Friday, April 26, 2024

Friday, April 26, 2024, Weekly Administrative Update

 


 


Community Involvement
during Spring Break!


"A huge thanks to Coach Dylan Newton and the BFA Bobwhite Baseball team for their awesome work with Champlain Little League on April 22nd. We had a great turnout and appreciate the efforts of all of the players and coaches who helped make this happen." Champlain Little League


Congratulations
Ruby Dasaro!
Ruby will be attending Keene State College.


Spring Sports during Spring Break





















New England Drama Festival
BFA Theater presented Little Women.
Photos of their trip.





College Fair at New England Drama Festival. 



Maintenance Update

April 22, 2024

Dear Parents, Guardians, and School Staff:

By law, all Vermont schools and childcare providers are required to test for lead in drinking water and fix any issues when lead is found above an established action level. The intent of the law is to protect children, students, and staff from lead in these settings.  

The health and safety of the children in our care and of our employees is our priority, and we are working quickly to check our system for lead.

The drinking water at BFA/NCTC will be tested for lead during the week of May 5th. We will collect water samples from all taps that are used for drinking and cooking and send the samples to a certified drinking water lab for analysis.

Why is lead a concern?

Lead poisoning can slow down a child’s growth, development, and learning and can cause behavior problems. Children absorb lead more easily than adults, so they are at a higher risk for lead poisoning.

How does lead get into drinking water?

Lead rarely occurs naturally in water supplies. However, lead can get into drinking water through contact with lead pipes, plumbing fixtures and solder.

How will I be notified of the results?

You will be sent a summary of the results within 10 days after we receive the test results from the laboratory.

What will happen if there is lead in the drinking water at the facility?

Any tap that tests at or above the action level will be taken out of use for consumption. Once we fix the issue, and follow-up testing shows the lead level is at or below the action level, the tap can be used again.

We want lead levels in drinking water to be as low as possible. We will find the most effective means of fixing the problem. There are many easy and low-cost fixes to reduce lead in drinking water, including removing seldom-used fixtures or encouraging the use of filtered and properly maintained bottle fill stations.

How do children come in contact with lead?

Exposure to lead is a public health concern in Vermont. Potential sources include dust from deteriorated lead-based paint and products, including toys, keys, jewelry, pottery, dishes, imported candy and foods, and antique, vintage or salvaged goods. Lead can also be found in contaminated soil and old plumbing pipes and fixtures. While a major source of lead poisoning in Vermont children is paint, the lead in plumbing pipes and fixtures can add to a child’s overall lead exposure.

To learn more about lead hazards and lead poisoning prevention, visit HealthVermont.gov/lead.

Can I test the water in my home for lead?

Yes. If you want to test your home drinking water for lead, find a list of certified drinking water labs at TinyURL.com/certified-lab.

Where can I get more information?

For questions about the water testing process, or about the law and its requirements, please call the Lead in School and Child Care Drinking Water Program at 802-863-7220 or 800-439-8550 (toll-free in Vermont).

To contact someone at BFA/NCTC about the testing,

Call 802-527-6555 or Visit: https://www.maplerun.org/o/bfa      

General information and a link to the summary of school or child care results and remediation, are online at HealthVermont.gov/LeadTesting. (NOTE: If your child’s preschool or after school program is located at a school, the results will be listed under the school’s name.)

Sincerely,

Leonard Smith, Maintenance Director


Senior Update

April 23, 2024

I present to you the Class of 2024! This photo was taken in the fall of 2023.

Class of 2024 (photo taken Fall 2023)

 Graduation Details

Date: June 15, 2024

Time: 2 pm

Location: Collins Perley Sports Complex

Lead Contact: Theresa Callan (tcallan@maplerun.org) or 802-527-6400

Details:   Here is a bulleted list of What to Expect at this year’s 94th Commencement for the Class of 2024 on Saturday, June 15th at 2 pm at the Collins Perley Sports Complex:

  • Graduation rehearsal is mandatory on Friday, June 14th, 12 - 2 pm. Seniors do not need to wear caps and gowns for rehearsal. Seniors will receive graduation tickets at the rehearsal. When they practice walking across the stage, they will be handed an envelope with their tickets.

