The new year continues to bring challenges to all walks of life, including in education. At BFA, we continue to face those challenges head on while looking at the possibilities, not liabilities. For most students and staff, the second semester will be more difficult with more work expected. For those students in grades 10-12, the 7:30 AM start time will be nothing new, although it will entail a shift from the first semester. During the continuing difficult times of the pandemic, BFA continues to be a leader in hybrid learning, especially given the number of Vermont schools that have been in a virtual learning environment either entirely or partially. We have remained open for in-person instruction as much as the state regulations have allowed and our first-semester schedule was built around maximizing success while preparing for a more robust second semester. Increasing course load from three (for most students) to four may not be easy but we are thankful that students and staff are not trying to juggle seven courses on a daily basis. Communication will be more important than ever so students will need to make valuable use of Enrichment to connect with their teachers, check on assignments, and seek assistance whenever needed.
Another way BFA continues to lead is with creative use of technology for positive problem solving within the state guidelines. As schools are not allowed to have visitors into the building, yet we desire to still hold our BFA Experience for prospective students, everyone is invited to a live online experience on January 19th. Staff and students have been working before, during, and after school to prepare for this creative alternative; please see details below.
Many of our staff and students remain working hard, and behind the scenes, to support both our school and local community. Some of this week's contributions are also highlighted below.
This weekend is extended with Monday’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day being celebrated. This year it feels more important than ever to honor inclusion by reflecting on our role in making society a more welcoming place where we look to support one another regardless of race or beliefs. The challenges of the past year are not gone with the advent of a calendar change. The various violent protests that have rocked our nation need to serve as a reminder that Dr. King led a nonviolent revolution that dramatically improved the lives of millions. As he presciently said, “I might not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.” This three-day holiday weekend offers all of us the opportunity to reflect on the impact of Dr. King’s nonviolent protests and look to how we, as individuals, may continue to lead our country to that promised land; if not for the adults then for the future of our students. Have a terrific weekend and I look forward next week to sharing some more of the great work going on at BFA.
Sincerely,
Brett Blanchard
Principal
Student pick up and drop off must only be in the front of our new connector; not Ferris Street.
PHOTOS AND MORE INFORMATION
Important Reminder:Student pick up and drop off must only be in the front of our new connector; not Ferris Street.
Weekly Meal Pick Up:
Starting the week of January 18th, meal pick-up will be available on Fridays from 12:00-1:00 pm. Meals will include 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, fruit, juice, and milk. For families interested in Friday meal pick-up, please contact Teri Brunelle 527-6404 or tbrunelle@maplerun.org. Meals will be picked up from the North Building.
The BFA/NCTC Experience:
Bellows Free Academy (BFA) & the Northwest Career and Technical Center (NCTC) invite prospective students and families to the virtual BFA Experience on January 19th, 5:30 – 7pm. We know that families have a very important decision to make about where to go to high school. To help you with this decision, BFA/NCTC invites you to an exciting interactive presentation; The BFA Experience. During this virtual event, we will provide information so that you can learn more about the great opportunities and programs at BFA/NCTC. Please go to: The BFA/NCTC Experience
Student Meetings:
Athletic Leadership
Hope Happens Here
Classroom Action:
