SCHOOL SAFETY ASSEMBLY AND PARENT NIGHT

On Thursday, October 26, Bishop Blanchet will host a 60-minute assembly during school for our faculty, staff, and students. The topic of the presentation is "How to Survive an Active Lethal Threat Event - Whether In or Out of School." We will also host a parent/guardian-only event of the same content on Thursday, October 26 from 6-8 p.m. in the Norcliffe Student Commons.

We feel this is important and compelling information for our students to hear and practice. However, if you choose for your student to opt-out, please complete and return this form to the Dean's Office in advance of the assembly. We will honor that request by providing a study period for your student while the assembly is in progress. Please feel free to reach with any questions or concerns. 

Thank you for supporting our school in keeping our students safe and please consider attending the parent event on the evening on Thursday, October 26.

Chris Bilanko

Dean of Students

[email protected]

JOIN US FOR OPEN HOUSE: TONIGHT!

The 2023 Bishop Blanchet Open House will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. tonight, 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]

MAC MULTICULTURAL PARENT POTLUCK: OCTOBER 20

Please join us in person this 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! Please RSVP here by today, 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. 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! 

Sofia Lopez Bactol

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

[email protected]

Parents of the Class of 2024! Senior tributes in the Pallium yearbook are a great way to congratulate your child on their graduation. To reserve your ad in the 2023-24 Pallium, simply email [email protected] by Sunday, November 12 and indicate your child's name. The deadline to send photos and your tribute message is Monday, January 22 (earlier is welcome!), but you must reserve your space by November 12. Important information:

• All senior tributes are 1/4 page
• Tributes with one to two photos may be accompanied by a message of up to 100 words.
• Tributes with three to four photos may be accompanied by a message of around 70 words.
• Tributes with five photos (maximum) may be accompanied by a message of up to 50 words.

All senior tributes are individually designed by members of the student yearbook team. We welcome your input regarding design considerations such as photo orientation and sizing, and will strive to fulfill your requests. 

Please consider making a donation to the senior class as a way of thanking the Pallium staff for the labor of love that is senior tributes. 100% of funds will go toward senior prom. 

Robert Bergin

Yearbook Advisor

[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]

BEAR OF THE WEEK NOMINEES: WEEK 3

Congratulations to our Bear of the Week nominees for October 2-7! 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

Stella Schiefer '27 - Swim and Dive

Stella came in 3rd in the 500 yard freestyle at our meet against Eastside Catholic and went on to swim the 100 yard breaststroke.

Pauline Jaculewicz '24 - Volleyball

In our matches against Seattle Prep and Holy Names, Pauline connected with her teammates for a total of 35 assists. She contributed 3 kills, 16 digs and 2 service aces.

Lily Bammler '26 - Soccer

Lily had a great performance against Rainier Beach with a hat trick - 3 goals!

Lily LaPorte '25 - Cross Country

Lily ran a great race in the Elite section of our invitational against some of the best runners in the PNW, finishing 22nd overall.

Kaitlyn Smith '25 - Golf

Kaitlyn had a great week on the course, scoring 54 points for the team in two matches. She had the lowest round in the teams match vs. Chief Sealth.

Boys

William (Liam) McCabe '24 - ESports

In the Bear's Mario Kart match against the Vegas Vortex of Bishop Gorman High School, Liam led the team to a 2-0 victory. With his 1st place finishes in all six races in each of the two series, Liam contributed 42 points to the team total for a total of 84 points for the match.

Nicolas Padilla Bond '26 - Cross Country

Nicolas placed 2nd overall in the freshmen/sophomore JV Race at the Nike Hole in the Wall Invitational with a time of 16:48.

Hutch Stellick '24 - Golf

In two matches, Hutch was a combined three over par. Hutch was the medalist of the match vs. Chief Sealth.

Jacob Cuba '24 - Football

Jacob led the defense with one monster sack and multiple tackles in last week's game vs. Rainier Beach.

Lily LaPorte '25

Bear of the Week - Cross Country

Nicolas Padilla Bond '26

Bear of the Week - Cross Country

HOME FOOTBALL GAME REMINDERS: SENIOR NIGHT OCTOBER 20

The Bears will celebrate our senior cheerleaders and football players before kick off vs. the Ballard Beavers this Friday, October 20 at 7 p.m. on Mickey Naish Field. Senior night celebrations will begin at 6:30 p.m.

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.
• 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!

Save time standing in line and Reserve your Raffle Tickets Today!  Look for a sneak peak on the amazing raffle items in next week's update.

Click here to buy your tickets ($75/person) - tickets are limited this year. We only have 150 tickets left, so don't delay!

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

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.

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!

