Bacon Academy ConnectED
Bacon Academy- February 2024
Message from the Principal
Greetings to all! We have many updates to share for this edition of our newsletter:
As you may know, Colchester Public Schools has submitted an application with the state Department of Education to add a magnet component to Bacon Academy. The proposed magnet pathways include firefighting, health pathways leading to CNA or EMT, education and the potential for aviation preparation in conjunction with ROTC. The Bacon Academy Magnet Presentation was presented in January and summarized for the Board of Education the work so far.
At the February Board of Education meeting, a change to the current year school calendar was made to move an early release day from March 7th to April 2nd. At the same meeting, I presented my request to set a graduation date for the Class of 2024. The Board quickly approved June 14, 2024 as the date for Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2024! Since the last day of school (as of this writing) is Tuesday, June 18th, adjustments will be needed for the exam schedule for seniors but cannot be finalized until the potential for more weather events has passed. The next few weeks will bring informative Board meetings with items related to the Athletic Complex and the 24-25 budget proposal. Stay tuned!
Planning for the 24-25 school year is underway. First of all, the Board of Education has approved the 2024-2025 school year calendar. In a few short weeks, teachers will be making their recommendations and students will be requesting courses for next year. Families are encouraged to consult the recently approved 24-25 Program of Studies for information on courses prior to the student selection window March 18 - April 6. It is important for students to request courses they truly wish to take next year, so that we have the most accurate information to build the Master Schedule with. Our School Counseling staff is happy to answer any questions students or families may have in this process.
As the daylight gets longer, my thoughts turn to the promise of spring, yet with the realization of just how fast the school year is progressing!
Regards,
Amy Begué, Principal
*Please Note the Change to the Calendar*
At the Board of Education meeting last week, a change to the current school year calendar was approved. Parents and students should be aware that the shortened day schedule on Thursday March 7th has been moved to Tuesday April 2nd. March 7th will now be a full day of school, and the short day on April 2nd will allow Bacon Academy to accommodate the needs of primary voting at BA.
What We've Been Up To
A warm welcome to our bobcat cubs!
Creating culinary masterpieces in Bake Shop 2
Students in Bake Shop 2 presented their custom plated dessert for their final project. Baking was just one part of the recipe as students were tasked with interviewing their “clients,” to find out their likes and dislikes, figuring out the cost and pricing of their dish, then lab planning to design their plates and scale their recipe. These skills go beyond the mere act of baking, they teach students the business side of culinary arts, ensuring a well rounded education in culinary. Bakers made each dish from scratch, including homemade “Oreo” cookies!
Let There Be Light!
After nearly a year of darkness we are thrilled to have our electric sign back online and bright to welcome everyone on to campus!
The original sign was a gift from the Class of 2011 but unfortunately the electronics failed after 12 years of use. We retained the original metal case, but were able to retain a replacement display board and an updated face plate showing our new Bobcat logo.
This initiative was close to the heart of our passionate school principal, Amy Begué, who championed the project to fruition. The new sign not only stands as a symbol of the pride within our school and community but also highlights the events and celebrations to come.
Welcome Rochelle Whitchelo!
With the start of the new semester we welcomed a new teacher to the Art Department! Rochelle has been teaching art for 16 year and is looking forward to teaching ceramics and sketchbook fundamentals. Originally from Iowa, Rochelle enjoys gardening, hiking with her dogs and seeing live music.
What's Next!
Be Well At BA: Now a Two Day Event!
Be Well at BA is an innovative, student-led interactive health and wellness day focusing on mental health and supporting one another. Our annual event for the sophomore class is scheduled for Thursday, March 21st and the first annual Be Well at BA for the junior class is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26th! This program introduces students to school and community support systems through student-led skits and activities, encourages healthy eating habits through food demonstrations, and teaches social-emotional skills by participation in small group activities including meditation, journaling, stress management, healthy relationships, self-care, and yoga. The activities are facilitated by school counselors, teachers, our partners from Youth and Social Services, and local community health service providers. In addition, students build positive relationships with their classmates through team building activities, interactive wellness booths and nature walks with therapy dogs. Student leaders develop skills in communication, organization, and responsibility, while also serving as mentors and providing support for younger students. The event is fully supported through community partnerships, donations, fundraising efforts and volunteers.
Jazz Night At Bacon Academy
Bacon Jazz Night takes a new twist as the Bacon Jazz Band will become the "House" band for several Bacon Alumni professional musicians. These are seriously talented pros and we cannot wait to see this performance! The Jazz Band will also be showcasing solo during the concert. This will be an event that you do not want to miss!
Join us on February 29th in the Auditorium. The beats drop at 7Pm!
