Opening of School

Welcome and Important Details from our Associate Head of School

August 3, 2026

Dear BBA Students and Families:

Every August brings a familiar sense of possibility and purpose. As our faculty and staff prepare to welcome students, we aren't simply starting another academic year—we are embarking on a shared journey. To our new students and families: you are joining a vibrant, deeply supportive community. To our returning students and families: welcome home. We are eager to begin this next chapter together.

I often look to the history of words that ground our work. The word build comes from the Old English byldan, meaning "to construct a house or dwelling," and traces back to an ancient root that means "to be, exist, and grow."

That history feels profoundly fitting for Burr and Burton Academy. Building isn't just about assembling timber and stone; it is fundamentally about intentionally creating a home—a place where people can be their authentic selves, belong, and thrive.

Our 2026–2027 theme, Bulldogs Build: Character, Culture, Community, grounds our commitment to learning, growth, and one another. A great school environment doesn't happen by accident. Building is an intentional act, calling on our collective responsibility to construct a space where every individual can realize their full potential.

Character: Builders take ownership of their personal growth. They act with integrity, demonstrate resilience, and hold themselves to high standards even when no one is watching.
Culture: Builders intentionally shape the climate of our school. They cultivate kindness, curiosity, and mutual respect, ensuring our everyday environment is vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive.
Community: Builders recognize that we are deeply interconnected. They don't wait on the sidelines; they lay the foundation through service, empathy, and a commitment to uplifting those around them.

When we take shared responsibility for our character, our culture, and our community, we don't just attend a school. We create a home. My hope for this year is that every student, teacher, and family member will look back with pride, knowing that they helped build a place where all students thrive.

Cell Phones

This year, in alignment with Vermont’s statewide cell phone–free policy act, Burr and Burton Academy is moving from a class-by-class collection approach to a full phone-free school day.

To make this transition as smooth and secure as possible, we have established a clear daily routine:

Daily Collection: Phones will be collected at the start of A block and securely stored in department offices for the remainder of the school day. Students will return to A Block locations to collect phones at the end of the day.
Late Arrivals & Early Dismissals: Students who arrive late or have an early dismissal (such as for athletic events or medical appointments) will check their phone in and out in the Dean of Students Suite in the Seminary Building.
A Block Senior Free Block/Junior Study Hall: Students with a free block, dual enrollment, or study hall during A block will receive a separate communication on protocols and phone collection.
Smartwatches & Earbuds: Earbuds, smartwatches, and other personal tech are included in this policy and must be put away during the school day.

I am confident that a phone-free environment will make BBA an even more engaging, collaborative, and vibrant place to learn. Thank you for your partnership and cooperation as we build a stronger community together.

Summer Reading/Book Discussion Groups

On August 24th, the entire BBA community will participate in summer reading discussion groups facilitated by book sponsors. We will share ideas, make connections, and build community. Now is the time to complete your 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 using the link at the bottom of the reading list. 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.

Daily Schedule

Please review the daily schedule block rotation. Some students will have a CD hybrid class that meets every day, while others will have a C and a D that meet every other day. Please note that both 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 will be open and buses will arrive at the normal times. Students are supervised in common spaces while departments continue their meetings. This block of time is also 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 progress grade for their participation in this important programming 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 (these can also be found on the OnCampus Portal):

Orientation & First Days of School Schedule

Wednesday, Aug 19th: 9th Grade Orientation Begins (8:15 a.m.) | Transfer Student Orientation (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug 20th: 9th Grade Orientation Continues (8:15 a.m.) | 10th Grade Orientation Begins (8:15 a.m.)
Friday, Aug 21st: ALL GRADES ATTEND (Opening Assembly 8:15 a.m. & Abbreviated Classes)

Special Information for 9th Graders
Please gather on the Judy McCormick Field in front of the Riley Center by 8:15 on Wednesday, August 19th. Student Mentors will greet you as you arrive. During orientation, you will participate in welcome and team-building activities, meet your advisor and student mentors (the senior leaders who will work with your advisory group), complete skill assessments, attend short classes to meet your teachers, and get familiar with BBA’s campus. On Thursday, August 20th, you will report directly to your advisory location. Dress for active days in comfortable clothes. Lunch is provided each day. Watch your BBA email for a welcome message from your student mentors. All of us are excited to welcome the class of 2030 to campus!

Special Information for New Transfer Students (Grades 10–12)
Wednesday, August 19 (11:00 - 1:00 p.m.): Gather 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.

Special Information for 10th Graders
Thursday, August 20 (8:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.): Report to the Riley Center at 8:15 a.m. for a welcome program, advisory meeting, and abbreviated classes. The morning ends with lunch and small-group meetings with school counselors.

Special Information for 11th Graders
Friday, August 21 (8:15 a.m – 12:45 p.m.): Report to the EH Henry Gym by 8:15 a.m. for our opening assembly before moving into an abbreviated class schedule.

