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BCS Update 7.29.2020

BCS Parents and Students,

We are just a week away from welcoming students to the start of the 2020-2021 school year at Blackford Community Schools. As we approach the start of the year, I want to share a few important updates based on frequently asked questions:

Important Reminder: ALL Blackford County Schools students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch this school year. Please do not put money in your student’s lunch account.

Students Attending Traditionally: 

  • Start and End Times:

    • As part of our transportation plan, all school busses in the Hartford City attendance area will go to all three schools.  This means students will not be changing busses, reducing student contact. 

    • To accommodate this, busses will arrive between 7:30 and 7:50.  Student drop-off may begin at 7:30 at all buildings. Students will go directly to the classroom upon arrival.

    • Official start times: 

      • Blackford Intermediate School: 7:55 a.m.

      • Blackford Junior/Senior High: 8:05 a.m.

      • Montpelier Elementary: 7:55 a.m.

      • Northside Elementary: 7:55 a.m.

    • Students will be dismissed between 2:45 and 3:10 based on their mode of transportation.  Car Rider pick up is at 2:55 at BIS and MES, 3:00 at NS, and 3:05 at BJSHS. 

  • Mask Use at BCS 

    • Masks will be worn by students and staff on busses at all times. 

    • Students in Grades K-2 are not required to wear masks, however, we will ask them to have one with them for situations like a tornado drill where students cannot social distance.  Social distancing will still be practiced for these ages as much as possible. 

    • Students in Grades 3-12 are required to wear masks coming into and out of school, in the hallways, while in school offices, and during class when not social distancing (going to the pencil sharpener, moving around in the classroom, etc.)

      • If the students are at their seats and socially distanced, they may remove their masks.

      • If the class is not able to social distance, but the teacher is 6 feet away, the teacher may remove their mask.  Ex: Teacher lecturing in front of room.  

    • Recesses for grades K-6 will be set up to use playgrounds and open spaces to allow students to remove their masks.

    • Information about care and cleaning of masks can be found here.  

    • BCS is supplying each student with 2 cloth masks.  There is also an optional BCS mask store if parents would like to order custom masks. 

    • A short video is available discussing these points.

We are frequently posting information on our new website at blackfordschools.org.  For more specific information about your school, please contact your building principal.  We look forward to welcoming you back next week!

Chad Yencer

Superintendent

Blackford County Schools