2021-22 School Theme: Celebrate Learning Together
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Over the last two weeks, we've read about the Five Stars from the perspective of students in the Lower School and Middle School. This week, several Upper School students share ways the Five Stars have impacted them.
"Intellect is something ever-changing. There is never enough time to grasp how much knowledge you acquire over a lifetime. Every time you think you know all you can, you end up caught in the never ending flow of learning." -Maranda Montgomery, Level 9
"Not only have the Five Stars influenced my decision making, but have also shaped me beyond the classroom. Throughout my last four years of high school, I have become a much stronger leader and learner through application of both character and individuality. I will forever be thankful for being taught the significance of the Five Stars." -JJ Krohn, Level 12
"The Five Stars are essential in being successful in life and all the challenges that present themselves. The Five Stars light the path in decision making whether that's choosing to do homework instead of procrastinating, or deciding on a career path. By choosing character everyday, you will make lifelong connections with smart, intelligent, and unique individuals. By following the Five Stars in school and life, success will be achieved with a little hard work and grit." -Kamron Kaiser, Level 10
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COVID-19 UPDATES
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Parents, please help us by monitoring students for COVID-19 symptoms and keeping students home if they show any signs of illness.
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Reminder: Please contact your Division's Administrative Assistant if anyone in your family has had direct contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19. A direct contact is defined as being within six feet of someone without a mask for 15 minutes or more. When making determinations about these situations, we will consider this definition; however, under certain circumstances, we may find it in the best interest of our students to expand upon this definition of direct contact. It is our intention to always do what is most necessary to keep our students, staff, and faculty safe.
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Ongoing Updates: In addition to weekly newsletter updates, wellness protocols and other information are available in the MyBA parent portal under the COVID-19 School Updates.
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REMINDER
NO SCHOOL:
Winter Break:
February 4-February 7
WEDNESDAY
February 2
Level 8 Class Trip
Students return
Thursday, February 3
THURSDAY
February 3
Level 6 Class Trip
Level 7 Class Trip
Level 9 Class Trip
Level 10 Class Trip
Level 11 Class Trip
FRIDAY
February 4
Winter Break
offices closed
MONDAY
February 7
Winter Break
offices closed
TUESDAY
February 8
Classes Resume
Middle School
ERB Tests
WEDNESDAY
February 9
2:45-6:00 pm
Tuition Management Help
Walk-In Sessions
Founders Hall
3:40-7:00 pm
Middle School Conferences
THURSDAY
February 10
8 am-4 pm
Tuition Management Help
Walk-In Sessions
Founders Hall
3:30-7:30 pm
Upper School Conferences
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Welcome! Rishaan Ahluwalia (Level A), and parents Dr. Sarvpreet and Dr. Ruchika Ahluwalia; Lucy Ragan (Level 4), and parents Mr. Dave Ragan and Ms. Heidi Siegrist-Ragan; Hanliang "Ben" Zou (Level 9) and his mother Dr. Hong Xue; Francesca Sturino (Level 8) and her mother Mrs. Charissa Sturino.
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Tuition deposits are due February 16. Secure a spot for your student(s) for the 2022-23 school year by submitting your deposit along with the enrollment commitment online through the MyBA portal before Wednesday, February 16. Class space is guaranteed for all students whose deposits are received by February 16.
If you have questions about the Tuition Management system, you can use these resources:
Tuition Management Help Walk-In Sessions: Wednesday, February 9, 2:45-6:00 pm and Thursday, February 10, 8:00 am- 4:00 pm. Drop-in at Founders Hall with your laptop for additional support transitioning to the new Tuition Management system.
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Parents: If you know someone who is interested in sending their students to BA, please have them contact Mindy Morrissey for PreK through Level 5 and Joan Doble for Levels 6-12. We have had significant interest and would like to make sure we have room for friends and family of our current community.
The Patriots Hall Spirit Store will be open from 11am-12:30 pm on Friday, February 11. Merchandise will also be for sale at our pop-up shop at the Heritage Fair (Freedom Hall gym) at 2 pm Saturday, March 5! If you are interested in volunteering in the store, please visit VolunteerHub or contact volunteer chair Deena Doherty with any questions!
Parents: Time to schedule Middle School and Upper School conferences! Specific dates and times are listed under each division.
