
Transportation update for Friday 1.22.21.
Bus 109 will run an hour late in the morning.
Bus 113 will run 45 minutes late in the afternoon.
Bus 118 will run as normal tomorrow.
Thank you.

Additional Transportation Update. 1.20.21.
Due to staffing issues, tomorrow, Thursday 1.21.22, Bus 118 will not run.
BJSHS students that get on the bus at MES will instead ride 115.
Students on Bus 118 that are picked up at Main and High in Montpelier will be picked up at the same time by Bus 115.
Bus 118 students in the county will not be picked up tomorrow. For those that are able, we ask parents to bring their students to school tomorrow. If unable, those students should attend school virtually and check in with through Google Classroom.
We apologize for the late notice, and appreciate your patience as we work through these difficult situations.

Transportation note for Thursday 1.20.21. Bus 109 will be an hour late in the morning and 113 will be 45 minutes late in the afternoon.

Our Northside Cubs celebrated the first 100 Days of School in style! Not only are they older, they are also much smarter! Check them out!
#ChooseBCS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHCbjZUNmLA&feature=youtu.be

BCS Transportation Update
Due to staffing issues,
Bus 109 - A.M. Route will run approximately 60 minutes late Wednesday, Jan. 20.
Bus 113- P.M. Route will run approximately 45 minutes late Wednesday, Jan 20.
Thank you for your understanding.

Students on Bus 109 will be picked up approximately 1 hour late this morning 1.19.21 due to staffing issues. We apologize for the late notice.

BCS seeks Bus Drivers, Instructional Assistants, Substitute Teachers, Coaches... Check out the listing. There might be something just for you!
Come join a great group of people working to make a difference in the lives of the children of Blackford County!
https://bit.ly/3p23cvy

Be sure to take a moment to check out the Kodiak News from Montpelier Elementary. They're doing a great job!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1214JAORQ_Q&t=21s

The BJSHS Student Council is hosting a delicious fundraiser and they can use your help! The group is selling Rise 'n Roll Donuts and Crunch. To place an order, fill out the Google form below, or email your order to Student Council co-sponsors Kristy Shipley at kshipley@blackfordschools.org or Savannah Ireland at sireland1@blackfordschools.org. Orders will be accepted until January 15 with products arriving on January 27. Cash or checks can be mailed to the high school c/o Kristi Shipley, dropped off at the high school either by a parent or a student, or they can Venmo the money to @Kristi-Shipley-1. Order your goodies and support the efforts the BJSHS Student Council! #BruinProud http://bit.ly/2LC5GBF

It's a new year... how about a new job?
Join the BCS team and make a difference in the life of a student.
Check out today's listings:
https://bit.ly/2KRFcfO

Talk about some tough competition! Our BJSHS Bruins put their creativity on the line with a Holiday Door Decoration Contest. This year's first place winner was Mrs. Yvette Rouch's 5th period class who won with "Baby, It's Covid Outside!" The 2nd place winner was Miss Savannah Ireland's class and their 3-D Christmas Tree. In 3rd place, Mr. Randy Sehy's class took the honors with "Take an Elfie."
Great work, Bruins! 🎅🎄🎁

Blackford Spotlight - Mrs. Aryn Enos' 3rd grade class at Blackford Intermediate School:
"My class has been working hard on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) projects with a Christmas theme! On Monday, students built the biggest present package they could using only 2 pieces of paper and 18 inches of tape. On Tuesday, students created a gumdrop chimney with gumdrops and toothpicks. The challenge was to see who could make the tallest and sturdiest chimney to hold Santa. So much fun!" - Mrs. Enos
Great job, Bears! 🎄🎅

Blackford County Schools currently has a number of open positions available... and we're a great place to work! Join us!
https://bit.ly/37rmaFe

BCS will operate on a 2 hour delay 12.17.2020. Be safe Bruins.

BCS will close buildings and move to at-home blended learning for 12.16.2020. Virtual class meetings will begin at 10:00 am. Look for more information from your teachers and schools on your school email this morning. Be Safe Bruins.

Blackford County Schools are on a 2 hour delay this morning. 12.16.2020.

Attention Bus 109 riders: Please be aware that due to staffing shortages, BCS Bus 109 will be a delayed AFTERNOON pick-up throughout this week, Dec. 14-18.
BJSHS students will be picked up at approximately 3:45, Northside at 3:51, and BIS at 3:57. The following times are (APPROXIMATE) as to when the students will be dropped off:
4:03 Jefferson & Leonard
4:04 Jefferson & Sheridan
4:07 Jefferson & 5th Street
4:10 Southside Elementary
4:16 Walnut Street
We ask for everyone's patience as we continue to address student transportation for our students. Thank you.

