Calendar
11 Mandatory Football – Parent/Athlete Information Night – Cafeteria (5 pm)
14 Mandatory Fall Sports Meeting in the gym (6 pm)
19-23 Theater & Dance Workshops and Auditions – Riley Center (6 pm – 9 pm)
20 Senior College Admission Seminar – Riley Center (10 am – 1 pm)
21-22 Senior College Application Workshop – Library (10 am – 12 noon)
23 Transfer Student Orientation – Rowland Center (10 am – 12 noon)
27 Freshmen Orientation – Riley Center (7:50 am – 1:20 pm)
27 Junior Jumpstart – Report to Advisories (7:50 am – 12:30 pm)
27 New International Student Orientation (8:30 am – 3 pm)
27 Freshman/Sophomore Class Potluck – Cafeteria (5:30 pm – 6:30 pm)
27 Freshman/New Parent Orientation – Riley Center (7 pm – 8 pm)
28 First Day of School – 12:35 Dismissal
28-30 Mountain Campus Orientation
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Headmaster
Dear Families:
In less than three weeks, Burr and Burton Academy will be back in session. I hope your summer has been productive and you are ready for the energy and opportunities of the 2013-2014 school year. In a few days, you will receive a package in the mail that provides important information on our iPad distribution, responsible use policy, health forms, and so forth, along with individual course schedules. If you have any questions about these materials, please contact our Director of Guidance and Admissions, Phil Anton, at panton@burrburton.org.
Theme for the Year
The theme for this year is simple but vitally important: Got Grit? In recent years, study after study shows that those who persevere, those who learn from their mistakes and their failures, those who refuse to give up, those who learn to commit to excellence go substantially farther, regardless of IQ or other so-called measures of potential. Everyone can develop this “habit of mind,” and everyone can thereby maximize their true potential.
Opening Thoughts to Students
We will be working on two major initiatives that will require support from each member of our community. The first is on technology and iPads: it will be crucial that we work together to become a model of digital citizenship and responsible users of technology. The second is around responsible decision making regarding use of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco. In both areas, we will be engaging in dialogue so we are upholding our core value of expecting the highest standards of performance and behavior from us all.
Burr and Burton is a school that offers an amazing array of opportunities. I urge you to take advantage of every opportunity that lies before you: the opportunity to work with talented, dedicated teachers, the opportunity to participate in a wide range of artistic, athletic and extracurricular endeavors, the opportunity to serve the community, the opportunity to travel, the opportunity to explore your interests and realize your potential. Keep in mind, though: you must rise to the challenge in order to make the most of this challenge.
We all look forward to welcoming you back and getting started on another great school year.
Sincerely,
Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Assistant Headmaster
Dear Burr and Burton Families,
Nearly a century ago, John Dewey stated, “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” Dewey’s words hold great meaning as Burr and Burton takes the exciting step of issuing each student an iPad. Students will have the opportunity to organize and manage learning, communicate and collaborate with teachers and each other, and create learning artifacts that demonstrate deep understanding of skills and content.
Burr and Burton Academy’s mission is to educate its students intellectually and morally for a life of responsibility, integrity, and service. These words will guide us as we implement our iPad 1:1 Initiative and prepare our students to be dynamic leaders and citizens. As a community, we will foster the responsible and ethical use of technology to help our students think, create, and communicate effectively while accessing a new world of learning.
Educators at Burr and Burton Academy have always believed in using technology in an intentional manner to strengthen the powerful partnership of teaching and learning and to promote creativity and encourage curiosity. As we implement this exciting learning initiative, we will continue to ensure that each student’s educational experience is enriched by the best possible uses of technology.
Later this month, all students will receive an iPad 2 (16GB) to use as a learning tool while they are enrolled at BBA. Each iPad comes engraved with Property of Burr and Burton Academy and an individual security sticker that must not be removed. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase their own shell case to protect their iPad from damage and to distinguish it from the other iPads on campus. BBA will provide a case if students do not bring one to their distribution session.
