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The Performing Arts Department will conjure up the Salem witch trials with two plays inspired by Arthur Miller's The Crucible (1953): John Proctor is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower on November 7-9 and Abigail / 1702: A Twice-told Tale by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa on November 14-16.
Through Clean City DC's Adopt a Block program, Burke has adopted the 2800 and 2900 blocks of Upton Street NW. "Anyone can participate in the Adopt a Block program - individuals, families, churches, businesses, schools, and other groups and organizations," according to #TrashFreeDC.
Claire Helmke, a wildlife biologist with nonprofit conservation group Quail Forever, visited the 9th and 10th grade Environmental Science classes last week to share her experience in wildlife research and habitat restoration. Students then crafted research questions based on their study spots in Rock Creek Park, which the classes will work towards answering in the coming months.
In the Fall 2024 issue of NAIS' Independent School magazine, David (Director of Innovative Learning & Technology) tackles the question, "What’s Going on with Boys in Schools?"
Sofia Shore '20 graduated from Skidmore College last spring with a degree in business and has returned to DC to work for a strategic communications firm.
Experiential learning abounds this fall. On a given day, you might spot numerous classes leaving campus during the double period for exploration and research. For example:
Squash & Stretch First among the twelve basic principles of animation, "squash and stretch" gives objects flexibility and weight when in motion. In Kay's Animation 11/12 course, students have been exploring this principle in the context of computer animation. Throughout the trimester, they will build on previous digital media skills to create 2-dimensional animations and motion graphics in Procreate and Adobe Animate.
On September 25, our Equity, Inclusion & Civic Engagement (EICE) department organized the Civic Engagement Fair, connecting students with service and advocacy organizations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia – and encouraging them to explore volunteer opportunities that speak to them.
From September 19-20, our 6th-11th graders traveled around and beyond the DC region, enjoying quality time with classmates and advisors. Our middle schoolers, who all have overnight trips coming up this winter and spring, spent a day lakeside in Edgewater, MD, followed by an active day at The St. James for 6th-7th grade and a serious hike on the Billy Goat Trail for the 8th grade.
In progressive schools, we expect learning to be hands-on, active, and experiential. Thanks to our Metro-accessible location, DC's vast cultural and historical resources can support just such learning.
We are excited to welcome two new faculty members for 2024-25 – plus welcome back one faculty member and belatedly welcome two staff members who joined us last spring.
At the Club Expo, that is. On Friday, September 13, student leaders set up tables and displays from the Commons to the Library, encouraging fellow students to sign up for their organization – and often enticing them with treats (or "elements" in the Science Club's case).
On the second day of school, we gathered in the Bengal Den for Opening Assembly, led by this year's Student Government Association Co-Presidents Taylor S. '26 and Jack J. '26.
On Wednesday, June 5, 6th-11th grade gathered for the year's final assembly. Middle school (in the Theater) and high school (in the Atrium) held their own recognitions of Pride Month, led by the Queer Student Alliance. High school leaders discussed the origins of Pride in the US, complemented by original poetry by students.
In the final week of May, 62 student musicians from five Burke bands performed 21 pieces from myriad musical genres – including songs by Dizzy Gillespie, Etta James, the Beatles, Joan Jett, and Bruno Mars.
Speaking of numbers, six musicians performed on three or more instruments, including a modular synthesizer!
Our vocal music classes concluded their performance season on May 23, singing for a capacity crowd in the theater. Opening with the 7th/8th Combined Chorus, the concert also featured High School Chorus,Taylor S. '26 (representing the new Songwriting class), and the debut of "Diving In," the 6th grade performing arts survey class.
On May 29, Burke welcomed Matt Scott for the Grace Mann '12 Speaker Series. Honoring the memory of a Burke alum who was passionate about social justice and advocacy, this annual speaker series reflects those same passions.
Global Dimensions In Earth Systems Science and Advanced ESS, students built two and three-dimensional models that defined the main spheres of the earth (atmosphere, hydrospheres, biosphere, and geosphere) and how these major subsystems connect. Their creative approaches now adorn every surface in the ESS lab, including an "Edible Earth" model, a spinning globe, a multi-player board game, and a graphic book (pictured).
On Tuesday, May 28, the Class of 2024 and members of the faculty gathered in the theatre to recognize students who achieved academic distinction in one or more departments. Awards are based on consistently high performance and advanced coursework in the subject.