Check out the final 8th grade STEAM video game projects in Mrs. Jen Gallatin's class at BJSHS. Nice work, Bruins!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAm_btRWxh9rcMVgAtT2_gwuyHxyUY2XD

Get your homemade Christmas cards from the Bruin Specialties crew at BJSHS! Cards are .50/each or 12/$5. Share the holiday spirit and support the amazing work of our Bruin Specialties students all at one time! Contact Mrs. Linda Wallace to order: lwallace@blackfordschools.org

Blackford Spotlight - Mrs. Sarah Penny's 3rd grade class at Blackford Intermediate School:
"Third graders in my class have been working on understanding what life was like in a Native American tribe in Indiana. This week they have been working on writing letters to pen pals about their life in the tribe. They have talked about what work they do around camp, what foods they are eating, and many more things that happen in the life of a Native American child. They then got to write their letters on “ancient” looking paper. They had so much fun writing from another point of view." - Mrs. Penny
Great job, Bears! Keep up the good work!

After consulting with the Blackford County Health Officer, students in grades 9-12 will return to in-person instruction on Monday, December 7th, 2020.

We need your input! If you have children under the age of 5 in your household, please take a moment to complete this survey for the Blackford County Early Childhood Coalition. (Please share and thank you!)
https://www.research.net/r/BlackfordParents

Blackford Spotlight - Mrs. Amanda Wolfe's 1st grade class at Northside:
"We have been making the best of indoor recess. We have been using our creativity to create houses for our desk pets. These pets (fun erasers) are getting pampered with some pretty amazing houses." -Mrs. Wolfe
Wow! Great imaginations, Cubs!
#ChooseBCS

Blackford Spotlight: Ms. Kylee Redford's 3rd grade students at Montpelier Elementary.
"These 3rd graders have worked hard to research information about the first Thanksgiving, the Mayflower, Pilgrims, and Wampanoag Indians. The students then created posters and presented them to their classmates. I was super impressed with their artistic abilities and creativity in making their posters!" -Ms. Redford
Great job, Kodiaks!
#ChooseMES

Be sure and catch the BJSHS Drama Dept.'s great production of How to Screw-Up your College Interview -- A Covid Experience (Video instead of Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiSFlwHY1aw
#BruinProud

11/27/2020
On Wednesday, 11/25/2020, Blackford County moved into the “Red” level of community spread on the Indiana State Department of Health Dashboard. This dashboard looks at the number of cases and the positivity rate of the county, and both figures are at their highest this fall for our county.
After consultation with the Blackford County Health Officer, we are following her recommendation, students in grades 9-12 at BJSHS will be on at-home Blended Learning for the week of Monday, November 30th through Friday, December 4th. This is a preemptive move by our district, in conjunction with the health officer on anticipated spread through the holiday activities this week. The focus on high school students doing at-home learning is driven by that age group being the highest area of typical spread in school aged students.
Students in 7th grade and 8th grade at BJSHS, as well as students in BCS Elementary schools, will continue with normally scheduled classes in person.
We want to continue to thank our faculty, staff, parents and students for their efforts during this unusual year. Our student cases and quarantine numbers within the schools have stayed low due to your diligence in monitoring student symptoms and reporting issues to the school. The preemptive move next week will only be successful in reducing the spread if students and families continue to practice good health habits including social distancing, wearing masks, and frequent hand washing/hand sanitizing while not at school.
To our High School students, it is imperative that you maintain a great effort during this week of blended learning. Look for emails about the upcoming week, and plan your schedules to participate in online discussion and lectures as set up by your teachers.
We appreciate the support of our community and look forward to students in grades 9-12 returning to in-person learning on December 7th.
Sincerely,
Chad Yencer
Superintendent

Instructional Assistants, bus drivers, food service... We need YOU!
Check out the latest BCS job openings:
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1019795/Job_Opportunities_11-24.pdf

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, check out the ⭐⭐⭐ at BJSHS!!!
Presenting the World Premiere of How to Screw-Up your College Interview -- A Covid Experience (Video instead of Live) by The BJSHS Drama Department. Check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiSFlwHY1aw
How about a round of applause for our hard-working drama students and their directors Mrs. Noelle Lehman and Mrs. Amanda Wolfe! 👏🏻👏🏽👏🏿 #BruinProud

Montpelier Elementary Families,
Due to staffing shortages at Montpelier Elementary School we will be moving MES to at home blended learning on Monday 11/23/2020 and Tuesday 11/24/2020.
MES families can pick up computers at the school between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday, 11/23/2020.
BJSHS students that ride the Montpelier Bus routes (115, 118, 119) should expect busses to be there at slightly different times these two mornings as no elementary students will be riding the bus.

