Friday Notes
January 21, 2022
Catholic Schools Week is Coming!
The National Catholic Education Association designates the last week of January: Catholic Schools Week. This is a week when Catholic schools across the country celebrate what makes our schools GREAT! This year, our committee decided to postpone our celebration to the week of February 14. Doing so will allow for increased student participation and more outdoor options for our planned activities.
COVID Guidelines
On January 11, the Agency of Education communicated the following with independent schools:
"Thank you for your patience as we move towards implementation 2022's new COVID-19 testing protocol for Vermont schools. Independent schools should plan to continue their current testing programs during the initial stages as the new program is set up in public schools. Similar to Test to Stay, school districts will be distribution points for the take-home antigen test kits, and we must manage those logistics before we can invite independent schools to participate."
I have followed up with the Agency of Education requesting an update; at the time of this publication, I have not received a response. We will continue to operate under our most recent COVID response guidelines, published January 1, 2022.
Patriot's Pen Essay contest VFW
Congratulations to BJAMS 8th graders Ryder, Rosalee, and Tess for placing in the VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest. Each fall, ELA and History teacher, Mrs. Shinners, has her students submit essays for the annual VFW contest. This year's essay theme was How Can I Be a Good American? The essays are then judged at local, district, state, and national levels. We recently learned that Tess placed 1st, Ryder placed 2nd, and Rosalee placed 3rd at the local level; Ryder went on to place 1st in the district and 3rd at the state level. Congratulations!
Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment is Open!
We have officially opened applications for our Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 for 2022-2023! Do you have a pre-k child at home? Submit an
application today! Know a friend who has a 3 or 4 year old and might be interested in BJAMS? Tell them to apply now and you get a tuition referral discount (make sure they list you on the application)! Students entering into our Pre-K3 must be 3 by August 1st and students entering into our Pre-K4 must be 4 by September 1.
8th Grade Super Duper Citrus Sale
On sale today through Feb 3rd! The 8th grade class will be selling delicious citrus fruits. Look for an 8th grader with a clipboard during drop off and pick up to place your order. Payment is due upfront - please have the exact amount if paying with cash or make checks payable to BJAMS.
Here are the offerings and pricing:
Oranges - 88 count - $53
Juicing Oranges - 100 count - $43
Pink Grapefruit - 40 count - $41
Get your awesome citrus folks! This time of year - we need that boost and as much Vitamin C as possible! Hey - too much fruit - split a box with someone!
Orders will be ready for pickup on Thursday, Feb. 10 at afternoon pickup. Our 8th graders will be available to help load them in your car for you!
Questions? Prefer to place an order via email? Please email Mr. Close at pclose@bjams.org
Attention Tooth Fairy!
Angelina lost a tooth and Connor (designated delivery duck) accompanied her to the office for her tooth holder. Congrats, Angelina!
Strep Throat Alert
We learned of a case of strep throat this morning (upper school). Please be on the lookout for the following symptoms - which may be mild to severe:
Complaints of sore throat - it may hurt to swallow and there may be white patches
Tender glands in the neck
Fever - good indicator, but not always present - may have chills
General ill feeling - headache, nausea, loss of appetite
Doctors treat strep throat with antibiotics which should be taken as prescribed even if symptoms are gone after only a few days. Untreated, strep can lead to serious complications. BJAMS' policy is that your student must be on antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Please consult your family doctor with any questions or concerns you may have regarding strep throat.
If you haven't done so yet, please remember to register your student(s) for the month of January.
Learn to Snowshoe for Kids
Where: Morrisville Centennial Library, 7 Richmond St.
When: Saturday, Jan. 22 10:00am-10:30am
Join Maggie for some instruction for beginning snowshoers. Learn to strap in, walk, run and navigate through the library's own backyard. We have snowshoes available, email info@centenniallibrary.org to reserve a pair.
