Thursday, December 17, 2020

Thursday, December 17, 2020 - Update

 Dear BFA Community:

This week’s Student-led Assembly, which will be replayed Monday, was our best one yet.  Between music performances by the BFA String Ensemble kicking off the show and the BFA Band closing it out, students took turns taking the stage to speak on a variety of topics they are passionate about. Zach, the assembly director, gave a health update and welcomed everyone to December’s assembly. Destigmatizing mental health remains an ongoing goal and with the holiday break soon here, Sophia and Molly from Hope Happens Here offered community resources for those struggling; we will continue to work on this throughout the year. Tara spoke on the importance of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club, as well as developing a strong community of acceptance in order to see all students benefit. The Marine Corps, and serving one’s country was presented by Lew. As Senior Class President, Thomas had a dual message of keeping faithful with our mask-wearing, while following that up with a holiday spirit video created by the Student Council. Finally, Chris introduced the bold initiative of having some senior class parking on campus and how those interested need to see Mr. Bloom for the paperwork. Nick closed us out with the BFA Band playing a three-piece set of music from Elton John.


Immediately after the assembly, several people spoke about how much they enjoyed the variety of subjects and the manner in which they were presented by the students. A subsequent conversation with Mr. Rider led to an interesting discussion on lessons to be learned from significant events such as war and the current pandemic. While he had already spoken to his students on why they should feel proud of their efforts during this difficult time, and as the years move on, and society moves off from this pandemic, they will be able to reflect on their behavior and hold their heads high (his exact phrasing was likely far better than my encapsulated one). Before I had to abruptly run off to a meeting, Mr. Rider said the simple but powerful statement, We are winning. BFA has remained open throughout this tumultuous time while more than half of the world’s students have been learning virtually and, all too often, in isolation these past nine months. Thanks to 100% of our staff showing up daily, our kids are having at least two days of direct instruction and continuing at least some meaningful school experience. This week’s Student-led Assembly was evidence that BFA and NCTC are winning. We will continue to provide meaningful in-person learning experiences while adhering to the state’s guidelines as we look forward to emerging out of this pandemic and into the vibrant world of fully in-person schooling.

Sincerely,
Brett Blanchard
Principal

Photos and More Information

 St. Alban's Rotary Club Citizens of the Year has been awarded to BFA's Bill Mercier and his wife, Rhonda. Click here to read the article: St. Albans Messenger Article


    Celebrating light in our new connector!

Food collection in-progress.



Spirit Week:

Winner of Winter Teams: Chris Cotignola

Winner of Bells Day: Sarah McElree

Winner of PJ Day: Sophie Thompson

    Murphy's got Holiday Spirit.



Click here to enjoy our December Student-led virtual assembly: Dec 17 Assembly

BFA Student Council put together a Happy Holidays Video to spread joy during the holiday season. Click here to watch the video: Student Council Holiday Video

Important Yearbook Dates:
The yearbook price change will be happening at the end of the month!! Order yours now!!
Now until Dec 31, 2020 - yearbook $40
Jan 1, 2021, until March 5th - yearbook $50
Jan 29th, 2021 - Last day to personalize book online
Yearbook Sales Link: http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A08772600

News from the Math Department:
 Students of the Month of October 
The names are in the same order as the pictures.
Caroline Bliss, Colin Brace, Antonio Burr,
Natalia Cobb, Liliana Foisy, Quincy Fournier,
Alyssa Gerrish, Camden Johnson, Colby Page,
Ada Shookenhuff, Nate Smullen


Students of the Month of November
The names are in the same order as the pictures. 
Noah Allen, Benjamin Briggs, Haley Corey, 
Jenelle Hardy, Marshall Hebert, Corey Jankowski, 
Audrey Kaeding, Dante Nixon, Camden Piper, 
Sam Preston, Zach Ries Not Pictured: Frida Rustad


Semester 2 Schedule and Start Date:
Below, you will find the Semester 2 Student Schedule. Semester 2 starts Monday, January 25th.

PLEASE NOTE: Semester 2 reverts back to the standard 7:30 am start time.

Please make the appropriate arrangements for your student to arrive at 7:15 am for Health Screening.