A friendly reminder - Wednesday, November 18 has been designated as one of our pre-planned Blended Learning Days. All BCS students will be working from home on that day.

Check out these awesome readers! First graders in Miss Rachael Dill's class at Montpelier Elementary are reading to their book buddies. According to Miss Dill, by reading aloud to their book buddies students are practicing identifying sight words, spelling words, punctuation, reading with expression, and enjoying time with their favorite characters.
Way to go, Kodiaks! Keep up the good work!
#ChooseMES

To close out our Salute to Veterans Week, Cadet Captain Sissy McNeal wanted to share her favorite Veterans Day poem.
Cadet McNeal serves on the BJSHS JROTC staff as its Personnel Officer.
#VeteransWeek2020 #BruinProud
https://bit.ly/3nmYHtY

ICYMI, BJSHS JROTC/Band Veterans Day virtual tribute:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWsy66gbfNc
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAmegUYRM2g
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9w_dC1vQ-s
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDrmXrqSX0
5. https://youtu.be/nnio5MVA_iA

BJSHS JROTC Cadets conduct a Flag Raising Ceremony in honor of Veterans Day 2020.
#VeteransDay2020
https://youtu.be/nnio5MVA_iA

BJSHS JROTC Cadet Kendall Scher offers a prayer for veterans as part of Veterans Day 2020.
https://youtu.be/SOrOYNkcLT0

This Veterans Day 2020, please check out the BJSHS JROTC and Band's virtual tribute:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWsy66gbfNc
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAmegUYRM2g
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9w_dC1vQ-s
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDrmXrqSX0

BJSHS senior Lance Manley leads the band in a rendition of "Taps" in honor of of our fallen veterans this Veterans Day 2020.
https://youtu.be/ohDrmXrqSX0

The salute to our veterans continues with members of the BJSHS Band playing service songs.
#VeteransDay2020
https://youtu.be/f9w_dC1vQ-s

Please join members of the BJSHS band as they perform our National Anthem in honor of Veterans Day 2020.
https://youtu.be/iAmegUYRM2g

Our 2020 Veterans Day Salute kicks off with the JROTC Color Guard.
#VeteransDay2020
https://youtu.be/mWsy66gbfNc

Meet JROTC Cadet Jeremiah Clark, a junior at BJSHS. Cadet Clark shares remarks about Veteran's Day 2020.
#VeteransDay2020
https://youtu.be/v__SVQu_-LY

Meet BJSHS JROTC Cadet/Battalion Commander Brayden Smith. Brayden would like to tell you about the plans for Veteran's Day 2020.
https://youtu.be/RGsNpAuOMSQ

Blackford County Schools has a number of available positions. Check them out!
https://bit.ly/3555LoT

It's time to vote! Ms. Julia Duncan’s 2nd Grade class at Montpelier Elementary were busy today in social studies learning about how the voting process works and how democracy works. They first read the book about Duck for President by Doreen Cronin. Then the class decided on which character should be President Farmer Brown or Duck. The class results were in that President Brown won by 2 votes. Fun time was had by all and the kids really learned about the voting process.
Great job, Kodiaks!!

Third grade students in Mrs. Carma Reidy's class at BIS were given the STEM challenge to design a “broom” that will hold 5 candy pumpkins without falling over. We read the book, “Room on the Broom'', then each student was given 5 straws and a foot of tape to design a “broom” that would hold 5 candy pumpkins. The room was full of engineers carefully planning and working on their product. ZOOM ZOOM on our BROOM!!
Way to go, Bears!

A Message from Superintendent Yencer
I hope this message finds you and your family doing well. It continues to be a unique year at BCS, and we are so thankful for the support of our families and students during this unusual time.
.
I wanted to send a quick note to share that as Covid-19 cases rise across the state and within our county, we are monitoring daily the number of students and staff who are on quarantine for close contact or symptoms, as well as the number of positive for COVID-19. Health protocols in place in your student’s classroom, busses, and student spaces, as well as the hard work of our district staff, has helped us keep kids safe. As of today, there is only one positive student case across the district, and less than 2% of our in-person students are quarantined.
We continue to send our daily information to the Blackford County Health Department, and share information frequently with the County Health Officer. The Indiana State Department of Health displays data in county-by-county format that looks at the number of cases (adjusted for population) and positivity rate (The percentage of tests that are positive). In the past several weeks our county numbers have increased, however, due to the outstanding efforts of our families, students and staff, our schools’ numbers have actually declined. Currently, we are not making any changes to our programming. We will continue to closely evaluate and monitor the situation.
It is a good time to remember to stay diligent on your family’s health protocols such as engaging in social distancing, frequent hand washing, and proper face mask use. Most importantly, we would like to remind parents that if students exhibit symptoms to please keep them home.
Thank you for your continued support of BCS. Stay safe, Bruins!
-Superintendent Chad Yencer

