Blackford County Schools

You may have heard cheers this morning and wondered what was happening. The cheers were coming from a third grade classroom at Blackford Intermediate School. Students had just learned their teacher, Elizabeth Kauerauf, had been selected as the Blackford County Schools 2024 Henderson Teacher of the Year! For BIS Principal Jim Fox, the reason for Kauerauf’s selection is simple, “This school year she has taken her class to new heights.” Fox notes that Kauerauf had obstacles to overcome at the beginning of the school year such as low student achievement, behavior issues, and concerns about students passing the important I-Read testing that takes place in 3rd grade, but she took the challenges head-on. Class behaviors improved and student achievement increased. Fox believes the success comes from Kauerauf utilizing a variety of approaches to teach her students. “She does this because she recognizes that there isn’t just one way to reach all students. Her students know that each one is special and important to her.” He adds, “Her classroom community is one that I praise constantly to other staff members as a model for success.” How do Kauerauf’s students feel about their teacher being selected as Teacher of the Year? One of her students comments, “She is kind. She is good at explaining stuff. She is really fun and I like her as a teacher.” The is the 24th year for the Henderson Teacher of the Year Award, named in honor of former Blackford County educators Ed and Ruth Henderson. Ed Henderson was a long-time journalism/publications teacher, while his wife, Ruth, served as an English teacher. Criteria for the award includes meeting student needs, a desire for professional growth, community involvement, dedication to the teaching profession and rapport with students, parents and staff. BCS Superintendent Chad Yencer surprised Kauerauf with flowers and a certificate in front of her class, who were more than excited to express their enthusiasm for their teacher. In fact, they told Yencer they are sure Kauerauf will be next year’s Henderson Teacher of the Year Award winner! Congratulations, Elizabeth Kauerauf!

To kick off the celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, BCS would like to congratulate the 2024 Jennerjahn Most Influential Educators. These outstanding educators were selected by the Top Ten Seniors at BJSHS. The seniors selected educators who had a significant positive effect on their education. The students and their educators were honored during a banquet held last night in the former St. John’s School basement. During the banquet, students made a formal presentation explaining their selection and what made their educator so special. In addition, the students were asked to include a small gift of appreciation. Their creativity certainly was not lacking. Gifts ranged from personalized books that included music, poetry and memories to a cooler that would be absolutely perfect for an afternoon of fishing. The gifts, as well as the presentations, were both personal and thoughtful. Chloe Wicker presented the tennis ball from her winning match to her Most Influential Educator, her dad, Williams Wicker, a physical education teacher at BJSHS. There were a number of special milestones taking place during the event. This was the 20th year for the award’s ceremony created by local philanthropist Ruth Jennerjahn, and her late husband Brian. This year is the 10th time MSG. Rick Kauffman has been selected as a Most Influential Educator. Also, this year, two seniors selected a parent, who happens to teach at BCS, as their Most Influential Educator. Joining Chloe Wicker in honoring a parent was Charlie Crabtree, who selected his mother, elementary education teacher Amber Crabtree, as his Most Influential Educator. This year’s seniors and their educators include: Mr. Aaron Blackwood and Mrs. Sherri Barker, Spanish teacher at BJSHS; Miss Allison Clamme and Mrs. Bethany Bowman, English teacher at BJSHS; Miss Ammee Uggen and Mr. Gaven Schulz, Social Studies teacher at BJSHS; Mr. Charleston Slentz and Mrs. Shelbi Blankenbaker, Ag teacher at BJSHS; Mr. Charlie Crabtree and Mrs. Amber Crabtree; Miss Chloe Wicker and Mr. William Wicker; Mr. Keaton Walker and BJSHS Band Director Holden Berlin; Miss Lindze Quillen and Mrs. Sasha Hudson, Spanish teacher at BJSHS; Miss Patience Campbell and Mr. Joshua Brock, former English teacher at BJSHS; and lastly, Mr. Wyatt Smith and MSG Rick Kauffman, JROTC Commander at BJSHS.

