August 8, 2022
Dear BFA Students and Families:
We hope this summer has afforded the opportunity for relaxation, time with friends and family, and reflection upon the amazing possibilities of the upcoming school year. We are excited to be welcoming our students.
Entering my third year as the Principal of BFA, after two particularly challenging years, I am highly thankful for the support of so many in our greater BFA community. I need to thank all those who supported our students and staff during this time as it allowed BFA to provide a high level of well-rounded education during a pandemic. The past several years have seen a great deal of change, especially for our students. During Covid, students were taught to stay away from one another, learn at home (often in total isolation) or come to school in person two days a week; any student feeling unwell was encouraged to stay home. When we finally returned to full-time “normal” education, schools did not realize how the norm had shifted with attendance, to the great detriment of our students’ education, both academically and socially. The importance of attending school on time daily is unequivocal as national, state, and BFA data clearly showed. Grades increased and behavioral issues decreased for students who regularly attended school on time, daily.
The overwhelming importance of positive daily attendance has led to some adjustments at BFA. To allow for improved morning planning for our students and families, BFA’s daily start time will be 8:10 am, with students expected in the building by 8:00 am. Student voice, led by incoming senior Seth Richards, also clearly articulated the importance of a later start time for the well-being of our students. This later start time also allows students an opportunity to meet with their teachers from 7:20 to 8:00 am on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. As lost class time equates to lost learning, those students tardy four (4) or more times a quarter will need to attend morning makeup from 7:30 - 8:00 am. This is an opportunity for students to get caught up with work and connect with their teacher in order to be more successful in class.
Our high school athletics and extracurricular programs will be underway in mid-August which always feels like the unofficial start to school. The 9th-grade student and family orientation will be held on August 30th from 5:30 pm - 8 pm. The orientation will start in the BFA gym with entry into the school through either the Connector or NCTC main doors. Freshmen and families will begin in the gym and then attend their classes, meet their advisors, receive important information, and complete necessary forms. The first day of school for the 9th graders will be on August 31st from 8:10 am - 11:25 am and the first day of school for 10th - 12th graders will be on August 31st from 11:30 am - 2:50 pm. Thursday, September 1st will be the first full day of school for all students. All students must be in their first-period class by 8:10 am.
Additional information:
BFA Class and Bell Schedules:
Attached you will find a copy of your class schedule. Below you will find the Bell Schedule which indicates class times. Students are expected to arrive at 8 am.
Lunches:
Lunch schedules will be assigned on the first day of school.
Lockers:
Lockers will not be assigned but may be requested on an individual basis. Any students interested should speak to Ms. Peggy Goldsbury or Ms. Judy Turner in the Main Office in the South Building.
Handbook:
On the first day of school, students will also be given a condensed handbook of important information.
We are so pleased to welcome our students to the 2022-2023 school year along with the positive energy they bring to the building.
Sincerely,
Brett Blanchard, Principal
Heather Fitzgibbons, Assistant Principal
Sara Kattam, Assistant Principal