Aggie Weekly-February 17th

Good Afternoon Students, Parents, and Community Members:

This week’s HIGH 5 CLUB Senior of the Week-SYDNEY HIGSON

Freshman Acceptance: On Monday, we welcomed our first 100 students for the Class of 2027. It’s the first time we accepted students this early and we used this event as an opportunity for our incoming freshmen to build relationships and as well as a meet and greet session with parents.  We appreciate everyone’s support to make the event a success. Click here to see all the                                            photos from Acceptance Night #BAPride 

Student Assembly: On Wednesday, we hosted KW Diversity’s Dr. Wornum and Jason Cross to speak with our students about microaggressions and implicit bias. 

Valentine’s Day-We would like to THANK our PTO for bringing goodies to our staff on Tuesday. We have the best PTO EVER! 

Ryan Miranda – Bristol County Agricultural High School-Click here for the official article

Bristol Aggie facilities leader gives back with expansion project

• Written by: David Harry

• Produced by: Matthew Warner & Kirk Dyson

• Estimated reading time: 5 mins

How many U.S high schools have automatic battery-operated bathroom faucets that recharge when people wash their hands? Now, how many of those schools have robotics to milk cows?

Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton, Massachusetts, can boast of both—and more—thanks to a $104 million campus renovation and expansion that was nearing completion as Ryan Miranda chatted with Blueprint in December 2022.

Miranda, Class of 1996 and the school’s director of facilities, managed the extensive project, which included renovating and expanding Gilbert Hall, the school’s original building. The school also renovated its Agricultural Mechanics Building and built the Center for Science and the Environment, Student Commons, a Landscape and Arbor Building and a Dairy Barn.

The projects have earned LEED Gold certifications for sustainability and energy efficiency—and the robotics in the Dairy Barn have increased the milk yield and quality.

And Miranda can’t imagine a better way to give back to his alma mater.

“I came in as a troubled youth and I left with a vision of what I wanted to do,” he says. “The teachers I had weren’t afraid to help guide my life. It started the dream to come back and use the tools and education I got here.”

A tradition and a vision

Miranda returned to Bristol Aggie as facilities director in 2012 after working in construction, including on high rise buildings, in the Boston area. He now leads a facilities team of 14 from forepersons to custodians.

“The continual need for agriculture and education, and the passion to impart the historical value of Bristol Aggie, was my motivation and platform to produce the best quality facility for students to learn,” he says. “The faculty and staff were all extremely flexible throughout the process. Their cooperation made it all possible.”

He also credits Bristol Aggie Superintendent Derek Costa and Assistant Superintendent and Principal Kevin Braga—along with Bristol County commissioners and board members—for providing the vision for upgrading the school while staying true to its tradition.

Bristol County Agricultural High School was founded by the state legislature in 1912 and opened in 1913. The school is a rarity—it’s one of five agricultural high schools in the U.S. and one of three in the Bay State.

Bristol Aggie serves 33 cities towns (as well more throughout the Commonwealth) with programs in animal science, agricultural mechanics and diesel technology, floriculture, arboriculture, landscape design and contracting, and natural resource management—which was just expanded to include environmental engineering. The campus renovations and additions enable an increase in capacity from 450 to 640 students.

Setting new standards

The Massachusetts School Building Authority funded $50.5 million of the project cost with the remainder paid for by participating communities. Bristol Aggie hired HMFH Architects and Gilbane Building Co. to design the new buildings and renovations and manage construction.

The design phase lasted two years as HMFH created stakeholder groups of administrators, faculty, students and community members to learn more about the school’s vision, buildings and setting.

Construction on the new 74,000-square-foot Center for Science and the Environment began in 2018. Along with automated and rechargeable faucets, features that have earned it LEED Gold certification include triple-paned windows that prevent heat loss and block ultraviolet rays from getting into the building. Automated HVAC and lighting controls can shut off lights and reduce heating and cooling to unoccupied rooms. Rooftop solar cells provide power, while compostable toilets reduce water use and a rooftop rain-collection system feeds agitation to the North Campus.

After the science building was completed in January 2021, work began on the new Student Commons, which contains a kitchen, cafeteria, media center and second-floor conference center. According to HMFH, the timber-frame design is a low-carbon alternative construction method. The Student Commons also has triple-paned windows and automated building systems controls.

