Good Afternoon Students, Parents, and Community Members:
This week our students were honored for their hard work during Fall Show. During Fall Show Awards ceremony, we did ask students to reflect on Veteran’s Day and to reach out to a neighbor, family member, friend, or relative who served in the military to thank them for their service.
This year marks 100 years since the signing of the armistice to stop the fighting during World War I. The armistice was signed on the 11th month, on the 11th day, and at the 11th hour, which marked a victory for the Allied Forces. We would like to THANK all of our service men and women who everyday put their lives on the line to ensure that each of us are safe.
We would like to thank the Veteran’s from Bristol Aggie:
Mr. Joe Mendonsa, United States Navy
Mr. James Costa, United States Army/United States Air Force
Mr. Daniel Bence, United States Marine Corps
Student Council- Thanksgiving Food Drive
All Items Due Monday Nov. 20th
GOAL: Feed 100 Families this Thanksgiving!
Arbor - Goal: 100 boxed bread mixes – cornbread, banana, cranberry, etc.
Landscaping - Goal: 100 cans of cranberry sauce
Small Animal - Goal: 400 cans of vegetables – corn, carrots, peas, etc.
Large Animal – Goal: 100 pie fillings and 100 pie crusts
Mechanics – Goal: 100 cans of gravy – canned/glass/dried mixes
Flori – Goal: 100 boxes of stuffing – dry, all varieties
Natural Science – Goal: 100 boxes of Instant Mashed Potatoes
Freshmen – Goal: 100 jars of canned fruit or applesauce, 100 jars of evaporated milk, 100 boxes of pasta, and 100 cans of pasta sauce
GOAL: Feed 100 Families this Thanksgiving!
Arbor - Goal: 100 boxed bread mixes – cornbread, banana, cranberry, etc.
Landscaping - Goal: 100 cans of cranberry sauce
Small Animal - Goal: 400 cans of vegetables – corn, carrots, peas, etc.
Large Animal – Goal: 100 pie fillings and 100 pie crusts
Mechanics – Goal: 100 cans of gravy – canned/glass/dried mixes
Flori – Goal: 100 boxes of stuffing – dry, all varieties
Natural Science – Goal: 100 boxes of Instant Mashed Potatoes
Freshmen – Goal: 100 jars of canned fruit or applesauce, 100 jars of evaporated milk, 100 boxes of pasta, and 100 cans of pasta sauce
Congratulations to this Week’s High Five Club Winner, Mike Koussa
Mike pictured above with Dr. DiGioia.
Fall Show Awards Ceremony: Click here for the Fall Show Awards Ceremony Presentation
Mr. Braga’s Remarks: During today’s ceremonies we will feature all of your hard work and achievement that was recognized during Fall Show. Given the time and energy each of you spend on your projects, we wanted to highlight your accomplishments in a more formal setting.
Fall Show is a great opportunity to showcase what you do and what we are capable of. Many of you have already begun to make positive contributions to Bristol Aggie, and today we are recognizing your performance in your vocational majors. Many of today’s award winners are juniors and seniors, so underclassmen, take notice as they have set the bar high for next year. Upperclassmen, with these accomplishments, comes the expectation of leadership and responsibility. We charge you to take on more pronounced roles of leadership each day on campus. Whether you are in the cafeteria, walking to class, or just hanging out after school, there are countless opportunities to become or continue to be leaders, something we hope will translate into our communities as you become more involved beyond our campus.
For the underclassmen who may have experienced Fall Show for the first time, understand the bar has been set high by the Class of 2019 and 2020. This is a big part of our high school legacy and it will only improve with each of us making a commitment to support one another. As you all know, Fall Show tends to be a stressful time. When a peer is having a difficult day, don’t put them down, rather, pick them up and offer words of encouragement as well as your support to get through it together. We rely on each other to be successful. I need you to do your part, in order for us to do our part. Your accomplishments are our accomplishments.
Mr. Braga’s Remarks: During today’s ceremonies we will feature all of your hard work and achievement that was recognized during Fall Show. Given the time and energy each of you spend on your projects, we wanted to highlight your accomplishments in a more formal setting.
Fall Show is a great opportunity to showcase what you do and what we are capable of. Many of you have already begun to make positive contributions to Bristol Aggie, and today we are recognizing your performance in your vocational majors. Many of today’s award winners are juniors and seniors, so underclassmen, take notice as they have set the bar high for next year. Upperclassmen, with these accomplishments, comes the expectation of leadership and responsibility. We charge you to take on more pronounced roles of leadership each day on campus. Whether you are in the cafeteria, walking to class, or just hanging out after school, there are countless opportunities to become or continue to be leaders, something we hope will translate into our communities as you become more involved beyond our campus.