Usually, we find our favorite local photographer behind the camera, but not today! Don Rogers stopped by Ms. April Bartlett's Media class at BJSHS this afternoon. Mr. Rogers was on hand to talk about a career in photography. We appreciate Mr. Rogers sharing his time and expertise with our students. #BetterAtBlackford

BCS has a number of items for sale in a silent auction. Please take a moment to click the link to view photos of the available items. To view the items in person, visit Blackford Primary School on Wednesday, May 15 or Thursday, May 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. Enter at Door 9. Use east parking lot. Winning bidders will be notified Friday, May 17 with items ready for pick up on Saturday, May 18 from 8 to 10 a.m. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tl9W2RFf-kLCLILLTkDhl2ycezKomInhwBBKAvgTb9Q/edit?usp=sharing

These little cuties will be at tonight's puppy yoga class. They are American Corgi pups. Come get your fill of puppy snuggles, rest your mind, and get in some good yoga! With these little faces, you know you want to! See you at 5 p.m. in the BJSHS Aux. Gym.! Mats are available.

What's better than outside recess? Puppies at outside recess! We are so grateful to our friends at Ultimate Canine for coming to visit us! Thanks for making our day! #BetterAtBlackford

Congratulations to our Jennerjahn Most Improved Students for 2024! During last night's celebration, students were honored for their academic achievements such as grades, test scores, attendance, conduct, and effort put forth. The highlight of the evening was when the student's teacher and/or principal shared what made these students so special. Attributes such as grit, determination, and a positive attitude were just some of the words used to describe the students accomplishments. For their efforts, the students were treated to a banquet and gift from the Jennerjahn family. Most Improved Students for 2024 include: Eli Lizaragga, 2nd grade at BPS; Damian Wilson, 3rd, Lane Ross, 4th, Jesse Johnson, 5th, and Ella Whetzel, 6th grade at BIS; Ariana Smith, 7th, and Lonnie Bonewit, 8th grade at BJSHS. Thank you to Ruth Jennerjahn and the Jennerjahn family for continuing to sponsor this banquet and celebrate BCS students!

Congratulations to our Jennerjahn Most Improved Students for 2024! During last night's celebration, students were honored for their academic achievements such as grades, test scores, attendance, conduct, and effort put forth. The highlight of the evening was when the student's teacher and/or principal shared what made these students so special. Attributes such as grit, determination, and a positive attitude were just some of the words used to describe the students accomplishments. For their efforts, the students were treated to a banquet and gift from the Jennerjahn family. Most Improved Students for 2024 include: Eli Lizaragga, 2nd grade at BPS; Damian Wilson, 3rd, Lane Ross, 4th, Jesse Johnson, 5th, and Ella Whetzel, 6th grade at BIS; Ariana Smith, 7th, and Lonnie Bonewit, 8th grade at BJSHS. Thank you to Ruth Jennerjahn and the Jennerjahn family for continuing to sponsor this banquet and celebrate BCS students!

What do you get when you combine BJSHS students, sunshine and King's Island? A very well-spent day! Check out our Bruins during last weekend's King's Island field trip! #BetterAtBlackford

The BJSHS 8th grade Manufacturing Class has the perfect Mother's Day gift idea! Check out their No Hand Phone Stand! No hand phone stands are designed and manufactured by your very own Blackford Junior High 8th grade students. Help support the class by purchasing one. They are only $5.00 and are made from real maple hardwood. These are made in Blackford County USA. If you are interested in a No Hand Phone Stand, please contact any one of the 8th grade students in the photo, Mr. Rich Uggen at ruggen@blackfordschools.org, or stop by the BJSHS front office. Thank you for your support :)

Yes, you really are seeing double... Did you know?!!! BPS is the home of 6 sets of twins! Five of which are in the second grade. BPS wanted celebrate this before the majority of them move on to BIS. Front row from left: Annabelle and Isabelle Gray - 2nd, Minx and Riggs Cowgill - 2nd, Back Row: Zahra and Athena Sanderson - 2nd, Kaysin and Kylie Huckleby - 2nd, Emma and Ava Leas - 2nd, and McKenna and Mikayla Sherlund - 1st. #TwinTime #BetterAtBlackford

The term "downward dog" took on a new meaning during last night's yoga class at BJSHS. The Blackford County Animal Shelter brought canine friends to encourage the class that included students, staff, and the public. Shelter staff also hoped to demonstrate what good boys they'd brought over in the event someone might want to adopt them. Conner is a brownish, mixed breed dog who has been at the shelter for about a year and a half. He's excellent with children and adults and is as friendly as can be. He was picked up around the Conner Trailer Park, leading to his name Conner. Jaxon is a white, mixed breed dog who isn't very old. Jaxon has watched both a sister and brother be adopted before him and is hoping for his turn. He's a gentle sweetheart who wants nothing more than to love you. Come on, Bruins, let's try to find forever homes for these two very good boys. BJSHS yoga classes are open to students, staff and the general public. Be sure to continue to check the BCS Facebook account for upcoming classes.

