Good Afternoon Students, Parents, and Community Members:

This week’s HIGH 5 CLUB Senior of the Week-KEEGAN CARR

MCAS TESTING- SOPHOMORE ELA

Dear Parents/Guardians for the Class of 2025:

The administration and faculty at Bristol County Agricultural High School are about to administer the state-wide testing program, the MCAS. The MCAS tests will be administered to our current tenth grade students on the following dates:

ELA: March 28th & 29th, make up dates of March 30th & March 31st
Mathematics: May 16th & 17th, make up dates of May 18th & May 19th

All tenth graders will be participating in this testing. Any students who are absent for a testing session will be required to take the missed test during a make-up session. Students should plan to complete make-up testing on the following:

Make-Up ELA: March 30th & March 31st
Make-Up Math: May 18th & May 19th

MCAS test results will be used to determine student eligibility for a high school diploma. Students who are members of the graduating Class of 2025 are required to pass the Grade 10 MCAS English Language Arts test, and the Grade 10 MCAS Mathematics test, as well as meeting all local graduation requirements in order to receive a high school diploma. Therefore, it is to his/her/their benefit to perform the best he/she/they can on these tests. The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery are given to high school students who perform exceptionally well on each of the MCAS exams and would give the students the opportunity for reduced tuition at a Massachusetts state college or university.

We strongly encourage consistent attendance during the assigned MCAS testing days, urge your child to eat a nutritious breakfast on the days of testing, and suggest your child gets as much sleep as possible on the nights prior to the tests enabling them to concentrate more effectively, settle down quickly, and be alert maximizing their chances of success. All students on the mornings of testing will be given a complimentary breakfast in the classroom before testing starts. Students should report to their assigned classrooms when arriving at school. If you anticipate your child will be out due to illness please contact the main office as soon as possible.

If you have any additional questions and would like to speak with us, please feel free to reach out by email bsylvia@bcahs.com. Thank you for your help and cooperation.

QUARTER 3 EXAM SCHEDULE

Freshman Period 5 Exam will take place on Tuesday, March 28th (ONLY Freshman)

Bristol Aggie Prom: Tickets will be $100.00 and dinner will include a salad, tuscan chicken and chocolate mousse for dessert (there is an option for vegan or gluten free and/or any allergies, this will be chosen after ticket purchase). Ticket sales started Monday March 13th - please get your tickets as soon as possible.

FYI:

Tickets will go on sale Monday March 13th in the morning from 7:40 am - 8:05am and after school until 3:15 p.m. through Student Services. No tickets will be sold outside of these times. If there is a specific lunch period that you need me to attend as you cannot make it before or after school, please email me and I will do my best to be there.
I will keep you informed if we get close to the capacity limit for the venue.
You will only be able to purchase two tickets however, when purchasing a ticket you must provide the full name and paperwork of the guest or student you are purchasing for or else it will not be sold to you. Guest paperwork is attached here.
Tickets will only be able to be purchased by cash or check however, check is discouraged as we cannot refund a check easily. If there are extenuating circumstances you must reach out to Ms. Kochan before ticket sales start.

In order to bring a guest, you must get the attached paperwork filled out and obtain a copy of the outside guest's student ID. There are printed copies in the main office and student services.

If you have any questions you must email me or Ms. Costa!

Bristol Aggie Prom

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
Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
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 Maine, Orono, ME
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

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

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
Pasco-Hernando State College, New Port Richey, FL
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Westfield State University, Westfield, MA

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

Rylee Rodriques

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, 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

In the Classroom:

Bristol Aggie was featured in Techniques Magazine

Bristol Aggie invests in the future (click the link for the full story)

March 13, 2023/in Features /by Contributor

A project team of education stakeholders in Massachusetts gained tremendous knowledge about inclusion and student engagement as they worked to complete a 196,000-square-foot construction project. Bristol County Agricultural High School (Bristol Aggie) already had a strong reputation for its hands-on, skills-based education with programs in natural resource management, agricultural mechanics, animal sciences, floriculture, arboriculture, environmental engineering and landscaping. But an overhaul of the campus provided a perfect opportunity to articulate a new vision and rethink the delivery of career and technical education (CTE).

Bristol Aggie helps students develop into curious, capable & well-rounded individuals.

The project scope involved constructing four new buildings and renovating two others on the 220-acre rural campus with a working farm in Dighton, Massachusetts. New buildings include the Center for Science and the Environment, the Student Commons, a net-zero energy ready dairy barn, and a lab shared by the landscaping and arboriculture departments. The central academic and agricultural mechanics buildings were renovated. To connect the old and new components, a newly created pedestrian thoroughfare and nonformal learning areas unite the formerly siloed programs and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Bristol Aggie’s new facilities represent a significant civic investment in high-quality CTE. The multifaceted nature of a project this size deserves thoughtful planning. And to ensure long-term success, should include input from all stake.holders. Three important steps contributed to a successful outcome.

