April 2, 2020
Dear BFA Seniors and Families:
Last Thursday, I wrote to you after learning that Governor Phil Scott announced that schools would not be returning to in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. I am still sad about the loss of our physical connections at BFA, but I remain optimistic that we will strive to provide some unique opportunities for the Class of 2020.
As you are aware, we are currently in the phase of maintenance of learning where you should be concentrating on catching up and being current in all of your work assignments. We will be shifting to online continuous learning the week of April 13th. You will be hearing more about this in the near future and I encourage you to stay in close contact with all of your teachers, advisors, and counselors.
In this letter, I want to focus our thoughts on our upcoming senior activities. The Agency of Education stated in their daily memo on Friday that we will not receive guidance until May 8th; however, I assure you that we’ve already started planning. I’d like to first thank you seniors and parents who have already volunteered to help and who have offered various senior activity suggestions including graduation ideas. I will be holding a YouTube “Live” parent forum next Thursday, April 9th at 6 pm. Please join in and we can discuss senior activity options and planning.
As you know, in order to graduate, all seniors must complete ten hours of Community Service. Currently, and for the foreseeable future, best practice dictates social and physical distancing to preserve the public health. To ensure the safety of our seniors and community members, BFA is waiving the ten hours of Community Service as a graduation requirement. This unforeseen pandemic has required BFA to shift from its current practices in order to protect the health and wellbeing of all people and prevent the communicable spread of this virus to the most vulnerable among our population. Many thanks to those seniors who already completed their community service hours. Your service to our community is invaluable.
I’d like to also encourage you to watch the attached heartfelt YouTube message from one of your teachers, Mr. Moulton if you have not seen it. He talks about the three steps of success: preparation, confidence, and perseverance. He stresses that he and BFA as a whole cares about you, misses you, and believes in You. I couldn’t say it any better than he did. Here is the link to watch the video:
Lastly, I’d like you to know that if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me via email or calling 802-527-6400.
Sincerely,
Bill Kimball
Interim Principal
