2024 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: COMMENDED STUDENTS 

Congratulations to Colin Boyd, Jackson Kenney, and Dashel Schwaegler for being recognized as Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program, representing the BBHS Class of 2024. 

Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Congratulations to these seniors, for being recognized as Commended Students and demonstrating exceptional academic promise!

Colin Boyd '24

Jackson Kenney '24

Dashel Schwaegler '24

Nicole McCoy

Vice Principal of Academics

[email protected]

PSAT ON OCTOBER 12

The PSAT will be administered for grades 9-11 tomorrow, Thursday, October 12 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Students should be in their testing room at 8:15 a.m. so they can be settled in time for testing to begin. Students will not be admitted once testing has begun. Please note that this is a standardized test, and students will be released when they are finished according to testing procedures. Testing will begin at 8:30 a.m. and should conclude around 11:30 a.m. (the Commons and Library will not be open after school).

• The Testing Room assignments have been emailed to students and will be posted in the hallway on Thursday morning.
• Have your student get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast (there is no BBHS food service on PSAT test day).
• Students should bring their fully-charged approved device, charging cord, a pen or pencil, water bottle, and snack, or refer to this list.
• There will not be make-up testing for the PSAT. If students miss the test for any reason there are ample opportunities for practice prior to taking the SAT in spring of junior year.

2023-2024 COUNSELING EVENTS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

Please join the BBHS Counseling Team for this year’s Parent/Guardian evenings, focused on important grade-level information and events. We encourage at least one parent or guardian to attend. These events are for the adults; students will receive similar information during the school day.

Frosh Parent/Guardian Information Night: If you missed last evening's presentation, materials and slides are available on the Counseling page of our website.

Sophomore Parent/Guardian Information Night: Tuesday, October 24

• The counseling program at BBHS
• Graduation requirements
• College admission/factors
• Tips to help your child succeed
• Please register in advance, and refer to the email sent yesterday to sophomore parents/guardians for further details

Brian Mullen

School Counselor (A-E)

[email protected]

Kaitlyn Overman

Social/Emotional Counselor

[email protected]

Shannon Fleming-Bray

Student Support Coordinator

[email protected]

Janice Moehring

Counseling Assistant

[email protected]

JOIN US FOR OPEN HOUSE: OCTOBER 18

The 2023 Bishop Blanchet Open House will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18. All families of prospective Bears are invited to attend and may RSVP here. 

SCHEDULE A BEAR FOR A DAY 8TH GRADE VISIT

Shadow visit days will take place until January 4. Check out our website for more details. Spread the word to the families you know with 8th graders and encourage them to sign up. Space is very limited!

BEAR ACCESS PASS

This personalized card gives middle schoolers free access to Bishop Blanchet games and events. If a 6th, 7th, or 8th grader you know did not receive one, make sure they sign up for our mailing list and we’ll get one sent out!

COFFEE AND TOUR WITH PRESIDENT DESAPIO

This fall, we are offering additional opportunities for parents to learn more about all that BBHS has to offer. Middle school parents are invited to join us in the Norcliffe Student Commons from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on:

• Thursday, November 9
• Wednesday, December 6

to meet with our school president, principal, and other members of the school’s leadership team and enjoy complimentary coffee from The Hive Café. Part of the program will include tours around the campus. If you are interested in joining one of these events, please register here. Space is limited, so sign up today!

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

To stay informed on all that is happening at Bishop Blanchet, please encourage family and friends with middle school students to join our mailing list.

REGISTER FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST: NOVEMBER 18 OR 19

All 8th grade applicants are required to take the High School Placement Test (HSPT). We are offering HSPT admissions at BBHS on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19 (extended time accommodation will be offered only on Saturday, November 18). 8th graders may register for the HSPT here. 

Mike Pierce

Director of Admissions

[email protected]

NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING DAYS 

Prospective student athletes can start signing their National Letter of Intent (NLI) on November 8 in all sports except football (eligible December 20). Students and parents are asked to notify the Bishop Blanchet Athletic Department of these signings, to allow us to celebrate these tremendous accomplishments. Our first signing day event will take place on Wednesday, November 8 at 3 p.m. in the Main Gym. Click here to complete the Fall Signing Day survey by Friday, October 20.

