School Blogs

A number of our staff and faculty post blog entries to our "official" School Blogs to update you on news and information regarding their departments and activities.

You may review all such blog posts below, or select a specific blog (such as Admission, Financial Aid, or Guidance) to see recent posts to that specific blog.

 

Realizing our Dreams

Submitted by RADM J. Scott Burhoe on Fri, 02/03/2012 - 10:06am

This week has been my most challenging yet, and it would be easy for me to take a "bye week" like I predicted may be needed from time to time, but...buoyed by the excitement of a double-overtime win in Middle School basketball tonight (Go FUMA!) I will do my best to recap an exciting week.

Last week ended with a conference call with David Barrett, a member of our Board of Trustees, as we put the finishing touches on our Christian Leadership Series. We will host two influential Christian leaders to meet the leadership at Fork Union Military Academy, speak to the Corps of Cadets at one of the bi-weekly chapel services, tour the campus, and answer questions. This will be in addition to our Payne Forum on February 10th, where Dr. Andy McIntosh will speak on "Design and Intelligence: Tying Together Science and Faith."

We are fortunate that the "word is getting out" about the contribution FUMA makes to Virginia and this nation...and look forward to many more visitors. My first thought for this week's blog was to insert pictures instead of words. The first picture I would insert is of the transformation of Hatcher Hall, the building that houses the administration, business office, classrooms, career counseling, and our resource center. Thanks to our painters and some "first impressions" money provided by our Board and alumni, we've increased the professional appearance of many spaces in this historic building. Our painters have done amazing work to brighten up our academic classroom hallway, entrance, stairwells, and corridors...and new carpet throughout our lower offices (in a blend of Coast Guard and FUMA blue) really brightened up our appearance.

The second picture might be of Jacobson Hall. I walked through the building (under construction) this week, and saw an aerial photo which I recommend you view on our website photo gallery. As I walked on the roof of this new dormitory, and saw views from the third floor, I was impressed by the enormity of the building, and know this building is a real "game changer" for FUMA. 

It will be brand new, matching the quality of our Aquatics Center, Estes Dining Hall, Estes Athletic Center, and Beatty Library addition. The security will be enhanced by modern technology including keypad entry, video surveillance systems, and alarms...and of course it will save us money in utilities with its geothermal heating and cooling systems. 

We can't wait to move in...and while we love having a Snead Hall, there are many looking forward to tearing down this old home to many current and former cadets. We've nearly completed all the furniture selections, and training has begun for our housekeeping and maintenance staffs. This mild winter has allowed the project to stay on time...but we are slightly over budget as we approach completion on July 15, 2012.

After a long Monday and Tuesday, it was a blessing to start Wednesday "at the flag pole" as our Fellowship of Christian Athletes gathered for prayer to start the day. It was a time of reflection and letting go of burdens and helped us all focus on our real purpose, which is to serve God. 

My highlight this week was National Signing Day. The energy and enthusiasm in the Estes Center was palpable. Proud parents, smiling cadets, beaming coaches, local media...all gathered to see ambitions realized when young men achieve their dreams of earning college scholarships to play sports and study at Division I colleges.

We are on the "home stretch" toward Alumni Weekend and Graduation, and committed this week to publish one more "Call to Quarters" magazine before May. I have much more to learn as I lead this fine school, its faculty, staff, and Corps of Cadets. There is plenty of work remaining, but the State of Fork Union Military Academy is strong and trending upward. This week's challenges brought clarity and unity of effort. We all continue to learn more about each other as we approach our first full year together. 

Go FUMA!

