BK Alive
Weekly News and Information for BK Families
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THIS NEWSLETTER CONTAINS A LOT OF INFORMATION, AND THE LENGTH OF THE NEWSLETTER CAUSES IT TO BE TRUNCATED.
LOOK FOR THE BLUE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL THAT SAYS "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" TO EXPAND THE EMAIL, OR CLICK HERE TO SEE ARCHIVED COMMUNICATIONS FROM BK.
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Have a HAPPY, HEALTHY, HOLY Thanksgiving BK! |
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Printable Schedule for November 30th - the end of the Semester.
Click on the Image for a printable PDF.
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A Message from Rich and Mike |
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BK Faculty, Staff, and Admin created this "Positivity Quilt" during Care Week. Each sticky note is a shout out, gratitude post-it, encouragement, or prayer for a colleague and our BK students.
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Dear BK Parents,
What a way to finish our 14th week of the 2020-21 school year - no Internet today (due to provider problems), All School Mass had to be cancelled and the pandemic is still raging throughout our region. However, we have so much to be grateful for, as Fr. Vance reminds us in his reflection below. We have an incredible community, amazing students, engaged and supportive families, a caring and dedicated faculty and staff, and a loving God.
In this BK Alive letter, we will answer a few questions that have arisen about our FLEX instructional model for the six days after Thanksgiving, share highlights of our faculty and staff care week, and share the latest COVID-19 numbers here at Bishop Kelly.
FLEX Instructional Model
Thank you for the positive overall feedback we have received on the FLEX instructional model which we will be using after Thanksgiving. A few questions have come up that we wanted to address:
- Please understand our intent - we want all students that have had no/ low exposure over the break to come to school to attend classes with their teacher and some classmates in order to have structure, routine, and in-person support. Any students that have had high exposure potential during Thanksgiving break (airplane travel, travel to a hotspot, gathering with people outside of your immediate household, etc.) are STRONGLY encouraged to remain home during our FLEX Instructional Model time period - and have a similar educational experience as if they were in person at school.
- Students/parents do not have to let the school or their teachers know if they are coming to school for in person instruction or if they are staying home and joining via Zoom at home. And they can make a daily decision of coming to BK or staying home, but they need to finish the entire day in whatever learning mode (at school or at home) they choose for the day.
- If at home, they do, however, need to be on time and engaged in the class. Teachers will take attendance via ZOOM and/or in person in the first 15 minutes of each block period.
- Some folks have expressed concern about continuing with winter sports while cases are at record levels and CDH has issued an advisory to pause high contact sports. We believe that the strengthened safety and health protocols we have in place will be effective in minimizing spread. Our experience with fall sports was very positive with no known community spread with high contact sports like football and with volleyball, an indoor sport. We also strongly believe that sports play an important role in the emotional and mental health of our students. Having said that, we, our students, and our parents recognize that playing indoor sports like basketball, wrestling and hockey carry higher risks and, as mentioned, there are CDH advisories against playing these sports. Therefore, we will continue to monitor this situation as the season progresses.
- We do plan to move to an all students on campus, in-person instructional model for the final 5 days of instruction (Tues, 12/8 - Mon, 12/14) and finals will be in person from Tues. 12/15 - Fri., 12/18.
Faculty and Staff Care Week
We have had a wonderful “Faculty and Staff Care Week”. Thank you for your videos for expressing your gratitude to our faculty and staff. We shared the Flipgrid videos with our team today and they were appreciative. The week did accomplish our two objectives - 1) helping our faculty and staff to relieve stress, recharging their batteries, focusing on their well-being, and taking some moments to breathe; 2) Providing lasting tools and resources for our faculty and staff. Our faculty and staff did indeed “take care of themselves so that they can take care of others - family, friends, and students”. We are planning to have a similar “Student Care Week” the week before finals, December 7-11.
COVID-19 at Bishop Kelly
Each Friday BK Alive we update you on the COVID-19 numbers for Bishop Kelly. We had fewer cases this week and less students and faculty/staff in quarantine. After last week’s 9 cases and 95 people in quarantine, this week we had 5 cases and 57 students and no faculty/staff in quarantine. Our data continues to show that our quarantining of students and faculty/staff is working and helping eliminate spread.
As we begin the much awaited - and much needed - Thanksgiving break, please do those things that we all know will help combat this virus: wearing a mask, safe distancing, washing your hands, avoiding social gatherings and large crowds, keeping kids home when exhibiting any symptoms, and when in quarantine or isolation, do not go out.
