Thursday, August 29, 2024

Dear BBA Community:

Tomorrow marks the end of our first full week of classes. Opening the school year requires coordination, routine setting and lots of communication. I am thrilled with how the year has started and how students are engaging in their classes and with the community. Thank you to all students for supporting the cell phone collection policy –– we are already seeing positive results with increased student engagement. Our community building book discussion groups were a huge success (see photos below). I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and one last bit of summer before the seasons change.

We are excited to announce an important update regarding our school's attendance tracking and communication system designed to streamline student attendance. There is now a link at the very bottom of the page on the school website. This link on our website allows for easy submission of absence requests.

One of the key features of Orah is its Family App, which provides parents with a convenient way to inform the school about expected absences. Through the mobile app, you will be able to submit requests for your child to arrive late, leave early or that they will be absent for the day. As we transition to this new system, we appreciate your cooperation and support. If you have any questions or concerns about Orah or its implementation, please feel free to reach out to the tech department at support@burrburton.org. Watch your email for an invitation to the App from orah.com. Click on the “Connect With My Child” button and follow the instructions.

The fall Club Fair was held today during Flex Block. Student and adult club leaders were on hand to answer questions and gather email addresses from new members. Clubs meet before and after school and sometimes during Flex Block. I encourage all students to watch their email for updates on clubs. It is not too late to join and you don’t have to attend all meetings to be a member.

The next few weeks are busy with important programs and events. On September 6th, the class of 2028 has the First-Year Frolic, a 9th grade-only dance run by our student mentors. This is an opportunity for 9th graders to socialize and build friendships and class spirit. On Wednesday, September 11th, 9th graders will participate in a day of service. 9th grade students and families received an important email communication (yesterday) outlining the schedule and service project specifics.

Another important opportunity is the annual student-led Bulldog Leadership Summit scheduled for Sunday, September 15th. Please complete the registration form linked below –– all students are welcome.

Please read through all event details below (School Counseling Programming, College Visits, and the Parent Association meeting). This week kicks off the home season for many fall sports teams. The athletic schedule is available on BBA’s website. I hope to see you out there cheering on the Bulldogs!

Best,

Meg Kenny

Associate Head of School

Counseling Corner

Let the school year begin! This coming Tuesday we welcome Transfer students in grades 10-12 to transfer orientation Part II during Flex block. On Wednesday morning all seniors who are planning to apply to college who have not yet attended a common application workshop should plan to be in Founders Hall from 8:15 - 9 a.m. Don’t forget to add Fall College Night to your calendar as well on Monday, September 9! Click through for more details.

Fall College Night Monday, September 9th

On Monday, September 9, at 6:30 p.m. the Burr and Burton School Counseling Office will host our Annual Fall College Night in Founders Hall. This year our keynote speaker will be Sue Willard, the Associate Director of Admissions at Hobart and William Smith. Sue will provide insight into the college search and decision process before the counselors provide topical information relevant to the specific grades in attendance.

BBA Photos are on Vidigami

BBA families and students can find student life, event, and athletics photos on Vidigami, a secure photo storage management platform. Look for your invitation to log in today!

First Parent Association Meeting on Friday, September 6th

Join us Sept. 6 for the first Parent Association meeting of the year! Join us on Friday, September 6 at 8:30 a.m. in The Belltower Room of Founders Hall for the first Parent Association meeting of the school year. You can also join via Zoom using the link below.

Success Resources

No school Monday, but read further to see what is in store for Success Scholars after the holiday weekend!

Welcome Back from the Health Center!

On behalf of the Burr and Burton Health Center, welcome back and a special WELCOME to new families. It is with great hope and optimism that we jump into the 2024-25 school year.

Athletic Resources for Parents and NFHS Network Discount

The Vermont Principals Association is offering resources for parents of athletes. You can check them out here: https://www.vermontthirdspace.org/parent-section

Bulldog Leadership Retreat September 15th

We are excited about our 9th annual, student-led retreat on Sunday, September 15th. The goal of the Bulldog Leadership Summit is to create a community of student leaders who use their influence as leaders to transform the culture of Burr and Burton so that integrity, selflessness, and respect for everybody is embraced.

Volunteer to help with next week's Homecoming Bonfire

Calling for a few more volunteers for the Homecoming Bonfire on Thursday, September 19. Click here to volunteer to help set up, make snacks, serve snacks, and clean up. Questions? Please contact Nicole Mills at (917) 861-9267 or Holly Veno at (908) 343-8543.

Important Information About School Meals

We are pleased to announce that Burr and Burton Academy will be implementing a new program available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Read the full letter HERE.

Summer EBT Food Program Deadline Reminder

Summer EBT is a new permanent summer food program for children created by Congress. The goal of the program is to help feed children when they don’t have access to school meals. Many families have already received these benefits automatically. Earlier this summer, information was mailed to many families who automatically qualified. A few more groups of children who automatically qualify will be getting benefits soon. Some families may need to complete an application to receive this benefit. If you have not already received this benefit for all the children in your household, visit HERE to apply.