Friday, November 1, 2024

Friday, November 1, 2024, Administrative Update

   

Upcoming Events









Veteran's Day Parade and Ceremony

11/11/24 Schedule

Parent Teacher Conferences
This year we will hold Parent Teacher conferences as follows:
Wednesday, 11/13 from 3:30- 7:00 pm - Virtual Conferences
Thursday, 11/14 from 3:30 - 7:30 pm - In-person Conferences
More info to follow.


Beauty and the Beast

Our Bellows Free Academy Theatre Company is excited to present Disney's Beauty and the Beast on November 21st-24th with shows on Nov 21st, 22nd, and 23rd at 7:00 PM and a matinee on SUNDAY, November 24th at 1:00 PM. All shows are at BFA in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $6 for students, seniors, and faculty/staff and $8 for adults. Come out and support your community, while having a fun-filled night at the theatre! Order your tickets online now at TicketLeap!




Winter Sports Registration & Meeting


Winter sports registration is now open. 

Go to www.BFAathletics.com and click on "Online Registration" and follow the directions and link there to sign-up. Registration closes November 29th.

Winter Sports Parent Meeting is set for November 20th, 2024 @ 6:30 PM inside the BFA Gymnasium.



Congratulations!

National Honor Society Ceremony

2024-2025 National Honor Society Inductee Ceremony

Bellows Free Academy (BFA) is proud to announce the induction of 23 new members into the Champlain Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) on October 27th, 2024. These exceptional students have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, service, and character, embodying the values of the NHS.

Special thanks to Madeleine Messier for her amazing violin performance and to our guest speaker, Emily Eldred, whose inspiring words set the tone for this memorable occasion.

Induction into the NHS is a significant honor, requiring a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7, demonstrated commitment to community service, proven leadership abilities, and strong character. Students become eligible to apply at the end of their sophomore year.

Congratulations again to our new NHS members—your hard work and dedication make our school and community proud!   Stephanie Hodgeman

Madeleine Messier


Congratulations

October 2024 Math Students of the Month!

Pictured L to R and top to bottom Lina Patterson, Theodore Tremblay, Macaffrey Alberico, Ada Reynolds, Lucas Robert, Lily Howe, Sophia Ryan, Caitlin Frost, Eva Lothian, and Ethan Oszurek



Congratulations



Cross Country 

Vermont State Championship

Coach Mashtare reported that the Vermont State Cross Country Championships were held on Saturday, Oct. 26, leading the BFA boys to an historic second-place finish–historic because they are only the fourth team in the history of BFA-St. Albans cross country to ever finish in the runner-up position.  Previous teams to accomplish this were in 1973, 1994, 2021 and now 2024.  The team also secured the runner-up position in the over-all placement for qualifying for the New England XC Championships to be held at the famous Wickham Park Course in Manchester, CT. The New England's will be run on November 9.

Marie DeSorgher led the girls to a seventh-place finish placing 33rd in 23:43. Marie ran her best race so far this season having a goal of qualifying for the Meet of Champions to be held next Saturday.


2024 Golf New England Championship


Congratulations to Gavin Benoit and Ethan LaPlume for competing in the 33rd Annual New England Interscholastic Golf Championship yesterday at Mohegan Sun !
Gavin Beniot finished 21/71 with a 77!
Ethan LaPlume finished 49/71 with a 83!
The winner was Jack Quinn from Gardiner Area High School in Maine scoring 67!
For complete results visit, newenglandsports.com.


Congratulations Comet Volleyball!


Comets hosted the No. 3 Hartford Hurricanes in the girls’ volleyball program's first home semifinal on Tuesday, Oct. 29th, winning the match 3-1 and punching a ticket to the final at St. Michael’s College on Sunday, November 3rd at 7 pm.
Good luck Comets!!



Congratulations

St. Albans Messenger 
Athlete of the Week
Emma Harrison!


