Bunnell High School

Bunnell High School Newsletter

November 2024
students with flags

Principal's Message

It’s hard to believe that we have reached the month of November and the close of the First Marking Period! We have had a very successful start to the school year and look forward to many exciting events ahead - there is a lot of Bulldog Pride in the air! Congratulations to our Marching Band and Color Guard for their outstanding performances at Cavalcade and the State Championship in New Britain earlier this month! If you haven't seen their “Fins Up” themed show, be sure to check it out at our Thanksgiving Day football game versus Stratford High School, which will be held on Thursday, November 28th at 10:00am at Penders Field. On Saturday, November 2nd, our boys’ soccer team will be competing in round one of the CIAC state tournament at 4:00pm at home. All tickets must be purchased through Go Fan.

On Thursday, November 7th, Bunnell will be hosting a Veterans Day luncheon and celebration for the Town of Stratford’s veterans. We look forward to this wonderful event in which we have the opportunity to give back to those who served. Juniors and Seniors will attend the assembly following the luncheon.

Please be sure to join us for Parent Conferences on Wednesday, November 13th. The PowerSchool parent portal opened for sign-ups on Wednesday, October 30th. Please reference the letter that was sent home last week and call the main office if you experience difficulties signing up online. The schedule is as follows:

  • Afternoon: 11:45 AM - 2:15 PM - Appointment Only

  • Evening: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Appointment Only

  • 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Drop-In

As I emphasized at Open House, parental involvement is paramount to our school’s success. Please consider getting involved in one of our many parent groups - the Bulldog Club and Post Prom Committee are always looking for additional support! We look forward to you joining our first Parent Advisory Committee virtual meeting on Monday, November 4th at 7pm. A link to the meeting is available on the QR code on the flier that was sent to families; we will also be sending it via email on Monday. 

Please read the weekly updates that are sent every week and consider contributing to one of our many fundraisers in support of BHS. Be sure to visit our website regularly and follow us on Instagram (@bunnellbulldogs) or Twitter (@drkgraf) to keep up-to-date with Bunnell’s latest news and events. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for your continued support. 


With Bulldog Pride, 

Dr. Graf

School Counseling Department

words describing guiding

BHS School Counseling Team

Mrs. Alyce Borgersen - borgersena@stratk12.org

Ms. Patty Costa - costap@stratk12.org

Mrs. Amanda Ferrara - ferraraa@stratk12.org

Mrs. Carrie Gettings - gettingsc@stratk12.org

Mrs. Francesca Koebbe - koebbef@stratk12.org

Mrs. Candice Parauka, Secretary - paraukac@stratk12.org

Advanced Placement exam registration ends on Sunday, November 3rd at 11:59pm. Please click here for more information.

On October 22nd, the School Counselors met with eligible seniors to discuss the CT Automatic Admissions Program (CAAP). Details were shared regarding how to correctly set up their Common App accounts in order to receive information and acceptance offers from participating colleges. The PowerPoint presentation was e-mailed to the families of eligible students and is also located in the 2025 School Counseling Google Classroom.

On October 23rd, the School Counselors facilitated Senior College Workshops where the following topics were presented: Common App Support, Resume Writing, Developing Your College List, Scholarship Opportunities, CT State, SCSU, Post University, Belle Academy of Cosmetology, Army/Navy Representative, and FAFSA Support. Application season is in full swing. Seniors, it’s time to complete your college applications and make an appointment to meet with your school counselors to discuss your post secondary plans!

The virtual Financial Aid Workshops were offered on October 22nd and 23rd. Thank you to the families who attended this important event. The anticipated release date of the FAFSA application is December 1st. FAFSA assistance workshops will be available for families starting in December/January.  FAFSA 2025-2026 Update

Scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for students to receive money for postsecondary plans. Monthly scholarship bulletins are released by the School Counseling Department. Here’s the November Bulletin: Scholarship Bulletin

The ASVAB Military Entrance Career Exploration Exam will be offered to students in grades 10-12 on November 20th at 8:00am. Interested students must register by November 13th using the following link. The results of the exam will be administered and reviewed with students on December 11th. 2024-2025 ASVAB SIGN UP

School Counselors are planning to facilitate an in-class lesson with 9th grade students the week of November 19th that will be focused on goal setting. 

