September 25, 2020
BK Alive
Weekly News and Information for BK Families
THIS NEWSLETTER CONTAINS A LOT OF INFORMATION, AND THE LENGTH OF THE NEWSLETTER CAUSES IT TO BE TRUNCATED.

LOOK FOR THE BLUE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL THAT SAYS "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" TO EXPAND THE EMAIL, OR CLICK HERE TO SEE ARCHIVED COMMUNICATIONS FROM BK.
Introducing our BK Homecoming Royalty for 2020!

Ms. Pep - Barrett Coyle
Mr. Pep - Lucas Miller
Homecoming King - Zach Stone
Homecoming Queen - Paige Tekippe
Homecoming Prince - Chance Malsam
Homecoming Princess - Oliva Sachse

Next Week at a Glance
Monday, September 28th
A Day, 8:15 Start

Tuesday, September 29th
B Day, 9:15 Start
Wednesday, September 30th
A Day, 8:15 Start

Thursday, October 1st
B Day, 9:15 Start
Friday, October 2nd - Faculty In Service, NO SCHOOL
A Message from Rich and Mike
Dear BK Parents,

We are especially grateful to you, our BK parents, and your sons and daughters as we complete our sixth week of school having achieved a very successful start to the school year with all students and faculty and staff back on campus for in person learning. 

While we felt very good about the 2020-21 Instructional and Operational Handbook we developed over the summer months, and which your feedback helped shape and refine, we knew that it was only a plan. The key to achieving success was a sustained focus on the execution of our plan and the consistent application of the policies and practices described in the handbook by all stakeholders of Bishop Kelly - students, faculty, staff and parents.

Through six weeks, we are pleased to report that we are in large part achieving the goals we set in our plan:
  • Make the learning experience exceptional for all BK students and faculty & staff - feedback from teachers and students has been very positive on the learning experience these past six weeks, and especially the past three weeks with all students and teachers on campus five days per week for in person learning.
  • Build a plan that provides flexibility, adaptability and whenever possible, options for our students, faculty/staff and our school - we certainly have had to adapt our plan and provide flexible solutions during the first six weeks for families, students and teachers. Thank you for your understanding and working with us.
  • Keep our students, faculty/staff and community safe and healthy - We have had zero new cases since September 1st and have no one currently in quarantine. Here are the COVID-19 numbers for Bishop Kelly, which can be found on the bk.org website.
  • Engage our parents and community as partners to the overall learning experience of our students - your volunteering, feedback via surveys, emails and conversations around school, and overall support for our school have been amazing and speaks to a strong partnership based on mutual respect and trust.

While this is all wonderful news, we run the risk of celebrating before we finish the race, which we believe will be a marathon, not a sprint, or even a 3200 meter race. We are very likely going to be battling COVID-19 in our communities through this entire school year. Here is what you can do to help us not become complacent and to sustain the success we have had so far:
  • Remain vigilant on the 3 W’s - wear a mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands. We have noticed some students and some members of our community not fully covering their nose and mouth with their masks, students forgetting to wear their masks while outside after eating their lunch, and seeing both on campus and on social media poor examples of social distancing, and too many social gatherings that are greater than 10 people. On campus and at home, we must practice the 3 W’s for our school and for the greater Treasure Valley community!
  • Get your flu shots ASAP - we need all members of our community to get their flu vaccine without delay so we can achieve herd immunity from the flu while we continue to battle the coronavirus. This will decrease illnesses that cannot be readily distinguished from COVID- 19 and would therefore trigger extensive measures from the school and public health authorities. BK students may get their shots for free here at Bishop Kelly from our school nurse, MaryLou Cunningham, through the Saint Alphonsus School Health Program. Parents just need to fill out this consent form and have their student stop by the nurse’s office for their flu vaccine. In addition, all BK faculty and staff are being supplied free flu shots by the school and most have received theirs already.
  • Follow the protocols for when your child is sick or needs to be in quarantine - to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to keep our community safe and healthy and our school open, we need your partnership and your strong adherence to the following protocols:
  • If your student is exhibiting one or more of these COVID-19 symptoms, keep them home from school.  
  • Students who are sick or who have recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19 must notify the school nurse, MaryLou Cunningham, and stay home.
  • Students suspected of having COVID-19 and are awaiting results must inform the school nurse immediately. 
  • Students who test positive for COVID-19 must inform the school nurse immediately. 
  • Positive COVID-19 students must self-isolate for 10 days from the time symptoms appear and they are fever free, without the use of fever-reducing medications, for 24 hours. CDH guidance on self-isolation can be found here
  • Anyone identified as having close contact with the positive COVID-19 student (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) must isolate for 14 days from the last time they had contact with the positive person, whether or not they themselves have tested negative. CDH guidance for close contact persons can be found here.

