Weekly Update
May 5, 2021
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Dear BBHS Families:
As we have transitioned to 100% Hybrid, it has been exciting to see more activity on campus. Looking to this summer, I want to share an update about construction activity planned on campus:
- Renovating the Dale Marshall Performing Arts Lobby
- Beautifying the Jim Pinsoneault Quad
- Replacing the field turf on Mickey Naish Field
The work on the Dale Marshall Performing Arts Lobby and the Jim Pinsoneault Quad was originally planned for the summer of 2020. COVID related orders forced us to delay this work to this year. With the field turf, we have accelerated our replacement plan to take advantage of the synergies with the construction firm already on campus for the quad project.
Funding for these projects has been secured through our 2020 Auction, Foundation support, our recent $10.4M capital campaign, and BBHS reserves. In particular, I want to highlight the BBHS Booster Club for partnering with us to support the new field turf to help us take on this project this summer.
I am also grateful to our Facilities Committee, Finance Committee and Board of Directors for helping us plan for and execute this work. We are excited to have these three very meaningful community building spaces updated in time for even more activity, energy and togetherness that the new school year will bring.
Looking to next year and beyond, we will begin a process to further assess our programmatic and capital improvement needs - exploring the potential of a new capital campaign in the near future. Building on the incredible success of our last campaign, I look forward to seeking feedback from our community to develop the next set of improvements we can make for our students, faculty and staff.
As we launch these three projects this summer, be prepared for parking lot closures, safety signage and alternative venues - particularly for athletic camps and practices. Our athletic department and summer program staff will be in further touch on these adjustments.
Sincerely,
Tony DeSapio
President
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GUIDANCE FOR FULLY VACCINATED STUDENTS
Bishop Blanchet has adopted CDC guidelines for students who have been fully vaccinated. As outlined by the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ≥2 weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or ≥2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine. A copy of a student’s COVID-19 vaccination card must be submitted via email to the Dean's Office. Fully vaccinated students can:
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Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic.
- Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel, or self-quarantine after travel.
- Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States.
FAMILIES AWAITING COVID TEST RESULTS
As a reminder, if any household member is awaiting COVID-19 test results, please refrain from sending your student for in-person learning or in-person activities until the results of that test are known.
OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
Bishop Blanchet has adopted CDC guidelines for all out of state travel. Those returning from out of state have two quarantine options:
- Forgo a COVID-19 test and quarantine for 10 days upon returning from out of state travel. After day 10, eligible to return to in-person learning and in-person activities.
- Get tested 5 days after out of state travel and stay home/self quarantine for the full 7 days, even with a negative test.
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Those who decide to return after 7 days are required to submit their negative COVID-19 test result to the Dean’s Office prior to returning to in-person learning and in-person activities.
Families traveling out of state are required to complete this form. School personnel will communicate a return date for in-person learning and in-person activities. We feel it is important to reiterate that public health guidance is to avoid non-essential travel. This protocol has been developed to address the occurrence of essential travel. If you have any questions, please contact the Dean’s Office.
REQUIRED REPORTING OF POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19
If a student or member of their household tests positive for COVID-19, families must notify the Dean’s Office by contacting Chris Bilanko, Dean of Students, and follow the BBHS COVID-19 Community Protocols prior to returning to campus or participating in any school-sponsored activity. This information will remain confidential and allow the school to initiate its communication protocols. Any student who does not follow BBHS COVID-19 Community Protocols will face disciplinary consequences and may be prohibited from participating in on-campus learning and extracurricular activities. In the event of a positive case in our student body, faculty or staff, Bishop Blanchet will communicate to the entire community and work directly with families if their student is impacted.
Chris Bilanko
Dean of Students
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From the Food Services Department |
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PREORDER LUNCH SERVICE FOR GREEN DAYS
The BBHS Cafeteria Team is providing box lunches for purchase on Green Days. The box lunch includes a sandwich or entree salad, chips, and dessert for $6.00. Students must bring their own water bottle or beverage each day.
Lunches will be charged to the student's RevTrak Food Service account. If you anticipate purchasing lunches, please ensure funds are available on the account. Families can access their Food Service account (or create a new one) by clicking the RevTrak icon on the BBHS website Parents tab.
Katy Mathews
Director of Food Service
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From the Athletic Department |
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GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM EARNS 3RD IN METRO
Congratulations to the Girls Cross Country Team for earning 3rd in the Metro Championship with a team score of 75. The team consisted of Olivia Freeman ‘21, Frances Kent ‘21, Amanda Graff ‘24, Brynn Chester ‘23, Eliza Wells ‘21, Lily Sires ‘21, Margarita Hillon ‘21, Ellen Lewis ‘21, and Chloe Recupero ‘23. Special congratulations to Senior Olivia Freeman for finishing 3rd at the Metro Championship. Click here for race results. Way to go Braves!
