Weekly Update
September 1, 2021
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From the Office of the President |
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Dear BBHS Families,
It has been so energizing to see each of our classes come together in person for orientation over the last few days - and I’m excited for our first day of school tomorrow - starting with our Green Day 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. schedule!
As a reminder, today is our due date for our student vaccination verification process. If you have not done so already, please follow the instructions in the Dean’s Office section below.
We are also adding a new section to this weekly update focusing on our moniker change. See below for important updates on the process to identify a new moniker along with videos and tips on how we can creatively and enthusiastically cheer on our students in the meantime. Let’s Go Blanchet!!
Blessings,
Tony DeSapio
President
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STUDENT VACCINATION VERIFICATION PROTOCOL
To support the implementation of the latest guidelines from the Department of Health, BBHS parents and guardians are now required to confirm their student's COVID-19 vaccination status to the Dean's Office.
Please complete one of the following action items by the end of day today, September 1:
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If your student is vaccinated, please email a photo of your student's vaccination card to Associate Dean Lynn Augustavo at laugustavo@bishopblanchet.org.
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If your student is not vaccinated, please complete this form.
As stated earlier and 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.
REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES
To report student absences, please email attendance@bishopblanchet.org 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, and be spatially aware at all times. This map illustrates the proper traffic flow and pick-up/drop off locations.
Chris Bilanko
Dean of Students
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SAVE THE DATE: VIRTUAL CURRICULUM NIGHT
Please save the date for our Virtual Curriculum Night next Thursday, September 9. You are invited to follow your student's schedule and participate in live Zoom classes with your student's teachers. The links for each class will be shared in the Weekly Update next Wednesday, September 8. Virtual Curriculum Night begins at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude by 8:45 p.m. If your student takes a zero period class (Jazz Band or Vocal Ensemble), the zero period Zoom will begin at 6:15 p.m.
Nicole McCoy
Vice Principal of Academics
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From the Activities Office |
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PARENT/GUARDIAN WEBINAR SLIDE DECK AND RECORDING
Thank you for joining us for last week’s Back to School Webinar to learn about plans for the 2021-22 school year. If you were unable to participate or would like another opportunity to review the information, please click here to view a recording of the presentation.
FRESHMAN PARENT AND TRANSFER PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDES
The process of starting a new school presents many questions - for both students and parents. We strive to provide you with the information you'll need to have a great experience at BBHS. For an overview, please check out the
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 OR 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.
BISHOP BLANCHET ESPORTS
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. There will be an informational meeting for interested students tomorrow, Thursday, September 2 at 2:45 p.m. in Room 211. If your student wants to compete on the Bishop Blanchet ESports team this fall or has questions make sure to encourage them to come to the meeting. In the meantime if your student would like to learn more about the ESports program at Bishop Blanchet, encourage them to email Logan Brewster.
Chuck Bocian
Vice Principal of Activities
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From the Moniker Advisory Committee |
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MONIKER CHANGE - UPDATE & REMINDERS
The “Braves” moniker was retired on June 9, 2021. We invite you to visit our website for more details about the retirement and the next steps: www.bishopblanchet.org/moniker-change. The support, input and patience of the entire BBHS community is appreciated as we navigate this transition.
The next steps of the process will be student and community engagement - please watch for your chance to provide input via a community-wide survey from September 8-20 that will be sent out in the Weekly Update next week. Our ASB made a fun and informational video for our students that was shared with them during orientation!
Please know that BBHS is working with outside professional agencies, and that the name change and subsequent creative process takes time to do right and roll out well. Expect the rollout in Spring 2022.
Big shout out to our cheer squad who has been hard at work updating many cheers for this timeframe when we are between monikers. Let’s support their positive lead! Watch the squad practicing the BBHS Fight Song!
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Expect to hear a lot of “Go Green”, “Go Blanchet”, “Let’s Go BBHS”, “Team Blanchet”, and “Green & Gold” at sporting events this year. We encourage you to likewise use these phrases and to cheer loudly and often in a positive way for our teams! We ask everyone to give grace while we work through this process. We know change can be hard and that habits take time to change. We truly appreciate your thoughtful support of all of our students and especially our athletes as you continue to cheer for them.
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From the Athletic Department |
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SPIRIT BAG ORDER
Spirit bag orders are due this 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. All orders placed by September 3 will be ready in 3-4 weeks. Please email questions to Laura Fieser.
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
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!
2021 METRO LEAGUE 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.
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT JOB OPENINGS
Bishop Blanchet is currently looking for a Head Varsity Wrestling Coach and a Head Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach. If you know someone who would be a great fit for one of these opportunities, 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 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.