While the Student Commons was under construction, renovations also began on the Agricultural Mechanics Building. Work there included adding a 20-foot-wide and 16-foot-tall garage door to accommodate repairing large farm equipment. Also, eight booths were added to the welding and metal fabrication area as its ventilation system was improved.

Artifacts and robots

In 2020, renovations began on the 75,000-square-foot Gilbert Hall, the original Bristol Aggie building. The new windows and systems controls highlight efforts to get the building LEED Gold certification, Miranda says.

He adds cleaning out the century-old attic uncovered artifacts and documents that can be displayed in a small museum HFMH designed for the building.

Classes were shifted to the new Center for Science and the Environment during Gilbert Hall renovations. Students and faculty returned in fall 2021 to an expanded building with a new entrance way, classrooms, administrative space, two gymnasiums and an indoor climbing area.

Then the cows came home—to a new Dairy Barn with solar panels that help make it net zero for carbon emissions and power the robotic milkers. Miranda says it took about four weeks to get the herd used to the automated milking parlor but now cows are milked as many as four times per day.

“The herdsmen, the farm foreman, department teachers and administrators—all of them had a hand in making sure the transition was a successful one,” Miranda reflects.

The project was about 98 percent complete in December 2022—Miranda says he was working down the punch list for finishing work while also guiding representatives from county towns around campus. Earlier in the fall, Bristol Aggie resumed its annual fall show and open house. The event typically draws as many as 4,000 people—in 2022, he says about 7,000 people came out.

While crediting the Bristol County residents and commissioners for supporting Bristol Aggie’s transformation, Miranda adds a personal touch—his family endured the long hours he put in and as students at the school, his children added their own ideas to the project.

“This project has been the center of my life for the past four years,” Miranda says. “I’ve been honored to be cog in the wheel of the process that required amazing teamwork from everyone on campus. All the administration team and the building committee spent countless hours to make it all happen.”

Student Services

ATTENTION SENIORS

High School Seniors residing in Taunton, Raynham, Berkley or Dighton, who are pursuing a career in business or a related industry, may be eligible to apply for the Charles E. Volkmann Future Leaders Scholarship. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Recipients will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Awards event on April 27th at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center. Application deadline is March 1st so don’t delay!Fill out application by clicking here

VOAG Volleyball Tournament: Each year before February break, the junior and senior VOAG gym classes participate in a volleyball tournament.  This year the Polo Fan Club won the championship! Congratulations and thank you for the support from students.  

 

