Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Week of September 3

The +10 Mindset - Student Led Change

If you see a problem, don't see limitations.  See opportunities.  

Senior, Jacob Stroup saw an opportunity to offer high schools a safe place to hangout on the weekend.  "There aren't a lot of things for kids to do in our community outside of school, so I wanted to create a safe place for kids to hang out."  Furthermore, Jacob spent the summer working hard to create our new Green Saturday Event as the result of earning a $5000 scholarship from the Dallas Cowboys in which he wrote about his idea.

On Saturday, September 2 from 7 - 11 p.m., Green Saturdays will have it's first event, "Back to School Fiesta".  The event will host a ping pong tournament, movies, games, Mexican food (fundraiser by the junior class), and most importantly PRIZES.  We are so proud of Jacob, junior class parents, and his student leadership team of Eddie Ramirez, Jacob Duncan, Raegan Harvey, Taylor Phillips for creating a fun event that is safe and drug-free for our kids.

If you would like to help out, please contact Jacob Stroup or BRHS Teacher Jennifer Stroup!



How BRISD will Help with Hurricane Harvey
If you have been watching the news, you are probably like me and are hurting for the people in southeast Texas.  The impact is beyond belief, and I know many people who have lost everything.  In talking with several people in our district, we all want to do something to help, so we have elected to teach our kids how to give a random act of kindness to someone even though we can't possibly help everyone.

You are invited to join BRISD in supporting residents in Columbus ISD.  We elected to build a personal relationship and help one district in hopes that we encourage other districts to adopt other districts so that all districts get specific support.  We hope that this act will be one more example that inspires everyone to give what they can to help our Texas brothers and sisters.

If you would like to support the relief effort in other ways, you can to the following links:





Sunday, September 10 - Paint the Town Green

Homecoming is here, and we want the entire Blue Ridge community to help us paint the town green.  Decorate your house, your yard, businesses, churches, and buildings with green and white.







Homecoming Volunteers & Drivers
The fast approaching 2017-2018 school year will be starting soon with Homecoming just around the corner on September 15th.  A good old fashioned Homecoming Parade brings out the DIY gene in many.  As always someone will be deemed the designated driver of the 12-16 foot crepe paper masterpiece.  If you are anticipating participation with this event you will need to be approved as a BRISD volunteer and/or driver before September 1st.



Volunteer Only
  • Completed Volunteer Application with Front and Back copy of valid, government issued Photo ID submitted to BRISD Admin no later than Sept 1, 2017.
  • All volunteer applicants are subject to DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH) verification.


Float Drivers
  • Completed Volunteer Application with Front and Back copy of valid State of Texas issued Driver’s License submitted to BRISD Admin no later than Sept 1, 2017
  • Copy of Proof of Liability Insurance
  • All potential drivers are subject to DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH)  and Driving Record verification.
  • Trailer inspection will be on Friday, September 8 from 7:30 - 4:00 at the field between the Ag barn and the HS parking lot.


Upcoming Events

  • Fri, Sep 1 - HS FB vs Detroit at 7:30 HOME
  • Sat, Sep 2 - HS VB at Cumby Tournament
  • Sat, Sep 2 - Green Saturdays - Student Led Event from 7-11 p.m. at BRHS Gym
  • Mon, Sep 4 - Labor Day Holiday: NO SCHOOL
  • Tue, Sep 5 - HS VB at Tioga
  • Thu, Sep 7 - School Picture Day!!!
  • Thu, Sep 7 - Cross Country at North Hopkins
  • Thu, Sep 7 - JH FB vs Whitewright HOME
  • Fri, Sep 8 - Homecoming Trailer Inspection
  • Fri, Sep 8 - HS VB vs Tom Bean HOME
  • Fri, Sep 8 - HS FB at Whitewright
  • Fri, Sep 8 - End of 1st 3 Week Grading Period
  • Sun, Sep 10 - PAINT THE TOWN GREEN for Homecoming Week
  • Mon, Sep 11 - JH VB at Dodd City
  • Tue, Sep 12 - HS VB at Dodd City
  • Thu, Sep 14 - JH FB at Honey Grove
  • Fri, Sep 15 - Homecoming & Parade at 1:30 p.m.
  • Fri, Sep 15 - Homecoming Game vs. Honey Grove at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sat, Sep 16 - BRHS Homecoming Dance ($10 in advance / $12 at the door) from 8 pm to 12 pm at ES Cafeteria. (HS students only. Outside guests must be approved by HS principal)
  • Sat, Sep 16 - Cross Country at Princeton
  • Sat, Sep 16 - HS VB vs Wolfe City AWAY


Calendars

HS students in English are setting growth
goals for their love of reading and their
reading fluency!
District Calendar
Elementary School Calendar
Middle School Calendar
High School Calendar


Relationships for Learning
A critical component necessary for academic excellence is being a fluent reader.  In our English 1 - 4 classes, Kristen Lentz and Casey Moore are pushing our students to increase their reading fluency (speed) and grow their love of reading.  The kids have selected books that they are interested in, and they have set personal goals to complete the books and increase their fluency each day.  In order for kids to fall in love with reading, kids must have choice in what they read.  They must a purpose for reading, and they must have a goal that they want to accomplish as a result of their reading.  We are excited to see how this helps our HS students reach their growth goals in English.