I encourage you to visit elearning.burrburton.org, where you will find more detailed information about the iPad Initiative, including: FAQs, support to create an iTunes account, printable forms, and tips to maintain the iPad. In addition, parents will have an opportunity to learn more about the iPad Initiative at our September 18 Parent Open House; key details on this evening will follow in the September Bullhorn. In the meantime, if you have specific questions, please contact me at mkenny@burrburton.org or at 362-1775 ex. 166.
Sincerely,
Meg Kenny
Assistant Headmaster
……………………………
Please review the following important details regarding the distribution process:
All Burr and Burton students are required to attend a scheduled iPad distribution session. Sessions are organized by class and/or program. At each session, we will review the program and expectations, collect required paperwork (BBA’s Responsible Use Policy and Protection Program/Payment), distribute the iPads, load critical protection apps, guide students in critical configurations and review general iPad functionality. The goal of the distribution sessions is to ensure that students are ready to use their iPads during the first week of school. Ongoing support and training will occur during regularly scheduled advisory meetings.
Prior to the scheduled distribution session, students and parents must:
- Establish an Apple ID: Student must know their Apple ID username and password in order to participate in the distribution session. If you do not have an Apple ID, please create an Apple ID at the Apple Site. It is important that each student have their own unique Apple ID and not an ID that is shared with other family members. You can set up an Apple ID with or without a credit card. Please note that if your Apple ID is connected to a credit card, students must know the three digit security code (on the back of the credit card) to configure their iPad.
- Review and Sign the Responsible Use Policy (RUP): Students must review the RUP with their parents and bring a signed copy to the distribution session.
- Review, Sign and Pay for the BBA iPad Protection Program: All students must enroll in the iPad Protection Program. Please bring a signed copy of the enrollment form to the distribution session. The Program fee is $25.00 and must be paid by check or cash before you receive your iPad.
- Purchase a “shell case” to meet individual preferences and to distinguish it from other iPads. If you arrive at your distribution session without your own case, BBA will issue you one.
The dates and times for the distribution sessions are listed below. Each session will take approximately one hour. Seniors and Sophomores need to register HERE ASAP, as the sessions will fill up quickly and times are first-come, first-served. Juniors and Freshmen will receive their iPads during Junior Jumpstart and Freshman Orientation. ALL iPad distribution sessions will take place in the SMITH CENTER, in the Hunter Seminar Room and the basement computer labs. If you cannot make your scheduled distribution session, you must stay after school on Wednesday, August 28 at 1:00 pm to attend the makeup distribution session.
Seniors – Class of 2014
Session I Monday, August 19 @ 4:00 pm
Session II Monday, August 19 @ 5:00 pm
Session III Tuesday, August 20 @ 8:30 am – 9:45 am 8/20 (before the Senior College Seminar)
If you cannot register electronically, call 362-1775 extension 218 to register for a session.
Students must bring all required paperwork and payment to their distribution session.
Juniors – Class of 2015
August 27 – Junior Jumpstart
Juniors will receive their iPads during the Junior Jumpstart; they do not need to register for a distribution session, as they will receive their iPad during one of the Jumpstart sessions.
Students must bring all required paperwork and payment with them to Junior Jumpstart.
Sophomores – Class of 2016
Session I Monday, August 26 @ 4:00 pm
Session II Monday, August 26 @ 5:00 pm
Session III Monday, August 26 @ 6:00 pm
If you cannot register electronically, call 362-1775 extension 218 to register for a session.
Students must bring all required paperwork and payment to their distribution session.
Freshmen – Class of 2017
August 27 – Freshman Orientation
Freshmen will receive their iPads during their orientation; they do not need to register for a distribution session, as they will receive them during one of the orientation sessions.
Students must bring all required paperwork and payment with them to Freshman Orientation.
Mountain Campus Students will receive their iPad during scheduled class distribution sessions.
ACCESS Students will receive their iPads during the first week of school in a distribution session scheduled by their teachers.
Target/CDC Students will receive their iPads during scheduled class distribution sessions.
International Students will receive their iPads during the International Retreat/Orientation.
New students – Monday 8/26 at 1:30 pm
Returning students – Tuesday 8/27 at 1:30 pm
Students must bring all required paperwork and payment with them to Orientation.