  • On June 15th, seniors are to arrive at the Complex no later than 1 pm and promptly report to the rink to line up.

  • Please dress comfortably for graduation as it can be very warm regardless of if graduation is outdoors or indoors.  If graduation is outdoors, seniors will be walking on turf and sitting on the bleachers so ensure shoes are appropriate (i.e. high heels can get caught in the grass and on bleachers). Seniors should arrive with their caps and gowns 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 and guests have parked, they will be directed to the graduation entrance. Please have your (4) tickets ready to present and you will keep your tickets with you. Seniors will each be given 4 tickets for reserved seating. Other family members/guests may sit in the open seating area. Families and/or guests will be ushered to the seating area(s).

  • If you, a family member, or guests have special accessibility requirements (wheelchair, hearing impaired, etc.), please contact me and I’ll assist you with the needs and will ensure that an usher assists you upon arrival at graduation.

  • At 2 pm, the seniors will walk in and march down the middle aisle and the commencement begins.

  • Whipple Photography will be at graduation.  Photographs will include the presentation of the diploma, followed by a portrait holding the diploma.  Images from graduation will be posted for graduates and families to view on the Monday morning after graduation. Here is the link: INSERT LINK when available.

  • Northwest Access TV will be live-streaming graduation. BFA Graduation YouTube Link: INSERT LINK when available.

==================
Additional Info:

April 16, 2024


I’m pleased to announce that graduation caps, gowns, and diplomas have arrived! It is another sign that graduation is fast approaching! Here is a link to all of the senior events. Click on each event and click “open” to read the details.  https://www.maplerun.org/o/bfa/page/senior-communication-events


Here are optional graduation purchasing information:

If seniors and families wish to order custom Graduation Announcements or Class Rings, now is the time to order. Your school announcement will have the custom school crest with the school colors. Simply go to www.balfour.com. Here is the specific link for ordering graduation announcements:  ttps://www.balfour.com/shop/graduation-announcements?smi=97504

If you have any Balfour ordering questions, please contact balfourvt@gmail.com.


Here’s the information if you wish to order graduate lawn signs and banners. See the Main Street Graphics web store link for 2024: Lawn signs and banners

Contact Main Street Graphics directly with any questions at 802-782-8342, or douglas@msgvt.com, www.msgvt.com.


Don’t forget the Community Service and PLP graduation requirements. 10 hrs of Community Service is due by May 17th. See Mr. Murray.  Seniors must share their completed PLP with their Advisor by June 1st.  Additional PLP support is available every Thursday Call Back, from 7:30-8 am in the Library, or by filling out this form.


If you have any other graduation questions, contact me at 802-527-6400 or email me at tcallan@maplerun.org.


Sincerely, Theresa Callan, Graduation Coordinator



If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 802-527-6400 or email me at tcallan@maplerun.org.


Sincerely, Theresa Callan, Graduation Coordinator



Save the Dates


May 8, 2024
Outdoor Movie Night @ CPSC
(Hosted by Class of 2027)


May 11, 2024 - Prom

Friday, April 19, 2024

Friday, April 19, 2024, Weekly Administrative Update

             

 


Enjoy Spring Break
April 19th - 28th!


Once in a lifetime Total Solar Eclipse!
The Sophomore Class Student Council teamed up with Mayor Tim Smith to provide overflow parking during the eclipse event.  The traffic behind the Industrial Park was minimal, and students enjoyed the beautiful weather all day while playing intense games of Four Square and eating a treat donated by Ben and Jerry's. Watching the eclipse with this crew was a wonderful, unforgettable experience.  (MaryEllen Tourville)



Congratulations
March 2024
Business Students of the Month!
The Business Department wants to congratulate and thank Mary Clare, Erin, and Grace for their positive attitudes, being supportive of their classmates, and for demonstrating excellence in Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Sports Marketing, Business Management, and Business Law.


Congratulations
Student Voice Committee!

Members of the Student Voice Committee (SVC) joined UP for Learning and the National Education Reform Group Next Generation Learning Challenges and hosted teams from ten New England high schools at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort last week. The BFA SVC was part of a special session for all 100 visitors that highlighted Vermont’s good work in youth/adult partnerships. All of the visiting teams were interested to hear about what Vermont-style youth-adult partnerships look like, how they work, and how the students (and adults and their communities) benefit. The BFA SVC has led really compelling work in this area and did a wonderful job sharing their experience with their peers.