Our second signing day event will occur on Friday, May 10. An additional survey will be sent out near that date. The Athletic Department will reach out to all individuals with a detailed invitation after the survey closes. 

WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Student athletes must register through ArbiterSports in order to participate in a Bishop Blanchet winter sport:

• Boys and girls basketball
• Girls flag football (new!)
• Boys swim and dive
• Co-Ed ultimate frisbee
• Boys and girls wrestling

All student athletes are required to have both an updated Physical Form (within 2 years) and Medical History Form (updated for the 2023-2024 school year). Both forms are also linked on the Athletics registration webpage. Once has been completed, the Athletic Department will confirm eligibility via email.

BEAR OF THE WEEK NOMINEES: WEEK 2

Congratulations to our Week 2 Bear of the Week (September 25-30) nominees! Each week, the Athletic Department will recognize individuals nominated by coaches for their previous week's performances. The student body will then vote on a boy and a girl to receive the honor and the coveted Bear of the Week t-shirt. Go Bears!

Girls

Meredith Jensen '27 - Swim and Dive

Meredith has been consistently dropping significant time in her individual events, especially the 50 yard freestyle and the 100 yard freestyle. Against Lincoln, she also swam the 200 yard freestyle, winning points for the team!

Audrey Schneider '26 - Volleyball

Sophomore outside hitter had a near perfect serving record for the week. She contributed 5 aces, 14 kills, and 22 digs in our matches vs. Lakeside and West Seattle.

Evie Robertson '26 - Soccer

Evie scored a goal and played with a ton of heart in our 2-2 tie vs. Seattle Prep.

Zoë Louis '25 - Cross Country

Zoë Louis finished 16th and ran a personal best time of 18:38 at the Nike Twilight Invitational, helping the team to a 4th place finish (and top Washington school).

Joie Ciro '25 - Golf

Joie competed in two matches during the week, firing rounds of 46 and 45 and was the medalist in each match. Joie led the team in points for the week, scoring 55 for the team.

Boys

Connor Coolbaugh '27 - E Sports

In the first regular season Rocket League match, Connor led the team to victory with a score of 1708 with 8 goals and 16 shots on goal.

Matthew Maillette '26 - Cross Country 

Mathew ran the fastest time of the day for the Bears at the Nike Twilight Invitational, with an 18:01.

Henry Day '26 - Golf

In two matches, Henry shot a combined score of one under par and was medalist for both matches. In his match against Chief Sealth, Henry fired a two under 34. Against Nathan Hale, Henry finished one over par.

JJ Kane '24 - Football

JJ had four interceptions in the team's thrilling 34-28 Homecoming victory over Seattle Prep.

JJ Kane '24

Bear of the Week - Football

Audrey Schneider '26

Bear of the Week - Volleyball

Last week's Bear of the Week winners were not announced before the Weekly Update deadline. Congratulations to all the nominees, and winners:

Sadie Graves '24

Bear of the Week (Week 1) - Soccer

Sam Merriman '24

Bear of the Week (Week 1) - Football

FALL SPORTS MEDIA GUIDES 

Digital copies of our 2023 Fall Sports Media Guide can be found here. The media guide includes all of our fall sports team photos, rosters, schedules and a special senior section. Go Bears!

HOME FOOTBALL GAME REMINDERS

The Bears take on the Lincoln Lynx this Friday, October 13 at 7:00 p..m on Mickey Naish Field. Go Bears!

Spectator Reminders:

• Please bookmark this page for ticketing and livestream information 
• We have moved fully to digital ticketing - cash will not be accepted. Ticket prices do not include service fees.
• Tailgating is not permitted on Bishop Blanchet property.
• Please respect our neighbors and do not park close to driveways (this has been an ongoing issue).
• Due to our parking lot size, we encourage carpooling. 
• Gates will open at 5:45 p.m.
• BBHS and visiting students will use the North Entrance (N. 85th St.) entrance (Bishop Blanchet students must show their ASB/ID card for free entry). 
• All other fans - parents, visiting parents, Booster Club members, and our middle school Bears Access Pass holders, etc. - will use the South Entrance (N. 82nd St.).
• Backpacks and gym bags are not allowed in the stadium. There will be a specified location by the student entrance for any gym bags or backpacks if students bring them.
• There are no in-and-out privileges; if you decide to leave you are not allowed back in (this applies to everyone, not just students). 

