Calendar
2 Bulldog Leadership Summit – “Making Tech Work for You”:
7 7 am Hunter Seminar Room
5 SAT at BBA: 8 am Cafe & F.L. classrooms
5 BBA Broom Ball Sponsored by Student Council: 8 pm Riley Rink
8 Gift of Life Marathon – 12 Days of Giving Blood Drive: 9 am Gym
8 Refuse to Use Make-up for missed Oct/Nov: 4 pm Hunter Seminar
16 Winter Concert – Large Ensembles: 6 pm and 8 pm Riley Center
21 – January 1, 2016: Holiday Break – no school
From the Headmaster
Dear Families:
As you probably know, I am quite proud of this school, our community of learners, and the many accomplishments of our students. At our core, one of our fundamental beliefs is that a strong community creates strong individuals, and the strength of our community relies on strong individuals. I present to you three examples (click on bold underlined) that I hope you take the time to read:
- A recent New York Times op-ed piece by David Brooks titled “Communities of Character.” While Mr. Brooks does not identify BBA in this article, in many respects, he describes what we try to achieve.
- An assembly speech given last Monday by social studies department chair John Graf. His title, “Assembly Speech,” describes what it is, but the true meaning of his speech is about becoming informed and thoughtful in debating the great issues of the day.
- Closing assembly comments I gave, also last Monday, about a highly publicized rape case involving two students at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire.
I share these three writings to give you a sense of how we support individual growth and achievement by seeking to develop a greater sense of responsibility for our community.
We want your daughters and sons to engage, debate, achieve individually, and look out for each other and for the greater good of this community.
I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Mark H. Tashjian
Headmaster
By the time this Bullhorn goes to press, we will be just three short weeks away from the conclusion of our fall semester at the Mountain Campus. During the same time that our current students are immersed in their final projects, conversations will be starting throughout the school about course selection for next year. Though the 2016-17 school year seems very far away, this is actually an excellent time for students to think about and visit our campus to learn more about what we are doing here. We will be hosting an open house for interested students in mid-December, as well as opening our final presentation event on Wednesday, December 16 to any interested students, families and friends.
The Mountain Campus is an academically vigorous semester option for BBA sophomores, juniors and seniors who possess a desire to take ownership of their education and make a positive difference in the world. Don’t miss the chance to join this incredible opportunity.
Ben Freeman
Mountain Campus Director
Website: burrburton.org/mountaincampus
From the Advancement Office
While we haven’t seen any snowflakes yet, we know the holiday season is upon us as we finish up the turkey leftovers and start our preparations for December. This is the perfect time of year to remember, acknowledge and thank all of our parents and families who support Burr and Burton Academy in many ways.
Thank you to the Parent Association and the many hours they have put into reaching out to all BBA parents. Under the leadership of Gina Vickers this year, the Parent Association has made an amazing dessert buffet for the faculty in-service day on November 9 which everyone loved and completely devoured, organized and executed a clothing exchange, made refreshments and helped with other needs for the fall play, and much more. The Gala committee under the leadership of Pauline deLaszlo and Robin Apps is already hard at work planning for this important event on May 27, 2016. And the Advancement Committee Chairs, Beth Eyre and Diana Pagnucco have done a terrific job of working on increasing the participating in the Parent Challenge.
Thank you to the Booster Club and all of the activities they have been involved in. Thank you to those who have helped organize fundraising events to support the hockey program, especially the most recent Student Faculty Hockey game at Riley Rink.
Thank you to our host families of International students, for welcoming these students 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. Thanks to all of the BBA families who hosted our student guests from Germany this fall and made them feel welcome as a part of the larger community.
And last but certainly not least, thank you to all parents who have supported the 2015 – 2016 Annual Giving Campaign with a gift. (For those of you who haven’t yet made a commitment, there is still plenty of time unless you want to take the tax deduction in 2015! If that is the case we must receive your gift by December 31, 2015.) We continue to promote parent participation as the main focus of this year’s Parent Challenge. We are offering a few incentive gifts for your commitment to the school and we will count outright gifts, corporate sponsorships, gala sponsorships, a donation of a service or item for the spring Online Auction, and gifts made to Friends of Hockey. There is an incentive to “recruit a friend” too – which will earn you a great travel mug – you can never have enough of those!