Thank you again for your support and we continue to be grateful to all of you for your partnership in the learning experience of your sons and daughters. Please know you and your families continue to be in our prayers. We hope and pray you have a relaxing, safe and peaceful first weekend of the fall season!
 
God Bless,
Rich Raimondi
President
Mike Caldwell
Principal
Father Vance's Reflection
I have to be honest. When we began school 6 weeks ago, I wasn’t sure it was a good idea. For many different reasons, I wasn’t convinced that we were in a place to begin to welcome back students in person. I’m sure that many of you were in the same position! Over the last 6 weeks, many things have changed. I am so happy to be with our young people in person. There is a rhythm that naturally happens to a school year, and we are approaching that rhythm. There is a sense of “normalcy” returning, even in the midst of this anything-but-normal year. Like so many of us, I have been hesitant in some of the challenges we have faced, but I am also very impressed that our case count has been so low, and that we have all worked so hard to keep it that way! Little by little, I am feeling so much better about where we are, and I hope and pray daily (sometimes hourly!) that we can continue the great work we have begun with the start of the school year.

Even though these movements are happy and healthy, we need to stay vigilant! There are ONLY two ways that we stand a chance of successfully and healthfully keeping the school year going. We have to stay faithful to our plan, and that means staying very strict about the “Three W’s.” But we also have to devote this year and all of its uncertainty to the loving heart of God. Another conviction that I have had since the pandemic began is that our deepest challenge is to see God’s presence, even in the midst of hard days, loss and tragedy. To me, the mark of a mature Christian faith is the ability to understand God’s loving presence, even (especially?) in the middle of the most challenging areas of life. This conviction leaves me with some deep questions for our BK community during this year. How are we inviting God into the life of our school, as well as into the lives of our families? How are we trying to literally saturate our lives in God’s loving care, even when things seem to be going wrong in our world or in our individual experiences?

Here at school, there are many different ways we all try and do this. A couple weeks ago, Rosaries were offered to each BK student who wished to have one. The Rosaries were generously made by the Legion of Mary, and the project was led by Eva Pera. We have been having team Masses in the Reg three days per week. Our first all-school Mass was held virtually last Friday. These are all wonderful, powerful and central activities for our Catholic Identity and Mission! Next Friday, October 2, there will be no classes, as the Faculty and Staff will gather that day for a much-needed retreat together. Please keep us in your prayers! Finally, there is a way you can participate in surrounding this school with your prayers. Beginning on Tuesday, October 6, we will be starting weekly days of Adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Every Tuesday, throughout the school day, the Holy Eucharist will be exposed in the Chapel, and we are inviting parents and other family members to sign up for a one (1) hour slot during the day to come to school and pray before the Sacrament. If this interests you, please sign up on this Google Form. What an important and deep opportunity to participate in the most important way that we can respond to all of the darkness and tragedy surrounding us right now -- by commending it all to the mysterious and providential care of God. In this beautiful Catholic tradition, we can literally surround our campus with God’s tender love and care!
We are all, I know, very committed to continuing this school year as successfully and as healthfully as it has begun! Let’s do our part, physically, emotionally and spiritually to support that goal. May God bless our efforts, and our school community
Knights of the Week
Each week Bishop Kelly faculty and staff nominate students, and students nominate faculty and staff, who have demonstrated the BK Way attributes of Faith, Safe and Caring Place, Academic Excellence, Activities, Honor, Generosity, Community, and Partnership.

