Weekly Update
December 9, 2020
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Dear BBHS Families,
Traditionally during Advent, we take the opportunity to celebrate our many wonderful Bishop Blanchet grandparents and grandfriends, and the support they offer our students, families, and community. In lieu of gathering together this year, please view and share this video message with your grandparents and grandfriends. Their presence and contributions have continued to enrich our community over the years.
Blessings,
Tony DeSapio
President
adesapio@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Counseling Department |
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PSAT UPDATE: JANUARY 26, 2021
Please note an important change to our PSAT Testing Day on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Given the guidelines on having students present in our building, only Juniors will be offered the opportunity to take the PSAT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) this year. While it is our intent to proceed with the PSAT for Juniors on January 26, BBHS administrators will continue to monitor health and safety guidelines. A final determination will be made in January about our ability to offer the test administration.
In order to plan appropriately, Juniors who would like to take the PSAT on campus will be asked to complete this form by Wednesday, December 16. By completing this form, the student is making a firm commitment to take the test at Bishop Blanchet should it be offered. Students will also receive this announcement and the form this week via email.
Accommodated testing will be offered where possible. Juniors who are approved for College Board/PSAT testing accommodations can confirm with Mrs. Bradish, as well as complete the form.
The January PSAT/NMSQT will offer the same benefits as the traditional October test date, including eligibility for National Merit programs. Please keep in mind that the PSAT is a practice test and scores are only sent to the student and the high school. Colleges will not use PSAT scores in the admissions process.
If the PSAT is administered, there will be no classes on Tuesday, January 26 for 9th, 10th and 12th graders, and 11th graders who do not opt in for the test.
In the event that we are unable to safely administer the PSAT on this date, we will communicate an updated schedule for that day. A final determination will take place in January.
SECOND SEMESTER SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUESTS
Students may submit a schedule change request a change to their second semester schedule. To do so, please read and follow all instructions below:
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By Friday, December 18, the student must complete the Schedule Change Request Form, which can be found on the Counseling page of the BBHS website. Students received the link in Mr. Procopio’s message to students last week.
- Requests must be complete and include a compelling reason for the change request. Please ensure you have reviewed the request with your student.
Note: many students received an alternate elective. Please know that every effort was made to provide first choice classes. It is very likely that these first choice electives were not available once the student's core classes were scheduled.
Stephen Russell
Counseling Department Chair
srussell@bishopblanchet.org
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PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress Reports will be posted by the end of the school day on Thursday, December 17. To view your student's progress report, please select the Portfolio Tab in Skyward.
Nicole McCoy
Vice Principal of Academics
nmccoy@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Performing and Fine Arts Department |
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IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE WRAP UP
Thank you to all our wonderful true, kind, and brave family and friends who joined us for It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play.
The Fall Play is always a wonderful journey for the cast and crew. This year, despite all the obstacles that COVID has presented, we found it was an innovative, enriching, and historic experience. Congratulations! We did it - and we did it with you. Thank you for your support!
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VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The BBHS Bands and Choirs invite you to view this year's Christmas Concert production, "A Virtual Festival of Lessons and Carols," a traditional service of scripture and song streamed on Sunday, December 13, at 3 p.m.
Together, Bishop Blanchet's vocal and instrumental music programs present this production as a gift to our greater Seattle community, in time of turmoil, social injustice, and strife. May the lessons and carols shared bring hope, peace, and joy this holiday season.
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SPRING MUSICAL AUDITIONS: SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
Spring Musical Auditions and Crew Interviews are around the corner! This year, the drama department is producing a filmed version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic revue, Some Enchanted Evening. This unique project will be filmed on location on the Bishop Blanchet campus, featuring iconic numbers from beloved musicals like South Pacific, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, sequenced to tell the story of a day in the life of a high school campus - specifically, the Friday of The Big Dance.
Auditions begin Monday, December 14, and crew interviews are Thursday, December 17. The rehearsal process will begin remotely, and in February, actors will work on campus with the director and choreographer to rehearse, stage and film their musical numbers. We are excited to launch two new student crews dedicated to filming and editing, in addition to our hair and makeup, marketing, costume, and stage production crews. Please visit the Drama Callboard (Classroom code: 4nkp4c2) for more information and to sign up!
If you like singing, dancing, telling stories and working with a passionate and creative team, join the cast and crew of Some Enchanted Evening. Together, we are going to make something magical!
STUDENT ART
Students in Basic Art created 3D cup art responding to a social problem, using techniques inspired by Sharpie artist Cheeming Boey. Artwork below (left to right) by Dominique Monroe '21, Sophia Bell '23, and Neylyn Duque '23.
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AP Art and Design student Nona Schroeder '21 created an acrylic painting (right) that reveals the paranoia in the systemic way Americans are raised; this paranoia becomes a fuel for fear so that major corporations can feed on the desire to have the fear relieved.
