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Weekly Update
September 23, 2020
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Dear BBHS Families,
As we conclude our 12th day of the new school year, I want to share a specific status update on our Reopening Plan and outline some next steps in our decision making process. While we continue to support and engage our students in this Digital Distance Learning model, we are closely tracking the public health data in light of the school reopening framework provided by Governor Inslee in early August. First, I want to reshare two core resources guiding our data tracking and decision making process. These resources were included in our message from August 6, directly following the Governor's announcement. -
This is the Reopening Decision Tree with a three-tiered framework (high, moderate, low) that was provided by the Governor to guide the school reopening process. Page 5 of this document provides a graphic that lays out the framework. The key metric guiding this framework and informing decision making is the average number of positive cases per 100,000 residents over a 14 day period in our county.
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This is the King County COVID-19 data website that tracks the key data metrics for the reopening framework. The first data set/trend line tracks the average number of positive cases per 100,000 residents over a 14 day period in our county.
As you can see from the data tracker, the change in the number of positive cases per 100,000 residents over 14 days in King County went from 96.1 on August 7 (right after the framework was announced) to 54.9 on September 12. Given the data over those recent five weeks, and based on this framework, the trend is moving toward resuming in-person learning with a hybrid model in the late October or early November timeframe. Knowing from experience that the trend line can change direction, we are not articulating a specific return date at this point. We will be closely tracking the next two weeks of data to assess the impact of the Labor Day Holiday and to ensure the trend continues to improve while activities are increasing in our area. In the meantime, our planning team continues to focus on key tasks remaining for implementing the hybrid learning plan. During the first two weeks of October, we will reassess data trends and review our reopening plan with the Leadership Team, Faculty/Staff, Board of Directors and the Archdiocese. If the data supports the continued movement toward an in-person, hybrid reopening, we will announce the specific date at that time. For planning purposes, we will provide a minimum of two weeks notice to faculty, staff, students and families before the start of in-person, hybrid learning. As we've shared before, our Reopening Plan has been published on our website - and as questions come to your mind about this plan or anything I shared above, please continue to reach out to me. I will work with the reopening team to answer your questions and remain in communication with you over these important next few weeks. In the meantime, there are several important actions you can take to stop the spread and support your student's growth: -
Continue to very closely follow public health guidance - wear a mask, remain physically distanced, wash your hands frequently, monitor symptoms and stay home when ill.
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Refrain from participating in large gatherings or taking part in non-essential travel.
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Closely monitor your student's academic progress and mental health. Reach out to teachers or counselors to receive support if you have concerns.
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Encourage your student to get involved in a BBHS activity if they are not already. In his message below, Mr. Procopio highlights the many ways our team here at BBHS has prepared in-person and virtual activities for our students in keeping with public health guidance.
In closing, I am humbled by all the hard work of our teachers - as demonstrated at our Curriculum Night last week - and I am moved by the adaptability and resilience of our students navigating this time. Let's keep up our commitment to stop the spread and continue trending in a positive direction. I also want to invite you to join us in prayer this Sunday, September 27. At 8 p.m., we will livestream our Come Holy Spirit Grotto Prayer Experience here on campus. We will pray for all your intentions and ask the Holy Spirit to grace us with wisdom and courage through this school year. See our Campus Ministry section below for more information. Blessings, Tony DeSapio President adesapio@bishopblanchet.org
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Dear BBHS Families,
We are now in the middle of the third week of the school year, one in which 100% of instruction has been delivered remotely. We have received a lot of feedback on these first few weeks. Students and families have been particularly complimentary about the quality of teaching they have observed, and the clear preparation that teachers did in advance of the year. Teachers have marveled at the effort students demonstrate each day in classes, and commented on the courage and resiliency displayed by the students. Teaching AP Computer Science during first period has offered me a small window into the academic experience, and I am grateful for the growing connections I am making with my students.
While we are proud of the remote program we are providing at Bishop Blanchet, we have been working on many initiatives over the last several weeks to create a framework for students to engage and connect with our programs, faculty/staff, coaches and each other during this time.
We are ready to (and in some cases, have already) launched a combination of virtual and in-person activities related to our 35 clubs, fall play, dance team, improve team and robotics team. Please email Vice Principal of Student Activities Mr. Bocian, or the specific activity moderator, for more information.
In Athletics, the WIAA has created an Open Period from September 28 - November 30, and we have organized programming for each of our 18 sports during this time, including a combination of virtual and in-person small group sessions. For more information, please email Athletic Director Mr. Gaskill, or the sport-specific coach.
Our Campus Ministry Team is working on a plethora of virtual and in-person activities, ranging from themed retreats to a reimagined senior pilgrimage to school wide prayer services and masses. Please connect with Campus Minister Ms. Longest with any questions.
