Friday, April 30, 2021, Weekly Administrative Update

In this week's blog, the focus is sharing important information, amazing student work, and photos.

PHOTOS & MORE!

Click on the link for the 9th Grade SBAC and 11th Grade Science Assessment Information

Arbor Day:

Today BFA Interact celebrated Arbor Day by planting a large maple tree in front of BFA's historic South Building. The tree replaces one lost in the past and is part of the city's larger mission of planting 50 trees a year. St. Albans is well known for its "treescape" which was no accident. Dr. Carmola and Johh Thoren started this mission more than 30 years ago by transplanting trees from a property on French Hill to the city streets. During their lifetime this dynamic duo planted more than 500 trees in St. Albans. The city has taken over this vital mission and maintains 1,700 trees throughout St. Albans. This story is a beautiful illustration of how a few committed people can make a huge difference.

Music News:

Aria Garceau and Nathaniel Cobb are chosen for the 2021 VT All-State Music Festival.

Both Aria and Nathaniel prepared and recorded their All-State solo this year remotely and were honored with acceptance into the prestigious 2021 All-State Music Festival. With their own private teachers, they prepared and recorded the challenging solos required for this audition. All of BFA Music are particularly proud of their accomplishment this year especially because it required such personal drive and dedication. The festival in it’s normal format will not happen this year but will be replaced with a virtual festival on the 15th of May.

Nathaniel has played in every district music festival since his 5th grade year on either oboe or alto saxophone. He has performed with the Enosburgh Town Band since 5th grade playing with other musicians of all ages every Tuesday night and concertizing with that group all Summer long. Nathaniel has made All-State all four years of high school on the alto saxophone and plans to major in saxophone performance at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY.

Aria has also participated in district music festivals since middle school, starting as early as 4th grade as a violinist in the District String Festival that year. This is also her fourth year of being accepted into the All-State Band and she also made the All New England Band her sophomore year. Aria is planning to attend Clarkson University next year to major in Civil Engineering but plans to both play in the Clarkson Pep Band and take music classes next door at the Crane School of Music.

Aria says “My advice to the underclassman would be to take advantage of the music festivals and to stay in band throughout high school. Band is a great community and you get to learn new things and meet new people you may not have known if you weren’t in band!”

Nathaniel’s advice to future generations of BFA musicians is: “Stay involved with music, take chances when opportunities present themselves, even if it is challenging, you might find it is something that you love. And join jazz band! It’s fun!”

Building Trades: 

Spring Sports:

Teen Talk:

Senior Communication:

Here is the link for the Live YouTube Event held on Tuesday, April 27th. https://youtu.be/rOBY-vtcxNg

Culminating Events Calendar: View our Senior Events Calendar & Save the Dates:

Thank you to those that watched our live event.  If you didn't have a chance to watch it, here is the recorded version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOBY-vtcxNg


Also, here is the link for the sign-up genius. We appreciate all of your support for these fun end-of-the-year activities!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4EACAB2CA1F85-bfasenior

Friday, April 16, 2021, Weekly Administrative Update

In this week's blog, we are focusing on sharing some important information and amazing student work and photos. Happy Spring Break!

PLP Requirements 

This letter went out to all students this week.

Dear BFA Students,

As we enter Quarter 4, we want to take a moment to remind you of your PLP requirements to conclude the school year. By this point, you should have created your own copy of the 2020-21 PLP Student Learning Evidence Template, shared it with your advisor, and the following sections of your template should be complete:

~ About Me

~ Goals 20-21

~ January/Mid-Year Reflection

~ Three pieces of linked evidence for Quarters 1-3

These sections of the Template were due on April 2nd, however, if you haven’t completed them please do so and submit it to your advisor on April 26th, the day we return from April break. 

Your completed PLP Evidence of Learning Template, including the Quarter 4 evidence and End of Year Reflection, will be due to your advisor no later than May 24th.

Your completed PLP Evidence of Learning Template IS A GRADUATION REQUIREMENT. It needs to be completed in order to graduate. However, due to the unusual way that we ended last school year, Seniors will need to submit the completed Evidence of Learning for only their senior year. 