Special Information for 12th Graders
Friday, August 21 (8:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.): Report to the EH Henry Gym by 8:15 a.m. for our opening assembly before moving into an abbreviated class schedule.

Common Application Workshops (Required for College-Bound Seniors): Seniors must attend one of the following sessions in Founders Hall:

Wednesday, August 12 at 4:30 p.m. (prior to the Fall Sports meeting)
Tuesday, August 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Focus Block

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 and 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 student expectations for Focus Block at upcoming orientations and in advisory meetings.

iPad Distribution

Students will opt into the iPad program by completing the form referenced below. After you opt in and submit payment or a fee waiver, you will receive an auto response with a link to schedule an appointment to pick up your iPad. Students should schedule appointments prior to orientation so that they have their device to use during orientation sessions (this is especially important for 9th graders).

Burr and Burton Food Service Program

BBA 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, receiving 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 Direct Certification list provided by AOE will automatically 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. BBA food service is a cashless operation. Purchasing snacks, drinks and extra meals will require an active Meal Time account with a positive balance. I encourage all families to set up their account well in advance of the first day of school. Note: students do not need a Meal Time account to receive breakfast or lunch, only to purchase additional items.

Student Travel Opportunities

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.

Bus Information

Buses will run during orientation. Detailed transportation information is linked here. This includes days with special schedules. Occasionally, this schedule changes due to driver illness/bus maintenance. We do our best to communicate changes in advance.

Arrival/Drop Off Procedures

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, students should be 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.

With classes beginning at 8:15 a.m., plan to drop off your student(s) by 8:00 a.m. at the latest. If you arrive closer to 8:15, you will be caught in a line of traffic on Seminary Avenue.
In the afternoon, try delaying your pick-up time by ten to fifteen minutes if possible. You can also have your student(s) walk down Seminary Avenue to be picked up on Franklin Road. As a reminder, please do not park in the faculty parking lot adjacent to Larson Hall. All buses enter the school via this lot and need all the space they can get to navigate the parking lot.
If you live close to school, encourage your student(s) to walk.
Whenever possible, carpool with other student drivers/families.

Student Parking

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

Looking Ahead

New Parent Fair, August 25 from 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. in the Rowland Student Center

Come learn about BBA programs and opportunities -- watch your 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. Parents of 9th graders are encouraged to come and stay for a short program at 5:45 p.m. where Student Mentors will offer advice to parents and answer questions.

Picture Day, August 26

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

Labor Day, September 7

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. Note that many of the links require you to log into BBA’s OnCampus portal to access the resources.

Login and review key information on BBA’s OnCampus Portal and Website. BBA’s OnCampus Portal and Burr and Burton’s website are your information and communication hubs. Two key pages to view include the opening of school page to find information included in this email, as well as additional family resources and the families page, which includes key information, forms and policies.

Review your schedule and advisory placement. School counselors are not making schedule changes except in extenuating circumstances. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to balance class sections and numbers. If you are missing a block or are double booked, please contact your school counselor to make adjustments prior to the start of the school year.

For a smooth start to the school year, students and parents must complete the required enrollment forms. Please note that you will only see the forms that are relevant to your grade level. If you have trouble logging into OnCampus or have questions regarding the electronic forms, please contact support@burrburton.org.

- 2026-2027 Emergency Contact Info and Permission
- 2026-2027 Fall Co-Curricular Rules and Info - Must be signed by 1 parent/guardian and student
- 2026-2027 Health Consent and Medical Form
- 2026-2027 Household Income Information
- 2026-2027 Responsible Use and iPad Request - Must be signed by 1 parent/guardian and student
- 2026-2027 Parking Permits
- 2026-2027 Ride Permission Form
- 2026-2027 Senior Free Block Permission Form (assigned to the seniors)
- 2026-2027 Study Hall and Dual Enrollment Agreement (assigned to the Juniors and Seniors)
- Fall 2026 ACT/SAT Sign-Up - Class of 2027
- Fall 2026 PSAT/ASVAB Sign-Up (Class of 2028)
- Mandatory Class of 2027 Parent/Guardian Form

Enroll in Meal Time.

Complete your summer assignment so that you are ready for book discussion groups on August 24th.

Review BBA’s calendar to make sure you don’t miss important events like Fall Sports Night and the Extracurricular Theater, Dance & Film meeting.

Campus is buzzing with activity as our facilities team puts the finishing touches on summer renovations and maintenance—making sure every corner of BBA is ready for your return. On top of that, Success Camp is entering its final week! It has been a joy to witness this cohort of 9th graders jump in, build connections, and lay the groundwork for their high school journey. I couldn’t be more optimistic about what this school year holds, and I hope you feel that same spark of anticipation.

On behalf of the entire BBA faculty and staff, we can’t wait to welcome you back, learn alongside you, and build an incredible year together.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer!

Meg Kenny

Associate Head of School

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Opening of School

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