Sophia Anger 

• Lamar Community College, Lamar, CO

Angelina Araujo 

• Auburn University at Montgomery, Montgomery, AL

• Baker University, Baldwin City, KS

• Catawba College, Salisbury, NC

• College of Idaho, Caldwell, ID

• Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA

• Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ

• Hendrix College, Conway, AR

• Johnson and Wales University, Charlotte, NC

• Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, NC

• Marshall University, Huntington, WV

• Oakland University, Rochester, MI

• Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH

• Piedmont University, Demorest, GA

• Regis University, Denver, CO

• Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL

• Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL

• Thiel College, Greenville, PA

• University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK

• University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT

Nicholas Baker

• Norwich University, Northfield, VT

Sarah Bergeron

• Assumption University, Worcester, MA 

• Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

• Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO*

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

Brennan Bingham

• Paul Smith's College. Paul Smith’s, NY

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

Madison Bosse

• Assumption University, Worcester, MA 

• Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

• Curry College, Milton, MA

• Franklin Pierce University, West Lebanon, NH

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA

• Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH

• Rivier University, Nashua, NH

• Saint Joseph's College of Maine, Standish, ME

• Southern New Hampshire University. Manchester, NH

• University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME

Aidan Camara 

• Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA

Lyn Corbett

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA

Lexi Dicorpo 

• Assumption University, Worcester, MA 

• Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA

• Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, PA

• Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

Margaret Graham

• SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY

• Union College, Schenectady, NY

• University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA

Rachel Harrington

• Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

• University of New England, Biddeford, ME

Jade Holmes

• Northeastern University, Boston, MA*

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

• University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA

• University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH

• University of Rhode Island, Kingston, MA

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA

Emma Jamrin

• Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA*

• Fisher College, Boston, MA

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA

• Suffolk University, Boston, MA

Emma Lasson 

• Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, PA

• Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, NC

• Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY

• Mitchell College, New London CT, 

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

Olivia Leighton 

• Saint Joseph’s College, Standish, ME

• SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

• University of New England, Biddeford, ME

• Western Colorado University, Gunnison, CO

Christopher Mahoney 

• Universal Technical Institute, Orlando, FL

Karolina Majkut

• Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA

• Paul Smith's College. Paul Smith’s, NY

• Salem State University, Salem, MA

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

Alex Mackay

• Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA

• Salem State University, Salem, MA

Sarah Manoli 

• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA

Bridgette Perry

• Bryant University, Smithfield, RI

• Merrimack College, North Andover, MA

• Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA

• Westfield State University, Westfield, MA*

Addisyn Petrulli

• Eckerd College, St.Petersburg, FL

• University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Benjamin Quintin

• Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA

• Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

• Gordon College, Wenham, MA

• Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI

• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA

Vivian Rivera 

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

Elaina Savage

• Paul Smith's College. Paul Smith’s, NY

Taylor Sirois 

• Paul Smith's College. Paul Smith’s, NY

• University of Massachusetts Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture Amherst, MA

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

• University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH

Marissa Vaquero

• Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA

• Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

• Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI

• Simmons University, Boston, MA

• University of Maine, Orono, ME

• Worcester State University, Worcester, MA

Help Support Our Senior Class Fundraiser - Click on the Photo and Use Code NDR7546 to Purchase Online! Ends at 7pm tonight! 

OPENINGS/VACANCIES

VETERINARY ANIMAL SCIENCE DEPT CHAIR

Apply www.schoolspring.com (Job ID:4091353)

Start Date: Immediately

BACKGROUND: 

Veterinarians work at animal hospitals and clinics but may also work as a staff Veterinarian at a zoo, ranch, farm, stable, aquarium or laboratory to provide routine animal care. They are experts in diseases that impact animals and use their knowledge of animal anatomy to identify and correct health issues. Veterinarians develop care plans for animals and teach pet owners how to help their animal recover. They order lab tests, assist in births, perform dental cleanings and tooth extractions, stitch up wounds and cure infections among other procedures. Veterinarians may also perform humane euthanizations and comfort grieving pet owners.

VETERINARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide veterinary medical clinical care under the terms of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) to teaching program animals and patients seen in our community practice clinic.

2. Apply current standards of care in veterinary medicine to diagnose and treat sick or injured animals in our teaching programs and patients seen in our community practice clinic.

3. Perform basic soft tissue, orthopedic, and dental surgical procedures at our on-campus facility.

4. Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, dressing wounds, performing surgery and setting bones.   This will include animals on campus as well as patients from within our community.  

5. Educate the public about diseases and infections that are transferable from animals to humans 

6. Promote the health and wellness of animals by advising animal owners about sanitation measures, feeding and general care

7. Record actions by documenting and updating forms, reports, animal records and reporting diseases to public health officials

8. Ensure compliance with veterinary procedures, ethics, policies and relevant statutes

9. Operate diagnostic equipment and interpret the resulting images

10. Establish or carry out quarantine or testing procedures that combat the spread of diseases to humans or to other animals according to established government regulations

11. Humanely euthanize animals in situations they see fit such as in the case of a terminal illness.

12. Oversee the overall operation and management of the Veterinary Science Center

13. Responsible for overseeing the safety, and compliance with all state and federal regulations in regard to drug storage

VETERINARY SCIENCE DEPT CHAIR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Teach the Animal Science curriculum and supervise students as per teaching schedule and contract. Duties may include teaching a variety of Animal Science courses and/or managing various Animal Science species, lab areas, livestock/dairy barn or Veterinary Science Center on campus.  

2. Develop lessons, demonstrations, quizzes, labs, and tests using formative and summative assessment methods to ensure student growth.

3. Provide a safe school learning environment by way of supervision and support of all students.

4. Keep accurate records of student progress utilizing required data systems and reporting methods as instructed by administration.

5. Use and integrate technology for the purpose of communication, grading, instruction, and curriculum development.

6. Assume responsibilities and duties assigned to teachers as per teacher contract.

7. Assist the Vocational Coordinator in co-op placement

8. Demonstrate knowledge of current state and national standards, frameworks, and other curriculum-specific requirements.