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HEALTHY WASHINGTON ANNOUNCEMENT
Yesterday, Governor Inslee paused the Healthy Washington reopening plan, announcing that all counties will remain in their current reopening phase for at least two weeks. As a result, all Season 2 Bishop Blanchet Athletics will continue as scheduled until further notice.
METRO LEAGUE SPECTATOR POLICY: NO CHANGE THIS WEEK
The Metro League Season 2 Spectator Policy is dependent on the facility at which the competition will be played. The Metro League will meet weekly to evaluate its policy and will communicate if any modifications are made. See below for policy specific information.
Spectator Policy for INDOOR sports (except Swimming, see below):
Each Bishop Blanchet student athlete is allowed to bring two fans per home game. Away fans are not allowed to attend. This applies to all varsity and sub-varsity events. The Athletic Department will work with each coaching staff to send spectator forms to fill out for each home game.
For home games on Gilligan-Wilkinson Court, spectators are asked to enter the Ernie Rose Foyer. All in attendance must wear a mask, show the gate attendant a completed HealthShield attestation (click here for HealthShield instructions) and follow social distancing guidelines. Fans will sit in the south bleachers in marked locations. Only spectators from the same household may sit together.
Swimming
Due to current pool restrictions and pool availability, fans are not permitted at swim meets.
Spectator Policy for OUTDOOR Sports (except Track & Field and Swimming, see below):
Each Bishop Blanchet student athlete is allowed to bring two fans per home game. Away fans are not allowed to attend. This applies to all varsity and sub-varsity events. The Athletic Department will work with each coaching staff to send spectator forms to fill out for each home game.
For home events on Mickey Naish Field (Soccer and Lacrosse), spectators are asked to enter the south gate. All in attendance must wear a mask, show the gate attendant a completed HealthShield attestation (click here for HealthShield instructions), and follow social distancing guidelines. Fans will sit in the bleachers in marked locations. Only spectators from the same household may sit together.
Spectator policy for home games at public parks (Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, and Tennis):
Each Bishop Blanchet student athlete is allowed to bring two fans per home game. Away fans are not allowed to attend. This applies to all varsity and sub-varsity events. The Metro League will not be managing spectators. Spectators are required to wear a mask at all times and maintain social distancing. Fans are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs instead of using the bleachers on site.
Spectator policy for away games at public parks (Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, and Tennis):
Bishop Blanchet asks that you respect the current league policy regarding away games (no fans). The Metro League will not be managing spectators. If fans choose to attend, they are required to wear a mask at all times and maintain social distancing.
For away games at school sites, away fans will not be allowed to attend.
Track & Field
The number of athletes and coaches at each event is well over 100 participants. To ensure social distancing, the bleachers will need to be used for athletes to spread out when not competing. Because of this limited space, fans are not permitted at track and field meets.
Swimming
Due to current pool restrictions and pool availability, fans are not permitted at swim meets.
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BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The BBHS Booster Club is awarding four $2,500 scholarships, to two senior boys and two senior girls who have been participants in our Athletic Program. To be considered for these scholarships, students must write a 300-350 word essay on how participation in our sports program has positively influenced their lives. All essays should be emailed to Mr. Gaskill by this Friday, May 7. The scholarships will be awarded at the end of May.
BBHS NFHS LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE
Each week the Bishop Blanchet Athletic Department will post our streaming schedule on the main Athletic Page of the BBHS website. Our goal is to stream as many events as possible, to allow for our community to see our incredible student athletes in action. Some away games will be accessible through the host school’s streaming service. To access Bishop Blanchet's streaming platform (NFHS Network) please click here, create a free account, and search Bishop Blanchet.
Upcoming Livestream Games
Wednesday, May 5
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Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Rainier Beach 5:45 p.m. (NFHS Network)
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Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Rainier Beach 7:30 p.m. (NFHS Network)
Thursday, May 6
Friday, May 7
Saturday, May 8
Monday, May 10
Sean Gaskill
Athletic Director
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From the Office of Diversity and International Programs |
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THE FUN IS BACK: MAY 21
Save the Date! The third annual MAC Family Unity Night, a celebration of community, food and culture, is set for
Friday, May 21 from 6-9:30 p.m. in the BBHS Quad.
We are so excited to bring you an in-person event while adhering to safe, social distancing guidelines.
There will be raffle prizes, food trucks, and entertainment for all to enjoy. This event is FREE and meant for the entire Brave community, so please bring the whole family! Please RSVP here by Monday, May 17.
Janah Valenzuela
Director of Diversity and International Student Services
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From the Campus Ministry Office |
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MOTHER JOSEPH LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE - SCHOLARSHIP
Current BBHS sophomores with a demonstrated commitment to community service are invited to apply for the Mother Joseph Leadership Through Service scholarship award. This award recognizes sophomores who have served children, people experiencing hunger, homelessness and poverty, the elderly and sick, and sought to improve the environment through service. Two tenth-grade students will be selected to receive a $350 scholarship award toward 2021-2022 tuition. Applications have been emailed to all sophomores and are due on Friday, May 7. Please email Ms. Cypher with questions.