Congratulations to this week's Knights of the Week!

Thank you to the members of ASB and Pep Club leaders for planning and organizing several events this week for Homecoming. This includes: Hall decorating, dress up week, Movie Night, and Homecoming elections. During this time of uncertainty, our student leaders worked hard to make homecoming fun and memorable for the BK student body.

Knights of the Week for Community and Activities:
Barrett Coyle
Izzy Perez
London Montalbano
Rachelle Johnson
Victoria Garcia


BK Staff of the Week

Mrs. Joline Armuth: Community and Activities
Thank you Mrs. Armuth for all of your hard work and dedication to pull off a wonderful BK Homecoming Week! Your leadership, organization, collaboration, and energy this week did not go unnoticed! We appreciate you!



BK Activities This week
Tuesday, September 29th
  • Volleyball vs. Middleton (Home) 4:30 Freshmen, 5:30 JV, 6:30 Varsity
  • Girls Soccer vs. Nampa (Away) 4:30 pm JV, 6:00 pm Varsity
  • Boys Soccer vs. Nampa (Home) 4:30 JV, 6:00 Varsity

Wednesday, September 30th
  • Cross Country vs. Middleton (Away @ Purple Sage Golf Course) 5:00 pm JV, 6:00 pm Varsity

Thursday, October 1st
  • Girls Soccer vs. Columbia (Home) 4:30 pm JV, 6:00 pm Varsity
  • Boys Soccer vs. Columbia (Away) 4:30 pm JV, 6:00 pm Varsity
  • Freshmen Football vs. Middleton (Away) 6:00 pm Kickoff
  • JV Football vs. Middleton (Home) 6:00 pm Kickoff

Friday, October 2nd
  • Varsity Football vs. Middleton (Away) 7:00 pm Kickoff

We will communicate with parents and fans about who can attend athletic events in person. This information is changing weekly.

For those who cannot attend in person, all of our Home competitions that take place in the Carley Athletic Center and on Nick Ysursa Field, can be viewed LIVE on the NFHS Network. The cost to subscribe is $10.99 per month, or $69.99 for the entire year.
Varsity Football games are also being broadcast on Salt and LIght Catholic Radio, (1140 AM or 102.3 FM) and we are working on an option for streaming our other fall sports. (If you are interested in helping out, please let us know!)
basketball-basket.jpg
Knights Girls Basketball Info From Coach McCormick

Welcome back Girls Basketball Players!

I have listed a few of the important dates and reminders you need to know. We are looking forward to seeing all of you at open gyms and tryouts. If you are participating in a Bishop Kelly Fall sport please keep your focus on that sport and don't be concerned with making open gyms. If you are not participating in a Fall Bishop Kelly sport we encourage you to participate as much as possible. Good luck and GO KNIGHTS!

Open Gym Dates and Times             
September 28 and 30- 6:15-7:15 Carley Center             
October 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28- 6:15-7:15 Carley Center

Tryouts will be November 2nd-4th for all grade levels.
1st session: 3:45-5:30
2nd session: 5:45-7:15 
Senior Parent College Information Knight
Wednesday, September 30 is the date for the upcoming College Information Night. This in-person event for senior parents will be held in the “Reg” gymnasium at 6:30 pm. Social distance guidelines will be in place and masks are required. A copy of the presentation slides will be available on BK’s website for those unable to attend.
Note from the School Nurse
Dear Parents, 

I have received my allocation of student flu vaccines. I have a limited number of nasal vaccines and 200 injectable vaccines.

