Weekly Update
April 21, 2021
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Dear BBHS Families,
Almost 11 months ago, many in our school community gathered in solidarity on the streets around our school to express our sorrow, shock and pain in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, and to peacefully lend our voices to raising up the focus on Black Lives. The trial is now over, but we know our work as a school and community must continue to turn this moment into sustained action for justice, equity and inclusion for people of color in our society on a daily basis. We offer a prayer of eternal peace for George Floyd, and all those who came before him and after him, who have died senselessly.
God, you have given all peoples a common origin. It is your will that they be gathered together as one family in yourself. Fill the hearts of humankind with the fire of your love and with the desire to ensure justice for all. By sharing the good things you give us, may we secure an equality for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world. May there be an end to division. May there be a dawning of a truly human society built on love and peace.
We ask this in your name.
-Author Unknown
We pledge our ongoing support to our Black students, families, faculty, staff and community members.
I also want to share with you an important message about vandalism to our school that occurred last week. I encourage you to read the message, discuss it, and commit with all of us to walk together toward an inclusive, just, loving, and anti-racist future for our school, our community, our nation, and our world.
Blessings,
Tony DeSapio
President
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TRANSITION TO 100% IN-PERSON HYBRID: APRIL 26
As a reminder, on Monday, April 26, we will transition to offering in-person learning on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays to all students, in all grades, who would like to learn on campus. Wednesdays will remain a remote Flex Day. Students who wish to remain 100% remote will still have that option available to them. The schedule for the week of April 26 is as follows:
Monday, April 26: Green Day - Hybrid 100% - A-Z
Tuesday, April 27: Gold Day - Hybrid 100% - A-Z
Wednesday, April 28
- Retreat Day for grades 10 and 11
- No School for grades 9 and 12
Thursday, April 29: Green Day - Hybrid 100% - A-Z
Friday, April 30: Gold Day - Hybrid 100% - A-Z
Please review our updated Reopening Plan to note the daily class schedule for students; this document and other information about reopening are located on our website. Our school calendar has also been updated. Note: The Green Day schedule has been adjusted to account for holding two lunch periods on campus. Lunch will remain outdoors and socially distanced, and further details about lunch are included in the Reopening Plan linked above.
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STUDENT PARKING APPLICATIONS
With the upcoming transition to 100% in-person learning, we are requiring a new parking application for students that would like to park on campus. Parking spots that were previously allocated to students based on their designated in-person alpha days are no longer applicable.
Yesterday, students in grades 10-12 received a parking registration form in their school email. Students must complete the application by tomorrow, Thursday, April 22 at 3 p.m. Parking assignments will be emailed to students on Friday, April 23. If you have any questions, please contact BBHS Security Officer Marilu Byrne.
OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
Bishop Blanchet has adopted CDC guidelines for all out of state travel. Those returning from out of state have two quarantine options:
- Forgo a COVID-19 test and quarantine for 10 days upon returning from out of state travel. After day 10, eligible to return to in-person learning and in-person activities.
- Get tested 5 days after out of state travel and stay home/self quarantine for the full 7 days, even with a negative test.
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Those who decide to return after 7 days are required to submit their negative COVID-19 test result to the Dean’s Office prior to returning to in-person learning and in-person activities.
Families traveling out of state are required to complete this form. School personnel will communicate a return date for in-person learning and in-person activities. We feel it is important to reiterate that public health guidance is to avoid non-essential travel. This protocol has been developed to address the occurrence of essential travel. If you have any questions, please contact the Dean’s Office.
REQUIRED REPORTING OF POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19
If a student or member of their household tests positive for COVID-19, families must notify the Dean’s Office by contacting Chris Bilanko, Dean of Students, and follow the BBHS COVID-19 Community Protocols prior to returning to campus or participating in any school-sponsored activity. This information will remain confidential and allow the school to initiate its communication protocols. Any student who does not follow BBHS COVID-19 Community Protocols will face disciplinary consequences and may be prohibited from participating in on-campus learning and extracurricular activities. In the event of a positive case in our student body, faculty or staff, Bishop Blanchet will communicate to the entire community and work directly with families if their student is impacted.
PARKING AND DROP OFF/PICK UP REMINDERS
For everyone's safety, please follow this map and the instructions below for drop off and pick up in the BBHS parking lot. If you have any questions, please email BBHS Security Officer Marilu Byrne.
- Your student’s daily HealthShield screening must be completed before you enter the parking lot. They should be ready to exit the vehicle ASAP.
