Our Calendar

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Aggie Weekly-August 29th

Good Afternoon Students, Parents, and Community Members:

This week we welcomed in our students and staff to kickoff the 2019-2020 school year! We are excited to start the school year and we will work hard to help students meet their goals this year. Today, Mr. Higgins and Mr. Braga spoke with grades 9-12 to discuss student expectations and safety protocols.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus Advisory: On Tuesday, students, parents, and staff were sent the following email from Administration:

Good Afternoon Students, Parents, and Community Members:

As many of you are aware, many communities in Bristol County are on high alert regarding the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. We are on outdoor campus, so we need to take precautions to protect ourselves from EEE. We wanted to provide as much information as possible to our families. We are researching applications for our campus to ensure our plant and animal health, as well as protect our school community. The following are recommendations to ensure maximum safety:

We are requesting students and staff to avoid heavy wooded areas. This includes any after school activities and students waiting for the late bus.

Our PE students and athletes will be offered the use of bug spray for each event

Wear long sleeves and pants outside if possible

In addition, we are informing our coaches that athletic events that take place outdoors need to be finished no later than 5:15 pm. Coaches will conduct any after game meetings indoors.

Additional Resources:
Please contact us with any questions or concerns. Thank you

One Call Earlier this week, we sent home information regarding the threat of EEE in Bristol County.  Tomorrow, as there are no classes in session, we will be spraying both our north and south campuses.  We have also purchased bug spray for athletics and classrooms.  As students spend a portion of every day outside, we are encouraging them to use the bug spray and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.  If you have any questions, please let us know.


PowerSchool Users Guide for Parents/Guardians

Introduction

PowerSchool's Parent Portal is a tool specifically developed for parents and students that integrates into the PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS). At Bristol County Agricultural High School we are committed to student success. Withe the PowerSchool Parent Portal, students and parents will have live access to grades. Our staff is committed to updating the portal every 2 weeks to ensure that you are up to date with your child’s academics. We strongly encourage families to utilize this feature to ensure that your child does not fall behind and does not meet expectations. If you have any questions on how to access the portal, please contact jcosta@bcahs.com with any questions.

Let’s Get Started

To get started, you must create your PowerSchool account and link your child(ren) to it.

Creating Your PowerSchool Parent Portal Account

Before you can log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal, you will need to create your account and link your child(ren) to it. You should have received a letter from Bristol Aggie with your child's Access ID and Access Password. This information is needed to link a child to your account. If you do not have this information, contact the Main Office at 508-669-6744.

NOTE: The Access ID and Access Password for your child should be protected. Only provide this information to individuals who need to monitor your child’s progress.








Create Parent Account

Creating an account requires 2 steps: 1. creating your parent/guardian account and 2. linking student to the account.







Enter the following information:
  • First Name – Your first name.
  • Last Name – Your last name. 
  • Email Address – Your email address (must be unique). • Username – Your desired username (must be unique). 
  • Password – Your desired password (must be at least 8 characters). 
If you choose an email address or username that is already in use, the system will alert you when you submit the page and ask you to choose another.

The email address MUST be unique. If Parents/Guardians share the same email address, you should only set up one parent access account and you can only login and access one at a time. If you have different email addresses you can set up another account with that email address.

Your password must be at least 8 characters long. The system will indicate your password strength. Please try to use a password that is "Strong" or "Strongest"


Link Students to Account

This section requires that the information for at least one student be provided. The Access ID and the Access Password should have been provided to you in a separate letter. They are case sensitive and must be entered exactly as indicated in the letter.






Enter the following information:
  • Student Name – The name of the student in "First Last" format.
  • Access ID – The student's Access ID from the PowerSchool Parent Access letter. 
  • Access Password – The student's Access Password from the PowerSchool Parent Access letter.  
  • Relationship – Your relationship to the student. Choose a value from the drop-down menu. 
Continue adding additional students. You should have received a separate PowerSchool Parent Access letter for each student in your family. The credentials for each student are unique and should be kept private.


When you've finished, press the "Enter" button.





Account Successfully Created!



If everything is correct, you will be returned to the sign in screen. Enter your Username and Password you just created to start using your new account.



Common Account Creation Errors

If there are any problems, PowerSchool will indicate the error and ask you to correct the problem. Common errors include: failure to complete all fields, entering an email address or username that is already associated with another account, or entering an incorrect student access ID or password.

Remember that access ID's and passwords are case sensitive; please enter them exactly as indicated in the letter.

When an entry error occurs, you will need to re-enter any information that was not entered correctly. Also, for security reasons, you will need to re-enter all passwords.