So once again, our most sincere thank you to all of you who have supported the school and our students in some way in the past months – we couldn’t do it without you.
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season from all of us in the Advancement office.
Cynthia Gubb
Director of Advancement
802-549-8201
P.S. It’s easy to make a gift – feel free to use any of the following:
Online: www.burrburton.org/giving/online
By mail: Advancement office, Burr and Burton Academy, P. O. Box 498, Manchester, VT 05254
Credit card: Online or call Nancy Brown in our office at 802-549-8110
In person: Stop by the Advancement Office and drop off your gift. We’d love to see you and say thank you in person and you can pick up your incentive gift at the same time.
Seniors should be finalizing the college process – be sure to connect with your School and College Counselor! Friday, December 11, is the last day to request transcripts and records until January 4. Don’t forget that it 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’ success. We’ll also pass along your happy news to Mr. Tashjian so he can announce it at Monday assemblies!
Standardized Testing Information for Juniors
PSAT results are due to be released in mid December. Students will receive emailed instructions from the College Board on how to access their individual scores and direct them to create a College Board account if they haven’t already done so. As soon as BBA receives scores, we will upload them onto students’ individual Naviance accounts so students will also be able to access them there. Families of juniors will receive mailed information from BBA regarding test prep courses and the test registration process this month.
February 6 is a testing date for the ACT. The test will not be at BBA, but will be administered at other nearby locations. Students wishing to register for this exam by will need to sign up at www.actstudent.org by January 8.
Advanced Placement Exam fee
Just a reminder that all AP Exam fees are due Friday, December 11. This includes the fee from students taking a second semester AP class as well. The cost is $92 per exam. Students need to bring 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
It is important to pay attention to 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. This two-part process should be started immediately so as not to delay funding. Forms are available online at www.collegeboard.org 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 Vermont Incentive Grant form after January 1. It is available online at www.vsac.org.
Financial Aid Forms Completion Night Coming in February
Families who would like assistance with the FAFSA and the Vermont Grant can meet with our VSAC representative, Monda Kelley, from 5 – 7 pm in the library on Wednesday, February 3. More details will be available closer to the event. To register contact Mrs. Welsh (x242) in the School and College Counseling Office or send an email to lwelsh@burrburton.org.
SCHOLARSHIPS 2015-2016
Scholarship information can be found in the School and College Counseling Office and is listed in Naviance Family Connection at: http://connection.naviance.com/burrburton.
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Eligibility: senior, employment, community service, leadership, financial need
Award: $4,000 – $60,000; Absolute Deadline: December 4
Application online at: www.elks.org/enf/scholars
American Legion of Vermont Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors whose parents are legal residents of VT. Must have been accepted at an approved and accredited school or college at the time of consideration. “Fillable Form” on website: vtlegion.org
Award: $500; Deadline April 1
The School and College Counseling Office contacts:
Maria Bittinger, School and College Counselor for international students, 549-8242; mbittinger@burrburton.org
Mary Grabarz, Registrar 549-8127; mgrabarz@burrburton.org
Andrea Hogan, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, 549-8145; ahogan@burrburton.org
Kirk Knutson, Director of Admission and School Counseling, Counselor for freshmen, 549-8125; kknutson@burrburton.org
Melissa Michaud, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, 549-8130; mmichaud@burrburton.org
Tony Napolitano, External Learning Coordinator, 549-8241; tnapolitano@burrburton.org
Cristin Rose, School and College Counselor for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, 549-8126; crose@burrburton.org
Lynne Welsh, Office Assistant, 549-8242; lwelsh@burrburton.org
From the Athletics Department
Another season is off to a great start. I’ve been reading Fred Northup’s Winning More Than the Game. In 1998 he developed an organization called Athletes for a Better World. It has given me a lot to think about and I would like to share with you their “Code For Living”. As you see me at games, in my office, or around town, I invite you to let me know what you think of it. I hope you will discuss it with each other and especially with your athletes.
