Will the real Cruella DeVille please raise her gloved hand???
Cruella was definitely in the house at BJSHS today as we continue Homecoming Spirit Week! Let's go, Bruins!
#BetterAtBlackford #hoco
Cruella was definitely in the house at BJSHS today as we continue Homecoming Spirit Week! Let's go, Bruins!
#BetterAtBlackford #hoco
BJSHS is currently putting together an initiative to bring guest speakers (in person or by sending in videos) to our 7th grade students to talk about career paths, personal growth, and what success looks like after graduation. To make this as impactful as possible, we want to hear directly from our former Blackford students!
Dear Blackford High School Alumni,
I hope this email finds you well!
As a graduate of Blackford High School, your journey after high school offers invaluable perspective for our current students. I am reaching out to invite you to share your experiences and insights with our 7th-grade students as they begin thinking about their own futures.
We are looking for alumni willing to help in one of two ways:
- **In-Person Speaker:** Come speak directly to a group of 7th graders about your career path and post-high school journey. (In person, on a Friday around 2:20pm. We can coordinate on dates.)
- **Short Video Recording:** Submit a short (around 5 minutes) video sharing your story if you are unable to join us in person.
In your video or talk, we’d love for you to touch on a few key ideas:
- What "success" means to you today.
- Is what you're doing now what you expected to do when you were in high school? (Did your path stay the same, or did it take unexpected turns? Has your concept of success changed?)
- A favorite memory or valuable lesson from your time at Blackford.
- How high school helped prepare you for your next steps (college, trade school, military, or workforce).
- Advice on connecting high school to future goals and finding your path.
If you are interested in participating—either in person or by
video—please send an email to tpauley@blackfordschools.org by November 6, 2026.
Thank you so much for your support of our students and community!
We look forward to hearing your inspiring stories!
Bruin Grit, Never Quit!
Dear Blackford High School Alumni,
I hope this email finds you well!
As a graduate of Blackford High School, your journey after high school offers invaluable perspective for our current students. I am reaching out to invite you to share your experiences and insights with our 7th-grade students as they begin thinking about their own futures.
We are looking for alumni willing to help in one of two ways:
- **In-Person Speaker:** Come speak directly to a group of 7th graders about your career path and post-high school journey. (In person, on a Friday around 2:20pm. We can coordinate on dates.)
- **Short Video Recording:** Submit a short (around 5 minutes) video sharing your story if you are unable to join us in person.
In your video or talk, we’d love for you to touch on a few key ideas:
- What "success" means to you today.
- Is what you're doing now what you expected to do when you were in high school? (Did your path stay the same, or did it take unexpected turns? Has your concept of success changed?)
- A favorite memory or valuable lesson from your time at Blackford.
- How high school helped prepare you for your next steps (college, trade school, military, or workforce).
- Advice on connecting high school to future goals and finding your path.
If you are interested in participating—either in person or by
video—please send an email to tpauley@blackfordschools.org by November 6, 2026.
Thank you so much for your support of our students and community!
We look forward to hearing your inspiring stories!
Bruin Grit, Never Quit!
Are they heading to work at Taco Bell, checking in on the auditorium construction or biking the Hilly Hundred? BJSHS seniors Kloie Carpenter, Brayden Acker and Landon Libby are ready for work while ELA teacher Monica Myers is ready for a day of cycling through the hills!
In the second photo, the entire BJSHS staff gets in on the "Dress for the Wrong Occasion" theme for today!
#BetterAtBlackford
In the second photo, the entire BJSHS staff gets in on the "Dress for the Wrong Occasion" theme for today!
#BetterAtBlackford
BCS is currently experiencing an internet outage. Unfortunately, this impacts phone service across the district as well. We apologize in advance as we do not have an estimate of when it will return. We appreciate your patience as we work through this issue.
The Blackford County School Board will be in session for a Special Meeting this Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Administrative Offices. Join us!
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
#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!
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!
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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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
#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.)
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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
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