Switch Students

Once you've signed-in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal, you can easily switch between the students in your family. A button will appear in the upper-left corner of the screen for each student that has been linked to your account.



Forgot Your Password?

If you forget your password, you can request a password reset from the system at any time. Just click the "Having trouble signing in?" link on the Parent Sign-in page.






Fill in your Username and Email Address. The system will authenticate your information and send you a security token with instructions on how to reset your password.

It is important to note that the security token sent is only good for 30 minutes. If you do not reset the password in the allotted time, you will need to repeat the process.


Attention Parents- MIAA: Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has developed educational materials on opioid misuse prevention and is partnering with schools across the state to share this information with students, parents and school personnel. Because of the risk of injury and the subsequent need for pain management, student athletes may be at risk for opioid misuse. Check out this video with Dr. Ruth Potee, who guides athletes, parents, and coaches on how to treat sports injuries while reducing or eliminating the use of opioid-based pain relievers.




In the Classroom:

First Day of School:






Animal Science: Sophomore Equine Science class doing a lab on Biosecurity! #BAPRIDE






Ag Mec: Virtual reality welders at work! Nice work Elizabeth and Kristina! #BAPRIDE






Ocean Bowl:



Come on out and clean up a beach! Bristol Aggie will be participating in the International Coastal Cleanup through COASTSWEEP Mass. We will be picking up trash and debris on Saturday, September 21st, 10am-2pm at Horseneck Beach in Westport. You can meet us there or hop in the van at school at 9.15am. Help make the beaches safer and cleaner for humans and wildlife! Experience nature! Get a little exercise! For more information or to sign up, please contact Ms. Perry at eperry@bcahs.com. This event is open to the public, so bring your friends and family!


Message from the Cafe Staff:

Good day to all! I am sending this email 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

· French toast sticks, 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!!!

Stay “tuned” for our new lunch room “Play list.”

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.

As always, I welcome any and all suggestions. I am available from 7-3 every day or feel free to contact me at tvernazzaro@bcahs.com or you can reach me at X126.

Most importantly, if you have any dietary restrictions or concerns please let me know and I will make any accommodations that I can.

Have a nutritious day!

Theresa Vernazzaro

Food Service Manager


MSBA Week 2:




MSBA Our Future:







FFA:

Class of 2023: The Big E Permission slips were emailed to you. Again, space is limited. The first 50 completed forms with payment will hold spots. Visit the Bristol FFA website for access to the forms.

Contestants: The Big E and National Information is on the website as well. Please be sure that your paperwork for both events is returned.


The Week Ahead-B Week
  • Monday, September 2- No School- Labor Day
  • Tuesday, September 3
    • Assembly in the gym
  • Wednesday, September 4
  • Thursday, September 5
  • Friday, September 6










  • 8/30: No School
  • 9/2: No School (Labor day)
  • 9/3: No 5:00 Late Buses
  • 9/3: Lunch: Chicken Nuggets Or Grab n Go Options, Corn, Rainbow Rice, Fresh Garden Salad, Assorted Fresh & Canned Fruits

Wednesday, August 28, 2019


  • 8/29: There will be 5:00 late buses
  • 8/29: Today Girls Soccer vs Durfee scrimmage has been postponed
  • 8/29: Lunch: Back to School Cook-out, “Aggie” burgers, Hotdogs, Boston Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob, Grab n Go Options, Fresh Garden Salad, Assorted Fresh & Can Fruits
  • 8/30: No School

Tuesday, August 27, 2019


  • 8/28: There will be 5:00 Late buses
  • 8/28: Wednesdays Lunch: Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza, Or Grab n Go Options, Veggie Sticks, Fresh Garden Salad, Assorted Fresh & Can Fruits

Monday, August 26, 2019


  • 8/26: Welcome back Teachers
  • 8/27: 5:00 Late Buses
  • 8/27: Welcome back Students
  • 8/27: Lunch: Crunchy Chicken on a ww roll Or Grab n go Options, “Aggie Grows” summer salad, Fresh Garden Salad, Assorted Fresh & Canned Fruits
  • 8/29: Girls Soccer vs. Durfee (Scrimmage) Game time 4:00
  • 8/30: No School
  • 8/30: Volleyball vs. Westport (Scrimmage) Game time 10:00 

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Aggie Weekly- Summer Edition

Aggie Weekly

Good Morning Students, Parents, and Community Members: 

We hope this summer has been filled with rest, enjoyment, and an opportunity to set higher goals for you to achieve this year. We are looking forward to another successful school year! This summer has been quite busy with hiring new personnel, establishing new training for our staff, and looking at ways to improve student achievement.


