September 11, 2020
BK Alive
Weekly News and Information for BK Families
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.
Upcoming
Next week at a Glance:
Monday, 9/14 - A Day, 8:15 Start
Tuesday, 9/15 - B Day, 9:15 Start
Wednesday, 9/16 - A Day, 8:15 Start
Thursday, 9/17 - B Day, 9:15 Start, MASS DAY, remember Mass Dress
Friday, 9/18 - A Day, 8:15 Start


  • Wednesday, September 16th - Senior Out to Lunch
  • Thursday, September 17th - All School Mass (students will participate online in their classrooms, Campus Ministers will bring the Eucharist to them.)
  • Friday, September 18th - Spirit Day, $2.00 Jeans Day

A Message from Rich and Mike
It looks like EVERYONE was excited to have students back at school this week!
Dear Bishop Kelly Parents,
 
As we finish our fourth week of school, and our first week with around 95% of our students back on campus for in person learning, we again want to express our appreciation for your support and understanding as we navigate the COVID-19 waters and “just keep swimming”. 
 
We have talked with hundreds of students and most of our faculty and the feedback from them this week has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers love having most all their students in class and feel much more effective in their instruction. Most all students told us they struggled with the two days of virtual instruction when we were on an alternating schedule and like being at school every day with their classmates, friends and teachers.
 
We are continuing in this BK Alive our feature called “The Week in Review/The Week Ahead” albeit a much abbreviated section as we are starting to get into a good rhythm. 
 
We continue to be grateful to all of you for your partnership in the learning experience of your sons and daughters.
 
God Bless,
 
Rich Raimondi
President
Mike Caldwell
Principal
What went well:
  • Having most all kids and teachers back on campus - instruction was more effective and fluid and students were delighted to be here all together. Most students we talked did not notice twice as many students on campus due to our staggered passing periods, social distancing in classrooms, and the spacing of lunch by classes.
  • Wearing masks (and correctly) continues to be exemplary by everyone. Lunchtime and hallways passing periods went well considering we doubled the number of students on campus. We need to stay focused on our 3 W’s as it is working both here at BK and in our community. As a doctor friend in McCall said, “we don’t want to get off a winning horse before we cross the finish line.” And the finish line is a ways away and not likely until we have a vaccine widely distributed.
  • Sports competitions began this week - Kids are playing games! JV and Freshman Football games took place last evening and both teams won vs. Emmett. Varsity Football is at home this evening and Cross Country has their first meet tomorrow morning. And soccer and volleyball start competition next Tuesday. We wish we could have more fans than the 50 allowed but that is what we are mandated to do by the Ada County Public Health Order. We will continue to learn and adapt each week.
  • All students who were on quarantine have returned to school and both students who had COVID-19 have recovered and are back. We have no new cases to report and no one on quarantine.
  • Full lunch service for students and staff started up and, minus some hiccups with badges and kids not knowing their numbers yet, overall went well. Thank you to our kitchen team for their outstanding work.
 
What needs improvement: 
  • Can’t lose focus on the need for social distancing outside during lunch periods when masks are off. We continue to educate and reinforce students staying in their “bubbles” during lunch, providing separate areas for fr/soph and jr/sr, and minimizing group to group interactions. 
  • Lunch service will improve with new badges being printed for juniors and sophomores and as students know their numbers and the process. 

