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,
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
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."
Photos and More Information
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.
Athletic Photos:
JV vs. MVU 10.19.20
Varsity vs MMU 10.20.20
Girls Volleyball 10-21-20
Art News:
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.
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"
Recycling:
Mr. Hungerford's Recycling Team
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