Facilitate an inclusive visioning process.

Solicit active participation from staff, students, families, and community members. Because diverse perspectives are so important. Finding time that works for all parties can be a challenge, but it’s possible with careful planning. You might consider the benefits of asynchronous design feedback.

Ask questions about how the school has operated in the past and how it should operate in the future. Certain topics are crucial, such as admissions, student engagement and creating a welcoming place for all. At Bristol Aggie, this approach sparked an important discussion about balancing a skills-focused CTE program with academics embedded to create greater appeal for a diverse student population.

Further, an effective visioning process engages participants in the whole project from design through to occupancy and future use. These efforts can generate renewed investment in high-quality program development and a supportive culture. Most importantly, input from diverse sources helps prioritize and build consensus around project goals.

For Bristol Aggie, stakeholders agreed upon five goals to shape the character of the buildings, campus, culture and learning experience.

Design facilities that enhance hands-on learning opportunities while serving as learning tools themselves.

Strengthen academic achievement through tighter integration of academic and skills-based programs.
Create a hub for students within the school to encourage greater social and academic interactions.
Develop a welcoming, accessible and unified campus where the outdoor environment is an integral part of the social and academic experience and the student motto — “Cultivating Excellence” — is manifest.
Integrate sustainability, resiliency and student well-being into every aspect of the physical campus and educational programs.

Photo by Ed Wonsek

Collaborate on design decisions.

With goals established, the project team asked: How can we turn the design process into a learning opportunity for students? And they worked in collaboration with faculty to make it happen. Bristol Aggie students participated in several different ways, which reinforced their academic work and helped create a sense of agency.

Landscaping and arboriculture students met with the design team early on to learn about the process. In turn, they familiarized the designers with the on-site arboretum that hosts a range of tree and plant species. With help from the students and faculty, the landscape architects came to appreciate the diversity of tree and plant species on the campus. Later, as initial designs were generated, students discussed how they might contribute to the installation of new trees and plants.

The design team returned frequently to faculty and students for ideas, and to better understand their needs.

Then as the construction documents developed, students learned about specifications and installation details and provided input. In the future, landscaping students will learn how to install benches along the main pedestrian walkway, while arboriculture students will plant trees around the campus. And floriculture students will maintain planting beds near the classrooms.

Augment faculty and architect expertise when needed.

Substantial project benefits were realized by bringing in outside experts from a variety of disciplines to consult on the design of the new school. This happened most notably at the dairy barn. Although the campus already had a knowledgeable dairy herdsman on staff, advice from specialists in robotic milking, manure removal and cow health was necessary to design a facility for the future. The herd gained a modern, comfortable home. And students now thrive in a technologically advanced learning environment. The skills they develop by using, gathering data from, and maintaining the equipment will better position them for employment and professional growth.

Photo by Ed Wonsek

Additionally, public safety officials and building inspectors must provide input on every project. So the project team reached out early to Dighton officials, both for guidance and to foster transparency around plans and goals. This created a culture of open communication in all project phases. For instance, the town’s plumbing inspector worked with the team to get approval from the state for the composting toilets that were installed.

Bristol Aggie is also home to community-based activities that use the campus throughout the year. Agricultural groups such as 4H and the regional Beekeepers Association meet regularly in the school, so their input was valuable. Including local groups such as these in the process of high-quality CTE facility design will build support, trust and a sense of community.

Conclusion

Cohesive and inclusive teamwork was necessary to plan, design and construct this campus-wide improvement project. All stakeholders share in its ultimate success. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on May 23, 2022, former school Superintendent Adele Sands echoed this sentiment. “Bristol Aggie is an extraordinary place,” she said. “The students deserve school buildings that support the education they receive every day. And now we have them, thanks to all of you.”

VACANCIES

Bristol County Agricultural High School

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

TITLE: School Business Manager

SALARY: Based on education, qualifications, and experience.

START DATE: Anticipated July 1, 2023

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the Superintendent/Director who gives general instruction and reviews work for effectiveness and conformance with regulations and policies.