COVID-19 Status
The update for today, September 11th, is:
  • Bishop Kelly has had zero new cases since September 1st and no students are currently in quarantine. Both students who had COVID-19 have recovered and returned to school, as have all students who were on quarantine..
  • Here are the COVID-19 numbers for Bishop Kelly, which can be found on the bk.org website.
  • As we stated in our Wednesday Just in Time, once we reached Category 2 (yellow), which we did on Tuesday, September 8th, students and teachers would be expected to be on campus for in person classroom instruction. For this past week, as we did not know until Tuesday we would be in yellow, we did provide the "opt in" for virtual learning option. We did have approximately 50 students choose that option. 
  • We will be expecting all students and teachers to come to school five days per week starting Monday, September 14th. As long as we remain in the yellow category (or better), we will not be offering a Hybrid option on an opt-in basis. We will, however, work with students on a one to one basis for extenuating circumstances. A few of you have reached out to Mr. Caldwell and he will accept and review formal requests this week for extenuating circumstances. The key is whether or not it's a temporary request or a long term request. By temporary, we mean one additional week. If it's long term, we will work with the family for a better school option as we have been clear from early August that we will not be offering a full-time online option.
Father Vance's Reflection
Nineteen years ago today, I was at another high school, in another state. Together with my students then, we watched as the world changed forever. As the tragedy of that day unfolded, and many times since, I have turned to God in my prayer and asked, not for answers, but for Faith. I’ve been around the block enough to know that there are some questions that will probably not get answered, at least during my lifetime. Some things are just too mysterious, too unthinkable, to fit neatly into categories of understanding. But even (especially?) with these challenges, God desires to accompany us, even into the darkness of doubt and challenge and tragedy. I believe that God is with us in everything, and can always bring resurrection out of seeming death.

As we have tentatively, carefully begun the school year here at BK, I have a similar feeling to the one I had nineteen years ago on 9/11/01. Once again, we find ourselves living through a time unprecedented, a time that evades our understanding and our capacity to process it. We are living through a time that sometimes challenges our very capacity to hope. And yet, God is present. God is with us. God is working. The trick, the challenge, is to see Him.

Last Friday, at our very first Mass of the year with Fall Sports and Activities, the “Reg” was filled to our socially-distanced capacity with Football players and Cheerleaders. They were understandably disappointed that they would not be playing that night, but they filled our gym/chapel to ask for God’s companionship, and to nevertheless be a team together. This week, the Boys and Girls Soccer Teams came to Mass on Tuesday, and this morning, as the Frosh and JV Football Teams gathered in the “Reg” for Mass, the Varsity came together in Our Lady’s Garden to pray the Mass readings and make a “Spiritual Communion” in companionship with their team-mates.

We need to notice these little signs of God’s faithful companionship, because when we notice them, they suddenly are not little -- they are powerful. I see God’s companionship in so many places. I see it in the Sacraments and in the Church, especially in the precious sharing of the Eucharist with young people. I see it in the theological tradition of imperfect-but-holy women and men turning to Christ in their unanswerable questions. And I see it here at BK in the lives and the faces of our students. They are really trying to make this school year work! When they encounter a question without an answer, when they confront a tragedy that seems to have no hope, I am so incredibly grateful to accompany them. In the name of the God I serve and the Jesus Christ I am devoted to, I hope that I can walk with them, as I have experienced God walking with me all my life.

Your children are indescribably, surpassingly precious, as is our second-to-none Faculty, Staff and Administration. While some questions in our lives may not have understandable answers, please know that God is powerfully present and active here, and “we walk by Faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Knights of the Week
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!

Walker Hopkins
Faith
Walker has actively engaged with the ideas of faith, reason, and science we've covered in class so far. In assignments, he's been honest about his questions and taken time to produce work that shows how he's navigating his own beliefs and ways of understanding the universe in thoughtful, mature ways. He's also done it all with a smile and a good attitude! What a great student!

Gia Codina
Academic Excellence
Gia is cheerful and spunky! She is courteous as well as conscientious. When she approaches me to ask about an assignment, she always smiles and responds as if she's delighted to do the work.

Ruby Pulver
Community
Ruby is constantly willing to help others and ask questions in class. Especially now, a helping hand can be super powerful. 


BK Staff of the Week
Mr. Chris Martineau
Academic Excellence, Generosity, Faith
  • He is very understanding and helpful especially when you get something wrong.
  • Mr. Martineau makes sure we all understand the topic and can get through the class without lots of stress.
  • Mr. Martineau is not only a great guy but also someone that loves helping his students in the religious faith. Everyday before class we start off with an amazing prayer story that teaches a lot in a little bit of time. 
BK Activities This week
  • Saturday, September 12th - Cross Country vs. Eagle and Emmett (home), 9:00 AM Start.