News from Bacon Academy's FIRST Robotics Team 1699
FIRST Robobotc Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of STEM. During an FRC season, Bacon Academy’s Team 1699 students work alongside skilled mentors to build a robot they design themselves in just 8 weeks. In the process, they learn to use professional hardware and software and develop skills such as engineering design, project management, programming, teamwork, public speaking, and strategic thinking. The Robocats won the New England District Championship last year and are currently working hard to meet the challenges of the 2024 season. The team's first competition is March 1-2 in Hartford where they will compete in this year's challenging field game with other teams from across the Northeast.
Help Tree-Plenish!
Tree-plenish is back! This year Bacon Academy Environmental Science students will host a native tree sale and planting event. Tree-Plenish is a non-profit organization run exclusively by college students to promote the planting of native tree species.
Residents may choose to have volunteers deliver and plant saplings in their yards, or they can pick them up at Bacon Academy. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 20th. Sapling sales will be available online only, from now to March 20th. Saplings are $5 each. The link to this year’s event is: https://tpevents.org/school/4019. Information regarding how to purchase saplings, volunteer, or sponsor this event can be found at the website.
We have created a goal of 402 saplings to be planted locally. This will offset 482 tons of carbon emissions created by the school building.
Native trees are important to the environment. They sequester carbon, provide shade, shelter, and food sources for native organisms that non-native species do not provide.
There are 3 tree species to choose from; American Sycamore, Red maple, and Eastern Redbud. Sycamores prefer loamy soil that has a good supply of groundwater. Eastern redbuds are flowering trees that grow more compactly and provide spring flowers. Red maples support many species of birds and butterflies as well as being tapped for maple syrup. All saplings are bare root (not potted) and will range in size based on the species ordered.
Please visit the website for more information and contact information.
Student Spotlight: Grant Johnson
Each year, the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) selects members of the community who have made a significant contribution to social justice efforts within their community and honors them at our annual event. This year, Grant Johnson was the recipient of the NCCJ Human Better Youth Changemakers Award for his leadership and commitment to social justice within Bacon Academy and the wider community. Grant beautifully models the values of NCCJ with his social justice work in the athletic and academic arenas by serving on equity committees, being an upstander, and continually educating himself through engagement with NCCJ programs to become a stronger advocate for his own identity groups and a stronger ally for the ones he is not a part of.
Grant is an eager scholar of social justice and a critical thinker around socialization and identity. He consistently demonstrates a deep sense of ethical respect for himself and those around him. He is very accepting of the many different identities and identity expressions of his classmates and is always ready and eager to learn something new about how the world functions. Grant didn’t just learn about equity, he turned theory to action and joined the diversity council at Bacon Academy and, as a student athlete, served on the Eastern Connecticut Conference’s diversity council as well. He used his voice within his school by attending meetings with teachers and administrators for diversity education. He was a critical contributor to the design of a Friday class in his school that is used as a community building tool, supporting the youth and adults in team building and strengthening the ties among youth and adults. NCCJ is grateful to have Grant as a part of our community.
Employee Spotlight- A Double Congratulations!
Earlier this year our own Mr. (now Doctor) Stephen Byrne, achieved a significant milestone by earning his Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. On top of that, he also embraced a new role as the Reading Specialist for Bacon Academy. Aligned with his new degree,in this new role he now works closely with teachers in the English, Social Studies and Science departments to support teachers in furthering their literacy instruction.
Mr. Byrne has been teaching English at BA for 6 years. Motivated by his love for teaching, Mr. Byrne pursued the degree in 2020, exploring curriculum design, instructional materials, and research. His journey allowed him to experiment with various teaching approaches, making the learning experience richer for his students. According to Mr. Byrne, “At the time that I started the degree, while I had some semi-vague hopes and ideas, I wasn't entirely sure what type of opportunities it might open up for me, but I knew I wanted to have options. In the process, I had a lot of fun (and not a small bit of stress) trying different instructional approaches with my classes and learning alongside my students.”
Mr. Byrne’s impressive journey to earn is Ed. D is a shining example of the power of lifelong learning. His dedication to furthering his education, even after years in the field, should inspire our students to embrace the mindset of continuous learning. Just as Mr. Byrne discovered new passions and opportunities through his educational pursuits, we encourage our students to see each day as an opportunity to learn, grow, and shape their own bright futures.
Important Upcoming Dates
- February 27th- BOE Budget Workshop 5:30PM @ CES *Child Care Provided*
- February 29th- Bacon Jazz Band Night 7PM
- March 8th- Deadline for Cap and Gown Orders!
- Mach 9th- BOE Budget Workshop 8:30AM @ CES *Child Care Provided*
- March 11th- BA Parent Council 6PM-7PM in the LMC
- March 12th- Regular BOE Meeting 6PM
- March 14th- Band Concert 7PM Auditorium
- March 22nd-April 8th- Seal of Biliteracy Testing
- March 27th- BA Star Search Talent Show
- May 4th- Junior Prom
- May 11th- Senior Prom
- *Graduation! June 14th*
- Winter Sports are now in session. Click here for CIAC calendar.