Aggie Weekly- Summer Edition

Aggie Weekly

Good Afternoon Students, Parents, and Community Members: Please click here for the Aggie Weekly

We hope that everyone enjoyed a fun and relaxing summer.  As we embark on another school year, we remind students to stay focused on their goals, and we will do our part in supporting you in achieving those goals.  Welcome back!

All students and can access student schedules via PowerSchool (see login information below).  We are still finalizing schedules based on classroom availability, so please check your schedule pm Tuesday, September 4th.

Stay Connected! Stay Informed!

Last year we instituted an additional means of communication through the Bristol Aggie Blog.  This blog allows students, parents, staff, and community members to stay informed of what is happening at Bristol Aggie.  You can sign up for daily emails to ensure you don’t miss anything! You can also view the calendar feature which lists all the events that are happening at BA daily.  During Parent & Freshman Orientation yesterday, we explained the importance of staying connected with Bristol Aggie as it relates to the “It takes a village” approach.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Braga (KBraga@bcahs.com).

Freshman Academy:

This summer we welcomed in 105 freshman students (88% of the freshman class attended) to our annual Freshman Academy. This is open to all of our Freshmen who are coming to Bristol Aggie this year. This voluntary program was held for two days on Tuesday, August 28-Wednesday 29th. We had 18 upper class mentors who assisted the Class of 2022 into Bristol Aggie. On Tuesday, we created a Selfie Scavenger Hunt activity, where students were provided clues to finding different locations on our campus. For instance, one of the clues is, " Math: Find the room # on the 3rd floor “X+42=257, X marks the spot”. The goal was to both get acquainted with our massive campus and to work together as a team to figure out the clue to find their math class on the first day of school. We had a packed agenda and are considering expanding to a third day based on freshman feedback. See pictures below,

Student Photos from Selfie Scavenger Hunt:

Freshman Orientation:

On Thursday, August 30th, we welcomed in the Class of 2022 with their parents for our annual Freshman Orientation.  We appreciate everyone’s patience for dealing with the oppressive heat and humidity. We hope that you enjoyed meeting everyone and understand what it will take for your child to be successful at Bristol Aggie.  During this presentation we introduced our administration and staff to students and family. Click here for the presentation

• Introductions
• Expectations for students (cell phones, attendance, dress code)
• ALICE/Safety Protocols- Students will get a full training during the first full week of school.
• Transportation
• If your sending district cancels school and Bristol Aggie still has school, it is the responsibility of the family to get the student to school.

Welcome Aboard!: 

We have had the opportunity to hire a few new members to our staff. Below is a short bio on each new member of the Bristol Aggie family.

Name: Mr. DeMello

High School: Taunton High School- Graduated in 2008

College: UMass Dartmouth

Hobbies: Coaching, skiing, golfing

What is 1 thing you want your students to know about you?

• I would want my students to know that I am very passionate about teaching mathematics and I look forward to sharing my excitement of the subject matter with them.

What is 1 thing you want your parents/community to know about you?

• I am going into my 6th year teaching and I have taught both mathematics and industrial technology at Taunton High School. In that time I have learned many things to make me become a better teacher. I am excited to continue to grow with my new students and colleagues at Bristol County Agricultural High School.

What are you most excited about for the 2018-2019 school year?

• I am excited to start my new journey at Bristol Aggie. It is a very beautiful school with many driven and bright people in the school community.

Anything else you would like to add?

• Me and my fiancé are welcoming our first child, Oliver Quinn DeMello, into the world. He is expected to arrive on October 4th.

Name: Mr. McKeen

High School: Xaverian Brothers HS-2009

College: Emmanuel College (2013), Fitchburg State

Hobbies: I really enjoy playing music with friends, exercising, cooking and gardening.

What is 1 thing you want your students to know about you? 

• One thing that I want my students to know is that I like to learn about their interests so that way I can incorporate them into math class. Anyway to make the material relatable is only going to make class more productive.

What is 1 thing you want your parents/community to know about you? 

• I want the parents and community of this school to know that I am very passionate about teaching math and take every students’ needs seriously. 

What are you most excited about for the 2018-2019 school year? 

• I am excited to meet a brand new group of students and work with a new team of staff to meet those students’ needs. It should be a great first year! 

Name: Mr. Medeiros

High School: Westport High School-2004

Experience: 10 years floating foreman at Bristol Aggie

Hobbies: Sports and Traveling

What is 1 thing you want your students to know about you? 

• I'll do whatever I can to help them succeed!

