Opening of School

I’m excited to welcome you to the 2025-26 school year! In just a couple of weeks, we’ll welcome the class of 2029 to Burr and Burton Academy, marking the beginning of another year of growth, discovery, and connection. For those new to the area, I’m confident you’ll find both Burr and Burton and our wider community to be warm, supportive, and full of opportunity. Our talented faculty and staff are eager to reconnect and dive into the year ahead. This year marks the relaunch of our Mountain Campus, the opening of the state-of-the-art Smith STEM Center, and the debut of Friendship Field—all new spaces designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and connection. In addition, Flex Block is now called Focus Block. The new name describes the purpose more clearly: a time to focus on learning, attend important interventions designed for skill development, complete assignments, and collaborate on projects. Additionally, we’re offering new courses and opportunities where students can explore, grow, and pursue their passions in exciting ways. With all of these changes, so much is possible. I can’t wait to witness what our community achieves together.

This year’s theme is Together,  grounded in the words Inspire, Create, Grow. The word together comes from the Old English togædere, meaning “at the same time” or “in one place,” emphasizing both shared experience and collective effort. It reminds us that community is built when we all contribute—not just as individuals, but as part of something larger.

 

Together calls on each of us to take responsibility for our learning, actions, and impact on others. It challenges us to act with integrity, to collaborate generously, and to offer our strengths in service of the community. As we move through this year, let’s remember that being together isn’t simply being in the same place; it’s about being active participants in each other’s success, lifting one another up, and working toward common goals. Together, we will inspire, create, and grow, both individually and as a community.

 

This year we will continue to collect phones at the start of each class and expand collection to advisory and Focus Block. This practice will ready us for full implementation of Vermont’s new law that prohibits cell phones from arrival to dismissal in 2026-27. Please note that our collection system could change during this school year once we determine a simple and efficient daily collection process. There are also new social media requirements that will impact the way sports teams and club groups communicate. The new requirements support students’ social and emotional well being, as well as our commitment to engaging and vigorous learning experiences. 

We’ve learned from students and teachers that cell phone free classes make a difference. Our current consistent collection approach is designed to help students participate fully in classroom learning experiences. At the beginning of each class, students place their cell phone in a designated collection area and phones are returned to students at the end of each class. Student cooperation is essential for the success of this policy. I am confident that cell phone free classrooms are more engaging, collaborative, productive and joyful. 

Additionally, BBA has a strong Responsible Use Policy that covers use of all digital devices and expected behavior, regardless of device. Earbuds, Apple watches and other personal devices are covered under this policy. 

On August 25th, the entire BBA community will participate in summer reading discussion groups facilitated by student and adult book sponsors. We will share ideas, make connections, and build community. Now is the time to complete summer reading so that you are prepared to participate. Students should watch their BBA email for more details on book discussion locations. Please select one book from our Summer Reading List. Once you've picked out your book, sign up for your book group on this form. Books may be purchased at Northshire Bookstore, borrowed from Manchester Community Library, or read through the Sora App. Please note that all BBA students may borrow books from Manchester Community Library regardless of their home address. 

Please review the daily schedule block rotation. Note the time changes to accommodate a more productive Focus Block and to provide the time needed to transport students to and from the Mountain Campus. Those students who are enrolled in a class at the Mountain Campus will remain on the main campus during our Week of Welcome ½ days. For those new to BBA, some students will have a CD hybrid class that meets every day, while others will have a C and a D that meets every other day. Please note that C and D blocks meet every Friday.

On Wednesday morning, teachers are in meetings from 7:20 - 9:00 a.m. for weekly professional development. Campus is open and buses arrive at the normal times. Students are supervised in common spaces while departments continue their meetings. This block of time is also used for important programming run by our school counselors. These are required sessions designed to facilitate career and college exploration/preparation. Students will receive a Pass/Fail grade for their participation in this important programing on their progress reports (these grades are not reported on transcripts). School Counselors will share meeting dates by grade level in their upcoming newsletter.  If students do not have an early commitment, they can arrive in time for the start of A block. 

Please review important schedules/calendars (also found on OnCampus Portal):

9th Grade Orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20th through Friday, August 22nd. Please gather on the Judy McCormick (turf) Field in front of the Riley Center by 8:15 on Wednesday, August 20th. Student Mentors will greet 9th graders as they arrive. During orientation, 9th graders will participate in welcome and team building activities, meet their advisor and student mentors (the senior leaders who work with advisory groups), attend short classes to meet their teachers, and get familiar with BBA’s campus. 9th graders should dress for active days in comfortable clothes. Lunch is provided each day. Watch BBA email for a welcome message from student mentors. All of us are excited to welcome the class of 2029 to campus!

On Wednesday, August 20th  from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. in the Founders Hall Belltower Room, new transfer students will participate in an orientation program designed to introduce them to the people and programs that make BBA a special place to learn. Transfer students will then participate in the orientation program for their grade level (see below). Transfer students should check their BBA email for additional information. 

