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Weekly Update
October 7, 2020
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Dear BBHS Families,
As we approach our first progress report period this Friday, I want to share my appreciation for the hard work of our teachers and the commitment of our students learning in the remote environment. These times are asking so much of us all, and I am humbled by the way our Brave community has been leaning into these challenges.
This week we are initiating a set of survey instruments to get feedback from our students, teachers and parents. This data will help us assess the current remote learning environment and consider adjustments to our learning plans as we move deeper into the school year. Look for a stand alone message to parents on Friday that invites your participation.
We continue to process and review plans and considerations around a potential transition to in-person learning. As I mentioned, we are processing with our Leadership Team, Faculty and Staff, Board of Directors and the Archdiocese. We are doing so while also monitoring the public health data for King County, which changed direction with an increasing trend in positive cases per 100,000 residents over a two week period. We expect an update to this data later today, and this will continue to inform our decision making about our learning model.
In the face of the uncertainty of these times, I encourage us all to take time for prayer and reflection. Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. I will be taking time to pray a rosary at our Grotto on campus for all of you, and for the continued health and safety of our community. I encourage you to join me in praying a Rosary today or sometime in this month of Our Lady.
Blessings,
Tony DeSapio President adesapio@bishopblanchet.org
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Text Notification System Update
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SYSTEM TEST THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Every fall we test our SchoolMessenger text notification system that is used when weather or an emergency causes an unplanned, unexpected change in our school schedule. While the beginning of this year we are remote, if/when we move through hybrid and back to traditional in-person teaching, we want to be prepared.
We will send an automated test of the text broadcast system to all mobile phone numbers listed in Skyward for parents, guardians and students tomorrow evening, Thursday, October 8. Please ensure all mobile numbers for your family are updated in Skyward in the appropriate field. Occasionally some cell numbers need to manually opt-in to receive SMS messages from SchoolMessenger due to settings on the phone or with the carrier. If you don't receive tomorrow's message on your mobile device, and your number is correct in the mobile number field in Skyward, please text "yes" to the number 67587. Text charges may apply.
For questions about Skyward, please email Rhonda Osborne, Registrar. For questions about the emergency procedure and text alert test, please email Julie Gallaudet, Director of Marketing and Communications.
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Reminder of Schedule Change
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OCTOBER 8 AND 9 SHIFT TO ASYNCHRONOUS
The school is working hard to meet the needs of our students, faculty and staff and is trying to be responsive and adaptable, particularly during this time of remote instruction. Feedback the school has received from students, families and teachers about Digital Distance Learning has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers report amazing attendance, attitude, attentiveness and effort from students. Students and families describe excellent instruction from a caring and dedicated group of educators.
In an attempt to give a brief break from the pace of the school year and amount of daily screen time, the school has made a slight schedule change for this week.
Tomorrow, Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9 will shift to asynchronous Green and Gold days, respectively, and teachers will post an activity by 8 a.m. each day. Sports and clubs are still permitted to happen on these days at the discretion of the coach or moderator.
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PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress Reports will be posted by the end of the school day on Friday, October 9. To view your student's progress report, please select the Portfolio Tab in Skyward.
Progress reports for the first semester will be available to view by the end of the school day on October 9, November 13 and December 17.
Nicole McCoy
Vice Principal of Academics
nmccoy@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Admissions Department
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CALLING ALL FUTURE BRAVES!
If you have friends, family or neighbors with middle schoolers - we invite you to share with them some of the upcoming opportunities for them to get to know more about BBHS. Virtual tours are now available! See information below.
OPEN HOUSE WEBINAR WITH LIVE Q&A - OCTOBER 21
Please register here to tune in to our virtual Open House webinar on Wednesday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m., featuring a panel that includes BBHS administrators, students and parents, as well as opportunities for live Q&A.
B.R.A.V.E. (BLANCHET REMOTE ACCESS VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE) DAY
8th graders are invited in small groups to join us for a B.R.A.V.E. Day - a half day, virtual, live, personalized tour with our Director of Admissions. B.R.A.V.E Day experiences include classroom visits, a view of our spaces, engagement with teachers and school leaders, and messages from our students. Spaces are limited. All sessions run from 8:15-11:45 a.m. Reserve your spot today!
BRAVE ACCESS PROGRAM FOR 6-7-8TH GRADERS
Be in the know! Future Braves, click here to become part of the Brave Access Program and receive free swag, information on BBHS news and to join our mailing list.