Congratulations
BFA Theater!
The production of Little Women performed at the Vermont State Drama Festival was selected to represent Vermont at the New England Drama Festival in Massachusetts! This may be a first for BFA. It’s a huge honor.


Congratulations
Skills USA Competition 
Competitors and Winners!

The SkillsUSA competition results are in! Join us in congratulating our NCTC competitors for winning the following awards:
Gold Medal Winners:
Emily Pigeon- Employemnt Application Process
Noah Lavigne- Medical Math
Hunter Gregware- Carpentry
Aiyanna Auer- LNA
Owen Baker- Firefighting
Silver Medal Winners:
Drake Remmilard-Automotive
Sophia Williams, Paul Carter, William Massey, Maxwill Westin, & Penelope Noza- Quiz Bowl Team
Jonathan Lagrow- Related Technical Math
Analyn Blow- Resturant Service
Abigail Freeman- LNA
Bronze Medal Winners:
Abigail Freeman- Job Interview
Alyssa Payne- Customer Service
Wyatt Root- Medical Terminology
Grayson Mergenthal- Job Skill Demo A
Kolby Rainville- Diesel Tecnology
Dante Datillio- Carpentry
Noah Hunt, Arek Mathieu- Digital Cinema Production
Alexandra Bourdreau- Early Childhood
Makenna Montgomery- LNA
Blake Cadieux- Fight Fighting
Olivia Newhall- First-Aid CPR
Gold medal winners will have the opportunity to advance to the national competition this summer in Atlanta, GA!








BFA String Ensemble
Performance for Age Well Community

The BFA String Ensemble performed for the Age Well Community Meal at St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Wednesday, April 3rd.

This is the second year this ensemble has performed for this event which has quickly become the most well-attended community meal of the season. The group is led by BFA Instrumental Music Teacher Eric Bushey and MRUSD String Specialist Alex “Rusty” Charpentier who also played violin with the group for this performance.

The String Ensemble played 9 different selections during their half-hour performance. These included works by J.S. Bach, Gustav Mahler, and Soon Hee Newbold. Also featured were several traditional selections and works written specifically for school string ensembles.

Audience members were delighted. Age Well’s lead nutritionist for Franklin County and event organizer Laura Needy looks forward to this event each year and has called it her very favorite event to host





Classroom & Enrichment


Pre-Calc students review by doing a Carnival of Knowledge!



NCTC Digital Media

NCTC Digital Media Field Trip to WCAX & VT Public Television Studios on 4/11/2024

On April 11th, NCTC Digital Media Students visited WCAX, Hall Communications Radio, and Vermont Public Television Studios in the Champlain Valley Region. Students went on three different tours, learning about how the various broadcasters produce news and entertainment media. All three organizations took time out of their busy schedules to give NCTC students a hands-on tour of their studios, control rooms, and post-production suites.

WCAX Head Photographer, Joe Carroll, explains the camera rigs they use for mobile field production work.

Left to right: Molly MacKenzie, Maddison Corey, Joe Carroll, Austin LaFountaine, Samuel Olsen, Arek Mathieu, Cyrus Kinnick, Tristan Boomhover, & Brendan Conley.


Students get a tour of the WCAX News Studio.

Left to right: Stephen Stilianessis, Logan Chaplin, Sam Olsen, Aaliyah Sanders, Austin LaFountaine, Molly MacKenzie, & Maddison Corey


WCAX Vice President/General Manager, Jay Barton, gives a tour of the control room.

Left to right: Jay Barton, Aaliyah Sanders, Sam Olsen, Blake Halbach, Maddison Corey, Molly MacKenzie, Fenn Thompson, & Arek Mathieu.


Students listening to a presentation on how news shows are produced at WCAX News Studio.

Left to right: Cyrus Kinnick, Arek Matheui, Madison Evans, Fenn Thompson, Jacob Thompson, Blake Halbach, Stephen Stilianessis, Logan Chaplin, Tristan Boomhover, & Sam Olsen. 


VT Public TV Managing Director of Production, Brian Stevenson, shows students how to use the remote studio camera control unit in their control room.

