Mrs. Villeneuve's Public Speaking Course and Mr. Gaudette's Work Based Learning Seminar course participated in a field trip on Tuesday Jan. 28 to Hall Communications and WCAX studios in South Burlington, Vermont.
The students first met with Jon Brooks who is an on-air DJ for Kool 105 radio. Jon gave the students a great tour of the radio stations (Kool 105, WOKO and WJOY AM) as well as the transmitter and technical side of things. The students even had a chance to be on the air with C.K. Coin on WOKO during his morning show. Afterwards the students met with Diane Landry at WCAX television station. Diane, a long time employee of WCAX, gave the students a great tour of the station. The students met with the local meteorologists, on-air reporters and anchors and even watched a live courtroom feed from Burlington. The highlight of the trip was watching the noon news broadcast with John McMahon. The staff at WCAX gave great tips and recommendations about how to be successful in the news and media industry. In addition, the students learned about great internship possibilities during the summer. Thanks for a great trip Hall Communications and WCAX!
Vermont Presidential Scholars
The Vermont Presidential Scholars Program is a statewide recognition of student citizenship, academic, artistic, and leadership excellence. Students are recognized in three categories: the Arts, Career Technical Education(CTE), and General.
All of our Fairfax scholars were awarded in the General Category.
General: This category recognizes students for their contributions to the school and community, academic achievements, including traditional and non-traditional learning experiences, creativity and innovation in learning, leadership, and inspiration to others.
Recipients from left to right:
Ella Ferrone- Ella is the student Representative on the school board where she is able to express the many voices and opinions of peers at her high school. She is the President of her National Honor Society chapter and the president of Creative Connections. Ella's high school experience has included taking many high-level courses. By the end of her senior year she will have taken five of the six offered Advanced Placement classes offered at BFA Fairfax.
Katherine Duling- Kate has been a part of the Coffee House club, organizing student-led entertainment nights for the school community. She is also on the crew for the fall musical organizing the movement of the props and pieces of the set. Kate has been the advertising editor of the yearbook for three years. She has taken multiple Advanced Placement Classes while maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. She was placed as a top scorer in the Vermont Math Coalition Talent search and was the recipient of the Clarkson Achievement Award and the Society of Women Engineers High School Certificate of Merit in Science and Mathematics.
Anna Howard- Anna was elected the Junior Representative on the Fairfax Town Select Board in April 2024 and continues in this position until she graduates. Anna has extensive experience in Archery not only at a state level but national level, she has participated in archery for many years and has represented Vermont in national competitions as well as teaching Junior Olympic Archery Development lessons to local upcoming archers. Anna is the captain of her Junior Varsity Basketball team as well as a leader in Coffee House productions. By the end of high school Anna will have taken five Advanced Place courses out of six offered at BFA Fairfax. She also attended the Governor's Institute of Vermont. She is the Recipient of the 2025 Green and Gold Scholarship from the University of Vermont for her graduating class.
Deliciously support our National Honor Society Students!
We hope to see you!
BFA Fairfax Structured Literacy class interviewed service members from Fairfax and surrounding communities to better understand the experiences of those in the military.
By interviewing members of the armed forces students gained:
1. Real-World Perspectives
Members of the service can share firsthand experiences, bringing abstract concepts to life. For example, in history, students might hear directly about military operations or public service during major events.
These interviews humanize events, showing how individuals contribute to larger systems.
2. Civic Engagement and Respect
Learning about service roles encourages respect and appreciation for individuals who contribute to society's safety and well-being.
It can also inspire students to consider civic responsibilities or careers in public service.
3. Critical Thinking and Inquiry
Preparing interview questions allows students to practice formulating thoughtful inquiries, fostering critical thinking skills.
During interviews, students must analyze information in real time and adapt follow-up questions, which strengthens communication skills.
4. Connection to Curriculum
History/Social Studies: Gain insight into military history, government policies, or community impact.