Grades 9-11 will also need to have their PLP Evidence of Learning Template submitted by the May 24th deadline, as documentation of evidence of learning. It is a graduation requirement and the completion of your PLP will be reflected on your transcript from this year forward. 

Please speak with your advisor regarding any questions you might have about completing this process. If you do not have an advisor please contact Mr. Mahabir for assistance.

Stay Engaged. Stay Focused. Do your Best!

Warmly,

Ms. Kattam

Photos & More!

Attention Seniors and Families:

Save the Date: April 27th, 6 pm

2nd Informational Live YouTube Event

Re: End of the Year Senior Activities

Senior Spotlight:

This week's Senior Spotlight is BFA St. Albans senior, Gianna Stevens! Gianna is a horn player in VT Youth Philharmonia who will be presenting their Spring Concert this coming Saturday, April 17 (Livestream info at vyo.org). Learn more about Gianna at the link below!

https://www.vyo.org/class-of-2021-senior-spotlight-7/

Music News:

Alex “Rusty” Charpentier is the Maple Run String Orchestra teacher and has some new content out online that is very cool. Congratulations Rusty!

Each year, Music-COMP holds its Summer Institute where music educators come together to learn how to integrate composition and creativity into their classes. In addition, each participant composes a work of their own which is performed by Vermont's own contemporary ensemble TURNmusic. Alex Charpentier teaches Middle School and High School music in St. Albans and his new work, Hero's Journey, was created at the 2019 Summer Institute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKgQqEvptNI

Chamber Singers:

On Tuesday, April 13, BFA Chambers Singers performed live music after school in the new Connector for the first performance of the year.   The first song in this 2-song live video recording is “Homeward Bound,” composed by Marta Keen (arr. Jay Althouse) and features Emily Parent, Class of 2022 as the soprano soloist.

Chamber Singers closed out the live performance with an arrangement of “I Dreamed A Dream,” from Les Miserables composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer (arr. Ed. Lojeski).  Sophie Thompson, Class of 2021, is the featured Mezzo-Soprano Soloist.  

Due to COVID restrictions, no audience members were allowed to attend and the performance was scheduled at a time when the Connector was not in use.  All music performed in this video was recorded live at the time of the performance and represents what audience members would hear.  Students are excited to be together and perform music once again.  

Chamber Singers is under the direction of Armand Messier, BFA Choral director, who has been at the Academy for 21 years.  Melissa Ewell, the piano accompanist, is a recently retired music teacher, having taught for 40 years in public schools.

Click here to watch: Chamber Singers performance

Skills USA News:
Youth leadership activities are embedded in all NCTC programs. Each year, we have many students compete at the state and national level. These competitions tested our students through a variety of rigorous practicals, written tests, and professional interviews. We are proud of them all.

2021 Vermont Spring Leadership and Skills Conference award winners:

Culinary Arts Silver medal Alonso Cifuentes

Job Interview Silver Leah Hale

Medical Math- Silver Mackenzie Hutchins

Motorcycle Service Technology - Gold Richard Page and Silver Jordan Sylvester

Photography- Bronze Jarod Gravelin 

Related Technical Math - Gold Isabella Williams 

Related Technical Math - Silver Connor Powell 

Related Technical Math - Bronze Corbin Gralnick

Theater:

Theatre students create a short film with neutral masks.

Spring COVID-19 Safety Messages:

Attached is guidance for families and school staff regarding health guidance for travel and gathering this spring:

Attention Seniors and Families:

Save the Date: Tuesday, April 27th at 6 pm for our 2nd Live YouTube Event for Seniors and Families.  During this event, we will share dates and details of Senior Week (June 5th - June 12th) and any additional information we may have on graduation plans. Link to be sent as the event gets closer.

