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Weekly Update
October 14, 2020
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Dear BBHS Families,
Thank you to those who have already provided your input through our Parent/Guardian Survey. As a reminder, if you have yet to send in your feedback, this survey will remain open through tomorrow, Thursday, October 15.
We are also in the midst of conducting a student survey, so we ask that you check in with your student and encourage their participation. Mr. Procopio will remind students that their feedback is due tomorrow as well.
Along with a survey of our faculty and staff, this feedback is key to inform refinements to our Digital Distance Learning program and help us plan for potential in-person learning, as we continue to monitor public health data.
Blessings,
Tony DeSapio President adesapio@bishopblanchet.org
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Dear BBHS families,
I hope last week's asynchronous days were a welcome break from the Zoom class time, and that this short week will provide a similar relief to students and teachers.
While the school is continuing with remote instruction for the time being, we will continue to supplement our program with in person activities when possible. As you likely know, we have had wide participation in athletics and activities over the past month. We have heard reports from students, families, coaches and moderators how impactful these connections have been while our school has been in the remote model.
As early as next month, we will be piloting a cohort of students to come learn on campus during the school day. The first progress report was last Friday, and we are able to see some trends in grades and participation. For our pilot program, students will be selected by the school to participate based on objective grade and attendance data. The main purpose is to provide an environment for those students who need additional support the opportunity for an intervention that might allow them more success. The pilot will give the school a secondary benefit, allowing us to refine our process for having students on campus during the school day.
Thank you to everyone for your support of our students and communities during this time.
Sam Procopio Principal sprocopio@bishopblanchet.org
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REQUIRED REPORTING POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19
Our Reopening Plan and COVID-19 safety protocols require us to have a clear understanding of any impact COVID-19 may be having in our Bishop Blanchet community. Therefore, we felt it important to reiterate our protocol for families to notify the Dean's Office of any student or household member who tests positive for COVID-19. This is a requirement even in our current remote learning environment. Families should report this information via email to Chris Bilanko, Dean of Students. All student or family member names will remain confidential as the school begins its communication protocols.
CLOSE CONTACT WITH CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19 Students and families identified by local health officials as a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case should also notify the Dean's Office by emailing Chris Bilanko, Dean of Students. Bishop Blanchet will communicate with impacted students and families regarding protocols for returning to school and school sponsored activities.
COVID-19 PREVENTION Parents and guardians should limit the social interactions of their student(s) outside of school. Families should spend time with their student(s) discussing the importance of refraining from attending large social gatherings, the need to practice physical distancing and mask wearing when in public and acknowledging the shared responsibility we all have to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please stay home if sick or experiencing any potential COVID-19 symptoms, and continue to practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly.
Chris Bilanko
Dean of Students
cbilanko@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Activities Office
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SENIOR PARENTS - GRADUATION ORDER INFORMATION
Senior Parents, now is the time to purchase graduation items such as announcements, senior gear and letter jackets from our official supplier, National Achiever Services. Seniors submitted reservations for their cap and gown last week during CP; please confirm with your senior that the reservation was in fact submitted.
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.
Students photos taken during Orientation (and ASB/ID cards) have been mailed. Even if you did not order photos, your student was mailed 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.
FRESHMAN CLASS CABINET
Congratulations to the five freshmen who were elected as new cabinet members. The leadership and bravery of all 15 candidates is remarkable and should be recognized.
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Maggie Bratrud
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John Paul Butler
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JJ Kane
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Mackenzie Peterson
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Portia Zeisner
Chuck Bocian
Vice Principal of Activities
cbocian@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!
PARENT VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH PRESIDENT TONY DESAPIO
Parents and guardians are invited in small groups to have a virtual cup of coffee with President DeSapio to learn more about our school and ask questions. Space is limited. Please register today . All sessions will be from 9-9:50 a.m. on the dates noted in the registration link.
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, and 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 Athletic Department
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NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING PERIOD
Prospective student athletes can start signing their National Letter of Intent on November 11 in all sports except football (football signing begins December 16, 2020). If your student plans to play a sport in college, please complete this survey by Friday, October 16 so we can celebrate these tremendous accomplishments. The BBHS Athletic Department will reach out to all individuals after the closure of the survey.
Sean Gaskill
Athletic Director
sgaskill@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 this 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 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.
Stephen Russell
Counseling Department Chair
srussell@bishopblanchet.org
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From the Office of Diversity and International Student Services
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FOCUSING ON SOLIDARITY
T his year BBHS continues its focus on the theme of solidarity through our various Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. On October 1, students participated in solidarity-themed workshops in their CPs, based on videos from the 'Upstanders' original series by Starbucks. Each CP created posters to highlight important social issues and how each of us can be upstanders who show solidarity with others. Great job to all the CPs for your participation and congratulations to our winners featured below and in this gallery.
MAC VIRTUAL PARENT NIGHT - OCTOBER 29
BBHS' Multicultural Affairs Council (MAC) is hosting a Virtual Parent Night via Zoom on Thursday, October 29 from 7-8 p.m.
This program is centered around parents of BIPOC students (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). We hope to provide a space to build parent connections, offer resources and host a parent panel on how to support your student as they navigate high school. Opportunities for community and Q&A will be included - we hope you will join us! Please RSVP here by October 28.
Janah Valenzuela
Director of Diversity and International Student Services
jvalenzuela@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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Imagine what it must be like to do everything that you would normally do in person, over Zoom. Oh, wait... we don't have to imagine that! That's the story of all our lives right now, as students and members of the cast and crew of
It's a Wonderful Life.
But if you were able to peek into the Zoom room... what would you see? What would you hear? We can tell you. You would see excitement. You would hear enthusiasm. You would feel energy.
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Check out the Zoom Call Picture below from our first read through. Or listen to cast and crew members Ian, Sofie, Emily, Julian, Luke and Jake share how they are keeping it positive! Finally, you won't want to miss the work of Publicity Crew member Jonah Branstad '23, in the new Minute Video of the Week!
We are building something special for you. We hope you make room in your Zoom for us on December 4, 5 and 6!
If you want to find out more information about this show and all things DRAMA, join the BBHS Drama Google Classroom with code 4nkp4c2.
JOIN PALS
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Are you a parent interested in getting involved in the performing arts? The Performing Arts League Supporters (PALS) would love to meet you! PALS is a parent group that provides support for drama, band and choir. View the PALS welcome letter here!
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THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
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Mark your calendars for our annual celebration of the performing arts, The Spotlight Cabaret! Please save November 14 at 7 p.m. for this year's livestreamed event.
Though we cannot gather this year in person, our fabulous students will dazzle you with high-energy, high-caliber performances that you and your entire household will enjoy. In addition to the amazing student performances, we will also announce our spring musical! |
This year more than ever, our students need your support. The arts provide an essential platform for students to find mutual support and a safe place to express themselves. Your generosity ensures we can continue to serve our student performers in these challenging times.
Show your support for our Performing Arts by becoming a Patron here. We will email you the livestream link to Spotlight Cabaret, as well as post it to our website.
Corey Eriksen
Performing and Fine Arts Department Chair
ceriksen@bishopblanchet.org
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ESSENTIAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN (AND ADULTS) DURING A PANDEMIC
If you are looking for more tools to support your teenager during this pandemic, Child Life Disaster Relief has put together some great resources. Learn about the five essential needs of children and adults and how to support your teen in establishing a sense of safety, regulation, efficacy, hope and connection. Watch their in-depth webinar here or access helpful PDFs and videos here.
Kaitlyn Overman
BBHS Social Emotional Counselor
koverman@bishopblanchet.org
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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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