Thoughts on Burgundy Farm Country Day?

[Anonymous]

In our classes at Burgundy, the students were kind to each other. Given how small the classes are, I think the social atmosphere can vary significantly year by year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In our classes at Burgundy, the students were kind to each other. Given how small the classes are, I think the social atmosphere can vary significantly year by year.

+1 But FYI, starting next year , they are truly mixing the 2/3 and 4/5 classes (not just in social studies like in years past) so class size will feel bigger even though there are two teachers. But yes, bullying and bad behavior is class to class dependent just like at any other school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In our classes at Burgundy, the students were kind to each other. Given how small the classes are, I think the social atmosphere can vary significantly year by year.

+1 But FYI, starting next year , they are truly mixing the 2/3 and 4/5 classes (not just in social studies like in years past) so class size will feel bigger even though there are two teachers. But yes, bullying and bad behavior is class to class dependent just like at any other school.

Who makes these decisions? This is just a HORRIBLE idea. They should get rid of the mixed grade classrooms altogether, not integrate them more! It is the multiple two year cycles with the same class that leads to so many social issues. Reshuffle the kids into new classes each year and keep them with kids in their own grade. Is it a cost saving measure? It doesn’t work and consistently, the four years in the 2/3 and 4/5 classroom are the weakest and most problematic at the school. Now that the middle school is thriving with the new head, the mixed age classrooms are the weak link at Burgundy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In our classes at Burgundy, the students were kind to each other. Given how small the classes are, I think the social atmosphere can vary significantly year by year.

+1 But FYI, starting next year , they are truly mixing the 2/3 and 4/5 classes (not just in social studies like in years past) so class size will feel bigger even though there are two teachers. But yes, bullying and bad behavior is class to class dependent just like at any other school.

Who makes these decisions? This is just a HORRIBLE idea. They should get rid of the mixed grade classrooms altogether, not integrate them more! It is the multiple two year cycles with the same class that leads to so many social issues. Reshuffle the kids into new classes each year and keep them with kids in their own grade. Is it a cost saving measure? It doesn’t work and consistently, the four years in the 2/3 and 4/5 classroom are the weakest and most problematic at the school. Now that the middle school is thriving with the new head, the mixed age classrooms are the weak link at Burgundy.

Not so fast. The MS is far from thriving with the new Head. He's strong, but there is a lot of work to do. There are teachers who need to go, they need to hire a strong full-time counselor, the curriculum needs an overhaul and they need to get a hold on the social issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In our classes at Burgundy, the students were kind to each other. Given how small the classes are, I think the social atmosphere can vary significantly year by year.

+1 But FYI, starting next year , they are truly mixing the 2/3 and 4/5 classes (not just in social studies like in years past) so class size will feel bigger even though there are two teachers. But yes, bullying and bad behavior is class to class dependent just like at any other school.

Who makes these decisions? This is just a HORRIBLE idea. They should get rid of the mixed grade classrooms altogether, not integrate them more! It is the multiple two year cycles with the same class that leads to so many social issues. Reshuffle the kids into new classes each year and keep them with kids in their own grade. Is it a cost saving measure? It doesn’t work and consistently, the four years in the 2/3 and 4/5 classroom are the weakest and most problematic at the school. Now that the middle school is thriving with the new head, the mixed age classrooms are the weak link at Burgundy.

+1 I could not agree more. And I assume Assistant Head of School makes this call. We shall see how it all pans out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In our classes at Burgundy, the students were kind to each other. Given how small the classes are, I think the social atmosphere can vary significantly year by year.

+1 But FYI, starting next year , they are truly mixing the 2/3 and 4/5 classes (not just in social studies like in years past) so class size will feel bigger even though there are two teachers. But yes, bullying and bad behavior is class to class dependent just like at any other school.

Who makes these decisions? This is just a HORRIBLE idea. They should get rid of the mixed grade classrooms altogether, not integrate them more! It is the multiple two year cycles with the same class that leads to so many social issues. Reshuffle the kids into new classes each year and keep them with kids in their own grade. Is it a cost saving measure? It doesn’t work and consistently, the four years in the 2/3 and 4/5 classroom are the weakest and most problematic at the school. Now that the middle school is thriving with the new head, the mixed age classrooms are the weak link at Burgundy.

Not so fast. The MS is far from thriving with the new Head. He's strong, but there is a lot of work to do. There are teachers who need to go, they need to hire a strong full-time counselor, the curriculum needs an overhaul and they need to get a hold on the social issues.

Agree. Thriving is an overstatement but "headed in the right direction" is probably more on the nose. In addition to what PP said, the MS also needs a much needed infrastructure upgrade (especially outdoor areas), a bigger emphasis on STEM subjects, a more robust after-school club roster (robotics, debate, etc), slightly larger class sizes, and an emphasis on executive function coaching to benefit those going on to bigger, tougher, HS environments both public and private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In our classes at Burgundy, the students were kind to each other. Given how small the classes are, I think the social atmosphere can vary significantly year by year.

