– 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
More free time inside
– by Ella S, sophomore – Now that the state of Virginia has been commanded to stay home, everybody must find a way to entertain themselves inside with limited outside exposure. Although it’s difficult to find new things to keep busy with, the students of FBTA have been doing just that. Some students have been taking advantage of the nice … 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
NODACS?!
Thoughts about ODACS cancellation
– by Andrew C, junior – Just days before the school was closed for the rest of the year, Mr. Bradford called the junior and senior high students into the chapel room to announce the cancellation of 2020 ODACS, causing mixed feelings for everyone in the room. Although the elementary grades were able to compete in ODACS, this was the … Read More
New York news
Senior trip cancelled
– by Alyssa R, senior – The seniors had planned their senior trip to NYC for March 30 to April 1, but after schools were shut down, the annual trip was cancelled. They had many sight-seeing activities planned, such as watching “Wicked” on Broadway, shopping in Times Square, and going to see the Freedom Tower. “I am really sad about … Read More
Communication challenges
Ups and downs of dealing with Sycamore
– by Elizabeth T, freshman – Online school has been in play for quite a few weeks due to the coronavirus initiating social distancing; however, the rate at which this transition occurred led to extreme measures in order for students to get back to schooling. FBTA is using the Sycamore online grading and communication system to organize online teaching and … Read More
Race through the year
Yearbook staff’s productive 3-hour marathon
– by Liza F, senior – An FBTA yearbook marathon is not your typical 5K marathon. Every year the yearbook staff works for many hours to provide you with the very best yearbook. For the Wednesday marathon, students work from 3:30 after school until 6:30 p.m. Not only do students get a lot of their yearbook pages finished, but they … Read More
Busy, busy, busy!
Students prepare for the busy ODACS season
– by Haston H, senior – After Christmas break, FBTA students from 4th to 12th grade are hurled into one of the busiest times of the year. From speech classes to debate run-offs, there is always a bizz-buzz about the school. Students eagerly prepare for the chance to represent their school during ODACS competition using their God-given talent. “While this … Read More
Patriots have pep
Spirit Week Pep Rally
– by Ella S, freshman – FBTA’s annual spirit week pep rally took place in the gym on Friday afternoon, Feb. 21. The pep rally hosted grades 1st through 12th, all bearing unbelievable spirit. Students searched the school earlier in the week for hidden numbers and were given “prizes” (or “non-prizes”)—some for how well they played the mini games. The … Read More