Do you have a child with a disability? If so, the following information might be of interest to you. These free webinars are not affiliated with Blackford County Schools; however, we always want to share information that might be helpful for our families.
Many parents state they worry about how their child with disabilities will be cared for when they are no longer alive. Interested in learning about the planning process and how you can have peace of mind?
Below is a link to a FREE online educational webinar about special needs planning. Topics covered include an overview of SSI & SSDI, Medicaid & Waivers, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, and other important considerations to help family members better understand how planning for a child with special needs is different both legally & financially.
Click on the registration link (Located under the date that works for your schedule) to sign up. A confirmation email will be sent with login information. Please share with others you know that may find this information relevant and valuable
Thursday, October 29th at 12:00 pm (CDT):
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8154525099202402831
Tuesday, November 3rd at 1:00 pm (CDT):
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5602500337018056463

Blackford Spotlight - 3rd grade students in Mrs. Aryn Enos' class at BIS:
The third graders in Mrs. Enos’ class are conducting a seed search as part of their Science Lesson. Students cut open bean pods and tomatoes to discover the seeds. In their “think journals” students noted the number of seeds and described their characteristics (size, shape, color, texture, smell). Students then created a graph to show the number of seeds, making a prediction as to the numbers of seeds we would find in the next pod!
Keep up the good work, Bears!
#ChooseBCS

Just a reminder that this Wednesday, October 28th is a pre-scheduled at home Blended Learning Day for all Blackford County Schools students.

Blackford County Schools will operate on a 2 hour delay Thursday, October 22nd 2020 due to fog. #BeSafeBruins

It's the last day to complete the 2020 Census. If you have not completed yours, please do so.
https://2020census.gov/en.html
You have the power to shape your future, and the future of all children, by counting everyone in your home in the 2020 Census.

Reminder: If you would like for your student to obtain a free flu shot at school from Health Heroes on Oct. 22, be sure to complete the parent consent form by Oct. 20. You can pick up a form at your student's school or here:
https://bit.ly/3iGDyYZ

BCS has Instructional Assistant positions available at BJSHS and Montpelier Elementary. If interested, please submit a letter of intent and a resume to the principal/supervisor listed. Join Us!
Check out our other job openings.
https://bit.ly/36ROe4O

To celebrate the end of 4-H Week at Montpelier School, our Kodiaks dressed like farmers!
For more information about joining 4-H (or Mini-4-H), contact Ms. Kyli Penrod at Purdue Extension Blackford County at 765.348.3213 or by email at kpenrod@purdue.edu
#Blackford4HStrong

BCS is celebrating National 4-H Week with plenty of fun activities including a color the pumpkin contest. At Montpelier School, any student who turns in the 4-H pumpkin coloring page will have their name put in a drawing for prizes! Here are today's winners: (l-r) Ashley Henderson, Alexis Huffman, Zoey Sills, and Abigail Foy.
Great job, Kodiaks!

Wow! Hard to believe Fall Break is almost here! (Oct. 12-16.)
Thanks to the kind generosity of the Blackford County Community Foundation, Community and Family Services, Grace United Methodist Church, Purdue Extension Blackford County, and the Good Seed Initiative, the Pit Stop in Hartford City will provide free lunches to families in need during Fall Break. If this is your family, please stop by the Pit-Stop to pick up lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students are encouraged to be present when picking up the lunches.

A friendly reminder from Assistant Superintendent Greg Roach regarding transportation:
As we start the last week of our first grading period, I want to thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us have a great start to our school year. I want to remind you that due to COVID-19 safety concerns and the possible need to contact trace, we are unable to approve one-time, non-permanent bus changes for students. Students need to ride their assigned bus or have an alternate option for transportation. I know this can create hardships for parents at times, but we need to do all that we can to keep our students safe and this is a measure that is necessary.
Thank you in advance for your help in our efforts to keep the students of BCS safe.

Blackford Spotlight: Mrs. Sarah Penny's 3rd grade class at Blackford Intermediate School
The third graders in Mrs. Penny’s class have been using the power of drawing to enhance their understanding of main idea and supporting details. Students listened to a nonfiction passage and drew an illustration to represent the passage. They then could pick out the main thing they were drawing about. This helped students understand the main idea. It was a fun way and visual way to understand the main idea.

