Everyone knows that 8 + 8 = 16 thanks to the math teachers at GHS, but that equation has a little more meaning to half of the dynamic duo in the math department. Mrs. Randi Burken, who teaches statistics and integrated math, welcomed a baby boy on the date 8/8/16 named Grayson Francis Burken, and she loved the equation the date suggested.

While juggling numbers is quite easy for Burken, juggling life with a newborn isn’t a walk in the park. “My priorities have completely changed. I don’t get to sleep through the night anymore. I always have to think and plan ahead with him and before it was just me, well and my husband,” said Burken. Grayson is now five weeks old, and he has already stolen his parents’ hearts. “My favorite part [about being a mom], so far, is snuggling and just holding him,” said Burken.

While she loves Grayson, she cannot wait to come back to school. Burken has participated in every spirit day since starting at GHS, and this is the first homecoming she is missing. “I especially miss homecoming week. I love dressing up each day and all the activities that go with it,” said Burken.
Although she will not make a return for the rest of spirit week, she will be coming back to GHS on October 3. “I miss the students and the staff,” she said. As she hasn’t taught since the end of May, she is ready to get back at it. GHS gets to welcome Mrs. Burken back as well as welcoming the newest Pirate fan.