Bristol County Agricultural High School: Aggie Weekly- September 11th

Good Morning Students, Parents, and Community Members:

Over the last two weeks, we have been working really hard (see photos below) to ensure that we have a successful school year. The Bristol Aggie family is committed to this school year and we will have 100% of our staff on site on day 1! As we look into the future, we cannot forget to remember that today is the 19th Anniversary of September 11th. Just as we felt (maybe not our students) on September 12, 2001 a need for us to come together as one, we feel the same sense of unity as this school year approaches. We will be looking for your continued support to make the 2020-2021 school year a successful experience for our students.

Virtual Town Hall: On Tuesday, September 15th at 5:00 pm, we will be hosting another Virtual Town Hall meeting to provide you with some updates to our Fall Reentry Plan. Some topics include:

Hybrid vs Full Virtual Learning

Guided Study Learning Expectations
Virtual Learning Expectations
Schedule

In-person and virtual day expectations
Lunch Schedule
Virtual PE Schedule

BCAHS Fall Reentry Plan (continuously updated)
Online shortages: Many districts nationwide are experiencing online shortages, please be patient as we go through this process.

First Day of School

Book returns from last year
Assigned seating
Signed syllabus

Transportation Update
Dining Services

How to use Zoom:

Go to. www.zoom.us At the top right of the screen, click "Join a Meeting"
You will need the following information to join the meeting:

Meeting ID: see email for details
Password: see email for details

You may be asked to create a username (if you do not have a Zoom account). This username is what will be displayed during our meeting.
On Tuesday, starting at 4:30 pm, the “Waiting Room” will open prior to the meeting getting started to help with the transition.
You can enable/disable video when entering the meeting (see below).
Upon entry everyone’s microphone will be muted during the meeting. Please ensure you are in a quiet room free from background noise (TVs, etc).
See below for helpful links

Event sponsorship Opportunities are available visit www.bristolaggie.org.

We have been busy preparing for our kids! Between the administration and Bristol Aggie’s finest, we were able to provide internal professional development to prepare us for our students both in hybrid and remote. Check out some of the pictures below!

Ms. Costa providing Social-Emotional Learning Training

Ms. Szurley providing QR code training (Student Sign Out Sheet)

Mr. Costa providing Interactive Whiteboard Training

Mrs. Noel providing integrated technology and formative assessment training

Mr. McKeen is providing PD on how to increase engagement on the interactive boards

Mr. Higgins providing virtual breakout rooms for collaboration

FREE Virtual Resource for ALL Caretakers

STARTING Tuesday September 15!!!!!

Parents Supporting Parents (PSP)

We recognize what a challenging time this is. There is still much uncertainty and many challenges as the school year begins in whatever form your school district has chosen (hybrid, remote, etc.). We know that parents and caretakers are under tremendous pressure! We also know that caretakers are creative, resilient problem-solvers. The BRYT Family Engagement Team invites you to participate in our weekly Parents Supporting Parents group where parents can get & receive support from each other.

*** The purpose of these groups is to give parents an opportunity to give and receive support to each other. PSP groups are not designed to supplement mental health treatment. ***

Please join us every week for PARENTS SUPPORTING PARENTS. Simply click the link and join the Zoom meeting. All are welcome so please share with family and friends.

TUESDAYS AT 7:00 PM, CLICK HERE PASSWORD: PARENTS
WEDNESDAYS AT 7:30 PM CLICK HERE, PASSWORD: PARENTS
THURSDAYS AT 12:00 PM, CLICK HERE PASSWORD: P2PGROUP!

*** Confidentiality Agreement*** In order to create a safe space for all we ask that by participating in a group you are acknowledging to also keep all information including names, schools, etc. confidential.

College Fairs

Since college visits will be difficult to schedule like a normal school year please take the opportunity to attend a virtual college fair held by the National Association of College Admission Counseling. The next two dates are this Sunday, September 13 and Monday, October 12. Over 600 colleges and universities will be in attendance and it all can be done from the comfort of your own home! Check out this weekend’s list of schools in attendance on the picture below.

** Please make sure Physical Exams and Immunization records are up to date. Physical Exams are good for 13 months from the date completed. If you have any questions feel free to call Chris Courville, RN @ 508-669-6744 ext 115 or email ccourville@bcahs.com

** For students who take Prescription medication at school- please call to arrange drop off time prior to the start of school. A new doctor’s order is needed for every school year. Last year’s order will not be valid. Doctor’s offices can fax orders to 508-669-4079

** Please email consent to administer OTC medication, ie Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

** Hand hygiene is critical. Students and staff are required to exercise hand hygiene (hand washing or sanitizing) upon arrival to school, before eating, before putting on and taking off masks, and before dismissal. DPH guidance can be located at:

https://www.mass.gov/doc/handwashingsanitizer-guidance/download

** Handwashing removes pathogens from the surface of the hands. While handwashing with soap and water is the best option, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent ethanol or at least 70 percent isopropanol) may be utilized when hand washing is not available. CDC. (2020).

Hand Hygiene Recommendations. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/hand-hygiene.html

Influenza Vaccine Requirement for School Attendance

Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, influenza vaccine will be required for all students. Influenza vaccine is always important to receive to reduce the risk of getting sick with influenza, reduce the severity of disease if one does get sick (including the risk of hospitalization) due to influenza, as well as preventing the spread of influenza to others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine will be especially critical to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population, protect vulnerable populations from severe illness, and decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system.

Which students need to receive the influenza vaccine?

Students in Kindergarten – Grade 12 will be required to receive influenza vaccine for the current influenza season for school attendance unless they have a medical or religious exemption.

When do students need to receive the influenza vaccine?

Students must receive influenza vaccine for the current season by December 31, 2020.

Are there any exemptions to receiving influenza vaccine?

Medical and religious exemptions are allowable in the state of Massachusetts.

GSA: First meeting of the GSA will be Wednesday, September 23rd! All are welcome!

MSBA Update: The progress has been incredible since the last time we had our students on site. Each week we include a #RealityvsRendering from the same perspective.