In November, School Counselors will be checking in with students who were new registrations to Bunnell High School this school year to see how they are adjusting to their new school community. Students will be gathered as a group and will participate in a discussion focused on school engagement, connectedness, and success. 

November College Visits

Free & Reduced Lunch

In August, the Stratford Public Schools issued a letter regarding important updates to the Food Services Program. Starting August 29, 2024, both breakfast and lunch will be charged to students unless they qualify for free or reduced lunch.  Please click here to read the letter from Mrs. Pamela Mangini. 

All lunch applications from the 22024-2025 school year are in effect until Friday, October 11, 2024. If a new application is not filled out prior to October 11, 2024, your child's lunch status will automatically be reset to full pay.

The school lunch online payment system of the Stratford Schools is myschoolbucks.com. Parents may use this system to make payments online and/or to check student balances.  If you experience any problems with this or have other questions, you may contact Myschoolbucks toll free at 1-855-832-5226. Of course, students may make cash or check deposits directly into their accounts at any time.  Cash/check deposits must be placed in an envelope accompanied by the student’s name and ID number (to keep your child’s ID number confidential, do not write the student’s name on the outside of the envelope).  If there is more than one student in a family in any Stratford school, one student may enter the deposit to their siblings account as long as each student’s ID number is indicated as well as the amounts to deposit to each account. Cash/check deposits should be given directly to the cafeteria supervisor. Other information regarding the automated “Point of Service” in the BHS cafe may be found on the district website by clicking here. All parents are strongly encouraged to fill out the online Free and Reduced Lunch Application. Paper versions are available in the main office.

Bus Transportation

All students who are eligible for bus transportation will be issued a bus pass on Monday, October 14th. On Wednesday, October 16th, Durham bus drivers will start enforcing the bus pass. Students must take the bus they are assigned to and have their pass at all times. If your student does not have their bus pass or tries to take a different bus, the driver will not allow them on the bus and students will be reponsible for finding their own transportation home. If your student should lose their bus pass, they must see Mrs. Sabia in the main office before Block 4 of the school day. There is a $2.00 fee for a lost pass.

Campus Parking

There are still spaces available for licensed drivers who are Juniors and Seniors to park on campus. The fee is $50.

If you would like to have your student park on campus, please click here for the BHS Parking Application link. Students must upload a copy of their driver's licence - permits are not eligible to "hold" a space. Once the form is filled out, payment for your parking pass is required. Parking passes will be available for purchase during a student's lunch, study hall or after school.

Each car must have a sticker and be registered with the main office to park on school grounds; unregistered cars may be ticketed or towed. Please see Mrs. Sabia in the main office for further information.

PowerSchool Portal Access & ECollect Forms

In order to maintain up-to-date student records, we are asking parents and guardians to review and update their information in PowerSchool under the Student Contact Information Update on the left-hand side of the navigation toolbar. Please click here to access the directions.

- Part 1: Student Information which is automatically pulled from PowerSchool. Please review this.

- Part 2: Address Update is only needed if you have moved from your current residence.

- Part 3: Parent/Guardian Information is automatically pulled and may be updated if needed.

- Part 4: Emergency Contact Information may be updated if needed.

- Part 5: Agreements (see below)

- Stratford Public Schools - Media Release (Consent/Declination of District Media Policy)

- Stratford Pesticide Notification

- Stratford Public Schools - No Child Left Behind Act (Military Opt In/Out)

- Step 6: Electronic Signature must be completed in order for the changes to take place.

