and alcohol.  The only antidote that I know of is to engage in dialogue with your children so they know where you stand on this issue.  Can they call you at 2 a.m. to seek a ride home?  What do YOU want them to do if they are in a potentially dangerous situation?  I propose that no student should ever get in a car with a driver who is under the influence, no matter how minimal that impairment may seem.  If someone is drinking or consuming any drug at any level, they should be considered unsafe to drive.

I also know there are many parental philosophies regarding teenage drinking.  For what it’s worth, we as a school believe that no parent should host a drinking party, and the law supports our position.

This school year is entering the home stretch.  We have a myriad of exciting events lined up between now and the most momentous of all: commencement on June 7.  Please help keep our young people safe during this exciting time in their lives.

Sincerely,

Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

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From the Parent Association

The Burr and Burton Parent Association endeavors to foster partnership between families, school, and the community through communication, education, social and fundraising activities and advocacy.

It’s May and a busy, busy month!

We start off with something serious and then it turns into fun! First, on the 4th, there is the SAT exam followed by the prom that night!
Serious: The advanced placement exams are from the 6th-15th of the month.
Fun: The Founder’s Day luncheon is on the 17th.
Fun: The Spring Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, is from the 14th-18th.
Fun: Then the Spring Performing Arts Showcase at the SVAC on the 23rd.
Fun: Friday the 24th is a very busy day with the Awards Assembly & Yearbook Dedication, Senior Day, and the yearly Gala, Evening Under the Stars, at Hildene in the evening!
Fun: That weekend is Memorial Day weekend so no school on Monday, the 27th.
And we end the month with something serious and then fun too! Senior exams are from the 29th-31st and the Gawlik Media and Performing Art Awards are on the 31st.

All in all, a lot more fun than serious!

Get ready for June, there’s a lot packed into the first seven days!

Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President 

From the Media and Performing Arts Department

Burr and Burton to Perform the Musical Little Shop of Horrors

Burr and Burton Academy’s Media and Performing Arts Department will present the musical Little Shop of Horrors, May 14-18, 2013 at 6:30 pm in the Riley Center for the Arts.  One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a household name, thanks to a highly successful film version with Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin, Vincent Gardinia and a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. Tickets are $7 for Burr and Burton students, faculty, staff and children under 18 and $12 for the general public.  Box office opens one hour prior to show, or you can order tickets online at: bbatickets.com. For further information please call 802-549-8224.

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From the Visual Art Department

Eighteen BBA Visual Arts students were invited to display paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, and drawings at The Chaffee Art Center’s Annual Student Art Show in Rutland, VT. The exhibition will take place from Friday May 3 until Sunday May 26. The show will be hosted in two locations with a high school exhibit being held in the new downtown gallery at 75 Merchants Row and K-8  grade exhibited at the Chaffee Mansion at 16 South Main Street. The Opening Reception will be on Friday May 3 from 5-8 PM at both locations and families are encouraged to walk back and forth (less than a half mile round trip) between the two locations to take in the whole show.

Visit their site here: http://www.chaffeeartcenter.org/gallery.html

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From the Advancement Office

It’s May, which seems unbelievable!  Where has the year gone?  And of course May brings the culmination of our fundraising efforts for the year with the spring gala. Evening under the Stars is our theme for this magical event scheduled for May 24 at Hildene.  Invitations went out on April 24 and demand for tickets is already extremely high, so please respond as quickly as possible.

If you are unable to attend the event due to scheduling conflicts we hope you will consider supporting the gala by either sponsoring a faculty member to attend or by purchasing raffle tickets. This year’s raffle prize is a trip to Washington, D.C. Who wouldn’t want a long weekend away in the nation’s capitol?  Four nights lodging, a visit with one of our Vermont congressional delegation, dinner at the fabulous Lincoln Restaurant, and a $500 gift card are included in the package. There is also unlimited access to all of the museums and galleries on the mall. Raffle tickets are $30 for one or $50 for two and are available through May 24. To purchase raffle tickets, call Nancy Brown in the Advancement Office at 549-8110.

The Online Auction ended at midnight, April 30.  We’ll share the numbers with you as soon as we have them but we want to thank all of our parents who donated items to the auction and to those of you who bid on items.

We extended the parent challenge for the Annual Giving Campaign through the end of April and the results of the challenge are as follows:

Overall parent participation in support for the annual fund: 29.5%

            Class of 2013:   31.9%

            Class of 2014:   28.6%

            Class of 2015:   29.8%

            Class of 2016:   35.5%

The good news is overall giving is up from last year by 3.3%!  And we still have two months until the end of the year.  We are declaring the Class of 2016 the official winners of the Parent Challenge!  Pizza and ice cream for the winning class will be scheduled shortly.

We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you again for all of you who supported the annual fund over the past year.  While the Parent Challenge has ended, there is still time to get your name in the Annual Appreciation Report for 2012 – 2013.  Just make your gift by June 30, 2013.

Hope to see you at the gala!

Thanks for your continuing support!

Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
802-549-8201
cgubb@burrburton.org

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College and Career Information

Annual Spring College Night
On Wednesday May 8 from 6:30 to 9:00 in the Rowland Center a panel and workshops will be given on the college admission process by admissions officers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Castleton State College, New York University and the University of Denver. Workshops on Admissions Factors, College Essays, STEM Programs (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), College Athletics, Vermont Higher Education Options and Gap-year Programs will be held after the panel. All Junior and Sophomore parents and students are encouraged to attend.

For changes to student transcripts and reports to colleges, effective with the Class of 2014, click here.

Standardized Testing Registration
Juniors should have already taken or signed up to take the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT with writing at some point this spring. If necessary, juniors may still register for the June administration of these tests. The deadline for the June 1 SAT Reasoning or Subject tests is May 2 and for the ACT June 8 testing the deadline is May 3. The next testing opportunity for both tests is in September. Information is available at www.collegeboard.org and www.actstudent.org.

Junior Papers
Juniors should save copies of their current best papers to submit to colleges next year. Increasingly colleges are requesting that students provide graded writing samples in addition to their applications and essays.

Visit, Visit, Visit
Juniors should make plans to visit some college campuses in the upcoming months. College visits are legitimate absences for juniors but they need to let their counselor and their teachers know their visit plans in advance. Students are responsible for all work they miss. Please contact your counselor if you need assistance in setting up tours, information sessions, and interviews.

Advanced Placement Exams
This year’s AP exams run from May 6 – May 16. Please note that all Advanced Placement students taking morning exams will be released from school at the conclusion of the exam. Students taking exams that begin at noon are expected to attend the first two morning classes, but are released at 11 am in order to have lunch and prepare.

Senior College Notifications
May 1 is the National Candidates’ Reply Date. Seniors should be sure to send in their deposit to the ONE college of their choice by May 1 in order to hold their place in the class. Families who have not received financial aid packages may want to request an extension for the deposit but all students should communicate with their college by May 1. At the same time, seniors should notify other colleges that they have decided to enroll elsewhere.

Please note that it is unethical for students to send in a deposit to more than one college. Burr and Burton counselors are also bound by professional ethics and can send a student’s final high school transcript to only one college. Don’t forget to let us know where you will be heading next year.

2013 Graduation Countdown

Check your mailboxes for Burr and Burton’s Senior Events and Commencement Information booklet. It contains everything families need to know to prepare for the big event on Friday, June 7, at 5:30 pm.

• Click here for important information about Graduation 2013 and key senior events leading up to that important day.
  

Attention Male Seniors

Don’t forget to register for the U.S. Selective Service when you turn 18 years old.  Neglecting to register can prevent you from receiving college financial aid. Pick up a selective service form at any U.S. Post Office.

2013-14 Schedules
Underclass students will have received their tentative schedules for next year in the next several weeks. Please contact your student’s School and College Counselor if you have any questions. We are still making changes as space permits. Teacher assignments are still pending; students will learn that information when they receive a finalized schedule in early August.

2012/2013 Scholarship List Update

Forms for most of the scholarships listed below are available in the School and College Counseling Office.  This scholarship information is also listed on the Naviance website at: http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton.

Dorset Sportsman’s Club Scholarship

Eligibility: graduating seniors who live in Dorset and have been accepted into a school for post-secondary education including 2- and 4-year colleges, technical and vocational schools. Based on academic success, school activities, sports, extra curricular activities, community involvement, etc. Award: $2,000; Deadline: May 8

Erin Marie Hehir Memorial Dance Scholarship

Eligibility: graduating senior continuing to study dance or the performing arts in college. Financial need.
Award: not specified, Deadline: May 15

Rutland Regional Medical Center Scholarship

Eligibility: Graduating senior accepted at an accredited college or university, planning to study in the field of health care
Award: $2,000, $1,500, $1,000; Deadline: May 20

Embrace Diversity Scholarship

Eligibility: senior who truly embraces diversity and plans to further their education. Award: $200; Deadline: May 20

Price Chopper Golub Scholarship Awards

Complete the scholarship online and print it. 50-words summary statement of most significant achievement in any aspect of your life. Award: varies; Deadline: POSTMARKED by May 31
http://www.pricechopper.com/community/scholarships

Rizio-Wood Memorial Golf Scholarship

Eligibility: Graduating senior or current college student intending to pursue a career related to golf and/or agronomy as related to golf. (Agronomy encompasses work in the areas of plant genetics, plant physiology and soil science.)
Award: not specified; Deadline: June 1

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship

Eligibility: US citizen, high school student, must write an essay on the following theme :

What have you done outside the classroom that demonstrates qualities sought after by the post secondary institution that you are hoping to attend? Also, which of these qualities means the most to you?

The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent to us by email at: scholarships@abbottandfenner.com
Award: $1,000; Applications online at http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm
Deadline: June 14, 2013

LOANS

The Cooper Kelly Educational Fund

Eligibility: Senior planning to attend college. Dependable, responsible, and diligent with definite goals in mind. 2.0 average and references required. Interest free LOAN. No specified amount ($25 application fee)
Application and information in the School and College Counseling Office

Olin Scott Fund, Inc.

Eligibility: 2.5 average, Bennington County senior accepted at University or  College, must interview
Application in the School and College Counseling Office ($25 application fee)

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From the Library

Fairy Tales Retold for Teens  

Take the opportunity to visit our library’s display of splendid retellings of fairy tales written for teens. These reader-pleasing books are jam-packed with personal challenges, thrilling adventures, and magical happenings.  With their balance of the old familiar and the contemporary new,  these novels are also great choices for teen book discussion groups, or they can be used in the classroom to examine how modern works of fiction draw on themes, characters, and plotlines from traditional tales.

Try Marissa Meyer’s Cinder where Cinderella is a cyborg? Or read A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan in which Rose is awakened from a 62 year chemically induced slumber. Fathomless by Jackson Pearce is a dark take on “The Little Mermaid” that makes readers forget all about Ariel and Sebastian the singing crab.  Sarah Cross’s Kill Me Softly is a Grimm-based novel with familiar fairy tale elements but very creative twists.  Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson is a thrilling retelling of the “Bluebeard” story.

Fairy tales have endured for hundreds of years for a reason: they are a mix of the simple and the complex; they appeal to our sense of moral justice, romance and longing; their themes are universal; and they often include a surprise twist that keeps us entertained.

In our current display of titles some are very similar to the original tale, deviating little from original story lines and characters, while others use the themes as a guideline only, building a rich new world and cast of characters around those themes.

There’s a wonderful quality to all these stories, which is why they’ve lasted for centuries.  That’s the purpose of fairy tales–to be retold again and again in many ways for many different hearers.

We hope you enjoy your Lisa B. Tuttle Library experience.  If you have any suggestions or comments we would love to hear them.  Just stop by the Library and tell us!

Library website: http://northshirelibraries.com

Library Hours:
Monday – Thurs       7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday                      7:00 am – 1:00 pm

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From the Yearbook Staff

This is the last month for ordering the 2013 Yearbook!

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From the Health Clinic

It’s natural to be concerned about the safety of your student on prom night. While we all want our children to have a positive and memorable experience, having conversations and a plan for the evening will help reduce the possibility of something marring the event.

Here are some helpful suggestions for parents as they navigate prom weekend:

• Make sure you know the complete plan for the evening, including locations where your child will go and what time you expect him or her home. There’s nothing wrong with asking what restaurant, other home or location he or she will visit during the evening. That’s the obligation of parents and teens may appreciate it, even as they roll their eyes.
• Have contact information for other parents involved in your teen’s memorable night. If there is any issue, phone numbers and street addresses are invaluable.
• Be there when your teen leaves and don’t go to sleep until you know he or she is home safely. Let teens know you’ll be willing to talk or come get them anytime they may want to call.
• If you haven’t had conversations about intimate relationships, alcohol and drugs, muster up your parenting responsibilities and talk candidly. Prom night generates peer pressure to push boundaries so discuss limits and repercussions.
• A good conversation approach is, “I know you already know this, but I want you to be safe and have fun, so…”
• Assure your son or daughter that it’s okay for them to call you if they feel uncomfortable in any situation and want to come home. You may want to develop a code word or phrase so your teen can excuse themselves from a tough situation.
• Ask your child to be a good friend to others. If he/she sees someone drinking and knows that person plans to drive other friends home, tell your student to notify an authority figure – a teacher, a school official, you or a police officer. Good friends don’t let friends be at risk.
• Teach your children to be very careful accepting beverages from others, even from people they perceive as friends, to avoid the possibility of alcohol or drugs being slipped into their drink.
• If your teen is going to an “after-prom” party, know where it is, if it is adult-supervised, and what time it will end.

Communication is key. Partner with your child to help them make healthy decisions.

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Corporate Sponsors

We thank the corporations below for their generous support of Burr and Burton Academy and hope you will in turn support their businesses.

Headmaster’s List

Berkshire Bank

r.k. Miles

Stratton Mountain Resort

The Orvis Company

The Vermont Country Store

TPW Management

High Honors List

Finn and Stone Insurance

Mack Molding

The Equinox Resort and Spa

W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency, Inc.

Honors List

Casella Waste Management

Homestead Landscaping

Mettowee Mill Nursery, Inc.

The Bank of Bennington

The Richards Group

Academic Letter

Aspen Motel

Battenkill Communications

Bradley D. Myerson Law Offices

Dublois and Associates

Engel Spivey Lemonik, PC

Hand Motors

High-Tech Plumbing & Heating

Mountain Weavers

People’s United Bank

Academic Pin

Dydo and Company, Inc.

Glebe Mountain Gardens & Landscaping

iShip

Northshire Bookstore

TD Bank

13 ACT at BBA

15-19 Spring Break

24-25 Parent Conferences (Early Dismissal 12:35 pm)

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From the Headmaster

Dear Families:

What is the opposite of winning?

This was the question I posed to the student body at a recent Monday assembly as we neared the end of the the winter championships with three state championships under our belt, an emotional loss in a championship game (boys basketball), and another game, boys ice hockey, still to be played.  Someone immediately called out, “Losing!”

Just as the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference, I propose that the opposite of winning is not playing at all.  I was talking not only about athletics, but about the many ways students can get involved in something that ignites their passions–music, mathematics, ham radio, stage performance, visual arts, writing, technology, linguistics, science, history, cinematographer, whatever, More than the simplistic (but appealing) notion of “winning,” I expressed hope that each of our students is pursuing excellence doing something he or she loves.  I believe this is a simple formula for success and satisfaction in life.

On Steubenville, Ohio

Assistant Headmaster Meg Kenny spoke powerfully to our students last week about the troubling events in Steubenville, Ohio. For those of you unfamiliar, this was a case of two high school football players who were convicted of the rape of a high school girl at a summer party.  The case has torn apart the community.  Ms. Kenny spoke as a school leader, a woman, and a mother of sons about what “consent” actually means, and I ask that you read her comments carefully.

Spring in Vermont looks muddy, but it portends the return of green to the Green Mountains.  Happy Passover, Happy Easter, Happy April.

Sincerely,

Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

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From the Assistant Headmaster

The comments about the Steubenville rape case below, were given by Assistant Headmaster Meg Kenny, to a recent BBA Monday morning assembly.

I feel compelled to speak to you today about rape. No one asked me to share my thoughts and reactions on the Steubenville case.  Honestly, I never imagined I’d stand up in front of all of you and discuss the topic. Sadly, the events of Steubenville are not unique – I know that if I sat in a room with friends from high school and college many would hold memories of a rape or sexual assault – their own memories or those from the stories of family members and friends.

I’m speaking today as a mom of two boys and an educator of all of you – two jobs that I take very seriously.  As a mom, “the talk” with my boys will now include –  in super explicit terms –  what it means to have consent.  I feel confident discussing body parts, committed relationships, respect for your partner, and safe sex but it is still unimaginable that I’ll have to discuss and describe to my sons what consent looks like and what it does not look like.

As educators, we also need to teach and discuss what it is to give and receive consent.

Just like it is hard for me to wrap my head around the conversation that I’ll have with my sons, it is hard to wrap my head around this conversation with all of you.

Consent is an important part of healthy sexuality and both people must be involved in the decision to have sex.

Consent is ….

A voluntary, sober, wanted, informed, mutual, honest, and verbal agreement.  It is an active agreement.  Consent is never implied and cannot be assumed.  Consent is a process of continually checking in with your partner – consent is a conversation.

Ask questions, read between the lines. If you are not sure you have consent then you don’t.

Remember that the absence of “no” does not mean “yes”.

I’m speaking today because I worry that the crime in Steubenville is not unique.  I’m confused as to why some of the youth in Steubenville did nothing to help the victim, and a few cruelly documented the events and posted the violent crime on social media sites.

Why was it hard for the other young people to intervene?

Why were they ethically confused by what they witnessed?

It should not have been so hard to call for help – to stop the violence.

What do we have to do to change our culture so that it is easy to stand up on behalf of a person who’s lost their power?

How do we shift the balance so that most of the people in the room recognize that a crime is happening – and take action on behalf of the victim?

We need to act as responsible witnesses to the rest of the human race.  I said earlier – nobody told me to stand up and talk to you today, but I am a responsible witness to your lives.  I have to stand here – even though I’m not sure I’ve found the right words to say.

Maybe those present at the party did not have the tools to be responsible witness?  Maybe many of you here today don’t have the tools either and you’d be confused in the same or a similar situation.

I hope not…

In a recent article Katie J.M. Baker wrote:

“Wouldn’t it be amazing if this case went down in history as a turning point in rape culture history? Perhaps we’ll tell future generations that, after Steubenville, more parents started educating their kids about consent, college students stopped thinking their peers were “asking for it” by going out to bars, police and cities started prioritizing sexual assault cases and fewer people thought that a teenage girl is ready and willing when she is actually just unconscious.”

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From the Parent Association

The Burr and Burton Parent Association endeavors to foster partnership between families, school, and the community through communication, education, social and fundraising activities and advocacy.

April and spring is here! It is, it really is! We start off the month at BBA with the ACT on April 13 and then, yay, we go on spring break the week of the 15-19. Enjoy this time off before the summer. Parents, don’t forget to sign up for conferences with all of your student’s teachers. They will take place on April 24 and 25.

See you next month but in the meantime think spring!

Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President

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Please Note: There is a new late bus to Flood Brook. It leaves from BBA Monday thru Thursday at 4:15 pm and at 2:10 pm on Fridays.

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From The Dean of Students

How your child’s life can change in a ‘Snap’

Trying to keep up with social media is like racing a world-class athlete. No matter how fast you are, you’re always a step or two behind. The latest Smartphone app  (and I am probably a few steps behind) is called Snapchat. I am not going to bore you with the details, but I would encourage you to check your child’s Smartphone to see if he/she has the free application (see app image above).

In short, the Snapchat application enables the user to take a photo (usually of themselves), send it to friends, and then it miraculously disappears forever. However, since the image stays on your phone for several seconds, savvy Smartphone users can take a screen shot of the image, save it, and then the miracle of Snapchat is gone.

The app itself is harmless, but if it is used to send inappropriate or provocative images, it could present a serious problem for your child. I encourage you to read/view the following post and video.

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/mdmama/2013/02/why_snapchat_is_dangerous_its_not_just_because_of_sexting.html

http://pix11.com/2013/03/14/snapchat-sexting-scandal-at-nj-high-school-could-result-in-child-porn-charges/ – axzz2OMrxZnpw

Sincerely,

Anthony J. Cirelli
Dean of Students

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From the Visual Art Department

Art From The Schools at the Southern Vermont Arts Center

From the Media and Performing Arts Department

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Treasures of Turkey

12 travelers will be representing Burr & Burton Academy on the Treasures of Turkey trip April 11th-20th.
Students will be touring Istanbul, the world’s only city that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, winding through ancient streets past remnants of the glorious Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.  Tour features include the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Grand & Spice Bazaars, Temple of Artemis, Pergamon, Acropolis, City of Troy, Pamukkale Springs and a Bosphorus cruise.  Special thanks to the owners of Depot 62 for preparing our group with a pre-tour presentation on Turkish culture and cuisine.

