BFA's Adsel Sparrow Competes in State Poetry Out Loud Competition
The 2019 Powder Puff Game presented $11,238.90 to the Jim Bashaw Cancer and Catastrophic Fund during the BFA vs MVU Basketball Game. Athletic Directors Dan Marlow (BFA) and John Lumsden (MVU) were joined by Grace Adamczak and Maya Perrault from BFA, and Cheyanne Hubbard, Danielle Cummings, and Ellie Bourdeau from MVU, to present Denise Smith from the Northwest Medical Center the check!! It is amazing what can happen when the community comes together!
Professor Elizabeth Fenton teaches Mrs. Hebert's American Literature class about the printing press and has students make their own prints.
Students from far back to front Kierra Smith, Dominick Florio, and Angel Smith. Angel Smith holds one of the prints.
WARNING FOR THE MAPLE RUN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #57 INFORMATIONAL MEETING
The legal voters of the Maple Run Unified School District #57 consisting of the City of St. Albans, the Town of St. Albans, and the Town Fairfield, Vermont, are hereby notified and warned to meet in the Library at Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans, at 71 South Main Street, St. Albans, Vermont, on February 26, 2020, at 6:00 p.m., for an informational meeting on the budget.
Please be advised that we are receiving complaints of a rotten egg smell in the South Building of BFA. Maintenance is investigating and it appears to be limited to one room. All students and staff are safe.
All School Activities and Athletic Events, Including Practices, are Cancelled for Today, Feb 6th, 2020
Saturday Night's Winter Ball has been postponed to a later date due expected inclement weather. Details to follow.
(UPDATED INFO - Twitter is now @GrowingBFA)
Growing Green & Gold Our intent is to use Facebook, Twitter @GrowingBFA, and e-mail notifications to let staff, students, and parents know when we have published new content. We are committed to adding at least one new article a week and using this platform as our electronic BFA administrator newsletter. If you have comments, suggested improvements, or feedback, please send an e-mail to: BFAPrincipal@maplerun.org
Growing Green & Gold
Our intent is to use Facebook, Twitter @BFAPAC, and e-mail notifications to let staff, students, and parents know when we have published new content. We are committed to adding at least one new article a week and using this platform as our electronic BFA administrator newsletter. If you have comments, suggested improvements, or feedback, please send an e-mail to: BFAPrincipal@maplerun.org
Bellows Free Academy @ Special Olympics Soccer
Unified Champion Schools Soccer Tournament
October 16 at Norwich University for the annual UCS Soccer Tournament!
BFA Results:
Team silver
2 golds
1 bronze
1 4th place ribbon = lots of smiles!
Share Your Heart Share the World poetry event 2019. Mr. Archambault's creative writing students and Mrs. Hebert's American Lit. Students. Students spent the day writing poetry with VT writers.
Homecoming Week Schedule
Powder Puff Event!
Boys Soccer: BFA 2. MMU 1
JV Boys Soccer: MMU 1. BFA 0
Boys Golf:
Bobwhite golf (141) started their season at Links at Lang Farm with wins over Essex (153) and Colchester (155). Medalist was BFA sophomore Owen Benoit with a 3-over-par 32.
2019 MRUSD Convocation
More from the roaring '20s and Mrs. Hebert's AP Language and Composition class.
From left Jacob Benware, Riley Gamache and Kaylee Green
A photo from Mrs. Hebert's 1920s Gatsby party . From left: Emma Lovelette, Hailey Savage, Grace Adamczak, Madeleine Hungerford, Brendan Messier and Taylor Yates.
BOCCE!
Hello Everyone,
As you know, the BFA Prom is tomorrow evening in Burlington. It marks the beginning of the celebration season for BFA and high schools throughout the state. We want all our families to enjoy these very special moments with their students and graduates. Most importantly, we hope all our students are very mindful about decisions they make during this exciting time, especially about using alcohol and other drugs. Sadly, one wrong decision can lead to catastrophic consequences.
By working together and reinforcing this message, we can enjoy a safe and memorable graduation season. If you need any support on student substance use, do not hesitate to reach out to school administrators, our School Resource Officer or our guidance and nursing staff.
Thank you very much for your support and understanding as we look forward to celebrating with the class of 2019!
Sincerely,
Chris Mosca
BFA Unified basketball team at Caselton today. Another successful, fun filled day. BFA Unified took home silver and a gold and silver on skills! Great job.
District 1 Music Festival. BFA Performing Arts Centre
A message from BELLOWS FREE ACADEMY
Members of the BFA Community:
Recently, we have received reports that teens are vaping/smoking substances that are causing them to suddenly become very ill. Please discuss this with your teen to make them aware of the health concerns regarding substance. If you are concerned regarding a loved one that has loss consciousness, become very pale, or acting abnormal, please consult your health care provider immediately. It is our hope that through increased awareness our children will stay safe and make healthy decisions.
Adsel Sparrow was one of five regional finalists to move onto the Vermont state Poetry Out Loud competition. There, she competed against ten finalists from around the state. Adsel’s performance was exemplary, and she received a certificate for her participation in this competitive event.
One Act play that BFA will be presenting on Saturday at the Regional One Act competition. There is a community show on Thursday (tonight) at 7pm. Great show - support the student actors and crew as they go into the One ACT Festival at BFA this weekend.
Congratulations to BFA’s Adsel Sparrow. Adsel is one of the top ten in Vermont at this year’s Poetry Out Loud competition. 38 schools across the state participated in the competition this year. She moves on to the state finals which will happen March 18th at the Vermont PBS studios. Bellows Free Academy is very proud of her accomplishments.
This morning , 2/22/19 ,Bellows Free Academy was pleased to host VT Attorney General T. J. Donovan and former Chief Justice of the NH Supreme Court John Broderick who spoke to our students about “changing the culture and conversation around mental illness.” Following this very powerful presentation, Ms Brouillette and our student athletic council spoke about their work with the ‘Hope Happens Here” program. Thanks to our entire school community for supporting this most important event.
CONGRATULATIONS to Brook Hodgeman for taking first place at The Tour de Chittenden, a premier 3 Day ski race! #BFAPride
BFA is operating on a regular schedule today. WPTZ had a false report that Maple Run was on a 2 hour delay, only Fairfield Center School will be on a 2 hour delay. Students arriving late to school need to get a pass from the Main Office. Please drive safely.
All afternoon BFA activities are cancelled today, January 23, 2019 due to hazardous weather conditions.
Sincerely,
Chris Mosca
BFA will be running on a 2 hour delay schedule today, Tuesday, January 22. Students should arrive 10:05, classes will begin 10:10. A copy of all delay schedules can be found in the student handbook which is also on our website under Student/Parent.
BFA Experience 2019
BFA Experience is on!
A message from MAPLE RUN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hello - MRUSD schools will be closed today,January 9, 2019. This message from Superintendent Kevin Dirth is to notify you that because secondary roads are extremely bad and forecasts predict continuing bad weather, and at the recommendation of officials, all schools in the Maple Run Unified School District will be closed today. This includes Bellows Free Academy St. Albans, Northwest Technical Center, St. Albans Town Educational Center, St. Albans City School, Fairfield Center School, and all pre-school and Kindergarten programs.
So proud of all of the students involved from both BFA and MVU that contributed to the 2018 Powder Puff Event. This year the event raised $28,283.00 to go back into the community to the Jim Bashaw Cancer and Catastrophic Fund, Camp Ta Kum Ta, and the two scholarships in Jim Bashaw's name with one being at each school.
Thank you to everyone who made the tenth year possible!
Are you ready to brave the frigid waters of Lake Champlain to support the BFA Unified Sports program and Special Olympics Vermont? If so please join our team. The Penguin Plunge with take place on Saturday February 2nd. Please use the link below to register for our team. Sophie Thompson is our team captain, please see her for questions or any assistance. Of course you can also reply to this email with questions too.
https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/team/202452
BFA Graduate, Mike Henderson, aka ENDO, is a self-described "man of many different hats." Known to many as the guy who created the most widely-used Maschine mapping for Traktor Pro. Great 2 hour demo/class in the PAC this afternoon.
Good Afternoon!
BFA Logo Attire and Gear Available NOW! The deadline to order for the holidays is this Sunday 12/2! There are many options and colors, so check them out! This fundraiser benefits the BFA Student Council. Order by following the link below, pay online, and pick up at the store across the street before the holidays!
Check out the items available through this link: https://bfafundraiser2018.itemorder.com/sale
Thank you for supporting the BFA Student Council!
State Board of Education meets in the Performing Arts Center at Bellows Free Academy today
Hi all,
After much consideration of latest forecast updates, consultation with our SRO, the travel conditions from sending communities and the overall well being of our school community, I have decided to postpone the BFA Experience. It will be rescheduled sometime during assessment week. Preston will be following up with additional information.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Chris M
If you were not aware, Chef Adam and Chef Colby are awesome!!! They donated their time Wednesday afternoon (the day before Thanksgiving) to help my Girl Scout Troop make 120 Maple Cream Pies! They are earning money to go to Philly in April and to go River Rafting/Camping in June!
Jenny Parent
I have 16 girls in the troop, 2 are from Fairfield, 1 is from Milton, 1 is homeschooled, and the rest are from Georgia! The bonus was that this was yet another great way for those girls to make a connection with BFA!
Thanks again Chef Adam and Chef Colby!!
The show must go on! Tonight’s performance of Shrek WILL be taking place as scheduled. We look forward to seeing you there.
Shrek@ThePAC
Congratulations on a successful opening night of Shrek! We will be monitoring the weather to make a determination about this evening’s performance. If the show is canceled for tonight we will send out an automated message and post the announcement on social media and our website under “live feed”.
Sneak Peek...there is another "green monster" in New England this week.
As part of their exploration of the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, the Spanish IV and V students created an altar with traditional elements for the classroom. ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos!
Today's In-House Volleyball tournament. These guys are the champs.
College Admissions and High School Proficiency Presentation
Featuring a panel of college admissions representatives
Thursday 11/8, 6:30pm BFA PAC
BFA Graduation 2018:
Watch on Northwest Access TV Ch15 /
Jul 4 from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
New citizens. Ceremony held in the BFA Performing Arts Center today.
Videos from BFA Graduation here:
http://www.maplerun.org/o/bfa/page/bfa-videos
Burlington Free Press: photos form BFA Graduation.
https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/picture-gallery/news/2018/06/20/photos-bfa-st-albans-class-of-2018-graduation/36225277/
Diplomas are handed out to 2018 Grads
Mr. Nate Archambault gives the Graduation Speech
The 2018 Senior Brunch kicks off the graduation festivities!
A letter from Chris Mosca for 9th nand 10th grade parents, regarding the upcoming proficiency recovery plans. http://5il.co/3n84
Our multi-talented accompanistMelissa Ewell was joined by special guests Gianna Messier and Jen McConnell for a performance in the chorus classes.
Mr. Mosca joins the chorus to kick off the Pops Concert!
Alek Wolfe at Dynamic Landscapes Student Innovation Fair
His Live Radio Show,The Mixdown, was awarded "Most Engaging Presentation"
Mrs. Hebert's AP Language and Composition students engage in a 1920s party to accompany their reading of The Great Gatsby. Left to right: Julia Scott, Olivia Harrison, William Stoll, Tyler Laroche, and James Lowe.
You know that spring has officially arrived when the solar projects are outside!
Congratulations to all the contestants of the 2018 Bobwhite Comet competion!
Congratulations to the BFA Unified Basketball team for bringing home the gold today at the Unified 3-3 tournement. Congratulations team and special shout out to players Alyssa Kendall winning gold, and bronze for Cameron Cantin, in skills. #BFAPRIDE
Good Afternoon,
The winning logo design attire is available one last time before the end of the year! This is your last chance to purchase anything printed with this logo.
You can shop and pay online, then pick up your purchases at Main Street Graphics before the end of the school year. Items are available in multiple colors and styles.
https://bfaspringfundraiser2018.itemorder.com/sale
Thank you for supporting BFA's Student Council!
Ok. One more to send evryone home. Thanks Frank for another great evening of music. 🎻
One last image from the Maple Festival. Micehelle and her daughter Isabella.
Fiddlers Concert at Vermont Maple Festival. St Albans VT. Bellows Free Academy Performing Arts Centre.
Maple Festival. Children’s show in the PAC
BFA Music ran into Mr. Mosca at Fenway!
Bellcate wins in overtime. Good game, everyone!
Heading into overtime!
BFA Unified Sports playing Bellcate.
Spring Concert now online. https://vimeo.com/album/5095548
Tune in to the news on Channel 5 to see our Robotics Team!
Robotics spending time with our representative Corey Parent!
The BFA Robotics Team on ghe House floor at the State House.
Inservice sessions begin at BFA
District wide inservice today. Openning presentation in the PAC for Bellows Free Academy teachers.
Full house and the band plays on ...
Warm up act is now on stage. Show starts in 30 mins
Tonights concert is live on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKHw4Tpr5V0
Spring Instrumental Music Concert. All is quiet now. The show starts at 7pm at the BFA Performing Arts Center.
BFA for the win over BHS!
BFA Unified Sports drives to the basket for two points!
A message from BELLOWS FREE ACADEMY
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to let you know that tomorrow, Thursday, March 15th BFA will be running a Wednesday schedule.
Thank you for your flexibility. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Chris Mosca, Principal
Congratulations Comets!
BFA COMETS STATE CHAMPIONS!
SCORE!
1-0 Comets at the end of period 2!
To the Members of the BFA School Community,
As you may be aware, many students in schools throughout the country are planning to participate in a "walk-out" on Wednesday March 14th to honor those who lost their lives on February 14th in Parkland Fla. We are anticipating some BFA students will be involved. Based on the guidance we received from our school district and the VT Principal's Association, the walk-out will be allowed as long as it is:
1.Safe
2.Student led and
3.Respectful and appropriate
In discussing this with some of our students, it is our understanding that they will remain on school grounds and stay within the guidelines noted above. Additionally, school personnel and members of the St. Albans Police department will be monitoring our campus that morning to provide for student safety. We expect that all students will return to regularly scheduled classes following the activity. We will also be respectful and attentive to students who wish to remain in class.
In light of recent events, we are doing our best to educate young people during these very challenging times and we deeply appreciate your support. Do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Chris Mosca
Principal
To the BFA Community,
In light of recent national, state and local events regarding school safety, we will be hosting an informational session in the BFA library on Monday March 12 at 6:00 PM. BFA administrators will be available to respond to questions regarding school emergency guidelines. Everyone is welcome to attend. Hope to see you there.
Chris Mosca, Principal
Last day to order your BFA 2017-2018 Yearbook is this Friday! Thank you to the 331 people who have already ordered. All orders need to be received or postmarked by this Friday, March 9th.
Thank you for your support,
The BFA 2018 Yearbook Committee
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to let you know about events at school today. We were fortunate to have additional officers from the St. Albans Police Department here to help us with security and provide additional support. We also held class meetings with every grade level to answer student questions and hopefully address many of the concerns from yesterday. Students asked perceptive questions and articulated their concerns in a very thoughtful manner.
I also wanted to let you know that Corporal Morits our school resource officer and his colleagues continue to vigorously investigate the threatening message and are monitoring our campus to better provide for student safety. Based on the feedback from our school community and in consultation with Corporal Morits, we are making appropriate upgrades to our emergency protocols.
We look forward to a full day of school tomorrow and wish everyone a pleasant Winter Break.
Sincerely,
Chris Mosca
Principa
Hello Everyone,
In light of events at BFA on Wednesday, February 21st, I know many of you are wondering about the safety of your children. Please know that we work very closely with St. Albans Police Department to make sure we provide the safest environment possible. Chief Taylor is providing additional personnel throughout the day tomorrow. We are extremely grateful for his support and look forward to a full day of school.
Sending children to school should never be a complicated matter. Unfortunately, in our world today, we are faced with unprecedented uncertainty. Our goal as always is to provide a secure instructional environment, every day for all students. The predictability and familiar structure of school is essential to young people of all ages and their well-being. We work to make sure that all our students have positive relationships with adults to help guide them through the ups and downs of high school.
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call my office at 527-6404.
Sincerely,
Chris Mosca
Principal
To all Members of the BFA Community,
I want to let you know that after a thorough inspection, BFA is now secure. We are resuming all customary activities and plan to open as usual tomorrow.
We would like to thank St Albans PD for their support and quick action during these difficult times.
Do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding today's events.
Sincerely,
Chris Mosca
Principal
Our phone system is now up and running. Please report any difficulty to bfahelpdesk@maplerun.org
We are having difficulties with our phone system. Please utilize email for attendance, messages, etc. We will let everyone know when the system is functional. -S. Warden Assistant Principal
Watch the Poetry Out Loud competitors in the PAC on Feb 9th, 2018. https://vimeo.com/255097615/da05ef450e
Here is the new MRUSD Newsletter. http://5il.co/2sr7.
Evening of Student Written Plays: In Collaboration with Vermont Young Playwrights and Vermont Stage Company April 19th at 7 PM in the PAC
Good Morning, Bravo and congratulations to all of the students who participated in Poetry Out Loud last night and in their classes! I loved the variety of poems and the different styles of recitation. Thank you to the teachers who took the time in their classes to provide students the opportunity to compete, the volunteers last night, and of course Nate for his excellent organization of the event. It was, once again, a wonderful evening with a lot of great talent. Shannon Warden
Tomorrow, Thursday, February 8th will be a Wednesday schedule beginning with enrichment at 8am.
A message from MAPLE RUN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hello:
This message from Superintendent Kevin Dirth is to notify you that due to the winter storm warning, All schools in the Maple Run Unified School District will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday February 7th. This includes Bellows Free Academy St. Albans, Northwest Technical Center, St. Albans Town Educational Center, St. Albans City School, Fairfield Center School, and all pre-school and Kindergarten programs. The Maple Run School Board Meeting tomorrow evening will also be canceled.
It is a privilege to submit the 2018 Bellows Free Academy Annual Report. We strive to ensure exceptional teaching and learning opportunities for all students. I can be reviewed by clicking here: http://5il.co/2p6d
Semester one grades for students in grades 11 and 12 will be available through Powerschool Monday, January 29th after 3pm. Proficiency scores for grades 9 and 10 will be collated in a report card, which will be printed and mailed home beginning on Tuesday, January 30th.
This morning there was a threatening message found in a stall in a NWTC bathroom. SAPD was immediately contacted to ensure that the situation was addressed appropriately and thoroughly. Although a low level threat and likely a hoax, as a precaution we evacuated the buildings and conducted a search to make sure there were no suspicious items in either school.
The safety of our children is always our primary concern. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Leeann Wright, NWTC Director
Chris Mosca, BFA Principal
Due to an unforeseen interrupution to the assessment schedule we will be extending the second assessment period until 2pm today. Busses will be picking up students at 2pm.
Please see message in News section for information about Assessment week accommodations for students affected by flooding.
A message from MAPLE RUN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hello:
This message from Superintendent Kevin Dirth is to notify you that due to dangerous wind chills, high winds and blowing snow, all schools in the Maple Run Unified School District are closed tomorrow, Friday, January 5. This includes Bellows Free Academy St. Albans, Northwest Technical Center, St. Albans Town Educational Center, St. Albans City School, Fairfield Center School, and all pre-school and Kindergarten programs.
Thank you
Holiday Assembly 2017!
Eric Bushey introducing the annual Holiday Concert.
Automotive Technology students pose in front of the gifts they collected to help a family in need.
View the BFA Math Dept video from the BFA Experience here: http://www.maplerun.org/o/bfa/page/mathematics--10
Great turn out for the BFA Experience
Live From the BFA Experience!
Godspell reprise at BFA Experience
BFA teachers and administrators learn more about Standards Based Assessment and Grading from expert researcher, publisher, and educator Rick Wormeli.
The winning logo design attire is available just in time for holiday shopping!
You can shop and pay online, then pick up your purchases at Main Street Graphics before the holidays. Items are available in multiple colors and styles.
Link to online store
Link to flyer
Support BFA's Student Council!
Godspell @ The PAC
Act One of Godspell has concluded! Do you have your tickets for Saturday night?
A double rainbow over the North Building this afternoon! Photo credit: Eric Bushey
Principal Mosca recites a poem at the Maple Run board meeting.
Scholar’s Bowl!
Godspell in rehearsal - show opens on the 16th in the PAC
World Languages gets into the "spirit" this week.
Showers available for families at Collins-Perley
Students and families without power are welcome to use the showers at Collins-Perley Monday-Friday from 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Also, Saturday & Sunday from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Please bring your own towels
Internet Outage at BFA. Due to storm damage BFA and some other MRUSD locations are currently experiencing an Internet outage. Hopefully we will be back online later today. Thanks for your patience.
Reminder. November 3rd is an Inservice Day for Teachers. No classes for Students.
BFA for the win!
Mr. Mosca got pulled onto stage during Godspell rehearsal!
Aerial view of BFA teachers practicing using a growth mindset and using Transferable Skills to complete a task that can be utilized with students.
BFA Faculty working on their leadership skills this morning during inservice.
BFA Unified Soccer Team takes gold in Norwich
Great team, very proud of these athletes and partners! / Jim Naylor
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band takes the stage at Collins Perley. What an honor to have such talented musicians perform for us!
Hi all,
I want to make sure everyone has a chance to see some great student work that was published last week. It's a great way to begin the school year.
Nate Archambault
http://5il.co/21pi
Comets for the win 52-8. Great job both teams.
Powderpuff football 2017! BFA and MVU raising money for a great cause. Go Comets!
Thanks to SBHS for a great game. Big win for the Bobwhites, 49-14!
Homecoming game 2017 against South Burlington. Go Bobwhites!
Our freshman students learn the historyof Hiram Bellows as they prepare to go into the community for a day of service.
Homecoming Dance 2017!
It's a beautiful night for football!
Share Your Heart, Share The World!
BFA Students Attend the Event
Bobwhites for the win, 34-7! Thank you, CVU for a good game.
BFA leads 13-7 at halftime.
Bobwhite football is underway!
All school assembly to kick off the school year.
The BFA Faculty leads the class of 2021 in the singing of the school song for the first time.
Welcome class of 2021!
Powder Puff Girls went to Camp Ta Kum Ta where they got a tour of the camp and then did various clean up jobs around the camp's 100 acres.
The Maple Run photo
Maple-pic 2017 at MRUSD Convocation
Convocation at CPSC. Congrats to Steven!
Secretary Holcombe presents at the first Maple Run Convocation.
Junior and senior orientation 2017-2018.
Sophomore orientation 2017-2018.
Freshman orientation is underway!
Welcome Back!
New Maplerun USD website and app go live!
Free Ice Cream!
Captioning setup for BFA Graduation. Thanks Norma!
About to begin. Class of 2017
Graduation Practice
BFA Senior Class Awards from CPSC
Awards being given out
BFA Class Night Awards
BFA Travels the World
