A Caring Community, Indeed!

January 13th, 2012

Head’s Weekly Letter – January 12, 2012
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Dear Academy Families,

I spoke with prospective parents this week at an evening reception (with a record turnout of almost 50 families), to which about 30 of our current parents came, hosted by our Parent Association. Here are some of the main points I covered:

• “BUA” includes “Boston” for our urban setting and “university” for our intellectual opportunities, both of which were in dramatic evidence on the 26th floor lounge of the BU dorm where our reception was being held – the views of Boston and the lit soccer practice at Nickerson Field at our feet spoke volumes about “urban” and “university” advantages!
• As far as the “Academy” component of “BUA,” the evening was meant to focus on “caring community” more than our intellectual offerings (so I only briefly touched the latter with an anecdote about Rudyard Kipling’s cockney poem about Homer…or ‘Omer as Kipling phrased it).
• In describing our caring community, I shared several points that I had solicited that day  from a section of freshmen, when I asked them what they would want me to share with these prospective parents:
  • One freshman stressed that at her old school, upperclassmen would either ignore or “stare down” younger students; on her first day at BUA, when an upperclassman said “Hi!” in the hallway, she had to look around before realizing it was directed at her, not to any upperclassmen in sight.
  • Another mentioned the physics test and the video blog the night before of all freshmen eager to help and support each other to do well on it.
  • A third used the word “Awesome!” to describe one teacher.
  • The last comment echoed the word “Awesome!” but this time about the GSU food choices and quality!
• Finally, I shared a moment when a visitor to our building this week was looking lost in the hallways, examining a schedule with rooms on it, and a student said, “May I help you find your way?”

I was pleased to echo our student’s hospitality by asking our prospective parents, “May I help you find your way to BUA?” and pointing out our brightly lit building sitting 26 stories below our eyes at the foot of the BU Bridge, stressing that we are an “awesome” place where we help each other and make each other feel welcome.

I believe “a good time was had by all,” with new families impressed by the warmth and good will of our parents and staff, while current parents lingered well past “Last call!” having too much fun together! A caring community, indeed!

Warm regards,
James S. Berkman
Head of School