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From the Advancement Office

Just two words for you to think about this month:

ONLINE AUCTION and RAFFLE!

ONLINE AUCTION

As a kickoff to the spring fundraising gala, our ONLINE AUCTION starts Monday, April 1.  We have lots of great items, featuring many useful services!  Four hours of window washing, a lube oil and filter, a spring tire changeover, car detailing, and other practical items to name a few.  There are also some fun items like an overnight stay in Lake George with a cruise on the lake, a movie night for four at the Village Picture Show with pizza, a children’s party with Wilcox ice cream and miniature horses, a bunch of dining packages for breakfast, lunch and dinner, on and over the mountain are but a few examples.

We encourage you to register, browse and bid and help support this important fundraiser for Burr and Burton!  Here’s the link – try it! www.benefitevents.com/auctions/burrandburton

And please encourage your friends and family to join in the fun.  The entire list of ONLINE AUCTION items has a broad appeal!

RAFFLE

In addition, we are raffling off a great trip to Washington, D. C. over Columbus Day weekend, October 11 – 14, 2013.  Included in the prize is a four night stay at the Sheraton Pentagon City in Arlington, VA (and includes WiFi and parking), dinner at the well-known Lincoln Restaurant located on Vermont Avenue (appropriate don’t you think), unlimited access to all museums and monuments on the mall, plus a $500 gift card to help with gas to get there or for food while you’re there.

Tickets are $30 or two for $50.  To purchase tickets, call the Advancement Office, 549-8110 or email Nancy Brown at nbrown@burrburton.org.  The drawing will be held the night of the gala on May 24 and you do not need to be present to win.

Thanks for your continuing support!

Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
cgubb@burrburton.org

P.S.  It was great to see so many parents at the Thank You Party at Seasons Restaurant on Wednesday night, March 27.  We were able to say a personal thank you to all who attended.  For those of you who couldn’t make it, we are deeply appreciative of your support and we thank you again for your gift.

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Scholars Bowl Team

The Scholars Bowl Team will compete in the single elimination state championship finals on April 6.  Their first match will be against Mt. Mansfield coached by Gretchen Coleman, BBA alum and Spanish teacher at Mt. Mansfield.  Best wishes to Hayden Dublois, Simon Aborn, Dylan MacFarlane, and Stella Qu.

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College and Career Information

Mock Interviews for Juniors
Our annual Mock Interview Program takes place Wednesday, April 10 from 1 – 3:30 pm. Juniors will have an opportunity to practice their interviewing skills while meeting one on one with visiting college admission counselors. Students will receive direct feedback from the admission professionals that they can put to use when they schedule college visits. Interested juniors should see Lynne Welsh to sign up. Space is limited.

College Planning To-Do List for Juniors
The School and College Counselors have been meeting with juniors for the past two months. Please ask your student to check out their college list on Navience: http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton.  Additional shortcut tasks:

• Sign up for SAT or ACT (see below)

• Research colleges and make college visits (during April break or take an excused absence on another day).

• Make journal notes in Naviance. Keep track of what you learn about colleges and share your impressions with us.

• Let us know when you’re ready to meet again.

• Attend relevant programs like the Burr and Burton Spring College Night on Wednesday, May 8.

• Stay in regular communication with your counselor so we can assist you.

SAT and ACT Test:

Students can register for the SAT on-line at www.collegeboard.com. Please be aware that the June testing date may conflict with post-season athletic contests. While most juniors should take an SAT (or ACT – see below) this spring, only students applying to a handful of the most selective colleges need to worry about taking SAT Subject Tests. The ACT is a good alternative to the SAT; colleges accept either test and some colleges accept the ACT in lieu of SAT subject tests. To register online, go to www.actstudent.org . Be sure to sign up for the ACT with Writing option.

SAT
Saturday, May 4
Register by April 5 at www.collegeboard.org
SAT Critical Reasoning or Subject Tests
Test offered at BBA

SAT
Saturday, June 1
Register by May 2 at www.collegeboard.org
SAT Critical Reasoning or Subject Tests
Test offered at other locations

ACT
Saturday, April 13
Standby Registration only

Sign up for ACT with writing
Test offered at BBA

ACT
Saturday, June 8
Register by May 3 at www.actstudent.org
Sign up for ACT with writing
Test offered at other locations

College Fair
Castleton State College will host a College Fair on Wednesday, April 10 in the morning from 9-11.  Admission representatives from a variety of northeastern colleges will be available to speak with students and parents.

BBA Spring College Workshop: Save the Date
On Wednesday May 8, BBA will present the annual Spring College Admission Program from 6:30 to 9 pm in the Rowland Center.  The evening will include a panel presentation on the college admission process given by admission officers followed by a variety of topical workshops. Sophomores, juniors and their parents are encouraged to attend.

Graduation Information for Senior Families
Seniors will be receiving a booklet at the end of April with important key dates relating to commencement and other year-end activities and events. Be on the look out for this information which will be mailed to students as well as being available on-line.

Senior College Notifications
May 1 is the National Candidates’ Reply Date. Seniors should be sure to send in their deposit to the ONE college of their choice by May 1 in order to hold their place in the class. Families who have not received financial aid packages may want to request an extension for the deposit but all students should communicate with their college by May 1. At the same time, seniors should notify other colleges that they have decided to enroll elsewhere.

Financial Aid Packages
Families of seniors who are receiving financial aid award letters may find the different presentations to be confusing. Use the Award Letter Comparison Tool available on the Pay for College page at www.vsac.org to better understand what different colleges are offering. The friendly folks at VSAC are available to answer questions about loans and other parts of the financial aid process; feel free to contact them at 1-800-642-3177.

Scholarships
Forms for most of the scholarships are available in the School and College Counseling Office. Many application forms may also be downloaded from Naviance.

The Masonic College Scholarship, Mt. Lebanon Lodge #46, Jamaica
Eligibility: Must be a resident of Jamaica, Windham, Stratton,Winhall, Londonderry, Wardsboro or Townsend. Graduating senior attending a 2- or 4-year college or university. Academic achievement, community service or service to BBA.
Award: $500; Deadline: April 1.

Nelson E. & Marie Williams Scholarship
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live within the borders of the area served by Currier Memorial School. This includes the towns of Danby ad Mt. Tabor. The student must have been a graduate of Currier Memorial School; strong character, strong academics, financial need.
Award: Not specified; Deadline: April 1.

American Legion of Vermont Scholarship
Eligibility: seniors accepted at approved or accredited school or college,
Award: $1,500; $1,000; or $500; Deadline: April 1.
Application information online:www.legionvthq.com.

Garden Club of Manchester Scholarship
Eligibility: Seniors continuing their education in fields related to horticulture, landscape design, and environmental studies and other similar studies.
Award: $1,000  Deadline: April 8.

Manchester Lions Club Scholarship
Eligibility: graduating senior needing financial assistance with college, trade school, conservatory, AA degree program or other non-traditional training program. Also for a recent past graduate who may just now be moving ahead with their education.
Award: not specified; Deadline: April 10.

VFW – Phil Kelleher and John West Scholarship
Eligibility: High school senior planning to enroll in college. Award based on academic record, personal achievement, community service. RECENT PHOTO required.
Award: not specified; Deadline: April 12th —  must be hand-delivered.

NEACAC Essay Contest and Scholarship
Eligibility: Juniors and Seniors must apply and submit a 500-word essay online. Topic on website at https://www.neacac.org/essay_contest_app.cfm.
Award: $900; Deadline: April 15.

Vermont Golf Association Scholarship
Eligibility: financial need, top 40% of class, connection to the game of golf; i.e., play, working in golf shop, on the grounds, caddying, etc.
Award: $1,000 for 4 years; Deadline: April 20.

Vermont Golf Association SPECIAL AWARD 2013
Eligibility: graduating senior, planning to enroll in college in Vermont, who demonstrates a sincere love for golf and dedication to community service. In memory of Rutland senior and golf team member, Carly Ferro.
Award: $1,500 for 4 years; Deadline: April 20.

Daniel Maneely Engineering Scholarship
Eligibility: graduating senior accepted into an engineering technology field at an accredited school. Award based on academics, extra-curricular activities, community service and an essay.
Award: $5,000; Deadline: Postmarked April 24.

Manchester Masons of VT Scholarship
Eligibility: senior planning to enroll in college who lives in Manchester, Dorset, Sunderland or has Masonic affiliation through a parent or grandparent ; award based on leadership, community service and extra-curricular activities and financial need.
Award: $500.00; Deadline: April 26.

Winona Smith Scholarship
Eligibility: senior who has demonstrated an interest in civic participation and community service, financial need. Must have a teacher recommendation specific to this scholarship.
Award: $500; Deadline: April 30.
Application in School and College Counseling Office or Naviance.

Ray Pellegrini “Reach for the Stars” Scholarship (sponsored by the Vermont Principals’ Association)
Eligibility: graduating senior, first generation college student, attending a college in VT, with the intention of remaining in VT after college. Community service and/or volunteer work will be given strong consideration.
Award: $1,000; Deadline: May 1.
Applications also online at www.vpaonline.org.

Stephen Phillips Scholarship
Eligibility: Financial need, academic excellence, and exemplary citizenship, character and serious-mindedness. Extensive application form. Start early! (See if you qualify financial BEFORE filling out the application.)
Award: $3,000 to $10,000 Deadline: May 1.
Application online at www.phillips-scholarship.org

Ted Lenczowski Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility: Family must be members at the Christ Our Savior Parish in Manchester. academics, career goals, participation in parish, school and community. Interview required.
Award: $1,000   Deadline: April 17.
Applications in School and College Counseling Office and Naviance.

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
Eligibility: US citizen, high school student, must write an essay on the following theme :

What have you done outside the classroom that demonstrates qualities sought after by the post secondary institution that you are hoping to attend? Also, which of these qualities means the most to you?

The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent to us by email at: scholarships@abbottandfenner.com
Award:$1,000; Applications online at http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm
Deadline: June 14, 2013

LOANS

The Cooper Kelly Educational Fund
Eligibility: Senior planning to attend college. Dependable, responsible, and diligent with definite goals in mind. 2.0 average and references required.
Interest free LOAN. No specified amount ($25 application fee)
Application and information in the School and College Counseling Office

Olin Scott Fund, Inc.
Eligibility: 2.5 average, Bennington County senior accepted at University or  College, must interview
Application in the School and College Counseling Office ($25 application fee)

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From the Library

National Poetry Month

April is Poetry Month and the Lisa B Tuttle Memorial Library will celebrate by displaying bios of notable poets, quotations, and poetry collections.  Join us for 30 days of celebrating the joy, expressiveness and pure delight of poetry.  Learn more about National Poetry Month and get to know some our most loved poets, browse the many online resources and discover new books and anthologies.  Hear 150 poets Read in the Poets.org Listening booth:  http://www.poets.org/audio.php/prmAlpha/  Try the site Poetry 180:  a poem a day for American high schools – http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/  Former Poet Laureate of the United States, Billy Collins, created Poetry 180 with high school students in mind.  Here you will find the complete list of 180 poems, one for each of the 180 days of the school year.

Fairy Tale Retellings for Teens

Also on display in April is a selection of splendid retellings of folk and fairy tales written for teens.  This genre’s themes of transformation, romance, thrilling adventures, magical happenings and personal challenges have become a part of the retelling of some childhood favorites in a modern day context.  With their balance of the old and the new, the familiar and the fresh, these novels are also great choices for teen book discussion groups, or they can be used in the classroom to examine how modern works of fiction draw on themes, characters, and plotlines from traditional tales.

The Lisa B. Tuttle Memorial Library provides students and faculty with resources for study, research and pleasure reading.  We are always looking for ways to serve you better.  If you have any suggestions or comments we would love to hear them.  Just stop by the Library and tell us!

Library website: http://northshirelibraries.com

Library Hours:
Monday – Thurs       7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday                      7:00 am – 1:00 pm

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From the Yearbook Staff

It is NOT too late to still pre order the 2013 Yearbook.

There are only 150 books left so do not wait.
Once these are sold we can’t order any more.

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From the Health Clinic

FREE DENTAL CARE DAY (For individuals OVER 18 years old)

Services: Free dental exams, x-rays, limited number of fillings and extractions. Only local anesthesia, NO impacted wisdom teeth will be extracted.

Eligibility: Patients who are 18 years and older and who have no dental insurance or do not have the ability to pay for needed oral health care.

Patients will be seen on a first come first serve basis.

Locations: Patients will be triaged at both of these locations:

Oral & Facial Surgery associates
2 Harwood Drive
Bennington, VT 05201

and

Dr. Richard Heilemann
74 Longview Drive
Manchester Center, VT 05255

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Corporate Sponsors

We thank the corporations below for their generous support of Burr and Burton Academy and hope you will in turn support their businesses.

Headmaster’s List

Berkshire Bank

r.k. Miles

Stratton Mountain Resort

The Orvis Company

The Vermont Country Store

TPW Management

High Honors List

Finn and Stone Insurance

Mack Molding

The Equinox Resort and Spa

W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency, Inc.

Honors List

Casella Waste Management

Homestead Landscaping

Mettowee Mill Nursery, Inc.

The Bank of Bennington

The Richards Group

Academic Letter

Aspen Motel

Battenkill Communications

Bradley D. Myerson Law Offices

Dublois and Associates

Engel Spivey Lemonik, PC

Hand Motors

High-Tech Plumbing & Heating

Mountain Weavers

People’s United Bank

Academic Pin

Dydo and Company, Inc.

Glebe Mountain Gardens & Landscaping

iShip

Northshire Bookstore

TD Bank

9   SAT at BBA

13-14 Prism Concert – Performing Arts (6:30 pm)

15  Faculty In-Service

15  Spring Sports Mandatory Parent/Athlete Meeting

25  Spring Sports Begins

27  End of the Marking Period

28-29 Midterm Exams (Early Dismissal – 12:35 pm)

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From the Headmaster

Dear Families:

This month’s message is very simple:

1. Please attend your town meeting and voice your support for Burr and Burton Academy.

2. Please join us for the session on March 15, Friday night, which will feature renowned coach Joe Ehrmann. There will be much to learn as teachers, coaches, and parents, and I hope you can attend regardless of whether or not your son or daughter is competing in a sport.

Spring is on its way. Sports teams are entering the playoffs and competing for state championships. The Prism concert is on the horizon. Burr and Burton students continue to shine.

Sincerely yours,

Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

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By all accounts, we are off to a great start to the winter/spring semester at the Mountain Campus. The weather has both challenged us and provided us with fantastic learning opportunities. Fresh snow means new animal tracks and signs to aid our winter ecology studies. Fresh snow and cold temperatures also means preparing well to learn outdoors, more wood to cut, split, carry and stack, and more time to get to our study sites. Fortunately, these are the sort of challenges that bring a group together, build confidence, and clarify purpose. This group is up to the challenge!

From another perspective, this is the heart of our admissions season. We have held information sessions and an open house already, and many students have started and completed applications, but there is still time for students to come visit, ask questions and apply for next year. Any student who is interested should talk with their advisor and counsellor or call or email us directly at the Mountain Campus. With course sign-ups due on March 5, now is the time to act!

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From the Parent Association

The Burr and Burton Parent Association endeavors to foster partnership between families, school, and the community through communication, education, social and fundraising activities and advocacy.

March is here! Welcome back from winter break. There is nothing going on for the first week or so of the month and then we get right into it with the SAT test on March 9. The Prism Concert is at BBA the 13 & 14 and though the 15 is a faculty In Service day there is a wonderful talk by Coach Joe Ehrman at 6:30pm (here is the link) http://www.burrburton.org/cf_news/view.cfm?newsid=459 and the mandatory spring sports meeting for students and parents. Speaking of spring sports, they begin on March 25. The end of the third marking period is on the 27th followed by mid-term exams on the 28th & 29th. There will be early dismissal (12:35 pm) on those two days.

That’s it for March, see you in April!

Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President

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Please Note:

There is a new late bus to Flood Brook. It leaves from BBA Monday thru Thursday at 4:15 pm and at 2:10 pm on Fridays.

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News From The Athletic Department

The mandatory spring sports parent/athlete meeting will be held on Friday, March 15 at 6:30 pm in the E.H Henry Gymnasium. This year’s meeting will feature a presentation by NFL player and best selling author Joe Ehrmann.

Burr and Burton Academy recognizes the importance athletics play in the education of student athletes and Joe Ehrmann’s presentation is an effort to continue to promote the positive virtues of sport as an avenue to develop young men and women of character. Mr. Ehrmann will share his mission to inform, inspire and initiate individual, community and societal change through sports and coaching.

Please plan on arriving early for Joe Erhmann’s presentation to pick up individual spring sports team information in the gym lobby. Spring sports coaches will be on hand before and after the presentation to answer any parent/athlete questions.

All students planning on trying out for a spring sport must register online prior to March 15.

Please click on the link:
 2013 Spring Sports Registration Form to sign up. All students participating in a spring sport must have had a physical exam after June 2011. Physical forms and permission forms can be downloaded from the schools web site here.

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From the Visual Art Department

Art From The Schools at the Southern Vermont Arts Center

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From the The Media and Performing Arts Department

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Treasures of Turkey

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Congratulations to Helen Chen, Jimmy Wang, Simon Aborn and Hilmon He for their selection to the Vermont All-State Music Festival held in Mount Mansfield Union HS in Jericho VT.  Helen, Simon and Hilmon were accepted to the chorus and Jimmy won principal oboe in the band.  Helen received an honorable mention for her piano scholarship audition.  They will represent BBA at this festival from May 9-11, 2013, congratulations!

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From the Advancement Office

There is a lot going on in the Advancement Office and with planning for the upcoming spring gala, Evening under the Stars.  So here goes:

1. Parent Thank You Party: March 27, 2013, 5 pm to 7 pm - Seasons Restaurant

Invitations will be out shortly for this annual event and this is a simple way for Headmaster Mark Tashjian and all of us at Burr and Burton Academy to say THANK YOU for your support of the annual fund.  How do you get on the invitation list?  Just make a gift before March 27!  You can make a gift online or drop by and see us in the Advancement Office.  We’d love to have a full house so if you haven’t made a gift yet, please do.

2. Parent participation update:

The latest numbers are in and we are working our way up slowly but surely.  You have until May 1 to make your gift.  The class with the highest parent participation will receive a $500 gift towards their class fund, and enjoy an ice cream social in May.

Overall parent participation¹ stands at 24.8%. (The goal is 50% so we’re halfway there!)  And by class:

• 2013    27.4%
• 2014    22%
• 2015    23.4%
• 2016    30.3%

¹If you have multiple students, your gift is counted in each class.

3.  Evening under the Stars

Planning is ramping up for this annual event which includes an Online Auction during the month of April and culminating in the gala on Friday night, May 24 at Hildene.  You should have received a “save the date” card so we hope you have put it on your calendar.  The gala committee has been working diligently to pull all of the details together for this important fundraiser for the school!  We’d like to extend our thanks to all gala committee members for their help.

We’re still looking for some items for both the Online Auction and the Live Auction:

• ˜  A cord of wood
• ˜  Two airline tickets
• ˜  Window washing
• ˜  A spring cleaning (indoors or out)
• ˜  Other services that you would be able to offer

Any gift-in-kind counts toward the annual fund, parent participation challenge and will get you on the invitation list for the Parent Thank-you Party so if you have an idea please contact Christine Hoard in the Advancement Office at 549-8277 or choard@burrburton.org.

We’ll be sending out information for the Online Auction during the month of March – stay tuned because we have some fun, interesting things to bid on.

Thank you for all that you do to support the school, financially and through volunteering (Gala Committee, Parent Association, Booster Club, Friends of Hockey, etc.)  We’re all in this together with only one goal in mind – to provide an exceptional educational experience for YOUR student.

Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
cgubb@burrburton.org

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College and Career Information

Course Registration for 2013-2014
Juniors, sophomores and freshmen will soon be registering for next year’s classes. Please review the new Course of Study book (or reference it on our website under Parents /School Publications) and take the time to discuss appropriate course choices with your son or daughter. Parents need to sign the course registration form for requests to be processed. Please contact your student’s counselor if you have any questions.

Mock College Interviews
Juniors will have the chance to participate in individual practice college interviews with college admission officers the week of April 8. Details will be forthcoming.  Students will be accommodated on a first-come -first-served basis until spots are filled.

College Fair
Castleton State College will host a College Fair on Wednesday, April 10, from 9-11am.  Admission representatives from a variety of northeastern colleges will be available to speak with students and parents.

