Friday, October 30, 2020

Friday, October 30, 2020 Weekly Administrative Update

 Dear BFA Community:

Yesterday morning as I made my rounds to various classrooms, I walked into our Counseling Center to give Mrs. Hodgeman a hard time about the picture she posted of me at the previous day’s Interact - Red Cross Blood Drive. While she reminded me I did not sign a “no media” form, we quickly went into discussing the important role some students are currently taking. Mrs. Hodgeman spoke on how our young workforce has had to take over roles previously held by those 60 and older. The Red Cross has relied on retirees to make daytime blood drives work but given they are now the most vulnerable demographic with Covid-19 concerns, these important drives would be unlikely if today’s youth did not immediately assume these leadership roles. This reminded me of the deep importance of continuing to allow our students to lead, and believing, as I do, that the future is truly in good hands. The past week or so provided many examples of this.

Halloween is a tradition that has some dark undertones that are always put back in the shadows with the outward positive exuberance that dressing up and trick-or-treating brings. That joy that many of us have felt as both kids and parents of kids looked to be largely lost this year. Thanks to many of our BFA students, dozens of local kids were able to have some semblance of Halloween. Last Saturday, our BFA kids spent their Saturday at Taylor Park to see that community kids could have a safe environment to wear their costumes, receive some candy, and interact with one another.

Another problem our restrictive new world has helped create is with some students struggling to make sense of their academics once they fall behind. During a virtual meeting this Friday morning, I listened as one of our seniors proposed a solution. She is working to create a peer tutoring system that works within current safety guidelines. Her proposal, which she also shared with me in writing, will be in place for the second semester and offer multiple opportunities for struggling students to be more successful. While our Proficiency-based Instructional Coach, Mrs. Rico will help coordinate this, it will rely upon our students to lead and succeed. That combination is why I am confident it will succeed.

Lastly, for this week, the many students who comprise our Student Council, Athletic Council, National Honor Society, and Interact Club combined their talents and leadership to make Spirit Week a success by lending even greater importance to the week. Students and staff brought in boxed food during a Cereal Drive, while cash and toiletries are also being collected. All of these items will be donated to the community for distribution.

With so many lamenting about today’s government leadership, at all levels, I try to remind all who will listen that we need to increase youth leadership if we want a strong and healthy world. That is why we must continue to place our trust in today’s youth and give them opportunities to lead whenever possible. Our future does depend on it. 

Sincerely,
Brett Blanchard
Principal

Photos and More Information


Interactors Quincy Fournier and Iris Burns worked with St. Albans city officials, the downtown business community, and Rotary to offer a safe, outdoor, and socially distanced Halloween event for area children. Twenty-six BFA students from Interact and Theater worked the event to provide a Spooky Saturday in one of the most historic parks in Vermont, Taylor Park.



A big thank you to BFA Students that donated blood on October 28th at the city hall. Quincy Fournier has organized 4 blood drives during this pandemic after the Red Cross asked Interact to recruit teens to replace the core volunteers (typically aged 60-80) during the pandemic.

    Quincy Fournier 

Bethany Sanders

    Mr. Blanchard


Student Council News:
And the Winner of the BFA logo contest is ..... 

Logo designed by the brother and sister team: William and Charlotte Pierce!

Cereal collection Totals:
Freshmen-23
Sophomores-23
Juniors-42
Seniors-40    Juniors Win!!



Connector Photos:

Inside of Connector

BFA Spirit!! Photos from Green and Gold Days





Feeling Tropical


Varsity Football game of 10/27/20


Varsity Soccer game of 10/29/20



Friday, October 23, 2020

Friday, October 23, 2020 Weekly Administrative Update

Dear BFA Community:

Over the years I have been asked to speak at many National Honor Society induction ceremonies. While my overall message differs depending on that particular cohort, I always ask students to acknowledge their parents and family members as it is unlikely that they would earn such a distinction without their continual assistance. The seemingly endless shuttling of rides, enrollment in camps, payment for a litany of goods and services, and, perhaps most importantly, support when times inevitably become difficult, all help make for childhood success. The importance of positive parental involvement is most keenly felt with hybrid learning.

