Field trip view
Students visit the Old Post Office Tower and NMAAHC

– by Alison, junior – The 7th, 8th, 11th, and 12th graders went on a field trip to the Old Post Office Tower and Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Students left the school at 11:30 a.m. and ate their lunches on the bus, where teachers also gave out … Read More

Quizzing in Wisconsin
BJQ team competes in first tournament

– by Isaiah, sophomore – On Nov. 4-5, the Bible Quiz team traveled over twelve hours to compete in far-away Wisconsin for their first tournament of the year. The team is made of Isaiah, Carol, Karol, Gabrielle, and Aislinn, who are all memorizing different chapters of the books 1 and 2 Corinthians. “We were able to accomplish a lot before … Read More

Choirs and a mobile orchestra
How has COVID-19 affected music at FBTA?

– by Zachary, freshman – During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people could not attend music lessons because they were stuck in their homes. At the start of the school year, the reopening of music classes was delayed as the staff figured out how to disinfect the class area and to social distance.  “We’ve realized that spreading out more helps provide … Read More

A year in review
2020 yearbook news

Final page submissions for the 2020 yearbook were due on March 16. The entire school closed down on March 13. “We were so fortunate to have had that last yearbook marathon the week before to take any final missing pictures,” said Mrs. Dyck, advisor. “If we had closed one week earlier, we would have missed capturing so many events. I … Read More

Finals week
Students finish final exams from home

– by Kiersten, junior – Students at FBTA endured their final week of online learning on May 18 through May 21, with a week full of final exams, papers, and projects for many students. There were certain exams scheduled for each day, but several teachers opted to have their students write a final paper or do a project as their … Read More

Can you guys hear me?
Teachers’ takes on virtual teaching

– by Kiersten G, junior – Contrary to the wishes of many students, classes are continuing regardless of the fact that school is not in session due to the COVID-19 crisis. This has been a very big adjustment for the students, but it has been just as new for all the teachers and staff. In mid-March, the teachers had a … Read More

How students are holding up
Online learning and new home activities

– by Liza F, senior – With online learning, the scheduling pressures are different than your traditional school day. Students don’t need to worry about making it to class by a bell or a specific time. Schedules are more flexible, giving students the chance to work at their own pace.  While some students have noticed more flexible time with online learning, … Read More

Cutting the year short
Students open up about online classes

– by Andrea B, senior – When the governor announced that all schools in the state of Virginia would close for the rest of the year, that not only meant ending the 2020 school year earlier than usual, but also meant canceling many extracurriculars, like girls’ soccer, spring concerts, and the annual ODACS Fine Arts competition.  “It’s sad that we … Read More