For the underclassmen who may have experienced Fall Show for the first time, understand the bar has been set high by the Class of 2019 and 2020. This is a big part of our high school legacy and it will only improve with each of us making a commitment to support one another. As you all know, Fall Show tends to be a stressful time. When a peer is having a difficult day, don’t put them down, rather, pick them up and offer words of encouragement as well as your support to get through it together. We rely on each other to be successful. I need you to do your part, in order for us to do our part. Your accomplishments are our accomplishments.
Despite your noteworthy achievements thus far, we charge you not to settle, but to continue to nurture excellence each and every day, always striving for more. As you have undoubtedly been told by those who have gone before you, each year in high school goes by quickly. Make the most of each and every one of those fleeting moments, and give it your all. Live our core values, and above all else, stay true to who you are, never compromising your integrity and character.
Here are some of the pictures that we were able to take Thursday during the ceremony.
Attention Students and Parents: Vaping on the rise in Mass. schools- Click here for the article in the Taunton Gazette
Eli Sherman esherman@wickedlocal.com
It’s no small secret vaping happens at a school near you.
In 2015, nearly 50 percent of Massachusetts highschool students and nearly 10 percent of middle-school students reported having used some type of electronic vapor product. And inhaling vaporized liquid through an electronic, battery-powered device has only become more prevalent, especially with the surging popularity of the brand name JUUL, raising serious health concerns.
"The popularity of JUUL among kids threatens our progress in reducing youth e-cigarette use," said Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We are alarmed that these new high-nicotine-content e-cigarettes, marketed and sold in kid-friendly flavors, are so appealing to our nation’s young people."
Despite its widespread popularity, however, there remains a lot of confusion related to vaping, which has surpassed cigarette use among middle- and high-school students.
What is vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor — typically containing nicotine — via electronic, battery-powered devices commonly known as "e-cigarettes," "vape pens," "tanks" and "mods." The devices are also referred to by brand name, including JUUL and Blu.
Vaping products are sold in nearly 8,000 flavors, such as mango, mint and cinnamon. They can be found at gas stations, pharmacies and package stores. Some devices can also be used to consume marijuana vapor.
The patent for e-cigarettes dates back to the 1960s, but vaping has only become really popular within the last decade.
Massachusetts in 2018 passed a law making the age to purchase vaping products 21 years old.
Where is it coming from?
As of 2018, JUUL, a San Francisco startup valued at $15 billion, accounted for two-thirds of the U.S. e-cigarette market.
There are hundreds of other e-cigarette companies trying to establish a foothold in the lucrative emerging market, but JUUL undeniably leads the way, earning its own verb — "juuling."
Sales of JUUL, which sells e-cigarettes shaped like USB flash drives, grew more than sevenfold from 2016 to 2017, according to an Oct. 2 report by the CDC.
The company bills itself as the smoking alternative, and insists its target consumer group is adults.
"Of course, we understand that parents and lawmakers are concerned about underage use of JUUL. As are we. We can’t restate this enough," CEO Kevin Burns wrote in an open letter to JUUL customers. "As an independent company that is not big tobacco, we are driven by our mission and commitment to adult smokers. We believe sharing facts and education around youth is extremely important."
But its popularity among teens, nonetheless, has triggered multiple investigations, including one in Massachusetts.
Attorney General Maura Healey in July 2018 announced a n investigation into JUUL and other companies over concerns about marketing and sales to minors.
"Just when teen cigarette use has hit a record low, juuling and vaping have become an epidemic
Eli Sherman esherman@wickedlocal.com
It’s no small secret vaping happens at a school near you.
In 2015, nearly 50 percent of Massachusetts highschool students and nearly 10 percent of middle-school students reported having used some type of electronic vapor product. And inhaling vaporized liquid through an electronic, battery-powered device has only become more prevalent, especially with the surging popularity of the brand name JUUL, raising serious health concerns.
"The popularity of JUUL among kids threatens our progress in reducing youth e-cigarette use," said Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We are alarmed that these new high-nicotine-content e-cigarettes, marketed and sold in kid-friendly flavors, are so appealing to our nation’s young people."
Despite its widespread popularity, however, there remains a lot of confusion related to vaping, which has surpassed cigarette use among middle- and high-school students.
What is vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor — typically containing nicotine — via electronic, battery-powered devices commonly known as "e-cigarettes," "vape pens," "tanks" and "mods." The devices are also referred to by brand name, including JUUL and Blu.
Vaping products are sold in nearly 8,000 flavors, such as mango, mint and cinnamon. They can be found at gas stations, pharmacies and package stores. Some devices can also be used to consume marijuana vapor.
The patent for e-cigarettes dates back to the 1960s, but vaping has only become really popular within the last decade.
Massachusetts in 2018 passed a law making the age to purchase vaping products 21 years old.
Where is it coming from?