REGISTER FOR SURF & TURF

The BBHS Booster Club invites you to attend our Annual BBHS Surf & Turf Dinner - an exciting and delicious evening for all in our community (21+ please). Whether you’re a veteran at this event or a rookie, you’re sure to have a good time!

Surf & Turf is the Booster Club’s primary fundraiser and serves to provide supplemental funding for all BBHS athletic teams. Join us for Dungeness crab, ribs, rolls, dessert and complimentary beer and wine. If you wish, you can also bring an appetizer or side for your table to share. 

Friday, November 17

BBHS Norcliffe Student Commons

5:15-6:00 p.m. Check in and Decorate tables

6:00 p.m. Event begins

Ticket Price: $75 per person*

*As a member of the Booster Club BBHS Leadership Level ($1000), you will receive two complimentary tickets. However, please still register so we can reserve space for you. 

Introducing a New Approach to Table Sign-Up:

• Please pick someone to be your table captain.
• Table Captains - please share the names and emails of each person who will be at your table with Lyndsay Campbell.
• Only share the names of individuals at your table once you have the final list. All people at your table need to be registered. Deadline to submit your list is Sunday, November 5.
• There are two table sizes: 8 people or 14 people (8-person tables are 60" rounds and tables with more than 8 people will be seated at 12' long by 30" wide rectangular tables).
• There are a limited number of 12-foot-long tables, with only five left.
• If you are new to the BBHS Community and want help gathering people for a table, we can help! Please email Lyndsay Campbell and let her know the name of your student and current grade, any sports or activities they participate in and which middle school they attended. We can then connect you with other parents to sit with!

Click here to buy your tickets ($75/person) - tickets are limited this year. We only have 180 tickets left, so don't delay!

Have questions? Email Lyndsay Campbell or call (206) 527-7719.

Sean Gaskill

Athletic Director

[email protected]

PHOTO RETAKES: OCTOBER 20

Photo retakes and makeups are scheduled for Thursday, October 20. Please view this flyer for ordering information. You can pre-order now, or wait to receive the proof sheet to order photos (about 4 weeks after retake day).

SENIOR MEMORABILIA AVAILABLE FOR ORDER

All seniors have registered for their graduation cap, gown and tassel. If you would like to order optional graduation items such as formal graduation announcements or senior memorabilia from National Achiever Services, please click here.

Chuck Bocian

Vice Principal of Student Activities

[email protected]

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: OPEN HOUSE

The Parent Association will assist with greeting prospective students and their families at the Open House on Wednesday, October 18 from 5:00-8:30 p.m. in the Commons. Please click here to sign up to volunteer at this important school event! 

PARENT EDUCATION NIGHT: SCHOOL SAFETY TRAINING 

All parents are highly encouraged to for Thursday, October 26 from 6-8:00 p.m. in the Norcliffe Student Commons for the school safety presentation.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: HALLOWEEN TREAT BAGS

We need your help to fill Halloween treat bags for students and faculty/staff this October! Please click here to sign up to help!

CLASS OF 2024 PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: FACULTY APPRECIATION LUNCH

Senior class parents/guardians are asked to provide homemade treats for the faculty appreciation lunch on Friday, October 27. Get creative with your goodies and bring your homemade hair-raising delectables to the hallway outside the main office by 10:30 a.m. on October 27. Please sign up here.

CLASS SOCIALS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

The BBHS Parent Association is happy to once again sponsor social events for the parents and guardians of each class. Freshmen parents/guardians (Class of 2027), join us next Saturday, October 28 at Finn MacCool's in the University District. Please RSVP here.

JJ Horner, Aly Medina and Molly Ruddy

BBHS Parent Association Co-Chairs

[email protected]

TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR 2024-25

Applications for BBHS and Fulcrum Foundation Tuition Assistance for the 2024-2025 school year are now being accepted via FACTS. Information and links to the application can be found here. Here's how to get started:

• Log onto your BBHS FACTS account as a returning family or new family, and follow the links to the 2024-2025 Tuition Assistance Application.
• Apply to both Fulcrum and Bishop Blanchet for Tuition Assistance consideration.
• Review the list of required supporting documents necessary to complete the FACTS application.
• Important: Only complete applications (including submission of the required documents) will be considered for Tuition Assistance.
• The application deadline for both BBHS and Fulcrum Tuition Assistance is December 31, 2023.