Gap Year Fair
USA Gap Year is hosting two college fairs in our region at South Burlington High School on March 10th at 1:00 pm and at Hanover High School in Hanover NH on Tuesday March 12th at 4:00 PM.  For more information: http://www.usagapyearfairs.org/events-schedule.

Notification of College Admission Decisions
Seniors: please be sure to notify your counselor whenever you receive notification from a college that you have applied to.

Financial Aid Alert
Seniors need to complete and submit their financial aid forms (www.fafsa.ed.gov and www.vsac.org) this month if they have not already done so. Contact VSAC at 1-800-642-3177 for assistance in filling out the forms. Don’t delay!

VSAC College Pathways Programs
VSAC is organizing a series of workshops on college admission. These free Saturday programs take place on March 16 at St. Michael’s College; March 23 at Castleton State College; and April 6 at Lyndon State College. Find more information and register for VSAC’s College Pathways workshops online at www.vsac.org or by calling 1-800-798-8722.

Standardized Testing Registration
College-bound Burr and Burton juniors should sign up to take either the SAT or the ACT this spring.  The SAT will be administered at BBA on March 9 and May 4. The ACT will be administered at BBA  on April 13. Please check your calendar for possible athletic and other conflicts. We offer both tests on our campus so students can benefit from testing in a familiar environment. We will be discussing testing with juniors during our individual meetings, but please feel free to contact us for specific questions and testing recommendations.

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

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

Test Dates and Deadlines

SAT
Saturday, May 4
Register by April 5 at www.collegeboard.org
SAT Critical Reasoning or Subject Tests
Test offered at BBA

SAT
Saturday, June 1
Register by May 2 at www.collegeboard.org
SAT Critical Reasoning or Subject Tests
Test offered at other locations

ACT
Saturday, April 13
Register by March 8 at www.actstudent.org
Sign up for ACT with writing
Test offered at BBA

ACT
Saturday, June 8
Register by May 3 at www.actstudent.org
Sign up for ACT with writing
Test offered at other locations

TESTING PLAN & CALENDAR FOR JUNIORS

Test Prep Opportunities
Free Options:
www.collegeboard.org, bookmark “Question of the day”

www.actstudent.org

www.number2.com

On-Line courses:
www.kaplan.com
www.princetonreview.com

Prep Classes: $100 High End Test Prep (underwritten by BBA – classes at BBA)
*Timed to prepare for the May SAT
All classes meet from 12:45 – 2:45 on Fridays.

Test Prep / May SAT:

• March 22
• April 5
• April 12
• May 3

To register for this course, bring $100 (payable to BBA) to Mrs. Welsh by March 8.  Fee reductions are available to families with financial need – see your counselor.

$300 Manchester Tutorial Center Organized Classes*
*Timed to prepare for SAT at BBA in May

March 24, 31, April 7, 21, 28

Contact the Tutorial Center at 362-0222 to register and pay for the class.

Spring College Admissions Program
On Wednesday, May 8, from 6:30 – 9 pm a panel presentation will be held on the college admissions process given by admissions officers from a variety of colleges and universities. This will be held in the Rowland Center. Sophomores, juniors and their parents are encouraged to attend.

Summer Programs/Study Abroad
The School and College Counseling Office has collected information about a variety of summer programs, including Vermont-based program, CollegeQuest www.nevahec.org (for health-related careers, applications in our office); See website for details and deadlines.

All students are eligible for the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont that are week-long sessions organized around the following topics: Arts, Asian Cultures, Current Events and Issues, Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, and Science and Technology. Applications are on line with a March 15 deadline (http://www.giv.org/apply-now)

Students planning to spend a semester abroad or in an alternative educational setting in 2013-2014 should meet with their counselor to plan an appropriate academic schedule.  Students must submit a BBA Off-Campus Study application for approval. These forms are due by May 12 for plans that begin at any point during the fall semester.

2012/2013 Scholarship List
Forms for all of the scholarships listed below are available in the School and College Counseling Office. More scholarships arrive weekly so students should continue to check Naviance and SCC Office. Scholarship information is also listed on the Naviance website at: http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton.

Vermont Lions Hart Memorial Award
Eligibility: Graduating senior with a disability or debilitating illness, either physical or mental. Financial need. Planning to attend college.
Award: $1,000; Deadline: March 4

Berkshire Bank Foundation Scholarship Program
Eligibility: high school seniors with record of non-school sponsored volunteerism in the community and participation in extra-curricular school activities; GPA, 3.0 minimum; financial need; plan for 2 or 4 yr college or tech school.
Award: $2,000; Deadline: Application materials to your school counselor by March 21st!
Application online: www.berkshirebank.com/scholarships or in School and College Counseling Office

Fr. Clancy Knights of Columbus Council 6816 Award (Manchester)
Eligibility: a student in the graduating class of 2013. Applicants must apply and be accepted to a trade or technical school and demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Applicants agree to participate in a personal interview. During this interview they should be able to discuss their high school academic experiences, career goals and involvement in extracurricular activities and community service.
Award: $1,000; Deadline March 28

Rotary Club of Manchester – Award for Excellence
Eligibility: High School senior planning to enroll in college. Based on (in order of importance) character, community service, effort, personal potential, financial need and past academic performance.
Award: $1,000 per year/max of $4,000; Deadline: March 30

Fraternal Order of Eagles and Auxiliary Scholarships
Eligibility: Seniors entering either a college or vocational school. Personality, community service, academic accomplishments, and financial need are some of the deciding factors.
Award: not specified; Deadline: March 31

Nelson E. & Marie Williams Scholarship
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live within the borders of the area served by Currier Memorial School. This includes the towns of Danby ad Mt. Tabor. The student must have been a graduate of Currier Memorial School; strong character, strong academics, financial need.
Award: Not specified; Deadline: April 1

American Legion of Vermont Scholarship
Eligibility: seniors accepted at approved or accredited school or college,
Award: $1,500; $1,000; or $500; Deadline: April 1
Application information online: www.legionvthq.com.

Manchester Lions Club Scholarship
Eligibility: graduating senior needing financial assistance with college, trade school, conservatory, AA degree program or other non-traditional training program. Also for a recent past graduate who may just now be moving ahead with their education.
Award: not specified; Deadline: April 10.

VFW – Phil Kelleher and John West Scholarship
Eligibility: High school senior planning to enroll in college. Award based on academic record, personal achievement, community service. RECENT PHOTO required.
Award: not specified; Deadline: April 12 – must be hand-delivered.

Daniel Maneely Engineering Scholarship
Eligibility: graduating senior accepted into an engineering technology field at an accredited school. Award based on academics, extra-curricular activities, community service and an essay
Award: $5,000; Deadline: Postmarked April 24.

Stephen Phillips Scholarship
Eligibility: Financial need, academic excellence, and exemplary citizenship, character and serious-mindedness. Extensive application form. Start early! (See if you qualify financial BEFORE filling out the application.)
Award: $3,000 to $10,000 Deadline: May 1.
Application online at www.phillips-scholarship.org

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
Eligibility: US citizen, high school student, must write an essay on the following theme :
• What have you done outside the classroom that demonstrates qualities sought after by the post secondary institution that you are hoping to attend? Also, which of these qualities means the most to you?
The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent to us by email at: scholarships@abbottandfenner.com
Award: $1,000; Applications online at www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm
Deadline: June 14, 2013.

LOANS

The Cooper Kelly Educational Fund
Eligibility: Female senior planning to attend college. Dependable, responsible, and diligent with definite goals in mind. 2.0 average and references required.
Interest free LOAN. No specified amount ($25 application fee)
Application and information in the School and College Counseling Office.

Olin Scott Fund, Inc.
Eligibility: 2.5 average, Bennington County senior accepted at University or  College, must interview.
Application in the School and College Counseling Office ($25 application fee).

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From the Science Department

Dr. Alan Betts will be speaking at Burr and Burton on March 6, 2013.  He will address students during the last block of the day and will speak to the general public at 7 pm in the Riley Center.

Dr. Alan Betts of Atmospheric Research in Pittsford is Vermont’s leading climate scientist. He is a frequent speaker on climate change issues around the state and as co-chair of the cross-cutting working group of the Vermont Climate Collaborative, he worked on climate change adaptation planning for Vermont. He is a commentator for Vermont Public Radio, and a columnist for the Sunday Environment section of the Rutland Herald and Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus.
He is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, the American Meteorological Society (AMS), the Royal Meteorological Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a past-president of the Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering (VASE). He is the author or co-author of more than 150 reviewed papers in the scientific literature. He was the AMS Robert E. Horton Lecturer in Hydrology in 2004; and the AMS Jule G. Charney Award winner in 2007.
Atmospheric Research was established in Vermont in 1979. Its mission is to understand the earth’s weather and climate, to develop improved earth system models and to help society understand the deep challenge that global climate change presents to humanity.

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From the Student Success Program

As part of the new Student Success Program, BBA will be offering two new Prep For College courses for first-generation college bound students. Course descriptions can be found on page 39 of the recently distributed Course of Study books. These classes count for an elective credit and will be taught by the Director of the Student Success Program, Jason Pergament. The main focus of the grade 9/10 course is on developing the habits of mind necessary for success and creating a long term future vision. The grade 11/12 course will be more intensely focused on the nuts and bolts of getting accepted into college and making the right choices for continuing education. Both courses will include numerous college visits and will culminate in student-planned trips. If you have any further questions about the Student Success Program or the Prep for College courses, contact Jason Pergament at jpergament@burrburton.org or 802-549-8244. You can read more about the Student Success Program at:

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BBA are the Defending High School World Champions …

The ham radio contest team at K1BBS was on fire in the 2013 School Club Roundup.  During the week of February 11-15, 50 participants activated K1BBS for 24 hours … making 823 contacts (a K1BBS record) and scoring 234,555 points (another K1BBS record). BBA’s contest team put in an amazing performance on a worldwide stage. The numbers: 823 contacts, 34 countries, 38 schools, 7 Canadian Provinces, and 4 clubs.  How’d we do?  The scores come out in June.  Congratulations to the members of the 2013 K1BBS contest team. 

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From the Library

Database Additions

Our Credo database continues to grow and now has over 600 titles.  Credo is a vast, online reference library, providing access to the full text of hundreds of highly regarded and popular titles, offering speedy, simple answers and authoritative, in-depth articles.  Credo brings the facts alive with images, sound files, animations, videos and much more.  Credo Reference contains dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias, quotations and atlases, plus a wide range or subject-specific titles covering everything from accounting to zoology, via maps, math, management, martial arts, media studies, medicine, mountains, moons, music, multimedia, mythology.  Latest additions include:

Dictionary of Twentieth-Century British Philosophers

Key Terms in Literary Theory Icons of American Popular Culture:  From P.T. Barnum to Jennifer Lopez

Modern American Lives:  Individuals and Issues in American History Since 1945

The Penn Center Guide to Bioethics

Updated titles include A Handbook of Globalization and Environmental Policy:  National Government Interventions in a Global Arena and Handbook of Global Environmental Politics.

Hosting Conference

The BBA Library will be the site of the 2013 New England Association of Independent School Librarians Conference on Friday, April 12.  Susan D. Ballard, President of the American Association of School Librarians, Co-Chair of the ALA Presidential Task Force on School Libraries and adjunct professor at Simmons College will present a program titled “School Libraries–Let’s Get Down to Business.”  Judith L. Kaplan, Library Media Specialist, Coordinator of School Library Media Studies at the University of Vermont will present a program titled “Pearl in the Oyster:  Embedded Librarianship.”  Peter Rawson, Archivist and Joan Baldwin, Curator of Special Collections both from The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT will present a program on Maintaining Archives and Using Archives Throughout the Curriculum in Independent Schools.  Author Steve Sheinkin will be talking about his latest book, Bomb:  The Race to Build – and Steal- the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon which was recently awarded the 2013 Newbury Honor, 2013 Sibert Medal and 2013 YALSA Awards.  Dan Greene, U32 School Librarian and National Board Certified Teacher will present a workshop called “There’s an App for That!” Using the ipad and iphone in the Library.  Staff at Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, will present a session at Hildene, on authentic research and learning using their “Many Voices” Pullman car exhibit and its accompanying program being developed for middle through high school students.  Susan Englese, retired librarian and assistant manager at a small independent bookstore will present a workshop on book displays and reading promotion in school libraries.  Carrie Miyoshi Macfarlane, Head of Research and Instruction at Middlebury College will present a program on college/university level expectations for first year students and the Information Literacy Program at Middlebury College.

The Lisa B. Tuttle Memorial Library provides students and faculty with resources for study, research and pleasure reading. We are always looking for ways to serve you better. If you have any suggestions or comments we would love to hear them. Just stop by the Library and tell us!

Library website: http://northshirelibraries.com

Library Hours:

Monday – Thurs       7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday                         7:00 am – 1:00 pm

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From the Yearbook Staff

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Please mark your calendar for any students interested in Driver’s Ed - there will be a MANDATORY student/parent meeting in the cafeteria on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 pm for anyone wanting to take driver’s ed this summer. If you are not at the meeting you will NOT be able to take the course this summer….no exceptions. The course starts June 17.

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Corporate Sponsors

We thank the corporations below for their generous support of Burr and Burton Academy and hope you will in turn support their businesses.

Headmaster’s List

Berkshire Bank

r.k. Miles

Stratton Mountain Resort

The Orvis Company

The Vermont Country Store

TPW Management

High Honors List

Finn and Stone Insurance

Mack Molding

The Equinox Resort and Spa

W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency, Inc.

Honors List

Casella Waste Management

Homestead Landscaping

Mettowee Mill Nursery, Inc.

The Bank of Bennington

The Richards Group

Academic Letter

Aspen Motel

Battenkill Communications

Bradley D. Myerson Law Offices

Dublois and Associates

Engel Spivey Lemonik, PC

Hand Motors

High-Tech Plumbing & Heating

Mountain Weavers

People’s United Bank

Academic Pin

Dydo and Company, Inc.

Glebe Mountain Gardens & Landscaping

iShip

Northshire Bookstore

TD Bank

7    Open House for Parents – Opening Remarks in the Riley Center (6 pm)

12  Calliope Café – Scranton Room (6:30 pm)

18-22 Winter Break

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From the Headmaster

Dear Families:

In the next six weeks we have two tremendous opportunities for you to connect with this school.

Most immediately, we have Parent Open House on Thursday, February 7. All our teachers will be available to share the semester’s plans for creating engaging, vigorous experiences for your sons and daughters. I am hopeful that we can get a representative for each and every student in this school, which makes for a powerful demonstration of your commitment to and support for teaching and learning.

Second, on March 15 in the evening we will have a very special speaker: Joe Ehrmann, who is a former NFL player and nationally known coach. This evening will be mandatory for all spring athletes, but his message and his thoughts have tremendous educational relevance as well.  Great teaching looks markedly similar to great coaching, so our entire faculty will be in attendance.  I would argue that the best parenting, especially for high school students, shares many characteristics with great coaching, and I am certain that even if your son or daughter is not an athlete, you will gain insights from this evening.

So, here are two opportunities for you to benefit personally while demonstrating support for our school.  I hope to see you at both of these events.

Let’s hope some snow starts to fall instead of all this rain and mud that surrounds us. Wear your galoshes, and thank you for your continued support for Burr and Burton Academy.

Sincerely yours,

Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

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From the Parent Association

The Burr and Burton Parent Association endeavors to foster partnership between families, school, and the community through communication, education, social and fundraising activities and advocacy.

February feels like a light month but that is because winter break is in it! Don’t forget the Open House on February 7. On the 12 is the second (of the year) Calliope Café at 6:30. Come to listen and be astounded by the talent at BBA! And to eat too!

Winter break is the week of the 18-22.

Last year, 29 percent of Burr and Burton Academy parents contributed to the annual campaign, for a total of approximately $89,000. While dollar amounts matter, participation matters much more. Our goal this year is simple – to increase that giving rate to 50 percent or more.

Enjoy! See you in March.

Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President

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If you live in the Dorset school district  please send an email to Sue Mele (smele@brsu.org) at the Dorset School if you would be interested in bus service to BBA.  This has been brought up by Dorset parents who currently have students at BBA
and has been discussed by the School Board.  Please let us know if this is something that your child would utilize.

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Burr and Burton to Host Joe Ehrmann -”The Most Important Coach in America”

Burr and Burton Academy recognizes the importance athletics play in the education of student athletes. In an effort to continue to promote the positive virtues of sport as an avenue to develop young men and women of character, Burr and Burton is pleased to bring former NFL Player and best selling author Joe Ehrmann to BBA on Friday, March 15, at 6:30 pm.  The public is invited to hear coach Joe Ehrmann speak and attend a book signing hosted at Burr and Burton Academy, where he will share his mission to inform, inspire and initiate individual, community and societal change through sports and coaching. Coach Ehrmann will conduct a special coaching clinic for Southern Vermont coaches the following day on Saturday, March 16. Coaches are invited to sign up by calling BBA Athletic Director, Kathi Bierwirth at 802-549-8119 or by email at kbierwirth@burrburton.org. Tickets may be purchased online at http://BBAAthletics.ticketjunior.com, lunch will be provided.

Joe Ehrmann, a former NFL player, was a Baltimore Colts “Man of the Year” award winner, and was named as one of the 100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America. Working off of the idea of sports as not extra-curricular but co-curricular—a teaching environment just as significant as any classroom—Ehrmann will discuss how a good coach can instill virtues of community, justice, reason, respect, and responsibility in his or her players, as well as help them find victory on the field. His organization Coach for America, teaches empowering young athletes and has worked with schools and coaches throughout the nation on how to use athletics  to transform the lives of student athletes by helping them build self-esteem, awareness of others and the importance of being leaders within their communities.

To learn more about Joe Ehrmann, visit www.coachforamerica.com.

Please contact Cory Herrington at cherrington@burrburton.org or call 802.362.1775 for further information.

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From the Advancement Office

We are so grateful to see the first of February knowing we made it through January – the longest, coldest, darkest month.  We hope you noticed – we were very quiet on the fundraising front knowing you were paying off holiday expenses and just hunkering down.   But now that it’s February, we have lots of things to share with you.

1. Update on Parent Annual Fund Giving:

We’re off to a good start with the Parent Challenge and here are some statistics to consider.
Remember, our goal is to get Parent support up to 50%!

As of January 30, 2013, overall parent support stands at 21%, and broken down by class¹:

Class of 2013 = 28.3%

Class of 2014 = 15.1%

Class of 2015 = 17.5%

Class of 2016 = 17.9%

¹If you have multiple students, your gift is counted in each class.

We still have work to do to get to the goal so please consider a gift to the annual fund today.  And here’s a little incentive for you…..

2. BBA Parent Thank You Party

Our BBA Parent Thank You Party is scheduled for the end of March from 5 PM – 7 PM (date place and time to be announced shortly).  Your ticket to the party?  A gift to the annual fund!  Any outright gift or gift-in-kind made since July 1, 2012, will get you on the invitation list.   So if you haven’t yet made a gift to the Annual Giving Campaign, we would appreciate your support.
There are three easy ways to make a gift:

• Drop a check in the mail to:  Burr and Burton Academy Advancement Office, P. O. Box 498, Manchester, VT  05254
• Give online:  www.burrburton.org/giving/online
• Stop by, say hi and drop off your gift to the Advancement Office

Our sincere thanks to all of you who have supported the annual fund this year, and we look forward to seeing many more parents on the invitation list!  Remember, it’s the annual fund that helps provide all of the “extras” for your student here at Burr and Burton.

3. “Save the Date” for our annual fundraising gala:

Friday, May 24, 2013 at 5:30 PM at Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home.

Save the date postcards for this event will be out shortly and invitations will be out in the mail in April.  Make your plans early as we had a sellout crowd the past two years and a waiting list!

4. On-line Auction

On behalf of the committee for this year’s gala event, Evening under the Stars on May 24th, we invite you to participate in Burr and Burton Academy’s third annual online auction. With your contribution, the auction is sure to build on the momentum of last year’s inaugural success.

The auction is designed to generate excitement for the main event on the 24th. Launching on April 1st and closing on April 30th, the auction will reach bidders all over the world (including parents of our international students, long-distance grandparents, and our  alumni), plus the many friends of the school right here in our own backyard. The auction serves as a great way to involve those people who cannot attend the event for any number of reasons.

We are looking for services of all shapes and sizes to feature as stand-alone items and in specially designed packages.  Perhaps you can offer a service, such as landscaping or wood delivery? (In fact, a cord of seasoned and stacked wood donated by a BBA parent was one of our hottest items last year!)  Whatever the contribution, it will benefit our most precious commodity of all, our children!