As of 2018, JUUL, a San Francisco startup valued at $15 billion, accounted for two-thirds of the U.S. e-cigarette market.
There are hundreds of other e-cigarette companies trying to establish a foothold in the lucrative emerging market, but JUUL undeniably leads the way, earning its own verb — "juuling."
Sales of JUUL, which sells e-cigarettes shaped like USB flash drives, grew more than sevenfold from 2016 to 2017, according to an Oct. 2 report by the CDC.
The company bills itself as the smoking alternative, and insists its target consumer group is adults.
"Of course, we understand that parents and lawmakers are concerned about underage use of JUUL. As are we. We can’t restate this enough," CEO Kevin Burns wrote in an open letter to JUUL customers. "As an independent company that is not big tobacco, we are driven by our mission and commitment to adult smokers. We believe sharing facts and education around youth is extremely important."
But its popularity among teens, nonetheless, has triggered multiple investigations, including one in Massachusetts.
Attorney General Maura Healey in July 2018 announced a n investigation into JUUL and other companies over concerns about marketing and sales to minors.
"Just when teen cigarette use has hit a record low, juuling and vaping have become an epidemic
in our schools with products that seem targeted to get young people hooked on nicotine," said Healey.
Is it dangerous?
The general consensus among the scientific community is that vaping — as it’s understood today — is less dangerous than smoking cigarettes, the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
That’s not to say, however, vaping is safe, as nicotine in any form remains a powerfully habit-forming drug.
A 2013 study shows inhaling nicotine through non-conventional cigarettes — such as e-cigarettes — may contribute to heart disease, while other reports suggest some e-cigarettes contain high levels of toxic chemicals, along with particles that cause lung disease.
The levels, however, tend to be much lower than cigarettes.
"We found that the e-cigarette vapours contained some toxic substances. The levels of the toxicants were 9–450 times lower than in cigarette smoke," according to one report.
Widespread anecdotal evidence shows e-cigarettes have helped long-time smoking adults addicted to nicotine kick the deadly habit. But state and federal regulators — for the time being — are looking beyond adults, and focusing on the potential danger to younger populations.
According to the CDC, the use of nicotine can harm developing adolescent brains, alter how the brain build synapses and increase the risk for future addiction to other drugs. There’s also a concern that scientists still don’t know a lot about the long term health effects related to vaping.
"There are no redeeming benefits of e-cigarettes for young people," said Corinne Graffunder, director of CDC Office on Smoking and Health.
For students, parents and schools The Massachusetts Department of Health in 2018 launched a statewide public information campaign to educate students, parents and school administrators "about the dangers of vape pens and e-cigarettes." The state urges parents to learn everything possible about vaping products and then to talk with their children about the potential risks involved."Talking with your kids about vaping is one of the most important things you can do," according to the campaign, dubbed "The New Look of Nicotine Addiction."
At the same time, health officials urge school administrators to review and strengthen school tobacco policies, educate staff and engage parents. "Nicotine can be dangerous for the developing adolescent brain, negatively impacting learning, memory and attention," wrote Dr. Monica Bharel, DPH commissioner, and Jeffrey C. Riley, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in a September 2018 letter to school administrators.
Is it dangerous?
The general consensus among the scientific community is that vaping — as it’s understood today — is less dangerous than smoking cigarettes, the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
That’s not to say, however, vaping is safe, as nicotine in any form remains a powerfully habit-forming drug.
A 2013 study shows inhaling nicotine through non-conventional cigarettes — such as e-cigarettes — may contribute to heart disease, while other reports suggest some e-cigarettes contain high levels of toxic chemicals, along with particles that cause lung disease.
The levels, however, tend to be much lower than cigarettes.
"We found that the e-cigarette vapours contained some toxic substances. The levels of the toxicants were 9–450 times lower than in cigarette smoke," according to one report.
Widespread anecdotal evidence shows e-cigarettes have helped long-time smoking adults addicted to nicotine kick the deadly habit. But state and federal regulators — for the time being — are looking beyond adults, and focusing on the potential danger to younger populations.
According to the CDC, the use of nicotine can harm developing adolescent brains, alter how the brain build synapses and increase the risk for future addiction to other drugs. There’s also a concern that scientists still don’t know a lot about the long term health effects related to vaping.
"There are no redeeming benefits of e-cigarettes for young people," said Corinne Graffunder, director of CDC Office on Smoking and Health.
For students, parents and schools The Massachusetts Department of Health in 2018 launched a statewide public information campaign to educate students, parents and school administrators "about the dangers of vape pens and e-cigarettes." The state urges parents to learn everything possible about vaping products and then to talk with their children about the potential risks involved."Talking with your kids about vaping is one of the most important things you can do," according to the campaign, dubbed "The New Look of Nicotine Addiction."