We hope these activities, which are meant to establish and continue connections, will help fill the void of traditional school during remote instruction.
Sincerely,
Sam Procopio Principal sprocopio@bishopblanchet.org
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NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALIST
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Congratulations to Gavin LaMotte '21, on being recently named a 2021 Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Gavin is among the approximately 16,000 academically talented high school seniors nationwide who qualified for this honor, and will compete for more than $30 million in scholarships to be offered next spring. We are so proud of you, Gavin! |
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AP TEST REGISTRATION
Registration is now open for Advanced Placement testing. All students enrolled in an AP course must register for the AP Test(s) by October 1 and take the exam at the conclusion of the course. Click here for more detailed instructions on registering and paying for AP Tests.
Financial aid is available with specific requirements. To inquire about qualifying for a reduced AP Test fee, please email Ms. Reinhardt.
Nick Moffitt
AP Test Coordinator
nmoffitt@bishopblanchet.org
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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
In this new section we will provide updates, tips and recommendations for supporting student mental health and wellness. To kick things off, we are looking for parent volunteers to help support our Forefront Suicide Prevention Initiative for the 2020-2021 school year. We are looking for parents passionate about mental health and interested in sharing this passion with others. As a parent representative on our Forefront team, you will work closely with BBHS personnel to support and empower students, teachers and families in the important work of suicide prevention. Please email with questions or to express interest.
Kaitlyn Overman BBHS Social Emotional Counselor
koverman@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Activities Office
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LAST CALL FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL BAGS AND BBHS FACE MASKS!
If your student was unable to pick up their back-to-school bag or did not receive a BBHS face mask, please click here by Friday, September 25.
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
We are thrilled to offer reimagined ways for students to be more involved with community at BBHS while we are in the remote learning mode. Some of these opportunities will be virtual, and some will involve being able to come to campus (Athletics, Campus Ministry, Performing Arts, Clubs, etc.). Students can learn about these meetings in the Announcements listed in Skyward, Mr. Bocian's Friday emails, each club's Google Classroom and at the Club Fair scheduled during CP on Wednesday, October 7.
PHOTO RETAKE DAY OCTOBER 28
If your student was unable to attend the on campus portion of Orientation to have their yearbook/student ID photo taken, or if they wish to have their photo retaken, Retake Day is scheduled for October 28. Details will be sent as the date nears. Please note: students will receive their ASB/ID cards when we return to in-person classes.
SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS AVAILABLE ON SKYWARD
Parents, guardians and students - please read the announcements in Skyward each day. This is another great way to stay current on what is happening at BBHS!
YEARBOOK HELP NEEDED
You take great photos everyday - please help us create our yearbook! Whether we are learning from home or transition to in-person school, send us your best photos for consideration in the BBHS yearbook. With so much happening away from campus right now, we are asking you to be our eyes/lenses and share your best photos of this unique school year.
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From a mobile device:
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From a laptop:
Chuck Bocian
Vice Principal of Activities
cbocian@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Office of Campus Ministry
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COME HOLY SPIRIT: A PRAYER EXPERIENCE
A few spots remain for the on-campus prayer experience this weekend in Mary's Grotto. Click here to sign up your household for a time slot on Sunday, September 27. Please join us on Facebook Sunday at 8 p.m. for a special prayer service, live from the Grotto.
SENIOR PILGRIMAGE
This Sunday, September 27 seniors are invited to participate in the Senior Pilgrimage retreat from 9 a.m. to noon, taking place at Bishop Blanchet and in the surrounding neighborhood. Click here to register your senior student.
WILDFIRE RELIEF EFFORTS BBHS is teaming up with North Central Washington Community Foundation (NCWCF) to raise recovery funds for Washingtonians affected by the wildfires. All gifts made by Sunday, September 27 will be matched by an anonymous BBHS donor, up to $3,000. To donate, click here and mention BBHS in the Description/Special Instructions box, which enables NCWCF to track our donations for the matching contribution. 100% of funds raised will go to help the victims of the fires. Email Ms. Cypher with any questions.
Rachel Longest
Director of Campus Ministry
rlongest@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Performing Arts Department
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AUDITIONS AND CREWS! IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE - A LIVE RADIO PLAY
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Hurray! The Cast and Crew for the fall play have been announced, and we are all moving full speed ahead. Be sure to mark your calendars for December 4, 5 and 6. This is going to be virtually the best show ever! Click here and listen as students share what they are most excited about. If you want to find out more information about this show and all things DRAMA, join the BBHS Drama Google Classroom with code 4nkp4c2.