Stay Connected! Stay Informed!

We have 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 today, we were able to sign up many parents to the new blog! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Braga (KBraga@bcahs.com).




Student Handbook Update: 2019 Handbook Changes

Lunch Schedule: We wanted to inform students of a change in lunch schedules. The time will the same, however, the lunches have flipped. We did this to help with the transition after Sophomore Related classes arriving late to 4th period.

  • 1st Lunch: Sophomores and Juniors
  • 2nd Lunch: Freshmen and Seniors




Freshman Academy: Click here to view the full story and purchase a photo

Each year, Mr. Higgins and upperclassmen student mentors coordinate a plan for Freshman Academy. The overall objective of the program is designed to ensure that students have a smooth transition into high school. Research states that transition from 8th to 9th grade, is one of the most difficult transitions for a student. Each day of the academy, students go through different icebreakers, team building activities, walking their schedule to build familiarity, open lockers, and what to expect at the Vo-Ag Pep Rally. On Monday, Mr. Higgins discussed expectations for student success in and out of the classroom. This year, Mr. Higgins wanted to add an additional personal touch and incorporated an email activity, which students emailed their teachers to introduce themselves and expressed their excitement for attending Bristol Aggie. We look forward to a successful year with our freshman.
































Additional Pictures from Freshman Academy:

Egg Drop









Marshmallow Tower
















Handshakes and Eye Contact













NRM Feature: Click here for the video


Giving bunnies a boost: Students further cottontail conservation

Students at Bristol County Agricultural High School are used to an out-of-the-ordinary educational experience. After all, “Bristol Aggie” offers programs in floriculture, animal science, and agricultural mechanics. The latest addition to its natural resource management curriculum, however, is rare indeed.

Bristol Aggie is the newest member of a partnership led by the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex to save the New England cottontail, the only rabbit native to the region. The species is at risk of being listed as endangered due to extensive loss of habitat.

Rabbit husbandry joins the eastern-Massachusetts school’s programs with at-risk Blanding’s turtle, wood turtle, and northern red-bellied cooter. With guidance from wildlife managers, students raise young New England cottontails to be released into the wild on Nomans Land Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The cross-generational project has been commended as a model of collaboration. Additional partners are MassWildlife, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and University of Rhode Island.

The students take their contribution to conservation seriously, and the value of participating in a real-life project isn’t lost on them. In their words:

“Every day, I tend to the rabbits to keep them safe and healthy. It is my responsibility to uphold our portion of the agreement…meaning I have to work closely with my classmates to ensure all of the rabbits in our care can be released back into the wild when the time comes.” -Serena Cornell

“It feels as if I’m bettering the future, and I get to be a part of something that I know will have a lasting impact.” -Mia Slater

“New England cottontail conservation is important to me because I care about preserving the environment for future generations and for the benefit of the species.” -Andrew Flory

“It is an incredible experience to be working with professional conservationists helping me learn with hands-on experiences that will later help me in the natural resource management field.” -Isabella Bartlett

While still in high school, these young people are working to ensure that New England cottontails will be around for generations to come.


Class of 2022 Fundraiser Result:




Attention Attleboro and South Attleboro Families:

In May 2019, BCAHS gave out information provided by Attleboro explaining that the Attleboro School Department is charging fees to ride Attleboro Buses. In addition, the Attleboro School Department has also advertised this change. Bristol County Agricultural High School Bus picks up Attleboro students at Attleboro High school in the morning only. If you are planning to have your child board the Attleboro Bus in the morning, as a means to get them to Attleboro High School, then you must contact the Attleboro School Department to arrange transportation. If you do not choose to use Attleboro’s transportation, then you must arrange transportation for your child to Attleboro High School. The bus stop is located at the Bus Loop at Attleboro High School also known as “The Pit.” It is imperative that you arrange this transportation immediately, as Attleboro High requires a bus pass to board their buses. The Attleboro High School has set deadlines for parent/guardians to apply for a bus pass. Please call your school department immediately.

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: Mrs. Bosworth, Large Animal Science
  • High School: Morgan High School, Clinton CT- Graduated in 2002
  • College: University of Connecticut and Lesley University (Master’s)
  • Hobbies: Horseback riding, chickens, pigs, growing basil, skiing
  • What is the 1 thing you want your students to know about you?
    • I became a teacher because I love helping people learn, especially if it is a subject they are passionate about. I strive to help my students realize, and then achieve their goals.
  • What is 1 thing you want your parents/community to know about you?
    • I see potential in every single student. I work hard to meet my students where they are in their educational process and then find the best way to help the excel and succeed.
  • What are you most excited about for the 2018-2019 school year?
    • I am so excited to be a part of the Bristol Aggie community! I can not wait to meet my students and get to know them. I am honored to work at a school that values creating a learning environment that so closely mimics what our students will see out in the agricultural industry - truly setting them up for success.

