Weekly Update
January 6, 2021
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Dear BBHS Families,
Welcome to 2021! I hope your family enjoyed a well-earned break as we enter into these final, important weeks of the first semester.
As stated in my message on December 18, we are continuing with our plan to review public health data and refine our plans for the second semester, which starts on Wednesday, January 27. We will send out a separate email with specific details on our learning plan for the second semester in the next few days.
In the meantime, let’s all do everything we can to stay healthy, finish this semester strong, and also take some time for fun! Check out Mr. Procopio’s announcement below for details on the active and engaging, community building opportunity next week.
Blessings,
Tony DeSapio
President
adesapio@bishopblanchet.org
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
During the first semester, we have heard great feedback about the extra-curricular opportunities offered, from clubs to theatre to athletics, and the positive impact they have had on our students’ mental and emotional health. We will continue to strive to find opportunities to celebrate and support our students and their well-being. In that spirit, BBHS has worked with Interbay Golf Center to reserve the mini golf course for each grade level at the date and time listed below. We invite students to de-stress the week before finals, get out of the house, enjoy some fresh air, and connect with their classmates in an outdoor setting where they can physically distance. This activity is provided at no cost to students; the BBHS Booster Club is sponsoring the event and students simply need to show up. If the date listed below for a student’s grade level does not work, they are welcome to participate on one of the other dates.
Grade 9: Monday, January 11, 4-7 p.m.
Grade 10: Tuesday, January 12, 4-7 p.m.
Grade 11: Wednesday, January 13, 4-7 p.m.
Grade 12: Thursday, January 14, 4-7 p.m.
Here are the steps to participate:
- Please observe all health and safety guidelines during the event: wear a mask, maintain physical distance, and do not share equipment.
- If you traveled out of state during Christmas break, please ensure you’re following the state’s recommended 14 day quarantine.
Parents will need to complete two tasks prior to their student participating:
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Complete a paper copy of this COVID waiver
- Attest to their student’s health using the HealthShield screening tool prior to the event
Students will need to check in with the BBHS administrator on duty on the first hole, and present the following:
- BBHS/ASB photo ID
- HealthShield green check mark
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Signed COVID Waiver
We hope everyone is interested and able to participate in this fun activity outside of school, and that it provides a welcome respite from remote learning. As an added bonus, any student who gets a hold-in-one will have their name entered into a raffle to win a prize!
Have fun!
Sam Procopio
Principal
sprocopio@bishopblanchet.org
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REQUIRED COVID-19 REPORTING
Our Reopening Plan and COVID-19 safety protocols require us to have a clear understanding of any impact COVID-19 may be having in our Bishop Blanchet community. Therefore, we are reiterating our protocol for families to notify the Dean's Office of any student or household member who tests positive for COVID-19. This is a requirement even in our current remote learning environment. Families should report this information via email to Chris Bilanko, Dean of Students. All student or family member names will remain confidential as the school begins its communication protocols.
CLOSE CONTACT WITH CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19
Students and families identified by local health officials as a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case should also notify the Dean's Office by emailing Chris Bilanko, Dean of Students. Bishop Blanchet will communicate with impacted students and families regarding protocols for returning to school and school sponsored activities.
COVID-19 PREVENTION
Parents and guardians should limit the social interactions of their student(s) outside of school. Families should spend time with their student(s) discussing the importance of refraining from attending large social gatherings, the need to practice physical distancing and mask wearing when in public and acknowledging the shared responsibility we all have to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please stay home if sick or experiencing any potential COVID-19 symptoms, and continue to practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly.
Chris Bilanko
Dean of Students
cbilanko@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Office of Campus Ministry |
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A WALK IN THE PARK
Students of all grades are welcome to participate in Campus Ministry’s newest offering: A Walk in the Park. These meet-ups to walk, talk, reflect, and share will be held on Saturdays at various parks in King and Snohomish Counties. Registration on FamilyID is required in order to participate. The meetup this Saturday, January 9, will be held at Golden Gardens at 11:30 a.m. Details will be sent via email to registered students. Please email me with questions.
Rachel Longest
Director of Campus Ministry
rlongest@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Counseling Department |
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NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY
During CP on Thursday, January 7, students will take an optional, anonymous needs assessment survey from the BBHS Counseling Department. This survey was created in accordance with best practices from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and includes questions from ASCA and OSPI’s Healthy Youth Survey. The data received will help us plan our counseling services and provide resources based on the social/emotional needs of our students.
PSAT UPDATE: JANUARY 26
It is our intent to proceed with the PSAT on Tuesday, January 26, for Juniors who signed up for the test prior to Christmas break. BBHS administrators will continue to monitor health and safety guidelines, and will communicate and changes or updates to this plan.
Juniors who signed up to take the PSAT on campus will receive additional instructions via their BBHS email. Please remind your student to check their email and follow all instructions. If students have questions about the administration, please have them email Mr. Russell.
Accommodated testing will be offered when possible. Juniors who are approved for College Board/PSAT testing accommodations can confirm with Mrs. Bradish.
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.
