Happy New Year!

Dear Burke's Alumnae,

It's hard to believe that we are less than two weeks into 2021, our long-awaited new year. While we all continue to grapple with the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, recent events in our nation have been alarming for all of us. I write to let you know that Burke's faculty and staff are working hard to discuss current events with students in age-appropriate ways and to support our current families.
 
To that end, I also wanted to remind you that there are resources on Burke's website that might be helpful for those of you with children. I have also linked a few articles below that we shared with parents about having conversations with children about difficult news. I hope that some of this information will be helpful for you or those close to you.

With so many challenges surrounding us, it is more important than ever to take care of ourselves and to care for each other. I am proud of the many community-building opportunities listed below: numerous events to connect with fellow alumnae, and even alumni from other local, independent schools; a chance to share your local business so that fellow alumnae can support you; and articles to learn more about what we are doing to educate, encourage, and empower Burke's students today -- as well as how you can support those efforts.

If you have any questions or want to get involved with our myriad alumnae programs, please do not hesitate to contact me

Take good care,
Diana Kaw
Associate Director of Advancement

Annual Four-School Alumni Event: Virtual Trivia Night on January 28, 6 p.m. PST!

This year, with our peer schools, we invite Burke's, Cathedral, Hamlin, and Town alumni everywhere to join us for a virtual Trivia Night! On January 28, at 6 p.m. PST, alumni will battle it out for bragging rights. Let's bring it, Burke's!

No trivia expertise required; topics will include San Francisco trivia, pop culture, sports, politics, and more. And don't worry about forming a team in advance; you will play individually for your school team!

Prizes will be awarded to the top individual players and bragging rights will be awarded to the top school. Event MC: Grammy-nominated musician, producer, composer, and all-around awesome guy Deke Sharon, Town '82

Learn more and register at sfalumnitrivianight.eventbrite.com today! 

Last Call: Your News & Updates for Class Notes

We are currently putting the finishing touches on our next issue of Burke's Magazine (formerly KayDeeBee), but we still have room for your stories, pictures, and personal updates! Please email Diana Kaw, Associate Director of Advancement, to share news of your recent promotions, accomplishments, weddings, graduations, new family members, engagements, job transitions, and relocations. We welcome photos too! You can also upload your news here, or check in with your Class Representative. Please submit your Class Note by Tuesday, January 19, to be included. 
An Affinity Space for Burke's LGBTQIA+ Alumnae

As we continue our efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice work at Burke's and in our alumnae community, we look forward to hosting our first affinity space for our LGBTQIA+ alumnae. If you are interested in attending or helping plan this event, please reach out to Jewel Devora '09your Alumnae Board VP of DEIBJ, or Diana Kaw, Associate Director of Advancement.
Burke's Festival Is Back: Join us for an Alumnae Social on January 30!

We are thrilled to host Burke's first-ever virtual Family Festival spanning an entire weekend of entertainment, activities, and events! Festival will take place Friday, January 29, through Sunday, January 31. 

Kick off Festival Weekend with an evening of fantastic entertainment, featuring a mixologist-led cocktail creation for the adults, a family-friendly magician for the kids, and a dance party for all! Plus, save the date for an Alumnae Social on Saturday, January 30: alumnae will be invited to join former Burke's Director of Upper School Rebekah Wolman for a Happy Hour and Burke's BINGO! Winners will receive fab Burke's swag.

Watch your inbox for a dedicated Family Festival email soon!
Save the Date! Burke's Virtual Alumnae Reunion Weekend: June 5 & 6, 2021 

This year, we will be making up for lost time! Burke's Alumnae Reunion Weekend returns on June 5 & 6, celebrating our alumnae from milestone graduation years ending in '5, '6, '0, and '1. 

For everyone's safety and comfort, this year's reunion will be entirely virtual. We look forward to soliciting your ideas, suggestions, and input for YOUR Reunion Weekend, and we hope our milestone reunion celebrants will reach out to join our Reunion Committee. Email Diana Kaw, Associate Director of Advancement, to join the planning fun!
Burke's AMN Corner: Share Your Bay-Area Business!

We are compiling a list of local, alumnae-owned businesses for a future feature. We want to facilitate community support of your cafes, restaurants, shops, fitness studios, and more! Click here to share your business's details.

And as always, here are a few ways to connect with the Alumnae Mentorship Network:
Burke's Hour of Code: December 2020

Health and safety protocols have limited hands-on group projects this year, but Upper School students were provided with an array of tools to explore,  including Scratch, Tynker, Codable, Swift Playgrounds, and other programming sites. Students posted their projects and reflections to a padlet. Click here to read more about Burke's approach to teaching coding and computer science under the leadership of the Library and Makery Team.

Burke's 20-21 Alumnae Annual Fund: Thank you for your participation!

Burke's Annual Fund makes up 10% of the school's operating budget every year. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Burke's has spent more than $750,000 to simultaneously create and sustain two safe and effective educational models: distance learning and hybrid (in-person) learning. Our mission is to educate, encourage, and empower girls, even in these strange times, because our country needs more women in leadership roles.

Many thanks to all of our alumnae who have already supported this year's Annual Fund. We are at 10% participation, which will strengthen our ability to support Burke's students for the rest of this unusual year. Visit www.kdbs.org/give to make your contribution now. Gifts of EVERY size make a difference!
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