A Morning of Gratitude: Honoring the Heart of Burns Sci-Tech—Our Volunteers!

Last week, we had the joy of hosting a truly special event: our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast—a heartfelt celebration of the many individuals who give so generously of their time, talents, and energy to make our school the exceptional place it is.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Burns Sci-Tech. They are the smiling faces helping in the classroom, organizing materials behind the scenes, leading clubs or coaching sports teams, lending support at events, and simply stepping in wherever they’re needed most. The truth is, we couldn’t do what we do without them. They are not just helping hands—they are mentors, encouragers, and difference-makers who directly impact the lives of our students every single day.

To show just a small token of our deep appreciation, our team prepared a meaningful morning filled with gratitude and joy. The breakfast was made extra special thanks to Mr. Z, who designed and 3D-printed beautiful magnetic vases that were gifted to each volunteer. These were lovingly attached to cards hand-colored by students—symbols of both innovation and heartfelt thanks.

Adding to the celebration, Mrs. Woods’ Kindergarten class paid a visit and presented the volunteers with vibrant, handwritten thank-you letters. The simple act of those young learners walking into the room, proudly sharing their words of gratitude, was a special moment. It reminded us of the powerful impact volunteers have on even our youngest students.

We were also joined by a group of incredible fifth-grade students who have been hard at work creating a new Book Nook on the playground. These students not only helped serve breakfast—delicious pastries, fresh coffee, and orange juice—but they also spoke about the inspiration behind their project and what it means to give back. We’re thrilled to share that the Book Nook officially opens on Monday, May 13th—so keep an eye out for a blog all about that next week!

The morning was set to a backdrop of soft music and warm conversation. It was more than a breakfast—it was a celebration of partnership, dedication, and community. We hope our volunteers walked away knowing just how truly valued and loved they are.

Looking Ahead: A Bigger, Better Volunteer Program for 2025–2026

As we look to the future, we're incredibly excited to launch a comprehensive volunteer program next school year that will make it easier and more rewarding than ever to get involved. This new structure is designed to meet families where they are—whether you're available during the day, in the evenings, or even from home.

Highlights of the New Volunteer Program:

• Opportunities for on-campus, off-campus, and at-home involvement

• Leadership roles for those wanting to take the next step

• Easy hour tracking via Microsoft Forms

• Recognition and appreciation for top contributors

Suggested Volunteer Hours:

• 1 student = 20 hours/year

• 2+ students = 30 hours/year

• Single parents = 10 hours/year

Why are volunteers so vital?

As a charter school, Burns Sci-Tech receives $2,400 less per student than traditional public schools. That adds up to a $2.64 million shortfall each year—but through volunteerism, our families help bridge that gap. If every family gave just 10 hours a year, we’d generate nearly $350,000 in value for our school. That’s powerful.

Next year, we hope to see this breakfast room filled to the brim with even more of you—our volunteers, our partners, our champions. You make the magic happen at Burns Sci-Tech, and we are endlessly grateful.

Thank you for all you do. You are truly the heart of our school.