Weekly Update
April 28, 2021
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Dear BBHS Families,
I’ve spent the last few months in awe of our students and teachers for the work they are doing in and out of the classroom. This week marks an important milestone for our school: the first time we have welcomed 100% of our students to in-person learning since March 2020. We are still supporting students working remotely, so the learning modality remains Hybrid. We consider this transition a big step toward returning to a traditional learning model.
All of us at Bishop Blanchet continue to ask for your grace, flexibility, and commitment to our COVID-19 Community Pledge as we make this transition. Everyone older than 16, or about 75% of our student population, is currently eligible for vaccination. This eligibility and increased access to appointments helps our community mitigate risk. We will continue to work with King County Public Health to monitor community transmission and will follow their guidance on our school program. Our collective actions dictate our ability to keep in-person learning going, and we have done a great job so far!
I want to notify families about a few changes which are listed below, related to Seniors and finals week. I will communicate these changes to students on Friday in my weekly email.
Grade 12 Changes and Reminders:
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The last day of classes for Seniors is Friday, May 28. This is the last day to submit work for the semester before Graduation.
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No special finals schedule for Seniors the week of May 24
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Graduation activities the week of May 31
- No cumulative finals
- There may be an assessment in the last class of the semester, but it will not be a cumulative final
Grade 9-11 Finals Week Changes (June 8-11):
- No cumulative finals
- There may be an assessment in the last class of the semester, but it will not be a cumulative final
- Finals week schedule will be a shorter version of first semester finals week
Grade 9-11 Finals Week Class Schedule (June 8-11):
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Tuesday, June 8: Period 1, 2
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Wednesday, June 9: Period 3, 4
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Thursday, June 10: Period 5, 7
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Friday, June 11: Period 8, 0
Grade 9-11 Finals Schedule (June 8-11):
- 8-8:35 a.m. Office Hours
- 8:35-9:50 a.m. Assessment
- 9:50-10:10 a.m. 20 minute break - students are to go to their next class or outside
- 10:10-11:20 a.m. Assessment
- 11:20-12:30 p.m. Office Hours
The official BBHS calendar will be updated with this information shortly. I’ll conclude with another reminder to double down on all health and safety measures between now and June 11, to keep your student and our community safe.
Sam Procopio
Principal
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GUIDANCE FOR FULLY VACCINATED STUDENTS
Effective today, Wednesday, April 28, Bishop Blanchet is implementing CDC guidelines for students who have been fully vaccinated. As outlined by the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ≥2 weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or ≥2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine. A copy of a student’s COVID-19 vaccination card must be submitted via email to the Dean's Office. Fully vaccinated students can:
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Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic.
- Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel, or self-quarantine after travel.
- Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States.
FAMILIES AWAITING COVID TEST RESULTS
As a reminder, if any household member is awaiting COVID-19 test results, please refrain from sending your student for in-person learning or in-person activities until the results of that test are known.
OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
Bishop Blanchet has adopted CDC guidelines for all out of state travel. Those returning from out of state have two quarantine options:
- Forgo a COVID-19 test and quarantine for 10 days upon returning from out of state travel. After day 10, eligible to return to in-person learning and in-person activities.
- Get tested 5 days after out of state travel and stay home/self quarantine for the full 7 days, even with a negative test.
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Those who decide to return after 7 days are required to submit their negative COVID-19 test result to the Dean’s Office prior to returning to in-person learning and in-person activities.
Families traveling out of state are required to complete this form. School personnel will communicate a return date for in-person learning and in-person activities. We feel it is important to reiterate that public health guidance is to avoid non-essential travel. This protocol has been developed to address the occurrence of essential travel. If you have any questions, please contact the Dean’s Office.