Conquer Discouragement with Encouragement



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, August 24, 2017

Week of August 28

The +10 Mindset
The first week of school has come to an end, and it has been a fantastic week.  As we finish the week, what did your kids think about school?  If they were excited, that is great news.  If they were not, I encourage you to have conversations with your child about why they are having difficulties.  It may be due to change, challenging content, or a lack of relationships developed with students or staff members.  In your conversations, it is important to help your child make plans to make the second week better.  If you have concerns, please contact your child's teacher or the campus principal.  Many times, the staff members are not aware because the student doesn't show signs of frustration, and your feedback is exactly what we need to help your child learn, grow and excel.

1st Day of School Video



AFTERSCHOOL DAYCARE is in BRISD now!!! 
Check out the link above for more information and how to get signed up. 


Be a BRISD Volunteer (Click Here)

Homecoming Volunteers & Drivers
Mrs. Brummett's math students learned
about problem solving using a toothpick
activity.
The fast approaching 2017-2018 school year will be starting soon with Homecoming just around the corner on September 15th.  A good old fashioned Homecoming Parade brings out the DIY gene in many.  As always someone will be deemed the designated driver of the 12-16 foot homecoming float.  If you are anticipating participation with this event you will need to be approved as a
BRISD volunteer and/or driver before September 1st.


Volunteer Only
  • Completed Volunteer Application with Front and Back copy of valid, government issued Photo ID submitted to BRISD Admin no later than Sept 1, 2017.


  • All volunteer applicants are subject to DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH) verification.


Float Drivers
  • Completed Volunteer Application with Front and Back copy of valid State of Texas issued Driver’s License submitted to BRISD Admin no later than Sept 1, 2017


  • Copy of Proof of Liability Insurance


  • All potential drivers are subject to DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH)  and Driving Record verification.


Trailer inspection location and dates to be announced.

Upcoming Events

  • Fri, Aug 25 - HS VB at Leonard at 4:30 p.m.
    Reading is the key to success in learning.
    Mrs. Stroup's 3rd grade students are off to a great start.
  • Fri, Aug 25 - HS FB at Era at 6 p.m.
  • Sat, Aug 26 - HS VB at Whitesboro Tournament
  • Tue, Aug 29 - HS VB at Pilot Point at 5:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Aug 31 - HS VB at Cumby Tournament
  • Fri, Sep 1 - HS FB vs Detroit at 7:30 HOME
  • Sat, Sep 2 - HS VB at Cumby Tournament
  • Sat, Sep 2 - Green Saturdays - Student Led Event from 7-11 p.m. at BRHS Gym
  • Mon, Sep 4 - Labor Day Holiday: NO SCHOOL
  • Tue, Sep 5 - HS VB at Tioga
  • Thu, Sep 7 - Cross Country at North Hopkins
    Work has begun on softball lights.
    Baseball field improvements begin
    this fall.
  • Thu, Sep 7 - JH FB vs Whitewright HOME
  • Fri, Sep 8 - HS VB vs Tom Bean HOME
  • Fri, Sep 8 - HS FB at Whitewright
  • Sun, Sep 10 - PAINT THE TOWN GREEN for Homecoming Week




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




College & Career

Once STAAR testing has been completed for high school students, they're ready for the most important test of all, college entrance exams.  Below are flyers posted at the high school, that tell students about the SAT and PSAT tests.  The PSAT/NMSQT is the Pre-SAT test that is used to identify juniors who are National Merit Scholars.  At BRISD, we want students to take these tests beginning in the sophomore year and even the freshman year for students who scored advanced on standardized tests.  For more information, please contact BRHS counselor, Rebecca Kay.




Your Input Matters
Our new bus with Mary Buchanan and Victor Dawson
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, August 18, 2017

Week of August 21 (START of SCHOOL!!!)

The +10 Mindset
Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year.  Here is my video message to the BRISD Community.  Thank you parents for entrusting us with your most prized possession, your child.




Our students have been working hard
to support our teachers and community
with the start of school.  We have
the best kids in Texas.
Solar Eclipse on Monday, August 21.
We are ready to start school.  Are you???  This year is going to be the best start of school ever because at 1:10 p.m., there will be a solar eclipse coming over Blue Ridge!

We will be teaching our kids all about how solar eclipses happen, and some classes will do science experiments where they will observe the effects when a solar eclipse occurs.  Additionally, some of our kids will watching the solar eclipse on a live stream from where the eclipse will be complete.  Here is a link for more information, and another link to check out

SPECIAL NOTE - Our kids will not be looking at the solar eclipse without specially ordered safety glasses.  The majority of students will be in classrooms watching the live stream or learning about the eclipse in the classroom.   If you have questions or concerns, please ask you principal.



