For Immediate Release:
September 23, 2021
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Media Contact:
Sarah Martin
C: 315-225-0256
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Old Sturbridge Academy
Welcomes New Deans to Elementary and Middle Schools
Experienced Educators Bring Enthusiasm to their Roles
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Sturbridge, M.A. – Old Sturbridge Academy (OSA) has hired two new key staff members to provide leadership for the school’s mission to deliver real-world learning experiences in a supportive and nurturing school community. Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School works in partnership with Old Sturbridge Village to create a learning environment that represents all aspects of the diversity spectrum.
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Rebekah Andino’s new role is Elementary School Dean of Students. Previously, Andino was the OSA Special Education Team Leader and a fourth grade lead teacher. She comes qualified with her B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education from Palm Beach Atlantic University, along with her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Management from Fitchburg State University. Andino has obtained certificates in Trauma Informed Care and Safety Care, making her therapeutic interventions with children an integral part of her position as Dean of Students.
Andino found her way to OSA after much research and planning. “After researching best practices, and trying my best to influence my instruction with research-based methods, I realized the concept of learning through experiences could not be done on my own. I looked for experts to join hands in my instruction but had no luck finding consistent supports. When visiting Old Sturbridge Village with my sister and family, we realized our dream of Old Sturbridge Village opening a school was rapidly becoming a reality. Once my nieces were enrolled, I relocated to Massachusetts and awaited the opportunity to join this team of inspirational educators. This dream became a reality in August of 2018 when I joined the OSA Crew as a Special Education Teacher,” said Andino.
Andino is eager to continue building cohesive and strong relationships between the Village and the Academy to best educate the students. She is also looking forward to building rapport with the families and community partners to continue providing opportunities for people to learn more about OSA both online and in person. “The community outreach will be important in the recruitment of English Language Learners and economically disadvantaged,” said Andino.
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David Burris Jr. comes to Old Sturbridge Academy as the Middle School Dean of Students. Burris grew up in nearby Southbridge working with both middle and high school students over the last 14 years, where his latest role was as the high school Dean of Students with an emphasis on culture and climate. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Burris is currently attending the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth pursuing an M.Ed. in the Art of Teaching.
Reflecting on why he came to OSA, Burris said, “I decided to join OSA because of the unique opportunity that the Academy offered to work collaboratively with various families within the surrounding communities. The ability to use my past experiences to further support and build on established traditions of perseverance, high-quality work, courage, collaboration, and stewardship appealed to me. With further expansion plans, I can make certain that these values reciprocate within our communities. I strongly believe in the EL Education model in tandem with project-based learning that the Village offers and the invested efforts into our young scholar’s minds. Knowing that I’m an integral part of a larger picture reassures why I transitioned into education.”
Burris plans to bring a new perspective to what the Academy can offer to all students, staff, and families. He desires to add additional course offerings, extracurricular activities, multicultural clubs, and athletics to the campus. “I want to entice OSA instructors to challenge their conventional thinking with non-traditional methods. By taking an active role in our staff’s professional development, hiring processes, and parent-run committees, I can ensure effective change will occur,” said Burris.
Located on the site of Old Sturbridge Village, Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School opened in September 2017 for grades K-3. The 2021/2022 school year will serve 360 students grades K-7. A tuition-free public charter school, admission is open to all residents of Massachusetts and is by lottery only. Extended day program is also available.
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MEDIA
About Old Sturbridge Academy
Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School provides k-8 students with rigorous, real world learning experiences in a supportive and nurturing school community, helping all students to become reflective inquisitors, articulate communicators, critical thinkers, and skilled problem solvers. Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School, an EL Education school working in partnership with Old Sturbridge Village, fosters a learning environment that represents all aspects of the diversity spectrum. The school is distinguished by four key elements of EL Education: a commitment to community, a commitment to high-quality work, a commitment to real world applications and a commitment to imagination, exploration and immersion. Learn more at: https://www.osacps.org/.
About Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village, first opened to the public in 1946, is one of the country's oldest and largest living history museums, celebrating life in early New England from 1790-1840. It is the largest living history museum in the Northeast, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2021. Each year, more than 250,000 visitors interact with costumed historians, experience up-close demonstrations of early American trades, and meet heritage breed farm animals. Situated on 200 scenic acres, the Village is a collection of more than 40 historic buildings - including homes, meetinghouses, trade shops, working farms, restaurants, shops and three water-powered mills.
Located just off the Massachusetts Turnpike and Routes I-84 and 20 in Sturbridge, Mass., Old Sturbridge Village is open year-round, but days and hours vary seasonally. Daily admission is: $28 for adults, $26 for seniors, $14 for College Students, $14 for children ages 4-17, with children 3 and under admitted free. Admission includes free parking. Village Members and Season Pass holders receive free standard daytime admission. For details, visit https://www.osv.org/plan-your-visit/.
Old Sturbridge Village is also the managing partner of Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol, R.I. Members at OSV receive reciprocal membership at Coggeshall Farm Museum.
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