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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FORMING APOSTLES RETREAT
Last weekend, more than 43 students participated in our Forming Apostles Retreat (FAR) - our first overnight retreat in more than 18 months! It was a beautiful weekend in Black Diamond, and our Student Retreat Leaders prepared for their upcoming work this year in small group facilitation, servant leadership, communication, and prayer styles. The retreat leaders also bonded with each other through some fun outdoor activities.
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CELEBRATING THE MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Mass of the Holy Spirit, our annual opening liturgy, will be held for BBHS students, faculty and staff only on Wednesday, September 8. The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Etienne and will be held outside on the new turf at Micky Naish Field. This will be Archbishop Etienne’s first formal visit to Bishop Blanchet since his installation, and we are very excited to be together as a community for our first all-school event since the winter of 2020.
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 and their families have been sent instructions for registration, so please check your email and complete the registration by Friday, September 10.
The PSAT will also be administered as scheduled for grades 9-11 on Wednesday, October 13.
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 12:30 p.m. this 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.
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 1
Stephen Russell
Head School Counselor
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Social and Emotional Health |
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BACK TO SCHOOL SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Heading back to school can bring up a wide range of feelings. As the Social Emotional Counselor at BBHS I look forward to helping your student navigate this transition to campus and in-person school. If your student is struggling, please encourage them to reach out or drop into the Counseling Center (Room 113). We can work with them to identify supports, explore their interests, and connect them to resources on campus.
We look forward to welcoming your student to campus and supporting their social and emotional health this school year!
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 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 BBHS's own 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.
Taryn Darr
Drama Director
Corey Eriksen
Technical Director
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FOLLOW BBHS FINE ARTS ON INSTAGRAM
Follow @BBHS_ArtDept on Instagram for the latest art, happenings, visual art opportunities, contests, shows and more!
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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.
JOIN THE NEW DRUMLINE
Do you have a student at home who wants to lead the crowd at BBHS games? The new BBHS Drumline has room for three more students, no experience required! All skill levels are invited to participate! Please email Mr. VanDuinen if you are interested.
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Michelle Carrasquilla Lander
Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair
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From the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion |
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2021-2022 DEI THEME: SUBSIDIARITY
The theme for this year’s DEI work is subsidiarity. This pillar of Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that those most directly affected by a decision should have a key say in it. Through Catholic Social Teaching, we know that each person has inherent, inalienable dignity, and we recognize each person has the capacity and capability of contributing to our society in a meaningful way. Our focus on the concept of subsidiarity summons us to listen with intention and to inform our decisions by inviting those most impacted into the conversation. When we listen to those most impacted we can better serve the common good. In the spirit of the principle of subsidiarity, we invite you to consider the ways in which you partner with others and listen with intention.
MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL (MAC)
We invite families, students, faculty and staff to join the Multicultural Affairs Council (MAC). The MAC strives to make all members of the Bishop Blanchet community feel welcome, celebrated, and safe, with a focus on students and families of color. The MAC offers Family Unity Night in the spring and evening parent workshops throughout the school year. This year, we will meet in a hybrid capacity – in person with an option to zoom in. We would love to have you join us! Please email me if you are interested in joining the MAC or learning more.
Sofia Lopez
Director of Diveristy, Equity and Inclusion
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From the Development Office |
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2021-2022 BBHS ANNUAL FUND
The BBHS Annual Fund supports every aspect of your student’s high school experience. Your generous support can be directed to the area of greatest interest to you and your family, including:
- Academics & Technology
- Performing & Fine Arts
- Athletics & Activities
- Faith & Service
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Facilities & Operations
- Financial Aid
- Greatest Need
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
Kelley Kane
Spirit Store Coordinator
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Welcome to New BBHS Faculty and Staff |
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW FACULTY AND STAFF
We are very proud to introduce ten impressive new Faculty and Staff members who are joining the Bishop Blanchet team this year. Welcome!
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Julia Cordero - Spanish & Academic Support
Profesora Cordero holds a B.A. in Spanish and Teaching from Seattle University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of Washington. Although she is a first year teacher, Profe Cordero has previous experience as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico. A lifelong resident of Seattle, Julia is thankful and eager to begin working with BBHS students, supporting them in their language acquisition, academic careers and overall helping them find success.
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Samuel Carlson - Theology
Samuel Carlson is a Chicagoan through and through, but is excited for this new adventure in Seattle with Bishop Blanchet High School. After converting to the Catholic faith his freshman year in college, he graduated from the University of Notre Dame with an B.A. in Theology. After that, he returned home to study at Loyola University for his Master's degree in Biblical Language and Literature and taught at Loyola Academy for 6 years. After 2 years of discernment, he decided to move out to Seattle earlier this year. In addition to continually learning and growing in his faith, Samuel loves football, cooking, and cooperative storytelling games. He is excited to learn and grow with the BBHS family.
