Friday Notes

March 18, 2021 - A Thursday Notes

NO SCHOOL TOMORROW, FRIDAY the 19TH!

Stay hopeful...Stay safe...Stay in school!

While the number of COVID cases in our state continue to fluctuate, we are reassured by the vaccine rollout for Vermont residents. The vast majority of our staff have received their first dose of the vaccine, so we continue to head in the right direction with regard to keeping our school community safe.


And while some of the restrictions have loosened (VT DOH website > Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ's > Be Smart, Stay Safe Order), we would advise our families to stay vigilant. We ask that families continue to observe the guidance that wearing masks, staying home when ill, keeping a safe distance, and hand washing/sanitizing is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.


We have noted an uptick in possible secondary/tertiary exposures. We are incredibly grateful to families for their quick communication and for erring on the side of caution by keeping students out when there has been a possible secondary/tertiary exposure. Several students' siblings have had possible exposures at different schools - and we are thankful that families have opted to keep the BJAMS siblings out until the sibling receives a negative PCR test result.


There is hope that Vermont will return to some semblance of "normal" by the Fourth of July. Let's keep that goal in mind as we make social decisions.

BJAMS Virtual Town Hall - TONIGHT!

We're looking forward to seeing you tonight from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Check your inbox for the Zoom link we sent Tuesday night. Can't find it? Just email Carrie Wilson and she will resend it!


Whether you're new to BJAMS or you've been with us for years, this is your chance to ask questions, seek clarification, and offer suggestions/input.

Honor Roll Assembly

We will recognize our honor roll recipients on Friday, March 26, at our virtual morning assembly. Did you know that 90% (!!!) of our students in grades 3-8 earned honors or high honors? Wow! Way to go, Eagles! Click here to read our honor roll recipients!

Circle of Grace Information

For the past several years, BJAMS has participated in the Child Lures Child Abuse Protection curriculum. The program is designed to help students understand that they have dignity and that no one has the right to compromise this dignity. Several “lures” are introduced to children to help them better understand this message and steps are given to provide students with tools to deal with situations, should they arise. The program has been well received by children and families and we feel good about its annual presentation. Any extra steps we can take to keep our children safe are steps well taken!


Like in years’ past, we will be utilizing a program that can work collaboratively with Child Lures. This program is called Circle of Grace. The objective of Circle of Grace is to educate and empower children and young people to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others. It is the program’s goal that children and young people identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual boundaries. It also provides guidance in how to take action if any boundary is threatened or violated.


All material is presented appropriately, according to grade. In Kindergarten, vocabulary includes: children of God, Circle of Grace, feelings, grace, holy, Holy Spirit, respect, safe, safe touch, secret, safe secret, unsafe secret, signal, stoplight, trust, trusted adult, unsafe, unsafe touch. In first and second grades, all of the above is taught including the vocabulary word symbol. In third grade, all of the above is taught including: boundary, treasured, and violate. In fourth grade, all of the above is taught including the vocabulary: blog, chat room, instant messaging, location application, micro blogging, social networking service and websites, video sharing service, cyber bullying, email, flaming, inappropriate material, netiquette, personal contact information, phishing, pop up, predator, smart phone, texting, and web cam. In fifth grade, all of the above is taught including: media and inappropriate media. In sixth grade, all of the above is taught including: admiration, dream, empathy, healthy, relationship, response, talent, value, and violation. In seventh grade, all of the above is taught including: bullying, bystander, and disrespect. In eighth grade, all of the above is taught including: conscience, modesty, morality, and sexuality.


Grades Kindergarten through eight will participate in a hybrid of Child Lures and Circle of Grace the weeks of April 5 and April 12. The presentation will be during scheduled religion classes.

Parents may have their children “opt out” of the program(s). We feel strongly that parents are their children’s first teachers and that as parents you are able to determine what and when potentially sensitive information is presented to your children. If you choose to have your children “opt out” of the program(s), please contact your children’s teachers.

11,824 hours of reading and $5,052.00 raised so far!

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Check out these Read-a-thon stats of the Top 3's!

Individual Contributions:

Harry Wicks $450.00

Virginia Titcomb $400.00

Anna Milne $350.00


Individual Reading Times:

Catherine McLaughlin 501 minutes

Amelia Grant 420 minutes

Trevor Glowac 366 minutes


Grade Level Contributions:

1st Grade $1,530.00

5th Grade $1,010.00

2nd Grade $710.00


Grade Level Reading Times:

2nd Grade 4,010 minutes

5th Grade 2,070 minutes

4th Grade 1,565 minutes

Attention Parents of Students in Seventh Grade!

In next week's Friday Notes, we will have information regarding the Winston Dezaine Distinguished Student Scholarship. This is open to all BJAMS students entering eighth grade for the 2021-2022 school year. Want to learn more about Mr. Dezaine? You can read about this wonderful supporter of BJAMS here.

DEALINE TOMORROW - Tuition Assistance for 2021-2022 School Year

Follow this link to login to the BJAMS FACTS sign in page. You will see the FACTS Grant & Aid start application button. You will need your 1040 Federal tax return from 2019 or 2020 and 2020 W-2's.


Mrs. Marcoux in our business office will be glad to assist you with uploading your documents - just give her a call (888-4758, ext. 243) or email her.


Only completed and verified applications will be considered for tuition assistance. Keep in mind FACTS takes approximately 2 weeks to process applications.

ASP Corner

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Last week started HIP HOP for ages 8 and up! Look at those moves!

community news

Lamoille County Nature Center - Summer Camp Info

Forest Fairy Camp (Ages 4-5): June 28- July 2, 8:00-12:00

Sensory Superpowers (Age 5-8): July 5-9, 9:00-3:00

Wild in the Wilderness (Ages 8-12): July 12-16, 9:00-3:00


There will be spots for 12 campers each week.

Registration forms and detailed information can be found here.

Coming Up Next

Mar 19 - No school - staff development

Apr 2 - Half Day - Good Friday

Weeks of April 5 and 12 - Circle of Grace presentations for students in grades K-8

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Family Portal Login

This is your Family Portal where you find all student specific info including homework, lunch ordering, and much more!

PTO

General information plus meeting schedule, agendas, and updated minutes