Once you have updated the information, your child's schedule will be released. The portal will open on Friday, August 23, 2024 after 12:00pm.

If you have any concerns, please contact the main office at 203-385-4250.

Attendance Matters

attendance matters with an apple

BHS Attendance Secretary

Mrs. Maria Goga bhsattendance@stratk12.org

203-385-4254

Research shows that attendance is directly related to student achievement. Our school day begins at 7:30am - it is critical that your child attend school on time, every day - this includes the Advance period. If your child is going to be absent, please call Bunnell's attendance line at 203-385-4254 or email Mrs. Goga at bhsattendance@stratk12.org. If your child is struggling to attend school, please reach out to his or her Administrator or School Counselor who can assist you in finding the appropriate resources to support your child.

Include, Engage, and Inspire Every Family

The Winter sports registration deadline is 12/6/24. 

Registrations will not be accepted after the deadline.

If you require any support during the process, scroll to the page bottom and click “Use Support”.

Please register at: https://stratford-ct.finalforms.com/ and follow the prompts to create your account, create your students and sign your forms.

Tryout dates and times can be found here: https://www.stratfordk12.org/o/bhs/page/winter-sports

A valid physical is required for participation in tryouts. If needed, please contact the School Based Health Clinic for more information about securing a sports physical before tryouts begin. Please contact Angela Matera: materaa@chc1.com to schedule a sports physical examination. 

Athletics

bulldog with bunnell athletics across it

If you have any questions, please contact our Athletic Director, Mr. Wayne Thrall at thrallw@stratk12.org

BHS Athletics website

Yearbook News

Email Mrs. Martire for any Yearbook questions at martireh@stratk12.org

Follow us on Instagram - @bunnellyearbook

Reminder:

We are exceedingly proud of the magazine quality of our 200+ pages of text and photographs. Yearbook students learn the basics of publishing, including: online design, photography, interviewing, copy writing and editing, and sales. This is a student produced publication and created as part of an in-school course. In the event that there are misspellings and errors in our publication, we apologize in advance. It is a year-long project put together by hard working students, and mistakes are bound to happen.

BUY A YEARBOOK! - The 2025 yearbook is for sale online at yearbookforever.com. Personalized options are available for a limited time. Books are only $75 until January 5. Buy early!  Book price will rise to $85 on January 6, 2025.

CLASS OF 2025 - Congratulations on your promotion to the “Big Dawgs” of Bunnell. This special year is highlighted by your senior portrait that will be featured in the yearbook. We have given out passes to the 106 unphotographed seniors. Last Chance Senior Portraits will be taken on November 6, 2024 in the main lobby of Bunnell. There will be three minutes per senior, per photo. We will have the “drape” and shirts, ties, and suit coats for students who are interested.

If you are a member of the class of 2025, and you have not had your senior portrait taken, email Mrs. Martire immediately! martireh@stratk12.org

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Robert Taylor.

smile@roberttaylorphotography.com

203-377-0739

Office Hours Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm

Lab closed Fridays

Studio by appointment

GRAD AD SALES ARE OPEN! - Ad sales are open online at Yearbook Forever. Seniors love to see the beautiful tributes that their families and friends create in their honor. 

We sell to businesses and to senior parents. We will have a senior ad night in February to help interested parents create a beautiful tribute to their graduate. Online ads can be made at any time. Ad sales will close February 28. More information to come about our senior ad night at a later date. Email Mrs. Martire with questions and for help martireh@stratk12.org

Senior Ad Pricing: Full Page: $355… Half Page: $185… Quarter Page: $100… Eighth Page: $60

CANDID UPLOADS - Please share your photos with us! We know you have great photos of orientation, first day, sporting events, and so much more. Send us your photos via Yearbook Snap  access code: bunnell.