This consent form as well as information sheets for each vaccine can be found in the Forms Manager on www.BK.org. (Link to the Forms Manager is at the bottom of the website.)

Please read the information sheets carefully, and return the signed consent form to my office at BK. Please be sure to answer the questions at the bottom of the form regarding insurance carrier. There is no charge for the vaccines.

Thank you,
MaryLou Cunningham, RN, NCSN, MHS
Learnapalooza 2020 - Save the Date!
Learnapalooza Header
OCTOBER 14th will be our 2nd annual Learnapalooza!!! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn something new and engage in community building.

Learnapalooza is open to all Freshmen, Sophomore, and Junior students. (The PSAT Test has been rescheduled for January.)

Seniors will be participating in "College Blitz!" that day.

This is an optional event, however, it is too fun to miss out!

Registration for Learnapalooza will take place next Wednesday, September 30th; more details to come.

Some of the Amazing Learnapalooza Workshops Include:

  • Introduction to Fly Fishing
  • The Boise Urban Challenge
  • Intermediate Mountain Biking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Woodworking
  • Robotics and Coding Challenge
  • Mad Scientist Mystery
  • Basque Dancing
  • Photography
  • Model Building
  • Animal Socialization

AND MANY MORE!
College and Career
NCACA Virtual College Fair:
This fall you will have the opportunity to connect with more than 600 colleges and universities at the NACAC virtual college fair.

Monday, Oct. 12 from 1 - 9 p.m. ET
Sunday, Oct. 18 from 12 - 8 p.m. ET
Sunday, Nov. 8 from 2 - 10 p.m. ET

Each virtual fair is a free, one-day event. Attend as often as you like. Parents invited, too. Sign up at virtualcollegefairs.org

Next Steps Idaho Virtual College Fair:
Join reps from 11 Idaho colleges and universities!
September 29 & 30 - October 1 from 8 am-8 pm

Virtual College Visits at BK:
The College and Career center will be hosting virtual college visits during lunches on A and B days as well as during office hours on B days. Have your Junior or Senior log into SCOIR to RSVP and to see all upcoming events.

September
Monday, Sep 28th - 11:15AM - 11:50AM Lewis-Clark State College
Tuesday, Sep 29th - 12:15PM - 12:50PM Gonzaga University
Wednesday Sep 30th - 11:15AM - 11:50AM Seton Hall University
October
Thursday, Oct 1st - 12:15PM - 12:50PM Carroll College
Thursday, Oct 1st - 2:30PM - 03:05PM Lewis & Clark College

If you have questions contact Ms. Klover at jklover@bk.org
Volunteer Opportunities for Students
ONE STONE
Love of Learning Project
Love of Learning (LOL) is a program in part with One Stone's Project Good that will work to keep the joy of learning alive, especially while many students navigate unique challenges that can come with virtual learning. High schoolers who join this project will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a younger buddy in person, where they will act as their mentor and helper with anything the buddy might need help within school. This mentorship will help create and strengthen relationships, build confidence in school, and help students transition to a new kind of learning environment.

Meetings: Love of Learning will meet in person with their buddies once a week for two hours, as well as have planning meetings once a week for an hour. Students who choose to be involved in this project can choose which session they would like depending on the day of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Feel free to email projectgood@onestone.org with any questions.

One Stone has other volunteer opportunities as well. To sign up for LOL or any other projects, go to: https://onestone.org/project-good-1

Meridian Library District
The Meridian Library District has numerous volunteer opportunities available. Some in-person and some virtual. Go to: https://www.mld.org/connect/help-home to see what’s available and to sign up.


Math Tutor Needed
A student at St. Mark’s needs a volunteer math tutor. If you are in the NHS this could be a good way to get your tutoring hours! For more information, contact Mrs. Colleran at jcolleran@bk.org or stop by room 710.

We Need Your Pictures!
The yearbook staff is working on pages for the yearbook, and we need your photos!