In Conclusion
As our community has demonstrated since March when the coronavirus hit Idaho, we have worked exceptionally well together facing adversity, demonstrating perseverance, showing creativity, and supporting each other. We are truly in this together - BK team, students, and parents. Thank you once again for all you have done in partnership with us to make the first 14 weeks of in person learning so successful in most every way. Let’s work even harder together over the Thanksgiving break to sustain this success and continue to make the learning experience exceptional for all students and faculty and to keep all students, faculty, and staff safe and healthy.
We wish you and your families a very happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be grateful for, especially our BK families, faculty/staff and community!
God bless,
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A Reflection from Father Vance |
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I’ll bet you are feeling about the same way that I am right now. We need a break. We need a break from the stress of this time, from the unrelenting struggle and depressing news, and probably from our own deep darkness as well. But here’s the thing. We will get a break, in the sense of a week’s reprieve from regular school schedule next week. But, like it or not, accept it or not, the same issues will be there next week that are with us this week. We will not get a break from stress, from hard decisions or from tragic news. So, even though a break from these very things is what we might need, it won’t come next week. I write this as much for myself as for anyone else! We need to find a way to, if not accept, at least dwell within the times we experience, and not lose faith, hope, joy, and love.
How can we do this? How is this even possible? For me, the only possible answer is to remind myself of what is good in my life, even in the midst of so much that feels bad. I am indescribably grateful to be here in Boise, and here at Bishop Kelly. Three and a half years ago, when I left Fairbanks Alaska for work at Campus Ministry at USC in Los Angeles, I thought I might have brought my long career in Catholic High Schools to an end. I had a sense that I might be getting too old to really connect with high school students, and that perhaps I was running out of things I could offer to a high school. But coming to BK changed all that in an instant, and being here has certainly revived my energy and my love for this work! I am as happy and fulfilled in my ministry here as I have ever been in my 34 years of Jesuit life. And so when I bow my head to pray in gratitude, whether or not it is the “official” celebration of Thanksgiving, I will thank God for sending me to this place at this time, and for putting such a wonderful community of students, colleagues and parents in my life here.
And so today, as we prepare for the break we get (whether or not it is the break we really need), I have a fairly traditional question for you: what are you thankful for? Where, and with whom, do you find the blessing and the strength to face these sometimes dark and depressing days? I’ve heard many comparisons made in the media about how this time we’re living through is like living during one of the World Wars, or like the experience of the Great Depression. If that is even partially true, then I know that folks during those time periods depended on each other the way they could, even if it wasn’t the way they might have wanted to. A family whose son was overseas fighting could find plenty of company to share anxiety with. A parent who couldn’t find meaningful work could at least share that experience with many other people. I hope this isn’t cold comfort, but the parallels to getting the break we get, rather than the one we might need, seems too clear and powerful to me.
At the end of the day, it must come down to faith. Can we believe that God is still love, and that God is still somehow in control of a world that sometimes seems to have lost both? How can we take strength for these beliefs from Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and phone calls when it is impossible to hug, share a meal or go to Church with the ones we love most? This is our challenge, and we must meet it. Whatever you do next week, and however you plan to spend your and your family’s time, please know of my prayers, and the prayers of all of us here at BK, for an increase in faith and gratitude for all of the great blessings of our lives. Happy, holy and healthy Thanksgiving!
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Each week Bishop Kelly faculty and staff nominate students, and students nominate faculty and staff, who have demonstrated the BK Way attributes of Faith, Safe and Caring Place, Academic Excellence, Activities, Honor, Generosity, Community, and Partnership.
Congratulations to this week's Knights of the Week!
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Andrew Severance
Faith
Andrew exemplifies the best in our speech team. As a youth minister, he leads us in prayer before tournaments. As a competitor, he demonstrates excellence winning multiple tournament championships. As a leader, he has helped mentor our novice team members.
Elvis Yav
Community
Outgoing, fun and kind personality that brings joy to the classroom!
Molly Conner
Generosity
Molly often comes in after school and helps clean. She just shows up and helps!
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BK Staff of the Week
Mr. Chad Blue
Community, Activities
- He’s awesome. He always has a funny joke. He also makes sure everyone has fun
- Coach Blue is always helping with our lifetime class by driving us to all of our field trips.
