Bristol County Agricultural High School: Aggie Weekly- March 13th

Good Afternoon Students, Parents, and Community Members:
This week we carefully monitored COVID-19 to ensure we kept our school community informed about what we were doing to keep our students safe during this world wide epidemic. We continue to monitor the situation and will keep our school community informed of any information that we receive. Please see below (which was also sent yesterday) the letter sent home from Superintendent Sands and the Dighton Board of Health.

Update:

Monday, March 16th: Bristol County Agricultural High School will be open on Monday, March 16th. This situation is fluid. If anything changes, we will contact you immediately.
District Closings: If your district is closed and there is no transportation, you will be required to provide your own transportation to your Bristol Aggie connecting stop or to Bristol Aggie directly.
Cleaning: We have a team that is sanitizing and cleaning our school. Each classroom has been provided with clorox wipes to help clean devices, desks, and all other surfaces. In addition, our facilities team has been on a schedule to provide regular disinfecting through an electromagnetic fogging machine.
Athletics: The MIAA made the decision to delay the start of the 2020 spring season to March 30th. This means that tryouts will now start on Monday, March 30th. Any student who is after school and is not with a teacher, will need to be in the gym.
Field Trips: All field trips will be evaluated on an individual basis, but primarily will be cancelled or rescheduled for a later date.
Morning Assemblies: Today, Governor Baker banned all gatherings more than 250 people, therefore, there will be no school assemblies until further notice.
PTO Family Fun Night: The Annual Family Fun Night on Friday, March 27th has been cancelled.
Talent Show: The annual Talent Show on Wednesday, April 1st has been cancelled.
MCAS: Currently sophomore MCAS is still scheduled to take place on March 24th and 25th.
Attendance: Commissioner Riley communicated a determination regarding student attendance, which has led to some confusion. Chronic absenteeism is a metric that is used by DESE to determine school and district accountability ratings. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, which is 18 days over a 180 day school year. This year, DESE will not track chronic absenteeism beyond this point only for school and district accountability purposes. DESE has reaffirmed to school districts that attendance must be collected and reported each day. Local school policies regarding attendance as described in the student handbooks are still in place; student attendance is still be recorded each day. We understand that parents and guardians will make decisions based on what you believe is best for the health and well-being of your child. In the event that we decide to cancel school, please plan accordingly.
Last Day of School/Makeup Days: To date we have had one snow day, which brings our 180th school day to Tuesday, June 16th. In the event that we will have multiple cancellations, we will be required by DESE to make up missed days of school through Friday, June 19, 2020, in the event of multiple cancellations.
Traveling: Be advised that if you travel to an area that has a higher travel risk, your child may be asked to be self quarantined for a minimum of 14 days.

Message from the Attorney General’s Office: AG’S OFFICE ISSUES GUIDANCE ON CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES, WARNS OF CONSUMER SCAMS

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey is warning Massachusetts residents to be on alert for individuals and businesses that may try to take advantage of uncertainty about the coronavirus.

“Fears about the coronavirus are on the rise and so are those looking to capitalize on uncertainty about its impact in Massachusetts,” said AG Healey. “We want consumers to be vigilant when it comes to fraud and abuse and encourage everyone to learn how to protect themselves from scams and use our office as a resource.”

The AG’s Office encourages residents to follow these tips:

Beware of false and misleading information: Visit reputable sources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cdc.gov_&d=DwMFaQ&c=lDF7oMaPKXpkYvev9V-fVahWL0QWnGCCAfCDz1Bns_w&r=d4KlUW8E4Owbvgts4XNr278j9Ljs0SPEWwL9Fd9aLN4&m=JAC5Dekecr0mbg3eBmZMUPD48JrgK16l0vuY9EqDz4k&s=JUmKKS5Ca_PvbPlDxMhaT-qrnodNGYZDb6PzwARI4Zo&e=>, the World Health Organization<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.who.int_&d=DwMFaQ&c=lDF7oMaPKXpkYvev9V-fVahWL0QWnGCCAfCDz1Bns_w&r=d4KlUW8E4Owbvgts4XNr278j9Ljs0SPEWwL9Fd9aLN4&m=JAC5Dekecr0mbg3eBmZMUPD48JrgK16l0vuY9EqDz4k&s=MWJP0BLdZQTR06aibVeWegGgEPl5wyPRHR-iTeijRAU&e=>, or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health<https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health> for updates on the coronavirus and its impact in Massachusetts and beware of untrustworthy sources that might be spreading false information.