Corey Eriksen
Performing and Fine Arts Department Chair
ceriksen@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Activities Office |
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INDOOR ACTIVITIES RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED
Governor Inslee announced yesterday an extension to the current COVID-related restrictions through Monday, January 4. As a result, indoor activities for Cheer, Dance Team and Ping Pong are canceled through January 4. Robotics will continue as scheduled for now. Coaches and/or advisors will communicate to students currently participating in these activities about implications for each program.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEK
Next week we celebrate Christmas at BBHS! Our ASB has created a theme for dress up each day during the week. Parents can check the calendar for the daily dress up themes. Please encourage your students to participate and have fun!
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEECH TOURNAMENT
Bishop Blanchet is hosting a Middle School Virtual Speech Tournament this Saturday, December 12. We are proud to host 227 student participants from 13 Catholic middle schools. Scholarships to BBHS are awarded to the first place speakers in numerous events.
SOPHOMORE CLASS ESCAPE ROOM
The Sophomore Class Cabinet is hosting a holiday themed escape room Wednesday, December 16 at 3:30 p.m. We hope all Sophomores will join, and bring on the merriness and joy of this Christmas Season! There will be prizes! Ms. Roe will post information in the Class of 2023 Google Classroom.
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PARENT ASSOCIATION - THANK YOU!
Thank you to our hard working Parent Association! We are so very grateful to all of the support these hard working parents have contributed, particularly for the inventive ways they've helped foster connections during remote learning. They created the Freshman & Transfer Student Survival Guides, co-hosted the Senior Class Halloween drive thru, hosted the parent webinar with Dr. Laura Kastner (a recording of the webinar is viewable on the BBHS Parent Association webpage until January 18), cheered on our faculty and staff with a food truck lunch, thank you letters from students, and thank you yard signs. We appreciate you!
GRANDPARENT AND GRANDFRIEND RECOGNITION
Traditionally we celebrate our BBHS Grandparents and Grandfriends with a reception after our Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass. Since we are unable to do so in person this year, we are offering the following suggestions to students as ways to connect virtually with their grandparents/grandfriends during this season of Advent. If your student hasn't yet had the opportunity, please encourage them to connect in one of the following ways:
- Phone call
- FaceTime
- Zoom Meeting - include all grandkids, not just BBHS students!
- TikTok - get creative and make a short video to share with them
- Email or text photos to them
- Offer a prayer/intention to grandparents who have passed away
- Send a handwritten letter, card, or note
- Send flowers
- Send a meal via grocery store or restaurant delivery
Chuck Bocian
Vice Principal of Activities
cbocian@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Athletic Department |
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INDOOR ATHLETIC RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED
Governor Inslee announced yesterday an extension to the current COVID-related restrictions through Monday, January 4. As a result, all indoor athletics are canceled through January 4. Coaches will communicate to students currently participating in Open Period about implications for each sport or program. Outdoor sports will be allowed to continue with current protocols in place. Masks must be worn at all times while participating in outdoor activities, including during aerobic activity.
TRAVEL ADVISORY RETURN TO PLAY PLAN
Student athletes who have traveled or are planning to travel out of the state or country after November 13 must complete this form to establish a quarantine/return to play plan.
WIAA EXECUTIVE BOARD UPDATE
The Board will be meeting on Tuesday, December 15 to discuss culminating events for each of the three seasons. The Board will determine if State events can be played safely, based on county metrics and the total number of schools able to participate (click here for the WIAA document). More information will be available in next Wednesday's Weekly Update.
BOYS SOCCER OPEN PERIOD PRACTICES SET TO BEGIN
The Boys Soccer Program is looking to begin conditioning and skill training practices during the WIAA Open Period. Practices are scheduled to be on Mondays from 6:30-8:30pm at BBHS. Before practices can begin, the Athletic Department needs to know who is interested in participating.
Given the current situation, student-athletes will not be allowed to just show up to practices unannounced. Please click here to complete a brief survey by Wednesday, December 9. Interested athletes and parents will receive a follow-up communication from head coach Ryan Camden about their sport-specific protocols and procedures, and the date and link information for the mandatory Zoom education meeting, scheduled for Thursday, December 10 at 3 p.m. The BBHS Soccer Program is looking forward to the opportunity to get back out on the field. Please email head coach Ryan Camden with any questions.
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Sean Gaskill
Athletic Director
sgaskill@bishopblanchet.org
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NAMED ENDOWMENTS SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE: DECEMBER 18
Bishop Blanchet offers Named Endowment Scholarships made possible by the generosity of BBHS donors, alumni and friends. In order to apply for a Named Endowment Scholarship, an applicant must have a current completed FACTS Tuition Assistant Form for your household on file with the BBHS Business Office. Scholarships awarded from the previous school year are not automatically renewed, and if a scholarship is renewed, the amount awarded may vary from year to year.