SUMMARY: The Business Manager is responsible for managing and controlling the financial affairs and selected service functions of the school. As required, he/she/they is expected to prepare and present pertinent financial information to the Board of Trustees for their active consideration in their policymaking role. Works under the direct supervision of the Superintendent/Director. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Among the specific duties are:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Responsible for maintaining all business and financial records according to the school requirements and in compliance with Massachusetts state laws and, when applicable, federal regulations.
Responsible for generating budgets for the Board of Trustee's approval for the operation of the school.
Functions as purchasing agent for the school. As purchasing agent, is responsible for developing proper purchasing procedures, preparing required specifications, and executing contracts on behalf of the school.
Responsible for approving all invoices for payment and assuring, where appropriate, that all such invoices are properly processed in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
As directed, assists in the preparation of proposals for securing additional aid from public sources, such as federal and state grants.
Manage grant funds and necessary financial records and reports in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Supervises and controls payroll, accounting and insurance programs of the School.
Responsible for the auditing and internal accounts on an annual basis.
Responsible for establishing and maintaining all farm sales records.
Responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate and appropriate business and data records for all employees of the school.
Responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate and appropriate business and data records for all school property and supplies (inventory control records).
Responsible for preparing and, where appropriate, presenting any financial reports or information data on any aspects of business operations for the Superintendent/Director and or the Board of Trustees.
Actively participates in the collective bargaining process as a member of the school's negotiating committee. Administers and interprets the financial aspects of the contract in dealings with union representatives.
Responsible for administrative supervision and financial management of the school lunch program, clerical and secretarial services assigned to the Business Manager.
Supervises the district’s supporting services, property and inventory, transportation, purchasing, food services and business services.
Acts as adviser to the Superintendent/Director on all questions relating to the business and financial affairs of the district.
Assists in recruiting, hiring, training, supervising and evaluating all clerical, financial and support staff personnel in the Business office.
Responsible for the financial management of the maintenance and repair program.
Responsible for the school transportation program including the development of appropriate bus routes and time schedules.
Responsible for maximizing use of available revenues by prudent fiscal management, including proper and sound investment strategies.
Responsible for monitoring and auditing all expenditures for the purpose of reducing any unnecessary expenditures (even though they may have met all other criteria for approval).
Serves as a member of the Administrative Team.
Attends all Bristol County Advisory Board meetings.

OTHER:

The Business Manager also functions as the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. It is required that he/she/they attend all Board of Trustees meetings and he/she/they must be bondable.
As required, provides proper guidance to administrative personnel in the fundamentals of sound fiscal management and budgetary controls.
Performs such other tasks as may from time to time be assigned by the Superintendent/Director and or the Board of Trustees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Certified/certifiable with the Massachusetts Department of Education and willingness to complete certification requirements within three years of hiring.
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Management or other relevant concentration.
Five or more years’ experience in business administration preferably in school administration, accounting, purchasing, maintenance or collective bargaining, municipal setting, financial services or related areas of employment
Personal skills to perform effectively in a position which is both a "service position" and an “administrative position."
Knowledge of computer equipment.
Ability to effectively utilize database and spreadsheet programs.
Knowledge of MUNIS or related accounting financial management system.

Bristol County Agricultural High School is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply on SchoolSpring

https://www.schoolspring.com/job.cfm?jid=4129801

BRISTOL COUNTY AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL

JOB DESCRIPTION

Farm Sub Foreperson

The Animal Science Foreperson (Foreman) position schedule is as follows. Farm Substitute will work Holidays and Weekends as needed.

Duties:

Ability to run and operate a robotic milking system, responsible for morning and afternoon milking.
Responsible for daily care of all animals on the farm. Ensure that animals are housed and treated humanely.
Supervises and works with student workers.
Responsible for the daily cores on the Farm and Small Animals
Report any issues to the Farm Manager, Herds Person and or the Animal Science department Chair.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS:

Possess experience and proven skill in the care of farm animals and pet shop animals.

Knowledge livestock animals and pet shop animals

Ability to organize and supervise student-aged workers and crews.

Ability to operate modern farm equipment and snow equipment.

Valid driver’s license.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect easily with school staff.

Proven ability to work independently without direct supervision.

COMPENSATION:

FY23 $25.58 per hour

Information can be entered into SchoolSpring or forward a letter of interest and resume to:

Ryan Miranda, Facilities Manager

Bristol County Agricultural High School

135 Center Street, Dighton, MA 02715

-or email letter of interest and resume to rmiranda@bcahs.com

Bristol County Agricultural High School is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer

Activities and Athletics

Archery Club: The BA Archery Club is back! We had our first meeting last Wednesday March 8th, it was a huge success. This year we have brand new equipment provided to us through a grant from NASP, the National Archery in School Program. We have 12 brand new Genesis bows, 5 targets and all the accessories to aid our students learning! If you are interested in joining please see or email Ms. McCann or Ms. Kazijian for a permission slip and access to the Google classroom!