Please send in any photos that you have of your student participating or completing his/her Senior Service Project, Senior Float, Quarantine Pets, Purchases and/or Activities, and any pictures from summer trips and/or activities. Be sure to label them or put in the email body some sort of explanation. Photos can be shared with us on our Instagram page at @bkyrbook or via email to knightpix@bk.org
Online Ordering from the BK Spirit Store!
In order to maintain safe distancing AND be available for all your Spirit Wear needs, the Bishop Kelly Spirit Store will be offering online ordering for Fall Semester. A selection of items will be available each month, and you can order via email!

Please note, the actual BK Spirit Store will NOT be open during the lunch hour for additional items, and the Front Office staff will not have access to the store.

We're all getting really good at shopping online, right?
#256
BK Unisex Hooded Sweatshirt Drk. Gray
$36.00
#255
BK Unisex Hooded Sweatshirt Lt. Gray
$45.00
#146
Ladies Short Sleeved BK Strong T-Shirt
$15.00

#147
Mens Short Sleeved BK Strong T-Shirt
$15.00
(Not pictured, Same Design)
#141
Unisex Long Sleeved T-Shirt
$20

#822
BK Cap, Velcro Back
One Size Fits All
$22.00
How to Order

*Order deadline: EVERY MONDAY      
*Order Pickup: EVERY FOLLOWING THURSDAY ONLY,
1/2 Hour Before School for PREPAID Orders only. You will be emailed a confirmation.

Email bkspiritstore@gmail.com and must include:
  • Your Name
  • Contact Phone Number
  • Item # listed above
  • Size of Item (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
  • Price

Method of Payment Before Pickup: Venmo @BK-ParentsAssociation, or Credit Card. These are the only payment options at this time.

NOTE: If you are paying by Credit Card, you will be contacted via the "Contact Phone Number" listed in your email at confirmation between 1:00 - 3:00 PM on Tuesday.

ONLY PREPAID ORDERS via the email process listed above will be accepted at this time. The Front Office Staff does NOT have order information.

THANK YOU for your cooperation as BK Spirit Store volunteers try to keep BK Spirit Store items available for our community.  

2020 Winner's Choice Update
Today marks the 5 week countdown to our 2020 Winner’s Choice Online Auction and Virtual Event!

We are still in need of items for our online auction. This year, all items including those found in our Silent, Silent Premiere and Live Auction will be open for bidding in the online auction opening on October 30th. Last year we net close to $300,000 in our silent and live auction- 100% of which went directly to BK as part of the Foundation’s yearly operational grant. Our goal is to have the same success this year in order to be able to continue to support BK at a similar level as last year but we cannot make this happen without your help.  

to find out more about how to donate to this year’s auction or click on the following:

Consider donating an item from our previous Winner’s Choice Auction Supporters.

Need ideas on what to donate? Let us do the shopping for you! Through our Amazon Wish List those items are shipped right to us!

Finally, be on the lookout for your invitation to participate in our virtual event for your chance to win a car from the Auto Ranch Group. We are partnering with Open Table Catering and BRJ wines and bringing our virtual event to the comfort of your own home. This is an easy way to participate in Winner’s Choice, support BK and easily enjoy the show!
Mark Your Calendar

  • TWO Days! Wednesday October 21st and Wednesday October 28th with one 2-hour session on each day
  • We welcome and encourage this to be integrated into classroom learning
  • ALL students are welcome to participate and are eligible for prizes and scholarships if they attend both sessions

Job Openings at Bishop Kelly
Bus Route Driver
Activities Bus Driver
Substitute Teachers
Substitute Kitchen Assistant

Important Links
Contact BK
  • Front Office: 375-6010
  • Fax: 375-3626
  • Business Office Manager: 947-1209
  • BK Development Office: 947-1325
  • BK Foundation Office: 323-4789

To add, remove, or change your email address, or to remove your name from our regular mailing lists, please contact Chrissy at cbeckner@bk.org.
Bishop Kelly High School | (208) 375-6010 | www.bk.org