Franklin West SU BFA, FWSU

FALL CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FULLY BACK IN ACTION AT BFA FAIRFAX

Students, staff, families, and our school community could never have known that the Fall of 2019 would be the last time for nearly two years that BFA Fairfax athletic teams and drama ensembles would participate in a traditional way.  Fast forward to September 2021, and we are now experiencing the benefits of the patience, perseverance, adaptability and commitment to safety demonstrated by our students, staff and community, as our multiple fall co-curricular activities are in full swing.

High School football players are sharing their excitement in being able to wear their pads again and play full tackle.  Last season was played under highly modified “touch football” rules, so our BFA/Lamoille Cooperative team athletes have been thrilled to experience the sense of brotherhood they say comes with playing the game under traditional rules.

Middle and High School cross country runners ran a smaller number of races last season, while much of the time wearing masks.  Meets were limited in size, and did not allow for mass starts involving multiple schools, so each race more closely resembled a time trial as opposed to a true cross country meet.  They are looking forward to their first “real” meet in almost two years, and experiencing the excitement and rush of competing against students from other schools in mass start formats.

Middle and High School soccer teams spent last season playing a limited schedule, and donning masks for the entirety of practices and games.  This season has brought back increased participation numbers, a high level of skill, and enthusiasm like never before.  Players and coaches are looking forward to building on last year’s success and playing deep into their respective tournaments.

The fall co-curricular activity most impacted last year by the pandemic was the Fall Musical.  Given the strict guidelines at the time around singing, playing instruments, masking, distancing, and group gathering size, our talented ensemble was unable to perform the highly anticipated Mamma Mia.  We are thrilled to have our students back on the stage this year, and eager to experience live musical theater once again! Although we may still have some slight adaptations on the performance that, if necessary for health and safety, will be determined closer to the show dates, Mamma Mia will most definitely be one of the highlights of this school year!

We look forward to your attendance at these multiple student activities, and greatly appreciate your support and continued commitment to health and safety.  Our students are thrilled to be back on the stage, fields and trails, but most importantly, to be back in school.  If we all work together and continue to make safe choices, we can ensure that our student activity participants have a fantastic 2021-22 school year! 

Geri Witalec-Krupa is the Director of Student Activities at BFA Fairfax. Geri is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow her @GLWit

Franklin West SU BFA, FWSU

Welcome Sheriff Karry Andileigh

Sheriff Karry Andeligh, School Resource Officer (SRO)

BFA Fairfax is excited to introduce and welcome Sheriff Karry Andeligh to our school community. We are extremely fortunate to have her serving as our School Resource Officer (SRO) this school year. Sheriff Andileigh is an outstanding role model and a valuable resource for our students, staff, and families.

Sheriff Andileigh possesses a range of professional experiences and skills. Since 2018 she has been employed with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to working in law enforcement she was a Living Skills worker with the Howard Center and a private Personal Care Attendant for people with disabilities. In addition, Sheriff Andileigh is pursuing a PhD in Psychology and Yoga Therapy. 

Sheriff Andileigh shared she was drawn to being a SRO because it provides opportunities to make a positive impact on students by developing relationships, communicating with students about their priorities, and goals. Her philosophy and experiences are reflected in her daily work with students, staff, and families.

Sheriff Andileigh brings a person-centered, trauma informed, therapeutic approach to each interaction. She believes her role allows opportunities to support students in navigating life decisions and challenges, using restorative practices and logical consequences.

We are excited to collaborate with Sheriff Andileigh in her new capacity. She is an important and necessary resource to support safety, to develop positive relationships with law enforcement, and network with other state agencies. We appreciate our community’s support of this essential position. She has made an immediate and positive impact on our school. Please take a moment to introduce yourself and welcome her to Fairfax. 

Thomas Walsh is currently the Principal of BFA Fairfax Elementary School and is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY.

Franklin West SU BFA, FWSU

BFA Fairfax Music Students And Staff Demonstrate Continued Flexibility and Adaptability In Preparation For Upcoming Final Concert of the 20-21 School Year

As we approach the end of this pandemic-altered school year, it is easy to reflect on the incredible flexibility and adaptability demonstrated by our students, staff, and programs.  The BFA Fairfax Music Department, under the leadership of Glen Wallace, Christy Maynard, Sarah Wolff, and Matt Davide, has been one such program that has created valuable learning opportunities with some of the most strict limitations throughout the school year.  Music students and staff have found immensely creative ways to share their craft with our school and community through virtual lessons and concerts, the use of bell covers for safety, and recently outdoor rehearsals.  We are pleased to share the following message from our music educators about their upcoming final concert of the year:

“The BFA Music Department is excited to invite one and all to this year’s Spring Concert, which we’re calling “A Night Among the Stars.”  Students have been hard at work mastering vocal and instrumental tunes, and we’re all eager to show off what we’ve accomplished during this hectic, bizarre, yet still musical year.  Be on the lookout for a link to a Zoom Webinar that will take place on Thursday, June 3rd, at 6:30 PM.  Hope to see you there!”

Best of luck to the students and staff in what is sure to be another stellar display of the incredible musical talents at BFA Fairfax! We hope to see you there!