  • Tuesday, September 15th - Girls Soccer vs. Caldwell (Home), 4:30 JV, 6:00 Varsity

  • Tuesday, September 15th - Boys Soccer vs. Caldwell (Away), 4:30 JV, 6:00 Varsity

  • Tuesday, September 15th - Volleyball vs. Vallivue (Away), 4:30 Frosh, 5:30 JV, 6:30 Varsity

  • Thursday, September 17th - Freshman Football vs. Nampa (Away), 6:00 PM Kickoff

  • Thursday, September 17th - JV Football vs. Nampa (Home), 6:00 PM Kickoff

  • Thursday, September 17th - Girls Soccer vs. Vallivue (Away), 4:30 JV, 6:00 Varsity

  • Thursday, September 17th - Boys Soccer vs. Vallivue (Home), 4:30 JV, 6:00 Varsity

  • Friday, September 18th - Varsity Football vs. Nampa (Away), 7:00 Kickoff

  • Saturday, September 19th - Varsity Swim Meet vs. Nampa at the West Y

We will communicate with parents and fans about who can attend athletic events in person. This information is changing weekly.

For those who cannot attend in person, all of our Home competitions that take place in the Carley Athletic Center and on Nick Ysursa Field, can be viewed LIVE on the NFHS Network. The cost to subscribe is $10.99 per month, or $69.99 for the entire year.

Football games are also being broadcast on Salt and LIght Catholic Radio, (1140 AM or 102.3 FM) and we are working on an option for streaming our other fall sports. (If you are interested in helping out, please let us know!)
Olympian Nick Symmonds, '02 Challenges BK Running Knights to a Race
Alumknight Nick Symmonds, '02 was on campus recently, and spent some time running with our Cross Country Team. Check out this fun video Nick made of his visit.
College and Career
NCACA Virtual College Fair:
This fall you will have the opportunity to connect with more than 600 colleges and universities at the NACAC virtual college fair.

Sunday, Sept. 13 from 12 - 8 p.m. ET
Monday, Oct. 12 from 1 - 9 p.m. ET
Sunday, Oct. 18 from 12 - 8 p.m. ET
Sunday, Nov. 8 from 2 - 10 p.m. ET

Each virtual fair is a free, one-day event. Attend as often as you like. Parents invited, too. Sign up at virtualcollegefairs.org

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 Sep 14, 11:15 - 11:50 AM Dartmouth College
Tue Sep 15, 12:15 - 12:50 PM 2 Boise State University
Tue Sep 15, 2:30 - 3:05 PM Hawaii Pacific University
Wed Sep 16, 11:15-11:50 PM University of Portland
Thu Sep 17, 12:15 - 12:50 PM High Point University

Volunteer Opportunities for Students
ONE STONE
Love of Learning Project
Love of Learning (LOL) is a program in part with One Stone's Project Good that will work to keep the joy of learning alive, especially while many students navigate unique challenges that can come with virtual learning. High schoolers who join this project will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a younger buddy in person, where they will act as their mentor and helper with anything the buddy might need help within school. This mentorship will help create and strengthen relationships, build confidence in school, and help students transition to a new kind of learning environment.

Meetings: Love of Learning will meet in person with their buddies once a week for two hours, as well as have planning meetings once a week for an hour. Students who choose to be involved in this project can choose which session they would like depending on the day of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Feel free to email projectgood@onestone.org with any questions.

One Stone has other volunteer opportunities as well. To sign up for LOL or any other projects, go to: https://onestone.org/project-good-1

Meridian Library District
The Meridian Library District has numerous volunteer opportunities available. Some in-person and some virtual. Go to: https://www.mld.org/connect/help-home to see what’s available and to sign up.


Math Tutor Needed
A student at St. Mark’s needs a volunteer math tutor. If you are in the NHS this could be a good way to get your tutoring hours! For more information, contact Mrs. Colleran at jcolleran@bk.org or stop by room 710.
PSAT/NMSQT for Sophomores and Juniors Rescheduled
The PSAT/NMSQT scheduled for October 14th had been rescheduled. The test for all Sophomores and Juniors will be held here at Bishop Kelly on January 26th.
SAT Opportunity For Seniors
For Seniors who had hoped to take the SAT over the summer but were unable to, there will be an opportunity to take the SAT here at Bishop Kelly on October 14th. It will be administered during school and any student taking it will have an excused absence.