New 10th – 12th Transfer Students
Friday 8/23 from 11 am – 12 pm (unless received during one of the Senior sessions)
Students must bring all required paperwork and payment with them to Orientation.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Business Office
Tuition Request Form
The towns of Danby, Dorset, Landgrove, Londonderry, Peru, Manchester, Mt. Tabor, Rupert, Pawlet, Sunderland, Weston, and Winhall, are part of the Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union (BRSU.) If your student(s) resides in one of these towns, please submit the Tuition Request Form sent to you by the Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union immediately, if you have not already done so. Every student must file a new form each year for all four years they are enrolled at BBA. If you did not receive one or have misplaced the form you can find it here online for downloading.
Other sending towns, Dover and Stratton have their own forms. Please contact the town school board or town clerk for information about the forms required.
Any town not referenced above will require you to contact the town school board or town clerk about the forms your town requires.
If you have any questions please contact Ramona Towne in the BBA Business Office at 549-8149 or by email: rtowne@burrburton.org.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
Wow! August already! School starts before the end of the month – August 28 is the first day! No matter what grade your student’s in or whether they are an International Student or not, there’s something going on for them this month – check the calendar!
Peggy Brockett
Parent Association President
From the Athletic Department
Important Fall Sports Information
In less than two weeks we will be kicking off another exciting fall athletic season. Below are the important meeting dates and times for the fall season and information about the required paperwork that must be completed before you will be permitted to participate in tryouts. It is very important that all athletes and an adult attend the meetings.
August 11 – Mandatory Football – Parent and Athlete Information Night 5:00 in the cafeteria.
August 12 – Football practice begins.
August 14 – Mandatory Fall Sports – Parent and Athlete Information Night for ALL Fall Sports 6:00 in the gym. All athletes and parents will meet in the gym first. At the conclusion of the all sports meeting the football players and parents will be dismissed and all others will go to individual team meetings.
August 15 – Soccer, Field Hockey and X-country tryouts begin.
Mark you calendars – Homecoming/Alumni Weekend September 27 & 28. A complete schedule of events will be available in the September Bullhorn.
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
Cross 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. The form on the school’s website is Well Exam.
All the necessary forms (sport health questionnaire and rules and regulations) needed to participate in athletics can be downloaded from the school’s web site, burrburton.org. 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.
Proof of insurance is required for participation in athletics, if an athlete needs insurance, forms will be available at the meeting to purchase insurance through the school.
Returning Burr & Burton students must be in attendance at the first day of practice and all juniors and seniors (this includes transfer students) must attend the varsity tryouts.
Individual team schedules are available on the school’s web site and will also be available at the meetings.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Director of Athletics Kathi Bierwirth: kbierwirth@burrburton.org.
Concussion in Sports – What You Need to Know: CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LINK
Sports-related concussion in high school sports can be serious or even life-threatening situations if not managed correctly. National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have teamed up to provide information and resources to help educate coaches, officials, parents and students on the importance of proper concussion recognition and management in high school sports. Mick Koester M.D., ATC, Chair of the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and Director of the Slocum Sports Concussion in Eugene, Oregon takes you through this course. In this course you will understand the impact sports-related concussion can have on your players, how to recognize a suspected concussion, the proper protocols to manage a suspected concussion, and steps to help your player return to play safely after experiencing a concussion.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reconnect with Classmates at Reunion
If you’re wondering what became of a Burr and Burton classmate, Reunion Weekend is a great place to reconnect. All alumni and spouses are invited to Reunion Weekend on Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29, 2013. This year’s Alumni Barbecue on Saturday evening will be held at the historic Equinox Hotel and features the blue grass music of Gold Town. The weekend includes the Joe and Joan Rizio Golf Tourney, varsity football game against Bellows Falls at Pettibone Field, Alumni Social at The Perfect Wife and much more. The weekend pass is $40/person before August 15. Call Nancy Brown at Burr and Burton for a registration brochure or visit www.burrburton.org/alumni for more information.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Advancement Office
With the first Bullhorn of the school year comes a reminder that our campus will soon be filled with the sound of 700 high school students! We always look forward to their return!