Since the auction is running prior to the event, our timeline is pushed up a bit this year. We need to have your donation in the Advancement Office by February 28th. You are welcome to drop it off yourself or contact one of us and a committee member will come pick it up from you.  Don’t forget, your item or service donation counts toward parent participation in the Annual Giving Campaign and gets you on the list for the annual BBA Parent Thank-you Party!

Questions about the Online Auction?  Contact Christine Hoard, choard@burrburton.org or 549-8277.

Many thanks for your support and don’t forget to put the gala on your calendars!

Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
cgubb@burrburton.org

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College and Career Information

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 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 contains multiple career and college resources and also serves as a communication tool.  We demonstrated various program functions during our evening College Program for Junior Parents in October.  If you’d like access to this program or need to reset your password, please email Lynne Welsh, Office Assistant 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

Maria Bittinger 549-8126; mbittinger@burrburton.org

Standardized Testing Registration
College bound Burr and Burton juniors should sign up to take either the SAT or the ACT this spring. Please check your calendar for possible athletic and other conflicts. We offer both tests on our campus so students can benefit from testing in a familiar environment. We will be discussing testing with juniors during our individual meetings but please feel free to contact us for specific questions and testing recommendations.

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.

Upcoming Test Dates and Deadlines
Saturday, Feb. 9 ACT
Register by Jan. 11 at www.actstudent.org
Sign up for ACT with writing!
Test not at BBA

Saturday, March 9  SAT
Register by Feb. 8 at www.collegeboard.com
SAT Critical Reasoning Test only (no subject tests)
Test is offered at BBA

If a student has a potential athletic or other conflict for May or June test date, you may want to consider taking this one.

Saturday, April 13 ACT
Register by March 8  at www.actstudent.org
Sign up for ACT with writing!
Test is offered at BBA

There are additional test dates in April, May and June. See the ACT and College Board Websites or refer to the testing calendar we mailed home. Students should not test every time one is offered but we do recommend that juniors take at least one ACT or SAT this year.

TESTING PLAN & CALENDAR FOR JUNIORS

Test Prep Opportunities
Free Options:
www.collegeboard.com; bookmark “Question of the day”
www.actstudent.org
www.number2.com

On-Line courses:
www.kaplan.com
www.princetonreview.com

Prep Classes: $100 High End Test Prep (underwritten by BBA – classes at BBA)
*Timed to prepare for the May SAT
All classes meet from 12:45 – 2:45 on Fridays.

Test Prep / May SAT:

March 22

April 5

April 12

May 3

To register for this course, bring $100 (payable to BBA) to Mrs. Welsh.  Fee reductions are available to families with financial need – see your counselor.  Registration deadline: March 8.

$300 Manchester Tutorial Center Organized Classes*
*Timed to prepare for SAT at BBA in May

March 24, 31, April 7, 21, 28

Contact the Tutorial Center at 362-0222 to register and pay for the class.

FINANCIAL AID

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 to 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.

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  www.sothernvernontahec.org and CollegeQuest www.nevahec.org (for health-related careers); See websites for details and deadlines.

All students are eligible for the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont that are week-long sessions organized around the following topics: Arts, Asian Cultures, Current Events and Issues, Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, and Science and Technology. Applications will be online beginning February 1 (http://www.giv.org/apply-now)

Students planning to spend a semester abroad or in an alternative educational setting in 2012-2013 should meet with their counselor to plan an appropriate academic schedule.  Students need to submit a BBA Off-Campus Study application for approval. These forms are due by May 10 for plans that commence at any point during the fall semester.

Remember Mountain Campus applications deadline is February 13.

Updated Scholarships 2013
Forms for all of the scholarships listed below are available in the School and College Counseling Office.  This scholarship information is also listed on the Naviance website at: http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton. Some applications can be downloaded from Naviance.

VSAC UNIFIED SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION:  Deadline is Friday, Feb 8, to be “put in the VSAC hat” for a $1,000 Early Bird scholarship from VSAC. Students MUST have their document requests from School and College Counseling (Mrs. Welsh) by noon, Feb 7, if applying for this. Come to School and College Counseling to obtain the scholarship book. Many scholarships, one application.  If the student is not applying early-bird, the regular deadline is March 9. See your counselor or Mrs. Welsh if you have questions.

Knights of Columbus Scholastic Achievement Scholarship
Eligibility: high school senior who is a son or daughter of a Knight of Columbus; five scholarships based on scholastic achievement, involvement in school and community and financial need.
Award: $1,000; Deadline: February 15

Rotary Club of Manchester – Award for Excellence
Eligibility: High School senior planning to enroll in college. Based on (in order of importance) character, community service, effort, personal potential, financial need and past academic performance.
Award: $1,000 per year/max of $4,000; Deadline: March 30

Fraternal Order of Eagles and Auxiliary Scholarships
Eligibility: Seniors entering either a college or vocational school. Personality, community service, academic accomplishments, and financial need are some of the deciding factors.
Award: not specified; Deadline: March 30

American Legion of Vermont Scholarship
Eligibility: seniors accepted at approved or accredited school or college,
Award: $1,500; $1,000; or $500; Deadline: April 1
Application information online: www.legionvthq.com

VFW – Phil Kelleher and John West Scholarship
Eligibility: High school senior planning to enroll in college. Award based on academic record, personal achievement, community service. RECENT PHOTO required.
Award: not specified; Deadline: April 12th —  must be hand-delivered

Stephen Phillips Scholarship
Eligibility: Financial need, academic excellence, and exemplary citizenship, character and serious-mindedness. Extensive application form. Start early! (See if you qualify financial BEFORE filling out the application.)
Award: $3,000 to $10,000 Deadline: May 1
Application online at www.phillips-scholarship.org

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
Eligibility: US citizen, high school student, must write an essay on the following theme :
• What have you done outside the classroom that demonstrates qualities sought after by the post secondary institution that you are hoping to attend? Also, which of these qualities means the most to you?
The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent to us by email at: scholarships@abbottandfenner.com
Award:$1,000; Applications online at http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm
Deadline: June 14, 2013

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News From The Athletic Department

Save The Date: The Spring Sports Parent/Athlete meeting will be held Friday, March 15.
Watch the March Bullhorn for more details.

Post Season Dates:

Dance Team State Competition - Saturday, February 16 @ Vergennes High School 3:00 pm.

Alpine Skiing
Districts - February 13 @ Bromley
States:
Boys- March 6 @ Okemo
Girls- March 4 @ Stowe

Snowboarding:
States - March 7 & 8 @ Stowe

Nordic Skiing:
States - Freestyle Feb. 24 @ Jericho and  Classical Feb. 28 @ Grafton

Basketball:
Play Downs:
Boys – February 26 & 27
Girls – March 5 & 6

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From the Health Clinic

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Our school is participating in the Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) sponsored by the Vermont Department of Education and the Vermont Department of Health. The survey gathers information about health risk behaviors of 9th through 12th grade students. The survey includes questions about nutrition, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, physical exercise, injuries, and sexual behavior. Schools, communities and state agencies will use the results of the survey to evaluate programs, plan new programs and to secure future funding.

We are planning to administer the survey on Thursday, February 14, 2013.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in conjunction with state and local school officials, developed the YRBS. It also has the support of many national organizations including the National PTA.

The YRBS is anonymous, and survey procedures have been designed to protect your child’s privacy. The names of students who take the survey and their survey responses will not be disclosed to any school employee nor will any student’s name or survey responses be divulged in a report of the results. We would like all students to take part in the survey; however, the survey is voluntary. No student is required to take the survey.

Should you decide to opt your child out of taking the survey please contact me directly (549-8132).

You may also contact me with any questions or concerns.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Megan Cornell, RN
Health Clinic Director/School Nurse

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This Month from the Media and Performing Arts Department

The Media and Performing Arts Department will host a Calliope Cafe, a coffee house style evening of music, drama, dance, poetry and film, Tuesday, February 12 at 6:30 pm in the Rowland Center. Admission is $3.00 students/ $5.00 adults. Students interested in performing should contact Julie Freebern jfreebern@burrburton.org by Tuesday, February 5 to schedule an audition.

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A Weekend of Improv

The Burr and Burton Media and Performing Arts Department presents A Weekend of Improv on Friday, February 8 at 6:30 pm and Saturday, February 9 at 4 pm in the Riley Center for the Arts.

BBA Alumnus and guest artist Alec Lewis ’07 has been working with a talented and funny group of BBA students to develop skills for improvisation. Lewis co-founded Cape Ann Improv based in the North Shore of Massachusetts. They are committed to using improv to develop self-confidence, team building, and communal creativity. Members of Cape Ann Improv have performed professionally throughout New England and all across the country.

Lewis and Cape Ann Improv will open the weekend with a hilarious and original show that has not been seen before and will never be available again.

Prior to Saturday’s performance, there will be a drop-in workshop open to the entire community where everyone is invited to experience the joys and magic of improvisation. This workshop will run from 1-3 pm. No registration is required.

Tickets for the event are $3 for BBA students, faculty and staff and $5 for the general public and can be purchased at: bbatickets.com

Come laugh with us.

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Don’t miss out on a chance to be a part of BBA’s Media and Performing Arts Departments Spring Musical

If you have always wanted to be on stage or work behind the scenes, we have a place for you and we need your to help make our show successful.  Looking for actors, singer, dancers, lighting and sound technicians, stage managers and people interested in learning about costumes, props, box office, etc.

Audition Workshop - Feb 11 & 13, 3-6 pm

Auditions for The Spring Musical LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS - Feb 26-28 6 pm-9 pm

Audition material can be picked up in the dance studio.
Audition information can be found at: http://pactd.wikispaces.com/Spring+Musical
If you have any questions, please contact Mr Raposa at: jraposa@burrburton.org

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From the English Department

Burr and Burton Academy is pleased to invite the community to a poetry reading by Vermont Poet Laureate Sydney Lea on February 19 at 7-8:30 pm at the Flood Brook Union School.

This event is sponsored by Burr and Burton Academy, the Wilder Memorial Library, The South Londonderry Free Library, Flood Brook Union School and the Northshire Book store.

For information please call 802-824-4307 or email: wilderweston@gmail.com

There is a $5 suggested donation where proceeds will benefit Vermont’s Children’s Literacy Foundation.

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From the Library

“Based on the Book”

Early in January 2013, AmericanProfile.com featured a story on “ten American novels that became Hollywood classics.”  Since all ten books and all ten films are a part of our Library collections February will showcase a display of these wonderful stories that inspired classic films.

Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Winston Groom’s Forrest Gump

Mario Puzo’s The Godfather

Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind

John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz

James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans

Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick

Alan Le May’s The Searchers

The Lisa B. Tuttle Memorial Library provides students and faculty with resources for study, research and pleasure reading.  We are always looking for ways to serve you better.  If you have any suggestions or comments we would love to hear them.  Just stop by the Library and tell us!

Library website: http://northshirelibraries.com.

Library Hours:
Monday – Thursdays 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

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From the Yearbook Staff

Alex Vincent
Yearbook Advisor

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Driver’s Ed

Please mark your calendar for any students interested in Driver’s Ed - there will be a MANDATORY student/parent meeting in the cafeteria on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 pm for anyone wanting to take driver’s ed this summer. If you are not at the meeting you will NOT be able to take the course this summer….no exceptions. The course starts June 17.

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Corporate Sponsors

We thank the corporations below for their generous support of Burr and Burton Academy

Headmaster’s List

Berkshire Bank

r.k. Miles

Stratton Mountain Resort

The Orvis Company

The Vermont Country Store

TPW Management

High Honors List

Finn and Stone Insurance

Mack Molding

The Equinox Resort and Spa

W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency, Inc.

Honors List

Casella Waste Management

Homestead Landscaping

Mettowee Mill Nursery, Inc.

The Bank of Bennington

The Richards Group

Academic Letter

Aspen Motel

Battenkill Communications

Bradley D. Myerson Law Offices

Dublois and Associates

Engel Spivey Lemonik, PC

Hand Motors

High-Tech Plumbing & Heating

Mountain Weavers

People’s United Bank

Academic Pin

Dydo and Company, Inc.

Glebe Mountain Gardens & Landscaping

iShip

Northshire Bookstore

TD Bank

Calendar

10      Theater, Dance & Film Showcase (6 pm & 8 pm, Riley Center)
14      End of Marking Period
15-17 Final Exams (Early Dismissal – 12:35 pm)
18      Faculty In-Service – No School
18      Semi-Formal Winter Ball  (8:00 pm, BBA Cafeteria)
21      Martin Luther King Day – No School
22      Faculty In-Service – No School
23      Second Semester Begins – Special Schedule
26-27 Theater Arts Symposium (Riley Center)

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From the Headmaster

Dear Families:

With the arrival of the new year comes an opportunity both to reflect on the past and look to the future.

2012 was a terrific year for Burr and Burton.  We grew–literally–by adding the town of Dover to our constellation, launched the remarkable Mountain Campus program, looked intensively at our programs as part of our 10-year reaccreditation process (more on this in a moment), and we continue to commit ourselves to a mission of responsibility, integrity and service.  We won state championships, sent students to a superb range of colleges and universities, participated in statewide art and music performances, saw student groups travel overseas, lent our hands to disaster recovery efforts, and forged all-important bonds between teachers and students.  We welcomed a new freshman class as well as numerous newcomers into the upper grades, and we brought a cadre of new teachers into the fold.

The 10-year reaccreditation, through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, is worth a bit of explanation.  For almost a year, we conducted a self-study, and then in November we hosted a team of ten educators for three days to see whether our reflections matched with their perspective.  I am happy to say that we passed our accreditation with flying colors, and #1 on their list of commendations was the following:

The Visiting Committee commends Burr and Burton Academy for the palpable sense of community spirit and pride expressed by all constituencies and the clear emphasis placed on the primacy of rapport and close relationships throughout the school community.

To me, this is the ultimate compliment to us all, and it reflects a mutual commitment between this school and the communities we serve.

On to the future, knowing that our school’s accomplishments and successes are only as good as the experience of our individual students, I share with you the following hopes for 2013:

• I hope that our most motivated and industrious students continue to achieve and inspire, lead, and be involved throughout the school.
• I hope our less motivated students find a productive passion, a key relationship, and a reason for excitement in their education in their remaining time at BBA.
• I hope you as parents find Burr and Burton to be a place worthy of your trust and support.
• I hope our teachers have a powerful impact on their students, and I hope our students have a powerful impact on us as a school and a community.
• I hope each student finds many individual successes, always recognizing that success and failure are partners, not opposites.
• I hope we all live up to at least one of our New Year’s resolutions.
• I hope we have a safe and healthy year, something that we often take for granted but should not.
• I hope that our students recognize that most true hopes and dreams are within their grasp – but they often take determination to achieve.

And I hope that our greatest strength as a school continues to be the primacy of relationships, school pride, and widespread recognition of the importance of community.  We are all in this together.

Happy New Year.

Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

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By all accounts, the fall semester at the Mountain Campus has been a huge success. Students ended their term with in-depth research and work projects designed and implemented entirely by themselves. Since our assessment tool is modeled on the skills and understandings needed to be effective agents of positive change, these projects were the perfect final exam. Students presented their work first to each other, then at a formal evening event for parents, friends, and professional advisors to the projects. High stakes, real work, and with tangible results – those were required criteria for the work and the results were impressive. Equally impressive, however was the strength of the relationships and commitment to our community that was on display that evening and in the final weeks of the semester. This group of students truly embraced and answered our central question: “What does it mean to live well in this place?” I’m proud to send this group of Pioneers back to BBA and their home communities – they know themselves well, understand what it means to work hard, and are ready to make a positive difference in their own way. Our next semester starts up January 23rd with our Winter Pioneers, a highly motivated group of students ready to tackle a new winter curriculum and wade into the winter wonderland in Peru!

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From the Parent Association

The Burr and Burton Parent Association endeavors to foster partnership between families, school, and the community through communication, education, social and fundraising activities and advocacy.

We hope you are well rested from the break because January begins the year with a frantic pace!  It starts off with a theater, dance & film showcase on the 10th. It is the end of the marking period on the 14th and then final exams are on the 15-17th. The 18th, which is a Friday, is a faculty in service day so the kids have the day off! Also on the 21st as it is  Martin Luther King Day and on the 22nd as it is another faculty in service day. The second semester begins on the 23rd. The Theater Arts Symposium will be on the 26th & 27th. Phew, that’s a busy month!

Last year, 29 percent of Burr and Burton Academy parents contributed to the annual campaign, for a total of approximately $89,000. While dollar amounts matter, participation matters much more. Our goal this year is simple – to increase that giving rate to 50 percent or more.

Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President

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Everyday, faculty, staff and students at Burr and Burton help make our community a better place. Whether it be a student holding open a door, helping clean-up after an event, or a teacher who goes out of his way to make the day spectacular for a student – the monthly RISE award is here to recognize that person. Everyone has the opportunity to vote on who you feel best embodies our school’s mission of responsibility, integrity and service and make sure their actions are recognized, appreciated and may serve as an example for others.

• A student may be nominated here.
• A faculty/staff member may be nominated here.

Last month BBA ceramics teacher Lauren Silver was the first faculty recipient chosen and recognized as “a woman who has been called one of the nicest people on campus, how can you not love her. Her classroom is a warm and inviting place.  She lives our mission.”

Henry Lin was chosen as the inaugural student winner – a young man that is described as “energetic, fun to be around, caring, and someone that makes everyone feel good about themselves. He recently cooked a meal for the entire BBA international community. He does the little things that make our community a better place.”

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From the Advancement Office

We hope everyone had a super holiday break enjoying the winter weather that has finally arrived!

We want to thank all of our BBA parents who made a gift to the Annual Fund at the end of the year.  We appreciate your response to the class challenge and we will be sharing an update with you shortly on parent participation by class.  Since January is a cold, dark month where we all face holiday bills and other obligations, we will not be pushing for your financial support of the annual fund right now.

We are gearing up for the planning of this year’s fundraising gala, An Evening under the Stars, on May 24, 2013.  So be sure that date is on your calendar.  In conjunction with this event, we will once again be holding an Online Auction in April.  We are looking for items for the auction, and in particular, donation of services.  If you own a business and would like to donate something we are looking for things like:  a cord of wood (delivered), a morning of spring cleaning, a couple of hours of window washing, decorating consultation, landscaping consultation, gift certificates to local restaurants – anything along these lines.  If you have something in mind, please contact Christine Hoard at choard@burrburton.org or call her at 802-549-8277.  And the good news is if you donate something to the auction that will count toward parent participation in the annual fund!

Best wishes to all of our Burr and Burton families for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013!

Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
cgubb@burrburton.org

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College and Career Information

Second Semester Schedules

All students will receive a copy of their second semester schedule on January 8th.  Students who need to make changes should see their counselor by January 17th.  No changes will be made on the first day of classes and there will be limited opportunity to switch classes at a later time.

Visit the Career Development Center

Students interested in finding out more about what the CDC has to offer should see their School Counselor to participate in a visit scheduled for January 8th.

College and Career Planning for Juniors

The School & College Counselors will meet with all juniors in individual student appointments to be scheduled in February and March.  We will discuss the student’s academic record, extracurricular and work experiences, and other positive factors that will contribute to a successful college application process or transition to work or other opportunities.  Our goal with all students is to help them create a successful plan for life after BBA.  We will assist college-bound students in developing an appropriate college list, answer questions and provide support for the college search.  We welcome parental contact and feedback at any time.

Standardized Testing for Juniors

All juniors who took the PSAT in October received their reports and test booklets in advisory.  We also mailed copies of the report home to all families.

The next step is to sign up to take standardized testing in the spring.  Students have many options about which tests to take and when to take them.   Please contact your counselor if you have questions.

Upcoming Test Dates and Deadlines

Saturday, March 9 - Register by Feb. 8 at www.collegeboard.org
SAT Critical Reasoning Test only (no subject tests)
Test is offered at BBA
If student has potential athletic or other conflict for May or June test date, he /she may want to consider taking this one.

Saturday, April 13 - Register by Mar. 8 at www.actstudent.org
ACT - Sign up for ACT with writing!
Test is offered at BBA

There are additional test dates in April, May and June.  See the ACT and College Board Websites or refer to the testing calendar we mailed home.  Students should not test every time one is offered but we do recommend that juniors take at least one ACT or SAT this year.

TESTING PLAN & CALENDAR FOR JUNIORS

Test Prep Opportunities
Free Options:
www.collegeboard.com; bookmark “Question of the day”
www.actstudent.org
www.number2.com

On-Line courses:
www.kaplan.com
www.princetonreview.com

Prep Classes: $100 High End Test Prep (underwritten by BBA – classes at BBA)
*Timed to prepare for either the March SAT or the May SAT
All classes meet from 12:45 – 2:45 on Fridays.