UNDERCLASSMAN PORTRAIT DAYS - Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 had their photos taken on October 9 and 10 during English class. We have not yet scheduled retakes for students who are unhappy with their photos and students who were absent. Robert Taylor Photography asks that we schedule that date when our photos are printed.  We will be in touch with the retake/absence date in the coming weeks.  Retakes are $5 each.

All incoming juniors (grade 11) are required to have an updated health assessment and immunization record on file with the school nurse prior to the first day of school on August 29th in order to meet the requirements of state law and local Board of Education policy. Any junior who has an outstanding physical will not be able to attend school after December 1st.

The School Based Health Center offers physicals for any student in Bunnell High School. Please reach out to them by going to their website - sbhc1.com or calling them at 203-380-6705. Please click here to read their October newsletter.

Questions can be directed to the Health Office at 203-385-4257.

Nurse's Corner

school nurse with bandaid

The BHS Nurse, Retemar Coombs, can be reached at 203-385-4257 or coombsr@stratk12.org.

Chromebooks - The IT department will be offering Chromebook Insurance. Please be sure to read the District's Chromebook Policy and reach out the the BHS IT Technician, Steven Reilly, or the BHS Library CIA, Roberto Velasco-Crespo, with any questions.

If your child is having issues with their chromebooks or student portal, please have them reach out to our IT department in the Library.

The Stratford Library Association has teen programs running throughout the month of November. Please click here to see what they are offering this month!

Library News

books spelling out library

Roberto Velasco-Crespo, Library CIA

Steven Reilly, IT Technician - reillys@stratk12.org

Parent Advisory Committee

Hope to see you on November 4th at 7pm for our first meeting! Everyone is welcome! The meeting is virtual. Please click on this link: https://meet.google.com/gbm-tvmn-pky

We are excited to share a new opportunity for families to get involved in our school community - the BHS Parent Advisory Committee! We're looking for parents/guardians to join us as we focus on school-wide events and teacher and staff appreciation! This is a more informal group with fewer meetings and less commitment but still a chance to get involved! Our main fundraiser will be a holiday fair in November and planning is in full swing! Please reach out to Sue Marcus if you're interested in helping out sesuemarcus@yahoo.com or join us virtually on Monday!

Save The Date For Our 2nd Annual Holiday Fair, November 23!

Come out to support this great event and get some holiday shopping done! We already have 21 vendors and pictures with our very own Santa and Buddy the Elf!

Vendors & Crafters still wanted! We're also looking for any student clubs that would be interested in having a table for only $10 and they get to keep the profit for anything they want to sell! It can be a bake sale, concessions, face painting, kids crafts or any family friendly things they can think of!

Please email Susan Marcus at sesuemarcus@yahoo.com for more info and to register!

Join our Facebook Page - Everyone is invited to join our Bunnell High School Community Page! https://m.facebook.com/groups/1723870744295218/?ref=share&mibextid=db2PCj

It's a great way to connect with other families and find out about everything that's going on at Bunnell. The page is run by the Parent Advisory Committee and is just for members of our community. Please answer the questions and agree to the page rules so we can approve your request to join.

Post Prom

Post Prom Committee Meeting: November 6th

Our next meeting is Wednesday, November 6th at 7:00 in room B111.  Post Prom is a fun & easy way to get involved! Come help support this wonderful event for the senior class which is held after their Prom at the Sports Center in Shelton where they'll have full access to all the activities they offer.

 Annual Clothing Drive - Our annual clothing drive is set for November 16th & 17th from 9:00 - 12:00 in the Bunnell parking lot. Please come support us and start cleaning out your closets! Please click here for more information. Acceptable Items

 Pampered Chef Fundraiser - We're going to host a Pampered Chef fundraiser in November. More details to come in the weekly 'What's Happening at BHS' email blast.

 $25 for the Class of '25 Fundraiser - Please support the Class of 2025! Our goal is to raise $25 for each senior in the Class of '25. If you have a senior or would like to sponsor one, please click here for more details.