AFTERSCHOOL DAYCARE is in BRISD now!!! 
Check out the link above for more information and how to get signed up. 

Be a BRISD Volunteer (Click Here)

If you want to serve as a chaperone for Homecoming or drive a float for Homecoming, you must be an approved volunteer.  Please contact Cathy Agan for more information.

Upcoming Events


  • This year, we will push our students to
    reach level 4 in their mastery of skills.
    Fri, Aug 18 - Meet the Tigers at 5:30 p.m at Tiger Stadium
  • Mon, Aug 21 - First Day of School 2017-2018
  • Mon, Aug 21 - Board of Trustees meet to adopt budget and tax rate.
  • Tue, Aug 22 - HS VB vs Gunter HERE
  • Thu, Aug 24 - HS VB at Whitesboro Tournament
  • Fri, Aug 25 - HS VB at Leonard at 4:30 p.m.
  • Fri, Aug 25 - HS FB at Era at 6 p.m.
  • Sat, Aug 26 - HS VB at Whitesboro Tournament
  • Tue, Aug 29 - HS VB at Pilot Point at 5:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Aug 31 - HS VB at Cumby Tournament
  • Fri, Sep 1 - HS FB vs Detroit at 7:30 HOME
  • Sat, Sep 2 - HS VB at Cumby Tournament
  • Sat, Sep 2 - Green Saturdays - Student Led Event from 7-11 p.m. at BRHS Gym



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




Additional Information
Your 2017 Blue Ridge Tigers
will be taking the field in Era on August 25
and their first home game is September 1

Tickets for the 2017 Football Season are on sale now at the Blue Ridge High School Office.  If you would like more information about the tickets, please contact Donna Wiggins at the BRHS office.

Regular Season Reserve Seating (Chair-back) Tickets are $50 for all varsity home games.

For all other seats there will be no presale, and general admission tickets for adults are $5 and students are $3.

Silver Tigers (age 55 & above) can get free admission with a Silver Tiger pass which can be obtained from Cathy Agan at the central office.



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, August 11, 2017

Week of August 14

The +10 Mindset
New Staff Members to BRISD
learned about #BRISDPride, #BRISDLearns and
#LearnGrowExcel, and they also had a lot of fun too.
If you get a chance, join me in welcoming them to the
greatest district in Texas.
The start of school is almost here, and our goal for the 2017-2018 school year is one thing.  Excellence for Every Student.  The way that we guarantee excellence in every student is by guaranteeing excellence in every educator first.  This past week, our new staff members attended 3 days of learning, and all staff returned to campus learning with one explicit purpose, creating the conditions for every student to find their excellence. Next week, all staff will be working together to align their expectations for learning, behavior and hard work, and then they will make plans to communicate, teach, reinforce, respond to students, and most importantly empower students to be self directed in their learning.

This week talk to your students about the importance of hard work and committing to the expectations that our teachers worked so hard to create.


AFTERSCHOOL DAYCARE is in BRISD now!!! 
Check out the link above for more information and how to get signed up. 


Be a BRISD Volunteer (Click Here)

Upcoming Events
BRMS Teachers returned  to begin their year
by starting with the Why.  Special thanks
to our new principal, Phillip Lentz for his preparation
with our teachers.


  • Fri, Aug 11 - HS FB Scrimmage vs. Cumby (HOME)
  • Mon, Aug 14 - District Staff Development Week
  • Thu, Aug 17 - Meet the Teacher at all campuses (check campus webpages for times)
  • Fri, Aug 18 - Meet the Tigers at 5:30 p.m at Tiger Stadium
  • Mon, Aug 21 - First Day of School 2017-2018
  • Mon, Aug 21 - Board of Trustees meet to adopt budget and tax rate.
  • Tue, Aug 22 - HS VB vs Gunter HERE
  • Thu, Aug 24 - HS VB at Whitesboro Tournament
    BRHS students continued their tradition
    of painting their parking places.
  • Fri, Aug 25 - HS VB at Leonard at 4:30 p.m.
  • Fri, Aug 25 - HS FB at Era at 6 p.m.
  • Sat, Aug 26 - HS VB at Whitesboro Tournament



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




Proposed Tax Rate Stays the Same, but Property Taxes will Increase due to Increasing Values 

The BRISD Proposed Tax Rate for 2017-2018 is the same as the Adopted Tax Rate adopted in 2016-2017.   The proposed tax rate will be discussed at the August 21 school board meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the BRISD Administration Building where the tax rate will be adopted.  The question most taxpayers have is why are taxes increasing.

The Collin County Appraisal District assigns values to property, and in most cases property values increased throughout Blue Ridge ISD.  This change in property value will result in more taxes being raised for maintenance and operations than in the past.  The following link details the changes in taxes raised for the upcoming year.  It is important to note that state finance decisions are still being made in the Texas Legislature, and that the state's contribution to education is under debate as we speak.  To have your voice heard, please contact your legislator.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Superintendent John Wink for more information.

Celebrate Excellence

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.