I have written, deleted, written, and deleted my thoughts on this unthinkable and unimaginable tragedy, which claimed the lives of nineteen precious children and two heroic teachers. For me, to write effectively means I must understand the topic; I cannot understand school violence, so writing about this horrific act is a challenge.

Like you, I have yet to become desensitized. Each life lost at the hands of evil is an immeasurable loss, one that is unfathomable. And yet, twenty-one families' lives have been turned upside down. These families hugged and kissed their babies or spouses before sending them off for one of the last days of school, never for a moment thinking that those hugs and kisses would be the last. I am enraged and heartbroken. But I am also determined, and as a school, we are determined.

We are determined to make our communities safer. We are determined to work tirelessly to promote peace, justice, and awareness. We are determined to keep our school safe for the children and families we serve. We are determined to give our children the assurance that they are safe and loved while in our care.

We are determined...but where is the action? Being determined simply isn't enough. Our children's lives depend on effective change and we are called to be the agents of this change.

BJAMS has a comprehensive emergency operations plan. We practice our safety drills in accordance with state guidelines. Each of our staff members are trained using the ALICE program and we recognize the importance of practicing safety drills - Vermont is not immune to the threats of violence; to think so is irresponsible.

Ours is a school community that is unparalleled to any other. Our faculty and staff are among the most selfless people I have ever had the privilege with which to work. Our area priests keep Christ at the center of who we are and what we do. Our Board of Trustees and parent organizations volunteer countless hours to help make our school a better place. And you - our families - are unceasingly supportive of each and every effort we make to keep our school safe.

You can find resources for talking with children about traumatic events, as well as crisis help resources on the Department of Mental Health website.

“Prayer in action is love, love in action is service.”

-Saint Mother Teresa

From Carrie Wilson, Head of School

If you haven't yet claimed your flowers, please be sure to retrieve them today!

16% of our families have signed up to assist with the Art Show set-up this weekend and Monday! A big thank you to those who have signed up - but we need more hands!

The title of my essay is “values”. I chose this title because I believe that it describes the life that Mr. Dezaine lived by. In a way, I believe that Mr. Dezaine and my grandparents were a lot alike. For example, Mr. Dezaine and my grandfather worked in mines. My grandfather in asbestos, and Mr. Dezaine in talc. Mr. Dezaine started work at an early age as well as my grandparents.

My father wanted me and my brother to have a good education, so when I was little my parents brought me to Bishop Marshall. One year into starting school at BJAMS, my father was killed in a car accident when I was only in Pre-K. My gram and grandpa still wanted me to attend Bishop Marshall because they believed that they would teach kindness and respect. Mr. Dezaine was a very good man who believed in BJAMS and what they teach us.

I hope that when I graduate from Bishop Marshall that I can be a hard worker and person like him. I am beyond thankful for the friends I’ve made and the teachers that have provided me with a good education. Learning everyone in this country can be successful, respect for God, myself, and others. When I become successful, I hope to be able to give something back to others less fortunate, or in need of a hand up, just like Mr. Dezaine.

The last day of school Fun Day is almost here, and we are heading outside for some good ol' fun and games. Ben and Jerry's ice cream or sorbet will be served, too!

Pre-K parents are welcome to return with and accompany their students for this day of fun too! 8th graders are also welcome to attend and will be supervised as a class.

PTO does need some helping hands. Please see the sign up sheet to schedule for the morning.

If you missed your chance to order early, you can still get a yearbook directly through shutterfly online. [Click here to place your order]

Questions or concerns? Please email Kate Curran.

It was the 7/8 Social - what more need we say?

No ASP May 31 (due to Art Show)

5th Annual Opioid Forum

Wednesday, 6/1, at 6:00 pm

Green Mountain Tech Center in Hyde Park

We have an amazing group of community partners (Prevention, Law Enforcement, Harm Reduction, Treatment and Recovery) who are excited to share their work and build connections across the region (Lamoille Valley).

The evening will begin with a beatiful personal story of recovery, highlight area resources, and end with a resource fair where you can learn about and access needed support. Only together can we prevent and reduce substance misuse and support those on the road to recovery! Please join us for an evening of connections and inspiration. 5th-opioid-forum.eventbrite.com (Registration is helpful for planning purposes, but not required.)

Equity and Substance Prevention

June 9th, 3:30-4:45

We will take a look into how substance industry tactics increase inequality and risk factors, such as stigma, discrimination, and life stressors lead to disproportionate use. We will then hear from partners about their equity work in the community.

There are two primary goals of this meeting:

1) To help bring the substance lens to the equity work being done in our region by providing information and learning about the work of others.

2) To inform future HLV work around equity.

To register email jessica@healthylamoillevalley.org

May 31 - Art Show 6-8pm - NO ASP

June 3 - PK3 and PK4 Graduation, Last Day for PK3 and PK4, noon dismissal for PK3 and PK4

June 3 - 8th Grade Graduation, 6pm

June 7 - Awards ceremony, Grades K-4: 8:05; Grades 5-7: 2:00

June 8 - HALF DAY - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Event Series:

June 2 - Gr 5/6 Social Club, 6 pm - 8 pm (This date is DIFFERENT than what was previously published.)

June 6 - Gr 5-8 Coffee House, 6 pm - 8 pm (Not just 7/8)