Bulldog Club

Bunnell High School Bulldog All-Sports Booster Club was formed in 1984 for the express purpose of providing support for interscholastic athletic teams and programs at Bunnell High School. Our teams and student-athletes have benefited greatly from the continued support of the Bulldog Club. The success that our teams have achieved in recent years is a direct result of the collective efforts of hundreds of dedicated student-athletes and coaches at Bunnell as well as the support of the Bulldog Club in providing financial assistance and promoting school spirit. The Bulldog Club seeks to significantly increase parent membership and involvement this year. Please consider joining!

The primary source for funds for the Bulldog Booster Club is the sale of All-Sports All-Seasons Pass to regular season home athletic contests (excludes Thanksgiving Day Football game and SWC/CIAC playoff games). Purchasing a Bulldog All-Sports All-Season Pass is a great way to show your support and get you into all regular season athletic contests here at BHS.

Bunnell Bulldog Club All-Sports All-Season passes can be purchased online by clicking here.

  • November 4 - Parent Advisory Meeting - 7pm

  • November 5 - Election Day - NO SCHOOL

  • November 6 - Final Senior Yearbook Photos

  • November 6 - Post Prom Meeting - 7pm - B111

  • November 7 - Veterans Day Luncheon

  • November 13 - Early Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences

  • November 20 - ASVAB Exams

  • November 21 - Powderpuff Game

  • November 22 - Blood Drive

  • November 22 - Underclassman Retake Photo Day

  • November 23 - Holiday Fair

  • November 27 - 1/2 Day - Thanksgiving Recess

  • November 28 - Thanksgiving Day Football Game @ Penders Field

  • November 28 - December 1 - Thanksgiving Recess- NO SCHOOL

  • December 4 - Early Dismissal - Data Collaboration

  • December 6 - Cultural Showcase

  • December 9 - Hall of Fame Dinner

  • December 12-14 - Fall Production - Elf

  • December 16 - Winter Concert

  • December 20 - Early Dismissal - Winter Recess

  • December 21 - January 1 - Winter Recess - NO SCHOOL

  • January 6 - Three Kings Day - NO SCHOOL

  • January 9 - Tentative 8th Grade Open House Night

  • January 20 - Martin Luther King Day - NO SCHOOL

Important Dates

blocks with letters spelling upcoming events

Bulldog Underground

bulldog with microphone

Bulldog Underground will be back this year with 4 brand new hosts and a new format! The podcast can be found on Spotify, Youtube or Apple Podcasts by searching bulldog underground.

Main Office - 203-385-4250

  • Dr. Graf, Principal x3305

  • Mr. Koch, Assistant Principal - Grades 9 and 11 x3307

  • Ms. Minort-Kale, Assistant Principal - Grades 9 and 12, x3330

  • Mr. Tatto, Assistant Principal - Grades 9 and 10 x3311

Attendance Office - 203-385-4254

School Counseling Center - 203-385-4255, 203-381-2000 (f)

School Nurse - 203-385-4257

School Based Health Center - 203-380-6705

Athletic Director - 203-385-4260

Important Phone Numbers

blue phone

Be sure to follow BHS on social media to keep up with all the Happenings!

Instagram:

  • #bunnellbulldogs

  • #drkgraf

  • #bunnell_athletics

  • #bunnellstudentgov

  • #bhs_scribe

  • #bunnellyearbook

  • #bunnellguidance

  • #bunnellhsbandstudents

"X" (formally Twitter)

  • @drkgraf

  • @BunnellBulldogs

  • @Bunnell_HS

  • @LaurelBunnell

  • @BunnellBand

  • @BHSScribe

Follow Us

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"Stratford Schools is committed to establishing and sustaining an equitable community that achieves the District's equity mission to end the predictive value of race and ensure each individual students' and staff memebers' success. The Board of Education rejects all forms of racism as destructive to its mission, vision, values, and goals."