- Coach Blue always gives a smile and makes you feel a part of the BK family.
- Coach Blue can be attributed to the beauty of BK. He keeps this place a clean and pristine environment and continues to help in more ways than that. He drives the bus, he cares for kids, and fosters a friendship with everyone he meets.
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The 2020 BK Frassati Food Drive Challenge |
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Now through December 2
The Bishop Kelly food drive is the largest Catholic food drive in Idaho. Most years BK collects 30,000 pounds of food that supports 5 local food banks for the winter. Our donations are critical to keeping Treasure Valley families and individuals from going hungry. This year the Food Drive is even more important, because COVID-19 is making food insecurity an even bigger problem here in Idaho.
We are off to a slow start this year, and need our student body to bring LOTS of canned food, cereal, peanut butter, and other non perishable food items to school next week.
Students should bring all canned food to their 1st period teachers.
THANK YOU for supporting the 2020 Frassati Food Drive!
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We Need Your Winter Sports/Activities Pictures! |
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The yearbook staff is looking for winter sports/activities pictures for a page we are working on for the yearbook.
We'd love pictures of students skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, tubing, ice fishing, you name it. All things winter! They can be photos from last winter, or more recent ones. If you're doing any of these activities over Thanksgiving break, we'd love to see your photos!
Photos can be emailed to knightpix@bk.org or you can tag us on Instagram @bkyrbook. These pages are due pretty early in December, so send them in quickly!
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National Honor Society Tutors |
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NHS tutors are now serving daily in the Library in the mornings, and in the Library and Cafeteria each afternoon. Stop by and get the help for which you have been searching! Help us to serve you. Questions, see Mrs. Dalrymple in Room 503, or by email at wdalrymple@bk.org.
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Host Family Needed for BK International Student |
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We have a BK Junior who is an International Student who needs a host family. This student is in his second year at BK. Host families receive a $700 per month stipend (possibly more upon discussion.)
Alternately, this student needs to find a carpool to BK from the area near Cynthia Mann Elementary School.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact Ying Donegan at (208) 853-8542 or ying@27eie.com. |
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Winter Sports are starting! Here's what you need to know this week:
Boys Basketball Tryouts are November 30th and December 1st.
- JV/Var Tryouts will be from 3:30-5:30
- Freshman/Sophomore tryouts will be from 6-8 pm.
- Boys Basketball Open Gym:
- Saturday 11/21 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM (all grades)
- Monday 11/23 for So/Jr/Sr from 6:00 -7:30 PM
- Tuesday 11/22 for Freshmen from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
- Saturday 11/28 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM (all grades)
Wrestling practice begins Monday, November 30th
- Practice is from 3:30 - 5:45 PM in the Wrestling room (Carley Center)
- Workout clothing (t-shirt and shorts, wrestling shoes) required
- Please contact Head Wrestling Coach Manny Ybarra with questions. mybarra@bk.org.
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College and Career Center |
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National Virtual Performing Arts College Fair
The Music Admissions Roundtable invites you to attend our inaugural virtual Performing Arts College Fairs. From panel discussions to presentations, you’ll learn the ins and outs of applying and auditioning at colleges across the country.
- Monday, November 23: 7-10pm Eastern Time
Virtual College Visits at BK:
The College and Career center will be hosting virtual college visits during lunches on A and B days as well as during office hours on B days. Have your Junior or Senior log into SCOIR to RSVP and to see all upcoming events.
Mon Nov 30, 11:15-11:50AM Chaminade University of Honolulu
To attend a virtual college visit log into your SCOIR account or come to room 406.
Click here for a complete list of upcoming college visits
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Service Hours Opportunities |
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Saint Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving Food Box Distribution
St Vincent de Paul needs some help w distributing thanksgiving boxes in a couple weeks at Expo Idaho.
St. Mark's Parish - Reach Out Phone Bank
St. Mark's is looking for Junior High and High School students to reach out to parishioners and invite them to Mass in December. There will be a script and training. Students need to sign up for one training session, and all calls should be completed by December 5th at noon.
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Online Ordering from the BK Spirit Store! |
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In order to maintain safe distancing AND be available for all your Spirit Wear needs, the Bishop Kelly Spirit Store will be offering online ordering for Fall Semester. A selection of items will be available each month, and you can order via email!
Please note, the actual BK Spirit Store will NOT be open during the lunch hour for additional items, and the Front Office staff will not have access to the store.