DIAPER DRIVE FOR PREPARES PROGRAM: MAY 6-20
We are inviting all BBHS students, faculty and staff to participate in a diaper drive for the PREPARES program, which is a Seattle Archdiocesan program that supports families of infants and young children with material, emotional, and spiritual support. We are seeking donations of wipes and diapers in sizes 5 and 6, May 6-20. Donation bins are located by the main office. Thanks for your support!
Rachel Longest
Director of Campus Ministry
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Kaitlyn Overman
Social Emotional Counselor
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From the Languages Department |
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FRENCH STUDENTS EARN HONORS
Each year, the American Association of Teachers of French sponsors Le Grand Concours, a national competition which evaluates students' written, oral and listening comprehension skills in French. Félicitations to the following BBHS students for their achievements, and to our incredible French teacher, Ms. Isabelle Kappers.
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Jennifer Willoughby
Languages Department Chair
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CHECK OUT THE SPIRIT STORE
We have all your BBHS swag needs covered, and are proud to launch our new online site! You can even order the famous BBHS Spirit Bags through the Spirit Store now. Check back often, as our items and quantities change.
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Decide whether you'd like to have your order picked up by your student on-campus, shipped, or made available for curbside pickup during school hours. We have new Nike hats and visors, 50/50 water bottles, masks and more inventory arriving each week.
Kelley Kane
Brave Cave Coordinator
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From the Counseling Office |
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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS RESOURCES FOR JUNIORS
SOPHOMORE RESOURCES
This past Monday, Sophomores received guidance resources from the BBHS Counselors. Please remind them to check their email! Topics include Mental Health and Wellness, Academic tips, and College and Career resources.
Stephen Russell
Head School Counselor
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From the Development Office |
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"7 DAYS, 7 WAYS" WEEK OF GIVING: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Thank you to all those who so generously supported BBHS during the 2021 “7 Days, 7 Ways” Week of Giving! We are still tallying total amounts raised and are looking forward to sharing the results soon.
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GIVEBIG
For those who missed the opportunity to make a gift last week, another great giving event is occurring today! During the GiveBIG statewide fundraising campaign, individuals and organizations come together across Washington to invest in our community.
Make your gift in support of Bishop Blanchet via GiveBIG here!
AUCTION ITEM AND GLASSYBABY PICKUP
Please pick up your auction item(s) and/or glassybaby as soon as possible from the main office during school hours (including Remote Flex Wednesdays). Please call the front office at 206.527.7711 if you need to make a special arrangement.
Mary Beard
Director of Development
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From the Performing and Fine Arts Department |
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SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
We are thrilled to share our Spring Musical, Some Enchanted Evening with songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein with you! This wonderful musical movie set has been an exhilarating, historic effort truly reflects our collective resilience and joy!
SEE will be available for on-demand viewing from the comfort of your home over Memorial Day weekend. Plan to watch anytime Friday, May 28 at 7 p.m. through Sunday, May 30 at 11:59 p.m., for just $15. The on-demand ticket office link will be available very soon!
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STUDENT ART
Students in Basic Art focused on a theme of their choice, and created Cheeming Boey-inspired cups. Students creatively explored 2D and 3D art making processes to transform a styrofoam cup into a piece of art.
Artwork at left by Simeon McAdams '24. Pieces below, from left to right, by: Gianna Brown '24, Victoria Fairchild '24, and Ylleana Gardon '23.
We are proud of our students artists, for their creativity and technique!
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Corey Eriksen
Performing & Fine Arts Department Chair
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SUMMER LACROSSE CAMP
Play “the fastest game on two feet!” Join us June 14-18 for the BBHS Boys Lacrosse Camp. The morning session for 3rd-5th graders runs 9-11:30 a.m., and the afternoon session for 6th-8th graders runs 12-3 p.m. Players of all positions and skill levels are welcome. Through a fun environment, players will be challenged to improve essential skills and build confidence. The camp is broken into three parts: drills, competitions, and scrimmages, giving players the opportunity to try out new skills in game play daily. It's lax time!
Click here for more information and to register. Note: we are fully committed to student and employee safety and following public health guidelines. Cancellations due to COVID-19 will be fully refunded.
Nick Padrnos
Brave Summer Coordinator
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JOIN THE BISHOP BLANCHET TEAM
Bishop Blanchet is seeking qualified candidates for several current openings.
Bishop Blanchet committed to attracting and retaining outstanding individuals to reflect the racial, cultural and gender diversity of our student population. We actively seek candidates of different backgrounds who are devoted to engaging and inspiring a high-achieving and well-rounded student population to be leaders, in and out of the classroom.
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