CIP visit to 

State House & Historical Museum


The Community Integration Program (CIP) recently went on a field trip to the Vermont State House and the Historical Museum in Montpelier.  This trip supported recent citizenship and civic education learning in CIP Social Studies classes.  (The first picture was taken in the House of Representatives and the second in the Senate during a guided State House tour).



Student Leadership Training


Photos of students attending an "Up for Learning Student Leadership Training" held at the armory on October 28th.





Husky Tour


BFA students joined students from surrounding high schools on October 30th for a presentation, tour, and information session at Husky Technologies. Husky is actively recruiting area students to participate in its state-certified summer apprenticeship program, which pays students and credentials them to become CNC machinists.  


Fall Concert


BFA Music’s Fall Concert was held on Wednesday, October 30th in the BFA Gymnasium. The show began with the BFA Concert premiere of the new “Modern Band” ensemble led by Instrumental Music Director Eric Bushey. This student-led ensemble performed Chicago’s “Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is”, “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes, and “Come Together” by the Beatles.

The BFA Jazz Band followed with the Glenn Miller arrangement of “Little Brown Jug.”

The BFA Chamber singers performed “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” featuring senior vocalist Nat Cronin on the solo part. This group then presented “California Dreamin’”, a medley of several Beach Boys tunes that featured vocalists Brody Chamberlain and Maddie Messier.

Band I performed three selections including Brian Balmages “Moscow, 1941,” Roland Barrett’s “Arabian Dances,” and, in keeping with the seasonal flavor, Danny Elfman’s theme from the movie “Beetlejuice.”

BFA Chorus presented a beautiful program that started with an exciting version of the African-American spiritual “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.” The lovely American folk tune “Shenandoah” was performed next and featured Senior Emma Gibson on the solo. She sang beautifully. Vermont composer Gwyneth Walker’s composition “Let the Life I Lived Speak For Me” was featured next and performed with passion. BFA Chorus teacher Armand Messier spent some time talking about the various complexities of the last number before performing the exciting and challenging “Magnificat” by Jackson Berkey to end the choral portion of the program.

BFA Band II started with a selection called “Ghost Run” by Christina Huss that had a traditional Japanese flair to it. They ended the program with the very exciting “Ghost Run” by Grant Michel that had a driving beat and minor-key tonality. The selection quotes the famous Requiem Mass plainchant “Dies Irae” which is commonly quoted in Halloween-flavored compositions and the theme from the great “Little Fugue in G Minor” of J.S. Bach.

Check out these amazing photos taken by 10e Photography: Fall Concert






Happy Halloween





Classroom & Enrichment



Poetry class creating Black Out Poems!



Beauty and the Beast Rehearsal


Some costume sneak peeks and rehearsal pictures!! We open November 21!!




Student Parking Info


Hi All,

The city of St.Albans offers free parking in the parking garage for BFA students.
Here is an update from the city about some changes:

I’m writing to let you know about changes to the City’s parking system that will be effective November 1st.

BFA Students are still offered free parking in the City Parking Garage. However, they no longer need to come to City Hall to set that up.

Students can register for their free Parking Garage parking permit online at:https://www.tocite.net/stalbansvt/portal (note the leading www is required)

Select “View Permits” and they can register for “BFA Students Parking Garage” permit type. This permit type is free but does require students to upload proof of enrollment. Our office will receive a notification that a BFA Student has applied for a permit, we will review the proof of enrollment and either approve or decline.

Principal Rico



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Friday, October 25, 2024

Friday, October 25, 2024, Administrative Update

  

Upcoming Events

Photo Retakes October 30th



If you would like to have retakes or if you missed having your picture taken the first time, please do so next Wednesday (10/30). This will be your only chance for this school year. We ask that all students and staff have their photo taken for school ID and yearbook purposes, even if you choose to not order photos.

** If you are having retakes: Please return the original package of photos you received to the photographer at that time.
** If you had your photo taken in September, but did not order photos and would like to at this time: You may still order photos.