(*) department-selected student speaker for the ceremony
Building a Beak: How a Toucan’s Rescue Inspired the World (Page Street Kids, 2024) by Becca McMurdie '03 and illustrated by Diana Hernández will be released on June 11. Building a Break tells the true story of Grecia, a toucan who received a 3-D printed prosthetic beak.
The 7th grade has returned from their annual overnight in Philadelphia, centered around sustainability and conservation. Following an early departure, they spent the morning at the Philadelphia Zoo, explored Bartram’s Garden and searched for microplastics in the Schuylkill River, and visited the Magic Gardens before spending the night at Temple University.
On May 16-18, the Middle School performed an uplifting, sold-out run of Annie Jr., the Broadway staple about a resourceful young orphan (Leona K. '28) and a guarded, but benevolent billionaire (Jessica B. '29) amid the Great Depression in New York City.
From May 21-24, the 11th grade engaged in a four-day, multi-site workshop on environmental justice and youth advocacy.
On the first day, hosted at UDC, students heard from opening keynote speaker Kori Ellien (Environmental & Special Projects Division of Native Americans in Philanthropy) and then participated in three breakout sessions with guest facilitators, focused on Land & Water on Native reservations, People & Culture, and Animals & Wildlife. Matt Scott from Project Drawdown delivered the closing keynote.
On Friday, May 10, the Class of 2024 marked their final day of high school classes with an enthusiastic (and touching) countdown in the Atrium. For the following two weeks, students can pursue an independent project, work with a professional in the field, or connect with an organization.
At the PVAC Upper School Championships, the boys' team finished an impressive 2nd, just behind Sandy Spring Friends (120-105), and the girls' team took 3rd, edging out Field for a podium position. The Bengals also secured three individual titles.
Eoin S. '24 - 1st in the 800 meters (repeat champion!), plus 2nd in the 1600
This past April, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Mid-Atlantic Region) recognized Eliza G. '25 and Olivia M. '25 for their work with Student Visionaries of the Year, a seven-week philanthropic leadership program supporting LLS' mission to cure blood cancers. The team representing Burke collectively raised over $46,266 for the cause. Congratulations!
For Assembly on May 1, Burke hosted Hurunnessa Fariad, Outreach Director at Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, and Rabbi Alexandra Stein from Temple Rodef Shalom. In conversation with Sharielle, they discussed how their different faith traditions inform how they navigate differences and find common ground when possible.
On Tuesday, May 7, we celebrated the wide range of cultures and traditions represented at Burke – starting with steelpan music on the front steps during arrival.
Dreamed up in 1999, and revamped in 2008, Founders' Day remains an anticipated tradition during the spring months. Led by a team of 11th and 12th graders, this year's event boasted a board game theme, with inter-grade teams named for Ticket to Ride, Chess, Connect 4, and Monopoly, among others.
On April 20, Team DC, a nonprofit that promotes participation in sports among the LGBTQ+ community in greater Washington, hosted their Night of Champions Gala – where Burke's own Stacy received the 2024 Clark Ray Horizon Award, which honors DC educators and coaches who support LGBTQ students in athletics. "I will continue to work towards Clark Ray’s mission to make a difference in the lives of our young people. I also know that they envision a future I cannot see, but one we must help them reach," Stacy writes.
The Private School Journalism Association (PSJA) Contest, co-sponsored by Quill and Scroll, awarded 1st place for Continuous Team Coverage to The Cageliner's 2021-22 and 2022-23 editorial boards and contributing writers – recognizing their thoughtful, multifaceted reporting in the aftermath of the April 22 shooting.
Last month, Faith in Focus hosted a joint Passover and Ramadan program (beautifully led by Elena M. '26), with help from the Jewish Affinity Group – culminating in a Friday afternoon gathering, where students and adults sampled an array of foods, including dates (used to break the fast during Ramadan) and charoset (served during the Passover seder).
Amid the spring weather, 7th grade enjoyed an outdoor school day at Rock Creek Park on April 16. For Life Science class, they collected data about microplastics in our local waterways; Amy C. adds, "I am sad to report that we did find some, but it was a small amount." After lunch, Kay walked down from campus for a watercolors lesson, followed by frisbee instruction from Alan.
