Blackford County Schools

Just a reminder that if your child needs a warm coat, hat and gloves for cold weather, you can pick those up for free at the Rotary Coat a Child event this Saturday, October 3 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Girl Scout House in Hartford City.

Students in Mrs. Liz Holdcroft's class at BPS learned very important lessons today- Identifying money and what is not money. The students were surprised to find Assistant Principal Shalee Myron's cat June in a treasure chest. The class learned that June is indeed not money!
#BetterAtBlackford

Congratulations to MSG Rick Kauffman as he retires from service as a JROTC Instructor at BJSHS. According to Principal Jason Ridge, this is Kauffman's 43rd year of service- both in education and in the United States military.
Mr. Ridge went on to say to the students and staff in attendance, "That is 43 years of showing up. 43 years of serving others. 43 years of teaching, leading, mentoring, encouraging, correcting when necessary, and making a difference in the lives of a whole lot of people. There are very few people who can say they have dedicated that much of their life to serving their country and serving kids.
"And today, on his final day, MSG is going to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and our moment of silence one last time.
"MSG, thank you for everything you have given to our school, our students, our community, and our country. You have certainly earned whatever comes next.
"As MSG leads us this morning, I hope you’ll give these next few moments the respect they deserve. Not just because it is the Pledge, but because today, we get the opportunity to stand alongside someone who has spent 43 years serving others.
"MSG, congratulations on an incredible career."

Best wishes, MSG Kauffman, as you enter this next phase of your life. Remember, Once a Bruin, Always a Bruin!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the
BJSHS Choir in concert last night. Also, a big thanks goes out to Choir Director Morgan Gardner and the hard-working students who made the show happen! Great job, Bruins!

Attention, attention! The Rotary Coat A Child program takes place this Saturday, October 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Girl Scout House in Hartford City. Gently-worn coats, hats and gloves will be available. (Children must be there to confirm fittings.)
Please share.

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Officer Jonathan Guffy from the Montpelier Police Department visited Mr. Mike Jones' Criminal Justice classes at BJSHS today. Guffy instructed students in Communication, Situational Awareness, and Decision-Making. The students then participated in a role playing scenario called You're the Officer, in which they used what they learned to respond to a scenario and decide the best avenue to resolve the conflict.
#BetterAtBlackford

Come out and enjoy some sweet treats and support our BJSHS Lady Bruin Wrestlers tomorrow (Saturday, September 19) from 9 a.m. to noon during their bake sale at Who's Your Coffee Roastery! Let's go, Bruins!

It's official! Our BCS Crossing Guard is now Deputy Doris Wilson!
Mrs. Wilson was sworn in by Blackford County Clerk Kim Pitts and Blackford County Sheriff Jim Heflin in a brief ceremony at the courthouse on Friday afternoon.
BCS would like to thank the Blackford County Sheriff's Department, the Hartford City Police Department, and the City of Hartford City for making this possible and allowing Doris to continue her dedicated work at the corner of Walnut and McDonald Streets!
(Included in the photos are Chief Deputy Casey Bell, School Resource Officer Devin Cavanaugh, Deputy Connor Gulley, and BCS Superintendent Chad Yencer.)

While you can see the construction progress taking place on the BJSHS Performing Arts Center from the highway, what's happening on the inside is equally impressive.
The school board, some staff, and community members got a sneak peek at the construction currently in progress on the inside of the PAC. While there is much to do before spring of 2027, it's amazing to see what has been accomplished to this point.
Check out the drone photos from Meyer Nagem, as well as interior shots of the PAC.

Mark your calendars, Bruins! BJSHS will host a FAFSA workshop on Wednesday, October 28 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A consultant from Heavin College & Career Readiness Services will be available to help students/parents complete the FAFSA, answer questions and interpret results.
The event is free and open to all Blackford County students and families.

BJSHS has an immediate need for an Earth Space Science Teacher. If you, or someone you know, are interested in the position, please apply via the Nimble Link in the listing.
Check out all the open positions currently available at BCS:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/183oFZfmlIxG_QdJNW30YGJ9QCpescydKnnd2nAOfR7U/edit?usp=sharing

We're reminding everyone that all Blackford County Schools will be operating under a two-hour delay for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9 to allow for staff development.

We hope everyone enjoys the extra time with family and friends this Labor Day weekend! A reminder that there is no school on Monday. On Wednesday, September 9, there will be a 2-hour delay for staff professional development.
We wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day!

As part of the curriculum for the BJSHS Certified Medical Assistant Program, students in Mrs. Yvette Rouch's class learn phlebotomy skills. Mrs. Rouch adds, "Thank you to our first round of staff that allowed students in the program to practice their new skills on them. We appreciate you!"
Way to go, Bruins!

If you, or someone you know, are interested in being the Varsity Softball Head Coach, this post is for you! BJSHS has an immediate opening for a Varsity Softball Head Coach. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume and references to gmay@blackfordschools.org.
We also have openings for two Instructional Assistants- one at BIS and the other at BJSHS, along with other open ECA positions.
Please spread the word and help us fill these important positions.


https://docs.google.com/document/d/183oFZfmlIxG_QdJNW30YGJ9QCpescydKnnd2nAOfR7U/edit?usp=sharing

Check out BJSHS senior Brady Bannister donate blood during the first blood drive of the school year!
The event was hosted by the Health Careers classes at BJSHS and Versiti Blood Services of Indiana. Along with the goal of replenishing life-saving blood supplies for those in need, BJSHS Health Careers students have a chance to earn scholarships at the end of the school year.
Thanks to all the donors and student volunteers who made this drive a success! Please be sure and join us for the next one!

BPS welcomed Victor Pacini and his "Be Seen and Heard" Body Safety program today. Special thanks to The Blackford County Community Foundation, Blackford DCS, and Blackford Sheriff's Department and Hartford City Police Department for bringing this important program to our schools!

It takes a village to educate children at Blackford County Schools and we are seeking team members to join us!

If you are looking for a job that is on the same schedule as your kids, then the Instructional Assistant position is for you! Send a resume to BIS Principal Jim Fox @jfox@blackfordschools.org

We are proud of our facilities and our custodians for their hard work in maintaining them. If you are looking for a job that impacts students but does not involve teaching, then the custodial job is for you! Send your resume to Building Grounds Director John Stroud at jstroud@blackfordschools.org