8TH GRADE HOTSPOT Bookmark this page as your hub for prospective student information! Watch Brave Ambassador videos, read student testimonials and get the latest BBHS admissions information.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2021-22 ARE OPEN!
Apply to Bishop Blanchet today - click here for information on applying to BBHS for 2021-22, as to view deadlines. Please note, BBHS will not offer, nor require, the High School Placement Test (HSPT) for this admissions season, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
We will continue to identify opportunities to engage with middle school families, including virtual tours and other avenues, as COVID-19 continues to impact in-person events. Please encourage any prospective families who have questions to connect with our Admissions Team.
Michael Pierce
Director of Admissions
mpierce@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Activities Office
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SENIOR PARENTS - GRADUATION ORDER INFORMATION
Senior Parents, please view this message from National Achiever Services to learn how your senior reserved their graduation cap and gown today during CP. Families do not need to pay for the cap and gown; the cost is included in the BBHS senior fee as part of tuition. Please check with your senior to confirm they submitted their reservation.
Parents may choose to purchase other graduation items such as announcements, senior gear and letter jackets from our official supplier, National Achiever Services.
DRIVER'S ED - SECOND VIRTUAL SESSION Shield Driving Academy offers a series of classes each year for BBHS students only. The second session will be held virtually, October 27- December 8, with classes on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 4-6 p.m. (except holidays). Click here to register your student for this session.
Photos are coming! Students photos taken during Orientation (and ASB/ID cards) are being mailed this week and next. Even if you did not order photos, you will still receive a proof sheet, so you can make a purchase if you wish to. For those students who did not have their photo taken, or who wish to have it retaken, Retake Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28. Details will be sent as the date nears.
Chuck Bocian
Vice Principal of Activities
cbocian@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Counseling Center
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CATHOLIC COLLEGE FAIR
The National Catholic Colleges Virtual Fair is T hursday, October 15 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. PDT. Interested students can learn about 112 Catholic colleges and universities across the U.S. Registration is required, and with limited space available, please remind your student to register early to secure their spot.
PNACAC VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR
During the week of October 19-23, Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC) representatives will be standing by, ready to meet with students. From live presentations on financial aid and how to write your application essay, to text chat, videos and downloadable college materials, this virtual experience will allow your students to explore, learn and connect with colleges and universities from around the country (and world!). Please register here.
UW FILIPINX HEALTH CAREERS
Is your junior or senior interested in hearing from current pre-health undergraduate students and alumni of UW, about their experiences in pursuing a health-related career? They can join the Filipinx Association for Health Careers at the University of Washington online on Tuesday, October 20 from 5-7 p.m. to hear from a panel of pre-health students. Please have your student register here for the event.
COUNSELING WEBINARS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Please note the dates for the upcoming Parent/Guardian webinars with the BBHS Counseling Team, focused on important information and events for students in each grade level. Parents/guardians of each specific grade will receive an email with additional information as each event nears.
- High School 101 for Frosh Parents - October 27
- Sophomore Parent Information Night - November 17
Click here to view the presentations for Senior and Junior Parents/Guardians.
Stephen Russell
Counseling Department Chair
srussell@bishopblanchet.org
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MENTAL HEALTH CARE FAQ
Finding mental health support can feel overwhelming and confusing at times. We've put together a resource to help families navigate the mental healthcare system by answering some frequently asked questions. Click here f or tips on finding a therapist, information for what to do in a mental health crisis and more.
PARENTING THROUGH COVID-19 UW professor Dr. Jim Mazza and Psychologist Dr. Lizz Dexter Mazza host "Parenting Through COVID-19," a video series that shares coping strategies and emotion regulation skills to help parents and caregivers during this stressful time. Tune in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 a.m. via Facebook Live, or watch their collection of recorded sessions here.
Kaitlyn Overman
BBHS Social Emotional Counselor
koverman@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Office of Campus Ministry
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THE LONG VIEW BIKING RETREAT
Students of all grades are invited to participate in The Long View Biking Retreat on Friday, October 16. We will meet at Bishop Blanchet at 10 a.m. and set out on an approximately 20 mile ride with stops at parks for reflection, discussion, relaxation and lunch. Students will be divided into groups of five and partnered with a Bishop Blanchet faculty or staff member for the day. The riding pace will be casual; no one will be left behind. The retreat centers around this prayer by Bishop Ken Untener and invites participants to consider the patience needed to step back and take a long view at life. If you would like to know more about the retreat, including information on registering your student, please email Ms. Longest.