We're all getting really good at shopping online, right?
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#146
Ladies Short Sleeved BK Strong T-Shirt
$15.00
#147
Mens Short Sleeved BK Strong T-Shirt
$15.00
(Not pictured, Same Design)
(Size Small SOLD OUT)
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#256
BK Unisex Hooded Sweatshirt Drk. Gray
$36.00
(XL and 2 XL SOLD OUT)
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#255
BK Unisex Hooded Sweatshirt Lt. Gray
$45.00
(2XL SOLD OUT)
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#141
Unisex Long Sleeved T-Shirt
$20
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#822
BK Cap, Velcro Back
One Size Fits All
$22.00
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How to Order
*Order deadline: EVERY MONDAY
*Order Pickup: EVERY FOLLOWING THURSDAY for PREPAID Orders only.
You will be emailed a confirmation.
- Your Name
- Contact Phone Number
- Item # listed above
- Size of Item (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
- Price
Method of Payment Before Pickup: Venmo @BK-ParentsAssociation, or Credit Card. These are the only payment options at this time.
NOTE: If you are paying by Credit Card, you will be contacted via the "Contact Phone Number" listed in your email at confirmation between 1:00 - 3:00 PM on Tuesday.
ONLY PREPAID ORDERS via the email process listed above will be accepted at this time. The Front Office Staff does NOT have order information.
THANK YOU for your cooperation as BK Spirit Store volunteers try to keep BK Spirit Store items available for our community.
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The Idaho Catholic Men’s Conference will take place on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at St. Paul's in Nampa and online. The conference theme is "Jesus, I Trust in You!" and will feature dynamic national speakers including Fr. Larry Richards and Dr. Ray Guarendi. Bishop Peter Christensen will also be celebrating the opening Mass. The early bird registration fee is just $48 before January 15 and online is $40. For all the details and to get registered go to www.IdahoCatholicMen.org or call 208-484-0898.
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Go the Extra Step!
The Extra Steps Challenge is a different way of sharing random acts of kindness while promoting healthy habits and having fun! The idea is to help you be healthier by taking the extra steps wherever you go, for example leaving the closest parking spots for those most in need. The challenge starts in Advent and lasts until Easter. Sign up at saltandlightradio.com so we can share our extra step experiences with each other. |
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The GIving Tree Committee is looking for volunteers to bring gifts from the Cathedral over the Riffle Center on Sunday, December 13th after 5:00 PM Mass.
The second need is for gift storting, tagging, and wrapping on Thursday, December 17th in the Riffle Center from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. And on Friday, December 18th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. (These are the most crucial days that we need reliable volunteers.)
If you have a desire to help support the Giving Tree Ministry, but are not available to shop for gifts for volunteer, please consider making a cash donation to the Children's Collection. The funds donated by children throughout the year are used to help purchase any of the gifts on tags not picked up from the trees. Last year we had a large need for additional support.
To sign up to volunteer or for additional questions, please email anitamillerpnw@gmail.com. This is a great opportunity for the entire family. Many hands make light work.
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In order for us to gather accurate attendance, please make sure you are providing documentation if your student is out for a COVID-19 related reason.
COVID-19 Absences (marked CO) are for students who test positive, and/or are quarantined for COVID-19 as a close contact.
If your students has tested for COVID-19:
If the test is positive - please provide documentation so that we can mark the absences as a COVID-19 (CO) Absence/Exempt Absence.
If the test is negative - please provide documentation so that we can mark the absences as a Doctor DR) Excused/Exempt Absence.
If your student will be absent for any reason, please notify the Attendance office via email by 9:30 AM. attendance@bk.org
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Job Openings at Bishop Kelly |
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Bus Route Driver
Activities Bus Driver
Substitute Teachers
Substitute Kitchen Assistant
Full-time Janitorial/Maintenance Worker
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Our website at www.bk.org is a wealth of information for parents and students alike!
Check out some of the cool tools that are just a few clicks away:
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- Front Office: 375-6010
- Fax: 375-3626
- Business Office Manager: 947-1209
- BK Development Office: 947-1325
- BK Foundation Office: 323-4789
To add, remove, or change your email address, or to remove your name from our regular mailing lists, please contact Chrissy at cbeckner@bk.org.
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Bishop Kelly High School | (208) 375-6010 | www.bk.org |
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