Aggie Weekly
Good Afternoon Students, Parents, and Community Members:
With a short week due to the holiday weekend, Fall Show 2017 is next week! Just a reminder that Fall Show starts Friday, October 20th, which means there are no classes. We are excited for our 83rd Annual Fall Show and look forward to seeing you there! We received excellent news this week, in which we received $494,000! See Press Release for details!
Pictured Above: Left to right, Brian Bastarache (Natural Resource Management Department Chair), Stasia Peters (Director of Agriculture and Vocational Education), and Kevin Braga (Assistant Superintendent/Principal).
Bristol Aggie Press Release:
The 2016 Massachusetts Economic Development Bill established three years of funding for the Workforce Skills Cabinet to administer the Skills Capital Grant Program. The program’s intent is to increase the capacity and quality of vocational training and education by providing funds to eligible schools and institutions for the purchase/installation of capital equipment.
The Skills Capital Grant Program awards grants to support vocational/technical training, upgrades and expansion of career technical education, and training of high-quality career pathway programs that are aligned with regional economic and workforce development priorities for in-demand industries.
In order to be eligible, Bristol County Agricultural High School had to align high quality career pathways that are in high-skill, high-demand industry sectors that include:
- align with labor market information regarding high demand workforce needs
- support secondary and postsecondary linkages
- offer focused career guidance and advisement systems
- provide integrated rigorous instructional courses
- include structured work readiness activities and work-based learning experiences
- provide the opportunity to obtain an industry-recognized credential or college credits towards a Certificate, Associate, or Baccalaureate degree
OUR GOAL: The acquired funds ($493,728.67) will be utilized to establish the AARC (Aggie Aerial Innovation Research (AIR) Center) at Bristol Aggie. The AARC will have 2 components, a high tech research lab and a drone “airport.” The Lab will house technologies primarily dedicated to 3D prototyping, CAD related services, including civil, mechanical, and architectural, and will serve as a data warehouse for our sustainable measurements (solar, wind turbine, greenhouse, water, and tide measurements, animal tagging/monitoring and other related services provided within the scope of our Environmental Technology, Sustainability, and Natural Resource Management fields). Aggie A.I.R. will be a training area that will provide our graduating Environmental (Natural Resources), Horticulture(Landscape Design, and Arboriculture) students with Part 107 licensed operator credentials, in addition to mapping and modeling, and photographic expertise.
Some of the components from the grant include:
- Large Format Printer
- Solar Wind System
- Solar Thermal System
- Flat Plate Solar System
- Wind Turbine Training System
- Drones
- Lab infrastructure
- Tagging system
- Digital receivers, telemetry receiver, and antenna and transmitter
We look forward to delivering state of the art Vocational and Agricultural Education to our school community. We also are excited to develop neighboring partnerships to ensure that Bristol County residents (and beyond) can utilize these tools as part of an effort to offer Adult Education courses in the near future. Anyone interested in additional information should contact Assistant Superintendent/Principal Kevin P. Braga via email kbraga@bcahs.com.
Some great videos on how drones are being used:
UMass Keeps Watch over Boston Harbor with Robots and Drones
Agricultural Drones: Relatively cheap drones with advanced sensors and imaging capabilities are giving farmers new ways to increase yields and reduce crop damage.
Governor Charlie Baker was the keynote at the Capital Skills Grant Awards Celebration
Secretary of Education Jim Peyser delivered remarks at the Capital Skills Grant Awards Celebration
Autumnal Interlude: Students in spotlight at Bristol Aggie Fall Show (Article from SouthCoastToday)
More pictures on their website
By Brian J. Lowney / Contributing Writer
DIGHTON — Autumn’s magical colors come alive later this month when Bristol County Agricultural School presents its annual Fall Show, Oct. 20-22, on the school grounds.
The popular event showcases the important contributions made by the agricultural students who hail from 16 towns and four cities.
During the three-day event, visitors will enjoy animal shows and exhibits, landscape and floral design demonstrations, arboriculture displays, agricultural diesel mechanic displays, and exhibits presented by the Bristol County Natural History Museum, which is housed in the school.
In addition, tours for prospective students will be offered, and a large farmers market, featuring more than a dozen vendors, will sell an array of locally made products.
The show is wheelchair accessible; admission and parking are free.
Kevin Braga, assistant superintendent and principal of the agricultural school, says that the Fall Show offers “a great opportunity for the communities surrounding Bristol County to understand what agricultural education looks like.”
Braga adds that he’s looking forward to the show, his first as the school’s new principal.