The Code – Life Principles Learned Through Sports
Because I am a role model and have the opportunity and responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others, I commit to this Code. I will take responsibility and appropriate actions when I fail to live up to it.
As an Individual:
- I will develop my skills to the best of my ability and give my best effort in practice and competition.
- I will compete within the spirit and letter of the rules of my sport.
- I will respect the dignity of every human being, and will not be abusive or dehumanizing of anyone either as an athlete or as a fan.
As a Member of a Team:
- I will place team goals ahead of personal goals.
- I will be a positive influence on the relationships on the team.
- I will follow the team rules established by the coach.
As a Member of Society:
- I will display caring and honorable behavior off the field and be a positive influence in my community and world.
- I will give of my time, skills, and money as I am able for the betterment of my community and world.
Basketball and Ice Hockey Ticket Prices 2015-2016:
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.
Don’t forget to Like us on facebook and follow us on Twitter for all your Bulldog athletic updates!
https://www.facebook.com/burrandburtonacademyathletics
@BBABulldogsAD
December Home Athletic Contests:
Wednesday, 12/2 Girls Hockey v. Brattleboro 5:00
Wednesday, 12/2 JV & V Boys Basketball v. Middlebury 5:30/7:00
Friday, 12/4 JV Green Boys & Girls Basketball v. Grace Christian 4:30/5:45
Saturday 12/5 Girls Hockey v. Middlebury 5:45
Monday, 12/7 JV Green Girls Basketball v. Twin Valley 4:30
Wednesday, 12/9 Girls & Boys Hockey v. Rutland/Brattleboro 5:00/6:45
Wednesday 12/9 JV & V Boys Basketball v. Woodstock 5:30/7:00
Thursday 12/10 JV & V Girls Basketball v. Hartford 5:30/7:00
Friday 12/11 JV & V Boys Basketball v. St. Johnsbury 5:00/6:30
Friday 12/18 JV Green Boys Basketball v. Mt.Anthony 4:30
Saturday 12/19 JV & V Girls basketball v. Fair Haven 1:00/2:30
Wednesday 12/23 Boys Hockey v. Burlington 5:00
Monday 12/28 Jv & V Girls Basketball v. South Burlington 5:00/6:30
Monday 12/28 Girls Hockey v. Hartford 5:45
From the Co-Dean of Students
Please give the gift of Life!
Burr and Burton Academy is hosting a blood drive as part of the “Twelve Days of Giving, Gift of Life Marathon” on Tuesday, December 8, from 9 am–2 pm in Henry Gymnasium. We are inviting the Manchester community, BBA parents, students (16 and older), faculty and staff to participate in this special event. Because of our exemplary student participation in years past, the American Red Cross has selected Burr and Burton as one of the twelve host sites for this year’s blood drive. What an honor for our school and students! Our goal from the American Red Cross is 89 pints of blood, but with everyone’s help, I think that we can do much better than that.
To donate go this link: http://www.redcrossblood.org/rcbmobile/drive/chooseDonationTime.jsp
To learn more about the blood drive go to: http://giftoflifemarathon.com/
To register the day prior to the day of the event go to: here.
We are also in need of parent volunteers to work the canteen and registration desk. If you are available to help, please send me an email at acirelli@burrburton.org stating your availability. Additionally, you can call me directly at 549-8240.
Donation Information: “Twelve Days of Giving”
Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Location: Henry Gymnasium
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Note: You may need to create an account in order to make an appointment.
Thank you for in advance for donating.
Tony Cirelli
Co-Dean of Students
From the Creative Arts Department
The Creative Arts Department will present the Annual Winter Concert on December 16, 2015 at 6 pm and 8 pm.
Tickets will be available at bbatickets.com. Come enjoy an evening of eclectic music performed by Burr and Burton’s Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles.
Congratulations to Kate Mori on her first chair acceptance to both the Green Mountain Music Festival Symphonic Band and Jazz Band.