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IMPROV CLUB AUDITIONS
Improv Club is a group of students playing together to develop improv skills, creativity, listening and support of other team members, all while having FUN. All students are invited to audition for Improv Club via Zoom on Thursday, September 24 between 3:30-4:30 p.m. No acting or performance experience is required. The audition link will be posted on the Drama Callboard Classroom on Thursday September 24.
Corey Eriksen
Performing and Fine Arts Department Chair
ceriksen@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Athletic Department
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OPEN PERIOD BEGINS SEPTEMBER 28
The WIAA Open Period provides an exciting opportunity to get our coaches and student-athletes together again on the course, field, track, court and pool deck. All coaches have reached out to their interested athletes (who completed the interest survey) and parents to organize pod groups for their upcoming practices. Interested athletes and parents should expect follow-up communication from their coach with sport-specific protocol, practice times, pod assignments and their date for their Zoom education meeting. If you were unable to complete the interest survey, please email the Athletic Office, and we will do our best to accommodate your son or daughter. Student athletes will not be allowed to just show up to practices unannounced.
Please ensure your student is registered via FamilyID for their sport/season (registration links are also included in each sport's Open Period calendar below).
All BBHS programs will be following and adhering to guidance from the WIAA and Washington State Department of Health. Our goal during this period is to engage our athletes with specific safety protocols in place and provide the safest environment possible. Please click the link below to view each sport's Open Period Calendar with training schedule and locations. Email Mr. Gaskill with any questions.
Open Period Calendars
SPIRIT BAG ORDERS DUE SEPTEMBER 28
Spirit bag orders are due Monday, September 28. (This will be the only order before Christmas.) Please download the Spirit Bag Order Form and submit it with payment by mail to the Athletic Department.
VIRTUAL BRAVE 5K
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Thank you for participating in our 10th Annual Brave 5K! If you have not yet picked up your t-shirt, please come to campus on Friday, September 25 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
· Enter the parking lot off of 82nd and follow the signs
· Wear a mask
· Remain in your car at all times
Remember to enter your time here by noon on Monday, September 28.
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Sean Gaskill
Athletic Director
sgaskill@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Office of Diversity and International Student Services
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LAST CHANCE TO MASK FOR A FRIEND - FUNDRAISER ENDS SEPTEMBER 25
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Join us in doing our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 while supporting local efforts to dismantle systemic and structural racism in the foster care and youth homelessness response systems.
The suggested donation is $13 per mask; feel free to give generously to support Mockingbird's important work. Quantities are limited, so show your solidarity and get yours today.
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From the Counseling Center
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SENIOR PARENTS
Your seniors are receiving many emails these days with reminders about important information regarding college visits, counselor meetings and scholarship opportunities. Please remind them to check their email so they don't miss out!
VIRTUAL COLLEGE REP VISITS
Each year, representatives from about 120 universities come to BBHS to visit with our juniors and seniors. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about schools that they're interested in, as well as the general college admissions experience. This fall these visits are happening, just virtually. Students can view the complete schedule in Naviance. To visit with an admissions rep, students need to register on Naviance at least 24 hours in advance. They'll get a confirmation email, followed by a reminder email the day before the scheduled meeting. Students need to keep that reminder email! It will include the link for the virtual visit, which will go live 15 minutes prior to the meeting. Students should sign in a few minutes before the meeting start time; some colleges require them to complete a registration form before allowing them to join the actual meeting.
COLLEGE WEBINARS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS Amherst, Bowdoin, Carleton, Pomona, Swarthmore and Williams Colleges are hosting a series of webinars for parents and students about the college experience, the admissions process in the time of COVID, International Student Admissions and life after college.
JESUIT EXCELLENCE TOUR
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Prospective applicants considering pursuing their undergraduate degrees at a Jesuit institution are encouraged to check out the Jesuit Excellence Tour (JET), a series of recruitment events that allow admissions staff at Jesuit colleges and universities to jointly recruit targeted areas across the country. Please click here for details and registration.
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COUNSELING WEBINARS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Please note the dates for the upcoming Parent/Guardian webinars with the BBHS Counseling Team, focused on important information and events for students in each grade level. Parents/guardians of each specific grade will receive an email with additional information as each event nears.
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Junior Parent Information Night - October 6
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High School 101 for Frosh Parents - October 27
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Sophomore Parent Information Night - November 17
Click here to view the presentation from the College Planning Night for Senior Parents earlier this month.
Stephen Russell
Counseling Department Chair
srussell@bishopblanchet.org
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PLEASE SUBSCRIBE
Please subscribe to our new BBHS YouTube channel. We will utilize this platform to manage and share videos with our community, and for livestreaming capabilities.
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Follow us @bishopblanchet
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