InfoFlow Episode 7.001 – 9/3/21

[Infoflow intro] + [pledge of allegiance]

EMMAN: Good Morning, Blazers, and welcome to our first Infoflow in person! Today is Friday, September 3rd. I’m EMMANUEL.

CELESTE: and I’m CELESTE. BNC welcomes everyone back to School! Infoflow, that you’re watching right now is our daily news show! Infoflow isn’t our only department, though, our publication also produces podcasts and SilverLense documentaries, so look out for those throughout the year.

EMMAN: Since the end of the 2020-2021 school year Montgomery county’s vaccination rates have risen 11.5%. Currently, 65.5% of MOCO residents are fully vaccinated and 72% are partially vaccinated.

CELESTE: A Montgomery County teacher refusing to wear a mask in school in spite of the MCPS mandate claimed that “everyone should have a freedom to choose”. The Paint Branch High School teacher says mask wearing goes against her faith and had medical-related accommodations last school year, but didn’t know she needed to seek accommodations again. After being told she would have to leave if she didn’t wear a mask, she was removed from the school and put on administrative leave.

EMMAN: Two days ago, Ida, the category four hurricane that hit on the 16th anniversary of hurricane Katrina had wind speeds up to 150 mph and had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph before it was downgraded to a tropical storm. Hospitals are running out of space and resources to treat hurricane casualties and covid patients; they are preparing to move patients to able facilities.

CELESTE: On Wednesday, MCPS sent everyone home early due to Ida passing through the county. Our area experienced severe flooding and at least two tornados, one touching ground for over a mile. In neighboring counties buses got stuck on flooded roads needing emergency evacuation, so we hope that everyone got home safely yesterday afternoon.

EMMAN: MCPS officials have said that they want to do whatever they can to keep schools open safely. While there have been concerns about social distancing and virus transmission, MCPS Interim Superintendent Monifa McKnight expressed that both she and school officials want to provide in-person learning, while also keeping students safe. With more information about covid compared to last spring, combined with high vaccination rates in the county, MCPS officials believe we’re in a better position to keep schools open.

CELESTE: And now let’s go to Sammi for some Blazers’ back to school impressions.

First day interviews pack (sammi)

CELESTE: Thanks Blazers! If you want to be on the next segment, make sure to look out for BNC filming in the hallways!

EMMAN: Were you taking a Ceramics class back in the before-times, pre-covid? There are a lot of projects in room 13, just as they were left from March 13th, 2020, and they’ve been saving them for you. If you think you might have a project that you’d like to finish or take home, come down before Friday, September 17th. After that, these will either be recycled or given away. A reminder that there are also items that were left in your ceramics lockers. So stop by the ceramics room either during lunch or before heading home, and pick up your artwork!

CELESTE: Are you looking for a community to read the bible and pray together with? Are you interested in learning more about Christianity? Do you want to help out with service? If you said yes to any of these questions, check out the Bible Fellowship Club during Wednesday lunches in Room 7! They focus on community, fellowship, and loving your neighbor. Anyone and everyone is welcome!

EMMAN: The Blair football team’s first game is this evening against Magruder. The varsity game will be in our home stadium at 6:30 pm, and the team would love to see you there. The theme is neon, so wear your brightest clothing and show your support! Masks are not required but are encouraged.

CELESTE: And that’s all for today’s show! Check out our website at bnconline.net to submit any announcements, and follow us @bnc_blair on instagram and on twitter @bncblair. Since the Blair community is back full time and at full capacity, please keep wearing your mask and be mindful of covid safety measures. We have a long weekend ahead of us for Labor Day, so have a fantastic Friday, and we’ll see you again on Wednesday, Blazers!