Group 1 / March SAT:            Group 2 / May SAT:

Jan. 25                                            March 22

Feb. 1                                              April 5

Feb. 8                                              April 12

March 1                                            May 3

These courses are identical so students need only sign up for one. To register for either course, bring $100 (payable to BBA) to Mrs. Welsh.  Fee reductions are available to families with financial need – see your counselor.  Registration deadlines: Jan. 11 for Group 1;  March 8 for Group 2.

$300 Manchester Tutorial Center Organized Classes*
*Timed to prepare for SAT at BBA in May

March 24, 31, April 7, 21, 28

Contact the Tutorial Center at 362-0222 to register and pay for the class.

Governor’s Institutes of Vermont Winter Weekend

Sign up for Winter Weekend, February 8-10, 2013 at Goddard College, Plainfield Vermont and February 15-17, 2013, at Marlboro College, Marlboro, VT. REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  January 13, 2013, ($275 all inclusive, room & board)Registration is on a first come, first served, basisat  www.giv.org.  Choose from 4 courses and participate in a weekend of fun, excitement and learning with other students from around the state who share your interests.

Students in grades 9, 10 or 11 that are interested in learning more about health careers can apply to attend MedQuest, a weeklong summer program that allows students to explore a variety of health careers and shadow health care professionals. Applications can be found online at www.svahec.org.  Admission is competitive and applications are due February 1, 2013.

College Application Update

Congratulations to the many seniors who have already been admitted to college!  Most seniors have applied and are now waiting for responses from colleges that don’t report decisions as quickly.  We continue to work with the seniors who are still in the process of applying and aim to have them get their applications in by the end of the month.

Mid-Year Grades for Seniors

Many colleges request the mid-year or first semester grades of their applicants.  Rest assured that the registrar will process grades as soon as possible following exams.  We’ll then forward an updated transcript to all colleges listed on students’ transcript request forms.  Because we use a universal mid-year report form, there is no need to provide us with college-specific forms.

Financial Aid

January 1 is opening day for 2013-2014 Financial Aid season!  All students applying for need-based aid should be ready to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the VSAC (Vermont Student Assistance Corp.) grant application in the next month or so.

Parents should begin gathering financial statements and information in anticipation of filing financial aid forms.  Be careful to meet individual college financial aid deadlines.  Please remember that you can estimate on your forms and revise them later.  Many colleges distribute financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis.

Families are encouraged to apply on-line whenever possible: www.fafsa.ed.gov and www.vsac.org.

Some private colleges also require a form called the CSS Financial Aid Profile Form.  This process should be started immediately so as not to delay funding: https://profileonline.collegeboard.com.

Families who have specific questions about how to complete portions of the financial aid forms may want to take advantage of scheduling an individual appointment with Monda Kelley, VSAC Counselor on January 24th from 2 pm to 5:30 pm and a FAFSA forum workshop 6 pm to 8 pm. Families who want to participate should call Lynne Welsh at 549-8242 in the School and College Counseling Office as soon as possible to put their names on an appointment list.  Other VSAC counselors are on-call and available to answer questions families have about any aspect of applying for financial at their toll-free number: 1-800-798-8722.

Scholarships

The VSAC Unified Scholarship application and information is available on the VSAC website and is available in booklet form in the School and College Counseling Office. The deadline for all scholarships in this application is March 8; there is also an early-bird deadline of February 8.
Scholarship information is also on the Naviance website at: http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton.

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This Month from the Media and Performing Arts Department

All State Music Festival Auditions will be held in Hartford, VT on Saturday, January 19.

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Burr and Burton Academy’s Media and Performing Arts Department is proud to present its Winter Showcase, A Night of Dance, Drama and Cinema, January 10th at 6:00 pm and at 8:00 pm in the school’s Riley Center for the Arts.

The Winter Showcase is the culmination of BBA’s Media and Performing Arts Department’s curricular and extra curricular programs including Broadway Workshop and Pointe. The evening’s presentation of musical theater numbers from Anything Goes, West Side Story, Into the Woods, Les Miserables, classical and contemporary theatrical scenes, dance numbers and the original Fall Film Project, Others is sure to guarantee that there is something for everyone. This year’s Winter Showcase is dedicated to the late Burr and Burton alumna Erin Hehir. Tickets are $3.00 for Students, Faculty and Staff and $5.00 for Adults and can be purchased online at bbatickets.com.

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BBA Students to Appear in Opera Theatre of Weston Production Noye’s Fludde

Two BBA students and a teacher will appear in the upcoming Opera Theatre of Weston (OTW) production of Noye’s Fludde (Noah’s Flood) by Benjamin Britten. The one-act opera is a unique take on the well-known biblical tale of Noah and his Ark.  Continuing OTW’s mission of “bringing children to opera and opera to children”, this production will reach new heights as the majority of the cast will consist of local youngsters taking the parts of Noah’s sons and their wives and a 24-member animal chorus. Young students will also participate in the orchestra and more than 2,600 school children will attend the performances. Noye’s Fludde will mark the thirteenth annual Opera in Winter produced by OTW.

Anjelica Caroll will take the lead youth role of Mrs. Sem, wife of one of Noah’s sons; Shea Flanagan will play percussion in the chamber orchestra together with music teacher Julie Freebern who will be part of the recorder quartet. Public performances will be held at the Paramount Theatre, Rutland on January 6 and the Weston Playhouse on January 12 and 13 at 2:00 pm.  Those who attend the public performances can also participate during the show by singing three well-known hymns that underscore the dramatic action of the opera.  Special rehearsals for the “congregational singers” will take place in Rutland and in Weston.  For more information, phone 824-3821.

Tickets for the public performances range from $15 to $28. To purchase tickets for the public performance in Rutland, go to www.paramountlive.org (802/775-0903) and for Weston performances, phone 802/824-3821, e-mail: otw@sover.net or go to www.operatheatreofweston.com.

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January 5, 2013 - Love Never Dies from the Regent Theatre, Melbourne, Australia
This mesmerizing follow-up to the multi-award winning The Phantom of the Opera features a 21-piece orchestra and an impressive cast of 36 including actors Ben Lewis as the Phantom and Anna O’Byrne as Christine Daaé. Based on a book by Ben Elton, the captivating love story of the Phantom and Christine Daaé continues in New York’s playground, Coney Island. After his disappearance from the Paris Opera house, the Phantom begins a new life in New York among the freaks and side-shows. The only thing missing from his new life is his musical protégée, Christine. In an effort to win back his true love, the Phantom lures Christine and her family to this new, sparkling but unknown world.  Click here for preview.

January 19, 2013 - “I Am Slave”  from the Toronto International Film Festival
Inspired by real-life events, “I Am Slave” is a controversial thriller about the shocking existence of the slave trade in London, and one young woman’s struggles to regain the freedom that’s been stolen from her. Director Gabriel Range (“Death of a President”) and screenwriter Jeremy Brock (“Last King of Scotland”) teamed up to tell the story of a young Sudanese girl who is taken from her village and sold into serving a family of Arabs in contemporary England. Though her father is a tribal leader and a man of no small power in their community, none of this means much when Malia is captured with a number of other young women in a raid on their village by mujahideen soldiers. Malia is shipped off to Khartoum, where she’s sold to an Arab family. Mistress of the family Laila uses violence and humiliation to break her spirit and make her an obedient servant. After several years, Laila sends Malia to London to work for her cousin Haleema but there is little change in her routine. Malia works all day and all night, receives no pay, has no free time or privileges, and is rarely allowed outside as she tries to find some way to regain her freedom. This independent film is based on the story of Mende Nazer, who became a human rights activist after serving in the home of a Sudanese diplomat.  Click here for preview.

Tickets an be purchased online at bbatickets.com.

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A World Title to Defend!

The K1BBS contest team is gearing up to defend its world title in this February’s School Club Roundup.  The Roundup, a ham radio contest for schools, will be held February 11-15.  While other schools are wondering “who are those guys and how are we going to catch them?”, K1BBS is planning on maintaining its world ranking … 1st in the high school division and 3rd overall for all schools.  The plan: (ssssshhhhhh … it’s top secret) bring in the heavy hitters (girls), max out the time limit (24 hours), and fire up the amp (1000 watts).  We can’t make any promises or predictions … other than it’ll be an adventure … it always is.  In past years we have survived snow days (2 one year), a broken antenna, a blown up amplifier, and a fried antenna tuner.  This contest lends new meaning to “Plan B”.  So, listen for us on 40 meters … we’ll be a one band wonder.  Happy CQing.

de K1BBS

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From the Library

DVDs, books and other materials for the Refuse to Use Program are now available for borrowing from our Library.  The Lisa B. Tuttle Memorial Library presently houses all materials from The Collaborative.

In addition, we have recently added the following books to our regular fiction and nonfiction collections.

Underworld by Meg Cabot — this is the second in the Abandon series by Meg Cabot .

The Dust Bowl by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns.

Josser:  Days and Nights in the Circus by Nell Stroud.  It chronicles the experiences the author had while traveling with the circus.

For our student thespians:

Meisner for Teens:  A Life of True Acting by Larry Silverberg.

101 Original One-Minute Monologues for Women Ages 18-25 by Kristen Dabrowski.

Great Scenes for Young Actors from the Stage edited by Craig Slaight and Jack Sharrar.

Great Monologues for Young Actors edited by Craig Slaight and Jack Sharrar.

60 Seconds to Shine edited by John Capecci and Irene Ziegler Aston.

The Lisa B. Tuttle Memorial Library provides students and faculty with resources for study, research and pleasure reading.  We are always looking for ways to serve you better.  If you have any suggestions or comments we would love to hear them.  Just stop by the Library and tell us!

Library website: http://northshirelibraries.com.

Library Hours:
Monday – Thursdays 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

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From the Yearbook Staff

Happy New Year from the Yearbook Desk:

Alex Vincent
Yearbook Advisor

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Corporate Sponsors

We thank the corporations below for their generous support of Burr and Burton Academy

Headmaster’s List

Berkshire Bank

r.k. Miles

Stratton Mountain Resort

The Orvis Company

The Vermont Country Store

TPW Management

High Honors List

Finn and Stone Insurance

Mack Molding

W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency, Inc.

Honors List

Casella Waste Management

Homestead Landscaping

Mettowee Mill Nursery, Inc.

The Bank of Bennington

Academic Letter

Aspen Motel

Battenkill Communications

Bradley D. Myerson Law Offices

Dublois and Associates

Hand Motors

High-Tech Plumbing & Heating

Academic Pin

Dydo and Company, Inc.

Glebe Mountain Gardens & Landscaping

iShip

Mountain Weavers

My Sister’s Garden

TD Bank

1   SAT at BBA

13 Winter Concert

19 12:35 Dismissal

20-31 Holiday Break

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From the Headmaster

Dear Families:

Last year 90% of our faculty and staff gave not only their expertise and dedication to Burr and Burton, but also gave financially. That sends a powerful message.

Each year, we devote substantially more resources to each student than we receive in tuition.  We do this so we can be the kind of school that our young people need and deserve.  While many schools minimize the arts or other “enrichment” programs, Burr and Burton treats our full range of programs as essential to an extraordinary and broad-based high school experience.  Cinematography, digital photography, ceramics, woodworking – these programs don’t exist in many schools.  Financial assistance for trips to foreign countries or state of the art facilities are also unique to Burr and Burton.  All these things cost money – yet are vitally important to the Burr and Burton experience and our success.

It’s not easy and I don’t particularly like asking for support, but I love this school too much NOT to ask.  If you can give something, regardless of the amount, by sending a check or making a gift online here, you will contribute even more than you do already in making this school stronger and the education of our students better.  That may well be the best present any of us can receive at this time of year.

I wish you all the best this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

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Ben Freeman
Mountain Campus Director

Students interested in learning more about the Burr and Burton Mountain Campus Program and admissions for spring semester 2013 or school year 2013-14 are encouraged to talk to their counselor in the School and College Counseling Office or contact us directly by email: (bfreeman@burrburton.org) or phone (802-824-4846).

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From the Parent Association

The Burr and Burton Parent Association endeavors to foster partnership between families, school, and the community through communication, education, social and fundraising activities and advocacy.

December is here and you know what that means – BREAK!

Well not for many of us but you get the idea!

But first we start off with the SAT on December 1st followed by the winter concert on December 13th. That’s it for the month – a light schedule so that you are really ready!

Last year, 29 percent of Burr and Burton Academy parents contributed to the annual campaign, for a total of approximately $89,000. While dollar amounts matter, participation matters much more. Our goal this year is simple – to increase that giving rate to 50 percent or more.

The school is closed on December 20th for the break so we’ll see you in 2013!

Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President

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Attention all Dorset BBA families!  We would like to explore the possibility of reinstituting bus transportation from Dorset to Burr and Burton Academy and need to find out how many families would use such a service.  If you are interested, please contact Daniela or Scott Stewart as soon as possible at (802) 768-8169 (leave a message) or send an e-mail to cssbmw@gmail.com.  Thank you!

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News From The Athletics Department

Basketball and Ice Hockey Ticket Prices 2012-2013

Adults $4
Students $2
Senior Citizens (age 62 and over) $2

Season Pass Prices for Basketball Games Only

Students and Senior Citizens: 10-game punch ticket $15
Adults: 10-game punch ticket $30

Season Passes are available for purchase at the Burr and Burton Athletic Office and at all home games.

Winter Sports Schedules can be found on the school’s web site.

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From the Booster Club

Booster Club meetings are every second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm in Julie Fifield’s room.

Thank You
Arlena Merrow
President of Boosters

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From the Advancement Office

With the holiday season now officially in full swing, it’s a time to remember, acknowledge and thank all of our parents and friends who support Burr and Burton Academy in many ways.  So here goes:

Thank you to the Parent Association and the many hours they have put into reaching out to all BBA parents.  Under new direction this year, Peggy Brockett has done a terrific job leading the Parent Association.  To date this group has hosted two potlucks – one for Freshmen and Sophomore parents and one for Junior and Senior parents, hosted a pasta dinner at the fall Open House, helped with setting up for Grandparents Day, provided an amazing dessert buffet for the faculty in-service day, organized and executed a clothing exchange, helped organize homecoming, made refreshments and helped with other needs for M*A*S*H, and much more.

Thank you to the Booster Club and all of the activities they have been involved in such as organizing homecoming, manning the concessions at games, selling BBA logo wear and many other activities that benefit all of our sports teams.  Thanks to the new parents who have joined the Booster Club and have made a big difference in a few short months.

Thank you to those who have helped organize fundraising events to support the hockey program, especially the most recent Student/Faculty Hockey game a Riley Rink.

Thank you to Gloria Palmer for once again taking on the Winter Sports Program, and for all those folks who have helped sell ads or bought an ad in the publication.  The proceeds from this publication support our sports programming.

Thank you to Irene Cole for designing such beautiful collateral material for our school, including the new Mountain Campus brochure, the great looking program for our Performing Arts and for all of the marketing materials for the upcoming spring fundraising gala.

Thank you to our host families of International students for welcoming these young people into your home to be a part of your family.  And to our dorm parents who fashion a family of a different sort by creating a supportive, caring environment for their International students.

And last but not least, thank you to all parents who have supported the 2012 – 2013 Annual Giving Campaign with a gift.  (For those of you who haven’t, there is still plenty of time if you want to take the tax deduction in 2012!)

Our most sincere thanks to one and all who have supported the school and our students in some way, shape or form in the past months – we couldn’t do it without you.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
cgubb@burrburton.org

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From the Parent Association Advancement Committee:

Dear Parents:

In late October, we kicked off the 2012 – 2013 Annual Giving Campaign for Burr and Burton Academy. The initial response has been great, with donations arriving every day.  But this year, we’re focused on something just as important as the amount of money we’ll raise:  we also want to double the rate of participation, with a goal of fifty percent of all parents making a contribution. Every gift counts!

Donations to Burr and Burton Academy are tax-deductible, so if you’d like to include this gift on your 2012 tax returns, now’s the time to get it done. The annual campaign provides important funding that, year after year, helps to support the extra programs and opportunities that make our school extraordinary, from academics to arts and athletics, after-school clubs and life-changing trips abroad.

As the holiday season rolls along, we hope you’ll add your name to the growing list of Burr and Burton Academy parents who are giving the school a gift this year. Remember with a goal of fifty percent parent participation, every amount counts.  Please join us in supporting this amazing institution that provides so much for OUR students.

Bob McLeish                                           Kathleen James
Co-Chair, Parent Association                   Co-Chair, Parent Association
Advancement Committee                       Advancement Committee
(Claire ‘12, Colin ‘14)                             (Bailey Ring ‘14, Bridget Ring ‘17)

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College and Career Information

Seniors should be finalizing the college process – be sure to connect with your School and College Counselor. We need to plan ahead for deadlines that fall over the holiday period; therefore, Thursday, December 13th is the last day to request transcripts and records until January 2nd. Don’t forget that is the student’s responsibility to send SAT/ACT scores directly from the testing agency to the colleges.

Once you receive a decision, please let us know so we can keep an accurate record of our students’ successes. We’ll also pass along your happy news to Mr. Tashjian so he can announce it at Monday assemblies!

Standardized Testing Information for Sophomores and Juniors

PLAN results will be distributed to the sophomores and sent home in the next few weeks. On Thursday, November 29th Jared Bunzey, Consultant for the Northeast Region for the ACT, met with the sophomores and made a presentation explaining the PLAN results and resources available for exploring careers and college majors.

PSAT results are due to arrive later this month. We will distribute results to students as soon as they arrive and discuss future testing options with them. Copies of the results will be sent home.

SAT prep courses will be available this spring. Watch your mailbox in January for details and registration information.

Burr and Burton will be a testing site for the ACT on February 11th. Students wishing to register for this exam need to sign up at www.actstudent.org by January 9th.

Advanced Placement Exam fee

Just a reminder that all AP Exam fees are due December 3rd.  The cost is $90 per exam.  Students need to bring in payment to the School & College Counseling Office.  Please speak with Lynne Welsh or Cristin Rose to request a payment extension or to request a fee reduction form.

Financial Aid
If you missed the VSAC Financial Aid Night an online version of its popular “Paying for College” presentation is available at www.vsaccollegepays.org. The online presentation takes about a half-hour, but can easily be viewed in shorter segments. There are also helpful handouts available at the site to download.

It’s important to pay attention in individual college financial aid deadlines which are different from admission deadlines. Please check each college’s website for information.

Some private colleges also require a form called the CSS Financial Aid Profile Form. This two-part process should be started immediately so as not to delay funding. Forms are available online at www.collegeboard.com or via the VSAC website: http://www.vsac.org.

All families of students applying for need-based financial aid will submit the FAFSA. Please remember that you can estimate on your forms and revise them later. Many colleges distribute financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. The FAFSA form may be submitted beginning January 1 by completing it at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Families can register at this site in advance of January 1 to receive the necessary separate pin numbers for students and parents. (Beware of another website: http://www.fafsa.com — which charges people to complete the forms. FAFSA is a FREE form!)

All students applying for need-based aid will also submit the VSAC Financial Aid Form after January 1. It is available online at www.vsac.org. And to help with all those forms, the School and College Counseling Office, in conjunction with VSAC, will be offering a Financial Aid Forms Night. See next month’s Bullhorn for the date and time.

Seniors will be receiving a VSAC booklet of scholarship opportunities in Vermont from the School and College Counseling Office; the booklet and application are also available on the VSAC website. Other local scholarships are posted in our office and will be announced as they come in.

2012/2013 Scholarship List
Forms for all of the scholarships listed below are available in the School and College Counseling Office.  This scholarship information is also listed on the Naviance website at: http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton.

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Eligibility: senior, employment, community service, leadership, financial need.
Award: $4,000 – $60,000; Deadline: December 7.
Application in School and College Counseling Office and online at: www.elks.org/enf/scholars.

NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award
Eligibility: Graduating Seniors with their own small business. Tips for a successful Scholarship Application • Start Early. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete the application. • Proofread your application. • Don’t procrastinate. Deadlines are final. Your application will not be considered if it is late. • Take Responsibility. Keep of a copy of your application for your records. • Watch your email. We will communicate with you regarding your application through email. Please add info@applyists.com to your address book and do not “opt out” of any communication sent from this address or you may not receive important information about your application, including notification if you are selected.
Application: http://www.nfib.com/yea

American Legion Oratorical Contest
Eligibility: This is a state and national Constitutional Speech Competition open to 9th through 12th graders.
Deadline: January 6.
Online information: www.legion.org/oratorical (left side of screen, Info Center).

