Aggie Weekly-April 27th

Aggie Weekly

Good Afternoon Students, Parents, and Community Members:

This week our students were seen learning and working outside.  At Bristol Aggie, we are fortunate to have the campus we do to utilize it as outdoor classroom.  Today was Arbor Day and our Arbor students went to work at the Standish House this year. See more photos below.  

Dr. DiGioia with this week’s High Five Winner, Mia Vargas.  

Congratulations, Mia! Keep up the amazing work!

Spring Expo: Bristol Aggie will be hosting their 6th Annual Spring Expo on Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 10:00 - 3:00, Rain or Shine!

Meet members of our local, agricultural community, promoting exciting products & services at this 1-day, free - family event.  Highlights include: BA Grows Farmer's Market & Vendor Expo, Live Animal Exhibits, Gourmet Food Truck, live entertainment, and more!

Just in time for Mother's Day, check out the Bristol Aggie Plant Sale, hosted by the BA Floriculture and Landscape Design & Construction students!

Interested in attending Bristol Aggie?  Join Us!

A Prospective Student Tour for 6th & 7th Graders will run from 9:00 - 11:00.  This is a great way to learn all about what Bristol Aggie has to offer! The tour starts in the Gymnasium at 9:00.  To sign up, by clicking here.  

Next Phase for Seniors:  We are proud to share with you our senior’s plans for their next step in their college and career exploration.  Based on the knowledge and skills, learned during their 4 years at BA, we are excited to publish acceptances into colleges, universities, military plans, and any career pathways each week.  Please let Ms. Dias know in Student Services, so we can update our list weekly. Thank you for your dedication to excellence and drive to maintain Bristol Aggie Excellence.

• Olivia Aguiar- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
• Austin Ahern- Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
• Alyssa Audette-  Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI
• Camryn Badger- Unity College, Unity, ME
• University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
• Ariana Brand- Stonehill College, Easton, MA
• Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
• Hannah Borges- University of Maine Orono, Orono, ME
• University of Findlay, Findlay, OH
• Taylor Burrell- Dean College, Franklin, MA
• Mount Ida College, Newton, MA
• Curry College, Milton, MA
• Mass Bay Community College, Framingham, MA
• Joseph Duncan- University of Northern Ohio, Lima, OH
• Cassandra Forrester- Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
• Samantha Gagnon- Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
• Eve Gannon- Unity College, Unity, ME
• Allison Gosselin- Becker College, Worcester, MA
• Kayla Johnston- Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH
• Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
• Springfield College, Springfield, MA
• Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
• Framingham State University, Framingham, MA
• Emma Knox- Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
• University of Maine Orono, Orono, ME
• Jonathan Lacaillade- Universal Technical Institute, Norwood, MA
• Abigail Landry- Valencia College, Orlando, FL
• Olivia Larrivee- University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
• University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
• Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Penn State University, University Park, PA
• Alexis Larsen- Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH
• Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI
• University of Maine Orono, Orono, ME
• Jacob Livesey- Universal Technical Institute, Norwood, MA
• Kyle Mazzola- SUNY Cobleskill, Cobleskill, NY
• Cora Monast- Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
• Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
• Gabriel Moreno- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
• Moriah Morris- Unity College, Unity, ME
• Emily Mullen- University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
• Connors State College, Warner, OK
• Noah Pacheco- United States Air Force
• Cassie Palmer- Unity College, Unity, ME
• Zachary Pecora- University of Maine Orono, Orono, ME
• Brandon Petronio- Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI
• Malarie Pittsley- Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, MA
• Brian Rayner- Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smiths, NY
• Catherine Sullivan- Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI
• Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
• Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
• Wheaton College, Norton, MA
• Bret Tetreault-  Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smiths, NY
• Jacquelyn Teixeira- Bristol Community College, MA
• Mia Vargas- University of Maine Orono, Orono, ME
• Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
• University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
• Devin Veilleux-Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
• Abigail Weckesser- University of Maine Orono, Orono, ME
• Amber Wells- Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
• Joseph Wuebker- University of Maine Orono, Orono, ME
• Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
• Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
• Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, MA
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
• Worcester State University, Worcester, MA

Fur, Fins and Feathers: Bristol Aggie students get experience of a lifetime: Click here for the full story in the SouthCoastToday- By Brian J. Lowney, Contributing Writer

For 35 students at Bristol County Agricultural High School who participated in the Disney Y.E.S. Program in Disney World in Orlando two weeks ago, it was an unforgettable experience that they’ll always cherish and one that will inspire the students to perhaps shape their future path as they move on with their lives.

The juniors and seniors, accompanied by five adult chaperones and Leslie Blanchette, Animal Science Department Chair at Bristol Aggie, says that the objective of the two-part Disney Y.E.S. (Youth Education Series) Program is to allow students to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the protection and preservation of wildlife and marine mammals.