- Morning drop off and afternoon pick up take place in the fire lane on the south end of the parking lot, nearest the library and social studies wing.
- Please pull forward and as far to the right as possible, allowing room for cars to exit the parking lot. Once your student is in the vehicle, move left to exit, so other vehicles can pull forward.
- All parking spots have been assigned to faculty, staff and students. Please do not use these spaces for drop-off.
- The drop off procedure is not student-driver friendly. As excited as your student driver is to drive to school with you, it is a disruption to the flow of traffic. Switching drivers during drop off is dangerous and causes delays for everyone.
Chris Bilanko
Dean of Students
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From the Food Services Department |
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PREORDER LUNCH SERVICE FOR GREEN DAYS
The BBHS Cafeteria Team is providing box lunches for purchase on Green Days. The box lunch includes a sandwich or entree salad, chips, and dessert for $6.00. Students must bring their own water bottle or beverage each day.
Lunches will be charged to the student's RevTrak Food Service account. If you anticipate purchasing lunches, please ensure funds are available on the account. Families can access their Food Service account (or create a new one) by clicking the RevTrak icon on the BBHS website Parents tab.
Katy Mathews
Director of Food Service
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From the Activities Office |
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SENIOR CLASS CABINET: RUBY ROOM DRESS DRIVE
Are you cleaning out your closets this Spring? Do you have a formal dress that’s been worn once and needs a good home? Look no further! The BBHS Senior Cabinet is collecting gently-worn dresses and men's formal wear to donate to The Ruby Room, a local nonprofit organization providing formal attire at no charge to teens in financial need, enabling them to participate in future milestone events such as Quinceañeras, dances, and prom. Donations will be accepted in the Norcliffe Student Commons through Friday, April 30. Thank you for your support!
Chuck Bocian
Vice Principal of Student Activities
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From the Athletic Department |
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BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM EARNS METRO TITLE
Congratulations to the Boys Cross Country Team for winning the Metro Championship at Magnuson Park, with a team score of 35! The team consisted of Will Schneider ‘23, Drew Oliver ‘23, Tyler Graff ‘22, Gavin LaMotte ‘21, Will Sandnes ‘24, Johnny DiMartino ‘23, Will Hunt ‘22, Ryker Demick ‘24, and Dash Weber ‘23.
Special congratulations to the 2020-21 Metro Individual Champion, Will Schneider ‘23! Click here for race results. Way to go, Braves!
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WIAA ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Each week, schools and coaches have the opportunity to nominate student athletes who have excelled in their sport for recognition by WIAA.
We are extremely proud of Will Schneider ‘23 for being named a WIAA Athlete of the Week. Congratulations on your well-deserved accomplishment, Will!
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SEASON 2 SPECTATOR POLICY DETERMINATION COMING SOON
The Metro League will be determining their Season 2 Spectator Policy in the coming days, and we will announce it to our BBHS community as soon it is finalized. Thank you for your patience.
BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The BBHS Booster Club is awarding four $2,500 scholarships, to two senior boys and two senior girls who have been participants in our Athletic Program. To be considered for these scholarships, students must write a 300-350 word essay on how participation in our sports program has positively influenced their lives. All essays should be emailed to Mr. Gaskill by Friday, May 7. The scholarships will be awarded at the end of May.
Sean Gaskill
Athletic Director
sgaskill@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Office of Diversity and International Programs |
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MAC VIRTUAL COOK-IN NIGHT: APRIL 30
The Multicultural Affairs Council (MAC) invites you to join BBHS student leaders from the Latinx Student Union, Diversity Club, and Legacy Council for a night of culinary exploration and conversation! Mark your calendar for Friday, April 30 from 5-6:15 p.m.
This free, virtual event is open to ALL BBHS families. Please register by Monday, April 26. We hope you can join us for this delicious event!
Janah Valenzuela
Director of Diversity and International Student Services
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From the Campus Ministry Office |
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SOPHOMORE AND JUNIOR RETREATS
On Wednesday, April 28, sophomores and juniors are invited to participate in an on-campus retreat with their class. Students will get to spend time with their classmates having discussions, doing fun activities, and reflecting on what it means to be kind and brave. The half-day retreats will take place from 8:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Please use this form to register your student.
SERVICE HOURS DEADLINE: MAY 3
As a reminder, students are expected to complete 12 hours of service and log the hours on NobleHour no later than Monday, May 3. Service hours may be completed with an approved non profit organization or through independent, self-directed service projects. Please see the service website for more information. Please email Ms. Cypher with any questions.
