Weekly Update
August 18, 2021
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From the Office of the President |
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Dear BBHS Families,
We are eagerly preparing for our new school year and happy to launch our weekly Wednesday Update to all families today, to provide you news and information about our school programs on an ongoing basis.
Our plan to return to in-person learning for all students continues to remain on track and fully align with the recently updated Department of Health (DOH) School Guidance. I encourage you to read these guidelines and also join us for a Parent/Guardian webinar on Wednesday, August 25 at 7 p.m., where we will review our school program, health and safety expectations, and provide opportunities for questions and answers. See below for webinar registration information.
While last year was challenging on so many levels, I feel we need to recognize a remarkable achievement. With nearly 100,000 in-person visits to our campus last year, we experienced zero transmission of COVID-19. We reported 22 positive cases in our community last year - none of them from contact on campus. Thanks to our health and safety mitigations and the careful compliance of our students, families, faculty and staff, we did our part to stop the spread while providing that in-person experience our students and community desire.
Zero transmission and the full health of our community remain our goals once again this year. In order to do this, and maintain the high level of in-person learning and activities we are planning for our students this year, we are all called to fully commit to guidelines and mitigations that our collective safety requires.
The most powerful mitigation against the spread of COVID-19 is vaccination. From the moment a vaccine was available for faculty and staff, and then high school-age students, we have advocated, encouraged, and facilitated opportunities to become vaccinated. As the DOH guidance states on page 3, “Vaccination is the most effective preventative strategy available for allowing schools to resume in-person instruction.” The guidance goes on to call on schools to verify student and staff vaccinations.
To that end, in the Dean section below, you will see a required action for all parents and guardians regarding vaccination verification. The deadline for collecting vaccination status information is next Wednesday, September 1. At this point, the DOH school guidelines do not call for a vaccine mandate, but that may change. We are taking every step as a school to promote and verify vaccinations to help us best provide the in-person experience we have planned.
Campus improvements have continued throughout the summer. At this point, we expect all major work to be complete by Friday, August 27. Until then, the Jim Pinsoneault Quad remains closed and athletic practices will be held off site. We are very excited for our students to see the Quad, Mickey Naish Field, and the Dale Marshall Performing Arts Lobby upon their return.
Enjoy these last days of summer.
Tony DeSapio
President
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STUDENT VACCINATION VERIFICATION
Parents or guardians are required to confirm their student’s COVID-19 vaccination status to the Dean’s Office no later than Wednesday, September 1. Please email a photo of your student’s vaccination card to Associate Dean Lynn Augustavo or complete this form indicating your student is not currently vaccinated.
In alignment with Department of Health guidance, Bishop Blanchet continues to strongly recommend that all students eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine become fully vaccinated. Current guidance allows that fully vaccinated students will not be required to quarantine following a known exposure, if asymptomatic.
Chris Bilanko
Dean of Students
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From the Activities Office |
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PARENT/GUARDIAN WEBINAR: 2021-22 BACK TO SCHOOL UPDATES
All parents/guardians are encouraged to join us for an informative Webinar on Wednesday, August 25 from 7-8:15 p.m., to hear updated information about the 2021-22 school year. Questions may be asked in advance using this Google Form, or questions may be submitted in real time during the webinar. Please register for the Webinar in advance here.
FRESHMAN WELCOME
Attention Freshman Families! We are so excited to welcome you to the Bishop Blanchet Community. Our Core Four Leaders, Community Period Leaders, and Student Mentors are also eager to welcome the Class of 2025! Students are invited to connect with their mentor, or program coordinators Kori Boyd or Heidi Pouley with questions. Freshman families will receive an email soon with more details and information.
The Freshman Welcome will take place on:
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Thursday, August 26, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. **Wear your Class of 2025 t-shirt! Lunch (including vegan and vegetarian options) will be available.
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Friday, August 27, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Drop Off and Pickup for Freshman Welcome:
Please enter the parking lot using the 82nd Ave. entrance. BBHS personnel will be there to direct you.
TRANSFER & INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION
We are thrilled to welcome our many transfer and International students to Bishop Blanchet! Please join us for for Orientation Friday, August 27, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Please enter the parking lot using the N 82nd Ave. entrance; BBHS personnel will be there to direct you. Students should check in on the north side of the Ernie Rose Activities Center (gym). Additional information that will be emailed to families of transfer and International students soon.
STUDENT ORIENTATION DAYS (mandatory for all students)
9th Grade: Monday, August 30, from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
10th Grade: Tuesday, August 31, from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. *(note extended time)
11th and 12th Grades: Wednesday, September 1, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Students are to report to their 6th Period (CP) class at 8 a.m. on their assigned Orientation Day. They need to bring their laptop and be prepared to have their photo taken. Locker assignments and combinations will be available in Skyward, and students will receive their ASB/ID card.
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Dress code: please dress appropriately for yearbook & ASB card photos. Make sure you are in compliance with the school dress code, which is in the BBHS Handbook.
Ordering photos:
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To pre-order photos, please view the instructions here. You can also go directly to www.my.lifetouch.com and enter Picture Day ID EVT37XCWM as well as your student's name.
- If you prefer to wait to order pictures, you will need to wait until your student brings home a proof sheet (approximately 4 weeks after picture day). Proof Sheets will have a Portrait ID and Access Code that is specific to each child and necessary for ordering at that point.
SOPHOMORE CLASS
Attention Sophomore Families, please note that the Sophomore Orientation Day on Tuesday, August 31 has been extended to 2:30 p.m. We want to give you a better taste of what was missed last year, due to being in remote and hybrid models for 2020-21.
On Orientation Day, BBHS will host a pizza lunch for the Class of 2024. After lunch you will gather in the Ernie Rose Main Gym for some icebreakers and large group activities. Please wear your Class of 2024 t-shirt or bring it with you for the afternoon activities. Mentors from the Freshman Welcome, along with Ms. Alokolaro and Ms. Mullin will be there to support and lead the festivities. Be prepared to practice your Class of 2024 dance that you learned over Zoom last fall, in preparation for the Welcome Assembly. You and the Freshman Class of 2025 will be showing off your moves at that fun assembly! The link to your dance is in the Sophomore Google Classroom (class code: my46jx3).
SENIOR CRUISE: THE TRADITION RETURNS!
A favorite Senior Class tradition returns! Save Sunday, September 19 from 5-8:30 p.m. for the Class of 2022 Cruise on the Argosy boat. Stay tuned for more information, or email the Senior Class Advisor, Morgan Roe with questions. We would love to have the entire Class of 2022 attend this seniors-only, kick-off event!
BISHOP BLANCHET E-SPORTS
This fall Bishop Blanchet has partnered with PlayVs to offer competitive ESports. To get us started this year, Blanchet will compete competitively against other high schools in Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. If your student enjoys gaming or would like to learn more about the ESports program at Bishop Blanchet, encourage them to email Logan Brewster.
SENIOR CLASS YEARBOOK TRIBUTES
Senior parents, it's hard to believe but it is time to purchase a yearbook tribute for your student in the Class of 2022! Once the spaces are sold out, no others will be added. Revenues help offset the cost of prom, so please reserve your tribute today.
Chuck Bocian
Vice Principal of Activities
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SUMMER READING REQUIREMENTS
Summer reading is required for all students. Please take a moment to review the summer reading expectations and book choices.
TEXTBOOKS
Bishop Blanchet’s Online Bookstore is open. Families are responsible for purchasing all required books. The official booklist is only available in the online bookstore, but families are welcome to purchase books from any source.
SUPPLIES
All students are required to have a laptop and TI 84 graphing calculator. At the start of the year, teachers will communicate any specific supplies to students. All students will be given an academic planner to use during the school year.
CALENDAR
Please bookmark the calendar page of our website for quick access to our bell schedules, year at a glance calendar and live Google calendar.
SKYWARD DIRECTORY
Parents, if you would like your family information included in the Skyward school directory (and viewable to other BBHS families), you must select the information you wish to be seen. Choosing to make your information viewable can help facilitate carpools, and help foster connection and community.
Please log into your Skyward account, and click on "My Account" at the top right to see your account settings. Scroll down to the School Directory section, and check the "Add Family to the School Directory" box. Select the information you want included, and save your changes.
Please also verify/update any demographic information, and double check your email notification settings for progress reports, etc. If you need assistance with Skyward, please email our Registrar, Rhonda Osborne, or call 206.527.3946.
Nicole McCoy
Vice Principal of Academics
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From the Athletic Department |
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2021 FALL SPORTS: REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Fall Sports begin on Monday, August 23 with the exception of football, which begins today, Wednesday, August 18. Bishop Blanchet requires each athlete to have a current physical on-file with the Athletic Department, which must be renewed each school year. To be eligible to participate in tryouts, practices and games, all athletes need to upload their current Physical and Medical History Form forms to FamilyID.
CONSTRUCTION DELAYS IMPACT FOOTBALL AND SOCCER
Due to construction delays on our new field, our Football and Soccer programs will begin their seasons at off-site practice facilities. All student athletes who are registered for either sport (and guardians) will receive information by email from the Athletic Department or coaching staff about alternate practice plans. Please refer to the BBHS calendar for the latest information.
2021 FALL SPORTS SPECTATOR POLICY
The Metro League has announced the following information regarding its’ fan/spectator policy for the 2021 Fall Season.
Outdoor sports: Spectators will be allowed to attend home and away outdoor
events, and will not be required to wear a mask at the event, regardless of vaccination status. Fans are also encouraged to sit socially-distanced.
Indoor sports: Spectators will be allowed to attend home and away indoor
events, and will be required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Fans are also encouraged to sit socially-distanced.
FALL SPORT VIRTUAL PARENT MEETING
The Fall Sports Parent Meeting will be held via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 30. The meeting link will be included in the Weekly Update on Wednesday, August 25. This is a time to meet the staff of your student's team, understand and learn league and WIAA rules to ensure your athlete's success in their upcoming season. If your student is participating in a Fall Sport, at least one parent should be in attendance.
FOLLOW BBHS ATHLETICS ON TWITTER
"Blanchet Athletics" is your #1 source for game times, highlights and scores throughout the year.
SPIRIT BAG ORDER
Spirit bag orders are due Friday, September 3. Please download the Spirit Bag Order Form, and submit it with payment to the Athletic Department. Spirit bags are also available for purchase online through the on-campus BBHS Spirit Store. Please email questions to Laura Fieser.
BBHS 5K: PARTICIPATE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY
Help support the BBHS Cross Country teams by participating in our 11th Annual 5K! The BBHS 5K is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, and we are offering an option to participate virtually too! Register here today!
Date: Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 9 a.m.
Location: Lower Woodland Park - Adjacent to Field #2
Race Info:
The starting line will be located just west of the Lower Woodland skatepark adjacent to Field #2. The registration table will be located on the grass near the finish line just south of the Lower Woodland track, Field #7 and the tennis courts.
Registration and race number pickup begins at 8 a.m.
- 5K Walk begins at 9 a.m.
- Kids 1 Mile Run begins at 9:15 a.m.
- 5K Run begins at 9:30 a.m.
To Participate Virtually:
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Run/Walk 5K (anywhere!) by Saturday, August 21.
- Record your time. The Strava app is a great tool to use.
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Submit your time here by 12 p.m. on August 21.
Sean Gaskill
Athletic Director
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From the Admissions Office |
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Michael Pierce
Director of Admissions
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BBHS PRIVATE BUS SERVICE
Sign up now for before and/or after school bus service! Buses begin running on the first day of school, Thursday, September 2. Registration forms are available on our website. Please email the completed sign-up form and consent waiver to Jessica Owens, or turn in paper forms to the Business Office, by this Friday, August 20.
LUNCH PAYMENTS ARE GOING CASHLESS
The Food Service department will move to a cashless payment system for the 2021-22 school year. For items your student chooses to purchase at lunch or at the cafe, they will swipe their student ID which links to their RevTrak Account. Please ensure they have funds available on RevTrak. New families should create an account via the link in order to add funds for their student.
Tom Ramsey
Director of Finance
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From the Counseling Office |
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SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUESTS
To request a schedule change for the 2021-22 school year, please note:
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The student must complete the Schedule Change Request Form by Friday, September 3.
- Incomplete requests will not be considered. Ensure a compelling reason for requesting the change is included and that a parent or guardian has approved the change request.
- 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.
CLASS OF 2022: COLLEGE APPLICATION BOOT CAMP
Calling all rising seniors! The BBHS College Application Boot Camp is tomorrow, Thursday, August 19 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Norcliffe Student Commons. Seniors received an email with additional information and registration instructions. If your senior would like to attend, please have them RSVP on Naviance under the Colleges tab (see Upcoming events for registration).
If your senior is not able to attend, please know this workshop is the first of many throughout the fall to help students work through their college applications.
We look forward to the start of the school year and helping you complete your college application process!
READY-SET-GO! FOR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Counselors will meet with Seniors on Tuesday, September 14 during CP to review the college application process, including the critical steps and deadlines. Counselors will then begin meeting individually with Seniors to review their individual plans for completing their applications. More information about the one-on-one meetings will be sent directly to students via email.
2021-2022 COUNSELING WEBINARS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Please join the BBHS Counseling Team for this year’s Parent/Guardian webinars, focused on important grade-level information and events. Parents/guardians of each specific grade will receive an email with additional information as each event nears.
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College Planning Night for Senior Parents - Tuesday, September 14
- Topics will include an overview of the college admissions process, SAT and ACT, important dates, and deadlines.
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Junior Parent Information Night - Tuesday, October 5
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High School 101 for Frosh Parents - Tuesday, October 26
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Sophomore Parent Information Night - Tuesday, November 16
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Course Planning Night & PSAT Review for 9th/10th/11th Parents - Tuesday, February 8, 2022
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College Kickoff Night for Juniors and Parents/Guardians - Tuesday, March 8
Stephen Russell
Head School Counselor
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From the Performing and Fine Arts Department |
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DRAMA OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS
Meet and mingle with Drama staff and current BBHS Thespians in the newly renovated Dale Marshall Performing Arts Lounge on Friday, August 27 at noon, following the Freshman Welcome! You’ll hear all about the Blanchet Drama community and all the exciting theatrical skills you can learn - performing, building sets, creating costumes and so much more. A pizza lunch will be provided! RSVPs are appreciated, but not required.
FALL PLAY: BACK ON CAMPUS!
The BBHS Drama Department is thrilled to announce the title of the fall play, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 by John Bishop! This slapstick who-done-it romp will be performed on campus Friday-Sunday, November 5-7 in our Marge Bradburn Studio Theatre, featuring the beautifully redesigned lobby! Auditions for actors will take place Tuesday-Thursday, September 7-9. Interviews to join our awesome crews will happen Thursday, September 9.
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 Synopsis:
The creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop (in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious “Stage Door Slasher") assemble for a backer’s audition of their new show at the estate of a wealthy theatre financier. The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways, and a German maid who is apparently four different people—all of which figure diabolically in the comic craziness which follows when the infamous “Slasher” makes his reappearance and strikes again—and again! As the composer, lyricist, actors, and director prepare their performance, and as a blizzard cuts off any possible retreat, bodies start to drop in plain sight, knives spring out of nowhere, masked figures drag their victims behind swiveling bookcases, and accusing fingers point in all directions. Can this mayhem murder mystery be solved?
Corey Eriksen
Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair and Fall Play Technical Director
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From the Languages Department |
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FRENCH GOOGLE CLASSROOM LINKS
Bonjour French students! Please select the Google classroom code corresponding to your level for the 2021-2022 school year to join for upcoming news.
Jennifer Willoughby
Languages Department Chair
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From the Development Office |
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2021-2022 BBHS ANNUAL FUND
Thank you to all those who so generously have already pledged their support to the 2021-22 BBHS Annual Fund. If you would like to fulfill an existing pledge or make a gift online, you can do so here. If you have any questions, please email Jacqueline Robinette.
Mary Williams Beard ‘81
Director of Development
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Let's get social! Please click on the icons below to link to our main social media accounts. Parents/Guardians are also invited to join the Facebook Group for their student's grade:
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