Friday, May 28, 2021, Weekly Administrative Update

 This week's blog focuses on sharing important information, amazing student work, and photos.

PHOTOS & MORE!

SBAC Make-Up Day June 2nd, 7:30am

Any 9th grade or 11th-grade students who were unable to attend SBAC and VSA tests in May are required to attend the standardized testing make-up day on June 2nd at 7:30 am. If you need transportation, please contact Ms. Brunelle at tbrunelle@maplerun.org.

ALL SENIORS need to return all borrowed computer devices to the IT area by June 4^th.  This includes Chromebooks, laptops, and power adapters.

DATES FOR LAST DAY OF SCHOOL:

 

Please note the last day of IN-PERSON school for Grades 9-11:

 

Blue Group In-Person = Monday, June 14^th (No virtual check-in for Green)

 

Green Group In-Person = Tuesday, June 15^th (No virtual check-in for Blue)

 

Seniors graduate on Saturday, June 12th

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announcement:

We are pleased to announce this year's Valedictorian and Salutatorians for the Class of 2021.  The Valedictorian is Nathan Smullen.  The co-Salutatorians are Quincy Fournier and Casey Bechard. Please join us in congratulating them on this significant honor!

Nathan Smullen

Quincy Fournier

Casey Bechard

Student Recognition:

Congratulations Ada!

BFA Sophomore, Ada Shookenhuff, of Bakersfield has received a scholarship to continue her high school education at the United World College ISAK in Japan. Ada was among 60 U.S. students selected for the merit-based Davis Scholarships.

UWC is an international high school for 16- to 19-year-olds with 18 campuses worldwide whose mission is to unite cultures through education, thus creating a peaceful, sustainable world. UWC students represent up to 90 countries at some campuses; many come from conflict regions.

UWC offers the international baccalaureate, a two-year pre-university program that is the most widely recognized secondary school diploma in the world.

Senior Week Preparations - T-shirt Distribution:

Junior Jam Rehearsal 5/24/21:

Theater Awards Night June 3rd, 7 pm.

Here is the link for this event:  https://youtu.be/WW2S30Wi3m4

Sports News:
Loghan Hughes hits 100 career goals in a game against Rice. Congratulations Loghan!

NCTC News:

We would like to congratulate two of our Engineering Technologies students, Connor Powell and Ishai Masada, for securing summer internships at BETA Technologies, an electric flight startup based in South Burlington, VT. They will be working in the Component Quality Control division, measuring components for accuracy to specifications using advanced equipment and techniques.

Thank you to Mr. Vincellette's & Mr. Capsey's Automotive class from NWTC for spending the morning at St. Albans City Pool helping us clean up for the pool season!

Senior Communication:

May 25, 2021

Here is a bulleted list of What to Expect at Graduation on Saturday, June 12th at the Collins Perley Sports Complex:

• The decision will be made on Friday, June 11th if graduation is an outdoor or indoor event. An alert call/message will be sent to seniors and families.

• Seniors are to arrive at the Complex at 10 am and promptly report to the rink to line up.

• Seniors should arrive with their cap and gown on. 

• Please ride with your families to limit the number of vehicles for parking. Traffic in and around CPSC is congested. Carpooling is encouraged.

• Once families have parked, they will be directed to the stadium field registration area for check-in. Please have your (4) tickets ready to present.  If it is raining, you will be directed inside the Complex and will display your (2) tickets at the registration area. Once registration is complete, you will be ushered to the socially distanced seating area.

• If you have special accessibility requirements, please ensure that an usher assists you.

• Current spacing and mask requirements: 

• Adults should still be seated six feet from one another to the best of your ability. If the seating is indoors, guests must wear masks. If the seating is outdoors, guests can remove masks if seated at least six feet from one another.

• All seniors must be spaced a minimum of 3 feet apart to the extent possible.

• Seniors will be receiving special masks that have the BFA graduation logo at no cost. Facial coverings may be removed while delivering speeches, accepting diplomas, and for photos.

• At 11 am, the seniors will march in, be seated and the commencement begins.

• Whipple Photography will be set up near the diploma stage and will take photos of the graduates receiving diplomas and a pose prior to leaving the stage. BFA is purchasing one 5x7 photo for each graduate which will be mailed home. Additional photo packages will be available for families to purchase. I will send the link for that site as soon as it is available.

• Another photo opportunity will be located on the Northside of the Complex (when exiting the tennis courts), field paint is being used to display a Congratulations message to the Class of 2021. This could occur at your leisure any time after graduation.

Also, VERY IMPORTANT, here is the link to the Graduation Pre-registration Form that MUST be completed by May 31, 2021:

https://forms.gle/iQNposB3JRcKEj9u5

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me 802-527-6400.

Sincerely, 

Theresa Callan

Graduation Coordinator

Friday, May 21, 2021, Weekly Administrative Update

 This week's blog focuses on sharing important information, amazing student work, and photos.