English/Language Arts: Develop oral communication skills by practicing interviewing and notetaking.
Ethics/Philosophy: Explore moral dilemmas and decision-making in high-stakes environments.
5. Cultural and Personal Growth
Interviews expose students to different perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding.
It can also help them appreciate the sacrifices and challenges faced by service members.
This morning Mrs. Kalbfleisch’s class led us through an outstanding All School Morning. The students participated in a Reader’s Theater about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact on our country.
The BFA Farm to School team is hosting our second Harvest of the Month taste test - carrots! Throughout the winter, students will be able to try maple glazed carrots, seasoned roasted carrots, and carrot cake during lunch in the cafeteria. Middle and high school students can share their opinion about each type by responding to a QR code survey. In the elementary school, Mrs. Bidwell's third and fourth graders collect data by giving a quick thumb survey to each class and tallying the results. What is your favorite way to eat carrots?
All after school sports and activities at BFA Fairfax are canceled today. Students should go home right after school. Be safe!
To apply their understanding of surface area and volume, Mrs. Brown’s 6th grade math students in partnership with Mrs. Young, collaborated on a 3D printing project to create a replica of Fairfax Town. Their project is now displayed at the Fairfax Town Office for the next few weeks. Come check out their creativity and attention to detail!
The Boissoneault/Wheeler team led us Wednesday in an All-School Morning Meeting. Our students did a wonderful job sharing ten acts of kindness that we can all participate in during the holiday season.
State educational leaders, colleagues, family, and friends gathered at UVM on November 14 for the celebration of Vermont's 44th Annual Outstanding Educator Awards. The event shined a bright spotlight on award recipients' accomplishments from school districts and supervisory unions across the state.
Here at BFA Fairfax, we were so incredibly proud to celebrate our very own Linnea Jahn! Congratulations, Linnea, and thank you for all you do for our students and community.
Many thanks to our construction crew! What a " sweet" idea from one of our awesome families!
Operation Happiness Food Drive
Nov 21- Dec 12th
Drop-off locations: The main office of the Elementary and Middle / High school.
Work Based Learning Seminar students from Trimester 1 take a tour of the DEW construction site here on campus.
Todd Poirier, the site Superintendent with DEW, gave the students a tour and introduced them to several sub-contractors performing work on campus. It was a great glimpse into the world of commercial construction and project management.
Fundraising Success! The class of 2028 sold 417 boxes of Krispy Kreme Donuts!
Our drop off and pick up lane was the most festive in town!
The Work Based Learning Seminar class visited Agilent Technologies in Winooski, Vermont on Friday Oct. 25.
Jamie Boutin, a Manufacturing Supervisor and a Fairfax community member, hosted the students on a tour of their facilities. The students toured the machine shop and then the parts assembly area. Mrs. Boutin introduced the students to several different assembly areas, including one staffed by a BFA Fairfax grad!
Agilent is a worldwide leader in medical manufacturing in the support of medical research and laboratories.
They hire students out of high school, offer apprenticeship opportunities, and have an active engineering and design program for their technology.
Thank you to Jamie and Agilent for the great tour!
BFA Fairfax French Field Trip to Montreal
Madame Alana’s Biliteracy French class traveled to Canada for a cultural adventure in Montreal, Quebec. While practicing speaking French in the classroom can be fun– using French to order poutine, or buy a souvenir, or listen to instructions at the museum gave students an authentic experience and they had many opportunities to use their knowledge of French to navigate real-world situations while taking in the culture of the largest French-speaking city in Canada.
Such a fun educational opportunity for our Foreign language department to share with our students.
C'est Magnifique !
BFA high school students participated in our annual Hiram Bellows Day of Service on Wednesday October 23rd. This day of service honors the legacy of the school’s founder and reminds us of the vital role everyone plays in building a strong, safe, and beautiful community. We are so proud of their contributions to our community!
Ms. Becker's students having fun cracking codes in Chasing Vermeer!
Keep up the great work!