Left to right: Molly MacKenzie, Maddison Corey, Brian Stevenson, & Blake Halbach.




Spring Fling Dance!





Project Prom Drive



2024 Comet Tennis Team

Comets tennis team (left to right): Coach Laura Laramee, Sophia Oszurek, Mary Claire Ayuson, Emma Elwood, Maura Thompson, Taylor Olds, Ava Dumont, Laurelle Boomhower, Shelby Bechard, Lily Zekos, assistant coach Bill Cain. Missing: Molly Bernard, Alaina Dubois, and assistant coach Lisa Curry.



News from Guidance

WEEK-LONG SUMMER TRADES PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS* 

LIFT (Launching Inclusive Futures in Trades) is Vermont Works for Women's newest program, designed to provide high school girls* with hands-on exposure to a variety of trades fields in a safe, fun, and empowering environment. The program is free. By participating in LIFT, all youth will complete the Explorer Fellowship through the Harbor Freight Fellows Initiative and receive a $250 stipend upon completion of the program. To learn more about Harbor Freight Fellows, click here: https://www.harborfreightfellows.org/ 

LIFT is open to girls* entering 9th-12th grade in the 2024-2025 school year.
*LIFT welcomes anyone who identifies as a girl regardless of assignment at birth, including non-binary and gender expansive youth who are comfortable in a girl-centered space.

Dates & Location:
  • Dates: June 24 - 28, 2024
  • Location: Center for Technology, Essex: 2 Educational Dr, Essex Junction, VT 05452
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Lunch will not be provided. VWW will provide AM & PM snacks. If you need assistance with lunch, let us know and we can help.

In 2023 Vermont Works for Women started LIFT: Launching Inclusive Futures in Trades, to provide an opportunity for high school girls* to explore a variety of trades fields in a safe, fun, and empowering environment. 

Through hands-on learning and projects, participants spend the week exploring trades like carpentry, welding, and electrical, taught by female instructors trained and working in their respective fields. In addition to trades and technical learning, participants learn from our social and emotional curriculum known as “Power Skills” to help them navigate school, friendships, and societal issues. 

LIFT is a great opportunity for students who are interested in the skilled trades and would like to pursue them further. 

APPLY FOR OUR 2024 LIFT COHORT IN ESSEX!

*LIFT welcomes anyone who identifies as a girl regardless of assignment at birth, including non-binary and gender expansive youth who are comfortable in a girl-centered space. 


https://vtworksforwomen.org/program/launching-inclusive-futures-in-trades/


Senior Update

April 16, 2024


I’m pleased to announce that graduation caps, gowns, and diplomas have arrived! It is another sign that graduation is fast approaching! Here is a link to all of the senior events. Click on each event and click “open” to read the details.  https://www.maplerun.org/o/bfa/page/senior-communication-events


Here are optional graduation purchasing information:

If seniors and families wish to order custom Graduation Announcements or Class Rings, now is the time to order. Your school announcement will have the custom school crest with the school colors. Simply go to www.balfour.com. Here is the specific link for ordering graduation announcements:  ttps://www.balfour.com/shop/graduation-announcements?smi=97504

If you have any Balfour ordering questions, please contact balfourvt@gmail.com.


Here’s the information if you wish to order graduate lawn signs and banners. See the Main Street Graphics web store link for 2024: Lawn signs and banners

Contact Main Street Graphics directly with any questions at 802-782-8342, or douglas@msgvt.com, www.msgvt.com.


Don’t forget the Community Service and PLP graduation requirements. 10 hrs of Community Service is due by May 17th. See Mr. Murray.  Seniors must share their completed PLP with their Advisor by June 1st.  Additional PLP support is available every Thursday Call Back, from 7:30-8 am in the Library, or by filling out this form.


If you have any other graduation questions, contact me at 802-527-6400 or email me at tcallan@maplerun.org.


Sincerely, Theresa Callan, Graduation Coordinator



If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 802-527-6400 or email me at tcallan@maplerun.org.


Sincerely, Theresa Callan, Graduation Coordinator



Save the Dates

April 19-28 - Spring Break

April 26-28 - Vermont Maple Festival

April 28 - Maple Festival Parade

May 11, 2024 - Prom