2020-21 TUITION ASSISTANCE DEADLINE: DECEMBER 31
Applications for BBHS and Archdiocese of Seattle Fulcrum Foundation tuition assistance for 2021-2022 are due December 31, 2020, through the FACTS application portal.
Click here for important information and instructions on how to apply for aid and details on how to submit the required supporting documentation (listed below) using the FACTS application.
- 2019 IRS Federal Tax form 1040 including all applicable Schedules and Attachments
- 2019 W2 or applicable 1099's for both applicants
- 2019 year-end pay stub showing year-to-date wages and deductions for both applicants
- 2020 most recent pay stub for both applicants
- 2020 Income and Expense Statement for self-employed parents
- Benefit Statements from Social Security, SSI, TANF, Unemployment funds as applicable
FACTS Customer Service is available at 866-441-4637 to assist with log-in password or application questions. Please email Colleen Reinhardt for additional assistance.
Tom Ramsey
Director of Finance
tramsey@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Office of Campus Ministry |
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PRAY WITH US
Even during remote learning, we begin every school day with prayer from students, staff, and faculty. You can pray along with us. Click here to listen to any of the meditations, prayers, and reflections from this school year.
Rachel Longest
Director of Campus Ministry
rlongest@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Development Office |
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AUCTION
We are stronger together! This is why we need your help with auction procurement. Because campus activity is currently limited, we prefer you use one of the following contactless ways to procure or donate $350 toward the auction:
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Monetary Donation - Make a cash donation to help underwrite general auction expenses. Or, apply your cash donation to a specific auction package (all cash donations are tax-deductible).
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Sponsorship - Become a sponsor, or solicit a business sponsor.
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Amazon Gift Registry - Shop our gift registry; your purchase will be shipped directly to BBHS in your name.
- Donate Gift Cards - Mail cards to BBHS.
- Donate a Party or Service - Be creative and create a unique party or service.
- Donate Tickets to sporting events and performing arts.
The procurement deadline is Friday, January 15, 2021. All donated items must be turned into BBHS main office by Tuesday, February 9, 2021. Please email Sheryl Welch with any questions.
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DOUBLE THE CHEER
Double the Cheer by requesting a matching gift from your employer!
Many companies match donations made by their employees to our school; doubling, tripling or even quadrupling your gift!
Click here to see if your company will match your donation. If you are not sure what your donation amount was, or have questions about matching gifts, email Stephanie Gravenkemper.
Have you made your gift to the Brave Fund? If not, you can do so here today! Thank you to all those who have so generously made their gifts to BBHS already for the 2020-2021 school year!
Mary Beard
Director of Development
mbeard@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Admissions Department |
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CALLING ALL FUTURE BRAVES!
If you have friends, family or neighbors with middle schoolers - we invite you to share with them some of the upcoming opportunities for them to get to know more about BBHS. Virtual visits for students and parents/guardians are now available! See details below.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 6, 2021
Apply to Bishop Blanchet today - click here to apply to BBHS for 2021-22, get information on the application process, and view deadlines. Please note, BBHS will not offer, nor require, the High School Placement Test (HSPT) for this admissions season, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
FINAL B.R.A.V.E. DAY: DECEMBER 15
Our final B.R.A.V.E. (Blanchet Remote Access Virtual Experience) Day session is Tuesday, December 15, from 8:15-11:45 a.m. Your 8th grader is invited to join a small group for a half day, virtual, live, personalized tour with our Director of Admissions. B.R.A.V.E Day experiences include classroom visits, a view of our spaces, engagement with teachers and school leaders, and messages from our students. Reserve your spot today!
PARENT VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH PRESIDENT DESAPIO: ADDITIONAL DATES IN JANUARY
We have created two additional opportunities on Thursday, January 14 or Thursday, January 21 for prospective parents and guardians to join President DeSapio for a virtual cup of coffee and conversation. Reserve your spot today to learn more about our school, and ask questions. Both sessions run from 9-10 a.m.
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NEW TRANSPORTATION OPTION
Beep Beep! Attention north end families - we hear you!
We are excited to announce a new BBHS bus route to serve the north end communities with stops in Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.
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NEW STUDENT-LED TOUR VIDEO
Check out our new student-led tour video, featuring seven students who somehow managed to get their hands on they keys to the school for an after-hours tour of BBHS.
Be True! Be Kind! Be Brave!
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8TH GRADE HOTSPOT
Bookmark the 8th grade HOTSPOT as your hub for prospective student information! To receive free BBHS swag and other mailings, watch Brave Ambassador videos, read student testimonials, gain free admission to on campus events when they resume and get the latest BBHS admissions information, register for our Brave Access Program.
Michael Pierce
Director of Admissions
mpierce@bishopblanchet.org
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