The Parent Resources section of the MyBA portal is a great place to start if you're looking for information on a broad range of parenting and educational topics. It includes book lists and links to articles, as well as a list of local counselors. If there's a topic you'd like to see that isn't included there, please let us know.
All-School Parent Presentations 2022: Join us for one or more of our upcoming presentations:
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The Classical Heritage Series continues on Friday, February 25, at 8:30 am in the Washington Room at Founders Hall with the topic Freedom: The Western Narrative with presenter David Wacholz.
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Parent book discussion of Every Parent's Guide to Navigating Our Digital World, on Thursday, March 3, at either 2:00 pm or 6:30 pm.
Yearbook Order Deadline - The deadline for ordering yearbooks is Sunday, February 27, and the cost is $75. Visit jostens.com to place your order if you haven't done so already.
Transitioning to a New Division? Parents, is your child moving up to a new division? Would you like a personal tour during the day to see the students and teachers in action? If you'd like a tour or have questions about the new division, we'd be happy to help. If your child is moving up from Primary School to Lower School, contact Mindy Morrissey. Contact Joan Doble for transitions from Lower School to Middle School and from Middle School to Upper School.
Summer Days 2022: Summer Days will run June 6-July 29 (no classes July 4-8). Before- and after-care are available. The catalog will be available soon!
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Congratulations! Scholastic Writing Awards-Wisconsin has recognized 12 Upper School students who earned 54 awards in all. Tyler Beckley, Silver Key (Science Fiction & Fantasy), three Honorable Mentions (Short Story, Poetry -2); Marissa Christensen, two Silver Keys (Flash Fiction, Short Story), two Honorable Mentions (Short Story, Poetry); Olivia Greipp, one Silver Key (Critical Essay); Vishnu Guda, one Gold Key & American Voices Nominee (Short Story), five Gold Keys (Short Story-2, Poetry-3), four Silver Keys (Short Story, Poetry-3); Max Hong, six Gold Keys (Poetry-5, Journalism), one Silver Key (Poetry), two Honorable Mentions (Poetry); Leah Johnson, five Gold Keys (Poetry-5, Personal Essay & Memoir), two Silver Keys (Poetry, Critical Essay), one Honorable Mention (Poetry); Ty Mahnke, two Honorable Mentions (Science Fiction & Fantasy) Maranda Montgomery, three Gold Keys (Short Story-2, Flash Fiction), four Silver Keys (Short Story-2, Flash Fiction, Humor); Sydney O'Bryant, one Honorable Mention (Short Story); Ava Samuel, one Silver Key (Critical Essay); Sophia Thomas, Gold Key & American Voices Nominee (Flash Fiction), Gold Key (Poetry), Honorable Mention (Poetry); Adrian Yin, two Gold Keys (Critical Essay), two Silver Keys (Poetry).
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Congratulations to our Spelling Bee Winner! Sarah Mathew (Level 7) placed first, and the runner-up was Samay Ginde (Level 4). Thank you to all the students who participated; it was an exciting competition. Both students will represent BA at the regional online spelling bee later in February.
Congratulations! Primary School Handwriting contest winners – Level B: Siena Wyderka, Alyssandra Kehoe, David Clark (Level winner) Emma Boudreau (Most Improved); Level 1: Liam Fenelon, Aaron Kang, Ellery Nimmer (Level winner), Zayn Nasir (Most Improved); Level 2: Swara Narra, George Clark, Charley Honkamp (Level winner), Jai Gandhi (Most Improved).
Congratulations! Lower School Handwriting contest winners– Level 3: Leah Mathew, Wesley Wyatt, Jack Foley (Level winner), Henry Kuehn (Most Improved); Level 4: Paarthav Veerapaneni, Morgan Anderson, Charlotte Gale (Level winner), Drew VanCronkhite (Most Improved); Level 5: Loveday Schwertfeger, Aaryan Gupta, Finn Mason, Monroe Emling (Level winner), Olivia Kasun (Most Improved).
Student Directory Updates: For the most up-to-date information, please use our online directory in the MyBA portal.
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Congratulations to Anvesha Guru (our winner), Leah Johnson (runner-up), and all the Upper School students who participated in the English-Speaking Union (ESU) Shakespeare Competition. Anvesha will advance to the Chicago branch competition.
Parents: Time to schedule conferences! Upper School conferences are Thursday, February 10, and Tuesday, February 15, 3:30-7:30 pm. Conferences may be held in-person or virtual. Please email Mary Fenelon for an appointment.