WACE National Co-op Scholarship Program
Eligibility: GPA 3.5+. Must apply and be accepted at one of the ten WACE Partner Institutions.
Postmarked Deadline: February 15 (early applications encouraged).
Online information: http://www.waceinc.org.

American Legion of Vermont Scholarship
Eligibility: Seniors accepted at approved or accredited school or college.
Award: $1,500; $1,000; or $500; Deadline: April 1.
Application information online: www.legionvthq.com.

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
Eligibility: US citizen, high school student, must write an essay on the following theme :
• What have you done outside the classroom that demonstrates qualities sought after by the post secondary institution that you are hoping to attend? Also, which of these qualities means the most to you?
The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent to us by email at: scholarships@abbottandfenner.com.
Award: $1,000; Applications online at http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm.
Deadline: June 14, 2013.

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This Month

The Media & Performing Arts Department will present the Winter Concert featuring music from the Vocal, Instrumental & Electronic Music Ensembles on Thursday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the Riley Center. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students and can be purchased by visiting bbatickets.com.

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From the Library

Looking for academic or scholarly research sources?

Try our Gale and SIRS online databases when searching for academic research papers and scholarly Journal articles.

*Academic OneFile, one of Gale’s many databases is the premier source for peer-reviewed, full-text articles from the world’s leading journals and reference sources.  With extensive coverage of the physical sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects, Academic OneFile is both authoritative and comprehensive. With millions of articles available in both PDF and HTML full-text with no restrictions, researchers are able to find accurate information quickly.

*Biography in Context, a next-generation online portal built on a foundation of 600,000+ biographies on more than 500,000 people. Includes the highly regarded Contemporary Authors database.

*Career Transitions is a product that includes resources for discovering, planning, and pursuing a career:  career exploration, resume preparation, etc.

*Powerspeak Languages is a self-paced language instruction in Spanish, French, Korean, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, plus German and English for Spanish speakers.

*Chilton Automotative Repair provides exclusive photographs, diagnostics designed by instructors, step-by-step repair procedures, wiring diagrams, etc. in one easy-to-use website offering  decades of data to help you maintain your vehicles.

*SIRS Issues Researcher helps students make sense of the world by offering relevant, credible resources aligned to learning standards that tell the whole story on the major issues of the day.  Thousands of primary source documents, websites, and multimedia (including 13,000+ research-quality images) represent viewpoints from the pros and cons, to everything in-between.

The Lisa B. Tuttle Memorial Library provides students and faculty with resources for study, research and pleasure reading.  We are always looking for ways to serve you better.  If you have any suggestions or comments we would love to hear them.  Just stop by the Library and tell us!

Library website: http://northshirelibraries.com.

Library Hours:
Monday – Thurs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

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From the Yearbook Staff

This note is to inform you of the opportunity to reserve a personal ad for your student in the 2013 Burtonian (Yearbook). Each ad is $30.00 and can hold a small photograph and a small message. This is a great way to recognize your students hard work and happiness of graduating High School.

If you are interested please make checks out to BBA yearbook, subject parent ad and send the check attention Alex Vincent Yearbook Advisor. If you wish to include a photograph you can send it by email to avincent@burrburton.org or you can bring it into the schools front office attention Alex Vincent.

Space is limited and it will be a first come first serve basis, so don’t wait until the last minute. Ads must be purchased no later than February 1, 2013.

This is also a good time to reserve a copy of the 2013 Burtonian as well. You can purchase both the ad and the yearbook at the same time or you can purchase the book through the BBA website in the Parent Section – Yearbook 2013. A side note; the on line sale cost are $55.00. If you pay by check directly to school the cost will be at $50.00 for seniors only!

Thank you.

Alex Vincent
Yearbook Advisor

55      Mandatory Parent/Athlete Ice Hockey Meeting

7-10  Fall Play

12      Full Day Faculty In-Service (no school for students)

15      Winter Sports Mandatory Parent/Athlete Meeting 6:00 pm
15      Spaghetti dinner hosted by hockey team 5:00 pm

19-20 Parent Conferences (Early Dismissal – 12:35 pm)

21-23 Thanksgiving Break

26       Winter Sports Begin

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From the Headmaster

“I would recommend this to other students… I am much happier and enjoy what I am doing. I am learning lots in a different way than I have ever learned before. I am building leadership skills that will help me throughout my entire life and I am gaining much more confidence not only in myself but in the whole high school experience. “ – a Mountain Campus student

Dear Families:

If I offered you something worth over $20,000, but you had to pay nothing extra, would you be interested?

The Mountain Campus launched this year with 21 students engaging in a very different kind of education. Rigorous, adventurous, demanding physically, intellectually, and emotionally, the mountain campus is exceeding all our expectations for the kind of impact and experience it offers students.

Last week, the group went away for three days to visit a variety of eco-ventures in the Northeast Kingdom, ranging from Vermont Natural Coatings to an intimate look at the marble quarry in Danby. Students are experiencing the intersection of free enterprise and environmentalism, demonstrating that it is possible to pursue the American Dream while doing good for the world.

Three weeks ago, this group was backpacking off-trail in the Green Mountain National Forest, utilizing skills of observation, identification, and interpretation of the forested landscape while working together as a team.  Students are writing extensively, diagramming in journals, reflecting on their personal development, and learning to use the reference library to understand the natural world.

Colleges love seeing applicants who have taken the road less travelled, have demonstrated courage, have explored themselves and their surroundings and thereby distinguish themselves from students with more mainstream experience.

Experiential, placed-based education is a style of education typically available only for those willing to pay over $20,000 for a semester at a variety of programs around the country and the world. At Burr and Burton Academy, it is part of our program.  I encourage you to visit the website by following this link, check out the Mountain Campus blog at this link, and consider encouraging your son or daughter to apply for this remarkable program.

The Mountain Campus requires commitment. Due to the intensity of the program, students are not able to participate simultaneously in most extracurricular activities. However, this semester’s students are finding that the reward is commensurate with the commitment.

As with all things we do, we strive to be our absolute best. I hope you continue to find the Burr and Burton experience to be worthy of your support.

Sincerely

Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

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From the Parent Association

The Burr and Burton Parent Association endeavors to foster partnership between families, school, and the community through communication, education, social and fundraising activities and advocacy.

November already! The play is early in the month, M*A*S*H from November 7th - 10th. And it’s almost Turkey (Thanksgiving) Day! Remember to schedule your teacher conferences for the Monday or Tuesday before. You will be amazed by how well your child’s teacher knows them! Winter sports begin at the end of the month. Go Bulldogs! Look at the full calendar to really be in the know.

Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President

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Parent and Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled this semester for Monday, November 19 from 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday, November 20, from 1 pm – 5 pm with a break from 5:00 – 5:45 for dinner. Students will be dismissed at 12:35 on both days. Scheduling is done again this year online starting November 5 at: https://www.pickatime.com/client?ven=11601183. This link will also be available on our web site: www.burrburton.org in the “Parents” section.

All parents are encouraged to schedule appointments with teachers. If you have any questions or are having problems scheduling appointments, please email us at stowslee@burrburton.org.

Helpful Hints:  The pick-a-time software is VERY sensitive to both case and punctuation. Please follow the examples exactly in order to register. The most common problem when trying to set up appointments is not entering your student’s birth date correctly. It needs to be entered exactly as the example is shown: mm-dd-yyyy. Also, if you are a split family, and another parent has already made appointments, you will need to contact us at stowslee@burrburton.org so that we can “clone” your student.

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From The Athletics Department

Sunday, November 4, 1:15 pm
Please join the BBA hockey teams for a Dollar Skate on November 6 at Riley Rink from 1:15 pm-3:15 pm. Enjoy great skating with family and friends for a dollar per person and some delicious homemade baked goods to re-energize yourself and chuck puck to win a season pass to all home BBA hockey games. All proceeds will help cover the cost of ice time for the BBA hockey teams.

Monday November 5, 6 pm Boys and girls ice hockey parent/athlete meeting in the Rowland Center cafeteria.

Thursday, November 8, 5:15 pm   Parent/athlete informational meeting for alpine skiers interested in participating in the Burr and Burton Ski/Study Program in collaboration with the Bromley Outing Club this winter. The meeting will be held in Room 02 in the lower level of the Seminary Building.

Thursday, November 15, 6 pm mandatory winter sports parent/athlete meeting.
All winter sports (including ice hockey and alpine skiing) meet in the gymnasium. From this meeting teams will be directed to individual meeting locations. Ice hockey players and parents will not be required to stay.

Thursday, November 15, 5pm
Be sure to join the boys and girls hockey teams for their annual Pasta Dinner before the winter sports meetings on November 15 from 5 pm-6:45 pm. Enjoy a night off from cooking as your family comes to meet coaches and get ready for the winter sports season. The teams will serve up pasta with meat sauce, Caesar salad, garlic bread, drinks and delicious homemade treats. Admission is $5 per person or $20 per family.

Monday, November 26 All winter sports begin tryouts.

All students participating in a winter sport must have had a physical exam after March 2011.

Physical forms and permission forms can be downloaded from the schools web site burrburton.org. These completed forms must be brought to the meeting on November 15 or mailed (attn. Kathi Bierwirth) to the school before November 23 (please identify the sport on the form).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Director of Athletics, Kathi Bierwirth at kbierwirth@burrburton.org.

Winter Sports will begin the week after Thanksgiving on November 26. Because of the later start time for winter sports teams there will be games scheduled for all teams during the February 18-22 break. The Varsity Dance state competition will be held on February 16. Please keep this in mind when scheduling family vacations.

TO RECEIVE ATHLETIC SCHEDULE UPDATES

• Go to www.digitalsports.com
• Find your school: type in Burr and Burton

Please note: * Do Not type in Academy. * The word and must be typed out.

• Click on Burr and Burton. Once on Burr and Burton’s page got to the right side of the page. Click on sign up for our FREE schedule update email.
• Type in your email address.
• Follow steps from here.
• As soon as games are scheduled, canceled or rescheduled you will receive an email.

The quest for the Golden Athletic Cup is back!

5th Annual Student vs. Faculty Ice Hockey Game – Nov. 16

All proceeds from the game will help offset ice costs for both BBA girls and boys hockey programs.

Have a rival teacher, a favorite teacher, a son or daughter, brother or sister, mom or dad, even a best friend who you would like to see embarrass themselves and get tossed along the ice? Well we have just the fun-filled night for that! The Burr and Burton Ice Hockey Bulldogs are hosting the Fifth Annual Student vs. Faculty Ice Hockey Game on November 16th at Riley Rink! The game starts on Friday at 6pm! Come watch your teachers, friends, and/or family members get crunched up against the boards, fly through the air, or even do some crunching of their own! Remember, these people don’t play hockey! An even greater chance to watch them embarrass themselves on the ice. But wait, there’s more! You can also buy a penalty! See any player go to the box because you said so! There will be a shoot out right after the game and free ice cream for players! Also, there will a public skate right after the game for anyone interested! Get ready to get your skate on!  The proceeds go towards The Bulldogs ice time expenses, so come out on your Friday night and watch a bunch of rookies make fools of themselves to support both the BBA boys and girls ice hockey teams!

From the Booster Club

Booster Club meetings are every second Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm in Julie Fifield’s room.

Thank You
Arlena Merrow
President of Boosters

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From the Advancement Office

National Philanthropy Day

phi•lan•thro•py 

1 : goodwill to fellowmen; esp : active effort to promote human welfare

2  a : a philanthropic act or gift b : an organization distributing or supported by philanthropic funds

November 15th is National Philanthropy Day and it’s a time to recognize and celebrate the generosity of our community.  Most people don’t think about what it takes to make a community work and what goes on behind the scenes.  There are many nonprofit organizations in our local area, run by a combination of paid staff and volunteers, and generously supported by a broad range of donors.  We are fortunate to have so many caring, passionate individuals that see an issue and address it with grit and hard work.

The same holds true for Burr and Burton Academy.  Just take a look around our campus and see the amazing effects of philanthropy – every building or improvement you see is due to the generosity of private supporters.  In addition, many of the opportunities and extraordinary programming is here because of the generous support from friends of the school.

So in honor of National Philanthropy Day, I encourage each and every parent to support the school and all that we provide for YOUR student.  Make a gift to the annual fund today – remember it’s all about participation this year.  You’ll find more about the Class Challenge in this month’s Bullhorn from Kathleen James and Bob McLeish who are leading the charge to get more parents to support the school.  And shortly, you’ll be receiving a letter from Headmaster Mark Tashjian asking for your support so please take time to read the letter and respond to his appeal for a gift.

We’re all in this together in an effort to support extraordinary educational opportunities for each and every one of our students.

Thank you!

Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
cgubb@burrburton.org

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From the Director of Student Success Program

A group of five Burr and Burton students (Dylan Jemola, Kelsey Blanchard, Gecaunna Ellis, Sean Armstrong and Amanda Shortsleeve), attended a lecture at SVC on Tuesday, October 16 with Jen Hyatt (Dean of Studies) and Jason Pergament (Director of Student Success Program).

This inaugural lecture for the 2012-2013 Lecture Series was entitled, ”Poverty is Not Destiny: Social Equity and Basic Justice in America”. The speaker, Eric Cooper Ed.D., is President of the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education. He spoke passionately to the scholars about their imperative to succeed and reach their potential.

He encouraged them to form learning communities that would empower them to see past the barriers society has set up for them. This year at Southern Vermont College the theme of the lecture series is, “Look Within, See Beyond: Stories of Empowerment and Change”. All lectures are free and open to the public and will take place at Southern Vermont College in the Everett Mansion Theatre.

Jason Pergament

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International Service Learning Opportunity

Service Learning Trip to Costa Rica – April break 2013

Service to Community, Earth, Flora and Fauna

The Costa Rica service learning trip is a student travel experience whose focus is to gain a better appreciation for the culture, climate and resources of Costa Rica by engaging in experiential learning, service, fun and adventure. We are looking for students who believe in the key words stated in the mission of BBA; responsibility, integrity and service. All students are welcome to apply.

See Mrs. Niles or Ms. Silver for more information or contact them at bniles@burrburton.org or lsilver@burrburton.org.

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Media and Performing Arts Department

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From the Library

Why Should Our Students Read…

Parents, even some educators, might wonder why reading for fun is as important as reading for school.  Multiple studies, including those presented in Nichole Lynette Smith’s “A Study of Middle Grades Students’ Reading Interest, Habits and Achievement,” (linked below) show that students who read for fun achieve more in school.  Reading everything from novels and nonfiction books, to manga and websites, has a positive impact on teens’ personal and educational lives.  

Research also illustrates that for every 100,000 words read a person’s vocabulary increases by 50 percent  The average person can read 250-300 words per minute, which adds up to almost 31,500 words per week.  A teen reading 15 minutes a day, therefore, could increase his or her vocabulary skills tremendously in just over three weeks,  That’s a pretty amazing literacy leap when you consider that it means reading for just 15 minutes a day.

https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/indexablecontent?id=uuid:6130e628-adb6-440a-bf88-a964c59878db&ds=DATA_FILE

Please take a look around the Library website.   http://northshirelibraries.com   It is always being updated with more links and resources so that it meets the needs of students and teachers.  Don’t forget to “Like Us” on Facebook.

There are always new books to review, so stop by and say hello to your library staff:   Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Hansen!  We can help you find great books and great web resources!

As always, if you need anything, please let us know.

Regular Library Hours

Monday – Thurs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm

Friday 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

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College and Career Information

VSAC Financial Aid Night
The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation Financial Aid roadshow comes to Burr and Burton on Wednesday, November 14th, at 7 pm in the Riley Center. Parents of juniors and seniors will especially benefit from the presentation of the principles and basic steps of the financial aid process and review of different parts of the various aid forms.

Families need to pay attention to individual college financial aid deadlines which are different from admission deadlines. Please check EACH college’s website for information. Students applying to  private colleges should check to see if they are required to complete the CSS Financial Profile Form. Forms are available on-line at www.collegeboard.com.

Seniors
Keep those applications coming! Let us help you brainstorm essays, review applications and consider good matches. Many seniors have already submitted one application; other students are still working through the initial process. A good rule of thumb is to apply before the December break. Remember to have your test scores sent directly to the colleges from the College Board or ACT. We’re here to assist and support you. If you still need to schedule some campus visits, consider taking advantage of days and times when there are no classes: Monday, November 12th is an in-service day for teachers only; there are also two early release days (for parent conferences) on Monday, November 19th and Tuesday, November 20.

Castleton On-The-Spot Admission Program
Castleton gives students the opportunity to interview with Castleton College admissions counselors at BBA on Monday, December 10. They will immediately receive their admission decision IF the student’s COMPLETED APPLICATION has been received by December 3rd. Students must sign up for an interview appointment in the School and College Counseling Office.

SAT/ACT Registration Information
We recommend that juniors hold off on these tests until the spring semester when they will have had a chance to review PSAT results and take a prep class, if desired. Test prep classes will be scheduled in the spring and we will alert you to those opportunities. Seniors should note that November 1st is the registration deadline for the SAT on December 1st at Burr and Burton. Go to www.collegeboard.org. Seniors who want to take the December 8th ACT at another school should register by the November 2nd deadline atwww.actstudent.org.

Update for Juniors
College-bound juniors took the PSAT on October 17th. When the results are received in December they will be given to the students and a copy will be sent home. Beginning next semester, when we will have completed our most intense period of work with the current seniors, we will conduct individual college or career planning meetings with juniors.

PLAN Results
Sophomores will receive the results of the PLAN test in December. Copies will be mailed home.

Upcoming College Visits
Juniors and seniors may be excused from class, with teacher permission, to attend college meetings. Students and parents can find our most up-to-date list at http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton. We also post a paper calendar inside the School and College Counseling Office and list visits in the weekly announcements.

AP Exam Information
All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses during the 2012-2013 school year are required to pay an exam fee of $90 per exam by Monday, December 3rd.  Students may bring in cash or checks (made out to Burr and Burton Academy) to Cristin Rose or Lynne Welsh in the School and College Counseling Office. There are fee waivers available for eligible students – please speak with Cristin Rose.  All students enrolled in AP courses are required by Burr and Burton to take the AP exam. AP exams will be held May 6 – May 15, 2013.

College Athletics
Seniors interested in playing intercollegiate athletics next year need to register at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Stop in the School and College Counseling Office for assistance or computer access.

Selective Service Registration
Eighteen-year-old males need to register with the U.S. Selective Service at www.sss.gov. Male students need to do so in order to be eligible for federal financial aid.

2012/2013 Scholarship List
Forms for all of the scholarships listed below are available in the School and College Counseling Office.  This scholarship information is also listed on the Naviance website at: http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton.

The Voice of Democracy Scholarship (VFW)
Eligibility: Open to students in 9th through 12th grades. Must write an essay and record it on CD…reading of 3-5 minutes in length on the theme: “Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?”
Award $30,000, Deadline: by midnight, November 1st, to local VFW Post.
Application in School and College Counseling Office; online at http://www.vfw.org.

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Eligibility: senior, employment, community service, leadership, financial need.
Award: $4,000 – $60,000; Deadline: December 7.
Application in School and College Counseling Office and online at: www.elks.org/enf/scholars.

NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award
Eligibility: Graduating Seniors with their own small business. Tips for a successful Scholarship Application • Start Early. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete the application. • Proofread your application. • Don’t procrastinate. Deadlines are final. Your application will not be considered if it is late. • Take Responsibility. Keep of a copy of your application for your records. • Watch your email. We will communicate with you regarding your application through email. Please add info@applyists.com to your address book and do not “opt out” of any communication sent from this address or you may not receive important information about your application, including notification if you are selected.
Application: http://www.nfib.com/yef/yef-programs/young-entrepreneur-awards.

American Legion Oratorical Contest
Eligibility: This is a state and national Constitutional Speech Competition open to 9th through 12th graders.
Deadline: January 6.
Online information: www.legion.org/oratorical (left side of screen, Info Center).

WACE National Co-op Scholarship Program
Eligibility: GPA 3.5+. Must apply and be accepted at one of the ten WACE Partner Institutions.
Postmarked Deadline: February 15 (early applications encouraged).
Online information: http://www.waceinc.org.

American Legion of Vermont Scholarship
Eligibility: seniors accepted at approved or accredited school or college.
Award: $1,500; $1,000; or $500; Deadline: April 1.
Application information online: www.legionvthq.com.

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
Eligibility: US citizen, high school student, must write an essay on the following theme :
• What have you done outside the classroom that demonstrates qualities sought after by the post secondary institution that you are hoping to attend? Also, which of these qualities means the most to you?
The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent to us by email at: scholarships@abbottandfenner.com.
Award:$1,000; Applications online at http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm.
Deadline: June 14, 2013.