There will be no classes on Tuesday, January 26 for Freshman, Sophomores, Seniors, and Juniors who did 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.
Stephen Russell
Counseling Department Chair
srussell@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Athletic Department |
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WIAA EXECUTIVE BOARD UPDATE
The WIAA Executive Board is scheduled to meet this evening, Wednesday, January 6 (previously scheduled for Monday, January 4) to discuss revised metrics and guidelines from the Governor’s Office and Washington State Department of Health regarding education-based athletics and activities.
The Executive Board is scheduled to review the current WIAA Season Schedules and plan for adjustments as necessary, with the goal of providing opportunities for student-participants in every sport and activity based on the mandatory COVID-19 guidelines. Updates will be shared as soon as they are available.
INDOOR ATHLETIC RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED
Last week, Governor Inslee announced an extension to the current COVID-related restrictions through Monday, January 11. As a result, all indoor athletics are canceled through January 11. 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.
NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING
Bishop Blanchet recently celebrated three seniors who are continuing their athletic careers in college. If you have not let the Athletic Department know of your incredible accomplishment, please click here and complete the brief survey. Way to go Braves!
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Colin Graves
Valparaiso University
Football
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Sean Harmon
Dartmouth University
Football
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Carson Keller
Otterbein University
Lacrosse
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SPIRIT BAG ORDER
The next spirit bag order will be due on Friday, January 22. Please click here for the order form. Please email questions to the Athletic Department Assistant, Ms. Fieser.
Sean Gaskill
Athletic Director
sgaskill@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Development Office |
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2021 BRAVE VENTURE VIRTUAL AUCTION
The procurement deadline for the 2021 Brave Venture Virtual Auction is next Friday, January 15, 2021. All donated items must be turned into BBHS main office by Tuesday, February 9, 2021.
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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Make a cash donation (all cash donations are tax-deductible)
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Become a sponsor
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Amazon gift registry; your purchase will be shipped directly to BBHS in your name.
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Donate Gift Cards - Mail cards to BBHS.
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Donate a Party or Service - Be creative and create a unique party or service.
- Donate Tickets to sporting events and performing arts.
Most importantly, please plan to join us, from the comfort of your own home, for the 2021 Brave Venture Virtual Auction on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Mary Beard
Development Director
mbeard@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Performing and Fine Arts Department |
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2021 ONE-ACTS FESTIVAL
All semester, students in Advanced Acting and Advanced Theatre Production classes have been working to create three student-produced, one-act plays, and next week is your chance to see them! Our senior directors Emma Craig, Clare Fesalbon, and Morgan Honner, have been working with student designers and actors to create recorded performances that will be available on demand from Friday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. through Sunday, January 17 at 11:59 p.m. The links for each show will be posted to the Blanchet Drama page. This year’s festival includes three plays:
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An Altered Memory, Written and Directed by Emma Craig '21
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Search Your Heart, Written by BBHS alumna Indira Rampersad `18 and Directed by Clare Fesalbon '21
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Tuesdays and Sundays, Written by Daniel Arnold and Medina Hahn and Directed by Morgan Honner '21
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STUDENT ART
Students in Basic Art and Drawing are encouraged to express and reflect, as they visually explore concept and technique in their sketchbooks.
Drawings by (below, from left to right, top to bottom): Melia Brenden '21, Lauren Dome '23, Marcus Angkico '24, Carter Vary '24, Emma Northey '21, Maggie Bratrud '24, Lucy Wing '24, Emma Northey '21, Hank Flandreau '24, Emma Davis '24, Emma Davis '24, Jenna Navone '24, and Enya Pooler '21.
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Painting students created watercolor plants based on their own photographs, in the realistic style of Robert S. Duncanson. Works by (below, from left to right): Ava Abalos '24, Soleil Suplizio '23, and Lauren Thomas '22.
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Corey Eriksen
Performing and Fine Arts Department Chair
ceriksen@bishopblanchet.org
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Social and Emotional Health |
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MINDFULNESS TRAINING FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
UW’s Forefront Suicide Prevention program is once again partnering with Space Between to offer parents and guardians a free mindfulness training. This course focuses on strategies for supporting and connecting with your teen and will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, March 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. Click here to register.
Kaitlyn Overman
Social Emotional Counselor
koverman@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Activities Office |
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INDOOR ACTIVITIES RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED
Current COVID-related restrictions are extended through Monday, January 11. As a result, indoor activities for Cheer, Dance Team and Ping Pong are canceled through January 11. 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.
SKYWARD STUDENT/FAMILY DIGITAL SCHOOL DIRECTORY
Parents, a Student/Family Digital School Directory is available through the Skyward platform. Only the information that you have “opted in” is viewable to other families. This year many families may have missed the opportunity to opt in, so their information is not viewable by others. We encourage families to “opt in” to assist BBHS families with building connections with one another. To learn how to review and update your family’s information, please click here.
Chuck Bocian
Vice Principal of Activities
cbocian@bishopblanchet.org
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Bishop Blanchet High School is hiring a PE Teacher for the 2021-2022 school year. For more information please visit the BBHS website. |
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