Name: Ms. Moriarty, Small Animal Science
  • High School: Sandwich High School- Graduated in 2003
  • College: University of Maine
  • Hobbies: I enjoy fishing, training my dog, cycling and playing with my kids!
  • What is the 1 thing you want your students to know about you?
    • When I was little, I was afraid of dogs! Despite this, my parents brought me to the animal shelter and proceeded to adopt a very large, fluffy mixed breed. Bear and I quickly became buddies and when he passed away, I was in middle school. I became very interested in what his illness was and why he died young. This was the beginning of my passion for animal science. Since then I have raised puppies for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, worked in shelters, went to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina for their rescue efforts and been a Veterinary Technician in an emergency animal hospital.
  • What is 1 thing you want your parents/community to know about you?
    • I am here for the students. I want them to leave my classroom with a passion for the subject so they want to continue their education or start a career in a science field.
  • What are you most excited about for the 2018-2019 school year?
    • Meeting the students of course! Also, I’m in charge of the Rabbit Hopping Competition at Fall Show; that’s the event I’m most excited about.
Name: Ms. Courville, School Nurse
  • High School: Somerset High School- Graduated in 1990
  • College: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  • Hobbies: I love hanging out with my son Ben. I love children of all ages and love to see them succeed. I will do anything I can to help anyone. I love to learn, anything. Reading books. Animals are also a love of mine. I have a dog and a cat. I look forward to learning my new role here at BA and I am excited and enthusiastic to begin!!
  • What is the 1 thing you want your students to know about you?
    • They can come to me, in confidence, with anything. I am part of a team and I am here to assist them with whatever they need.
  • What is 1 thing you want your parents/community to know about you?
    • I will treat your child as if my own. I am excited to start my new role as your school nurse at Bristol Aggie.
  • What are you most excited about for the 2018-2019 school year?
    • Learning my new role, meeting the staff and students!
  • Anything else you would like to add?
    • I am so excited to start!! This position is like a dream for me!
Name: Ms. Eddlem, Guidance Counselor
  • High School: Coyle and Cassidy High School- Graduated in 2013
  • College: Regis College and Bridgewater State University (Master’s)
  • Hobbies: Crafting, Escape rooms, Jigsaw puzzles
  • What is 1 thing you want your students to know about you?
    • One time I went fishing and we caught a dog. Ask me to tell you the story!
  • What is the 1 thing you want your parents/community to know about you?
    • I interned at Bristol Plymouth last year and learned a lot about vocational schools. I feel so blessed to be starting this year at Bristol Aggie!
  • What are you most excited about for the 2018-2019 school year?
    • Meeting my students!
  • Anything else you would like to add?
    • I know where all the best escape rooms are in the area. I’ve done 10 of them in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Opening Letter to Parents: Required forms are due Thursday, August 29, 2019

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 Thursday, August 29, 2019.

Enclosed you will find materials relating to your son or daughter's enrollment for the 2019-2020 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.

Hard Copy Forms Sent Home: WILL BE SENT HOME
Click Hyperlinks to view and then Sign Off Below (separate sheet) 

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:
Click Hyperlinks and Signoff Below: 

MSBA Expansion- Construction Update: Week 1 Update

BEFORE

















AFTER 1 WEEK









Athletics and Activities: We strongly encourage all students to take advantage of our after school activities and athletics. The start of the fall season begins on Friday, August 23rd. Anyone interested in joining an activity or sport, please click here for contact information.

1st Week of School-A Week
  • Monday, August 26- No School- Teachers 1st Day Back
  • Tuesday, August 27
  • Welcome Back Assembly- Meet in Gym
  • Wednesday, August 28
    • Girls Soccer vs Avon (HOME)
  • Thursday, August 29
    • 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
    • Scrimmage: Girls Soccer vs Durfee (Home) 4:00 pm
  • Friday, August 30- No School- Labor Day extended weekend
    • Scrimmage: Volleyball vs Westport (Home) 10:00 am

  Monday, April 8- Adam Sandler Day (Dress up as Adam Sandler, EX: baggy T-shirt, fake beard/stubble/mustache, sun glasses, etc) Weekly Asse...