Sean Gaskill

Athletic Director

[email protected]

PHOTO RETAKES: OCTOBER 20

Photo retakes and makeups are scheduled for this Friday, 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]

BLANCHET'S LITTLE FREE PANTRY: DONATIONS NEEDED

Bishop Blanchet offers a Little Free Pantry on Wallingford Avenue as a way to care for our neighbors, and our shelves are almost bare! If you have non-perishable food items, socks, gloves, or feminine hygiene products to donate, please either put them directly into the Little Free Pantry or bring them by the Campus Ministry office.

URBAN PLUNGE 2023: NOVEMBER 8-9

Bishop Blanchet will host its annual Urban Plunge retreat for sophomores, juniors, and seniors starting after school Wednesday, November 8 through Thursday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. The Urban Plunge calls BBHS students to a deeper awareness of and compassion for people facing homelessness. Students interested in attending the retreat need to fill out the application by Monday, October 30 at 3:00pm.

Joe Cussen

Director of Campus Ministry

[email protected]

WINTER ATHLETIC CLINICS

BBHS Basketball, Baseball, and Cheer Clinic sign ups are now open! Share this information with your friends and neighbors - and register today!

Cheer (Grades K-8) - Saturday, December 16 from 12:30-3 p.m.

All students K-8 are invited to spend the afternoon with the BBHS Cheerleading Squad where they will learn cheers, chants, and dances! Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity to move it, move it!

Boys Basketball (Grades 5-8) - Saturday, December 16 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Our basketball camp equips players with skills and techniques in a positive and competitive atmosphere. The clinic will emphasize individual offensive moves, passing, shooting, rebounding, and ball handling. Instruction will be provided by the Bishop Blanchet High School coaching staff and players.

Boys Baseball (Grades 2-4) - Monday, December 18 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

(Grades 5-6) - Tuesday, December 19 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m

At our Blanchet Baseball clinic, our goal is to help young players develop solid fundamentals and learn proper techniques. We will provide players a unique opportunity to take their game to the next level with a clinic designed to develop skills in all facets of the game (hitting, catching, fielding). Instruction will be provided by the Bishop Blanchet High School coaching staff and players

Register today!

Laura Meaux

Director of Community Engagement and Leadership Development

[email protected]

COUNSELOR CONNECTIONS: SAVE THE DATE

Parents/guardians of students are invited to informal gatherings with our BBHS counselors throughout the year. The format is parent Q&A with a very brief presentation. All sessions are in the morning from 8:10-9:10 a.m. in the Norcliffe Student Commons. Information and registration will be emailed to parents/guardians as the dates near - please save the following dates:

• Senior Parents/Guardians - Thursday, November 2
• Junior Parents/Guardians - Thursday, December 7
• Freshman Parents/Guardians - Thursday, January 4
• Sophomore Parents/Guardians - Thursday, February 1

SENIORS: COLLEGE APPLICATION WORK TIMES

Seniors are invited to get help on their college applications from the BBHS Counseling Team on the following Late Start dates:

• Thursday, October 19 from 8-9:15 a.m. 
• Monday, October 23 from 7:45-8:30 a.m.

NEW: If your senior is planning to apply to a college using the California State University application (CalStateApply), they are invited to a special help session on Thursday, October 19 from 8-9:15 a.m. 

To assist with planning, we ask students to sign up on Maia Learning, or they can also drop in to the Counseling Center.

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.

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]

MIDDLETOWN TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Tickets are now on sale for performances of Middletown, Friday-Sunday, November 3-5. Because seating is limited in the Marge Bradburn Black Box Theatre, get your tickets today!

You don’t want to miss this show! 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. We invite you to visit and support them on their website when you check out and pay for your digital tickets.  

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]

INTERESTING IN HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?

Each year, BBHS welcomes students from around the world seeking an American education and homestay experience. We’ve previously hosted students from Chile, China, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan and Vietnam.

We are currently seeking new host families who have a spare bedroom and an open heart! Families that are excited to welcome a high school student from another country and enjoy a culturally enriching experience in their household are encouraged to apply. A monthly stipend of $1,200 is included to help offset hosting costs. 

Do you know a family that would be interested in hosting? Hosts are not required to be BBHS parents, so please feel free to share this information with your friends and community.

Hosting details and application can be found here. Please reach out with any questions!

Janah Valenzuela Cardin

Director of International Student Services

[email protected]

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]

PINKOUT FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Hi Bears! For this year's pinkout, channel your inner Barbie (or Ken!) with our 2023 Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirt ($15/each). T-shirts are on sale in the Spirit Store online and during lunches this week in the Commons. Proceeds from each sale will be donated to Fred Hutch Cancer Center.