On April 6, 2021, state guidance was updated and we will be discussing as we plan senior events and graduation. Here’s a snapshot:

For those parents and guardians who have sent correspondence stating that you are willing to volunteer or donate, thank you; and we will be using Sign-up Genius. When we send that link out, you can sign up for exactly what you want to do. For example, we would list that we need 4 cases of water and you can sign up for 1 case of water, etc. Stay tuned for more information.

Sincerely,

Theresa Callan

Graduation Coordinator

Spring Sport Photos:

Bobwhite Lacrosse Team

Christian Vallee

Comets Softball Team

Ian Carpenter

Maren McGinn

Nate Smullen

Sophie Zemianek

 

Friday, April 9, 2021, Weekly Administrative Update

Dear BFA/NCTC Community,

As you may imagine, I have been asked via email, phone calls, and at this week’s board meeting why BFA will remain in hybrid learning for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. Let me first say that I appreciate all those with whom I have personally spoken, and all those at Wednesday’s board meeting, as everyone has afforded me the opportunity to explain. So, why is it best for our students to finish the year in our current hybrid system?

At BFA, we believe that learning objectives and educational outcomes should drive what we do. With less than two months of school to go, BFA’s year-end objectives are to provide our students:

1. Continuity of learning for students that have experienced disrupted education for over a year.
2. Consistency with expectations as we develop a more comprehensive recovery plan.  Those expectations include:
• Remaining open for in-person learning, after-school activities, and athletics.
• Working recovery into our current system.
3. Maximum opportunities for in-person senior events

In order to meet our goals, BFA needs to remain open and our hybrid schedule best allows us to do so. Currently, positive Covid-19 cases are at an all-time high in our community with student numbers greatly increased over the past month. It should be noted that none of those positive cases originated or were spread at BFA but it does mean that we have had to send many in our community into quarantine. Unlike dozens of other schools in Vermont, BFA has remained open with all of our faculty present since the start of school.

For those who followed Vermont athletics this winter, the impact of quarantine and school closures was dramatic. I am extremely proud of our girl’s basketball team and our boy’s hockey team as both earned their respective DI state championships; other teams throughout the state had their season cut short due to contact tracing and quarantine. Currently, our contact tracing takes place at least five days a week, and most weekends. Should we bring the entire school back for in-person learning, our contact tracing would likely overwhelm our system and lead to the closure of athletics, senior events, plays, in-person learning and put a live graduation at risk. Even in our hybrid model and conscientiously following state guidelines, those activities are at risk given the community cases. What some may not understand is that while physical distancing was just announced at three feet, contact tracing remains at six feet; the impact of this is potentially huge. For every case needing to be followed up on, this would likely more than double the numbers needing to be contact traced and/or quarantined. 

For the past four months, we have also been examining creative ways we could open for full in-person learning given a high percentage of our classes do not allow even three feet of distance. As we already use the Performing Arts Center (PAC) for multiple classes, our gym for advisories, lunch and food distribution, and our cafeteria for both lunch and advisory, we sought opportunities for classes to be held outside our building. Mayor Tim Smith spent a great deal of time and effort helping us try and do just that. Unfortunately, after months of exploration, this looked to no longer be an option given administrative coverage, insurance, student liability issues, and the daily cleaning necessary. Student input also voiced concern with using some of our local buildings. The Collins-Perley Complex also was not an option given the tennis courts continue to be needed for vaccination clinics. Throughout all of this, the staff at BFA has been exemplary. All staff are willing to do whatever it takes, as they have all year.

Lastly, after April break there are a total of thirty-seven school days. We have many students currently making progress with proficiency needed to earn credit. The potential for school closure and going fully virtual would likely significantly set back these students.

There is no question that the past thirteen months have been dramatically disruptive. Throughout this school year, the staff at BFA has been exemplary and I could not be more proud of their efforts. They willingly took on the unprecedented challenge of simultaneously teaching virtually and in-person. They looked for creative ways to engage our students and, most importantly, all faculty have been showing up to work with their students since August. I also personally would like to thank the greater community for their support during this tumultuous time. Perhaps the most unrecognized and underappreciated aspect during this pandemic has been the impressive strength our kids have shown since day one. All students have exhibited respect for one another by wearing masks every period, every day, and often for twelve continuous hours (for those involved in afterschool programs). This summer we will be offering a variety of engagement learning opportunities which we hope to be made public within the next month. I know I speak for all of us at BFA when I say we desperately await a return to education normalcy with the anticipated return to full-time in-person schooling this coming fall.