Order forms are available at this link or from the Main Office. This year Whipple’s is also offering an online ordering option. Order forms and payment may be turned in to the photographer next Wednesday, or to the Main Office after that date.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING RETAKES:
● If you are having retakes due to poor expression - No charge
● If you are having retakes due to hair or clothing - The cost will be 50% of the original package price (For example: If you paid $36 for the original package but did not like your hairstyle, you would pay $18 for retakes).



Halloween Dance

Halloween Dance
BFA GYM
Friday Nov 1st, 2024
7-10pm
Concession Stand Available

$7 admission
$5 admission with non-perishable (mac & cheese, pasta sauce, cereal, etc)

Costume Contest (Win a Yearbook!!)
Most Scariest
Most Creative
Most Funniest





Spotlight on Seniors

Class of 2025 Fall Photo


Seniors Will Massy and Jacob Kittell @ SMC NEACAC College Fair 2024

On Wednesday, October 9th, BFA school counselors accompanied 43 sophomores, juniors, and seniors to St. Michael's College for one of New England's largest college fairs. BFA students had valuable conversations with representatives from 200 colleges, universities, and programs. This event is one of many supported by the school counseling office to help students explore their futures.  

Future events:   *GlobalFoundries, October 25th
*Huskey, October 30th 
*Homeland Security and Border Patrol, Nov 20th
*Vermont State Nursing training programs, Dec 11th


2024-2025 National Honor Society Inductees

We are excited to announce the 2024-2025 inductees into the Champlain Chapter of the National Honor Society at Bellows Free Academy. The induction ceremony will take place this Sunday, October 27th, at 4:30 PM in the Performing Arts Center (PAC).

To qualify, students must maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher, complete 20 hours of community service as juniors and 30 hours as seniors, and demonstrate exceptional leadership and character. The final selection is made by a five-member faculty council.

We are also pleased to welcome Stephanie Hodgeman and Nate Archambault as the new advisors for our NHS chapter.


Congratulations NHS Inductees 2024-2025

Archambault, Tate O'Connor

Bernard, Molly Catherine

Boyle, Grady M.

Charron, Addison Mae

Demar, Abigail V.

DeSorgher, Marie Kathleen

Foster, Emma Grace

Hurteau, Samuel Arthur

Hurteau, Tobias Grant

Jamison, Leah

LeBlanc, Alexis

Lewis, Mattison

Matas, Natalie Jean

Parah, Molly Gladys

Parent, Adaline 

Phillips, Miles Christopher

Powers, Lilah Shay

Quintin, Kylie

Ramirez Sanchez, Phillip David

Rashid, Isma

Smith, Jillian Ray

Soter, Jacoby Collopy

Tetreault, Rebecca Lauren


Powder Puff Results

We are so pleased to announce this year's total for the 2024 Powder Puff Game.  BFA-Saint Albans, MVU, and our wonderful community were able to raise $34,911.07.  This money goes towards scholarships at both high schools in Jim Bashaw's name, Camp Ta Kum Ta, and The Jim Bashaw Cancer and Catastrophic Fund. The players volunteered at Camp Ta Kum Ta, listened to speakers, attended practices to learn plays and positions, raised sponsorship money, sold prize raffle tickets, conducted 50/50 raffles at various sporting events, sold event t-shirts, and of course the Boosters had their amazing Concession Stand open.  Every penny raised is put back into the community and every adult involved volunteers their time. We couldn't be more proud of our seniors, who on top of their regular Fall responsibilities, put themselves second and our community first.  They participated in something that is bigger than themselves. We encourage anyone to donate either their time or money to both Camp Ta Kum Ta and The Jim Bashaw Cancer and Catastrophic Fund.  It is "always cool to send a kid to camp"!