+1 But FYI, starting next year , they are truly mixing the 2/3 and 4/5 classes (not just in social studies like in years past) so class size will feel bigger even though there are two teachers. But yes, bullying and bad behavior is class to class dependent just like at any other school.

Who makes these decisions? This is just a HORRIBLE idea. They should get rid of the mixed grade
Not so fast. The MS is far from thriving with the new Head. He's strong, but there is a lot of work to do. There are
Agree. Thriving is an overstatement but "headed in the right direction" is probably more on the nose. In addition to what PP said, the MS also needs a much needed infrastructure upgrade (especially outdoor areas), a bigger emphasis on STEM subjects, a more robust after-school club roster (robotics, debate, etc), slightly larger class sizes, and an emphasis on executive function coaching to benefit those going on to bigger, tougher, HS environments both public and private.

Ok- they could beef up the study skills/ executive functioning coaching. Agreed. But the rest, you’re talking about a tiny school that has some strengths that might benefit from some polishing or updates. Your list requires the Infrastructure and personnel of a larger school. It can’t be everything. The middle school wasn’t built for larger class sizes. The rooms are at capacity. You’d need a bigger building, and then you’d have a different kind of school. While there’s room for improvement, expecting it to offer everything is unrealistic. There’s model UN, theater productions, yearbook, multiple sports every season, West Virginia program, journalism club, sustainability club, trips, competitive odyssey of the mind type teams, and I don’t even know what else. I haven’t noticed under-scheduled middle schoolers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In our classes at Burgundy, the students were kind to each other. Given how small the classes are, I think the social atmosphere can vary significantly year by year.

+1 But FYI, starting next year , they are truly mixing the 2/3 and 4/5 classes (not just in social studies like in years past) so class size will feel bigger even though there are two teachers. But yes, bullying and bad behavior is class to class dependent just like at any other school.

Who makes these decisions? This is just a HORRIBLE idea. They should get rid of the mixed grade classrooms altogether, not integrate them more! It is the multiple two year cycles with the same class that leads to so many social issues. Reshuffle the kids into new classes each year and keep them with kids in their own grade. Is it a cost saving measure? It doesn’t work and consistently, the four years in the 2/3 and 4/5 classroom are the weakest and most problematic at the school. Now that the middle school is thriving with the new head, the mixed age classrooms are the weak link at Burgundy.

Not so fast. The MS is far from thriving with the new Head. He's strong, but there is a lot of work to do. There are teachers who need to go, they need to hire a strong full-time counselor, the curriculum needs an overhaul and they need to get a hold on the social issues.

Agree. Thriving is an overstatement but "headed in the right direction" is probably more on the nose. In addition to what PP said, the MS also needs a much needed infrastructure upgrade (especially outdoor areas), a bigger emphasis on STEM subjects, a more robust after-school club roster (robotics, debate, etc), slightly larger class sizes, and an emphasis on executive function coaching to benefit those going on to bigger, tougher, HS environments both public and private.

Honestly, it sounds like Burgundy isn’t a good fit for your child. I would check our SSSAS or even your local public middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Not so fast. The MS is far from thriving with the new Head. He's strong, but there is a lot of work to do. There are teachers who need to go, they need to hire a strong full-time counselor, the curriculum needs an overhaul and they need to get a hold on the social issues.

Agree. Thriving is an overstatement but "headed in the right direction" is probably more on the nose. In addition to what PP said, the MS also needs a much needed infrastructure upgrade (especially outdoor areas), a bigger emphasis on STEM subjects, a more robust after-school club roster (robotics, debate, etc), slightly larger class sizes, and an emphasis on executive function coaching to benefit those going on to bigger, tougher, HS environments both public and private.

Honestly, it sounds like Burgundy isn’t a good fit for your child. I would check our SSSAS or even your local public middle school.

+100 Here is a summary of what the PPs want to see changed at Burgundy.

1. Get rid of some of the current teachers and replace with new teachers
2. Hire a full time middle school counselor (as opposed to sharing one with the lower school)
3. Overhaul the curriculum
4. Social issues need to be addressed
5. Infrastructure upgrade on buildings and outdoor spaces
6. More emphasis on STEM
7. Robotics club
8. Debate club
9. Generally, more after school clubs
10. Larger class sizes
11. Emphasis on executive function coaching

Looking at the list of everything you want to change at Burgundy’s middle school, it just seems like the school isn’t a fit. You don’t like some teachers, curriculum, facilities, social atmosphere or size of the school. That is okay! This is a small, progressive school that definitely isn’t for every family. There are a lot of options that meet most of your “wish list.” I would start with VA k-12 schools. They tend to have larger resources (and tuitions), better facilities, higher enrollment and more extracurricular offerings. You would probably like SSSAS, Potomac and Flint Hill. Also, FCPS and ACPS middle schools would provide a lot of these things, if open to public school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In our classes at Burgundy, the students were kind to each other. Given how small the classes are, I think the social atmosphere can vary significantly year by year.