One of the highlights of the autumn event will be a livestock show, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If You Go to Bristol County Agricultural High School Fall Show
Free admission, free parking
When: Oct. 20-22
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Bristol Aggie, 135 Center St., Dighton
For more info: www.bristolaggie.com
Olivia Larrivee, a senior and large animal major, began riding horses a few years ago, and subsequently developed an interest in livestock at the agricultural school.
“I like dairy cattle,” said the Attleboro resident, adding that an interest in large animals led her to become a dairy judge. Later next month, Larrivee will attend the 90th Future Farmers of America National Conference and Expo in Indianapolis.
She is researching colleges and plans to pursue a degree in animal science.
“I really love the Fall Show,” Larrivee said, adding that while the students work long hours to prepare the farm animals for the exhibits, they enjoy their work.
Emma Knox, a senior Natural Resources major from Mattapoisett, said she has enjoyed studying science and conducting experiments.
“I want to be a marine veterinarian who works in aquatic surgery,” said Knox.
Somerset resident Kamyrn Casper, an Arboriculture major, originally planned to study small animals but changed her major when she became interested in trees.
“We focus on the physical and scientific aspects of trees,” she shared. “We focus on the tree and how to care for it.”
Casper says she’s studied 112 different tree species, and learned about their treatment and safe practices.
“It’s important to care for your trees properly,” she emphasized, adding that once she turns 18, she will be eligible to be certified to operate special machinery.
“It’s not everyday that you learn to operate a chainsaw or a chopper,” Casper added.
Jake Livesey, an Agricultural Mechanics major from Dartmouth, said the Fall Show offers prospective students an opportunity to explore career options and for the community to learn more about Bristol Aggie.
“I’ve learned a lot here,” Livesey said. “It’s been a good experience. We’re very ‘hands on’ here. There is always something to do.”
Dawn Fornari, Floriculture department chair, observed that the Fall Show is one of the highlights of the academic year at the agricultural school.
“It’s a wonderful community event,” the educator said. “Meeting all the families of the students is a highlight and watching them share the joys of their accomplishments with their families is a pleasure.”
Fornari said that the students will compete in 30 different categories in floral and plant design. Three industry experts will judge 400 student entries, and will award trophies and ribbons to the winners.
Other highlights of the fun-filled weekend include horse classes on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m. and a BA Grows Farmer’s Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market is conducted by Westport residents Kyle Medeiros and Ryan Miranda, who serve as foremen at the agricultural school.
When school is in session, the popular farm-to-cafeteria program allows students and staff members to enjoy fresh vegetables and make healthy choices.
“We pick veggies in the morning and in the cafeteria at lunch,” Medeiros said, adding that more than 1,200 pounds of fresh tomatoes were recently processed for winter use in the cafeteria and will be enjoyed in a variety of nutritious meals.
During the summer, a dozen Bristol Aggie students are employed at the school farm and work at the farm stand, where they sell a variety of farm-fresh vegetables.
At the Fall Show, vendors from Bristol Aggie and the community will offer fresh produce, cheeses, homemade soap, birdhouses and baked goods.
On Sunday, Oct. 22, visitors can enjoy a dog grooming competition and rabbit judging, both at 11:30 a.m.
Children’s activities include a popular supervised Kid’s Climb, Oct. 20-22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., for children grades K-7 (with parental consent).
“It’s really a great event,” said Seth Cook, Arboriculture Department chair, adding that last year, more than 300 kids participated in the climb.
“As soon as you get a little kid into a tree, they get hooked,” he said.
For more information about the Fall Show, visit the web site: www.bristolaggie.com for more information and specific event times.
Fall Show next WEEK!
- HELP SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL SPORTS! Please join our Athletic Booster Club Booth and Support the Sports Programs and sell our Delicious STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES and RAFFLE BASKETS at our biggest fundraiser event during the 2017 Fall Show October 20-22, 2017 11:00am-5:00pm. Please Sign up to help work the booth, parents and students or donate a Raffle Basket! They are using SignUp.com to organize our upcoming SignUps. Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com: http://signup.com/go/emOEBOw
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.
Their next meeting will be October 17 in Room 109 at 6:30pm. Please feel free to contact Kimberly Lacaillade (President Bristol Aggie Athletic Booster Club) with any questions and suggestions.
- FFA: FALL SHOW IS HERE and FFA needs your help. This is your opportunity to get involved and earn cash (real cash or FFA credits that can be used as cash for any event).
October 20th, 21st & 22nd! During the show, the Bristol FFA Chapter organizes the FFA Cafe and the Hot Dog Room. These operations are our largest fundraisers of the year and it is not possible without your help.
The FFA Cafe is a small restaurant operation that will be run out of our cafeteria. You might find yourself chopping veggies, assembling sandwiches or helping to serve our guests**. The Hot Dog Room is located next to the Floriculture Building and is a quick grab and go set-up with hot dog, chips, popcorn and drinks. If you are interesting in helping the chapter and earning FFA credit* for upcoming events please sign up below.
*Students that are waiting (serving) on patrons in the FFA Cafe will be allowed keep any tips that are made and will NOT accumulate FFA Credits. All other students volunteering will accumulate credits that can be used for any FFA sponsored event (ie, Winter Leadership Camp, State Convention, Washington Leadership Camp, etc).
**Priority for shifts in the FFA Cafe, serving will be given to those students that plan on working a full day shift. Not all requests for shift location will be accommodated. SPACES ARE LIMITED. SIGN UP HERE
- PTO Fall Show: The PTO has eliminated their fundraiser for a bake sale. They will still be selling their apparel and they just received new items that will be for sale Friday, October 20-Sunday, October 22.
- National Honor Society: Selling baked goods outside the cafeteria. They will be also collecting can deposits.
- Landscape Department: Selling nursery stock outside the William J. Hawkes Pavillion (Polebarn)
- Senior Class: Bake Sale
- Ocean Bowl Club: Bake Sale outside the Gymnasium
- Freshmen Class: Lollipop Tree: pick a colored pop, pick a prize
- Sophomore Class: Bake Sale outside Floriculture Bldg
- Arbor Department: Firewood Sale and Kids Climb outside Arbor Classrooms
- Flori Department: BA Blooms selling flowers/plants outside and inside Floriculture Bldg.
- Bee Club: Herbs for sale outside Floriculture Bldg.
- Travel Club: Raffle
In the Classroom: This week our departments are putting on the final touches for #FallShow2017
- Animal Science:
- Agricultural Mechanics:
- Arboriculture:
- Floriculture:
- Natural Resource Management:
- Landscape:
FFA Big-E and National Convention
On September 16th the Bristol FFA Dairy Judging, Livestock Evaluation, Floriculture and Environmental and Natural Resources teams competed at The Big-E. Congratulations to all teams, especially the Environmental Natural Resources and Floriculture teams for taking 3rd place in their events.
Individual placements:
- ENR - Hannah Medeiros - 1st Place Individual
- ENR - Josh Blancard - 6th Place Individual
- ENR - Bret Tetreault - 10th Place Individual
- Floriculture - Leeann Carey - 10th Place Individual
- Dairy Evaluation - Trevor Clapp - 6th Place Individual
These teams will represent the Bristol FFA chapter and the state of Massachusetts when they compete at the upcoming National FFA Convention on October 25 - 28, 2017. Wish our competitors good luck while they make floral arrangements, climb into soil pits, and present to judges.
Dairy Judging
- Olivia Larrivee
- Jenna Gouveia
- Hannah Adams
- Karlene Mcmahon
Livestock Evaluation
- Savanna Nadeau
- Kaitlyn Walorz
- Emily Mullen
- Madison Smith
Floriculture
- Leeann Carey
- Cora Monast
- Heather Holmgren
- Shai Gonsalves
Environmental and Natural Resources
- Hannah Medeiros
- Zachary Pecora
- Bret Tetreault
- Joshua Blancard
What’s happening in the cafeteria: Menu for week ending 10/20/17
- Monday
- “Build A Better Burger”
- Or
- Caesar Salad w/ cheese stick
- Lettuce/Tomato, Onion, Cheese
- Tuesday
- Sloppy Joes on WW Roll
- Or
- Bagel Lunch w/ yogurt & cheese
- Seasoned Peas
- Wednesday
- Rosie’s Mac & Cheese
- Or
- Plain Pasta
- Seasoned Green Beans
- Thursday
- Mixed Seasonal Salad w/Chicken
- Or
- Mixed Seasonal Salad w/cheese stick
- Home Made Soup
- Friday- No School-Fall Show
- Breakfast is served every day in the cafeteria and in “Aggie Lounge” Room B-18.
Week Ahead: “A” Week
- Monday, October 16
- Assembly-Gym
- Extends: 2:30-4:00 pm (Library)
- Freshman Volleyball - 3:30
- Boys Soccer (Home/Baseball Field) vs Avon- 3:30
- Girls Soccer (Home/Paveo Field) vs Holbrook - 3:30
- Tuesday, October 17
- Boys Soccer vs South Shore: Home- 3:30
- Wednesday, October 18
- Ocean Bowl B23: 3 pm-4pm New members welcome!
- Geek Club Rm 119: 2:30 pm
- Girls Soccer vs Norfolk: Home- 3:30
- Thursday, October 19
- Extends: 2:30-4:00 pm (Library)
- Student Council: 2:30 RM B19
- Friday, October 20
- NO SCHOOL-FALL SHOW
- Girls Soccer vs. Old Colony: Home- 3:30
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