10th Grade Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, August 21st and Friday, August 22nd. 10th graders will report to the Riley Center at 8:15 a.m. on 8/21 for a welcome program before attending sessions assigned by Green or Gold cohort determined by advisor. Specific schedules will be emailed to 10th graders prior to orientation. The program is designed to welcome sophomores back to BBA. All students will spend time with their new advisor and school counselor, participate in activities, and attend abbreviated classes. 

All 11th graders will attend orientation on Friday, August 22nd. All 11th grades should gather in the EH Henry Gym at 8:15 a.m. for a welcome session before attending an abbreviated class schedule. Based on student feedback, school counselors have integrated Junior Jumpstart into their Wednesday morning sessions. Please review the counselors’ newsletter when it is released in mid-August. 

All 12th graders will attend orientation on Friday, August 22nd. Seniors should gather in the Riley Center by 8:15 a.m. for a welcome session before attending an abbreviated class schedule. In addition, there are two Common Application workshops scheduled for college-bound students. Seniors must attend one of the sessions –– either August 13th at 4:30 (prior to the Fall Sports meeting) or August 20th at 1:00 p.m. Common Application Workshops will be held in Founders Hall. 

At BBA we believe in fostering learner agency and providing a tiered system of support. Our schedule includes a Focus Block, a time when students make decisions about where they need to be, advocate for their learning and interests, and develop independence as a learner. In addition, students with identified learning gaps will receive targeted interventions during this time from their teachers and specialists.  Focus Block is an important aspect of BBA’s learning culture; faculty advisors are actively involved in helping students to make good choices, reflect on their learning, and track their progress. Focus Block is not a free period.  We will review the logistics of Focus Block at upcoming orientations and in advisory meetings.     

This year students will opt into the iPad program by completing the form referenced below. After students opt in and submit payment or a fee waiver, they will receive an auto response with a link to schedule an appointment to pick up their iPad. Students should schedule appointments prior to orientation so that they have their device to use during orientation sessions. 

Burr and Burton participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. All enrolled students are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to households. Students/families are no longer required to submit an application to receive breakfast and lunch. Instead of an application, the district requests that all families complete the Household Income Form (included in On Campus forms); however, receipt of free breakfast and lunch meals does not depend on completing the form. Completing an application is still necessary for other programs like AP Exam fee reduction, SAT and ACT fee waivers, and technology use fee waivers. Students identified through the DirectCertification list provided by AOE will automatically be able to receive fee waiver benefits. If you have any questions, please contact Diane Waite at dwaite@burrburton.org. 

Please review additional information about the free lunch program and how to set up a Meal Time account on the student/parent On Campus Portal/MyBBA. In January 2025, BBA food service shifted to cashless operations, like many schools in the state of Vermont. In order to purchase snacks, drinks and extra meals students need an active Meal Time account with a positive balance. We encourage all families to set up their account well in advance of the school year. Note: students do not need a Meal Time account to receive breakfast or lunch, only to purchase additional items. 

Each year students have an opportunity to participate in curricular and enrichment travel experiences. Some opportunities are tied to courses (Model UN conferences, Science Olympiad competitions, world language exchanges, conservation biology) and others are open to all students (service, arts/cultural and academic enrichment). Participation in trips is a privilege and requires that students are in good standing academically, behaviorally, and with attendance. Students should watch their email for information on trips. Additionally, I will share an updated list of all opportunities in the first issue of BBA Weekly. Financial support for travel is available through the Rowland Fund for Student Life and Learning. The application process will open in early September. More information to follow.

Buses will run during orientation. Please review bus details (times and routes). This transportation document will be updated throughout the school year and sent to families when changes occur. 

At the start of every year, drop off can be challenging until we work the kinks out. Patience as we start is paramount so that we keep everyone safe. Buses will drop students off in the driveway between the Riley Center and the Business Office. Cars will not be able to drive into the driveway when students are unloading. Beginning on the first day of school, we ask that students are dropped off and picked up in the lower circle before and after school. Please do not use the upper circle or the senior and faculty parking lot to drop off students. 

 

Here are proven tips to ease the potential stress of drop-off and pick-up. Know that safety is our number one priority. 

Student drivers need to register their vehicle by completing the parking permit form shared in the OnCampus portal. Seniors park in the senior lot located behind the gym and along Seminary Avenue. Juniors and Sophomores park in the lot off of West Union Street. 

New Parent Fair, August 26th from 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. in the Rowland Student Center

New parents are invited to learn about BBA programs and opportunities on the 26th; watch email in the coming weeks for more details on this event. Parents can drop in and learn about the many programs and supports available to students.

All students will have their photos taken for school IDs. Picture packages are available for purchase; watch email for more detail. 

School is not in session.

Now that you’ve read through the opening of school details, please review the “nuts and bolts” below. Think of this as your back to school checklist. 

2025-2026 Fall Co-Curricular Rules and Info

2025-2026 Emergency Contact Info and Permissions

2025-2025 Health Consent and Medical Form

2025-2026 Responsible Use 

2025-2026 iPad Request Form

2025-2026 Parking Permit 

The campus has been buzzing with summer athletic activities, Success Camp, and major renovation projects as we prepare for the new school year. This is an exciting new chapter in your high school journey; I’m feeling optimistic about what lies ahead, and I hope you are too! 

Enjoy the remainder of your summer. 

Meg Kenny