Bunnell High School

Bunnell High School Newsletter

October 2024
students at the beach

Principal's Message

We are officially one month into the 2024-2025 school year! Students are settling in nicely to their daily routines and our building is bursting with Bulldog spirit. Great things are happening at Bunnell - our extracurricular activities, student leadership groups, athletics, and fine arts programs are in full swing. We are also busy preparing for a host of upcoming school-wide events, including the PSAT on October 23rd, the 44th Annual Cavalcade of Bands on October 19th, and our Homecoming dance on October 26th.

As a reminder, our Open House is tonight, October 1st, at 5:45pm - we look forward to having the opportunity to share all of the wonderful things happening at BHS with you this evening. Family engagement is paramount to our school’s success and we urge you to consider getting involved in one of our many organizations - the Parent Advisory Committee, Bulldog Club, Band Parents Association, and Post Prom are always looking for additional support! Getting involved will help strengthen the bond between you and your child and make everyone’s high school experience more enjoyable! 

Please 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

School Counselors met with 12th grade students in English classes to review Post High School Plans and college application procedures. The School Counseling office requires students to complete an educational release, transcript request form and recommendation questionnaire,  in order for their recommendations and transcripts to be processed via Naviance. Students must return these documents to their counselor 10 school days prior to their first application deadline.

Seniors and Juniors can sign up to meet with college admissions representatives via Naviance. 

Students enrolled in UConn ECE classes were provided information regarding the dual enrollment procedures. Students who are enrolled in UCONN ECE classes at Bunnell must complete all steps of their UCONN ECE application by October 16th.

There will be a variety of workshops on college application support for seniors on the October 23 PSAT day.  Sign up information will be available soon.

Financial aid night will be held virtually on October 22 & October 23, 2024 at 6:30 pm. Families should sign up in advance on the attached links.

October 22nd : https://financialguide.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErdO2qrz0sGNSkwPuQ_P5pBJvHFa-n7krK

October 23rd : https://financialguide.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIpceuurjgqE9SVQpV-RvfXtN3SZoRdIox-

Passcode: College

Scholarship Bulletin - Parents of students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to view the Monthly Scholarship Update highlighting several opportunities for BHS students to earn college financial support or pursue internship and career training.

College Visits - All juniors and seniors are invited to attend college visits when they come to Bunnell. Students must log into Naviance and sign up. Please click here for instructions on how to sign up. To view the college visits, please click on the links: October 1-8 October 8-18 October 18-31

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. 

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 will have their photos taken on October 9 and 10 during English class. Pre-pay will open two weeks before photo days. Please click here to pre-pay. Password is bun24. Please click here for more information.

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 October. 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

We're looking for parents/guardians to join our Parent Advisory Committee (Formerly PTSA/Parent Volunteer) which will 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 we need to get planning! Please reach out to Sue Marcus if you're interested in helping out sesuemarcus@yahoo.com.


Post Prom

Post Prom Committee Meeting: October 8th

We're kicking off the year with our first meeting on Tuesday, October 8th 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.

$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 see the attached flyer for details.

Join us!

Email us at bunnellpostprom@gmail.com to be added to our email list.

Follow us!

Facebook: Bunnell High School Post Prom

Instagram: bunnell_post_prom

Questions?

Contact: Amy Taylor or Jessica DeManche at bunnellpostprom@gmail.com

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.

  • October 1 - Open House - 5:45pm

  • October 3 - Rosh Hashanah - NO SCHOOL

  • October 4 - Pep Rally / Color Wars

  • October 8 - No Place for Hate Panel

  • October 8 - Post Prom Meeting - B111 - 7:00pm

  • October 9-10 - Underclassmen Picture Days

  • October 16 - Early Dismissal - Data Collaboration

  • October 19 - Cavalcade of Bands

  • October 21 - Jr Ring Sales Parent Event

  • October 23 - Early Dismissal - PSAT Day

  • October 26 - Homecoming Dance

  • November 5 - Election Day - NO SCHOOL

  • November 6 - Final Senior Yearbook Photos

  • November 7 - Veterans Day Luncheon

  • November 13 - Early Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences

  • November 21 - Powderpuff Game

  • November 22 - Blood Drive

  • 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

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."