Blackford County Schools has a number of open positions currently available. Join us!
https://bit.ly/30hGIMy

Santa's little elves have been busy, even in this time of social distancing and masks! With the uncertainty as to whether there will be a craft show this fall, Mrs. Linda Wallace and the Bruin Specialties crew wanted to get the photos of their products out early so you can place your orders. Choose the nativity set, painted or unpainted, for $25; or choose the holy family, painted or unpainted, for $10. Place your order with Mrs. Wallace at lwallace@blackfordschools.org. Proceeds from the craft project will be used to fund our cooking projects for the life skills classes at BJSHS.
#SupportOurBruinSpecialties

The third graders in Mrs. Aryn Enos’ class at BIS have been busy during eLearning! Here they are in one of their small group Google Meets. Students met with Mrs. Enos twice a day for 15 minute lessons in math and reading. We kept it fun with a Crazy Hat day, Mad Libs, charades, and a joke day!
#ChooseBCS

Due to a widespread power outage, Blackford Intermediate School is without power. BIS only will be dismissing at 10:30 am this morning. Parents may pick students up following normal dismissal procedures at 10:30, and bus routes will run with BIS students at that time. Parents please contact BCS Central office 348-7550 with any questions or transportation concerns.

If you want to make a difference in the life of a child, check out the current jobs available at BCS:
https://bit.ly/3cbGD1Q

Blackford Spotlight: Mrs. Amanda Johnson's 3rd grade students at Blackford Intermediate School:
We are text feature detectives! My 3rd graders at Blackford Intermediate have been exploring nonfiction texts, identifying text features, and explaining their purposes. Here they are working on a text features task card Google Form with a partner and putting their brains together to recognize them - teamwork makes the dream work! - Mrs. Johnson
Great job, Bears! Keep up the good work!

There's a great story in the Star-Press about our own Tony Uggen, who's currently in the hospital battling Covid-19.
Let's cheer Mr. Uggen on and wish him well like he does so many of our Blackford Bruins! Get well, Mr. Uggen!
Read the story here: https://bit.ly/3mlM7eW

BJSHS will be back in session tomorrow 9.15.20. We appreciate your understanding with today’s switch to blended learning.

A reminder, Blackford Junior-Senior High School will have a Blended Learning Day today 9.14.20. All other BCS schools will be in session. All assignments for BJSHS students will be posted by 9:00 am. Thank you.

We apologize for the late notice, but tomorrow 9.14.20 will be a blended learning day for BJSHS only. Our staff was notified after 9:00 pm this evening of a student with a positive case and we need time to complete the contact tracing and identify students who need to quarantine. Again, all other BCS schools will be in session, only BJSHS is on blended learning. We thank you for your patience.

Reminder: September 22-24 will be At-Home Blended Learning Days. These are important instructional days for students, as this is an opportunity to experience Blended Learning over a multiple day window. These days are also in place for our Parent/Teacher Conference days. All Parent/Teacher conferences will be by appointment only. To schedule a Parent/Teacher Conference for your student, please contact your student's school.

Please complete this important Blackford County Housing Survey. While BCS did not create the survey, we are assisting our partners by sharing it. The survey will identify housing needs in Blackford County.
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ePOnoAKhmBuaV4F

BCS will operate on a 2 hour delay Wednesday September 9th., 2020

Make a difference in a child's life- work at Blackford County Schools!
To apply, send a letter of intent and resume to the supervisor listed.
https://bit.ly/3lKkpZ6

BCS will operate on a 2 hour delay Tuesday, September 1st 2020 due to fog.

Blackford County Schools is still in need of bus drivers, food service staff, and substitute teachers. Make a difference in the life of a Blackford County Child... join us!
Check out our latest openings:
https://bit.ly/3jkYrcW

Good morning,
The phones here at BCS are currently down. As soon as the issue has been repaired, we will let you know. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Across the district, students and staff have been working hard to prepare for this Wednesday’s At-Home Blended Learning Day. Please mark your calendars and note that on Wednesday, August 26, students will not be at school, but classes will still be in session at home.
Students will access and complete work through their devices. Lunches will not be served. If you have questions about the day, please contact your student’s principal.
Elementary Parents: If you have not signed and returned your student’s Chromebook permission form, please do so as soon as possible.

Check out the latest BCS job openings here:
https://bit.ly/2QaYtYu
BCS currently needs bus drivers and substitute teachers ASAP. Join us!