  • The cost for the test is $70 (SAT with Essay)
  • This is only available for Seniors. All Juniors will take the SAT in March.
  • The deadline to sign up for the test is September 14th. Click on the link below to sign up. There is a limited number of tests available so sign up soon.

For more information, contact Mrs. Colleran at jcolleran@bk.org

We Need Your Pictures!
The yearbook staff is working on pages for the yearbook, and we need your photos!

Please send in any photos that you have of your student participating or completing his/her Senior Service Project, Senior Float, Quarantine Pets, Purchases and/or Activities, and any pictures from summer trips and/or activities. Be sure to label them or put in the email body some sort of explanation. Photos can be shared with us on our Instagram page at @bkyrbook or via email to knightpix@bk.org
Online Ordering from the BK Spirit Store!
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?
#256
BK Unisex Hooded Sweatshirt Drk. Gray
$36.00
#255
BK Unisex Hooded Sweatshirt Lt. Gray
$45.00
#146
Ladies Short Sleeved BK Strong T-Shirt
$15.00

#147
Mens Short Sleeved BK Strong T-Shirt
$15.00
(Not pictured, Same Design)
#141
Unisex Long Sleeved T-Shirt
$20
Bishop Kelly Masks - One Size Fits All
$8.00
How to Order

*Order deadline: EVERY MONDAY      
*Order Pickup: EVERY FOLLOWING THURSDAY ONLY,
7:45 AM-8:15 AM OR 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Email bkspiritstore@gmail.com and must include:
  • Your Name
  • Contact Phone Number
  • Item # listed above
  • Size of Item (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
  • Price

Method of Payment at Pickup: Exact Cash, Check to BKPA, Venmo @BKParentsAssociation, or Credit Card

Choice of Thursday ONLY Pickup Slot: AM or PM (see time period above) *BK Spirit Store volunteers are unavailable for other pickup days or times, and the front office staff does not have access to the store.

Thursday ONLY Pickup table outside in front of St. Teresa of Jesus Chapel. Please park, and walk up to pick up your order. Please do not park or leave your car unattended in the pickup lane.

THANK YOU for your cooperation as BK Spirit Store volunteers try to keep BK Spirit Store items available for our community.  

2020 Winner's Choice Update
Today marks the 7 week countdown to our 2020 Winner's Choice Online Auction and Virtual Event!

By now, you should have received your Save the Date and Golden Ticket Order form in the mail. Please contact Kim Malvick in the Foundation office if you have not received this.

SOLICITATIONS UPDATE
Looking for ways to get involved? We are currently accepting donations to our online auction and would be very grateful if you would consider donating to our event to help make it a success! 

to find out more about how to donate to this year’s auction or click on the following:

Consider donating an item from our previous Winner’s Choice Auction Supporters.

Need ideas on what to donate? Let us do the shopping for you! Through our Amazon Wish List those items are shipped right to us!
Supporting Bishop Kelly Students Through the Kelly Pride Fund
The Kelly Pride Fund provides an opportunity for our BK community- parents, alumni, grandparents, alumni parents, faculty/staff, and friends- to make a gift directly to the school to support our greatest investment- our students!

Gifts to the Kelly Pride Fund directly impact our students in two distinct ways:
  1. Boosts specific programs and areas of the school that speak to your and your student's heart
  2. Closes the "gap" between tuition and the full cost to educate every BK student, thus keeping tuition more affordable for all.

If you wish to support an activity, sport, club, tuition assistance, or highest student needs, visit bk.org/donate to make your impact today! Thanks and Go Knights! Questions? Contact the BK Development office at 208.947.1325 or email Tommy Steiner at tsteiner@bk.org

Check your mailbox for a Kelly Pride Fund Mailer next week!
 
Job Openings at Bishop Kelly
Bus Route Driver
Activities Bus Driver
Substitute Teachers
Substitute Kitchen Assistant
Important Links
Contact BK
  • 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.
Bishop Kelly High School | (208) 375-6010 | www.bk.org