The Advancement Office would like to thank everyone who supported our work this past year. Because of the generosity of our donors, we have continued to meet and surpass fundraising goals allowing us to continue to create new opportunities for all of our students. The Mountain Campus program had a great first year, the Student Success Program has launched with a fantastic three week summer camp, we will close on the new property adjacent to our existing campus in September, and we continue to offer lots of new and challenging opportunities to all of our students with the start of the new school year.
We want to make sure to thank every parent who contributed to the success of last year, so whether you wrote a check, donated a service, made a gift-in-kind to the Online Auction or Live Auction for the gala, volunteered time in the concession stand, worked on the gala committee, attended the gala, sold ads for the Winter Sports program, sold raffle tickets of any kind, baked cookies or brownies for sale during an intermission of a student performance, helped plan Senior Sendoff, or participated in some other way, we want to say a big, heartfelt THANK-YOU! We couldn’t do what we do without your help.
We look forward to the coming school year with great anticipation and excitement and offer a warm welcome to all of our families and students. If you’re new to the school this year, we look forward to your involvement in our school activities, and would welcome your help on the Parent Association Advancement Committee or the Annual Gala Fundraising Committee. It’s fun and rewarding work, and a great way to get to know other parents.
Make these last weeks of summer count and we’ll see you in a few short weeks!
Most gratefully,
Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
802-549-8201
cgubb@burrburton.org
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Student Travel Opportunities
The itinerary and more information may be found here.
See the Spain video here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Media and Performing Arts Department
BBA Theater, Dance & Cinema Programs
Information Meeting – August 19, 6 – 8 pm
Auditions (play & film)- August, 20, 6 – 9 pm
Callbacks – August 21,22, 6 – 9 pm
If you love to act, sing, dance, make films, costumes, build sets, run lights, sound, stage manage and create while having a great time, don’t miss Burr and Burton Academy’s Theater, Dance and Cinema Programs meeting on Monday, August 19, at 6 pm in the Riley Center for the Arts. Information about extra curricular opportunities for the year will be shared including the Fall Play, the Fall Film, The BBA Dance Company, Broadway Workshop, Ballet/ Pointe/Variation Class, The Elf Express, The One Act Festival, a new writing workshop, The Spring Musical and more. We will be auditioning for the fall play The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later and the fall film Observatory on August 20 with callbacks on August 21 and 22. If you can’t make the meeting please contact: Jim Raposa at jraposa@burrburton.org so we can try to work something out.
Information can be found at: pactd.wikispaces.com
Strike the harp and join the chorus for an exciting opportunity to perform the world premier of Christopher Tin’s new work, The Drop that Contained the Sea, at Carnegie Hall on April 13, 2014, organized by Distinguished Concerts International New York and conducted by their Artistic Director Jonanthon Griffith. This sequel work to his two-time Grammy winning album Calling All Dawns is another classical/world music fusion song cycle in multiple languages based on ancient texts about water.
The Burr and Burton Academy Vocal Music Ensemble (E Block Chorus) will be joined by choirs from all over the world, a professional orchestra, guest soloists and the composer Thursday April 10 – Monday April 14 to experience this monumental performance. Ensemble members and their families are invited to an informational meeting Tuesday September 10 at 6:30 pm in the Riley Center Vocal Room. For more information please contact Julie Freebern at jfreebern@burrburton.org 802-362-1775 ex. 231.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
School and College Counseling
Mandatory College Admission Seminar for Seniors
Seniors planning to apply to college must attend the Senior College Admission Seminar on Tuesday, August 20, from 10 am – 1 pm. Please report to the Riley Center. We’ll cover the important dates and details of the college application process. We will continue to meet individually with seniors throughout the rest of the fall to consider college lists, review applications and otherwise support them in a more personalized way.
College Application Workshops (strongly recommended but optional)
We strongly recommend that all seniors attend an additional session or two so that they can get started on the Common Application on Wednesday, August 21, 10 am – noon or Thursday, August 22, 10 am – noon.
Make sure your course schedule is set for the entire year; it’s very difficult to drop/add for second semester and we are required to report any changes of academic classes to college admission offices.