We need your help. We had an online mask sale through Sportsform, a 3rd party vendor a few weeks ago. The masks arrived and folks received an email from the vendor to call us and make arrangements or pick them up.
We want to make sure everyone receives the mask(s) they have ordered and paid for. If you know any of the folks listed below, please ask them to call us at C.O.- 765.348.7550, or stop by and pick up their mask. Thank you!
Doris Barr
Mandy Barton
Elisha Batten
Michelle Bell
Daniel Bowman, Jr.
Kelly Cale
Holly Clevenger
Andrea Coons
Anne Cunningham
Debra Dodd
Melissa Fannin
Gail Hawkins
Brandi Jackson
Susan L. Jones
Jonne Koger
Gayle Marcum
LeeAnn McHaney
Christina Miller
Patricia Montgomery
Ashley Roberts
Rachel Slone
Angela Smith
Michelle Stein
Wendy Verboncoeur
Lisa Wells
Kristin Whitesell
Trudy Wolfe

Lunch menu for Tuesday, August 18th:
Orange Chicken
White Rice
Hot Roll
Cheesy Broccoli
Cooked Carrots
Chilled Fruit
Milk

Breakfast menu for Tuesday, August 18th:
Poptart
Fresh Apple
Milk

Catch up with the latest student stories, back to school information, and news updates. It’s everything Blackford County Schools, in your pocket. Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/2PvuJWB or iPhone: https://apple.co/2SWCRSr

Parents: Here's a great video resource to assist your student with online lessons using Google Classroom.
https://youtu.be/Kg2bjoSWtqU

BCS has an immediate need for bus drivers and food service staff. If you are interested in a position with BCS, check out the latest Job Opportunities here:
https://bit.ly/3a2s5jI
Join us!

Virtual School Parents: Just a reminder device pick up for students is tonight from 5-7.

We are loving our new app! Access back to school information, cafeteria menus, news updates, and even emergency notifications. Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/2PvuJWB or iPhone: https://apple.co/2SWCRSr

Superintendent Chad Yencer has a few reminders for the first day of school. #BackInBlackford
https://youtu.be/xvtsmrOY7Io

Looking for your student's lunch menus? Check out your school's menu under the Dining button on the BCS app.
What? You haven't downloaded the new BCS app yet?
You can do that here:
Android: http://bit.ly/2PvuJWB or
iPhone: https://apple.co/2SWCRSr
#BackInBlackford

Good evening, This is just a reminder that Northside Elementary School will be hosting its first Food Pantry tomorrow, Monday, August 3 at 5 p.m. The drive-thru pantry is open to families with students attending Northside or Blackford Intermediate School. Food will be distributed from the front door. Once again, Northside Elementary will be hosting a food pantry on tomorrow, August 3 at 5 p.m. Come see us!

Haven't bought school supplies yet? Find the School Supply list here:
https://bit.ly/30alXTg
BJSHS students: Take the basics with you on the first day (pen, paper, folder). Your teacher will provide a list for what is required for that particular class.
#BackInBlackford

Device pickup and school tour for incoming 7th grade students will be Monday, Aug. 3 between 3-6 pm
Parents: bring your student to door #1 to sign out the device while your student takes a tour! Questions? Contact Principal Kelli Ruble at 348-7560 or kruble@blackfordschools.org.

Parents, if your student(s) require Latchkey services for the 2020-2021 school year, please click the link below. (Be aware that the Latchkey program will be held at Northside Elementary this year.) 👇
https://bit.ly/2DcC4Xw
#BackInBlackford

Are you wondering what wearing a mask in BCS will look like this school year? Check out the latest guidance from Superintendent Yencer here:
https://youtu.be/GqU0kssmVxs
#BackInBlackford

Just a reminder that should you need them, BCS has both student and adult face coverings for sale in our online store. Check it out here:
https://blackfordfacemask.itemorder.com/
#BackInBlackford

We’re thrilled to announce Blackford County Schools’ new app! Access back to school information, cafeteria menus, news updates, even emergency notifications. Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/2PvuJWB or iPhone: https://apple.co/2SWCRSr. Video: https://bit.ly/2CI7u87

Attention: If you plan for your student to ride the bus, it is necessary for all transportation registrations to be completed by Monday, July 27th. There will be changes made with bus stops, route assignments and times. In order to have this completed and allow time to notify students of their bus assignments, we need to have students transportation requests.
Complete your online registration here: https://www.blackfordschools.org/o/bcs/page/registration-and-immunizations--2
#BackInBlackford

Blackford Count Schools' internet provider ENA is currently experiencing widespread outages across the state. All BCS phones are currently down. When the phones are back online, we will let everyone know. Thanks for your patience.

Looking for Back to School Registration?
https://www.blackfordschools.org/o/bcs/page/registration-and-immunizations--2
Looking for School Supply Lists?
https://www.blackfordschools.org/o/bcs/page/back-to-school-2020-2021
#BackInBlackford

The BCS Skyward Student Information System is currently down for routine maintenance today. You will be able to register your student(s) for classes again starting tomorrow.
Register online here: https://www.blackfordschools.org/o/bcs/page/registration-and-immunizations--2

Skyward Online Registration will be down for maintenance through midnight, Saturday, July 18th. Registration will be available again after that time. Thank you!