+1 But FYI, starting next year , they are truly mixing the 2/3 and 4/5 classes (not just in social studies like in years past) so class size will feel bigger even though there are two teachers. But yes, bullying and bad behavior is class to class dependent just like at any other school.

Who makes these decisions? This is just a HORRIBLE idea. They should get rid of the mixed grade classrooms altogether, not integrate them more! It is the multiple two year cycles with the same class that leads to so many social issues. Reshuffle the kids into new classes each year and keep them with kids in their own grade. Is it a cost saving measure? It doesn’t work and consistently, the four years in the 2/3 and 4/5 classroom are the weakest and most problematic at the school. Now that the middle school is thriving with the new head, the mixed age classrooms are the weak link at Burgundy.

Not so fast. The MS is far from thriving with the new Head. He's strong, but there is a lot of work to do. There are teachers who need to go, they need to hire a strong full-time counselor, the curriculum needs an overhaul and they need to get a hold on the social issues.

Agree. Thriving is an overstatement but "headed in the right direction" is probably more on the nose. In addition to what PP said, the MS also needs a much needed infrastructure upgrade (especially outdoor areas), a bigger emphasis on STEM subjects, a more robust after-school club roster (robotics, debate, etc), slightly larger class sizes, and an emphasis on executive function coaching to benefit those going on to bigger, tougher, HS environments both public and private.

Agree they are headed in the right direction.

They already have an emphasis on STEM. Most people associate STEM with those one off science projects, or science camps or robotics when that's not really what it is about.

After school clubs don't get a lot of traction because kids are doing so many things already outside of school. They do offer other a few clubs and kids can always suggest them and find support to start them if they want.

And absolutely agree on the executive functioning skills. The middle school teachers are bad at giving schedules and deadlines and sticking too them making it difficult to help teach students to plan. Over all, teachers and faculty are terrible at project and time management and they all need a crash course in it.

[Anonymous]

BF has a very weak head of school (very underwhelming and really doesn't want to deal with the social, emotional, or academic issues...he leaves that to the assistant head). The assistant head is as cold as ice, very unfriendly and really makes parents feel like "they" are the problem. She talks down to them. It's infuriating. Until those two leave, there will be no positive changes for the school. There is definitely a bullying issue at school in all grade levels - any school will have bullying issues. It is how the administration handles it...that is what it comes down to. And they have a counselor who is very ineffective and kids are afraid of her. She's got Burgundy connections but that doesn't make her qualified. They won't admit to the fact that they can't be a fit for all kids, they want to be all things to all people. It's well-intended, and if they had the resources to handle that, fine, but they just don't and they over promise and can't deliver, which comes at the expense of other families who should very much be there. The school board really has a lot to look into. The school is taking a lot of risks, not communicating with parents, and they are losing good people over it, people who have all the Burgundy qualities within their families (whether they are environmental activists, big on volunteering, building community, or have some other major talent they can bring to the school).

[Anonymous]

It is shameful that Burgundy has a huge campus and the middle school kids don’t even have a designated play area for sports at recess. The kids have to play basketball in the parking lot around the parked cars. Why can’t they build a full size basketball court? Middle school kids need to run around at break too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is shameful that Burgundy has a huge campus and the middle school kids don’t even have a designated play area for sports at recess. The kids have to play basketball in the parking lot around the parked cars. Why can’t they build a full size basketball court? Middle school kids need to run around at break too!

Agree completely with this.

My child has also told me that there is a lot of cursing out there, other derogatory terms are thrown around daily and that white kids are using the n word. (Yes I did report everything.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

My child has also told me that there is a lot of cursing out there, other derogatory terms are thrown around daily and that white kids are using the n word. (Yes I did report everything.)

Hmm. My Black son will be joining Burgundy's middle school in the fall. Thank you for reporting the slurs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BF has a very weak head of school (very underwhelming and really doesn't want to deal with the social, emotional, or academic issues...he leaves that to the assistant head). The assistant head is as cold as ice, very unfriendly and really makes parents feel like "they" are the problem. She talks down to them. It's infuriating. Until those two leave, there will be no positive changes for the school. There is definitely a bullying issue at school in all grade levels - any school will have bullying issues. It is how the administration handles it...that is what it comes down to. And they have a counselor who is very ineffective and kids are afraid of her. She's got Burgundy connections but that doesn't make her qualified. They won't admit to the fact that they can't be a fit for all kids, they want to be all things to all people. It's well-intended, and if they had the resources to handle that, fine, but they just don't and they over promise and can't deliver, which comes at the expense of other families who should very much be there. The school board really has a lot to look into. The school is taking a lot of risks, not communicating with parents, and they are losing good people over it, people who have all the Burgundy qualities within their families (whether they are environmental activists, big on volunteering, building community, or have some other major talent they can bring to the school).

+1