At the Centurion Classic in Virginia on April 20, David G. '25 took 1st in the 200 meters paired with 3rd place in the 100 meters and 3rd in the long jump. In the middle distances, Eoin S. '24 notched 2nd in the 800 meters. In the girls' sprints, Elsa H. '27 took 3rd in the 100 and 200. Elsa, Ashley J. '26, Sydney J. '26, and Eliza G. '25 also took the top spot in the 4x100 relay.
At the MS meet, Mason F. '28 won the boys' long jump and 100 meters, followed by a 1-2 Bengal finish in the 200 for Mason and Gabriel D. '28. Henry S. '30 and Markon G. '30 with Mason and Gabriel then took 1st the 4x100 relay. Morgan L. C. '30 was top Bengal in the girls' 100 and 200 meters, while Meadow J. '30 recorded Burke's best finish in the field events. 8th grade team of Arsema T. '28, Amy T. '28, Marli N. '28, and Yanet G. '28 took 2nd in the 4x100.
Ursinus College's The Grizzly recently profiled sophomore Jay Sims '22, who has gone from track and field walk-on to the 2024 Centennial Conference Indoor Champion in the high jump, with a PR of 1.92 meters.
March was Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM), which seeks to "raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music." In celebration, Teisha's vocal music classes held a series of pop-up performances around campus:
On April 3 and 5, the 9th grade (in two groups) volunteered at Capital Area Food Bank as part of their social justice framework, which focuses on food insecurity in DC. First, students worked in the warehouse and packed boxes of food for senior citizens, a demographic who particularly suffers from food insecurity. Together, both groups packed an impressive 1,641 boxes.
Earlier this week, the 2024-25 course requests process launched. As students explore with their advisors, they will have some brand-new options to consider:
Congratulations to Carl Sciacchitano '05 on his graphic memoir, The Heart That Fed: A Father, a Son, and the Long Shadow of War (Simon and Schuster, 2024).Told through the lens of the Vietnam War, the novel explores Carl's loving and tumultuous relationship with his Air Force veteran father in the following years.
Burning Strings Returns Following a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Burning Strings returned to assembly in March. A tradition begun in 2003, Burning Strings united 15 faculty, staff, an alumnus, and students for a set of Irish music on or near St. Patrick's Day – including violins, violas, guitars , clarinet, recorder, melodica, and percussion.
In Studio Art this past winter, 8th graders drew inspiration fromBisa Butler, a textile artist known forportraying unsung heroes using fabric pieces in vibrant colors.
This coming spring, the Middle School will mount Annie Jr., featuring a high-energy, captivating cast of 30 performers. Set in New York City amid the Great Depression, this Broadway standard follows the optimistic Annie (Leona K. '28) as she escapes swindling from the spiteful Miss Hannigan (Izzy M. '28) and con artists Rooster (Robert D. '28) and Lily (Natalie W. '28), and discovers an opulent new world with Olivia Warbucks (Jessica B. '29) and Grace Farrell (Jayla Z. '28).
Showcasing the musical, artistic, and production talents of 60 students in 8th-12th grade, Mean Girls: The Musical opened on the final day of February and played to sold-out houses through March 9. Download the program here.
Morgan's Medical Microbiology elective delves into the immune system, structure of viruses, viral replication and transmission, and epidemiology. To close out the winter trimester, small groups studied a group of pathogenic bacteria with similar transmission patterns, with each group member specializing in a specific bacterium.
Do you have a sneaking suspicion that someone is watching? Has adulation of the 10th grade English teachers reached disconcerting levels? And why are sophomores suddenly referring to everyone as "comrade?"
As the spring approaches, the walls and display cases around campus grow fuller and more vibrant. Be sure to peruse work from Héctor's Drawing & Painting 9/10 elective, displayed along the 2nd and 3rd floor stairwell in Hobbes.
On February 22, our Black Student Union, Black Girls Meet, and Young Black Men affinity groups mounted a powerful celebration of Black History Month at assembly, encompassing poetry, film, trivia, and performance. The assembly concluded with a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," bringing together singers from across all grades.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, MD, showcased young artistic talents in Seeds to Roots. Featured at the event was "Whoa, I'm Glowing: a Celebration of Black Girl Joy and Ancestral Harmony" by Ella B. '30. Watch the animated short right here.
On February 12, the 8th grade embarked on their annual, four-day civil rights tour through Alabama, as part of their social justice framework. The trip begins in Birmingham, then moves among Montgomery, Selma, and Lowndes County.