Just a reminder: If you plan for your child to participate in the virtual option for the 2020-2021 school year, please indicate that in online registration by the end of the day. We are trying to determine the number of students who will be participating in the virtual option for planning purposes. If you have already completed online registration, thanks! If you haven't, you can find the form here:
https://www.blackfordschools.org/o/bcs/page/registration-and-immunizations--2
#BackInBlackford

Exciting news!
Today, Blackford County Schools received notification that we are approved for the CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) program. What does that mean for our students? It means that every BCS student will be able to obtain free breakfast and lunch throughout the 2020-2021 school year!
Look for more information in the coming weeks about this program.
#BackInBlackford

Online registration is currently underway at BCS! We thank everyone who has registered their students for the 2020-2021 school year. If you haven't registered your student online yet
You can find it here: https://www.blackfordschools.org/o/bcs/page/registration-and-immunizations--2
For those who wish to register in person, keep in mind you will only need to visit one school. You may register at the following schools from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
July 21 - Northside - 765.348.7584
July 22 - Montpelier - 765.728.2402
July 23 - BIS (Blackford Intermediate School) - 765.348.7595
(Due to social distancing requirements, we ask that only the parent/caregiver visit the school to register the student.)
BJSHS will conduct in-person registration by appointment only. Please call 765.348.7560.
#BackInBlackford

Have you read the latest Covid-19 FAQs?
You can find those here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1USFU8CCpBZixHuueGLfIfA9J3-cDWJai3DxhHIlPGl4/edit

When is the first day of school? Aug. 5
Where can you find the school supply list?
https://www.blackfordschools.org/o/bcs/page/back-to-school-2020-2021
Thinking about the virtual option this school year? Please let us know by July 17.
#BackInBlackford

The BCS #BackinBlackford Reopening Plan can be found on the new website:blackfordschools.org
The specific link to the plan is blackfordschools.org/o/bcs/page/cov…

BCS will reopen August 5th, 2020 for all students with increased health, safety and cleaning procedures. We also plan to have an option for online classes for those families that are not comfortable returning due to COVID. Look for more information in the coming weeks. #BCS

Catch up with the latest student stories, sports
scores, and news updates. It’s everything Blackford County
Schools, in your pocket. Download the app on Android:
http://bit.ly/2PvuJWB or iPhone: https://apple.co/2SWCRSr

Just a reminder that June 22 will be the last day for BCS lunch distribution. Moving forward, the Good Seed Initiative has kindly offered to provide lunches for families who remain in need. If this is your family, please complete this form:
https://forms.gle/mQCqMhYYNVW9twv37

Due to Covid-19, BCS will be making transportation changes. We seek our parents' feedback as it pertains to their student(s) transportation. Please take a moment to complete the following Transportation Survey. We really appreciate your input.
https://forms.gle/e3LBvdckvW3198wN9

As BCS continues planning for the first day of school on August 5, we want to know what our parents are thinking. Please take just a moment to complete the Parent (Planning for Reopening) questionnaire below. We value your input!
https://forms.gle/sxF7JApXmWyy3nwB8

Attention, Northside and Blackford Intermediate School neighbors: Due to recent theft and vandalism at roofing projects currently underway at both Northside Elementary and BIS (former junior high school), the Hartford City Police Department will be increasing night-time patrols. If you see any suspicious activity on the school property or have any information regarding these incidents of theft and vandalism, we ask that you contact HCPD at 765.348.4819. (Thanks!)

Today, the Indiana Department of Education released a guidance document for schools to utilize in planning for the fall. The Blackford County Schools Reopening Committee will review the guidance and develop a reopening plan. We anticipate the guidance will be updated throughout the summer, so we ask our parents and community to be patient as we determine the best path for the safe reopening of BCS. Please stay tuned to BCS Skyward email and social media for further updates.
-Superintendent Chad Yencer

We miss our students. We can’t wait to see you at BIS in the Fall!

Catch up with the latest student stories, sports
scores, and news updates. It’s everything Blackford County
Schools, in your pocket. If you haven’t already, download the
app on Android:http://bit.ly/2PvuJWB or iPhone:
https://apple.co/2SWCRSr.

We are loving our new app! Access sports
scores, cafeteria menus, news updates, and even
emergency notifications. Download the app on Android:
http://bit.ly/2PvuJWB or iPhone: https://apple.co/2SWCRSr.

