DUSTY BURWELL

EXITS AFTER 22 YEARS AT SYCAMORE

As she wraps up her 22nd year at Sycamore School, we wanted

to catch up with Dusty Burwell, who has been in charge of the

Quest programs, both the before and after-school session, and the

summer programs. Burwell, who started as a grade-level assistant,

is a beloved person in the history of Sycamore. She talks about

how she started at the school, some of her favorite memories, and

where she is headed next.

“Her greatest strength has always been the connections she makes

with our students,” says Glenna Lykens, Head of Lower School.

“Students love the creativity Dusty brings, and she integrates our

core values into the activities students do. It’s always fun to see the

notes of gratitude she gets,” she says. “Even as students grow up,

alumni have come back to visit and catch up with Dusty. There

are some students that have seen Dusty in the mornings and

afternoons throughout their Sycamore years.”

TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO SYCAMORE, AND HOW YOU BEGAN IN THE QUEST PROGRAM.

“My first year at Sycamore, I was a 1st Grade Assistant, and I loved doing song time with the kids two or three times a week.

One day I was asked to go into Diane Ridings’ office. She asked me to start up the before and after-school program and direct the

Summer Camps. I couldn’t say no. I came up with the name and

the program. I have loved pretty much every minute and am proud

of the rapport Quest has with parents, students, and staff, and the

success of all of the programs.”

WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST?

“What will I miss? The little hugs in the hall. I will miss reading,

crafts, games, and music. I love that the class of 2022 stops by my office at lunchtime to eat M&M’s and visit with me. I will also miss my paper calendars and the provider of my paper calendars

and the ‘We are, We are, Lower School! Lower School!’ chants,

and that’s just to name a few.”

WHO HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST?

“Glenna Lykens has helped me in making my programs

successful. She either gives me a thumbs up to go with my plan,

or tweaks my plan to make it work for everyone. Thank you,

Glenna! For the past two years, Kenzie has been the rock in

the EC Quest room. The Quest staff, the after-school activities

instructors, and the Quest Summer Camp instructors have all

been there to help Quest and the programs be what they are

today. My neighbors, the Technology Department, have been

there for me, too. Thank you!”

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU?

“When I turned in my letter to Diane on March 3, I didn’t quite

think the end of the year would end the way it did. Hopefully, we

can return to school in August, and I will be able to say good-bye

to the students, staff, and parents. My plan is to move to West

Lafayette and to find a job there. If nothing opens up soon, I do make a good cup of coffee.” n