Summer Programs:  REGISTRATION OPEN.  See your counselor to sign up. 

WHY STANDARDIZED TESTING!?

Standardized testing offers insight into BFA's teaching and learning compared to other schools in the area and in the nation. The data help teachers inform their teaching and help the district make curricular and programming decisions to ensure that Maple Run Unified School District students receive the best education. Testing can also be viewed as the "State Championship" game for academics. Encourage your student to do their best. BFA can be #1 in the state, not only in Hockey and Basketball but also in academics! 

SPRING STANDARDIZED TESTING SCHEDULE 9th & 11th Grade

Grade	Date	Time	Test Subject Area	*Location
9	Wed. May 26	7:30-11:00	SBAC English Language Arts	Advisory room
9 & 11	Wed. June 2	7:30- TBD	All Make-up tests for any student who missed the test.	Library

*If you don't have an assigned advisor, report to the library. *Virtual Academy report to the library.

• Please arrive by the time listed above. 
• Enter through the connector only.
• Bring a fully charged Chromebook, power adapter, and headphones that plug into the Chromebook. BFA has headphones for those who need them.
• Students who are taking the test are not required to attend other classes on testing day. However, all students who are not testing are still required to attend class.
• Students are expected to remain in class for the entire assessment period. Please refer to page 19 of the student handbook for more details. 
• Students will not be allowed to have phones until dismissal. 
• Students should bring a book or paper-based schoolwork to do after completing the test. Do not plan on using your Chromebook when you finish the test.
• Food will be provided.
• Busses will pick up 9th graders at the regularly scheduled route in the morning on the and 26th. Busses will leave BFA at 11:05.
• If you need transportation on the make-up day, please contact tbrunelle@maplerun.org.

Dates for Last Day of School:

Please note the last day of school for Grades 9-11:

Blue Group = Monday, June 14th

Green Group = Tuesday, June 15th

Seniors graduate on Saturday, June 12th

PHOTOS & MORE!

Math News:

Congratulations, April Students of the Month!

The names are in the same order as the pictures.

 Jazmine Berard, Nathaniel Cobb, Nicholas Creller,

Pilot DesLauriers, Drew Ducolon, Hunter Gregware,

Sarah McConnell, Kaylie Richardson, Amiya Sharp,

Quinnlan Steele, Parker Dandrow,

Science News:

Every year the science department gives two awards to juniors who have excelled in their science classes at BFA. Unfortunately, when the school closed because of COVID last spring, we could not give these students their awards.  We want to make sure that these students are recognized for their achievements in science.

The Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement and superior intellectual promise in science.  The 2020 Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award recipient was Casey Bechard

.

The George Eastman, Young Leaders Award, is awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and leadership.  The 2020 George Eastman Young Leaders Award recipient was Quincy Fournier.

NCTC Welding: 

Junior Jam Rehearsal:

Prom Attire Event:

Senior Communication

May 18, 2021

Dear Seniors and Families:

Please join us for this evening’s live YouTube Senior Information Session. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/g0Vfz6Jqr7w 

We will be providing the details for the exciting Senior Week events (see image below) and Graduation.

All seniors will be receiving a free BFA Class of 2021 Senior Week t-shirt thanks to our awesome Boosters!

I’ve also been working with Kevin Smith’s Sports Connection and have included a link if you would like to purchase BFA Class of 2021 apparel. There are some really nice options.  https://bfaclassof2021.itemorder.com/

We look forward to this evening’s session and all of the end-of-year senior activities.

Sincerely,

Theresa Callan

Graduation Coordinator

May 19, 2021

Dear Seniors and Families:

I hope you enjoyed last evening's senior session. If you did not attend, here is the link to the recording: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0Vfz6Jqr7w

Also, VERY IMPORTANT, here is the link to the Graduation Pre-registration Form that MUST be completed by May 31, 2021:

https://forms.gle/iQNposB3JRcKEj9u5

Sincerely, 

Theresa Callan

VSAC News You Can Use college planning, financial aid, and more Please share the news about this exciting opportunity with your students and families. We've created several promotional tools that can help.

"Green Mountain Grad" The Vermont Legislature, Vermont State Colleges System, and VSAC have teamed up to give the graduating class of 2021 – and last year’s class of 2020 – a special graduation gift: one tuition-free course at any of the Vermont State Colleges: Castleton University, Community College of Vermont, Northern Vermont University at Johnson or Lyndon, or Vermont Technical College.   The program covers summer courses that begin on or after July 1, courses in fall 2021, or spring 2022. Students should act now because summer course options are limited, and we expect demand for this opportunity to be high in the fall and spring.   We’ve provided a toolkit with materials to help you get the word out to your graduating seniors and their families, including a key visual (in different sizes for use in emails, e-newsletters, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), a blurb describing the program which can inform emails or social media posts, two print-ready flyers (use one or use both to promote the program over time), and an extensive FAQ document.   Full details can be found at vsac.org/grad.