Orientation for New Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
All new upperclass students should report to the Library in the Smith Center on Friday, August 23, at 10 am – noon. The students will talk with BBA Student Ambassadors and learn tips about adjusting to Burr and Burton. We’ll walk students through their schedules so they’ll be able to easily find classes on the first day and we’ll have a question and answer session.
Junior Jump-Start Program
All juniors report for school one day early—on Tuesday, August 27, from 7:50 am to 12:30 pm. 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. To start the day, please report to your advisory classroom or check in at the Main Office with Mrs. Towslee or Mrs. Welsh.
Freshman Orientation – Students Only
All freshmen should meet in the Riley Center for the Arts on Tuesday, August 27, from 7:50 am – 1:20 pm. Students will meet their classmates, find classrooms, meet their counselor and have a question and answer session.
Fall College Night for Junior and Senior Parents
Mark your calendar for Burr and Burton’s Fall College Night for Parents on Monday, September 30, at 6:30 pm. This program will take place in the Riley Center and will grade specific information for the college admission process.
Other Upcoming Events
Look for more information in next month’s Bullhorn about these upcoming programs:
College Fair at UVM for juniors on September 12
PLAN and PSAT – in-school testing for sophomores and juniors
VSAC College Financial Aid Night
Standardized Testing Registration
Registration for the September 21 ACT with writing is August 23. BBA is not a test site for this date.
Burr and Burton will be the host site for both the SAT and ACT this October. Seniors take note: September 6 is the registration deadline for the October 5 SAT and September 27 is the registration deadline for the October 26 ACT. Register online at http://www.collegeboard.org and 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. Keep track of your usernames and passwords – you’ll need them again.
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 if parents notify the Attendance Office in advance. Every year, Burr and Burton School and College Counselors make their own campus visits. Let’s trade campus tour reports!
College Visits to Burr and Burton
Throughout the fall months, college admission representatives visit Burr and Burton. Juniors and seniors can keep track of the ever expanding list of visits on their Naviance accounts and make plans to attend meetings with teacher permission.
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
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Health Center
The Health Center turns 20 years old this year! Yes, and with age comes wisdom. We will be making some new and exciting changes to the student services we offer in the Health Center – meditation, guided imagery and aromatherapy to name a few. You will also be seeing much more of the health center staff as we further increase our education and prevention efforts around campus. As always, please feel free to reach out to the staff in the Health Center with any questions, suggestions or feedback.
Enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Sincerely,
Meg Cornell, RN
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
2014 Burtonian Yearbooks
Seniors and Parents of Seniors!
The 2014 Burtonian yearbook staff needs 2 senior photos, one portrait and one informal photo, delivered to them by Friday, October 4, 2013. Please arrange to have these photos taken over the summer. Students may also have their formal photos taken in early September at the school.
Please note: All digital photos must be 300 dpi (that’s the resolution). All photos must be larger than 2.5 inches wide x 3.5 inches tall. Please put the student’s name in the subject line. Photos that are in a hard copy format can be mailed to the Burtonian yearbook staff, attention Alex Vincent, Burr and Burton Academy, PO Box 498, Manchester, VT 05254.
Seniors who wish to have their photos done by a photographer of their choice must arrange to have them completed in time to meet this deadline. Pictures must be in a vertical format. Remember that 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 book that comes out on time for distribution depends on meeting this deadline.
If we do not receive your 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 2014 Burtonian will be announced in September.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Corporate Sponsors
We thank the corporations below for their generous support of Burr and Burton Academy and hope you will in turn support these businesses.
Headmaster’s List
Berkshire Bank
r.k. Miles
Rugg Valley Landscaping
Stratton Mountain Resort
The Orvis Company
The Vermont Country Store
TPW Management
High Honors List
Equinox Hotel and Resort
Finn and Stone Insurance
Mack Molding
Spiral Press Cafe
The Perfect Wife
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 Goat North, Inc.
Mountain Weavers
People’s United Bank
Academic Pin
Dydo and Company, Inc.
Glebe Mountain Gardens & Landscaping
iShip
Northshire Bookstore
TD Bank
BBA Bullhorn 