Stay home if you’re sick: Most workers in Massachusetts have the right to earn and use up to 40 hours of job-protected sick time per year. Under state laws, workers must earn at least one hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Learn more about your right to paid sick time on the AG’s website<https://www.mass.gov/info-details/earned-sick-time#overview->. If you think your employer is violating the earned sick time law, call the AG’s Fair Labor Division at 617-727-3465 or file a complaint online<https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-workplace-complaint>.

Get help with health insurance questions: If you have a problem with health insurance claims or medical bills or think you might be the victim of a scam, the AG’s Health Care Division<https://www.mass.gov/health-care-resources-at-the-attorney-generals-office> may be able to help. Call our helpline with questions or complaints at 1-888-830-6277.

Watch out for high-priced or low-quality products: Media reports have suggested prices are increasing on products like hand sanitizer and face masks. The AG’s Office encourages the public to read health recommendations from the CDC<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cdc.gov_coronavirus_2019-2Dncov_about_prevention-2Dtreatment.html&d=DwMFaQ&c=lDF7oMaPKXpkYvev9V-fVahWL0QWnGCCAfCDz1Bns_w&r=d4KlUW8E4Owbvgts4XNr278j9Ljs0SPEWwL9Fd9aLN4&m=JAC5Dekecr0mbg3eBmZMUPD48JrgK16l0vuY9EqDz4k&s=5umkFhVI4ZbQm3XDxcPVEySwbtPg6_iLDciTo6G4nLs&e=> when deciding whether a purchase is necessary. Research before you make a purchase, only buy from reputable companies, and don’t pay an unfair price for something you may not need. Report instances of what seem like unreasonably high prices or defective products to the AG’s Consumer Protection Division at 617-727-8400.

Don’t trust anyone offering vaccinations or other treatments: There is currently no vaccine for the coronavirus. The AG’s Office stresses that the public should ignore online offers for vaccinations, medicine, and other treatments. If you are unsure about a product, check with your doctor before you buy it.

Consider seeking a refund for cancelled travel: The CDC has issued guidance<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cdc.gov_coronavirus_2019-2Dncov_travelers_index.html&d=DwMFaQ&c=lDF7oMaPKXpkYvev9V-fVahWL0QWnGCCAfCDz1Bns_w&r=d4KlUW8E4Owbvgts4XNr278j9Ljs0SPEWwL9Fd9aLN4&m=JAC5Dekecr0mbg3eBmZMUPD48JrgK16l0vuY9EqDz4k&s=kIeaxiITs46vwsAfEKYY7V_as8b_spDCSjOFKctKMYw&e=> for travelers inquiring about upcoming travel to certain countries with a high number of coronavirus cases. Many airlines and travel companies have cancelled trips to prevent the spread of the virus, and consumers may be eligible for refunds. Check with your airline or travel company about getting a refund and file a complaint<https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-consumer-complaint> with the AG’s Office if you’re having trouble getting your money back. We may be able to provide assistance.

Be on alert for scams: The AG’s Office warns that scammers may try to steal your money and information by sending phony communications via phone calls, emails, and texts. If a stranger claiming to be an expert on coronavirus contacts you, ignore them. Double-check links in emails and texts before you click on them, and don’t open anything from an unfamiliar sender. Consumers should report scammers<https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-consumer-complaint> to the AG’s Office.

Look out for unauthorized or fraudulent charities or solicitations: If you would like to donate to a charity focused on addressing the coronavirus, do your homework to maximize your contribution. Make sure you verify that the charity is legitimate, donate by check or credit card and not by cash, and don’t be pressured into making a contribution. Visit the AG’s giving wisely webpage<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/giving-wisely-to-charity> for more information.

The AG’s Office encourages anyone with questions or concerns to call the AG’s consumer hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint<https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-consumer-complaint> online.

MSBA Building Project Update: On Friday, students had the opportunity to test out future student chairs. Each student was given the opportunity to sit in each seat and cast a vote for their favorite. The winner was #2 with 55% of the vote

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 or Ms. Costa 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. Those schools that have an asterisk following them have been confirmed as schools that our senior will be enrolling in Fall 2020.