Last night I spoke at length with two of my best friends that I have known for over 40 years and with whom I still see many times a year. One of my friends explained his experience with hybrid learning and his youngest son, a high school freshman. He and his wife assumed that all was well with their son’s academics as he appeared to be on the computer and telling them he was completing his assignments. Two weeks later, a teacher called informing them that their son had not completed any of the past 11 assignments. Now, it should be pointed out that he is the youngest of four children with a sister who earned valedictorian (and a doctorate), a brother who is currently in the US Green Berets and was just offered a teaching position at West Point Military Academy and another who is a missionary (previously) traveling the world helping the disadvantaged; my friend was not used to hearing such news. Being an involved parent in today’s world calls for a new set of skills, or a willingness to acquire a new set of skills. Fortunately for their youngest son’s future, they shifted gears, spoke to his teachers, and found out how to check to see if he was completing his assignments. Working along their son’s school, they were able to find new ways to support their youngest. All of this reminded me to thank the families out there working diligently to support this new learning experience, as I am in awe of how supportive parents have been. To assist with this support, BFA teachers have opened up times on November 2,4, and 5 for virtual parent/guardian meetings; please see our website for sign-ups: https://pickatime.com/client?ven=11600644.  Should these times not work for you, just reach out via email to a teacher and a mutually convenient time will be set up.

BFA’s early success with hybrid learning is due to our staff’s dedication to their students, as well as continued parent involvement. The upcoming parent-teacher conferences is one more link in this all-important chain for student success.

Sincerely,
Brett Blanchard
Principal

Photos and More Information


Parent-Teacher Virtual Conferences will be held on:
Monday 11/2/2020 from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Wednesday 11/4/2020 from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Thursday 11/5/2020 from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM


link: https://pickatime.com/client?ven=11600644

Please contact Desiree Stevens (802)527-6571 or dstevens@maplerun.org or
Kelly Hirss (802) 527-6570 khirss@maplerun.org with any questions.


1st Student-led Assembly. Mr. Blanchard commented "Impressive job by our students taking the stage for a live assembly with no live studio audience! All were first rate."


Athletic Photos:

JV vs. MVU 10.19.20


Molly Smith's flip throw in



Varsity vs MMU 10.20.20




Girls Volleyball 10-21-20



ATTENTION BFA STUDENTS!!

AS PART OF SPIRIT WEEK, STUDENT COUNCIL AND INTERACT ARE RUNNING A CLASS CEREAL DRIVE COMPETITION!

BRING BOXES OF CEREAL WITH YOU TO SCHOOL AND PLACE THEM IN THE BINS AT YOUR DESIGNATED ENTRANCE.  STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL BE THERE TO ASK YOU YOUR CLASS TO ADD TO THE WEEKLY TALLY.

THE WINNING CLASS WILL RECEIVE SPIRIT WEEK POINTS TOWARD THE OVER TOTAL!



Art News:

Check out the beautiful new art submissions from Mrs. Yandow's classes: https://bfamercury.org/category/studentwork/
  
Mercury News:

BFA's The Mercury, the longest-running school newspaper in the state of Vermont (since 1930), has kicked off to a dynamite school year with two student editors, Owen Biniecki and Helen Simmons, and eight staff writers. 

Here are some highlights:
For his article, "The Case for Winter Sports," Case Ballard landed an interview with Jay Nichols, Executive Director of the VPA. 

Olivia Belrose put many hours into completing this feature piece: "Remote Learning at its Finest: An Inside Look at a Virtual Reality"  

Get a glimpse into some students' perspectives in Ashely Cruz-Cortes's piece, "Challenges Non-Native Speakers Face"

We are working hard to build our readership.  Please follow our new Facebook and Instagram pages and spread the word! 

