Proud Home of the Bruins

Dear Blackford County Schools Community,

As we pass the halfway point of the 2019–2020 school year, let's take a few moments to review some of the great things happening at Blackford County Schools (BCS) this year and take a look ahead to things to come.

This year is the first year of our combined junior-senior high school, and we are very pleased with the success of the transition. This move better utilizes the space at Blackford Junior-Senior High School and is already creating new opportunities for our junior high students such as a JROTC class for junior high students started this spring and 8th graders playing in the pep band at athletics events. I appreciate the efforts of our faculty, staff, students, and families to make this move a success.

Additionally, this is the first year of the BCS preschool at Montpelier Elementary. We have 20 students in the preschool class this year. This full day program is a tremendous opportunity for families in our community. Our program is also now a Paths to Quality Level 1 preschool which creates an option for families that may not be able to afford preschool. 

Looking ahead, the summer of 2020 will be a very busy one for BCS. For students in the Hartford City attendance area, there are two major changes this summer. The former junior high school, now named the Blackford Intermediate School, will open this fall and serve students in grades 3–6. The term intermediate school refers to a school that houses students in upper elementary grades. We are updating the building to welcome elementary students next year. Updates include a new playground, refreshed cafeteria and stage area for elementary programs, and more. The second change is that we will move students in grades k–2 to Northside Elementary. This will be the last year for BCS students at Southside, however, Head Start will stay at Southside next fall.  

Our outstanding faculty, maintenance, and custodial staff will be hustling to have everything ready for the start of school this fall. Keep an eye on the BCS website and Facebook for updates throughout the spring and summer. 

Sincerely,

Chad Yencer

Chad Yencer
Superintendent of Schools