From the BBA International Program
For more information, please contact:
From the Health Clinic
This is a reminder to return the requested immunization documentation to the health clinic. If the school does not have complete immunization records for your student you should have received a letter in late October. If we have complete immunization records on file then you would not have received that letter. The state of Vermont mandates that school nurses track immunization records to promote public health in the school setting. Please help with this task by returning the required immunization information. I want to thank those of you who have already taken action to complete the required immunizations for your student. A thank you also to those who have provided the missing immunization documentation.
Megan Beattie-Cassan BSN, RN
School Nurse
From the Library
BBA is a reading community. We love to share books, magazines and articles with one another. Conversations about books occur all over the campus. In an effort to highlight all of the reading that is occurring and to spark additional conversations about books, we have begun to display our reading visually. If you walk around the campus you will notices signs outside classrooms or on the tops of desks that show what faculty and staff members are currently reading.
Another BBA program that encourages reading is Food for Thought. Book groups are formed based on student interest. Students choose a book they would like to read and find a teacher to sponsor their group. The school gives each student a copy of the book to keep. After reading the book, the group meets at Spiral Press to enjoy a free lunch while discussing the book. Spiral Press and Northshire Bookstore help support this program. Students who are interested in the Food for Thought program should stop by the library for more information.
Margi Putney
Library Media Specialist
mputney@burrburton.org
(802) 549-8122
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
Mack Molding
r.k. Miles
Stratton Mountain Resort
The Orvis Company
The Vermont Country Store
High Honors List
Bromley Mountain
Equinox Hotel and Resort
Engineered Printing Solutions
Finn and Stone Insurance
Rugg Valley Landscaping
Spiral Press Cafe
The Perfect Wife Restaurant and Tavern
W.H. Shaw Insurance Agency, Inc.
Honors List
Mettowee Mill Nursery, Inc.
Bank of Bennington
The Richards Group
Academic Letter
The Aspen at Manchester
Barrows House/Dorset Inn
Battenkill Communications
Bradley D. Myerson Law Offices
Equinox Asset Management
Equipe Sport Ltd.
JOY – all things underthings
Lily of the Valley Florist
Mountain Weavers
Northshire Bookstore
People’s United Bank
Spivey Lemonik Swenor, PC
Academic Pin
iShip Express
Madura Building Company
Mountain Goat North, Inc.
Samuelson Law Offices
Scott Thompson Builders
TD Bank
Reunion ’15 Corporate Sponsors
Amy (Walter) Chamberlain ’85 The Perfect Wife Restaurant
Howard O’Donovan ‘65
Steve & Judi LaMontagne McPhail ‘65
Members of the 50th Reunion Class of ’65
Spiral Press
TPW
Vermont Renewable Fuels
We gratefully acknowledge and thank our Garden Party Gala Sponsors.
Ever-blooming Sponsors
Express Copy, Inc.
Nathan Auction and Real Estate, Inc.
Jamaica Cottage Shop
Band Sponsor
Carolyn and Robert Crabtree
Heirloom Sponsors
Berkshire Bank
N. Williams Store
Southwestern Vermont Health Care
Stifel
Wine Sponsor
Hoa and Orland Campbell
Ornamental Sponsors
Langway Chevrolet of Manchester
Northshire Bookstore
Stratton Rentals
Perennial Sponsors
Atlantic Projects Company
Equinox Village
Spivey Lemonik Swenor PC
Manchester Capital Management
Merrill Lynch
Rutland Regional Medical Center
Sugarhouse Builders
Doveberry Inn
The Vermont Country Store
Vermont Store Fixtures
Annual Sponsors
A Safe Place Storage
Arcadia Arts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont
Cole Company, Inc.
Coleman’s Auto Repair
Decorative Interiors
Flying Cow Signs
GSK Climate Control
Heinel’s Clothiers
Heritage Family Credit Union
Homestead Landscaping
Long Ago and Far Away
RE/MAX Four Seasons
Robert S. Ruhl DMB, PC/Deerfield Valley Dental Care
The Mountain Goat North
Valley View Saloon
BBA Bullhorn 