REQUIRED REPORTING OF POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19
If a student or member of their household tests positive for COVID-19, families must notify the Dean’s Office by contacting Chris Bilanko, Dean of Students, and follow the BBHS COVID-19 Community Protocols prior to returning to campus or participating in any school-sponsored activity. This information will remain confidential and allow the school to initiate its communication protocols. Any student who does not follow BBHS COVID-19 Community Protocols will face disciplinary consequences and may be prohibited from participating in on-campus learning and extracurricular activities. In the event of a positive case in our student body, faculty or staff, Bishop Blanchet will communicate to the entire community and work directly with families if their student is impacted.
Chris Bilanko
Dean of Students
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From the Food Services Department |
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PREORDER LUNCH SERVICE FOR GREEN DAYS
The BBHS Cafeteria Team is providing box lunches for purchase on Green Days. The box lunch includes a sandwich or entree salad, chips, and dessert for $6.00. Students must bring their own water bottle or beverage each day.
Lunches will be charged to the student's RevTrak Food Service account. If you anticipate purchasing lunches, please ensure funds are available on the account. Families can access their Food Service account (or create a new one) by clicking the RevTrak icon on the BBHS website Parents tab.
Katy Mathews
Director of Food Service
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From the Activities Office |
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VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK
Thank you to the Theology Department and the St. Don Bosco Catholic Youth Club for hosting last week’s Vocation Awareness Week.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
Thank you to the Psychology Club for hosting Mental Health Awareness Week, April 26-30. All students have been invited to join in different virtual events and presentations. We appreciate your important work!
SENIOR CLASS CABINET: RUBY ROOM DRESS DRIVE
Are you cleaning out your closets this Spring? Do you have a formal dress that’s been worn once and needs a good home? Look no further! The BBHS Senior Cabinet is collecting gently-worn dresses and men's formal wear to donate to The Ruby Room, a local nonprofit organization providing formal attire at no charge to teens in financial need, enabling them to participate in future milestone events such as Quinceañeras, dances, and prom. Donations will be accepted in the Norcliffe Student Commons through Friday, April 30. Thank you for your support!
Chuck Bocian
Vice Principal of Student Activities
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From the Athletic Department |
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SEASON 2 METRO LEAGUE SPECTATOR POLICY
Beginning Tuesday, April 27, the Metro League instituted its Season 2 Spectator Policy. The Metro League will meet weekly to evaluate its policy and will communicate if any modifications are made. See below for details:
Spectator Policy for INDOOR sports (except Swimming, see below):
Each Bishop Blanchet student athlete is allowed to bring two fans per home game. Away fans are not allowed to attend. This applies to all varsity and sub-varsity events. The Athletic Department will work with each coaching staff to send spectator forms to fill out for each home game.
For home games on Gilligan-Wilkinson Court, spectators are asked to enter the Ernie Rose Foyer. All in attendance must wear a mask, show the gate attendant a completed HealthShield attestation (click here for HealthShield instructions) and follow social distancing guidelines. Fans will sit in the south bleachers in marked locations. Only spectators from the same household may sit together.
Swimming
Due to current pool restrictions and pool availability, fans are not permitted at swim meets.
Spectator Policy for OUTDOOR Sports (except Track & Field and Swimming, see below):
Each Bishop Blanchet student athlete is allowed to bring two fans per home game. Away fans are not allowed to attend. This applies to all varsity and sub-varsity events. The Athletic Department will work with each coaching staff to send spectator forms to fill out for each home game.
For home events on Mickey Naish Field (Soccer and Lacrosse), spectators are asked to enter the south gate. All in attendance must wear a mask, show the gate attendant a completed HealthShield attestation (click here for HealthShield instructions), and follow social distancing guidelines. Fans will sit in the bleachers in marked locations. Only spectators from the same household may sit together.
Spectator policy for home games at public parks (Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, and Tennis):
Each Bishop Blanchet student athlete is allowed to bring two fans per home game. Away fans are not allowed to attend. This applies to all varsity and sub-varsity events. The Metro League will not be managing spectators. Spectators are required to wear a mask at all times and maintain social distancing. Fans are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs instead of using the bleachers on site.
Spectator policy for away games at public parks (Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, and Tennis):
Bishop Blanchet asks that you respect the current league policy regarding away games (no fans). The Metro League will not be managing spectators. If fans choose to attend, they are required to wear a mask at all times and maintain social distancing.
For away games at school sites, away fans will not be allowed to attend.
Track & Field
The number of athletes and coaches at each event is well over 100 participants. To ensure social distancing, the bleachers will need to be used for athletes to spread out when not competing. Because of this limited space, fans are not permitted at track and field meets.
Swimming
Due to current pool restrictions and pool availability, fans are not permitted at swim meets.
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BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The BBHS Booster Club is awarding four $2,500 scholarships, to two senior boys and two senior girls who have been participants in our Athletic Program. To be considered for these scholarships, students must write a 300-350 word essay on how participation in our sports program has positively influenced their lives. All essays should be emailed to Mr. Gaskill by Friday, May 7. The scholarships will be awarded at the end of May.
BBHS NFHS LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE
Each week the Bishop Blanchet Athletic Department will post our streaming schedule on the main Athletic Page of the BBHS website. Our goal is to stream as many events as possible, to allow for our community to see our incredible student athletes in action. Some away games will be accessible through the host school’s streaming service; see the links below. To access Bishop Blanchet's streaming platform (NFHS Network) please click here, create a free account, and search Bishop Blanchet.
Schedule for the Week of April 26
Wednesday, April 28
Thursday, April 29
Friday, April 30
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Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Lakeside, 5:45 p.m. (NFHS Network)
Sean Gaskill
Athletic Director
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From the Office of Diversity and International Programs |
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MAC VIRTUAL COOK-IN NIGHT: APRIL 30
The Multicultural Affairs Council (MAC) invites you to join BBHS student leaders from the Latinx Student Union, Diversity Club, and Legacy Council for a night of culinary exploration and conversation! Mark your calendar for Friday, April 30 from 5-6:15 p.m.
This free, virtual event is open to ALL BBHS families. Please register by tomorrow, Thursday, April 29. We hope you can join us for this delicious event!
Janah Valenzuela
Director of Diversity and International Student Services
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From the Campus Ministry Office |
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MOTHER JOSEPH LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
Current BBHS sophomores with a demonstrated commitment to community service are invited to apply for the Mother Joseph Leadership Through Service scholarship award. This award recognizes sophomores who have served children, people experiencing hunger, homelessness and poverty, the elderly and sick, and sought to improve the environment through service. Two tenth-grade students will be selected to receive a $350 scholarship award toward 2021-2022 tuition. Applications have been emailed to all sophomores and are due on Friday, May 7. Please contact the Campus Ministry Office with questions.
SERVICE HOURS DEADLINE: MONDAY, MAY 3
As a reminder, students are expected to complete 12 hours of service and log the hours on NobleHour no later than Monday, May 3. Service hours may be completed with an approved non profit organization or through independent, self-directed service projects. Please see the service website for more information. Please email Ms. Cypher with any questions.
Rachel Longest
Director of Campus Ministry
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THE BRAVE CAVE GOES ONLINE
Get geared up to return back to campus and show your green and gold pride! The Brave Cave has all your BBHS swag needs covered, and is proud to launch our new online site!
Orders can be picked up by your student on-campus, shipped, or made available for curbside pickup during school hours. Check out our new gear including dri-fit BBHS face masks, 32 oz. 50/50 water bottles. Flannel PJ pants, new hats and visors, plus hoodies arriving soon! Questions or item requests? Please email [email protected].
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Kelley Kane
Brave Cave Coordinator
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From the Counseling Office |
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COLLEGE DECISIONS
Traditionally, May 1 is the deadline for seniors to commit to the college of their choice. Because May 1 falls on a Saturday, we want to honor your students and their commitment to higher education on Friday, April 30.
If your senior would like to be featured on our social media accounts over the next few days, please have them (or you) DM the BBHS Instagram account @bishopblanchet their picture in their college gear... sweatshirts, t-shirts, pennants, hats! Please include the name of their college and also their preferred name for this shout out. This request was also emailed to students last Friday.
If your student has not yet decided where they are going, that's OK! They are welcome to send in a picture of them sporting the gear of one of their school choices.
REQUIRED SENIOR SURVEY: FINAL TRANSCRIPTS TO COLLEGES
Seniors need to complete the required Senior Survey on Naviance as soon as possible before Friday, April 30. Parents and guardians, please remind students to check their BBHS email for instructions. Go to:
- Click on the "About Me" tab
- Click on "See All Surveys"
- Select the Senior Survey/Counseling + Development from the survey list.
The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete, and it is the only way for them to inform us where to send their final transcript.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS RESOURCES FOR JUNIORS
- Naviance
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College Board Big Future
- Paying for College: SmartTrack
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BBHS Counseling Page (for College Kickoff Night recordings, parent webinars, etc.)
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*NEW* BBHS Junior Newsletter (Essay Writing, Virtual Events, Paying for College, Scholarship Searches, SAT & ACT, and more)
Stephen Russell
Head School Counselor
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From the Development Office |
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"7 DAYS, 7 WAYS" WEEK OF GIVING
This week is the 4th annual "7 Days, 7 Ways" Week of Giving. Gifts made to the Brave Fund between Monday, April 26 and Sunday, May 2 are eligible to be doubled - up to $30,000! This incredible opportunity is made possible thanks to a matching pool established by a small group of alumni, parents and friends of BBHS.
TODAY, Wednesday, April 28: gifts directed toward Athletics & Activities will qualify for an additional match - up to $5,000 - thanks to a generous gift made in memory of BBHS alum Jim Hoffman ’66.
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The Brave Fund is our annual giving program that supports 7 key categories of our operating budget:
- Academics & Technology
- Faith & Service
- Athletics & Activities
- Performing & Fine Arts
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Operations & Facilities
- Financial Aid
And, as always, you have the opportunity to direct your gift toward "Greatest Need." This is the perfect time to make your gift to the Brave Fund or fulfill your existing pledge. Thank you to all those who have already so generously supported the Brave Fund this week and during the 2020-21 school year!
AUCTION ITEM AND GLASSYBABY PICKUP
Please pick up your auction item(s) and glassybabys as soon as possible from the main office during school hours (including Remote Flex Wednesdays). Please call the front office at 206.527.7711 if you need to make a special arrangement.
Mary Beard
Director of Development
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From the Performing and Fine Arts Department |
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SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
Our high school musical movie is nearly ready! Filming for the Spring Musical, Some Enchanted Evening (with songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein), wrapped last week. Now our amazing editing crew gets to work their magic! We will be streaming our high school musical the weekend of May 28-30. Stay tuned for details about our on-demand box-office.
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STUDENT ART
Students in Basic Art created found object color wheels. Artwork by (at right, top to bottom, left to right): Simeon McAdams '24, Ylleana Gardon '23, Lulu Zinsmeyer '24, Michael Martin '22, Natasha Drewry '22, Georgia Ambrose '22.
VOCAL MUSIC PROGRAM
Recently, the BBHS music program event Virtual Festival of Lessons and Carols (December 2020) was featured as a celebrated event within the American Federation Pueri Cantores digital newsletter. This organization champions Catholic school choral efforts across the country, and we are so pleased they chose to celebrate Bishop Blanchet Choirs and Bands! Way to go, BBHS musicians!
Corey Eriksen
Performing & Fine Arts Department Chair
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The Bishop Blanchet Admissions Department is seeking qualified candidates for our Admissions Associate position. The job description and application may be found here. Please email questions to Michael Pierce, Director of Admissions, or call 206-527-7741.
Please refer to our Careers page for details on current openings.
Bishop Blanchet committed to attracting and retaining outstanding individuals to reflect the racial, cultural and gender diversity of our student population. We actively seek candidates of different backgrounds who are devoted to engaging and inspiring a high-achieving and well-rounded student population to be leaders, in and out of the classroom.
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