Thursday, March 30, 2017

Week of April 3

The +10 Mindset
Round 1 of STAAR testing is in the books, and I am very proud of the hard work of the students.  Our next round of testing will be on the week of May 1 for HS and the week of May 8 for grades 3-8.  Between now and then it is natural for kids to be tired of school, and that is why parental support and encouragement is so important.

Please encourage your child to be at school every day as there will be many lessons that will help your child reach his/her academic goals.  Secondly, take time regularly to discuss with them the importance of having a hard work ethic and to develop the strategies that they will need to reach their +10 Goal in all courses.


Kindergarten students had their Fairy Tale Ball where they had the opportunity
to dress up like their favorite fairy tale characters.  Thank you Ms. Reeves, Ms. Stiney, and Ms. Ellingson
for all of your hard work.






BRHS student enjoying EOC editing
and revising review game.
Upcoming Events

  • Fri, 3/31
    • STAAR Make-up Testing Day
    • District Tennis at Princeton
    • Report Cards go home
    • Softball vs Bells HOME
    • Baseball vs. Bland AWAY
  • Sat, 4/1 - One Act Play Area Competition in Winona, TX
  • Mon, 4/3 - Early Release Day at 12:30
    • Book Fair Week Begins
    • District Golf Tournament at Webb Hill
  • Tue, 4/4 - Softball vs Sam Rayburn AWAY
  • Tue, 4/4 - Baseball vs. Celeste HERE
  • Thu, 4/6 - Blue Ridge HS Track Meet
  • 2016 Valedictorian Chris Bowling returned
    to BRHS to visit as a Navy recruiter
    Thu, 4/6 - Science Night at BRES at 6 p.m.
  • Fri, 4/7 - UIL Regional Academic Meet at Grayson College
  • Fri, 4/7 - Baseball vs. Tom Bean AWAY
  • Sat, 4/8 - JH District Track Meet at Blue Ridge Stadium
  • Sat, 4/8 - Baseball vs. Bells HERE




Calendars
District Calendar
Elementary School Calendar
Middle School Calendar
High School Calendar

BRISD 17-18 DRAFT CALENDAR



UIL Excels at District
BRMS Twin Day

The BRHS UIL Academics Team competed on Saturday at the district meet and took 3rd place.  This is the highest the team has performed in at least 5 years.  The team more than doubled is overall point total from 110 in 2016 to 273.66 in 2017.  That is outstanding!!!  Special thanks to UIL Academic Coordinators, Stacey Raymer and Jennifer Stroup for all of their hard work in leading our coaches and students to excel.  CLICK HERE to see the results and student winners, and CLICK HERE to see the list of students headed to the regional competition on April 7 and 8 at Grayson College.





FFA competes in Houston
Our FFA students completed their state stock show competition season at the Houston Stock Show.  BRHS Ag Teacher, Leslie Packard said that she was extremely happy with the results our students produced.  Please join me in recognizing and congratulating the following students:
  • Brennan Garner 12th place market lamb *made sale!
  • Kaitlyn Garner 8th place Beefmaster heifer
  • Carson Garner 6th place Beefmaster heifer
  • Katherine Henric 10th place Shorthorn heifer
  • Jimmy Fortner 2nd place Duroc market barrow   *made sale!
  • Jaci Horton 3rd place Duroc market barrow *made sale!
  • Maddie Banks 2nd place light weight market goat *made sale!
  • KC Swift 2nd place Red Cross market steer *made sale!
                                





Your Input Matters
If you have a question, suggestion, or comment, please let a comment below. Comments are not published immediately. Please do not leave negative comments about individual people. If you have a negative comment, please email the principal, superintendent or call 972-752-5554.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Week of March 27

The +10 Mindset

STAAR Week Message
Next week students will be taking the STAAR test, and this test is important as it gives us one piece of data to gauge our ability to grow students into the excellence we know each student possesses.  However it is also important to note that our performance on this test does not tell the entire story of all that we do for kids in Blue Ridge ISD.

While we teach kids to read, we teach them to respect one another, adults and authority.  While we will teach kids to solve math problems, we also empower them to solve challenging problems happening in our school and community.  While we prepare kids for science and social studies, we create supports that prepare them to excel in society.  We prepare them to win in extracurricular events and to excel in service organizations and fine arts program.   Blue Ridge ISD is #MoreThanATest, and we are #MoreThanAGrade.