Geri Witalec-Krupa is the Director of Student Activities at BFA Fairfax. Geri is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow her @GLWit

Franklin West SU BFA, FES, FWSU, GEMS

Last Day of School!

On this last day of school for 2019-20, we would like to extend a huge thank you to all of YOU; the families, students, staff, teachers, para educators, bus drivers, food service workers, custodians, administrators, board members and the FWSU community at large. We have conquered the unimaginable together and proven to ourselves just how much we are capable of. We are so proud of every one of you. And we will return next year stronger and ready to face the challenges ahead!

Update on Food Delivery
As the school year ends, we have learned that we will be able to continue providing food to children aged 18 and under at least until June 30. Please contact your Principal for more information. For BFA families, if you are interested in picking up food starting June 11, please complete this form: Food Needs June 11-30

Have a great summer, everybody! Congratulations to the Class of 2020!!

Franklin West SU BFA, FWSU

The FWSU Story: Senior Spotlight – Celebrating BFA Class of 2020

All BFA Fairfax Seniors were invited to participate in a virtual interview for the blog. Today we are happy to celebrate graduating senior Abby Sweet.

When did you start school at BFA?
I started school at BFA in 7th grade transferring from Fletcher Elementary School.

What is your favorite memory about your time at BFA?
I don’t have one specific memory from my time at BFA, but I have many. I loved playing sports, hanging out with my friends before and after classes, and talking with teachers about a variety of things.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will be going to the University of Vermont as a Mathematics Major.

Do you want to give a “shout-out” to one of your teachers? Who and why?
If I had to shout out any of my teachers it would be my advisor Mrs. Fink. She has been there for me since I started high school, and helped me with everything from college essays to helping me realize I really liked math and wanted to continue learning it.

Which changes since COVID-19 closed schools have caused the greatest stress? 
One thing that caused me stress was studying for AP exams at home. Another thing was starting my summer job again while I was “in-school.”

Which changes have led to some relief of stress?
I now don’t have to worry about waking up late and being late for school, which stops a lot of my morning stress.

Which people/relationships are helping you through this time? 
My friends have been helping me through this time a lot, especially since we are all feeling the same thing together, along with my family for having to put up with me all the time now!

What are you doing to maintain connections with school friends, particularly the members of your senior class during school closure?
My friends and I have Zoom calls and talk almost like we would at school. We also go outside and social distance while hanging out, which is fun and sad at the same time.

Linda Keating is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Franklin West Supervisory Union. She is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow her on Twitter @Educate4ward

Franklin West SU BFA, FWSU

The FWSU Story: Senior Spotlight – Celebrating BFA Class of 2020

All BFA Fairfax Seniors were invited to participate in a virtual interview for the blog. Today we are happy to celebrate graduating senior Kieran Shea.

When did you start school at BFA? 
I started at BFA in preschool.

What is your favorite memory about your time at BFA?
Probably going to New York City this year. It was fun to see the city and hang out with my friends. 

What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll be attending Plymouth State University and majoring in Social Studies Education (5-12).

Do you want to give a “shout-out” to one of your teachers? Who and why?
I’d like to shout out Mr. Emery. He has taught some of my favorite classes I have taken in high school. He always makes class enjoyable even when the material gets a little boring.

Which changes during COVID-19 School Closure have led to some relief of stress?
I haven’t been tired all the time. I have gotten the best sleep I’ve had in years. 

What are things that are bringing you some joy/fun (e.g. activities, hobbies, experiences) during this period? 
I have been running quite a bit, and I’ve also been fishing. 

Linda Keating is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Franklin West Supervisory Union. She is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow her on Twitter @Educate4ward

Franklin West SU BFA, FWSU

The FWSU Story: Senior Spotlight – Celebrating BFA Class of 2020

All BFA Fairfax Seniors were invited to participate in a virtual interview for the blog. Today we are happy to celebrate graduating senior Kiana Labor.

When did you start school at BFA?
I started in Kindergarten. 

What is your favorite memory about your time at BFA?
Picking a favorite memory is not easy, I have spent 12 ¾ years at BFA. There are certainly many memories to choose from. I think some of my favorite memories were cheering at basketball games, specifically the playoff games and the Pink games. I loved the student energy and I really felt a sense of community at these games. 

What are your plans after graduation?
I am attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville this fall as a pre-professional exploratory science major.

Do you want to give a “shout-out” to one of your teachers? Who and why?
It is really hard to pick just one teacher, I have had so many teachers that have impacted my time at BFA, however my advisor Sara Villeneuve has pushed me to be the leader I am today. She was not only my advisor, but also the advisor for NHS and I have worked closely and admired all her hard work over the years. 

Which changes have caused the greatest stress for you during school closure?
I think at the beginning what was causing me the most stress was not having a traditional graduation, but as I have been part of the planning process, I am excited for the upcoming celebrations. 

What are things that are bringing you some joy/fun (e.g. activities, hobbies, experiences) during this period of school closure? Why do you think that is?
I am normally very busy, I come home to change quickly and do homework and I am off to my next practice or event. The past three months have allowed me to spend a lot more time with my family, which I am thankful for, especially since I am going to be out of state this fall.