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Taryn Darr - Drama
Taryn Darr joins the BBHS Performing Arts team as our new Drama Director! Ms. Darr is a graduate of the University of Washington (B.A. Drama), an award-winning singer/dancer/actor and as a professional actor, is a proud union member of Actor’s Equity since 2001. She has choreographed, directed and taught acting and dance classes for many years with youth programs, studios and high schools around the Puget Sound region. Her career onstage has taken her all over the U.S., and locally you may have seen her in starring roles at the Village Theatre or the 5th Avenue Theatre. She is looking forward to spending more time with the amazing students here, as they work to continue to raise the bar of excellence in performing arts.
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Ashley Langdon - Main Office Receptionist
Ashley Langdon was born and raised in Marysville, just north of Seattle. She attended the University of Washington and received her degree in Communications and Political Science. After college she followed her passion for sports and worked the next ten years in Corporate Partnerships for the Seattle SuperSonics, the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders FC. She has been married to her husband Chad for eleven years and has a son Bradley (9 years) and daughter Brooklyn (5 years). In her free time Ashley loves spending time with her family & friends, biking, reading, and cheering on the Huskies, Seahawks, and her own kids' teams. Having been a stay at home Mom for the last 9 years, she is excited to once again work outside the home and join the Blanchet team.
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Sofia Lopez - Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Sofia Lopez joins the BBHS community as Director of DEI. Originally from Oceanside, California and a proud Xicana, she attended the University of San Diego where she majored in History and Peace and Justice Studies. She began her career in education as a Teach for America Corps member in the Las Vegas Valley, teaching middle-school English Language Arts. Following her time in Las Vegas, she served as a middle-school youth minister at Mary, Queen of Peace in Sammamish. Most recently, she served as Campus Minister, Service Coordinator and Theology Teacher at Kennedy Catholic High School. Sofia is currently continuing her education as a graduate student at Seattle University in the Student Development Administration program focusing on Multicultural Affairs.
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Michael McCarthy - Math
Michael McCarthy earned his B.S. in Economics from the University of Puget Sound. After college he made the move to New York, where he worked on Wall Street in equity research and became a CFA charterholder. After five years in the Big Apple, he returned to Seattle with his wife to start a family. For the last decade he worked at Nordstrom in a variety of corporate finance roles. Now, following up on a long-standing desire to teach, Michael is excited to begin a new adventure teaching math at BBHS.
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Ryanne Mitchell - PE and Health
Ryanne Mitchell is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina where she graduated from West Forsyth High School in 2004. During her tenure at West, she was a celebrated student athlete where she was a four-year varsity player who excelled in both soccer and basketball. She went on to receive a partial soccer scholarship to attend UNC Charlotte and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Systems Management. Ryanne is currently in the process of completing her Master’s in Athletic Administration from Ohio University. Last year Ryanne, along with her now fiancé, made the decision to make the drive cross-country from North Carolina to Seattle to relocate to the Pacific Northwest. Ryanne is thrilled to be coaching young women and teaching Physical Education and Health. Helping them to become their best self and to live by her mantra which is “leave everything you have on the field and learn from every opportunity you have to represent our sport”!
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Kirk Roa - Vocal Music Program Director
Born and raised in Seattle, Kirk Roa is an alum of Bishop Blanchet High School '15, where he participated in the performing arts and student leadership programs. He then attended Western Washington University '19, earning a degree in choral music education. After a great year at St. Monica School as the K-8 music specialist, Kirk is thrilled to be back home at Blanchet. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, pick-up volleyball, and riding his bike on the Burke-Gilman trail.
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Jacqueline Saleem - English
Jacqueline Saleem has recently returned to the Emerald City after living in Massachusetts for 5 years, where she taught at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School in Lawrence, Mass. Born in Canada, Jacqueline earned a Masters in Literature with a focus in medieval literature at the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta. Her teaching career has taken her from Alberta through British Columbia to Lawrence, and finally, back to Seattle. Of course, being an English teacher, reading is her passion, but she also enjoys running, kickboxing, and spending time with her husband, son, and dogs. Though she misses her wonderful students in Lawrence, she is so grateful and excited to be joining the Bishop Blanchet family.
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Eric Zuckerman--Chemistry
Dr. Eric Zuckerman was born and raised in the Detroit area. Eric earned a B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from Michigan State University, before completing a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at Purdue University. Eric knew before enrolling at Purdue that he wanted to teach chemistry and physics at the university level. After graduation, Eric joined the faculty of Augusta University in 2001 as the campus physical chemist. He retired from AU in 2017 as a tenured Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics, having taught 18 different chemistry and physics courses during his tenure. In 2019, Eric, his wife, and their family of pets (a dog and four cats) moved to Seattle to allow his wife's career to blossom. Eric is a lifelong golfer, exercise enthusiast, vegetarian, and musician. He is thankful for the opportunity to bring his joy of science and learning in service to BBHS.
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