Hannah Araujo

Rivier University, Nashua, NH
Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI

Jos’ee Audet

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA*

Aidyn Baresel-Haskell

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA*

Alexus Borges

University of Northwestern Ohio, Lima, OH

Jaeden Brasidio

Universal Technical Institute, Exton, PA*

Madison Campbell

Becker College, Leicester, MA*
Barry University, Miami Shores, FL
Curry College, Milton, MA
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA
Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI

Trevor Clapp

University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH*

Gabriella Costa

University of Findlay, Findlay, OH
SUNY Morrisville, Morrisville, NY
Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY
Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI
Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY*
Lake Erie College, Painesville, OH
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
UMaine, Orono, ME
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

Isabella Costa

Becker College, Leicester, MA
Plymouth State University - Plymouth, NH
UMaine, Orono, ME
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI
Salve Regina University, Newport, MA
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

Mollie Coyne

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, VA
Quinnipiac College, Hamden, CT
Westfield State University, Westfield, MA
University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME
University of New England, Biddeford, ME
UMaine Farmington, Farmington, ME

Emma Darling

Kentucky Horseshoeing School, Richmond, KY

Trent George

UMaine at Machias, Machias, ME

Skyler Harper

UMaine, Orono, ME
Becker College, Leicester, MA
Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
University of Rhode Island, South Kingstown, RI

Meaghan Herlihy

Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
UMaine, Orono, ME

Samantha Holden

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY
Curry College, Milton, MA

Hannah Johnson

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA*
Anna Maria College - Paxton, MA
Lesley University - Cambridge, MA

Amanda Jordan

Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH
Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

Arianna Lachance

Becker College, Leicester, MA

Kaci Leonard

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA*

Darcey McMahon

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

Savanah Moniz

Becker College, Leicester, MA

Reilley Moreira

Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI

Sabina Myers

Becker College, Leicester, MA
Husson University, Bangor, ME

Samantha Pompeo

Curry College, Milton, MA

Quinn Prejsnar

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA

Abigail Rebello

Stetson University, DeLand, FL
Rollins College, Winter Park, FL*

Wyatt Rego

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA*

Elizabeth Roderick

Becker College, Leicester, MA
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
UMaine, Orono, ME

Kiley Rose

Elizabeth Ross

Becker College, Leicester, MA
University of Rhode Island, South Kingstown, RI

Savannah Salvador

Westfield State University, Westfield, MA*

Jacob Santos

SUNY Cobleskill, Cobleskill, NY

Hope Siddall

University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
UMaine, Orono, ME
SUNY Cobleskill, Cobleskill, NY

Hannah Smith

UMaine, Orono, ME
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA

Aaliyah Soto

Curry College, Milton, MA
Plymouth State University - Plymouth, NH
Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smiths, NY
University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT
Merrimack College, North Andover, MA
Becker College, Leicester, MA
Westfield State University, Westfield, MA

Briana Viau

Dean College, Franklin, MA

Samantha Wheaton

Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smiths, NY*
Unity College, Unity, ME

Don’t miss out!

Keep checking the list for updates.

Click Here to view available scholarships.

We wanted to create an online Student Job posting to help you get started. Please click the link(s) below to view the job posting(s).

Acushnet:

Diamond in the Ruff Grooming

Easton:

Fairway Landscape Group, LLC

Middleboro:

Hawkswood Farm

North Attleboro:

NaturaLawn of America & Mosquito Ranger (updated 3/3/20)

Norton:

Stone Dog Inn & Spaw

Somerset:

Somerset Baseball League (new posting 3/3/20)

Swansea:

Yard Help Wanted

From the Nurse’s Office

Attention Seniors: Scholarship Opportunity

FFA: Due to the changing situation with COVID-19, and taking statewide school responses to the situation into consideration, the State FFA Association has made the decision to postpone the 2020 State FFA Convention. The new dates for convention will be May 4 - 6th. As you can imagine, it is quite a complex and momentous undertaking to move a convention of that size and any additional information will be released as it is available. For now, everything (times, schedules, etc) is staying the same.

You might notice that these dates back up to the school's FFA Banquet. The new date for the FFA Banquet will be May 20 and again, more information will be made available as that time approaches.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. VanRotz or Ms. Blanchette.

Student Leaders

Working with Marion Institute, Bristol Aggie students took over the 3rd Grade classes at Irwin M. Jacobs Elementary School in New Bedford to teach students about agriculture. These young future agriculturalists learned about eggs, flowers, and pollinators through hands-on activities. The students enjoyed making sunflowers out of construction paper and plates, investigating hard boiled eggs to locate all the parts, and flying around as bees visiting flowers to collect nectar and pollen. #BApride #FFA #Agriculture #agliteracy

In the Classroom:

Ag Mechanics: On Thursday, Ag Mechanics students were fixing our shed applying new cedar shingles. #BAPRIDE

Flori: On Thursday, Mrs. Fornari's students were working on a design for the Attleboro Flower Show at the Attleboro Art Museum. #BAPRIDE

Summer Academy

Bristol County Agricultural High School is excited to offer two 4-day sessions of our Summer Academy in 2020. (Session I: July 20-23 and Session II: July 27-July 30). 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:

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 ALLDAY2020 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 Questions? Email Kbraga@bcahs.com

2020-2021 School Calendar