We are a district of outstanding educators who go above and beyond to meet the needs of all kids.  We are a small school with big dreams, and we are a community that is committed to ensure that every students is prepared to Learn, Grow and Excel.  Simply put, Blue Ridge is the B_Ridge to Excellence, and I am honored to be a part of this fantastic community.

Thank you teachers for all of your hard work preparing kids to Learn, Grow and Excel.  Thank you students for your diligent work to meet your +10 goals and thank you parents for instilling the value of hard work, perseverance and dedication.  Together we will ensure that Blue Ridge becomes the shining star in Texas.



Teachers, Leaders and Volunteers of the Month

In the March board meeting, the board recognized our teachers, leaders and volunteers of the month.  Congratulations to the following:

Teachers of the Month

  • Ashley Elder (RIGHT) for her hard work in helping our 5th grade reading students get prepared for the STAAR test.  In the last month, 5th grade saw an increase of 10% in their iStation performance.
  • Gayla Brummett (Not Pictured) for her ability to provide rigorous learning in 8th grade math.  Her journals were featured in our board meeting as an example of her hard work.
  • Derek Gourley (Not Pictured) for sharing his passion of US History with our students and for his ability to inspire his students to love the subject as much as he does.


Staff Leaders of the Month

  • Jennifer Stroup (RIGHT) for all that she does to organize and lead several student organizations such as Science Club, UIL Academics, Prom Committee, Football Boosters, and any other need that arises.
  • Dena Hamilton (RIGHT) for leading the Beta Club as sponsor and successfully doubling enrollment and pushing the organization to adopt several service projects which directly benefit the Blue Ridge community.





Volunteers of the Month
  • Richard Agan (RIGHT) for his years of service to our athletic program and willingness to help our coaches and students as well as for modeling his perpetually positive attitude and servanthood.
  • Stacy Morgan (RIGHT) for his service to our track program and other organization by giving of his time to work concession stands and helping our kids excel in athletics.
  • Gage Roberson (Not Pictured) for being a model student who is willing to volunteer in any capacity for any organization without being asked.  You will see Gage volunteering virtually everywhere in BRISD.  
  • Carolyn Wink (Not Pictured) for the work and organization she put in to creating the BRISD Food Pantry and for coordinating with the Beta Club and Science Club to provide food to over 12 families.

Science Club shopping at Wal Mart for BRISD Food Pantry

Upcoming Events  

  • Fri, 3/24  
    BRES students are preparing for the STAAR test
    next week by having fun, interactive learning tasks.
    Above shows the 4th grade writing camp.
    • End of 3rd 9 Weeks
    • Early Release at 12:30
    • One Act Play at Sulphur Springs
    • Softball vs. Tom Bean AWAY
    • Baseball vs. Trenton AWAY
  • Sat, 3/25 - HS UIL Academics at Blue Ridge ISD
  • Mon, 3/27 - Beginning of the 4th 9 Weeks
  • Mon, 3/27 - Golf at Webb Hill Tournament
  • Tue, 3/28 - STAAR Testing for 4 & 7 Writing,  5 & 8 Math and English 1
  • Tue, 3/28 - Baseball vs. Ector HERE
  • MS math students learning
    measurement in real world situations.
    Wed, 3/29 - STAAR Testing for 5 & 8 Reading
  • Wed, 3/29 - JH Track Meet at Howe
  • Thu, 3/30 - STAAR Testing for English 2
  • Thu, 3/30 - STAR Night at BRES at 6 p.m.
  • Thu, 3/30 - HS Track Meet at Howe
  • Fri, 3/31
    • STAAR Make-up Testing Day
    • District Tennis at Princeton
    • Report Cards go home
    • Softball vs Bells HOME
    • Baseball vs. Bland AWAY



Calendars   
District Calendar
Elementary School Calendar
Middle School Calendar
High School Calendar

BRISD 17-18 DRAFT CALENDAR



#TxEdTuesday

#TxEdTuesday we honored #FineArts in Blue
Ridge.  Alise Burke, Art Teacher is a huge
part of the Fine Arts success we have in BRISD.
The #TxEdTuesday campaign rolls on. Fine Arts posts and great stories from public schools reached
about 500,000 people on Twitter this week. 300 plus users chimed in on Texas public schools with positive stories. Please continue to support this campaign as our legislators turn their attention to public education matters. 

WEEK 8 FOCUS: - March 28
We will use the  #TxEdTuesday  and #MoreThanATest hashtags to highlight successes in our schools that aren't measured on the STAAR test. You are invited to showcase the excellence in BR that can't be measured on a test on your Facebook and Twitter accounts.