Friday, May 14, 2021, Weekly Administrative Update

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

Dates for Last Day of School:

Please note the last day of school for Grades 9-11:

Blue Group = Monday, June 14th

Green Group = Tuesday, June 15th

Seniors graduate on Saturday, June 12th

Summer Programs:  REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MAY 17th.  See your counselor to sign up. 

WHY STANDARDIZED TESTING!?

Standardized testing offers insight into BFA's teaching and learning compared to other schools in the area and in the nation. The data help teachers inform their teaching, and helps the district make curricular and programming decisions to insure that Maple Run Unified School District students are receiving the best education. Testing can also be viewed as the "State Championship" game for academics. Encourage your student to do their best. BFA can be #1 in the state not only in Hockey and Basketball but also in academics! 

SPRING STANDARDIZED TESTING SCHEDULE 9th & 11th Grade

Grade	Date	Time	Test Subject Area	*Location
9	Wed. May 19	7:30-11:00	SBAC Mathematics	Advisory room
11	Wed. May 19	12:00- 3:00	VSA - Vermont Science Assessment	Advisory room
9	Wed. May 26	7:30-11:00	SBAC English Language Arts	Advisory room
9 & 11	Wed. June 2	7:30- TBD	All Make-up tests for any student who missed the test or needs to finish.	Library

*If you don't have an assigned advisor, report to the library. *Virtual Academy report to the library.

• Please arrive by the time listed above. 
• Enter through the connector only.
• Bring a fully charged Chromebook, power adapter, and headphones that plug into the Chromebook. BFA has headphones for those who need them.
• Students who are taking the test are not required to attend other classes on testing day. All students who are not testing are still required to attend class.
• Students may not leave until the end of the testing session.
• Students will not be allowed to have phones until dismissal. 
• Students should bring a book or paper-based schoolwork to do after completing the test. Do not plan on using your Chromebook when you finish the test.
• Food will be provided.
• Busses will pick up 9th graders at the regularly scheduled route in the morning on the 19th and 26th. Busses will leave BFA at 11:05.
• If an 11th grader needs bus transportation, please contact tbrunelle@maplerun.org to request pick up by Monday at 3:00pm. 

National Nurses Appreciation Day:

All of us at BFA want to express our gratitude and appreciation for all our school nurses have done throughout this school year.  

THANK YOU, Nurse Val and Nurse Jodi!!

Health News:

The 12-15yo family engagement evenings are now posted on the website:

https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/about-covid-19-vaccines-vermont

Here is the link for vaccine clinics for ages 12-15 for the Pfizer vaccine. 

 list-of-school-and-community-based-clinics-open-to-12-15-year-olds-5-12-21 

What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids:

https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/COVID19-Vaccine-Parent-Handout.pdf.

 

2021 Harbor Fright Fellow - Congratulations, Jayden Bedard!

Senior Jayden Bedard has been honored as a 2021 Harbor Freight Fellow. Jayden interned for over 120 hours working as an HVAC technician across Northern Vermont. He is currently taking an HVACR certification course and is well prepared to join the workforce full time upon graduation.

National Technical Honor Society May 10th Event:

United Theater - Painting for upcoming performance:

Theatre Students Film Premiere May 11

BFA Theatre Students perform their student-written script ICEolation for a live stream Tuesday evening.

Spring Sports:

The Comets and Thunderbirds come together to play on Tuesday evening's Cancer Awareness game.

Prom Attire Event:

Senior Communication:

May 11, 2021

It is hard to believe that we are one month away from graduation! Congratulations in advance to all seniors for reaching this milestone! It is an exciting and challenging time as there is a flurry of things going on. Seniors, know that if you have any questions during this time, please feel free to to see me, email, or call me.

As Dr. Dirth announced last week, our district will be hosting outdoor graduation ceremonies this year. We are currently working through the planning and details and will have more information for you at our next live YouTube Senior Session on Tuesday, May 18th at 6 pm.

Here is the link for the Vermont Agency of Education current guidance on End of School Year Gatherings and Graduations: https://education.vermont.gov/documents/faq-end-of-school-year-gatherings-and-graduations

If anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out to me at 802-527-6400.

 Sincerely,

Theresa Callan

Graduation Coordinator

Additional Senior Reminders:

 

• It’s that time to find your favorite baby picture for the senior slide show this year.  Please scan and send the baby pics to Chris Pepin at cpepin@maplerun.org. 

• Please also complete the “Where are you going” online survey as soon as possible.  You can find the link to this survey in your email.  Please contact Mrs. Parent in Room A-314 or jparent@maplerun.org with any questions.

• Please see the nurses perform your required vision screening before graduation.  Vision exams are required for all 9th and 12th graders and are an important health screen that will benefit your future.  Thank you!

Next Year District Calendar: