Weekly Update
September 8, 2021
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From the Office of the President |
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Dear BBHS Families,
In June, we announced that after a year of review, the Braves Moniker would be retired, effective June 9, 2021. We are now in the community input stage of the new moniker process to collect feedback on the key criteria for selecting a moniker and for respondents to provide input for consideration. Students, alums, parents, faculty and staff are being encouraged to complete the survey. We want to hear from you!
An FAQ and detailed information about the moniker review process to date is available on our website and may be helpful for you to review before taking the survey. Additional information was shared in last week’s Update as well.
This survey is intended to be completed once by each stakeholder, and it is open now through September 20, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Please take a moment to give us your feedback via this 6-question survey.
Thank you in advance for your assistance and prayers as we discern this important decision for Bishop Blanchet and our future.
Blessings,
Tony DeSapio
President
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COVID VACCINATION VERIFICATION UPDATE
Thank you for your partnership in our vaccination verification process. Results as of Tuesday, September 7 indicate a highly vaccinated Bishop Blanchet school community:
93.1% - Students fully vaccinated
5.4% - Students unvaccinated
1.5% - Verification response pending
In addition, 100% of teachers are fully vaccinated. Nearly all staff are vaccinated as well, with a small percentage of staff who do not engage with students currently in the process of completing vaccination in alignment with the requirement from Governor Inslee.
We continue to monitor the guidance from the Department of Health (DOH) and King County Public Health (KCPH), and we will report any changes to our protocols based on that guidance. We remain committed to providing the safest and fullest in-person experience for our students. Our high vaccination rates and multiple health and safety protocols in place from the Department of Health, put us in a very strong position for the school year.
REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES
To report student absences, please email [email protected] or call the attendance line at 206.985.3750 before 10 a.m. each day of an absence.
BBHS DROP-OFF AND PICK UP INSTRUCTIONS: PARKING LOT MAP
With the school year upon us, the BBHS parking lot is a busy place! As students return everyday and our campus projects near completion, all drivers (parents, students, and faculty and staff) are asked to use best driving and parking lot etiquette at all times, turn off idling engines when waiting for students, and be spatially aware when behind the wheel. This map illustrates the proper traffic flow and pick-up/drop off locations.
Chris Bilanko
Dean of Students
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VIRTUAL CURRICULUM NIGHT: TOMORROW, SEPTEMBER 9
Teachers have been hard at work preparing and welcoming students to the new school year and are excited to host parents and guardians for our Virtual Curriculum Night. Please join us via Zoom tomorrow, Thursday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. (6:10 p.m. if your student takes a 0 period class). Curriculum Night gives you the opportunity to follow your student’s schedule, meet their teachers, and learn about the curriculum and classroom expectations.
There are three action items for parents and guardians to complete for a successful Curriculum Night:
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View the Welcome Video: Prior to Curriculum Night, please take a moment to view the Welcome Video with President Tony DeSapio, Principal Sam Procopio, and Vice Principal of Academics Nicole McCoy.
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Print schedule: To prepare for the evening, please login to Skyward to view your student’s schedule. It is recommended that you print your student's schedule to make it easier to follow along tomorrow evening.
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Attend classes: Prior to the start of each period, please click on the teacher’s zoom link found here. Note that passwords are case sensitive.
Please note that period 6 (community period) will not meet. Classes are 15 minutes with five minutes between classes. Below is the bell schedule for the evening:
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Nicole McCoy
Vice Principal of Academics
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From the Moniker Advisory Committee |
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MONIKER SURVEY: GIVE YOUR INPUT SEPTEMBER 8-20
We are now in the community input stage of the new moniker process to collect feedback on the key criteria for selecting a moniker and for everyone in our community to provide input for consideration. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and ideas!
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From the Activities Office |
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CLASS EVENT SCHEDULE UPDATES
The Freshman Class BBQ and Quad Dance originally scheduled for Saturday, September 11 has been postponed to a spring date that will be determined later. We are seizing the opportunity to hold four class events/BBQs before our first four home football games in September and October. Students will receive details via email before each class event scheduled for:
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Class of 2025 - Friday, September 24 at 5 p.m.
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Class of 2024 - Friday, October 1 at 5 p.m.
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Class of 2023 - Friday, October 8 at 5 p.m.
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Class of 2022 - Friday, October 22 at 5 p.m.
SHIELD DRIVERS EDUCATION CLASSES AT BBHS
The fall Shield Driver’s Ed session is scheduled to begin via Zoom on Tuesday, September 28. Classes will be held virtually on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. and are for BBHS students only. There are a limited number of spaces available, and classes require a minimum enrollment of 10 students. Please register here.
BBHS YOUTUBE: PLEASE FOLLOW!
Have you subscribed yet? We use this platform to share BBHS videos and livestream events. Please click here to subscribe. Please also share this link with your students, and ask them to subscribe as well. Please follow @bishopblanchet on all social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
WASHINGTON STATE FAIR TICKETS
We are pleased to once again provide free tickets to the Washington State Fair! Students may come to the Counseling Center to pick up one free ticket each.
CLASS OF 2022 CRUISE
On Sunday, September 19 from 5-8:30 p.m., the Class of 2022 will kick off the year with a seniors-only Argosy cruise! Students can find more information on the Class of 2022 Google Classroom. We hope every senior can join in the fun!
CLASS OF 2022: SENIOR 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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From the Athletic Department |
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2021 FALL SPORTS METRO LEAGUE UPDATED SPECTATOR POLICY
The Metro League has updated the fan/spectator policy for the 2021 Fall Season, effective today, Wednesday, September 8:
Outdoor sports:
- Spectators are allowed to attend home and away outdoor events
- Masks are required at all outdoor events, regardless of vaccination status or the number of fans in attendance
- Fans are encouraged to sit socially-distanced
Indoor sports:
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Spectators are allowed to attend home and away indoor events - with the exception of swimming until Metro, District and State
- Masks are required at all indoor events, regardless of vaccination status
- Fans are encouraged to sit socially-distanced
LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE
Bishop Blanchet will again be partnering with the NFHS Network to livestream our home games. All games are free to watch, the only requirement is for each user to create an account. Search Bishop Blanchet to find our games.
Upcoming livestreams:
Friday, September 10
- Varsity Football vs. Seattle Prep at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 11
- JVC Football vs. Seattle Prep at 7 p.m.
Monday, September 13
- JV Football vs. Seattle Prep at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, September 14
- Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Lincoln at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 15
- JVC Volleyball vs. Roosevelt at 5:30 p.m.
- JV Volleyball vs. Roosevelt at 5:30 p.m.
- Varsity Volleyball vs. Roosevelt at 7 p.m.
STUDENTS NEEDED FOR PLAY-BY-PLAY AND LIVESTREAM
Does your student dream about working for ESPN and want to get started by doing play-by-play for Blanchet Athletics? It's an awesome opportunity to gain real-world experience and build a resume and highlight video as the Voice of Blanchet. We are looking for students to help in the booth and behind the camera. If your student is interested in learning more, please email Mr. Gaskill.
JOIN THE BBHS BOOSTER CLUB AND SUPPORT OUR ATHLETES
We are thrilled that fans will once again be allowed to cheer our BBHS athletes on in person at both home and away games! Come show your support by attending a game and becoming a BBHS Booster Club member.
The Bishop Blanchet Booster Club was created for supporters of our athletes to provide more funding for BBHS’s athletic programs, and build community. The Booster Club helps fund:
- Improvements and additions to our facilities (field lights, turf)
- Equipment and safety upgrades (poles for vaulting, Vicis football helmets)
- Coaching training and clinics
- Team and individual recognition (awards, senior blankets)
- Additional uniforms (soccer warm ups, basketball travel shirts)
- Cameras and live streaming equipment for both the field and main gym, which offered parents and families crucial access to watch our athletes during the past year’s COVID restrictions
- Four scholarships to graduating senior student athletes, which are based on submitted student essays
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Becoming a Booster Club member allows us to collectively support our student athletes and programs in these positive and impactful ways. Join today and enjoy admission to Varsity sporting events!
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NEW BOYS VARSITY SOCCER COACH
The BBHS Athletic Department is excited to announce George Dremousis as the new Boys Varsity Soccer Coach. George brings a ton of knowledge and experience about soccer and is looking forward to meeting all the players.
George was born and raised in Seattle and attended St. John’s before attending Bishop Blanchet, where he played three seasons of varsity soccer under Coach Pat Carr. After graduating in 1987, George played a season at Shoreline College before attending the University of Washington. At UW, George graduated with degrees in History and Political Science in 1991 and also earned a degree in Secondary Education in 1993.
George is in his 29th year of teaching at Mountlake Terrace High School and his second year of coaching the Girls Varsity Soccer team there. He has previous coaching experience from Edmonds-Woodway HS, Shoreline College, and Trinity Lutheran College, leading all programs to the playoffs and participating in both a high school and college Final Four.
George is very honored and excited to be returning to the Blanchet community and cannot wait to get started with the Boys program this spring.
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Coach Dremousis with his wife Jennifer and son Nixon. |
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ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT JOB OPENINGS
Bishop Blanchet is currently looking for a Head Varsity Wrestling Coach, Head Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach, and Head Ultimate Frisbee Coach. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please encourage them to apply. Job descriptions can be found here.
Sean Gaskill
Athletic Director
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From the Admissions Office |
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BLANCHET VISIT DAYS ARE BACK!