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,
Brett Blanchard
Brett Blanchard, BFA Principal

Mark your calendar!

Spring testing dates are below. In-person testing. More information to come. 

Bus transportation will be provided. 

Standardized Testing:

ALL 9th and 11th grade students are REQUIRED to take the standardized state tests. All students must bring their Chromebooks on test day. Arrive no later than the time listed. 

Wednesday, May 19th: 

ALL 9th graders: Math SBAC 7:30-11:00 am

ALL 11th graders: Vermont Science Assessment 12:00-3:00 pm

Wednesday, May 26th:

ALL 9th graders: English SBAC 7:30-11:00 am

Wednesday, June 2nd:

ALL Makeups beginning at 7:30 am

AP Testing Dates and Times: 

Arrive no later than the time listed. 

Wednesday, May 5th: 

AP Literature & Composition 7:30 am - Paper & Pencil

Friday, May 14th:

AP Biology 7:30 am - Paper & Pencil

AP Environmental Science 11:30 am - Paper & Pencil

Thursday, May 20th:

AP Government & Politics 11:30 am - Bring Chromebook

Monday, May 24th:

AP Calculus 7:30 am - Paper & Pencil

AP Physics Mechanics 11:30 am - Paper & Pencil

Tuesday, May 25th:

AP Chemistry 7:30 am - Paper & Pencil

AP Statistics 11:30 am - Paper & Pencil

Wednesday, May 26th:

AP Language & Composition 11:30 pm - Bring Chromebook

Wednesday, June 2:

AP US History 11:30 am - Bring Chromebook

Q3 Final Grades and S2 Progress Reports will be live on the parent portal at 4:00pm on Monday, April 12.

Don't forget to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences!

Parent-Teacher VIRTUAL Conferences will be held on:

April 12^th thru April 16^th, please log in to see teacher’s availability.

 

Please give teachers at least one hour to receive the Google meet link if scheduling close to meeting time. If you are new to pickAtime, you will need a valid email address and your student’s id number to set these up.

 

Teachers ask that you turn your video on, so it is a face-to-face conference when possible.

 

 Video on how to sign up and make appointments (2:20 minute video)

 

Please contact bfaguidance@maplerun.org or Stephanie Gagnon (802)527-6571 or Kelly Hirss (802) 527-6570 with any questions.

 

Sign up starts at 3:30 PM ~ April 5^th (Monday)

 

Click here for the Spring Parent-Teacher Conference login page

Photos & More!

News from the Business Department:

Congratulations to these Business Students!

Math Department News:

Congratulations March Math Students of the Month!

The names are in the same order as the pictures.

 Kally Aldrich, Emma Archambault, Emma Bapp,

Nathaniel Begnoche, Emma Bordeau, Alyssa Boudreau,

Allison Bushey, Alivia Bushway, Ryan Caldwell,

Joshua Lanfear

 

NCTC News:

Michael Antoniak has been recognized as the SkillsUSA Advisor of the year for Vermont.
Great job Mike and very well deserved! Check out this video: SkillsUSAVermont2021

We had 5 NCTC programs compete this year and every program achieved at least one medal. 

Northwest Technical Center students recently participated in the 2021 SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Competition. These competitions tested our students through a variety of rigorous practicals, written tests, and professional interviews.

We are proud of them all.  

 

The following gold medal winners from our state SkillsUSA Leadership competition will be representing the state of Vermont in Louisville Kentucky (Virtually or at a local practical site) this June.   

 

Please congratulate and wish them the best of luck!

