News

Burke Beat

The BURKE BEAT is our community newsletter, coming out every other Thursday and featuring stories, news, photos, videos, and other media from inside and outside the classroom – plus just a dash of whimsy. Enjoy!

Note: publication schedule may vary around school breaks.

News Archive

Photography Awards 2022
5/27/2022
Allen J. (Visual Arts) reports that three students were recognized for their entries to the Nora School's 2022 Photography Festival.
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Class Snapshot: Creative Chemistry
5/25/2022
Morgan G. (Science) reports that 10th graders in Conceptual Chemistry have been hard at work in the lab, creating:
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Spring Renovation Update
5/23/2022
PE classes and sports teams are back in the Burke Gym!

The multipurpose room, dance and movement room, PE and Athletic Department offices, and some much-anticipated 9th and 10th grade lockers are all accessible now as well.
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May Bengal Beat: Part 1
5/19/2022
Reporting back on the season for Middle School Track & Field and Varsity Baseball.
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Everyone Showed Up
5/15/2022
On a Friday afternoon in late April, a gunman opened fire from an adjacent apartment building and injured three of our community members.

In the days, and even hours, after the shooting, our school experienced a profound outpouring of support from around the District. From our neighbors here in Van Ness who opened their doors amid the chaos to our peer schools who offered to send their own counselors to countless family and friends who volunteered time, expertise, and connections.
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Nothing But Life Here
5/10/2022
On a Friday afternoon in late April, a gunman opened fire from an adjacent apartment building and injured three of our community members.

On Wednesday, May 4, hundreds of students, teachers, parents, neighbors, and friends gathered at Howard Field for a symbolic reopening ceremony – before walking down Upton Street together and reentering the school buildings. Sean Felix led the program, joined by fellow faculty and administrators from Burke, as well as special guests from Georgetown University.

From Burke:
Sean Felix, 6th Grade Core / MS Dean of Community
Damian Jones, current Head of School
Steve McManus, incoming Head of School
From Georgetown:
Rev. Gerard J. McGlone, S.J., Ph.D.
Rabbi Rachel Gartner
Imam Yayha Hendi
Rev. Ebony Grisom
With musical performances by Daniel R. (English), John H. (Performing Arts, Chair), Liz R. (Performing Arts), and Phillip H. (Performing Arts / Athletics)
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Academic Distinction: Class of 2022
4/22/2022
Congratulations to the students who received Academic Distinction in one or more departments.
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2022-23 SGA Election Results
4/21/2022
On Wednesday, April 20, three pairs of SGA Co-President candidates engaged in a lively, thoughtful, and candid debate at Assembly, facilitated by Aaron H. '25 and Alex B. '24 from The Cageliner and followed by introductions to Treasurer and Secretary candidates.

The polls closed that evening, and the 2022-23 Student Government Association leadership will be ...

Co-Presidents: Riley D. '24 and Carrie J. '24
Secretary: Rashed A. '23
Treasurer: Chloe R. '23
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6th Head of School Meet & Greet
4/20/2022
Many thanks to Steve, EBPA, and our parents for joining us – and cheers to the brand-new families in attendance, including from the incoming Class of 2029.
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On Ukraine
4/18/2022
At a recent Assembly, John Parachini P'21 (and parent of an incoming 7th grader) joined us in the Atrium to discuss the invasion of and humanitarian crises in Ukraine, including causes and potential resolutions.

He also discussed similarities and differences among this refugee crisis and others around the world, and how to assess media coverage for both bias and reliability.
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Student Spotlights
4/15/2022
Recognizing students for achievements in chess, math, and music this spring.
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Announcing: Spring Musical Cast
4/12/2022
The Performing Arts Department is pleased to announce the cast for this spring's High School Musical Jr., coming to the Samara Studio Theatre on May 20-21.
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6th Head of School Appointed
4/4/2022
We are extremely excited to share the news that, following a unanimous recommendation from the Search Committee, the Board of Trustees has named Steve McManus as the next Head of School, starting in July 2022.
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Grade Competitions
3/29/2022
An irreverent Burke tradition, “grade competitions” involve battles of wit and whimsy throughout the year – resulting in eternal bragging rates for the grade that accrues the most points.
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In Focus: Black Girls Meet
3/25/2022
Last month, our Black Girls Meet affinity group held a photoshoot, focused on reclaiming the beauty of black hair in every style.
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Jefferson Scholarship: Leah W. '22
3/20/2022
Congratulations to Leah W. '22, who was awarded the Jefferson Scholarship to the University of Virginia. Each year, fewer than 50 students are selected from among 2,000+ nominees worldwide.
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PVAC All-Conference Honors - WINTER
3/16/2022
Congratulations to our Potomac Valley Athletic Conference (PVAC) Winter 2021-22 All-Conference selections.
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Class & Club Snapshots
3/11/2022
Whether in the science lab or around the city, teachers take a hands-on approach – and encourage students to use wit, movement, and creativity in their learning process.
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Band D - Performance
3/7/2022
"Red Clay" by Freddie Hubbard

Performed by Advanced Instrumental Music ("Band D"): Emilia B. G. '22, Gabriel B. '22, Ingrid G. '22, Margaret H. '22, Max H. '23, Amelia L. '22, Georgie M. '23, Max O. '22, Ana R. C. '23, Reed R. J. '23, Miles T. '22, and Dakari T. '23.
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"Urinetown" - Final Weekend
3/4/2022
Run Freedom Run!

... and run to the theatre to see Urinetown in its final weekend (March 4-5).
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Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.

4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 | Phone: 202-362-8882 | Fax: 202-362-1914