9. Collaborating with community partners, higher education institutions, and local industry.

10. Provide differentiated instruction to adapt curriculum to the needs of each student.

11. Comply with all accommodations and modifications as required by Individualized Education Plans and 504 Plans.

12. Establish and maintain protocols to ensure compliance with student handbooks and demonstrate effective classroom management.

13. Assist students in preparing for FFA activities in the vocational area. 

14. Participate in advisory (vocational), departmental, and faculty meetings.

15. To organize and co-chair Program Advisory meetings of the department.

16. To submit all department purchase order requests.

17. To submit all department facility maintenance requests.

18. To hold department meetings with the cooperating teacher(s) in their program and related classes. 

19. To prepare and submit a budget request for their department each year.

20. To keep accurate inventory of all department equipment.

21. To upkeep and maintain department equipment and facilities.

22. To actively participate and cooperate in a positive manner in the yearly “Fall Show.” 

23. To develop and maintain relationships with businesses related industries to keep the program division current with industry standards.

24. To supervise students working on school grounds and those participating in the “Early Release” Cooperative Education Program.

25. To take all reasonable steps necessary to insure the safe and efficient operations of their department.

26. Abide by school operating procedures and policies.

27. Cooperate with staff members for the purpose of scheduling and placement of students.

28. Works in collaboration with the Animal Science Department Chair to build vocational programming.  

29. Assume all other responsibilities identified in the collective bargaining agreement and/or as assigned by the school administration.

30. Procure animals and equipment as deemed necessary to accommodate all aspects of the animal science program. 

.4 ANIMAL SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR (Full Time SY 2023-2024)

(Vet Technician-UPDATED)

Apply www.schoolspring.com (Job ID:4105758)

Start Date: April 2023 (Spring)-Full Time SY 23-24

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Teach the Animal Science curriculum and supervise students as per teaching schedule and contract. Duties may include teaching a variety of Animal Science courses and/or managing various Animal Science species, lab areas, livestock/dairy barn or veterinary clinic on campus.  

2. Develop lessons, demonstrations, quizzes, labs, and tests using formative and summative assessment methods to ensure student growth.

3. Provide a safe school learning environment by way of supervision and support of all students.

4. Keep accurate records of student progress utilizing required data systems and reporting methods as instructed by administration.

5. Use and integrate technology for the purpose of communication, grading, instruction, and curriculum development.

6. Assume responsibilities and duties assigned to teachers as per teacher contract.

7. Assist the Vocational Coordinator and Department Chair in co-op placement

8. Demonstrate knowledge of current state and national standards, frameworks, and other curriculum-specific requirements.

9. Provide differentiated instruction to adapt curriculum to the needs of each student.

10. Comply with all accommodations and modifications as required by Individualized Education Plans and 504 Plans.

11. Establish and maintain protocols to ensure compliance with student handbook and demonstrate effective classroom management.

12. Assist students in preparing for FFA activities in the vocational area. 

13. Participate in advisory (vocational), departmental, and faculty meetings.

14. Assist Department Chair with any duties and tasks needed to improve curriculum.

15. Abide by school operating procedures and policies.

16. Cooperate with staff members for the purpose of scheduling and placement of students.

17. Assume all other responsibilities identified in the collective bargaining agreement and/or as assigned by the school administration.

18. Procure animals and equipment as deemed necessary to accommodate all aspects of the animal science program. 

Here is the link for more information: http://www.walden.org/education/essay-contest/

Contestants are asked to write a thoughtful essay that uses personal experience and observation to demonstrate how that year’s quotation and prompt relate to their own lives and to the world around them.

Clubs and Activities

The Week Ahead-VACATION! Woohoo! 

The Week After Break- A WEEK

• Monday, February 27

• Assembly @ 8:10 (gym)

• EXTENDS @ 2:45 RM1105

• Late Bus at 5:00 (Gilbert Hall)

• Tuesday, February 28

• NO LATE BUSES

• Wednesday, March 1

• Late Bus at 5:00 (Gilbert Hall)

• Thursday, March 2-Early Release

• Period 1: 8:10-8:59 

• Period 2: 9:01-9:50 

• Period 3: 9:52-10:38 

• Period 4: 10:40-12:02 

• 1st Lunch: 10:38-11:04 

• 2nd Lunch: 11:07-11:33

• 3rd Lunch:  11:36-12:02

• Friday, March 3

• NO LATE BUSES