Career Exploration Series: Tuesday, February 22, during periods 5 and 6, students can come to the College Room to meet our speaker Dr. Robert Heib and learn about a career in medicine. Students should bring their lunch.
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Patriots Heritage Fund Wine and Bourbon Tasting
Parents of juniors and seniors - a reminder to please RSVP by February 11. We would love to see many of you at the annual Patriots Heritage Fund Wine and Bourbon Tasting on Saturday, February 19! The event is sure to be an evening of fun and good cheer with fellow BA families! Thank you to BA family-owned businesses for sponsoring: The Explorium Brewpub, Vino Veritas Artisan Wines, Hometown Sausage Kitchen, and Red Elephant Chocolates. If you have any questions or have an interest in becoming a sponsor of the event, please contact Susan Jeide in the Advancement Office.
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Annual ERB Tests for Levels 6-8 will be Tuesday, February 8.
Parents: Time to schedule conferences! If you'd like to meet with your child's advisor, Middle School Advisor conferences are Wednesday, February 9, and Thursday, February 17, from 3:40-7:00 pm. Please email Mary Beth Homan to schedule an appointment.
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Little House Day/Pioneer Day is Thursday, February 3, for our Level 3 students. Students dress in period clothing, churn butter, and give a recitation as a culmination of their Wisconsin unit.
After-School Enrichment: Spring classes are just around the corner! Flyers have been posted to Google Classroom, and hard copies are being sent home in today's Wednesday folders.
Primary School and Lower School review and exams: Thursday, February 10, through Friday, February 18.
Cub Scout Pack 183 Reboot 2022 Join Night
Calling all boys and girls in Levels B-5!
Meet in Constitution Hall All Purpose Room at 6 pm on Thursday, February 10. Bring your parents, friends, siblings, and all your questions about scouting. Everyone completing an application and signs-up will receive a free pinewood derby car to build over spring break and an invitation to race at the first pack meeting on Saturday, April 2, in Freedom Hall. Parents can also buy their own car and race in the Boy Scout/Open Division race. See you there!
Girl Scout Cookie Time! Saturday, February 26, from 1:00-3:30 pm, students from Level 3 and Level 4 who are members of BA Girl Scout Troop 11216 will hold a drive-through cookie booth. Cookies are $5 per box.
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ADVANCEMENT & VOLUNTEER NEWS |
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Dinner Auction, April 30, 2022
Luau Under the Stars
Planning continues for our upcoming Luau Under the Stars, and we have updates to report!
1. Last year's "Gnarly Notes," always popular with the kids, are this year’s “Tickets to Paradise.” Please click HERE to read more and to purchase one, or all three, for your favorite BA community member - student, staff, or faculty. The first delivery is just in time for your special someone on Valentine’s Day - February 14.
2. Tropical Treasure 50/50 Raffle! New and revised for this year, the raffle is back with an option to support BA and buy a chance for the big money prize. State law does not allow for online purchase, but the BA Advancement Office can help you place your order over the phone, visit the BA web page for a paper order form, pre-order your tickets online, or come to the Advancement Office and order them in person.
3. Luau Level Baskets - Silent Auction Fun! Keep your eyes peeled for the release of the Amazon Wish List Registry of items for each level. Support the Silent Auction, and your student’s grade, by purchasing items to fill the baskets through Amazon. Items are shipped directly to BA! Cash donations toward items also gratefully accepted. Get ready - the “store” will open soon. Thanks in advance for your help!
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Heritage Fair - Consider volunteering to deliver our Star of Heritage to Primary School and Lower School families - Saturday, March 5, 2022, 2-4 pm in the Freedom Hall Gyms.
Heritage Fair presents the opportunity to celebrate all the family backgrounds in our community. Volunteer to host a booth or display a talent. All BA families are welcome to share their culture with our younger scholars. Register to participate on VolunteerHub or contact Chairs Ashley Gebreyesus or Nina Ginde for opportunities to help. Click on links below to learn more and to view pictures of past events. This event is free to attend but you must register. RSVP here for this great event!
Save the Date for Grandparents Day: We'll welcome Grandparents to campus the morning of Thursday, April 14. Look for an email coming soon from the Advancement office with more details and an opportunity to update Grandparent information.
Interested in planning or hosting an event for your child’s level? Please contact Mary Ricci for more information.
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