SCHOLARSHIPS REQUIRING NOMINATION
Students should review the eligibility requirements online for any scholarship listed below, pick up a nomination form from the School and College Counseling Office and return the form by November 15. The nomination form includes a short essay on why they think they should be nominated for the particular scholarship. The nominee will be selected by the Scholarship Committee.

2013-14 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program  NOMINATION
Eligibility: Senior with GPA 2.8 or higher demonstrating strong leadership abilities in school activities or through work experiences. Strong commitment to and involvement in community service. Plans to attend college or vocational/technical school. (Comcast employees are not eligible.)

Boston University  Trustee Scholarship Competition

Villanova Presidential Scholarship

Saint Michael’s Scholarships

Phil Anton, Director of Admission and School Counseling, Counselor for all freshmen 549-8125; panton@burrburton.org

Andrea Hogan, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors 549-8145; ahogan@burrburton.org

Melissa Michaud, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors 549-8130; mmichaud@burrburton.org

Cristin Rose, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors 549-8126; crose@burrburton.org

Maria Bittinger, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors,  549-8126: mbittinger@burrburton.org

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Stratton Ski & Board Club Scholarship Program Winter 2012-2013

Open to students in the following districts:  Stratton/Winhall, Jamaica, Manchester, Peru, Londonderry, Brookline, and Townshend, Arlington, Dorset.

The Stratton Ski & Board Club and Stratton Mountain are pleased to announce the eighth year of our Scholarship Program intended to encourage local youths to participate in the Junior Weekend Competition Programs offered by Stratton Mountain.

This program is offered to students in grades 5-12 (ages 10-18) who: have an avid interest in Alpine Racing, Freestyle Skiing, or Snowboarding. This program is intended for families for whom it would not otherwise be possible to participate in the weekend competition program or for whom it would pose a significant hardship.

The scholarship program will cover: cost of participation in the designated weekend Seasonal Competition Program, Stratton Season Pass, Junior Membership in the Stratton Ski & Board Club, and $500 stipend toward equipment (including skis or board, boots, helmet, goggles, and clothing).

This is a rigorous program, requiring an enormous commitment of time and energy from both the participant and the parents or guardians. The recipient must enroll and participate in one of Stratton Training Centers Competitive Programs which run every Saturday and Sunday and all holiday periods from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., beginning the fourth weekend in November through the first weekend in April.  Participants need to be at Stratton ready to ski or board every morning of the program. In addition, competitions are held at various mountains in the area on four or more (depending on the program and the age of the participant) days during the season.

Applications available outside the main office.

6           SAT at BBA

8           Columbus Day – No School

12 – 13 Fall Clothing Exchange/Giveaway 

17         Senior Workshops PLAN & PSAT (8:00 – 11:30 am)

18         Calliope Cafe – Scranton Room (6:30 pm)

19         Grandparents and Special Friends Day

24         End of the Marking Period

25 - 26 Midterm Exams (Early Dismissal – 12:35 pm)

27         ACT at BBA

November

5         Mandatory Parent/Athlete Ice Hockey Meeting

7 - 10  Fall Play

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From the Headmaster

Dear Families:

There’s a new book out: How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, by Paul Tough.  It brings together in one place some of the most interesting, most powerful findings about learning.

Back when we were in school (to date myself, I graduated from high school in 1980), we were in the heydey of the IQ era.  Some students were smart, some weren’t, and that’s just the way the world was. Yes, hard work mattered, but nobody said you could get any smarter by applying yourself.  Most of us went to high school in an era where natural aptitude reigned supreme – so-called smart kids did well, and others didn’t.

What the latest research shows, however, is that we were woefully wrong.  A professor named Eleanor Duckworth devised a 12-question “grit” test, gave it to freshmen cadets at West Point Military Academy, and it become the best predictor of success in one of our nation’s most challenging environments.  Not IQ, not SAT scores, not athletic ability: grit.

A professor named Carol Dweck has shown that students who adopt a “growth” mindset – a belief that the brain can get stronger and intelligence can grow – will do better in school.  She wrote an article titled, “The Perils and Promise of Praise,” in which she makes the case for recognizing and rewarding effort, tenacity, sticking to a problem rather than focusing on the achievement of a grade.

It’s all in the book, and these are very important concepts.  What do they mean to you as parents?  Here are a few thoughts:

• Take failures as life-lessons.  We can learn a great deal from our mistakes, and those challenges can actually build confidence and inner fortitude.  The whole first section of the book is titled “How to Fail.”
• Please urge your sons and daughters to engage in the process of learning.  They should seek extra help, re-write papers, and develop a “refuse to quit” attitude.  Honor their effort, honor their initiative, cheer them on just as we do when they are on the sports field.
• Take the Grit Test with your daughters and sons, and talk about what it means.  I have included a link to the test below.
• Read Carol Dweck’s article – see link below – and consider getting Paul Tough’s book.

This is all good news.  Success is in our hands.

Happy October.

Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

Links:

Perils and Promise of Praise see link here

Grit Test see link here

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Ben Freeman
Mountain Campus Director

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From the Parent Association

The Burr and Burton Parent Association endeavors to foster partnership between families, school, and the community through communication, education, social and fundraising activities and advocacy.

October starts and ends with tests at BBA! NECAP’s for juniors are October 2nd, 4th & 11th. The SAT test is on October 6th and the ACT is on October 27th. Don’t forget that Columbus Day is October 8th so there is no school. Also please come to the annual clothing exchange put on by the Parent Association and the National Honor Society on October 12th  & 13th. Drop off clothes at the cafeteria on Friday, October 12th from 1:00-7:00pm. You just take whatever suits your fancy! It’s great!

On October 17th the PLAN and PSAT will be given to sophomores and juniors and the seniors will have workshops, then the Calliope Café is on the 18th and Grandparents and Special Friends Day is on the 19th. The 24th is the end of the first marking period and midterm exams are on the 25th  & 26th.

Another full month at BBA!

Watch your inbox for the BBA This Week email sent Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm with information about upcoming school events. Not receiving this weekly email? Contact Nancy Brown at nbrown@burrburton.org. Oh and don’t forget to email us at parentassociation@burrburton.org with any questions or if you would like to volunteer your time or talents. Together we can do so much!

Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President

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News From The Athletics Department

Upcoming Event:

Tuesday, October 9 – The Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country team will host their only home meet of the season. The meet will begin at 4:30 from the red gate on the Equinox trails and will make two loops around Equinox Pond. Come out and support the runners.

Fall Sports Post Season Dates:

Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer and Field Hockey:

October 22 – Tournament pairings are completed and can be found on vpaonline.org after 1:00.

October 23/24 – Playdowns

October 27 – Quarterfinals

October 30/31 – Semi Finals

November 3 – State Finals- Sites TBA

Cross Country:

October 27 – State Meet- Thetford Academy

Football:

November 2/3 – Semi Finals

November 9/10 – State Finals -South Burlington H.S

From the Booster Club

Booster Club meetings are every second Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm in Julie Fifield’s room.

Thank You
Arlena Merrow
President of Boosters

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From the Dean of Students

Dear Parents,

The school year is off to a great start! We have witnessed a dramatic decrease in the number of students arriving to school late, and I want to thank all of you for your efforts. The decrease in the number of student tardies in the morning is amazing, especially considering all of the road construction and detours in Manchester. If driving, please plan to give yourself a little extra time in the morning to get through town.

No matter what the circumstance, student safety is always our number one concern. Please reinforce with your son/daughter that driving safely and at the speed limit is always more important than arriving to school before the bell rings. We have had a few close calls with accidents in town, coming down from the mountain, West Road and on Seminary Avenue. Unfortunately, there have also been a few minor fender benders at school.

When dropping your child off in the morning, please use either the lower or upper circle. Mrs. Biller, our campus supervisor was placing cones adjacent to the upper circle to encourage parents and some students to use the circle rather than drive into the faculty parking lot for drop off. Obviously, there are always exceptions, but let’s really try to keep these exceptions to a minimum. Even if there are no cones out, please continue to use the circle for drop off. We have also explained to our faculty that they need to be cautious when driving by the circle.

By working together we can all make a difference and make traveling to school safe for everyone. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Mr. Cirelli
Dean of Students

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From the Advancement Office

There’s a lot going on this fall so please take a moment to read through this section!

Email addresses are an important way Burr and Burton Academy communicates with our parents.  We strive to be as accurate as possible when it comes to your contact information.  If you are not getting eNotify messages, the weekly email from the Parent Association or you have recently changed your email address, please contact Nancy Brown in the Advancement Office with an update.  Nancy can be reached at 802-549-8110 or nbrown@burrburton.org.

The 2012 – 2013 Student and Parent Telephone Directories are available for pick up.  If you were unable to make it to the Parent Open House, please feel free to stop by the Office of School and College Counseling and pick up a copy (or two if needed).  You could also ask your student to pick one up for you.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day is scheduled for October 19.  If you want to be sure that your student’s grandparents or special friends are on the invitation list, please contact Nancy Brown.  Invitations went out last week.  Last year we had over 150 guests and it promises to be a great day again this year.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for your child’s grandparents to get a peek at what it’s like to be a Burr and Burton Academy student.  Lunch with grandchildren will follow the formal program.

Last but certainly not least – we are launching the Annual Giving Campaign this month!  At the Parent Open House, Bob McLeish, Co-chair of the Parent Association Advancement Committee put out a plea for all parents to participate in supporting the annual fund.  This is extremely important as we raise money from other friends of the school, foundations and local businesses.  When they see a strong level of support from our parents it shows you believe in and endorse what the school is doing and they respond to that show of support.  It’s all about participation – whether it’s $5, $50, $500 or $5,000 – please find a way to support the school.

The Parent Association Advancement Committee is spearheading a competition between classes so look for more information to come from parents Bob McLeish and Kathleen James as we progress through the fall campaign.  And when you receive the Annual Fund brochure, we ask that respond to it as best you can.

Just in case anyone has forgotten the definition of participation, here it is!

par·tic·i·pa·tion noun

1. an act or instance of participating: all parents are participating in supporting the annual fund.

2. the fact of taking part, as in some action or attempt: participation in an annual giving campaign is key to the success of the school.

3. a sharing, as in benefits: participation in an annual giving campaign benefits all students. 

Many thanks,

Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
cgubb@burrburton.org

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International Service Learning Opportunity

Service Learning Trip to Costa Rica – April break 2013

Service to Community, Earth, Flora and Fauna

The Costa Rica service learning trip is a student travel experience whose focus is to gain a better appreciation for the culture, climate and resources of Costa Rica by engaging in experiential learning, service, fun and adventure. We are looking for students who believe in the key words stated in the mission of BBA; responsibility, integrity and service. All students are welcome to apply.

See Mrs. Niles or Ms. Silver for more information or contact them at bniles@burrburton.org or lsilver@burrburton.org.

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This Month

October 6, 2012

Swan Lake from Sadler’s Wells in London 

When it premiered at Sadler’s Wells in 1995, Matthew Bourne’s triumphant re–interpretation of Swan Lake turned tradition upside down, taking the dance world by storm. An iconic production, perhaps best known for replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble, was filmed at Sadler’s Wells, London, in 2011. The stellar cast includes the magnificent Richard Winsor as the lead Swan/Stranger, Dominic North as The Prince and Nina Goldman as The Queen. Breathtaking in its drama and intensity, with more than 30 international theater awards including three Tonys and an Olivier, Swan Lake has been acclaimed as a landmark achievement on the stage, becoming the longest running ballet in the West End and on Broadway. Click here for preview

October 20, 2012

The Last of the Haussmans from the National Theatre in London

Stephen Beresford’s The Last of the Haussmans examines the fate of the revolutionary generation and offers a funny, touching and at times savage portrait of a family full of longing that’s losing its grip. Anarchic, feisty but growing old, high society drop-out Judy Haussman remains in spirit with the ashrams of the 1960s while holding court in her dilapidated Art Deco house on the Devon coast. After an operation, she’s joined by wayward offspring Nick and Libby, sharp-eyed granddaughter Summer, local doctor Peter, and Daniel, a troubled teenager who makes use of the family’s crumbling swimming pool. Together they share a few sweltering months in a chaotic world of all-day drinking, infatuations, long-held resentments, free love and failure. The title role of Judy is played by Julie Walters, one of Britain’s best-loved and most versatile actors, who has won BAFTA, Golden Globe and Olivier awards for her work. Her screen credits range from “Educating Rita” to lead roles in “Mamma Mia!” and “Harry Potter.” Son Nick is played by Rory Kinnear who recently won the Evening StandardAward for best actor for his performance as Hamlet at the National Theatre. Helen McCrory, who plays her daughter Libby, has been acclaimed for her performances in the films “The Queen” and “Hugo.” ”Stephen Beresford’s first play is a knockout – entertaining, sad and outrageous.” [London] Observer

Calliope Cafe

The Media and Performing Arts Department will host a Calliope Cafe, a coffee house style evening of music, drama, dance, poetry and film, Thursday, October 18th at 6:30 p.m. in the Rowland Center.  Admission is $3.00 students/ $5.00 adults.  Students interested in performing should contact Julie Freebern at  jfreebern@burrburton.org by Thursday October 11th to schedule an audition.

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From the Library

Teen Read Week, an annual event traditionally the third week of October, will be celebrated October 14-20 this year.  The week is designed to encourage teenagers to read books for the fun of it on a regular basis.  This year’s theme “It Came From the Library” and “Dare to Read for the Fun of It!” features the perfect genre for October — Horror.  To help celebrate, the Library will sponsor Creature Double Feature night in the Hunter Seminar Room complete with pizza and popcorn!  The films we have chosen are Nosferatu, a remake of the 1920’s vampire classic and The Birds, Hitchcock at his finest.

The Teens’ Top Ten is a “teen choice” list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year.  Nominators are members of teen book groups in 16 school and public libraries around the country.  Readers age 12-18 vote in August and September, and the winners will be announced during Teen Read Week.  Of the 24 Teens’ Top Ten nominees, 16 titles are already a part of our collection and we will be featuring them in displays throughout the Library all month.

Please take a look around the Library website,  http://northshirelibraries.com   It is always being updated with more links and resources so that it meets the needs of students and teachers.  Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook.

There are always new books to review, so stop by and say hello to your library staff:   Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Hansen!  We can help you find great books and great web resources!

As always, if you need anything, please let us know.  Have a great year!

Regular Library Hours:
Monday – Thurs: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

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College and Career Information

Naviance Workshop for Junior and Senior Parents

On Tuesday, October 16th, Naivance workshops will be held from 3-4pm and 7-8pm in Mr. Muench’s and Mr. Provost’s classrooms in the lower level of the Smith Center to familiarize junior and senior parents with the Naviance program. Please sign up with Lynne Welsh in the School and College Counseling Office at 549-8242 or lwelsh@burrburton.org.

Sophomore and Junior Testing – Wednesday morning, Oct. 17

Sophomores will take the PLAN, a test that helps students measure their current academic development and explore career options.  Part of the PLAN is modeled on the ACT, a standardized test option used in college admission. Therefore, the PLAN has value for students intending to enter college as well as those joining the workforce.

College-bound juniors will take the PSAT (a preliminary, or practice SAT) and need to bring a $15 registration fee by October 5 (or pay $20 after that date) to Lynne Welsh in the School and College Counseling Office. (Checks are payable to Burr and Burton. Fee waivers for students on free and reduced lunch are available.) The PSAT is a wonderful opportunity for students who have completed geometry to assess their testing skills in preparation for the college admission process.

Juniors who do not wish to participate in the PSAT have the opportunity to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), an entrance test for students interested in serving the US Military.  The ASVAB highlights skill areas not normally tested so students planning to find a civilian job after high school may benefit from taking this exam.

Juniors also have a third option for October 17. Instead of testing, they may sign up to participate in a field trip to learn more about local business opportunities.

October 17: Special Program for Freshmen

All freshmen will participate in their annual day of service learning on October 17. They are currently signing up for activities in their advisories.

October 17: Schedule for Seniors

Although seniors are excused from school on Wednesday, October 17, until 11 am when regular classes resume, we strongly encourage them to put the morning to good use. Interested seniors should sign up in advance for the following programs:

College Application Work Session from 8 – 11:00 (Smith Center computer labs)

• Complete applications with your school & college counselor

• Brainstorm, write, and edit essays under the direction of Jen Hyatt

THe ASVAB Test is also available for interested seniors (for students interested in joining the military or enter the civilian workforce)

Standardized Testing Registration for Seniors

For seniors who need additional testing:

October 4 deadline for November 3 SAT (not offered at Burr and Burton)

November 16 deadline for the December 1 SAT at Burr and Burton

November 2 deadline for the December 8 ACT (not offered at Burr and Burton)

Register online at www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org. Please note that Burr and Burton does not collect the fees for the SAT or ACT; you must register directly with these organizations. (We recommend that current juniors wait to take the SAT and ACT until the spring after they have received their PSAT results and have had the opportunity to participate in a test-prep course.)

Application Reminders for Seniors

In addition to hosting the Application Workshops on October 17, the counselors are busy meeting with students on an individual basis to consider college lists, review applications and discuss essay topics. If your student is experiencing a roadblock in this process, please let us know so we can reach out to them.

By now, seniors should have submitted requests for teacher recommendations.  Students who plan to complete their applications during the month of November need to have their essays and applications to their counselor by October 15 for final review. December applicants should have their first draft completed in early November. Please refer to the Burr and Burton College Application Guide on the school’s website for more detailed information about timelines and the overall application process.

We encourage students interested in the University of Vermont to apply by November 1st to take advantage of the free application fee waiver for Early Action applicants and to receive a non-binding reply by the December holiday break.

VSAC Financial Aid Night

The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation Financial Aid presentation comes to Burr and Burton on Wednesday, November 14th at 7 pm in the Riley Center. Parents of juniors and seniors will especially benefit from the presentation of the principles and basic steps of the financial aid process and review of the various aid forms.

Campus Visits

Seniors who have not visited colleges are strongly advised to make plans to do so as soon as possible. While scheduling visits on holidays and weekends is preferable, we understand that it is sometimes necessary for students to miss school. Parents should notify the school in advance for absences to be excused, although these absences still count toward the 14 absence total for individual classes. Monday, October 10, and Friday, November 11, are particularly good days to visit colleges because classes at Burr and Burton will not be in session.

College Visitors

Juniors and seniors may be excused from class, with teacher permission, to meet with college representatives visiting Burr and Burton. Please check the college visit list on Naviance (http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton). Daily announcements also serve as a reminder of these appointments. College visits provide students with a great opportunity to indicate their interest in specific colleges, ask individual questions and learn the most current campus information.

Sophomores

Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) is a dynamic and interactive educational program designed to prepare our country’s youth to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace and community. Sophomore students who attend the Vermont seminar interact with leaders in business, government, education, media and nonprofits. They get a realistic look at our nation, its people, and their role within the world community. The VT HOBY seminar will be held in May, date and location TBA. Stop by the School and College Counseling Office for an application. Applications are due back to Mrs. Welsh by Friday, October 21.

Scholarship List 2012/2013

Forms for all of the scholarships listed below are available in the School and College Counseling Office.  This scholarship information is also listed on the Naviance website at: http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton.

AES Engineers Scholarship

Eligibility: awarded on the basis of character, as determined by evaluated the essays that are submitted.

Essay to be submitted via email.

Deadline for application: October 7.

Details in the School and College Counseling Office or www.aesengineers.com.

TOPIC: What impact will the Natural Disasters of 2010/11 have on the global economy? How should these events affect future political, business and personal decisions? Submit essay to: scholarships@aesengineers.com.

Scholarships Requiring Nomination

Students must speak to their counselors by November 15 to indicate they would like to be nominated for one of these scholarships. In cases where BBA is limited in the number of students who can be nominated for a particular scholarship, students will be asked to fill out a form stating why they feel they would be a good candidate.

Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship  see link here.

Boston University Trustee Scholarship Competition

Villanova Presidential Scholarship

Saint Michael’s Scholarships

School and College Counseling Contact Information

Don’t hesitate to call us if you have a question, a concern or feedback. We welcome all contact and the opportunity to work with you to assure the quality of your student’s Burr and Burton experience.

Phil Anton, Director of Admission and School Counseling, Counselor for all freshmen 549-8125; panton@burrburton.org

Andrea Hogan, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors 549-8145; ahogan@burrburton.org

Melissa Michaud, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors 549-8130; mmichaud@burrburton.org

Cristin Rose, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors 549-8126; crose@burrburton.org

Maria Bittinger, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors,  549-8126: mbittinger@burrburton.org

SAT – IMPORTANT CHANGES

Admission Tickets and Photo ID Are Required for Entry

Test-takers must present their admission tickets and acceptable photo ID to enter the test center.
No Admission Ticket, No ID, No Admittance!