Rachel Longest
Director of Campus Ministry
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THE BRAVE CAVE GOES ONLINE
Get geared up to return back to campus and show your green and gold pride! The Brave Cave has all your BBHS swag needs covered, and is proud to launch our new online site!
Orders can be shipped, picked up by your student on-campus, or made available for curbside pickup during school hours. Check out our new gear including dri-fit BBHS face masks, 32 oz. 50/50 water bottles, and more. Hoodies arriving soon!
Kelley Kane
Brave Cave Coordinator
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From the Counseling Office |
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SENIORS: SCHOLARSHIP OFFER LETTERS DUE BY APRIL 26
As your senior receives scholarship offers for college, please email a copy of every scholarship offer letter to Ms. Moehring in the Counseling Center, so we can recognize your senior's achievement in the end of the year programming. Please send copies of all award offers, whether or not your senior plans to attend the college. Scholarship award letters received after Monday, April 26 will not be included in the end of year programming.
REQUIRED SENIOR SURVEY: FINAL TRANSCRIPTS TO COLLEGES
Seniors need to complete the required Senior Survey on Naviance as soon as possible before Friday, April 30. Parents and guardians, please remind students to check their BBHS email for instructions. Go to:
- Click on the "About Me" tab
- Click on "See All Surveys"
- Select the Senior Survey/Counseling + Development from the survey list.
The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete, and it is the only way for you to inform us where to send the student’s final transcript.
Stephen Russell
Head School Counselor
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From the Development Office |
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"7 DAYS, 7 WAYS" WEEK OF GIVING
Next week is the 4th Annual BBHS "7 Days, 7 Ways" Week of Giving. From April 26 - May 2, look for daily emails highlighting the 7 categories supported by the Brave Fund. Gifts made during the week of giving will have the opportunity to be doubled and in some cases tripled, thanks to a matching pool established by a small group of alumni, parents and friends of BBHS.
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The Brave Fund is our annual giving program that supports 7 key categories of our operating budget:
- Academics & Technology
- Faith & Service
- Athletics & Activities
- Performing & Fine Arts
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Operations & Facilities
- Financial Aid
And, as always, you have the opportunity to direct your gift toward "Greatest Need." This is the perfect time to make your gift to the Brave Fund or fulfill your existing pledge!
Mary Beard
Director of Development
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From the Performing and Fine Arts Department |
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SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
The Spring Musical, Some Enchanted Evening, is just around the corner. This week on campus, look for the SEE cast and crew sporting cool swag: t-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants that bring our feature length movie-musical come to life!
Some Enchanted Evening will stream over Memorial Day weekend, Friday-Sunday, May 28-30. Look for more details next week about the virtual box office!
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STUDENT ART: POTTERY AND SCULPTURE
Pottery and Sculpture students recently created purely abstract sculptures - not resembling anything real or recognizable - out of cardstock. Students were required to feature Unity, and incorporate a sense of wholeness or oneness by using similar shapes and colors.
Art by (top to bottom, left to right) Amanda Graff '24, Charlotte Gallaudet '23, Tyler Bailey '22, Grace Sterling '22, and Riley Carolan '23.
Corey Eriksen
Performing & Fine Arts Department Chair
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Summer Camp Opportunities |
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STUDY SKILLS CAMP SESSIONS
Registration is now open for our in-person Study Skills Camp for rising 9th graders and middle school students. The camp sessions run August 16-20, and space is limited. Students will develop skills in time management, organization, goal setting, self-advocacy, stress control, problem solving, social belonging, and more. There are 2-day and 3-day camp options, and a middle school camp for grades 5-8.
We are fully committed to student and employee safety and following public health guidelines. Cancellations due to COVID-19 will be fully refunded. Click here for more information and to register.
Nick Padrnos
Brave Summer Coordinator
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The Bishop Blanchet Admissions Department is seeking qualified candidates for our Admissions Associate position. The job description and application may be found here. Please email questions to Michael Pierce, Director of Admissions, or call 206-527-7741.
Please refer to our Careers page for details on current openings.
Bishop Blanchet committed to attracting and retaining outstanding individuals to reflect the racial, cultural and gender diversity of our student population. We actively seek candidates of different backgrounds who are devoted to engaging and inspiring a high-achieving and well-rounded student population to be leaders, in and out of the classroom.
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