Volunteer Spotlight: Honoring Our Dedicated Board Members

At Burns, we believe that it takes a village to create a thriving school community, and behind the scenes, some of the most impactful volunteers are those who serve on our Board of Directors. These dedicated individuals give their time, expertise, and hearts to help guide our school with wisdom, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the success of our students.

We are proud to spotlight our current board members:

Albert Almalfitano (Chairman), Dr. Roger Thayer (Vice Chair), Damian Hall (Treasurer), Richard Paczkowski (Secretary), Jonathon Glugover, Suzanne Jarrell, Adam Owens, and Jamie Sulle (our newest member).

Board meetings are more than just discussions; they are vital moments where decisions are made, strategies are developed, and the future of our school is shaped. These meetings require time, preparation, and often difficult conversations; all done for the betterment of our students, staff, and school mission.

Our board members play an essential role in the success and well-being of our school community. They provide thoughtful leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering support to ensure that our students, staff, and families have the resources and environment needed to thrive. Beyond making important decisions about policies and planning, they serve as advocates for our school’s mission and values. What makes our board members truly exceptional is their consistent presence on campus, not just as decision-makers, but as active volunteers. Whether it’s helping at school events, supporting classroom initiatives, or lending a hand wherever needed, they generously give their time in many other capacities. Their dedication helps shape a strong, supportive, and student-centered school culture, and their impact is felt in every corner of our campus.

Thank You For Your Service

This June and July, we will be saying farewell to two long-serving board members whose extraordinary commitment and service have left a lasting legacy at Burns:

Albert Almalfitano (Current Chairman), who has served on our board for an incredible 9 years

&

Jonathon Glugover, who has generously contributed his time and talents for 6 years.

Albert and Jon have not only volunteered their time on the board, guiding our school through seasons of growth, challenge, and celebration, but have also been deeply involved in the daily life of our school. From attending events and cheering on our students to helping with activities, initiatives, and community projects, they’ve given countless hours of their time, energy, and heart to support the students, families, and staff of Burns.

Their leadership has helped shape Burns into the warm, student-centered, forward-thinking community it is today. Their steady presence and unwavering dedication have been felt far beyond monthly board meetings; every pep rally, performance, parent night, and volunteer opportunity they’ve shown up, time and time again, in support of our school family.

While their official roles on the board may be coming to a close, their impact is permanent, and we look forward to seeing both continue to be part of our school community in meaningful ways.

Please join us in expressing a heartfelt thank you to Albert and Jon for their years of outstanding service. We are grateful beyond words.

We invite all members of our school community to attend the next Board Meeting on June 24th at 6:00 PM in the cafeteria. It will be a great opportunity to express your appreciation to Albert and Jon, while staying informed, and see firsthand how your board members work to support our school. We hope to see you there!

Volunteer Policy Update for 2025–2026

Starting next school year, Burns will implement an updated volunteer policy to strengthen family engagement and support for our programs. All families will be asked to complete a set number of volunteer hours throughout the year. These hours can be fulfilled in a variety of ways, including:

• Assisting in classrooms or school events

• Supporting extracurricular clubs or sports teams

• Participating in fundraising efforts

• Serving on committees or in the Booster Club

• Attending or volunteering at school functions

Volunteering helps build a stronger community, creates shared ownership of our school culture, and, most importantly, shows our students that they are surrounded by people who care deeply about their success.

More information about volunteer hour tracking and opportunities will be shared in the coming weeks. If you have questions or are looking for ways to help, email communications@burnsscitech.org to get involved today!

Thank you again to all of our board members for your leadership, service, and support. Burns is better because of you.