Friday Notes
March 13, 2020
Report Cards Out Today
Grades K-1: teachers will provide a paper copy
Grades 2-8: parents will access an electronic version via ParentsWeb portal
Pirate Princess Dance - CANCELLED
Due to health concerns, we have decided to cancel the Pirate Princess Dance. We know this is disappointing news and we look forward to next year's event.
CHANGE IN 2019-2020 SCHOOL CALENDAR!
We had planned to hold in-service days for staff on March 27 and March 30. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are no longer participating in these days. As such, school will be in session on these two days to make up for two of the four snow days we have used this year. We fully recognize that families may have made plans, anticipating that these days were non-instructional, per our 2019-2020 published calendar. We encourage you to keep your plans, but school will be open for learning on these two days. Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer the After School Program on these two days.
Action Plan - COVID-19
BJAMS is in the process of finalizing plans for students in grades K-8, should it be recommended that we dismiss for a period of time. Directives for a school-wide dismissal will be determined by the Vermont Department of Health, the Agency of Education, and the Dioceses of Burlington.
We will be sharing a step-by-step guide for parents on how to access online learning through Google Classroom (via email and hardcopy in an envelope given out today at dismissal) and we began working with students today (and will continue next week) to familiarize them with how to use this online (and very user-friendly) tool.
Please be on the lookout for the distance learning envelope. Absent students' parents will receive the e-blast and homeroom teachers will email student email addresses and passwords (all other instructions are hyperlinked in the e-blast). The envelopes can be retrieved on Monday.
The Vermont Department of Health, Emergency Management, and the Agency of Education will continue to coordinate to alert every SD/SU and its schools about specific preparedness and response guidelines to follow in regards to any new developments in the spread of COVID-19.
Illness and Prevention - COVID-19
Many of the precautions that help prevent other respiratory diseases, also help keep an illness like COVID-19 from spreading:
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% or higher alcohol content.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick - the VT Dept. of Health recommends maintaining a distance of 6 feet from sick individuals.
• Stay home (and keep your children home) when sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue and dispose of it in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The most up-to-date info on COVID-19, please visit the Vermont Department of Health website.
Croup confirmed in lower school
Croup is lower respiratory illness that is caused by the same virus responsible for pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis - Human Parafluenza Virus (HPIV).
Symptoms:
* fever * runny nose * cough * wheezing * ear pain * sore throat * irritability
Treatment:
* reduce fever using acetaminophen or ibuprofen - not aspirin
* drink lots of water/liquids to keep hydrated
* stay home from work or school and rest
Prevention:
*frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
* avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
* cover cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of it in the trash
For more information visit the CDC website or consult with your family doctor.
Kahoot at Stowe High School - cancelled
The Kahoot that grades 6-8 were invited to at Stowe High School tonight was cancelled. Stay tuned for a rescheduled date.
BeeJAMS Bee Club - Tomorrow - 9 am
Buzz down and BEE a part of the new BeeJAMS Bee Club! All students are welcome with their parents (or other supervising adult) to start this exciting project at 9 am at the school. You will start by learning about all the necessary equipment to raise bees and construct the first hives. Ed Olsen will BEE your guide and he's looking forward to sharing his knowledge and own beekeeping experience from his very BEEginnings back in 1978 through present!
Wear Green on Tues., March 17 for St. Patrick!
Did you know that St. Patrick is one of the patrons of our diocese? As such, we invite students to wear as much green as possible in lieu of their school uniforms on this day. Please remember that uniform guidelines still apply (St. Patrick was modest, so please no tank tops, no exposed bellybuttons, no short shorts, no rips in jeans above the knee, etc.)
Honor Roll Assembly - March 20 at 8:05 am
Students in grades 3-8 will be recognized for honors and high honors for the second trimester. Parents are welcome to attend.
Italian Dinner Take-out - March 20
Mr. Close boasts "Best Italian dinner in the world and for a great price!"
Take-out only 3-5:30 pm
$8 sauce / $7 butter
The Art of BASH - important update
In an effort to keep the community we love safe and healthy, we have made an adjustment in our celebration of the Art of BASH. We will now host an online auction, rather than gathering at the River Arts building on April 3rd. This will allow for a successful event while doing our part to promote wellness. We will share the auction details as the date for the Art of BASH draws nearer. Thank you again for your support of BJAMS!
Girls' Lacrosse - check it out!
Yearbook production wrapping up!
Pre-order is the only way to purchase a yearbook at the discounted price of
$20 each. There is no limit per family. To reserve your copy, please write a check payable to BJAMS with a note in the memo for yearbook by
Friday, April 10.
Please give check to Mrs. Curran or drop it off at the main office. Cash will not be accepted.
A Message from the Business Office
Financial Aid Applications DUE MARCH 20
Be sure all supporting documents are uploaded with your application. You will need either your 2018 or 2019 1040 Federal tax return and your 2019 W-2's.
Follow this link to the BJAMS FACTS sign in page. Once you login, click on the FACTS Grant & Aid "start application" button. Only completed and verified applications will be considered for tuition assistance. Keep in mind FACTS takes approximately 2 weeks to process applications.
Big News!
Due to overwhelming inquiries for our preschool programs, we have decided to extend enrollment for our new Pre-K 1 program to children turning 3 by August 1, 2020! We are so excited to offer this opportunity to families! Do you know someone who is interested in our early childhood programs? Refer them to talk to Mrs. Nordenson. Don't forget about your own tuition referral discount! PK1 screening is March 24 at 9 am!
School Choice - Attention Parents of 8th Graders
See our previous week's Friday Notes for more details.
Parents in Morrisville and Elmore: Contact Sheila Jones at sheila.jones@lsuu.org if you do not receive your letter or if you have any questions.
Parents in other school districts: Contact your local public high school guidance dept.
Mar 14 - BeeJAMS Bee Club first meeting
Mar 20 - Honor Roll Assembly
Mar 20 - Italian Dinner Take-out
Mar 27 - NO After School Program - school is in session
Mar 30 - NO After School Program - school is in session
Casting call - This could be your big break!
Auditions for the musical comedy version of the 1977 classic, Annie, is coming up next month.
Follow this this link to the Lamoille County Players website for all the details.