New Waitlist Status Replaces Standby Testing

Standby testing is no longer permitted.
Students who request testing after the deadline must have Waitlist tickets.

Test Day changes No Longer Permitted

Changes to test type, test date or test center cannot be made at the center on test day.

Acceptable ID

Students must present a current, valid(unexpired) photo ID for entry.

Test takers will be subject to additional ID checks throughout test day. 

Test takers will be required to present both their admission ticket and an acceptable form of ID:

1. upon entry to test center
2. upon entry to their test room
3. upon reentry to the test room following breaks
4. upon collection of their answer sheet

Test takers will be required to sign a more comprehensive certification statement on the SAT answer sheet

September

3        Labor Day – No School

6        School Photos

12      Junior College Field Trip & Fair (noon – 10:00 pm)

19      Parent Association Pasta Dinner (5:00 pm)

19      Open House for Parents (6:00 pm)

24      Junior and Senior Class Potluck (5:30 pm)

24      Junior and Senior Parent College Night (6:30 pm)

28-29 Homecoming Weekend

October

6         SAT at Burr and Burton Academy

8         Columbus Day – No School

School events and athletic calendars are always available on our website at www.burrburton.org.

Like us on Facebook.

Follow us on Twitter@burrburton.

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From the Headmaster

Are you a coach or a player?

As your sons and daughters make their way through the high school years, problems arise.  They may encounter difficult relationships with other students or a teacher.  They may not get the grade they think they deserve; or the playing time on a sports team; or the part in the play they had hoped for.  Life brings challenges, and while we all prefer our life to move forward seamlessly, one of the most important skills we can develop is the ability to solve life’s problems independently.

With this in mind, I ask that you as parents and guardians think of yourself as a coach: give your best advice, help develop a game plan, show interest in schoolwork, and expect high school students to handle most problems themselves, with your support remaining in the background.  By doing this, you will help us prepare your sons and daughters for college and for life, and you will teach them the critical skill of self-advocacy.

Autumn is an exciting time in Vermont.  The surroundings become magnificent, our hopes and dreams for the school year remain unblemished, and Burr and Burton rumbles back to life.

Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster

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From the Parent Association

The Burr and Burton Parent Association endeavors to foster partnership between families, school, and the community through communication, education, social and fundraising activities and advocacy.

Welcome back! We start the month with a day off so that we can hit the ground running just after. Fall sports are going full tilt as is everything else!

The open house is on September 19th and remember the Parent Association Pasta Dinner just before it at 5:00pm. Also, the junior and senior pot luck dinner in the cafeteria is  coming up on the 24th. The time has changed to 5:30 pm, so make a note. There is also a college night for juniors and seniors after the dinner.

Homecoming is at the end of the month, over the weekend of September 28th!  Please check the calendar at the burrburton.org website for a complete list of the events that are happening.

Watch your inbox for the BBA This Week email sent Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm with information about upcoming school events. Not receiving this weekly email? Contact Nancy Brown at nbrown@burrburton.org. Oh and don’t forget to email us at parentassociation@burrburton.org with any questions or if you would like to volunteer your time or talents. Together we can do so much!

Sincerely,

Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President
brihail@sover.net

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From the Athletic Department

Homecoming Week 2012 September 24 – 29

Monday, September 24 

JV Football vs. Otter Valley at BBA 4:00 p.m.
JV Gold & V. Girls Soccer @ Hartford 4:00 p.m.
JV Gold & V. Boys Soccer @ Mill River 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 25

Cross Country @ Woodstock 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 26

JV Gold Boys & Girls Soccer @ Leland & Gray 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 27

Powder Puff football game at BBA 5:00 p.m.
Homecoming Cookout at BBA 6:00 p.m.
Homecoming Pep Rally Bonfire at BBA 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Friday, September 28

Varsity Field Hockey vs. Woodstock at BBA  4:00 p.m.
JV Field Hockey vs. Woodstock at BBA  5:15 p.m.
JV Gold Girls Soccer vs. Rutland at BBA  4:30 p.m.

JV Gold Boys Soccer vs. Woodstock at Rec, 5:00 p.m.
Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Rutland at Applejack 5:30 p.m.
Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Woodstock at Applejack 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 29

JV Green Boys Soccer vs. MEMS at Rec, 10:00 a.m.
JV Green Girls Soccer vs. MEMS at BBA, 10:00 a.m.
Varsity Football vs. Fair Haven at BBA, 2:00 p.m.
Golf Ball Drop during halftime of football game

G O  B U L L D O G S ! ! !

From the Booster Club

Last year, thanks to the combined efforts of the Burr and Burton Parent Association, the Booster Club and numerous volunteers, we had a very successful and fun Homecoming Weekend. We would like to build on that success and stage another big weekend this year. Naturally, we need parent and student volunteers to work the concessions at the different sporting events, but we also need the parents to contribute food items for the Thursday night BBQ, which will be free of charge to the students. Below is a list of the items we need:

• Hot dogs: 600
• Condiments
• Desserts: cookies and brownies
• Bottled water: 30 cases

Parents should email Kathi Bierwirth at kbierwirth@burrburton.org to let her know what items you can contribute to the Thursday cookout. Items can be dropped off in the gym lobby until 5 pm Thursday.

Thanks for your support,

Arlena Merrow
Booster Club President

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From the Dean of Students

New Tardy Policy

We encourage students to meet all of their obligations on time. Arriving to school and class on time is no exception. There are times when a student, due to emergencies or situations beyond his/her control (e.g. an accident, weather conditions, medical appointment), must arrive to school or class late, but we expect that these situations will occur infrequently. Students who have an appointment before school should always bring a note from their doctor/dentist. In these instances the administration may waive a student’s tardy. Anytime students are late to school they are required to report to the main office to sign in.

If late to class during the school day, students should always get a pass from their previous teacher to enter class. The pass may excuse them for being tardy so that it does not count against their cumulative absences. Note: Arriving to class more than 20 minutes late is considered an unexcused absence unless waived by the Administration.

Cumulative Tardies Every unexcused tardy to class is the equivalent of a third of an absence. Thus, every third tardy to a class is recorded as one cumulative absence for that class. Cumulative tardy absences will be added to the total number of traditional absences a student has.

Absences and Grading

It is unreasonable to assume that everything that is learned in a class can be measured in a typical written test. Through peer interaction, project work, and interpersonal connections, students grow intellectually, not only in the content of study but also through the development of life skills necessary to succeed in the future. In an effort to honor the intangibles of classroom participation, the Burr and Burton Attendance Policy will factor attendance into each student’s classroom grade. A graduated scale is created that takes into account the many factors that affect student attendance.

In the event that a student has excessive absences from a class, the overall grade for that course will be affected. More than 14 cumulative absences in a semester and/or a yearlong course will result in a reduction of the overall course grade by one third of a letter grade. For example, on the 15th absence, an A+ would become an A. Every subsequent absences will result in an additional loss of one third of the grade.

In special circumstances, the teacher may choose to waive an absence; providing that the student has met with the instructor and/or tutor to sufficiently make up the missed work within a reasonable time period. Teachers will confer with their department chair prior to granting a waiver.

It is the responsibility of the students to manage their attendance and make appropriate choices that will not adversely alter their grade. All absences, other than the waived absences (see below) will be added to a student’s cumulative absences for each class. These absences will be indicated on all interim reports and report cards. Students may request to view their attendance totals from their instructor. In the event that a grade is altered due to poor attendance, a comment will be provided on the report card and a request made to meet with the parent or guardian.

Parents are encouraged to schedule family vacations around school vacation time in order to avoid compromising their child’s educational experience. Extended family vacations will count toward the total number of absences a student has in a class. Please keep this in mind when taking your child out of school during regular class time. Parents should notify the school at least two weeks in advance any time a student is going to miss school for an extended family vacation.

Waived Absences (Noncumulative)

Any waived absence is considered noncumulative and will not count toward a student’s overall absence total. Waived absences include bereavement, religious holidays, suspensions, and standardized tests administered by the school (i.e., NECAP, PSAT, PLAN, TOEFL, AP Exams). The Administration reserves the right to make exceptions as may be deemed appropriate. NOTE: If the Health Clinic sends a student home, the absence will be treated as an excused (not waived) absence.

If you have any questions about our attendance policy please feel free to contact me at school.

Sincerely,

Anthony J. Cirelli
Dean of Students
549-8240

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BBA is the World Champion!

Team Valentine … Sarah, Ali, Andres and Jenny

The ham radio contest team at K1BBS has brought a national and world title to BBA in the 2012 School Club Roundup.  The Roundup results place K1BBS as the top scoring high school in the world.

In February, 62 participants activated K1BBS for 19 hours during the contest week.  584 contacts and 156,000+ points later … K1BBS was 1st in the state, 1st in the world in the high school division, and 3rd in the world for all schools.  BBA’s contest team was truly an international effort with students from Russia, China, Korea, and Vermont.  They put in an amazing performance on a worldwide stage.  Congratulations to the members of the 2012 world champion (in the high school division) K1BBS contest team.

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International Service Learning Opportunity

Service Learning Trip to Costa Rica – April break 2013

Service to Community, Earth, Flora and Fauna

The Costa Rica service learning trip is a student travel experience whose focus is to gain a better appreciation for the culture, climate and resources of Costa Rica by engaging in experiential learning, service, fun and adventure. We are looking for students who believe in the key words stated in the mission of BBA; responsibility, integrity and service.

See Mrs. Niles or Ms. Silver for more information or contact them at bniles@burrburton.org or lsilver@burrburton.org.

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From the Advancement Office

Once again, welcome back to all of our families and their students.  We are off to a great start to the 2012 – 2013 school year and we hope everyone is settling back into the school routine.

For our new parents (and all parents for that matter), we want to make sure you are aware of the Annual Giving Campaign which will be underway shortly.  The annual fund is extremely important to our ability to offer your student the best possible education here at Burr and Burton Academy.  While the tuition paid by your sending towns pays for the majority of expenses associated with educating your student, it doesn’t cover everything.  It’s the “extras” that separate an ordinary school from an extraordinary school – and that’s what Burr and Burton is – an extraordinary place for all students to flourish and experience the best of everything.  We ignite a passion for learning because we offer so many opportunities for a student to find success – in the classroom with highly qualified and caring teachers, on the performance stage, on the playing field, in the art, ceramic, digital photography or film studios, in the science or technology labs, at the Mountain Campus – the list is endless.

We simply ask that all parents support the school and the annual fund in some way at a gift level that is right for you.  Last year, over ninety percent of our faculty and staff supported Burr and Burton Academy with a gift, which says a great deal about our commitment to your student.  Won’t you do the same?  About twenty-three percent of parents supported Burr and Burton last year.  It would be wonderful to see that percentage rise to a much higher number!

When the Annual Fund brochure arrives at your home, please respond.  Together, we can continue to offer an extraordinary educational experience to every student who comes to Burr and Burton Academy.

Many, many thanks,

Cynthia H. Gubb
Director of Advancement

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From the Health Clinic

All parents - please turn in the Health Clinic Registration form (pink form) so that your student may access Health Clinic services.

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Refuse To Use

Refuse To Use is a substance abuse prevention education program open to all BBA 9th-12th grade  students. Students in Refuse To Use receive a pass to Stratton Mountain Resort, Riley Rink or Viking Nordic Center, as well as the Dorset Theater Festival, for making a pledge to refuse alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; their parents and caring adults pledge to support their youth’s decision. Students maintain their pass by upholding their pledge and attending five educational events: the Kick Off, an inter-generational community dialogue night, and three more events focusing on substance use prevention education. Parents commit to attending the Kick Off and the inter-generational dialogue night.

The Refuse To Use program’s Kick Off event is scheduled for Sunday, September 16, 2012, at the Manchester Elementary Middle School gymnasium. The event starts promptly at 2 pm with doors opening at 1:30 pm. All participating youth and their parents or caring adult must attend this event. Online pre-registration will be available as well as on-site registration. No admittance after 2 pm. Contact The Collaborative at info@thecollaborative.us or 824-4200 for additional information or to have questions answered.

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From the Art Department

Paris at Night - Art Trip February 2013

A call for students interested in the Art Department trip to Paris, Florence and Venice.

Offered to students who are interested in art – traveling to Italy and France during February vacation.
For more information contact lsilver@burrburton.org or see Ms. Silver in the ceramics room for more information.

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Treasures of Turkey

Neil and Julie Freebern are leading a “Treasures of Turkey” trip through EF Tours during April vacation 2013. Trip highlights include Istanbul’s ancient Hippodrome, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, as well as the Grand and Spice Bazaars. Other points of interest feature guided tours of Ephesus, The House of the Virgin Mary, Pergamon Acropolis and Troy. This ten day tour will give travelers the opportunity to be immersed in the culture and history of this very unique Mediterranean destination.

A meeting for interested student travelers is scheduled for Wednesday, September 26, 7:00 pm in the music room.

Please visit bbamusic.wikispaces.com/Travel or contact jfreebern@burrburton.org for more detailed information.

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Congratulations to the Burr and Burton Academy Vocal Music Ensemble for their invitation to participate in the New York City premier of Christopher Tin’s “Calling All Dawns” Song Cycle at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in April 2013.  An informational meeting will be held Thursday September 13th at 7:00 pm in the Riley Center Music Room.  Please contact Julie Freebern to receive paperwork and details regarding this incredible opportunity. jfreebern@burrburton.org 362-1775 ext. 231

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From the Yearbook Staff

The production of the 2013 Burtonian is now underway.

We will be setting up a purchasing system very soon but the most important thing right now is for seniors to start sending in their pictures for their senior pages.

The yearbook staff needs two senior photos, one portrait and one informal photo, delivered to them by Friday, October 5, 2012. You can e-mail digital photos to the yearbook staff at yearbook@burrburton.org. Please note: All digital photos must be 300 dpi (that’s the resolution). All photos must be larger than 2.5” wide x 3.5” tall. Please put the student’s name in the subject line.

Seniors who wish to have them done by a photographer of their choice must arrange to have them completed in time to meet this deadline. Also if you have your picture taken on September 6 by the school photographer please let us know this will be the picture you use for your formal image. Pictures must be in a vertical format. Remember the portrait should be a head shot (head and shoulders only – no hats please).  Students must also submit a candid photo at this time (baby picture, sports picture, family picture, or favorite activity). This must also be in a vertical format or able to be cropped into a vertical. The production of a quality year book that comes out on time for distribution depends on meeting this deadline.

If we do not receive a senior’s photos by the deadline, they may not be included in the yearbook. Please write the student’s name on the back of all hard copy photos. They will be returned to you next May.

Information on how to order the 2013 Burtonian will be announced shortly.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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From the Library

Welcome back everyone! We are very excited for the start of this new school year. We have a lot of projects that are going on in the library, and we’re looking forward to sharing them with you.

Please take a look at the library website http://northshirelibraries.com. It is always being updated with more links and resources so that it meets the needs of students and teachers.

There are always new books to review, so stop by and say hello to your library staff, Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Hansen. We can help you find great books and great web resources.

As always, if you need anything, please let us know. Have a great year!

Regular Library Hours
Monday – Thursday  7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday  7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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College and Career Information

Debra Shaver, Dean of Admission at Smith College, will be the keynote speaker for Burr and Burton Academy’s Fall College Night for Parents of Juniors and Seniors.  Her talk, “Parents’ Survival Guide to the College Admission Process,” will take place on Monday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 pm in the school’s Riley Center theater.

Debra Shaver has been in college admission for over 30 years yet she cites her experience as a parent guiding her son through the college admission process as her best professional development training.  Shaver has spoken nationally about college admission and has been recognized as a dynamic and humorous speaker on the role of parents in the college admission process. She received a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree from Alfred University and has also worked at Alfred, Colgate University and the College of the Holy Cross.

Members of the public are welcome to attend Dean Shaver’s address.  Following the keynote, Burr and Burton School and College Counselors will continue the program and present grade-specific information about the college process to parents of enrolled juniors and seniors.

Questions about the Junior and Senior Parent College Night may be directed to Lynne Welsh, 802-362-1775, ext.242.

Make-up Senior College Workshop

College-bound seniors who missed the earlier session need to attend a makeup work shop on either Monday, September 17 during D block or Tuesday, September 18 during E block. Both sessions will be held in the library.

Fall College Night for Junior and Senior Parents

Mark your calendar for Burr and Burton’s Fall College Night for Parents on Monday, September 24, at 6:30 pm. This program will take place in the Riley Center and will feature a guest speaker as well as grade specific information for the college admission process.

College Fair Field Trip
Burr and Burton is sponsoring a field trip for interested college-bound juniors on Wednesday, September 12. Students will meet in the Hunter Seminar Room at 10:30 am and depart BBA at 11 am. Students should bring a bag lunch to eat en route. We will go to Champlain College where students will participate in an admission presentation and tour the campus. We will then head to UVM for a tour and dinner with Burr and Burton alums in the campus center before going to the NEACAC College Fair at St. Michael’s College. Approximately 250 college representatives will take part in the College Fair. To sign up, bring a completed college fair worksheet and permission slip to the School and College Counseling Office. Bus seats are limited , and will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis until full. No reservations will be accepted after Monday, September 10. We expect to return to BBA at approximately 10:30 pm.

Standardized Testing Registration for Seniors

Burr and Burton will host the SAT on October 6. The deadline to register is September 7. The registration deadline for the October 27 ACT at Burr and Burton is September 21. The November 3 SAT registration deadline is October 4 and is not administered at BBA.

Register online  at www.collegeboard.org and www.actstudent.org. Please note that the school does not collect the fees for the SAT or ACT; you must register directly with these organizations.

Sophomore and Junior Testing
Sophomores will take the PLAN on the morning of Wednesday, October 17. The PLAN helps students measure their current academic development and explore career-training options. It is a test that has value for students planning to go on to college as well as those entering the workforce.

Most juniors will take the PSAT (a preliminary, or practice, SAT) on Wednesday, October 17  during school hours. Students must bring the $15 registration fee (checks should be made out to Burr and Burton Academy) to Lynne Welsh in the School and College Counseling Office by October 3. The PSAT is a wonderful opportunity for students who have completed geometry to assess their testing skills.

Contact the School and College Counselors if you have any questions. Students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch should see their counselor to request a fee waiver for the PSAT.

The Assistant Headmaster is currently putting together a schedule for NECAP testing that juniors will given October 2, 3 and 4. Please limit  time away from school during this period.

Campus Visits
Seniors who haven’t yet visited colleges are strongly advised to make plans to do so as soon as possible. While scheduling college visits during vacations and on weekends is preferable, we understand that it is sometimes necessary for students to miss school.  Campus visits are excused absences. Friday, November 11 (Veteran’s Day) is a particularly good day to visit colleges because it is a faculty in-service day at Burr and Burton.

College Visitors
Juniors and seniors may be excused from class, with teacher permission, to meet with college representatives visiting Burr and Burton this fall. Nearly 40 colleges have already scheduled appointments during the month of September. Please check the college visit list on Naviance (http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton) or the College Planning Calendar in the School and College Counseling Office for the most up-to-date list of visitors and meeting locations. Daily announcements will also serve as a reminder of these appointments. College visits provide students with a great opportunity to ask questions, make a connection with the college representative and learn the most current campus information.

Contact Information
Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have a question, a concern, or wish to offer feedback. We welcome all contact and the opportunity to work with you to assure the quality of your student’s Burr and Buurton experience.

Phil Anton, Director of Admission and School Counseling, Counselor for all freshmen 549-8125; panton@burrburton.org

Andrea Hogan, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors 549-8145; ahogan@burrburton.org

Melissa Michaud, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors 549-8130; mmichaud@burrburton.org

Cristin Rose, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors 549-8126; crose@burrburton.org

Maria Bittinger, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors 549-8126: mbittinger@burrburton.org

Scholarship List 2012/2013

Forms for all of the scholarships listed below are available in the School and College Counseling Office.  This scholarship information is also listed on the Naviance website at: http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton.

The William Randolph Hearst Scholarship
Eligibility: Applicant must hold an elected student government office; show leadership, academic achievement, clear speech, and community involvement.
Award: $5,000
Deadline for application to your school counselor: October 1.
Online application: www.vpaonline.org (Go to “Student Activities” then scholarships).

AES Engineers Scholarship
Eligibility: awarded on the basis of character, as determined by evaluated the essays that are submitted.
Essay to be submitted via email.
Deadline for application: October 7.
Details in the School and College Counseling Office or www.aesengineers.com.

TOPIC: What impact will the Natural Disasters of 2010/11 have on the global economy? How should these events affect future political, business and personal decisions? Submit essay to: scholarships@aesengineers.com.

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