Respectfully,
Jenny Parent, Powder Puff Coordinator/Coach





Unified Sports at Norwich

BFA Unified Athletes spent the morning of October 9th  at Norwich 
and brought home 7 medals… and tons of smiles!!
4 Gold
2 Silver
1 Bronze


BFA Dance


BFA Dancers had such a fun time performing at Lamoille Union High School's Benefit Recital. $1930 was raised for the foundation "For the Love of Dogs". Here are some pictures from the performance. PC: Moments by Jess


Indigenous Peoples' Day Projects

In observation of Indigenous Peoples' Day, students in our World Language classes researched Indigenous nations from around the world, creating slideshow presentations to share with peers.  Spanish classes focused on Indigenous peoples of the Americas, while French students chose from groups native to Quebec, Africa, Oceania, and French Guiana.

Students researched a range of cultural topics including the community's location, history, language(s), arts, cuisine, lodging, beliefs, and other customs.  Based on their findings, students then explored the relationship between the Indigenous group's local geography and their culture.  Next, students engaged in intercultural reflections, comparing and contrasting the culture of the focus group to their own home culture(s).

For those interested in local Abenaki events, there is also an upcoming Abenaki campfire at Shelburne Farms on November 9th (registration required).  More locally, check out the Facebook page "Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi Community Events" and mark your calendars for the Missisquoi Abenaki Heritage Celebration happening in Swanton in the spring.




Custodian Appreciation Day

Interact students baked and delivered 13 dozen brownies to the custodial staff on Custodian Appreciation Day. 
 If you see Lilah Powers, thank her for organizing and doing the leg work! 


Fall Business Employment Tours 2024

Did you know that over 50% of our students will enter the workforce immediately after graduation? BFA and NCTC are teaming up with Franklin County Industrial Development to offer exciting opportunities for career and training exploration this fall. These tours are a unique chance to visit local businesses, discover in-demand industries, and learn about career paths available right here in our community.  Don't miss out! Check out the schedule and encourage students to sign up for these valuable experiences. 
Let's prepare for success together!





Classroom Photos


Students making and showing their completed cutting boards from Wood Design and Fabrication classes.






First-year Culinary Arts students made candy apples this morning!


Medical Professions students, Karina Early and Sophia Wolfe, participated in an urinalysis lab.


Jewelry creation during Enrichment.


Cross Country
at Franklin County Championships
Senior Teddy Tremblay won the boys' race, completing the 5,000-meter course in 17:50.06. Tremblay's teammates Jacoby Soter (18:50.35) and Toby Hurteau (18:50.62) finished second and third.



Marie DeSorgher finished second in 24:56.91, and her teammate Nora Tatro finished third in 24:58.60. 


Comet Golf
From lt to rt:  Emma Stone, Addie Parent, Jillian Mathieu, and Peyton Burnor.


Bobwhite Golf
We are headed to NEW ENGLANDS!
Congratulations to Ethan LaPlume and Gavin Benoit for qualifying for the New England Championship on Oct. 28th @ Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT!


Comet Soccer



Comet Volleyball

The No. 2 Comets hosted the No. 15 South Burlington Wolves for a first-round girls’ volleyball playoff match on Wednesday, Oct. 23. BFA won all three sets and moved onto the quarterfinal round of playoffs. Congratulations Comets!




Save the Dates



Winter Sports Online Registration

Online Registration: Opens October 28th
Winter Sports Parents Meeting Date: Wednesday, November 20th @ 6:30 PM BFA Gymnasium
Here is the link to our online registration:


Beauty and the Beast

Our Bellows Free Academy Theatre Company is excited to present Disney's Beauty and the Beast on November 21st-24th with shows on Nov 21st, 22nd, and 23rd at 7:00 PM and a matinee on SUNDAY, November 24th at 1:00 PM. All shows are at BFA in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $6 for students, seniors, and faculty/staff and $8 for adults.
Come out and support your community, while having a fun-filled night at the theatre!
Order your tickets online now at TicketLeap!






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