She adds that the Aggie students had an opportunity to examine the role that zoos and aquariums are playing in education and how zoos affect both the lives of the animals in their care and their wild counterparts.

During the program, a part of which was entitled “Keepers of the Kingdom at Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” the students learned how perilously close many animal species are to extinction and about the role that Disney’s Animal Theme Park animals play as ambassadors for their species.

The students also visited the Animal Nutrition Center where they observed the animal commissary and discussed the importance of good nutrition for all animals, and how science and research have brought about significant changes in animal management in the past few decades.

Blanchette noted that the during their exploration, the Aggie students were intrigued as they learned about animal enrichment and more about the care of elephants, giraffes and dogs cared in the kennels at the theme park.

The educator added throughout the program, students discussed and were exposed to a variety of career options found in zoological centers, including training, education, animal husbandry and nutrition.

According to Blanchette, the busy travelers also participated in a program entitled “Making Waves with a Marine Career” at Epcot Center. This part of the program offered the students an opportunity to become aware and gain knowledge of career opportunities in the marine science field, while showcasing skills needed for a career in the marine profession.

Blanchette also noted that many of the students interested to learn about veterinary internship and externships and opportunities that exist with the Disney Company.

“The kids all had a great time,” said Blanchette, noting that it was the fourth time that Bristol Aggie sponsored the trip, which was parent funded together with a few fundraisers.

“It broadened our students’ horizons,” she said, adding that that many of the students had never been outside of New England or on an airplane.

Rehoboth resident, Noah Carello, who plans to attend the University of Massachusetts-Amherst next year, where he plans enter the pre-veterinary program, was amazed by the size of the Orlando facility.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to see how such a large institution works,” he said, adding that the theme park employs about 250 members of its animal staff. He shares that the Y.E.S. Program afforded him an opportunity visit parts of the park not seen by visitors, such as veterinary hospitals and kitchens where the animals’ meals were prepared.

“There was so much more to see,” Corello said, noting that the trip inspired him to pursue his dream to become a veterinarian.

Sophia Hart of Somerset, who plans to attend Bristol Community College in Fall River, said that the trip presented her with “in-depth look” at the animal-care industry. She emphasizes that she was “very encouraged” by conservation efforts that she observed at the Orland theme park.

Harts adds that one day she hopes to become a Disney intern.

Payton Patota, a junior from Swansea, shared that she also learned a great deal from the trip.

“It was an incredible experience to go behind the scenes of both Epcot and the Animal Kingdom,” she said. “It was interesting to learn about different career opportunities and about different aspects of veterinary medicine.”

Patota adds that she was very interested in conservation efforts being made at Disney to raise young tigers that will be someday released in Indonesia in an effort increase the tiger population in the country.

“Our students are so fortunate to have had this opportunity to observe a variety of diverse, animal-science professions on a grand-scale such as the Disney Y.E.S. Program,” said Adele G. Sands, school superintendent. “This really opens their eyes to the professional pathways available to them, on a global level.”

Bristol Aggie Prom: Save the date - The Bristol Aggie Junior Senior Prom will be held on May 11th from 6:00 to 10:00.  The prom will be held at the Canoe Club in West Bridgewater. Tickets are $60. See Mrs. Coderre or Mrs. Ward for more information.

Summer Academy

Bristol County Agricultural High School is excited to offer two 4-day sessions of our Summer Academy in 2018. (Session I: July 23-26 and Session II: July 30-August 2). There are morning sessions and afternoon sessions offered to students entering grade 5-8. Some sessions have an age restriction. Please read the descriptions on our web site closely. To register on Eventbrite, please click here.  Academy offerings include:

July 23-26, 2018 8:30-11:30 a.m.	July 30-August 2, 2018 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Animal Science Enrichment (Grades 5-8) *$150	Animal Science Enrichment II (Grades 5-8) *$150
July 23-26, 2018 12:30-3:30 p.m.	July 30-August 2, 2018 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Horsemanship (Grades 5-8) *$200	Horsemanship II (Grades 5-8) *$200
Dr. Doolittle (Grades 5-8) *$150	Dr. Doolittle II (Grades 5-8) *$150

We encourage your student to mix and match your morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) sessions. All costs are listed above for each session (plus processing fees which have allowed us to move to online registration). If you are registering for a morning and afternoon session in the same week (full-day students) please use the promotional code ALLDAY2018 for a $50 discount at checkout.

All instructors are MA DESE Certified Teachers in their respective areas of expertise. Refunds are only offered if courses are cancelled.  View program descriptions and register online through our link at.  www.bristolaggie.org.  If you have any questions, email Kbraga@bcahs.com.    

FFA:

This year's FFA banquet is on May 9th. Come join us!!!! Click here to register

In addition to presenting awards that have been earned over the course of the year we will also be awarding both Greenhand and Chapter FFA Degrees as well as electing new Officers.

FFA is structured into a degree program that rewards active FFA members for progress in all phases of leadership, skills and occupational development.The Greenhand and Chapter FFA Degrees are first ways FFA members advance through the organization. Greenhand is the first basic level, followed by the Chapter Degree.

Chapter officers serve a vital function in FFA. By taking a major leadership role, these students grow from the experience and benefit the chapter. It should be the officers’goals to lead by example and encourage other members to participate in chapter activities. The following are general duties expected of all officers:

• A genuine desire to be part of a leadership team.

• A willingness to accept responsibility.

• A sincere desire to work with all chapter members in meeting their leadership, personal and chapter goals.

• A commitment to lead by example.

• Knowledge and understanding of the chapter, state and national FFA constitutions, bylaws and programs.

• A working knowledge of parliamentary procedure.

• The ability to memorize official ceremonies.

If you are interested in applying for either your degrees or running for a chapter office, all applications are available on the Chapter website. If you have questions please stop by and see me.

All applications are due Friday May 4th by 3PM to Mr. Caswell.

Bristol FFA Chapter website

Join Us May 6th during our Spring Expo for fun planting sessions! Register below!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bristol-aggie-spring-expo-plan…

Some of the beautiful plants on campus are sending us a sign that Spring may actually be here.

In the Classroom:

• Flori: Senior flori students spent the day at the Diman Vocational High School in a collaboration with the Culinary Department. Our flori students taught students from the Culinary Department and the Business Technology Department how to design floral arrangements.  The Diman Culinary students then taught our students how to work in a kitchen and restaurant. They waited on customers and took orders for the luncheon rush. Nice work everyone!

Flori Juniors worked on their 1st spring wedding!

Brides Bouquet

14 Centerpieces

Corsages

Boutonnieres

• Ag Mec: On Friday, students were learning to drive the tractor through an obstacle course. #BAPRIDE #BAWork #BAOutDoorClassroom

• Arbor: Check our Twitter for more pictures.  #ArborDay #BAPRIDE #BAWork #BAOutDoorClassroom

• Agricultural Mechanics: Well many of us enjoyed our April vacation Ben Gomes and Mike Koussa were hard at work doing repairs to our Dairy Barn.  

• Science: Twenty-one students came in over break to go with Ms. Perry and Mrs. Savage to Bridgewater State University to participate in a biotechnology lab where the student ran gels and determined the culprit of a crime.

• Math: Several students meeting with Mr. Sitarski before school to prepare for taking the SAT!

NRM on Spring Break 2018

Bristol Aggie NRM (Natural Resource Management) had a busy spring break this year.  We attended the Middleborough Herring Run Festival on April 14th. The Nature Conservancy has been kind enough to invite us to share their exhibitor table for the past several years.  Bobby, Alex, Melany, and Merissa spent the day teaching more than 5,200 festival visitors about our local wildlife and the watershed upon which we all depend.

The NRM department has also been lucky enough to be invited to participate in the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s Party for the Planet for the passed three years.   On April 21st  Cassie, Moriah, Andrew and Melany spent their Saturday afternoon teaching the zoo visitors about the wildlife.  These opportunities allow the NRM students to pass on what they have learned while practicing the communication skills that are vital to future professionals.

These students “gave up” their vacation time to work with their classmates and serve as representatives of their department and school.  They served outstandingly. We are extremely thankful to the Nature Conservancy and the Buttonwood Park Zoo for the opportunities that they provide for our students and look forward to future invitations.  (Photographs are videos available at the hyperlinks above.)

Interesting article on animals in the wild: Click here for the full article

You may see young animals in spring or summer. Even if these animals seem alone or weak, in nearly all cases, the best course of action is to leave the young animal alone. If you care, leave them there!

Newborn or just-hatched wildlife venturing into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings and are sometimes discovered by people. Every year, the lives of many young wild creatures (fawns in particular) are upset by people who want to help. These people take baby wildlife from the wild in a mistaken attempt to save them. In fact, these well-meaning people are actually harming the young animals' chances of becoming normal adults. Remember, young wildlife belongs in the wild.

For young wildlife, the perils of survival are a natural part of ecology. Some will not survive. However, young animals that learn well from one or both parents and are the most fit usually live the longest. Early unsteady steps and flights are part of normal development, helping young animals learn to take care of themselves.

Some types of baby animals develop quickly; others need more parental care before they can fend for themselves. It is at this time that most of the problems arise. Some people assume that young wildlife they have found has been abandoned by the parents. They believe that the young animals are helpless and need to be saved. In nearly all cases, this is a mistake: the young animals are neither abandoned nor orphaned.

When people intervene

People with good intentions sometimes try to rescue or care for young wildlife. In fact, the opposite is true. Human involvement can cause a lot of problems for these young creatures. Animals brought into human care end up missing out on learning experiences needed to survive in the wild. Even worse, the animal may die at the hands of someone who doesn't fully know how to care for the animal.

Animals released into the wild are at a disadvantage, as they lack the skills needed to find natural food and cover. Young wildlife cared for by humans often end up attached to people, with little fear. This can lead to animals:

• Wandering into populated areas
• Attacked by domestic animals
• Hit by cars
• Getting into stored food, trashcans, or residences
• Injuring people

If you find young wildlife

If you want to avoid the problems related to people caring for wildlife, leave them alone! It may be very tempting to help these animals, but most of the time it isn't necessary. The adults are often nearby for protection, and visit their young from time to time. You should only help young wildlife if they are injured or found with their dead mother.

Keep your pets indoors or restrained

One way you can help wildlife without actually caring for it, is to keep your pets indoors or restrained. This helps wildlife as pets often like to chase and hunt songbirds and other mammals. This also helps your pets to avoid dangers posed by wild animals, other pets, or automobiles.

Leave fawns (young deer) where they are found

Fawns are safe when left alone because their camouflaging color help them remain undetected until the parent returns. Learn more about what to do if you find a fawn below.

Additional Resources

Open file for Learn more about what to do if you find a fawn

Birds and mammals are protected under the law

Leaving wildlife alone is not only the smart thing to do for the animal, but for yourself as well. It is illegal to take an animal from the wild or keep one as a pet. Remember, if you care, leave them there!

Nearly all wild birds and mammals are protected under the law. They may not legally be taken from the wild or kept as pets. Never consider wildlife as possible pets; it is both illegal and unwise. They are wild animals that belong in the wild. An injured wild animal may be assisted, but a person must deliver the animal immediately to a licensed rehabilitator. MassWildlife licenses wildlife rehabilitators who are qualified to care for injured or truly orphaned wildlife. In cases where the services of a wildlife rehabilitator are required, names are available through the MassWildlife website or District offices.

Peer Mentor Program: Students in the Peer Mentor Program demonstrated great teamwork and communication as they worked together to build the tallest tower out of marshmallows, spaghetti, string and tape. The winning tower was 35 inches tall! Congratulations to all of you for a job well done.

Attention Seniors-END OF YEAR CALENDAR: The end of the year is quickly approaching, so we wanted to remind you all of the important dates in May!  Keep up the great work and finish strong!

Wednesday May 9th	FFA Banquet- Auditorium	6:00 pm
Friday, May 11th	Prom Canoe Club Ballroom (W. Bridgewater)	6:30 pm-10:30 pm
Friday, May 18th	Field Day (Early Release)	11:47 am
Monday, May 21st- Thursday, May 24th	Senior Final Exam Week	Schedule will be sent at a later date.
Thursday, May 24th	Awards Night (Gymnasium)	6:00 pm
Friday, May 25th	Last Full Day for Seniors	2:30 pm dismissal
Friday, May 25th	Graduation Rehearsal- Gymnasium	1:00-2:30 pm
Tuesday, May 29th	Senior Breakfast Graduation Rehearsal- Gymnasium Cap and Gown Distribution	8:10 am-8:30 am 8:30 am-11:30 am
Wednesday, May 30th	Graduation Rehearsal- Gymnasium	8:30 am-11:30 am
Thursday, May 31th	Graduation Day - Outside: Dighton Town Hall * Seniors report at *5:00 pm to auditorium * If we have inclement weather, graduation will be conducted in the Bristol Aggie Gym	6:30 pm

Week Ahead: B Week

• Monday, April 30
• Extends: 2:30-4:00 pm (Library)
• Softball vs South Shore- 3:30 pm
• Tuesday, May 1
• Assembly- Report to the Gym
• Wednesday, May 2
• Horse Evaluation and Showmanship CDE
• Softball vs Old Colony- 3:30 pm
• School Council- 6:00 pm (Library)
• PTO- 7:00 pm (Library)
• Thursday, May 3
• Extends: 2:30-4:00 pm (Library)
• Friday, May 4
• Arbor Jamboree
• Softball vs St. John Paul- 3:30 pm
• Saturday, May 5
• Class of 2022 Placement Testing
• Sunday, May 6
• Spring Exp (see above for more information)-10:00-3:00 pm