Recycling:
Mr. Hungerford's Recycling Team


Health News:

Val Lipka and Jodi Walker, the BFA school nurse’s, would like to send out a huge thank you to Nicole Howrigan and family for a special basket full of surprises that showed up in our office’s this morning! During this time when people are feeling the COVID burn out, it warms our hearts to think that people are thinking of us. We will all get through this hard time but only if we wrap around each other and support our coworkers. The stronger we are, the stronger we can be for our students. Thanks again for the smile you put on our faces.

Val & Jodi



The BFA nurses are continuing to support the state's algorithm regarding return to school following an illness.  Please continue to support them by not sending your child to school sick.  Reach out to them to discuss any symptoms and make a plan for return.  To help guide parents, the Vermont Dept. of Health has provided a COVID-19 Information for Families Return to School Following Illness sheet.  This is a great source to help educate you regarding symptoms and the next steps. 






FREE COMMUNITY FLU SHOTS OFFERED IN NOVEMBER!

COMMUNITY PARTNERS COLLABORATE WITH MVP TO OFFER FREE FLU CLINIC

St. Albans, Vt – A FREE community flu clinic will be held on Thursday, November 12,

from 2 – 6 pm at St. Albans City Hall. There is no appointment needed. This flu clinic is open to EVERYONE, regardless of your health insurance. This flu clinic is open to everyone, including those without health insurance.

A flu shot can protect you and your loved ones from the flu and the potentially serious complications that can come with it. There is no appointment required, but a bit of paperwork prior to receiving the shot. 

The entire process takes about 5-10 minutes. If you have current health insurance, please bring your insurance card. If not, no problem! You may still receive the flu shot!

Masks will be required. All involved in the flu clinic will be following all COVID-19 health guidelines.

Note: MVP Health Care® does not administer flu vaccines. Flu vaccines are administered by immunization trained nurses and pharmacists.

This flu clinic is sponsored by MVP Health Care, Vermont Blueprint for Health, the Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the City of St. Albans.


For additional information, contact Denise Smith
at the Vermont Blueprint for Health: 802-524-8913.

For details and additional local flu clinic dates, visit mvphealthcare.com/flu
#SleeveUp #FightFlu




Friday, October 16, 2020

Friday, October 16, 2020 Weekly Administrative Update

Dear BFA Community:

As I walk around the school, I am continually impressed by the resilience and respect shown by our students. This resilience, however, needs to be understood for what it is, and guide us with where we need to go with our students. Unlike any time before, students are rightfully uncertain as to what the immediate future holds as no guidelines are there to be had, and the world they were used to has been altered. This seems obvious, but knowing that, there is an obligation from everyone to see our students have multiple means to be directly connected with class, classmates, and clubs. 

This week it was invigorating to meet with the Athletic Council, and their advisors, to listen to their proposal for a BFA Spirit Week. The Student Council also continues to work on a communitywide event for early November. The Robotics Club met today with a solid number of students excited about participating. This Monday is our first Student-led Assembly using YouTube live. Yesterday after school, several BFA/NCTC faculty gathered in Taylor Park to film parts of our Veteran’s Day Assembly which will be broadcast on Tuesday, November 10 at 8:30 AM. More information will be forthcoming as this most important assembly involves several of our students, as well as members of the community, and three veteran organizations. At next week’s MRUSD School Board meeting, BFA Student Representative Quincy Fournier will be presenting a Senior Privilege Form, as well as giving any school update the Board requests; it was a pleasure to (virtually) meet with Quincy today. The Video Game Design and Development Club will be meeting today from 3-5 pm and I am very interested to see what they accomplish. Our Interact Club is hosting a community blood drive at City Hall on October 28th (https://www.redcrossblood.org/).  BFA/NCTC student-thespians and stage crew are also meeting after school today with hopes for a Theater production as soon as next month. Additionally, for some great reads written entirely by our students, please check out the BFA Mercury (https://bfamercury.org/). 