BRISD Mission, Vision, Motto

On Monday, 3/20, the Board of Trustees adopted our new mission, vision, motto for the district.  It was developed by the district visioning committee consisting of parents, teachers, administrators and the board.  We hope you like them as much as we do.





Additional Information

Congratulations to Melissa Stiney for being selected to present at the 2017 TCEA Tots and Technology Conference on July 17, 2017 in Arlington.  Ms. Stiney is a leading expert in the use of SeeSaw as a learning tool and communication tool with parents.  Please join us in congratulating her.
Below is a video that shows what Ms. Stiney's students are doing in her classroom.




Your Input Matters

If you have a question, suggestion, or comment, please let a comment below. Comments are not published immediately. Please do not leave negative comments about individual people. If you have a negative comment, please email the principal, superintendent or call 972-752-5554.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Week of March 20

The +10 Mindset
Jason Price, Jordan Bailey, and Jacob Stroup gave an
interview to NBC 5 about the Food Pantry.  Univision 23
was here on Wednesday to interview as well.
Preparing students to give back to the community is an important lesson that every student needs to learn.  This year, we have implemented a food pantry to help those in need in Blue Ridge ISD, and the Science Club and Beta Club have made this a joint service project.  On Saturday, March 18, they will be hosting the Blue Ridge Bazaar (CLICK HERE) from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m in the HS Gym.  Admission is 1 nonperishable item and there will be several vendors offering Easter Pictures with the Easter Bunny, Pampered Chef, LipSense, Scentsy, custom wooden signs, jewelry, and consignment items.  Come shop with us. and help the Blue Ridge Community.

Whitney Hall and Haylie Stephens enjoying Italy.
Blue Ridge visits to Italy
Around 35 Blue Ridge parents, students, board members, and staff took a once in a lifetime trip to Italy.  On this 9 day adventure, they toured Florence, Venice, Rome, and Pompeii and had the opportunity to experience Italian food, culture, beautiful art, architecture, the Roman Coliseum, and Mt Vesuvius.

Special thanks goes to Mr. Figueroa, BRHS Principal, for organizing the event.  Check out their Instagram feed for more pictures.




Blue Ridge's Jurca Qualifies for State
Keely Jurca competing
at the regional meet.

Keeley Jurca qualified for state in Powerlifting last year as a Freshman.  This year, she will be making another trip to state because she was one of the top 2A lifters in our region in the 105 lb weight class and fourth overall with a total lifting weight of 550 lbs.  

Aside from powerlifting, she competes in track and field in the spring as her other sport.  Powerlifting coach, Jarred Seamans said, "She is a fantastic young lady who works hard, is coach-able, and I am honored to be her coach".  

Congratulations Keely and good luck at State this weekend.




Upcoming Events

  • Fri, 3/17 - Carter Blood Drive at HS
    Middle school students learning from one another.
    Student collaboration is not only an essential
    skill for learning.  It is an essential skill for the real world.
  • Fri, 3/17 - Softball vs. Trenton HERE
  • Mon, 3/20 - BRISD Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
  • Mon, 3/20 - JH Track at Whitewright Meet
  • Tue, 3/21 - Softball vs. Ector HERE
  • Tue, 3/21 - Baseball vs. Savoy HERE
  • Thu, 3/23 - HS Track at Whitewright Meet
  • Fri, 3/24 -
    • End of 3rd 9 Weeks
    • Early Release at 12:30
    • Emilee Garza enjoying Italy.
      One Act Play at Sulphur Springs
    • Softball vs. Tom Bean AWAY
    • Baseball vs. Trenton AWAY
  • Sat, 3/25 - HS UIL Academics at Blue Ridge ISD
  • Sat, 3/25 - Powerlifting State Meet in Abilene, TX
  • Mon, 3/27 - Beginning of the 4th 9 Weeks
  • Tue, 3/29 - STAAR Testing for 4 & 7 Writing,  5 & 8 Math and English 1
  • Wed, 3/30 - STAAR Testing for 5 & 8 Reading
  • Thu, 3/31 - STAAR Testing for English 2




PK students enjoying learning about literacy.
Calendars
District Calendar
Elementary School Calendar
Middle School Calendar
High School Calendar


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In the Texas Legislature
House Bill 21

Raegan Harvey and Pamela Garcia walking in Italy 
Representative Dan Huberty has proposed House Bill 21 to address the funding inequities in public education.  (SEE TEXAS TRIBUNE ARTICLE) The bill would add approximately $1.6 million to public education.  According to the model runs by Powell & Leon, LLP, Blue Ridge ISD could see a projected increase of approximately $128,000 in 2017 and $129,000 in 2018 to our Maintenance and Operations budget.  If passed out of committee, the bill would have to pass the house, be reconciled in the Senate and ultimately approved by the Governor.