Just a reminder that if you signed up for the BCS Summer Lunch program, please pick up your meals from 11 a.m. to noon at Blackford Jr.-Sr. High School and Montpelier Elementary.

Thank you to all of our BCS parents who have taken time to complete our 2020-2021 planning survey. If you have not completed the survey yet, please take just a moment to do so. We value your input!
http://bit.ly/idoeremotelearning

It's lunch time! Today is the last day for lunch deliveries. The Summer Lunch Program begins next week with curbside pick-ups only that take place at MES and BJSHS only.
Sign up for the Summer Lunch Program here: https://docs.google.com/…/10jkfFKpKfKmQrW3FJKjbnUhTw97…/edit

Due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 in our communities and hospitals now increasing surgery schedules, we are facing an immediate need for blood donations.
Click the Link Below to Sign Up!
https://donate.indiana.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/141120

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow, Monday, May 18th, we will have our normal Monday Packet turn-in. All chromebooks should be returned tomorrow as well.
School Lunch Program:
Monday, May 18, is the last day of our current program for lunch pick up and delivery.
On Tuesday, May 26th, and on Mondays through June 22nd, BCS will offer a summer lunch program that will be pick-up only. The Hartford City location will move to BJSHS for this program due to increased roof construction at Northside. Montpelier will remain as a lunch pick-up site.
Again, this lunch program will be curbside pick-up only. Pick-up times will be 11:00 to 12:00p.m. Sign up by Monday, May 18 at 3 p.m.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10jkfFKpKfKmQrW3FJKjbnUhTw97qeBRzt_DyKlW7cx0/edit

Blackford County Schools will be transitioning to our Summer Food Service Program beginning the week of May 26th. However, delivery and lunch pickup will still be available on Monday, May 18th to finish out the current school year. The Summer Food Service Program will be curbside pick-up only! Due to construction projects currently underway lunch pickup will ONLY be available to Blackford Jr.-Sr. High School and Montpelier Elementary School. If you would like to continue receiving lunches through the month of June, please complete the order form below.
https://forms.gle/sy6EwB9ygAwsyXLk7

We’re thrilled to announce our new app! It’s
everything Blackford County Schools, in your pocket.
Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/2PvuJWBor
iPhone: https://apple.co/2SWCRSr.

What makes Blackford County Schools so special?
https://youtu.be/g3XhT9_Zh9o

Montpelier teachers and staff meet every Wednesday via Zoom for professional development.
This week the theme was music. Teachers and staff wore concert T-shirt's or played a musical instrument. They compiled a Covid Playlist to describe how they feel about teaching during the Pandemic. Songs included "You Can't Touch This," "Dont Stand So Close To Me," "Help," "Lean on Me," and "Into the Unknown" to name a few.
The topic was "What's new for fall NWEA."
We are so ready to see our Kodiaks this fall!
We are in this together Blackford!
#KodiakPride

We’re thrilled to announce our new app! It’s
everything Blackford County Schools, in your pocket.
Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/2PvuJWBor
iPhone: https://apple.co/2SWCRSr.

What makes Blackford County Schools so special? That's easy! #ItsOurTeachers
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher

When it comes to the daily health and wellbeing of our students, no one does it with more ❤️ than the healthcare professionals at Blackford County Schools!
How about a big round of applause for:
Amy Sargent, R.N. - BJSHS/Corporation Nurse
Brandy Clamme, C.M.A. - Southside Elementary
Kimberly Sizemore, C.M.A. - Montpelier Elementary
Jessica Irwin, C.M.A. - Northside Elementary
Thank you for all you do!
#SchoolNursesDay2020 #BruinPride

Check out the colorful art projects underway during Blended Learning lessons in Sydney Walter's BJSHS art class. Mrs. Walter challenged her students to complete the Found Object Color Wheel.
According to Mrs. Walter, "Students were supposed to find 12 objects from around their homes, each object a different color of the color wheel, and arrange the objects in order."
Nice (colorful) work, Bruins!
#BruinPride
Students submissions include:
Patience Campbell
Samantha Moistner
Persephone Miral
Sarah Coons
Savanna Morris
Aaron Blackwood
Lexus Higginbotham
Macey Abbott

What makes Blackford County Schools so special? That's easy! #ItsOurTeachers
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher

We're excited about our new website and mobile app!

It's Virtual Kindergarten Round Up time! Parents, if your child will turn 5 by August, please complete the Enrollment Form. For more info contact Craig Campbell ccampbell@blackfordschool.org or Jim Fox, jfox@blackfordschools.org
https://forms.gle/9aofD8zg7WzMeZX57

Check out these college application tips! http://www.educationplanner.org/students/preparing-for-school/apply/ten-tips.shtml