Spread the word to all of the eighth graders in your life - Blanchet student visit days are back! Eighth grade students are invited to visit the BBHS campus during a school day, for an opportunity to check us out in person!
On-campus visit days will begin on Monday, September 27; sign ups are currently available on our website. Time on campus with a Bishop Blanchet student ambassador is by far the best way to experience our academic programs and community, providing students a great way to help decide if BBHS is the right fit. Visit days fill up quickly, so reserve a spot for your student today! Help us spread the word about BBHS to friends and family and encourage them to join our mailing list. For more information, check out our website, email our Admissions Team, or call 206-527-7741.
Michael Pierce
Director of Admissions
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LUNCH PAYMENTS ARE NOW CASHLESS
The Food Service department has moved 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.
BLANCHET ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Blanchet Assistance Program was established to provide confidential support to families for non-tuition expenses such as books, lunch, transportation, etc. Please email the Business Department to learn more.
Tom Ramsey
Director of Finance
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From the Office of Campus Ministry |
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MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
It was a joy to celebrate the Eucharist together again as a community during this morning's Mass of the Holy Spirit. It was our first Mass on Micky Naish Field and our first opportunity to welcome Archbishop Etienne to Bishop Blanchet. Thank you everyone who helped make it a success.
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JUNIOR RETREAT PREFERENCE: ACTION REQUIRED
Joe Cussen
Director of Campus Ministry
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From the Counseling Office |
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SAT AND PSAT SCHOOL DAY TEST ON OCTOBER 13
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to college admissions testing administrations, BBHS will host a one-time school day SAT administration on Wednesday, October 13. This option is only available to students in the Class of 2022. Seniors were sent instructions for registration, so please remind your senior to check their email and complete the registration by this Friday, September 10.
The PSAT will also be administered as scheduled for grades 9-11 on Wednesday, October 13.
SENIOR PARENT WEBINAR
Parents & Guardians of seniors, please check your email and register for a special webinar presentation by the BBHS Counseling Team on Tuesday, September 14 at 7 p.m. Topics will include an overview of the college admissions process, SAT and ACT, important dates, and deadlines. At least one parent or guardian for each senior student is encouraged to attend.
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.
Stephen Russell
Head School Counselor
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Social and Emotional Health |
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FOREFRONT SUICIDE PREVENTION: CALL FOR PARENT/GUARDIAN VOLUNTEERS
BBHS works with the University of Washington’s Forefront Suicide Prevention Program to train faculty/staff, students, and parents/guardians to recognize the signs of suicide.
We are looking for parents/guardians who are passionate about mental health and interested in helping us do this important work. As a parent/guardian representative on our Forefront team, you will work closely with BBHS personnel to educate the parent/guardian community. Please email Kaitlyn Overman with questions or to express interest.
Kaitlyn Overman
Social Emotional Counselor
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From the Performing and Fine Arts Department |
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FALL PLAY: BACK ON CAMPUS!
The BBHS Drama Department is thrilled to announce 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 BBHS's own Marge Bradburn Studio Theatre, featuring the beautifully redesigned lobby!
Auditions for actors are taking place this week, Tuesday-Thursday, September 7-9. Interviews to join our awesome crews are tomorrow, Thursday, September 9.
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Taryn Darr
Drama Director
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Corey Eriksen
Technical Director
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NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY
Would your student want to wear a rainbow cord at graduation to show their mastery in Fine Arts? The BBHS Fine Arts Department is excited to announce a new opportunity for fine art students, the National Art Honor Society. Students who have taken two Fine Art Classes and meet specific GPA requirements qualify. This program supports members in their efforts to attain the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service, bringing art education to the attention of the school and community.
Encourage your student to consider applying for National Art Honor Society. Society activities will include art trips, experiences, opportunities and philanthropic "artreach" through art. Students can learn at an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 29 from 2:30-3 p.m. in Room 212. Email Ms. C with questions.
Michelle Carrasquilla Lander
Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair
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From the International Student Services Office |
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BBHS is excited to have international students back on campus with us! This year, we welcome/welcome back students from China, Germany, Italy, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. We wish all of our international families a wonderful year ahead! |
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International Student Services field trip to the Seattle Center during Orientation. |
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No tour of Seattle is complete without a visit to the Space Needle! |
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From the Development Office |
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Thank you for your generous support of BBHS students as we work hard to ensure the absolute best possible high school experience for the 2021-22 school year!
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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From the BBHS Spirit Store |
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GET GEARED UP FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
There are two main ways to purchase Bishop Blanchet gear:
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The BSN Sideline Store
- tons of options for styles, designs, and sizes
- online only
- linked to the BBHS Athletic webpage
- select styles and sizes
- open during the school day and online
- online orders available for pickup or shipping
- new items all the time!
Do you have a great idea for something we should carry in the BBHS Spirit Store? Send us an email!
Kelley Kane
Spirit Store Coordinator
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