Your Input Matters
If you have a question, suggestion, or comment, please let a comment below. Comments are not published immediately. Please do not leave negative comments about individual people. If you have a negative comment, please email the principal, superintendent or call 972-752-5554.

Friday, March 3, 2017

Week of March 13

The +10 Mindset
Our BETA club participated in their state convention
this past week.
Our district visioning committee is composed of teachers, parents, and administrators and has been meeting this spring to create a new district mission, vision, motto, and portraits of a Blue Ridge graduate and educator. As of today, we have finalized our mission and motto as listed below.

Over the coming weeks, we will be finalizing our district vision and portraits of a Blue Ridge graduate and educator. When they have been completed, they will be shared with you.


BRISD MISSION
Congratulations to the BRHS One Act Play company
and Stacey Raymer for advancing to the next round
of UIL competition.
Defines why the district exists.
The Blue Ridge Independent School District exists to inspire all students to grow and excel academically and to become independent citizens of character with global awareness and an enthusiasm for learning.


BRISD MOTTO
Describes the focus of BRISD
Learn...Grow...Excel







Congrats to Keeley Jurca  who qualified
for State! She placed 1st at
Regionals, holding the current
Regional record at 135lbs!
Upcoming Events

  • Thu, 3/2 - 3 /4
    • Blue Ridge HS Baseball Tournament
    • Softball - Van Alstyne Tournament
  • Fri, 3/3 - HS Powerlifting Regionals
  • 3/6 - 3/10 - SPRING BREAK
  • Tue, 3/7 - Softball vs Bells AWAY
  • Tue, 3/7 - Baseball vs Tom Bean HERE
  • Fri, 3/10 - Softball vs. Sam Rayburn HERE
  • Mon, 3/13 - Student return from Spring Break
  • Mon, 3/13 - Softball vs. Dodd City AWAY
  • Tue, 3/14 - Baseball vs. Bells AWAY
  • Thu, 3/16 - 3/18 - Baseball at Leonard Tournament
  • Fri, 3/17 - Softball vs. Trenton HERE
  • Sat, 3/25 - HS UIL Academics at Blue Ridge ISD
  • Tue, 3/29 - STAAR Testing for 4 & 7 Writing,  5 & 8 Math and English 1
  • Wed, 3/30 - STAAR Testing for 5 & 8 Reading
  • Thu, 3/31 - STAAR Testing for English 2




Calendars
Student collaboration is essential to the
learning process and 5th graders are learning
a lot from one another.

District Calendar
Elementary School Calendar
Middle School Calendar
High School Calendar


This spring will have lots of events.  Be sure to check your school calendars above to ensure that you don't miss out on events.

Also be sure to follow your school's Facebook and Twitter accounts to stay up to date.






FFA Excels at San Antonio
Our FFA students attended the San Antonio Livestock Show, and once again our kids made BRISD proud for their accomplishments.  Special thanks goes to our Ag teacher, Leslie Packard for her hard work, and we truly appreciate all of the hard work from our parents who have put so much time into helping their children learn the value of hard work and commitment to excellence.

Congratulations to the following students:

Breeding Gilts
Kelsie Kennon: 4th place Landrace gilt, 7th place Spot gilt

Junior Breeding Heifers
Katherine Henric: 4th place Shorthorn heifer
Kaitlyn Garner: 4th place Beefmaster heifer
Carson Garner: 7th place Beefmaster heifer
Brennan Garner: 4th place Beefmaster heifer

Market Goats
Maddie Banks: 3rd place junior market goat

Market Barrows
Jimmy Fortner: 5th place dark cross barrow
Jaci Horton: 3rd place Hampshire barrow


Jaci Horton, Jimmy Fortner, and Maddie Banks all made the premium sale.

In the Texas Legislature

If you want more information about the legislature, please visit www.texasstudentsmatter.com

Editorial - Private school vouchers are the fool's gold of better education

Unlikely allies: some homeschoolers fighting to kill school choice bill

School choice already dead in Texas House, says public education chair (video)


Your Input Matters
If you have a question, suggestion, or comment, please let a comment below. Comments are not published immediately. Please do not leave negative comments about individual people. If you have a negative comment, please email the principal, superintendent or call 972-752-5554.