To do well in school, students need a strong foundation in reading. Thanks to the generosity of the Blackford County Community Foundation, students at Blackford Primary School have been able to take advantage of the Magnetic Reading Foundations (MRF) program to learn and/or improve their reading skills. "Last spring in 2023, BCS partnered with Curriculum Associates, Inc to provide high-quality tier 1 curricular resources to our K-2 classrooms," explains Assistant Superintendent David Parker. "Per board approval, we adopted a Curriculum Associates program entitled Magnetic Reading Foundations with the intent to transform the way our K-2 educators teach students to read. "Curriculum Associates has allowed us to spread the costs of these resources and materials out over the course of our 5 year purchase agreement. This school year (2023-24) was the first year of implementation. With the assistance of the Blackford County Community Foundation, we were able to cover our year-1 payment and purchase additional supplemental resources to all K-2 classroom teachers." Thanks to the strong partnership between Blackford County Schools and the Blackford County Community Foundation, a real investment and focus is being placed on improving the reading skills of our youngest students. This investment in early reading skills will reap benefits for these early learners and help them on their way to becoming successful Blackford County Schools' graduates. Thank you again to the Blackford County Community Foundation for its continued support.

Congratulations to the BJSHS JROTC! The Raiders received almost a near perfect score of 99/100 during an official inspection this morning. MSG Rick Kauffman said, "The inspector commented that it was one of the best inspections he'd ever had, which is really a tribute to our students." The BJSHS JROTC maintains its "Honors with Distinction" accreditation, which, according to Kauffman, is one of only 190 units out of ALL the JROTC units. Recently, the JROTC provided Color Guard for a recent Blackford County visit of Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch. We are proud of all your accomplishments, Bruins! #BetterAtBlackford

The excitement is building... Super Smash is going to State! The Blackford Bruin Esports Super Smash team, consisting of Darius Osborn (captain), Trenton Bleeke, Christian McConnell, Issac Sokolowski, Patrick Torres, and Zayne Rodarmel, will be facing off against Bluffton in the Indiana High School Esports Network class A state championship. The tournament will be held this Saturday, April 27th, at Ball State University’s student center and will begin at 10am. The match will be streamed live on Twitch through the Manchester University Esports channel. Awards will be handed out at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Included in this year’s winners are Bentley Storer (Indiana middle school’s Fortnite build state champion and no-build third place finisher), and Joseph Cruz (Indiana middle school Fortnite no-build runner-up). Good luck, Bruins! Go get 'em! #Statebound

Are you looking for that extra push to get you to come to yoga class on Thursday night at BJSHS? Perhaps these sweet faces will do it. Next Thursday, April 25, Blackford County Animal Shelter will be bringing Jaxon and Meredith to yoga class for some yoga with puppies! Bring a friend and get some snuggle time to brighten your day! You may even feel the need to adopt one of them! Yoga is 5-6 pm in the aux gym Mats are available for your use This is open to everyone, and all levels! Join us!

Bruins on Patrol! Students in Mr. Mike Jones' Criminal Justice class at BJSHS class visited the Indiana State Police Peru Post today. According to Mr. Jones, students witnessed presentations from several State Police divisions that included: K9, Patrol, SWAT, Motorcycle division, Water Rescue, Bomb Disposal, Helicopter, Sniper, Crime Scene, Forensics, Investigations and Dispatch. Students also learned more about the different divisions of the Miami State Correctional facility. In addition, they also learned about the State Police Summer camps, the Shield program and Ride-along programs. #BetterAtBlackford

Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️ A message from Mrs. Yvette Rouch: Because of every single person that donated blood yesterday, the BJSHS Health Careers class met their need of 45 donations, with a final count for the day of 47! Our total for the year is 152, allowing our school and community to possibly save up to 466 lives! Thank you so much, and we look forward to seeing you next fall! #BruinProud

We love ending the week with great news! Let's congratulate the following BJSHS seniors for making the CIC All-Academic Team! (From left) Allison Clamme, Keaton Walker and Charleston Slentz. They are joined in the photo by BJSHS Assistant Principal Karen Mealy. We are #BruinProud

Mark your calendars for Sports Physicals, Bruins! Be sure to follow the links in the QR Code. The physicals are by appointment only!