What is 1 thing you want your parents/community to know about you? 

What are you most excited about for the 2018-2019 school year? 

• Having a positive impact in Agricultural Mechanics. 

Anything else you would like to add?

• I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to become an instructor

Renovation Project:

We received final approval from Governor Baker that the Bristol Aggie expansion was approved.  There will be little progress this school year on the project, however, we are expected to break ground in November 2019.  We have always valued our past, and we look forward to our future!

STUDENT HANDBOOK UPDATES:

Level I- Classroom/Teacher Expectations

1. Late for class
2. Completing other teachers work
3. Not prepared for class (e.g., pencils, notebooks)
4. Being inattentive in class
5. Not passing in work on time or making up work missed
6. Dress Code Violation:  May include but not limited too, failure to wearing safety glasses and meeting uniform expectations in all vocational shop areas and during all science laboratory sessions (See Dress Code pg, for more information) Inappropriate language in “casual” conversation
7. Disruptive class behavior
8. Eating/Drinking in the classroom
9. Argumentative
10. Disrespect
11. Lying
12. Not carrying a Bristol Aggie student ID or agenda

Level II- Students committing infractions listed below will be referred to the office for office detention(s).

1. Insolent, rude and discourteous behavior, including talking back to any employee in the building
2. Repeated offenses of a minor nature after being warned (after teacher has assigned detention)
3. Frequent misbehavior in class (after teacher has assigned detention)
4. Misbehavior at extracurricular events
5. Disturbance in halls or on school grounds
6. General vulgarity/abusive language
7. Abusive use of black-soled shoes
8. Cutting class (staying in the building)
9. Leaving class without permission
10. Obstructing an investigation
11. Leaving lunch without permission
12. Failure to report for a teacher detention.

Level III Category is reserved for more serious student infractions.  Students committing infractions listed below will be referred to the office for Saturday School, Loss of Parking, Extra-Curricular activities, and/or removal from Co-Op.  

1. Visibility and/or use of any electronic devices without prior approval from staff
2. Repeated infractions related to unsafe practices in a shop area
3. Leaving the school building or grounds without permission
4. Insubordination/defiance of authority
5. Recording (audio/visual)/ taking photos of people without permission
6. Instigation of a verbal or physical conflict
7. Failure to report for a office detention.
8. Cheating/plagiarism
   

Level IV infractions are for the most serious offenses.  Students committing infractions listed below will be referred to the office and will be suspended from school.  

1. Forging, falsifying, or otherwise altering any school record 
2. Any student who uses vulgarity and abusive language directed to a member of the staff, including cafeteria workers, custodians, secretaries, and any other employee, will be considered insubordinate.   
3. Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying/Cyberbullying. These offenses shall be defined as any gesture or written, verbal, virtual, or physical act that is reasonably perceived as being motivated whether by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory handicap, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on or off school property and that 
4. Assault: One or more people attempts to cause, or purposely, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to another. 
5. Fight: Mutual engagement in physical confrontation that may result in bodily injury to either party.

A 5-day minimum up to a 10-day maximum out-of school suspension: 

1. Possession of pyrotechnics, smoke or stink bombs, etc.
2. Stealing or possession of stolen property – a referral to police is also made
3. Repeated or extreme cases of Level I, II, and III
4. Hazing
5. Gambling (participating in a game of chance for stakes)
6. Smoking/Use of Tobacco
7. Violent behavior or threats

A 10-day automatic suspension from school and referral for exclusion.

1. Arson, or starting a fire
2. Disrupting school by perpetrating a bomb scare, fire drill or lockdown*
3. Drinking in school or prior to coming to school or possession of alcoholic beverages on school property

37H, 37H ½, 37H ¾  

1. Assault on staff, weapons, drugs,
   

Main Office- First Day of School Paperwork

Dear Parents and Students:

As always, when you start a new school year, it will be important for you to develop and cultivate regular habits of study. You must strive to do your best work at all times in order to achieve the benefits of a solid education. Set your goals and consider your education a very personal accomplishment. A reminder to the Freshmen class:  A very high percentage of our students are placed in either their first or second choice of sophomore vocational majors. Grades are a significant factor in this wonderful outcome which is only possible as a result of the focus, effort, and dedication of students in their prior year’s freshmen class. In our school of excellence a positive attitude is the best "tool" to bring with you this fall.

We look forward to welcoming each and every one of you back to school and wish you all a successful and fulfilling year at Bristol Aggie.

Please read through the entire packet and follow the instructions that apply to you. The required forms are due Friday, September 7, 2018, except for the Bus Transportation Response Form which is due August 24th..  

Enclosed you will find materials relating to your son or daughter's enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year at Bristol County Agricultural High School.

It is important that you complete all required forms and return them to the Main office: Your child will NOT be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activities until forms are completed and returned.

Copy Forms Sent Home: WILL BE SENT HOME

1.      Medication Order Form / Medication Administration Form (Medication Order Form and Medication   Administration Form only need to be returned if your child is required to take prescribed medication or over-the-counter medication (Tylenol, etc.) during school hours.)  

2.      Emergency Contact Information 

3.      Application for Free or Reduced Lunch IMPORTANT-Complete and return as soon as possible. 

4.      Home Language Survey (Freshmen only) 

5.      Bus Transportation Response Form (Grades 9-12- Bus routes available 8/20.  Form must be completed by 8/24). 

Click Hyperlinks to view and then Signoff Below (separate sheet):

6.      Child Find Notice

7.      Release of Information-ONLY COMPLETE IF OPTING OUT

8.      Internet Permission Form – Student Acceptable Use Policy (Freshmen only)

9.      Title I School-Parent Compact Signature Page (Freshmen only)

10.  Title I Involvement Policy Signature Page (Freshmen only)

11.  Self-Injury Prevention Program (Freshmen only)

12.  Pupil Personnel Form  (Upperclassmen Only) 

13.  FFA Newsletter

14.  Handbook/ (2018 Handbook Changes)

      15.  Asbestos

16.  Calendar 

17.  Hazing Policy

                            Sincerely,

                           

                                  Kevin P. Braga, Assistant Superintendent/Principal

Bristol County Agricultural High School

Beginning of the Year Student and Parent Informational Packet

Student and Parent Sign Off Sheet Required

I have read the Bristol County Agricultural High School Beginning of the Year Student and Parent Informational Packet.  By signing below, I certify that I understand its contents. I agree that I am required to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in each individual policy and procedure.  Please check each box below that is required indicating that you have read and understand each policy and procedure. If you would like a hard copy of any or all of the forms, please notify the main office.  

PLEASE RETURN THE FORMS BELOW ALONG WITH THIS SIGN OFF SHEET:

• Medication Order Form / Medication Administration Form (Optional)
• Emergency Contact Information (Grades 9-12-REQUIRED)
• Application for Free or Reduced Lunch (Optional)
• Home Language Survey (Grade 9 Only)
• Self-Injury Prevention Program (Freshmen only)
• Pupil Personnel Form (Upperclassmen Only)

Click Hyperlinks and Signoff Below:

• Hazing Policy
• Calendar
• Asbestos
• Handbook/(2018 Handbook Changes)
• FFA Newsletter
• Pupil Personnel Form
• Self-Injury Prevention Program (Grade 9)
• Title I Involvement Policy Signature Page (Grade9)
• Title I School-Parent Compact Signature Page (Grade9)
• Child Find Notice
• Internet Permission Form – Student Acceptable Use Policy(Grade 9)
• Release of Information-ONLY COMPLETE & RETURN IF OPTING OUT
• Student Parking Parking Form: NEW Parking Requests

Please click this link to fill out the Student Parking Parking Form. If you already have a parking spot from the 2016-2017 school year, please do not fill out this form. Parking spots will be assigned on a first come first serve basis. You will be notified through email when you are assigned a parking spot. Please follow the instructions and complete ALL the information on the Student Parking Parking Form. Incomplete applications will not be processed. A valid drivers license will be requested.

From the Cafeteria:
We wanted to inform you of all the new and exciting programs we will be offering this year as well as some procedures we will be enforcing in the cafeteria.

BREAKFAST
Room B18 (Gilbert Hall) and the Cafeteria
Bagels, muffins, cereal, breakfast bars, fresh fruit, parfaits and fruit smoothies
Price: $1.50. Reduced $.30 and free
Please check the monthly menu for that day’s selection.

Any other suggestions are welcome! As the year progresses, we like to create some fun activities in the cafeteria. Stay tuned for our next big event!!!

To Purchase a meal……
You must show your student I.D. to purchase a meal.
Or use your 8 digit pin number.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR ID OR KNOW YOUR ID NUMBER THEN YOU MUST WAIT TILL THE END OF THE LINE AND WE WILL LOOK YOU UP. This will allow the line to move faster so everyone will have plenty of time to enjoy their meal.

Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches are available daily for $1.00.
A second lunch is $3.00
We offer a variety of snacks and water for .50.

No charging of meals. Money can be added to your account so you will always have a balance available. Please see any of the cashiers if you would like to add money to your account. Cash or bank checks are approved. No personal checks.

Reduce waste! Use the bucket w/ a pink lid for food waste scraps. No Meat. No Paper. It’s for our animals.
Any questions, or concerns, please contact our Food Service Manager Theresa Vernazzaro tvernazzaro@bcahs.com. In addition, if you have any dietary restrictions or concerns please let her now and she will make any accommodations that she can.

New SIS Launch- PowerSchool: Last week we launched our Powerschool Parent Portal. This portal has additional features that were not present in our last SIS (Student Information System). Please see detailed directions below on how to create and access your PowerSchool account. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact JCosta@bcahs.com.

Bristol County Agricultural High School

Internet Access to Powerschool Parent Portal

2018-2019

Access to your student's current grades, attendance and assignments is available online through the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

If you have internet access at home or at work, you can log on to the Parent Portal at any time.

PARENTS OF STUDENTS: How to Create a Login Account

1. Open your Web browser to https://bristolaggie.powerschool.com/public.

2. At the login box, click on the Create Account tab, then click Create Account at the bottom. Click HERE to receive step by step directions on how to create an account

3. Enter the following:

*First Name: Parent/Guardian first name

*Last Name: Parent/Guardian last name

*Email: Parent/Guardian email to receive notifications; username/password reset info

*Desired Username: a username for yourself

*Password: a password for yourself (min 8 characters with one uppercase, lowercase,  number, special character)

*Re-enter password

4. Go to Link Students to Account and type in:

*Student Name

*Access ID is:   Student ID # (Check report cards, schedules, etc)

*Access Password:   Students 8 Digit birth date (MMDDYYYY)  NO SPACES, SLASHES OR DASHES

• EXAMPLE for birthday April 1, 2003: 04012003 (MMDDYYYY)

*Relationship Choose one (Mother, Father, etc.)

*Click Enter

Repeat if you have more than one student enrolled at Bristol Aggie

PARENTS ONLY:

LOST OR FORGOTTEN USERNAME AND/OR PASSWORD:

1. Open your Web browser to https://bristolaggie.powerschool.com/public/…the Log-In page appears

2. Click “Having trouble logging in?” …the Recover Account Login Information page appears

3. Click the “Forgot Password?” tab or “Forgot User Name?” tab.

4. Enter your user name in the first field (for Forgot Password ONLY)

5. Enter your email address in the second field (for both Forgot Password and Forgot Username)

6. Click Enter

7. A confirmation message appears and an email is sent with your username or instructions for resetting your password

STUDENTS LOGIN INFORMATION

Login Information for STUDENTS:

User ID: First Initial of First Name with Full Last Name

  EX.  John Jones = JJones

Password: STUDENT ID #  (Located on your School ID Card, Report Card)

NOTE:  Same USER NAME used to login to BCAHS computers

To learn how to navigate on the page, click here for step by step directions

Activities:

• Mentor Training: On August 21st, 18 upperclassmen came to school for a training for Freshman Academy.  During this training, students and Assistant Principal Mr. Higgins organized the two day Freshman Academy event for the Class of 2022.  

Fall Sports:

• Check out this video of volleyball improvising cardio during the heat wave.  Keep up the great work ladies! #BAPride

1st Week of School-A Week 
Monday, September 3- No School- Labor Day
Tuesday, September 4- No School- Teachers 1st Day Back
Wednesday, September 5

• Welcome Back Assembly- Meet in Gym 
• Girls Soccer vs Avon (HOME) 

Thursday, September 6 

• Girls Soccer vs Holbrook 

Friday, September 7 

• Class Assemblies (Expectations and ALICE protocols)-Auditorium 
• Report to class for attendance. An announcement will be made for students and teachers to report to the Auditorium. 
• Period 2: Seniors 
• Period 3: Juniors 
• Period 6: Sophomores 
• Period 7: Freshman 

NEW- Daily Bell Schedule

Bell Schedule	8:10-9:00	9:02-9:52	9:54-10:42	10:44-11:31	11:14-12:01	12:03-12:51	12:53-1:40	1:42:2:30
Vo-Ag Sched	8:10-9:54		9:54-10:42	10:42-11:11	11:31-12:00	12:03-2:30
Duration	50	50	48	47+lunch	47+lunch	48	47	48
Period #	1	2	3	4 (10:44-12:01)               (77 mins)		5	6	7