At the same time, health officials urge school administrators to review and strengthen school tobacco policies, educate staff and engage parents. "Nicotine can be dangerous for the developing adolescent brain, negatively impacting learning, memory and attention," wrote Dr. Monica Bharel, DPH commissioner, and Jeffrey C. Riley, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in a September 2018 letter to school administrators.
In the Classroom:
ELA: On November 8th, English teacher Deborah Coderre and paraprofessional Joyce Costa accompanied 43 sophomores to Bristol Community College to see Holocaust survivor Dr. Henry Oster speak about his experiences during that difficult time in history. Oster said that after his ordeal, he questioned why he had been chosen to survive when so many did not. His answer was that he must spread the word about what happened to the generations to follow. The message he spoke had particular resonance to the many students and young people who came to bear witness to the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. During the question and answer period, sophomore Elijah Neal raised his hand to comment that he had been to Auschwitz and a Holocaust museum “but nothing was so touching” as hearing Dr. Oster speak. The whole audience applauded his comment. Many students can relate to survivor stories because they become inspired with hope. All of our students left the presentation with a profound feeling that they had just witnessed a piece of greatness.
Dr. Oster is the author of The Kindness of the Hangman, Even Hell Has Hope.
ELA: On November 8th, English teacher Deborah Coderre and paraprofessional Joyce Costa accompanied 43 sophomores to Bristol Community College to see Holocaust survivor Dr. Henry Oster speak about his experiences during that difficult time in history. Oster said that after his ordeal, he questioned why he had been chosen to survive when so many did not. His answer was that he must spread the word about what happened to the generations to follow. The message he spoke had particular resonance to the many students and young people who came to bear witness to the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. During the question and answer period, sophomore Elijah Neal raised his hand to comment that he had been to Auschwitz and a Holocaust museum “but nothing was so touching” as hearing Dr. Oster speak. The whole audience applauded his comment. Many students can relate to survivor stories because they become inspired with hope. All of our students left the presentation with a profound feeling that they had just witnessed a piece of greatness.
Dr. Oster is the author of The Kindness of the Hangman, Even Hell Has Hope.
Savannah Puccio and Ethne Puccio creating their Holocaust project that went with the above field trip.
Today, October 31st, our online portal is now open, which allows parents and guardians to set up conferences with teachers. Parent Teacher Conferences will be held Thursday, November 15th. This year we will have two different meeting times to accomodate more parents to visit with teachers. The first meeting time will be from 12:30-2:30 and the second from 6:00-8:00 pm. The sign-ups for parent teacher conferences will work the same as last year, as you will need to register to see a teacher through this portal. All appointments are 8 minutes in duration. Please do not book appointments back to back since you need to leave time for you to travel from room to room. In addition, we will have the Seven Hills Foundation available for parents to walk through in RM 208 to discuss the dangers of vaping. This workshop set up in RM 208 is an area for parents (no students will be allowed to enter) to discuss the dangers of vaping and to learn the different forms of vaping devices.
Here are the directions to sign up for parent teacher conferences: If you completed this last year, you can use your same username (your email) and password (if you forgot, click “forgot password.”)
2) Register by completing YOUR (not your child’s) First Name, Last Name, Email Address, and Password (twice). Click Register. (If you already completed this last year, your student name should appear)
3) Go back to http://www.ptcscheduling.com/app/login.asp?HID=87625215 and log in with your email and password.
4) Select Add and Edit Children to enter your child’s names in.
5) Once you have added your children, select Schedule inside the box where it says “Current Child on File.”
6) Select Conference Date “11/15/2018” and then select ALL the Teachers you would like to meet with. Select Submit.
7) Check off one time for each teacher that you previously selected when you are available. Do not book times back to back since you need to consider the time it takes to move between classrooms. After you have checked off your times, select Home at the top of the screen.
8) Select Schedule Conferences again. This time select print/email to verify and have a record of the conferences you scheduled.
Week Ahead- A Week
Monday, November 12
- No School- Veteran’s Day
Tuesday, November 13
- Board of Trustees Meeting @ 7:00
Wednesday, November 14
- ASVAB Testing 8:15-11:15
Thursday, November 15- Early Release Day
- Period 7: 8:10-9:00 (same)
- Junior/Senior Anti-Bullying Presentation - Auditorium
- Period 6: 9:02-9:52 (same)
- Freshman/Sophomore Anti-Bullying Presentation - Auditorium
- Period 5: 9:54-10:42 (same)
- Period 4: 10:44-11:47 (CHANGE)
- 1st Lunch: 10:42-11:10 (same)
- 2nd Lunch: 11:18-11:47 (CHANGE)
- Parent-Teacher Conference
- 12:30-2:30
- 6:00-8:00
Friday, November 16
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