Rachel Longest
Director of Campus Ministry
rlongest@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Athletic Department
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BBHS WELCOMES NEW BOYS AND GIRLS SWIM COACH JEFF CASEY
Originally from Albuquerque, Mr. Casey graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1998 and an MBA in 2000. In 2006, he earned a BS in Computer Science from Charter Oak State College in Connecticut. Mr. Casey's collegiate swim career began at Old Dominion University (1995-1996) and continued to UNM, where he earned All-American honors (1996-2000). He has coached all levels of swimming starting with summer league, club (18 and under), and was the head coach for both the Men's and Women's swim team at Waimea High School on Kauai for 5 years. He is excited about the opportunity of competing in the Metro League, and looks forward to meeting all of the Bishop Blanchet swimmers.
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Jeff with his wife Charlotte, son Noah (14),
and daughters Avalon (12), Audrey (6)
and Tessa (6).
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SPORTS PHYSICALS UPDATE FOR 2020-2021 ATHLETIC PARTICIPANTS
Bishop Blanchet strongly encourages all athletes to get annual physicals, and typically requires physicals to be renewed each year. Given the current situation with COVID-19 and the challenges of scheduling physician appointments, Bishop Blanchet will accept physicals that have been dated within the last two years for the 2020-2021 school year. Physicals cannot expire mid-season. If a physical expires before or during a season, the athlete must get a new one before they can try-out or participate in the remainder of that season.
All athletes still need to submit an updated Medical History Form for the 2020-2021 school year, and all documents will be submitted via FamilyID. Please email Mr. Gaskill with any questions.
BRAVE SIDELINE STORE FLASH SALE
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It's a great time to gear up!
Through tomorrow, Wednesday October 7 at 8:59 pm., EVERYTHING is 20% OFF in the Brave Sideline Store, no minimum purchase required. Use code FALL20 at checkout to receive your discount.
Go Braves!
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THE 10TH ANNUAL (AND FIRST VIRTUAL) BRAVE 5K - THANK YOU!
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The 10th Annual (and first virtual) Brave 5K was a huge success! With 358 participants running and walking over two weeks on various routes across Seattle and the U.S., this was our biggest event to date. Thank you to The Brave Booster Club and TC Span America for underwriting the cost of the t-shirts, and thanks to all our participants and volunteers.
Be True, Be Kind, Be Fast!
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June S., 7 years old, 29:27 - 5K
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Sean Gaskill
Athletic Director
sgaskill@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Performing Arts Department
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IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE - A LIVE RADIO PLAY
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It's happening! It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Cast and Crew continue to prepare over Zoom as well as in socially-distanced and masked pod groups.
Publicity Crew members Ian Welch and Matthew Flynn capture the movement and focus of our efforts in their Marketing Minute Video of the Week. Be sure to mark your calendars for December 4-6. This is going to be virtually the best show ever!
If you want to find out more information about this show and all things DRAMA, join the BBHS Drama Google Classroom with code 4nkp4c2. |
Corey Eriksen
Performing and Fine Arts Department Chair
ceriksen@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Development Office
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TUITION ASSISTANCE - NAMED ENDOWMENTS
Bishop Blanchet offers Named Endowment Scholarships made possible by the generosity of BBHS donors, alumni and friends. In order to apply for a Named Endowment Scholarship, an applicant must have financial need and a current, completed FACTS Tuition Assistance form for the applicant's household on file with the BBHS Business Office. Scholarships awarded from the previous school year are not automatically renewed, and if a student is awarded a scholarship in more than once, the amount awarded may vary from year to year.
Students must complete the Named Endowment Scholarship application online by 11:59 p.m. Friday, December 18. If you have questions or would like to submit your application via email, please email our Development Team or call 206-527-3981.
Robert Lukevich
Assistant Director of Development, Alumni Relations and Planned Giving
rlukevich@bisopblanchet.org
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From the Office of Diversity and International Student Services
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VIRTUAL NIGHT FOR PARENTS OF BIPOC STUDENTS
The MAC (Multicultural Affairs Council) will host a Virtual Parent Night for parents of BIPOC students (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) on Thursday, October 29 at 7 p.m. Please save the date, and stay tuned for more details.
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BBHS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Bishop Blanchet is currently seeking dynamic candidates with excellent qualifications for employment opportunities, including:
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Follow us @bishopblanchet
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