As these tremendous opportunities continue to be expanded upon, I would be remiss if I did not remind all students and parents/guardians of the importance of attending classes five days a week. Our hybrid learning model bears little resemblance to what may have occurred during the rapid closing of schools last spring. As our teachers continue to review how their classes are going, and work towards improving all that we do, we must have students in the classroom during in-person days and joining their class virtually during remote days. In other words, we will continue to expand student opportunities, and provide high-quality learning experiences, but we must have our students engaged every school day (and hopefully beyond those days). Students and parents/guardians should be checking their PowerSchool Unified Classroom for progress in their courses. Links for signing up for virtual parent-teacher conferences will be sent out soon and we encourage all parents/guardians to connect with their child's teachers. If the times offered do not work for you, please reach out via email to any teacher and a mutually convenient time is sure to be arranged.

Enjoy the weekend.
  
Sincerely,
Brett Blanchard
Principal

Photos and More Information


Save the Date: Spirit Week Theme Days & Class Competition
Monday 10/26 Green & Gold
Tuesday 10/27 Tropical Tuesday
Thursday 10/29 Tropical Thursday
Friday 10/30 Green & Gold


Wood Design and Fab - Cutting Boards
Jake Nelson
                                                                                                Jayden Montgomery

BFA Staff Children Coaching/Care



Athletic Photos:

Cross Country team

    Girls Volleyball

                            JV Boys Football

    Varsity Boy Soccer

Varsity Girls Soccer

Friday, October 9, 2020

Friday, October 9, 2020 Weekly Administrative Update

Dear BFA Community: 

This week reminded me why I love my job and am proud to be the Principal of BFA. Along with Guidance Counselors, I was able to present awards to seven of our hardworking students (see photos below). After we chatted in the principal's office, it was terrific to be able to go outside, discuss the importance of striving for excellence (it does matter) and have students take off their masks (one at a time) in order to get their pictures taken. These accomplishments would have typically been recognized at an all-school assembly; however, it was great to hear one recipient say, “I think this is my all-time favorite personal assembly!”  This week also saw more direct work with students on a variety of topics. The bi-weekly Wednesday afternoon student leadership-administration meetings are always a highlight; with this week being no less the case. We saw the addition of several BFA Student Council members with an outcome of senior privileges being created; this now needs to go to the MRUSD School Board for approval. Senior Class President Thomas Remillard will be informing all seniors of the details immediately after the Board presentation. The ideas for an amazing and creative Spirit Week and Homecoming are in place and I look forward to hearing the possibilities as soon as Student Council and the Athletic Council are ready to meet with administration. 


Our assemblies are ever closer to being ready. BFA/NCTC 's Student-led Assembly is another step closer to reality thanks to a weekly meeting, several emails, and more work from Zach Lovejoy.

Mr. Bushey has been working with staff, students, and community to see our Tuesday, November 10th Veteran's Day Virtual Assembly will be ready for all the community to view.


When I had the honor of representing District 1 (New England) principals on the National Association of Secondary Principals (NASSP) Board, I was asked to create and post a brief statement of what I do as a principal. My single sentence read, “To actualize student potential”. This week enabled me to witness some of that first hand, look forward to more of that next week and be excited about the future.


Have a great (hopefully extended) weekend. 


Sincerely,

Brett Blanchard

Principal

Photos and More Information


Senior recognized for kindness:

Please click on this link to view this story about BFA senior Ian Carpenter! Way to go Ian!

2019-2020 Awards presented this week:

Maya Jerose - Clarkson Leadership

Nate Smullen - Clarkson Achievement

    Caitlyn Dasara - RPI Medal 
Will Dumont - RIT Innovation and Creativity
                

    Quincy Fournier - St. Mike's Book Award

Thomas Remillard - RIT Computing Medal


2019-2020 National Community Service Awards were presented to Lydia Hodgeman and Quincy Fournier.
Lydia Hodgeman and Quincy Fournier.

Meet Murphy - BFA's Therapy Dog:
We have a therapy dog on campus. Murphy has been on campus twice now and will continue to be on campus throughout the remainder of the school year. Murphy is a certified Therapy Dog, which means he is here for the students.

BFA Senior Night under the lights:


Fall Cheerleading:


Soccer:



Volleyball: