** IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

·         AS SOON AS YOU ARRIVE ON CAMPUS MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES UNTIL YOU LEAVE CAMPUS AT THE END OF THE DAY, UNLESS IT IS A DESIGNATED MASK BREAK DURING A CLASS.

·         Also, the doors to the buildings will not open until 7:45 a.m. for students who walk or are dropped off in the mornings.

Starting on Monday (9/21) FREE BREAKFAST FOR STUDENTS will be served in the South Building Lobby from 7:45-8:00 a.m. and the Cafeteria from 7:00-8:00 a.m.

The Abbey Group is thrilled to announce that the USDA recently released the extension of their free meal program for the remainder of 2020.  This allows us to serve completely free and nutritious meals to all children, regardless of their situation, until the end of the year.

We know that many families were and continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  As we enter the 2020-2021 school year, The Abbey Group recognizes that our children are learning in completely new environments.  With the stress of adapting to long-term remote learning, hybrid model teaching, and various other changes to our normal routine, this move by the USDA allows us to help remove one key stressor:  feeding our children.  Whether that be in the cafeteria, in the classroom, or at home, The Abbey Group deeply values the importance of a nutritious and filling meal.  Quality nutrition has the power to help kids stay focused and do their best work under both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.

The program is completely free to all children under the age of 18 with no application required.  Parents and guardians can also choose to pick up meal for their children.  Families are encouraged to complete free or reduced meal cost applications for future meal service beginning in 2021.

IT’S SCHOOL PICTURE WEEK!  Students will be called down throughout the day to the PAC by their advisory class.  This will ensure that each student is included in the process.  There will be announcements indicating when each group should proceed to the PAC.  The blue cohort will have their pictures taken on Monday (9/21) and Tuesday (9/22).  The green cohort will have their pictures taken on Thursday (9/24) and Friday (9/25).  The schedule has been emailed to students and staff.  Picture day for students who are completely remote will be on Tuesday (9/22) from 3-4 p.m.  The photographer will be set up outside at the rear parking lot entrance to the gym.  ** Please note:  All students should have their photo taken for school ID purposes whether ordering photos or not.  You may also choose to order photos after the fact if you wish.

The BFA Library is now open after school until 4:00 p.m.!

Gaming Club will meet today (9/22) from 2:50-4:50 p.m. in Science Room E-205.  All are welcome and masks are required!

BFA Theater Company will be holding auditions for a production of The Monologue Play by Don Zolidis.  This play is written to be performed on Zoom!  The audition workshop will be held online on Wednesday 9/23 from 3-4 p.m. and the audition itself will be on Friday 9/25 from 3:00-4:30 p.m.  Contact Susan Palmer at spalmer@maplerun.org if you have questions!

For Seniors who are registered to take the school day SAT on 9/23 – Don’t forget to bring:

·         Two No. 2 pencils with soft erasers.  No pens or mechanical pencils are allowed.

·         Calculator (Not required for testing)

·         Photo ID (If you don’t have one, see Desiree in Guidance before test day!)

·         Snack and drinks (packed away during testing but can be accessed during break)

VSAC is excited to announce that registration for our Fall Financial Aid Training is live on the website!

Sept 24, 9:30-11:00 (Via Zoom): Annual Financial Aid and VSAC UpdatesThis training session will provide important updates and changes to financial aid resources—including the FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and other resources. We will also provide updates on key VSAC initiatives that are designed to help students, families, and professionals.

BFA Unified Sports is a great club to meet new friends, have fun and get in shape!  Soccer is approximately 8 weeks long.  Join one or join them all.  We meet on Thursdays from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the Complex.  Please see Mrs. Bilodeau or Mr. Mercier for more details.  Soccer starts Thursday, September 24th at the Complex, north end near lacrosse field.  Unified Sports is for EVERYONE!

Norwich Virtual Open House – September 26, 2020:  You are invited to attend our Virtual Open House on Saturday, September 26th.  Students and families will have the opportunity to attend live sessions with academics, civilian life, the Corps of Cadets, ROTC, Admissions and Financial Aid.  By attending our Virtual Open House, seniors can earn our $500 Virtual Visit Award renewable for up to 4 years toward their Norwich education!

SENIOR CLASS MEETINGS will be conducted from the PAC during Enrichment at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday (9/29) and Friday (10/2).  Topics will include:  the year and opportunities, senior privileges, Balfour forms and processes this year, etc.

The BFA Music Apparel Sale is on now!  Place orders online by 10/7:  https://bfamusic2020.itemorder.com/sale

The PSAT for Juniors will be held at BFA on 10/14/20.  Forms to sign up are available in your email or in the Guidance Office.

University of Vermont: Wednesday, September 30 and Wednesday, October 21 - Save the date!  UVM Admissions will be presenting a special program for Vermont high school juniors and seniors. This program will include a UVM overview, UVM faculty speaker and a student panel. Watch this space for additional details as they become available.

Virtual Open House:  Due to COVID-19, we have reimagined our Open House events for the fall to a virtual format.  Please save the dates of October 13, 15, and November 9, as each event will include a UVM overview, academic offerings, and a student panel.  Just as a reminder, UVM waives the $55 application fee for Vermont students if they apply Early Action, which has an 11/1 deadline.

Most Valuable Student (MVS) Contest:

The 2021 MVS application is now open. Applications can be found online at enf.elks.org/MVS. The application deadline is November 15th

The Elks National Foundation (ENF) awards 500 four-year scholarships based on academics, leadership, and financial need. National awards range from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year. The national awards will be announced in April 2021.

MVS scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), at a U.S. college or university next school year. Some important applicant details include:

·  Current high school seniors (or equivalent) who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.

·  Applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks.

·  Male and female students compete separately. 

Applicants select from a list of the Lodges closest to their home address zip code. Please have your students choose St. Albans Lodge #1566 as their sponsoring Lodge. Complete details can be found at enf.elks.org/MVS.

Legacy Awards – The Legacy Awards program begins on September 1st.  Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elk members. The ENF offers a total of 350 national awards. The application deadline is February 5, 2021 at 11:59 a.m., Central Time.  Please visit enf.elks.org/Leg for more details and the application link.

For any questions, please contact me at (802) 370-2267 or sptslt@comcast.net

Attention students:  If you left items in your locker last year that were not picked up over the summer, please stop by the Cafeteria to pick it up.  Any questions, please see Mr. Bloom.