Each winter, students from all grades gather to showcase their musical and artistic talents in the Atrium (while enjoying snacks and a chill atmosphere). As hosts of the event, Student Government Association bestows a unique awards on each act, plus names their top three picks.
On February 20, Burke welcomed renowned investigative journalist Bob Woodward for a conversation on media and journalism. With Carl Bernstein, Woodward conducted the initial reporting on the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to President Nixon's resignation in 1974. He has worked for the Washington Post for more than 50 years, where he currently holds an associate editor title and has contributed to two Pulitzer Prizes.
The Bengals had a fabulous run this winter, going 10-1 in the regular season, securing the top seed in the conference, and making it all the way to the PVAC Championships, hosted in a packed Burke Gym on February 9. (Seriously, seats were at a premium!)
On February 8, high school swim teams from across the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference (PVAC) competed at the University of Maryland's Eppley Recreation Center. At the meet's conclusion, the Girls Swim Team was victorious, taking the conference championship over rival Field School (301-282). The Bengals just missed a sweep of both PVAC titles, with the Boys Team taking 2nd behind St. Anselm's (331-305).
On February 6, 11th and 12th graders in Ginger's Constitutional Law class observed oral arguments in a 6th amendment case before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Judge Catharine F. Easterly P'24 and her law clerks met with the class before proceedings to share their journeys to the DCCA and explain the nature of the case.
According to Judge Easterly, "the legal questions on appeal are constitutional (6th Amendment right to confrontation) and evidentiary (hearsay): they revolve around whether the complainant's call to 911 reporting the crime could be admitted into evidence at trial when she didn't appear as a witness." Students found the oral argument fascinating: is a 911 call by a now-deceased individual "admissible" as evidence? What is an "excited utterance?" Was this an "ongoing emergency?" A judgment in Austin v. U.S. is expected sometime in summer 2024.
Reacting in Science Club Bob K. reports that the Science Club recently did a version of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction, an oscillating chemical reaction, where the indicator colors appear to flip from yellow to blue as the mixture moves toward equilibrium.
From January 23-25, 6th graders took their first civic engagement trip to New York City, part of their social justice framework on migration. Over three days in the city, they delved into the history behind their literature curriculum – including the 19th and 20th century European immigrant experience, the Great Migration from the Jim Crow South, and the legacies of September 11, 2001.
Epic cheers to the Bengals, who closed out the regular season with a stellar 10-1 record and headed into the postseason as the #1 seed in the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference. In the conference quarter-finals, they faced Washington Waldorf at home on February 6, winning 34-12 and moving on to the semifinals.
Max Streitwieser '20 recently visited Advanced Band to discuss his experiences in the NYU music business program, where he is now a senior. He also shared his own music, which he composes and performs under the artist name Nicknames. His music can be found on all streaming platforms.
Mixed Media 9/10 recently designed and printed their own reusable grocery bags, all using nature-inspired repeat patterns – now on display in the Atrium. This past fall, Digital Media 11/12 designed 3-D models of a living space and then used Google Earth to place their designs around the globe.
Earlier in January, Advanced Art History (with a guest / chaperone appearance by our Head of School) delved into the Renaissance collection at the National Gallery of Art, home to works by Giotto, Leonardo, Raphael, and Titian.
Each fall, 10th graders research and write a "Soapbox Speech," addressing the question, "What is one issue that I care about in my community?" This past December, students delivered their final speeches in advisory and to the full grade. Ten student speakers, chosen by their peers, represented Burke at Mikva Challenge DC's Project Soapbox: Ayla M. '26, Carson A. '26, Elena M. '26, Ethan F. '26, Johnny V. '26, Matilda P. '26, Maya D. '26, Sydney J. '26, Taylor S. '26, and Tony C. '26.
From November 29 to December 2, six students represented Burke at the annual NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Participants learned about different strategies to catalyze change, while engaging in self-reflection and forming connections with students from all over the country.
On Wednesday, the 6th grade spent a day at the Natural History Museum, highlighted by Q?rius (pronounced "curious") at The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, where students can experience the museum from behind the scenes.
Kelly W. reports that this Q?rius program, Dig Deep, used geologic maps and (pretend) core drill samples to predict the location of iron ore underground. The 6th grade then paid a visit to the Hall of Fossils - Deep Time, aka: where the dinosaurs dwell.
Civil engineer Bassirou Gaye (brother to Fatou, World Language Department Chair) visited DC for a professional conference this past December – and joined Fatou's classes!