Please email Colleen Reinhardt with any questions.

Tom Ramsey

Director of Finance

[email protected]

MAC MULTICULTURAL PARENT POTLUCK: OCTOBER 20

Please join us in person on Friday, October 20 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. in the Norcliffe Student Commons Atrium at Bishop Blanchet. This event is centered around the parents and caregivers of students of multicultural backgrounds. We hope to provide a space to build parent connections, offer a few resources, and find community.

Join us for a potluck, engaging conversations, and the company of wonderful people! To help us plan, RSVP here by Wednesday, October 18.

HAPPY FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH!

The celebration of Filipino American History Month in October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. A few FilAm students from the

API Club gathered with members of the unofficial "BBHS Crispy P.A.T.A. (Pilipino American Teachers Association)", photo below, to kick off a special month of celebrating heritage and understanding history.

We invite you to continue to celebrate Filipino American History Month throughout the month and throughout the year with this toolkit of recommendations including saints to honor, restaurants, community celebrations, and must-read books! 

STREAM AMERICAN SIKH: OCTOBER 13

Vishavjit Singh is a New York City based illustrator, writer, performance artist, diversity speaker and creator of www.Sikhtoons.com. He got his spark for cartooning in the post 9/11 tragedy when Americans with turbaned and bearded countenance became targets of hate/bias crimes. For the past few years he has been traveling across the U.S. with his Captain America persona, armed with a turban, beard and humor to tackle fear, anxiety, bigotry and intolerance. His message and work have been covered by a number of news outlets, including the New York Times, NPR, BBC, The Atlantic, Huffington Post, The Guardian and Time Magazine. Vishavjit has also facilitated workshops for our very own annual Diversity Leadership Summit at Bishop Blanchet! We are excited to share that his latest work, American Sikh, is set to be streamed this month! Check it out here beginning Friday, October 13. 

Sofia Lopez Bactol

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

[email protected]

BBHS PERFORMING ARTS PARTNERS WITH CATHOLIC LIFESAVER CORPS

Middletown is a deeply moving and funny play exploring the universe of a small American town. As a friendship develops between longtime resident John Dodge and new arrival Mary Swanson, the lives of the inhabitants of Middletown intersect in strange and poignant ways in a journey that takes them from the local library to outer space and points between. Characters dispense piercing observations about life, death and the cosmos, and our students are doing an amazing job telling this story with realism and hope.

We do want to share with our patrons a content warning of themes dealing with depression and suicide. The relevance of these sobering themes led us to our service partner, Catholic Lifesaver Corps, a suicide prevention program for high school students that operates under the Mental Health Ministry of the Archdiocese of Seattle.  

The mission of Catholic Lifesaver Corps is to train and empower high school students to become aware of the signs and clues of teen suicide. There is great efficacy in peers helping peers, and we are proud to be partners in this good and important work.

We look forward to welcoming our audiences to the beautiful Marge Bradburn Theatre at Bishop Blanchet High School. Performances will run Friday-Sunday, November 3-5, and online tickets go on sale on Tuesday, October 17.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR SPOTLIGHT CABARET: OCTOBER 21

The BBHS Performing Arts Department invites you to the 2023 Spotlight Cabaret! This fundraising event is a show-stopping evening of entertainment from our Performing Arts community, featuring live performances from Bishop Blanchet's incredible singers, musicians and actors. 

Saturday, October 21

6:00 p.m. Reception

BBHS Performing Arts Lobby

7:00 p.m. Curtain

Ernie Rose Activities Center-Main Gym

Purchase your tickets here ($75/adult & $25/students K-12). The price of the ticket includes appetizers, beverages and amazing entertainment!

The proceeds raised from this special evening will support the Performing Arts Department by supporting new technology and supplementing the spring musical, festivals and trips.

You can become a Performing Arts Patron now, or at the event you will have the opportunity to become a Patron of the Performing Arts. To support our incredible performing art students become a patron today!

We look forward to seeing you at the Spotlight Cabaret on Saturday, October 21. Thank you for supporting our performing arts students! Questions? Email Lyndsay Campbell '97 or call 206-527-7719.

Michelle Carrasquilla

Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair

[email protected]