Gold Medal Winners

Richard Page                            Motorcycle Services (Automotive Technology)

Isabella Williams                      Technical Math (Engineering Technology)

      

Silver Medal Winners 

 

Leah Hale                                 Medical Math (Public Safety & Fire Services)

Mackenzie Hutchins                 Professional Job Interview (Public Safety & Fire Services

Jordan Sylvester                       Motorcycle Service(Automotive Technology)

Connor Powell                         Related Technical Math (Engineering Technology)

Alonso Cifuentes                     Culinary Arts (Culinary Arts)

  

Bronze Medal Winners

Corbin Gralnick                        Related Technical Math (Engineering Technology)

Jarod Gravelin                          Photography (Digital Media)

What is SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. We help each student excel. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle-school, high-school and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service (including health) occupations. 

Mission Statement: SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. We improve the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of SkillsUSA Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics. Our vision is to produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success.

SkillsUSA serves more than 372,655 students and instructors annually. This includes 20,598 instructors who join as professional members. Including alumni, SkillsUSA membership totals over 434,000. SkillsUSA has served 13.6 million annual members cumulatively since 1965 and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor as a successful model of employer-driven workforce development.

Interact Blood Drive:

BFA Interact helped with the 5th Blood Drive during the pandemic this past Monday, March 29th at the VFW on Lake Street. Quincy Fournier, BFA Interact, has been a huge part of this accomplishment. She has been named a LEADER THAT SAVES LIVES by the National Red Cross.

If you see Calvin Storms or Quincy Fournier today, please thank them for their service!

Theatre:

Theatre students filming a reading of student-written film.

Unified Theater:

Adam Ballard learning about the lighting booth in Unified Theater.

Classroom Photos:

Jake Nelson and the beautiful table he made.

Senior Solo - Sophie Thompson Performs Thank You for the Music:

BFA Senior Sophie Thompson is our next featured vocalist performing the song “Thank You for the Music,” from Mamma Mia!, written by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Lianna Roque, BFA Class of ‘19 arranged the vocal harmonies.

BFA Chorus seniors continue to be featured during the COVID-19 pandemic showcasing their musical talents through high quality audio and video performances. Although these recording projects cannot replace live performances, much of the same effort to prepare and perform have occurred in producing these videos.

We very much hope you enjoy this recording as well as future upcoming videos within the next month highlighting all of our Seniors vocalists in the music department.

WATCH THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC PERFORMED BY Sophie Thompson (YouTube)

Attention Seniors and Families:

I hope you had a chance to watch our YouTube senior event last week. If not, here is the video link: Senior Activities Informational Session. As we mentioned at the event, I will be sending you weekly communications.

I’d like to thank those of you who have reached out to me and your willingness to help with our end-of-the-year senior activities!

All caps, gowns, and diplomas have been ordered and have arrived at BFA! It might seem early but I wanted to ensure that I had them and I thank you for your early orders. It is hard to believe that we have only 2+ months for graduation.

Main Street Graphics is thinking of our 2021 graduates.  Click here if you would like to order your senior a personalized lawn sign. 

If you would like to order graduation announcements through Balfour, below are the instructions. Please note that you can use whatever printing service you would like; however, I wanted to provide you with an online option.

Sincerely,

Theresa Callan

Graduation Coordinator

Online Ordering Instructions for Graduation Announcements

Go to www.balfour.com  (Note: there are 2 Balfour sites: Balfour.com and Balfourvt.com)

Click on Shop My School

Scroll to Official Announcements. There will be two choices, one w/names & one w/photos.

The choice with name means that your name will be printed in the custom announcement so there is no need for name cards.

The choice with photos means you can upload your photo into the announcement.

Both choices can be ordered in groups of 20 and include the two envelopes.

Be sure to check all the graduation items that are available

Please contact balfourvt@gmail.com with any questions.

Additional Senior Info:

Hello Senior Parents,

It's that time!  We want to see your son/daughter's best baby picture for our senior class slide.  We are looking to have this photo be sent either to Chris Pepin (cpepin@maplerun.org) or Christine Trombley (ctrombley@Maplerun.org) by Friday, May 7th.

Thank you so much,

Chris Pepin and Christine Trombley