What new learning and new perspectives have you gained and how will you integrate them into your life moving forward?
I have always been a planner, I have been planning and envisioning what the end of my senior year would look like for years.  My plan was not what happened. However, what this pandemic has taught me is to be adaptable, to live life more day-to-day, and to be thankful for what is happening in my life at that time. 

Linda Keating is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Franklin West Supervisory Union. She is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow her on Twitter @Educate4ward

Franklin West SU BFA, FWSU

The FWSU Story: Senior Spotlight – Celebrating BFA Class of 2020

All BFA Fairfax Seniors were invited to participate in a virtual interview for the blog. Today we are happy to celebrate graduating senior, Claire Bushey.

When did you start school at BFA?
I started at BFA in 7th grade. I had previously attended Fletcher Elementary School up until 6th grade. 

What is your favorite memory about your time at BFA?
I would have to say some of my favorite memories are from lunches with my friends, whether it was working on calculus homework or playing games like telephone.

What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending UVM as a member of the Honors College in the fall. I am majoring in chemistry.

Do you want to give a “shout-out” to one of your teachers? Who and why?
I would like to give a shout-out to Mr. Pfeiffer, who was an amazing teacher in all the classes I had with him. He saw my captivation with chemistry and was willing to give up his free period during the first semester of this year to do an independent study with me in Chem 1C. He continued to work with me even after we finished the typical Chem 1C work. He took even more of his time to review some old topics that he felt would benefit me next year in college, and then teach them to me. I am incredibly grateful to him. 

Which changes have been pleasantly surprising about the closure of school due to COVID-19? 
One big change from working from home with both my parents being home as well, has been a lot more family time. I’ve appreciated being able to go and talk with one of my parents when I’m taking a break from school, or being able to go downstairs and explain Hamlet and what’s happening to my dad as I read it. 

What are you doing to maintain connections with school friends, particularly the members of your senior class during school closure?
My friends and I have used several different methods of staying in touch through the quarantine. We’ve done quite a few Zooms and occasionally after a class Zoom we will stay back and do work together. We have also, as the state’s restrictions have eased up, had some socially-distant gatherings where we have been able to see each other in person. 

Linda Keating is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Franklin West Supervisory Union. She is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow her on Twitter @Educate4ward

Franklin West SU BFA, FES, FWSU, GEMS

Letter to FWSU Families

June 1, 2020

Dear FWSU Education Community,

The first day of June is typically a day we think of upcoming graduations, summer vacations, and wonderful weather. This year on the first day of June there are other things weighing on our minds, as well.

As we work to navigate the process of educating and providing services for the students due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, we are also faced with significant impact on our students and adults within our community on the recent killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor among many other Black Americans. As we are witnessing across the country and here in Vermont, this event continues to impact many people, and is shown in protests calling for justice spreading across America and the world. 

We recognize how painful this senseless tragedy is for many members of our community.  While conversations about race may be difficult to have, it is essential that they take place in order for our community and our children to move forward. It is never too early or too late to begin these discussions with your children. As a supervisory union, it is important for us to continue to commit to our shared values that: diversity is an asset; every individual has equal human value; and that a secure and safe environment and peaceful conflict resolution are essential to learning and to society. Below are a couple resources to support conversations. 

Anti-Racism For Kids 101: Starting To Talk About Race

100 race-conscious things you can say to your child

We are committed to ensuring equity for all students, and understand that ridding our system of inequalities connected to race, gender, language diversity, socioeconomic status, and other forms of marginalization, is key for all students to thrive in a global society. Our schools are committed to a culture free from bias and inequity. Together we can provide opportunities for our children to effect change. We need to create and foster environments where every person feels welcomed, accepted and valued. 

Sincerely,

Donald S. Van Nostrand
Interim Superintendent

Click Here for a PDF of this Letter.

Franklin West SU BFA, FWSU

The FWSU Story: Senior Spotlight – Celebrating BFA Class of 2020

All BFA Fairfax Seniors were invited to participate in a virtual interview for the blog. Today we are happy to celebrate graduating senior, Owen Senesac!

When did you start school at BFA?
I started in 2007. 

What is your favorite memory about your time at BFA?
My 6th Grade class trip where my grade went to a suspended obstacle course.

What are your plans after graduation?
I will spend 3 years at Castleton University studying business.  

Do you want to give a “shout-out” to one of your teachers? Who and why?
Mrs. Skerrett! She was the coach of GEO BEE team, which is quite possibly the best after-school club. 

What are you learning about other people (both close others and not-so-close others) as a result of the present situation? 
I’ve learned that people (or at least me) enjoy the simple things associated with everyday routines, like a walk or a morning conversation.

What new learning and new perspectives have you gained, and how will you integrate them into your life moving forward?
Through watching and reading news and articles I see that life can be a lot worse than missing graduation, prom, etc. So moving forward, I will be much more thankful for the simpler things I have.

Linda Keating is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Franklin West Supervisory Union. She is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow her on Twitter @Educate4ward