RADM J. Scott Burhoe
President, Fork Union Military Academy

CPT Butt's 7th Grade English Class - Seventh Entry: The Butterfly Effect

Submitted by butta on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 3:25pm

“The Butterfly Effect” – by Cadet Michael S.
A story about a father and son’s ride and visit to Wintergreen Ski Resort

January 16, 2008 12:00 o’clock
“Dad, what in the world are you listening to?” the man’s son questioned, in an offensive tone of voice. “Just a little bit of the music from my day,” the father replied, making a face as if old memories were rehearsing through his head. “Well it sounds horrible; it sounds like it was sung by some really old guy with lung cancer.” “Well it’s my car, and I can listen to whatever I want.” “So are we still picking up your lame old friends?” the man’s son asked him. “No, not one of them can get out of work.”
“Finally we are here!” the son said, as they pulled into the ski resort. “I remember coming here when I was your age son.” “OH cool, the room has a hot tub!” “What are we waiting for, let’s go in.” “Can you turn down the heat it’s getting pretty hot in here?” “Sure.” “OH noooo!”

January 16, 1982
“Wow, what just happened?” “OH my, I think we just went back in time.” “Why do you think that?” “Because from what I remember, this is exactly where I was at 16 years ago.” “So where are we?” “We’re at the Denver Broncos Super Bowl game.” “Let’s go inside, I guess.” “OH man, I only have one ticket.” “Well, we will have to just sneak into the back door then.” “Fine whatever, let’s just hurry up and get inside I’m freezing.”
In the process of them sneaking into the stadium through the back door, they let a squirrel run right pass them and into the stadium.

Same day, but at a local bar inside the stadium, where Steve Jobs, a small town man is sitting, just as the final play of the game approaches.

Parents Have You Checked Your Mailboxes

Submitted by whiter on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 2:10pm

Parents, you should have received a packet of information from the guidance office in the past week telling you about several opportunities your cadet could take advantage of.  The SAT and ACT workshops are filling up fast so please call Mrs. White at 434-842-4203 or mail your registration in as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.  The ACT Strategies Course will start next Thursday, Febraury 9th and the SAT Workshop starts right after Spring Break.  We do not like to overload these classes and have to order books for both of them so please look at the deadlines that are approaching.

 

From The Kitchen

Submitted by mcilnayl on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 2:52pm

The Dining Service Blog will be up and running starting the second week of February 2012.

Watch for exciting information concerning, up-coming events, recipe contest, menu's and USDA food alerts.

Fork Union Admissions at Tyson's Corner Center January 28 and 29

Submitted by maceks on Fri, 01/27/2012 - 3:09pm

I will be at the Tysons Corner Center kiosk this weekend, January 28 and 29. Fork Union Military Academy is currently accepting applications for fall and summer enrollment in all grades. Fork Union's unique college preparatory curriculum in which high school students are able to focus on just one class at a time in a safe, structured environment has helped young men reach their true potential for decades. Fork Union's summer session offers young me in grades 6-12 an opportunity to experience the same structure in a 4 week program which includes opportunities for students who may need to improve their skills in specific content areas as well as offering the opportunity to take a new class for credit. If you would like more information regarding the opportunities available to young men at FUMA, please stop by the kiosk Saturday or Sunday. The kiosk is located in Tyson's Corner Center on the second floor just outside Macy's main entrance.

The FUMA Legacy is Strong

Submitted by RADM J. Scott Burhoe on Fri, 01/27/2012 - 10:17am

Thursday night in Careby Hall has officially become “blog night,” as I reflect on the week, and pick out highlights to share. Thank you for the kind notes of welcome, and the encouragement from alumni, parents, trustees, and those seeking a great school for their sons. I am glad you are all finding this blog helpful to learn more about life today at Fork Union Military Academy, and what is in store for the future.

Last week ended with the “unpleasantness” of being President. I held “Admiral’s Mast” on two middle school cadets who were in demerit trouble. Each started very serious, somber, and military, but the cadets are middle schoolers…so we ended with a sit-down conversation about the importance of following the rules, consequences, and accountability. I was impressed by the composure of both cadets, and tried some creativity; providing one a “contract” to sign and carry with him agreeing to behave properly, and the other a quote (from his mother) that spoke positively about FUMA and the impact it could have on her son.

I also gave each cadet a special FUMA coat button, and asked them to carry that button in their pocket. I asked them to touch it when they thought they might misbehave...to remind them of our conversation. If they get less than 100 demerits over the next 6 weeks, they can keep the button. If they receive 100 or more, they will need to return the button to me, on their way home.

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