Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Week of April 2

The +10 Mindset
UIL Excellence continued this past week, and the BRHS UIL Academic Team finished as the District Runner Up.  We are so proud of our kids and coaches for all of their hard work in reaching their best performance in more than a decade.  For 2017-2018, our goal for every campus team to win 1st or 2nd at the district meet, and the High School Academic Team accomplished just that with a record high point total of 376 points.

The following students advanced to the Regional Tournament:
The BRHS Medal Count
  • David Perin - 1st Place, Science, Top Score in Biology & Top Score in Physics coached by Jennifer Stroup & Daryl Spurgers
  • Gage Robertson - 1st Place, Computer Applications coached by Charlotte Todd
  • Raegan Harvey - 1st Place, Literary Criticism coached by Kristen Lentz
  • Raegan Harvey - 1st Place, Poetry Interpretation coached by Stacey Raymer
  • Valeria Martinez - 1st Place, Prose Interpretation coached by Stacey Raymer
  • Ellery Martin - 1st Place, Ready Writing coached by Casey Moore
  • Rachel Hopkins, Accounting coached by Charlotte Todd
  • Jacob Stroup - Alternate, Calculator coached by Katie Pelzel
  • Katelyn Porter - Alternate, Computer Applications coached by Charlotte Todd
  • Mallory Quinn, Editorial Writing coached by Kristen Lentz
  • Marlaina Morgan, Feature Writing coached by Casey Moore
  • Maddie Kramer, Headline Writing coached by Rick Bailey
  • Lauren Pearson - Alternate, Informative Speaking coached Stacey Raymer
  • Randie Berry, Lincoln-Douglas Debate coached by Stacey Raymer
  • Jacob Stroup - Alternate, Mathematics coached by Katie Pelzel
  • Jacob Stroup, Number Sense coached by Gayla Brummett
  • Randie Berry, Persuasive Speaking coached by Stacey Raymer
    Kindergarteners enjoyed the Fairy Tale Ball
  • Sydney Johnson - Alternate, Poetry Interpretation coached by Stacey Raymer
The following teams were 2nd place teams and are Regional Alternates:  Accounting, Computer Science, Literary Criticism, Number Sense and Spelling.  Special thanks to Kenny Williams and Stacey Raymer for their leadership as UIL Coordinators.  Also special thanks goes to members of First Baptist Church Blue Ridge and First United Methodist Church Blue Ridge for providing a great hospitality room for our coaches and judges.




Growth Impacts Facilities
STAAR testing begins during the week of April 9.
Students and teachers are working hard.
In last week's post, I shared that the district has experienced growth of 128 students in the last 2 years.  Currently our enrollment is 828 students and is expected to be approximately 915 students by the year, 2020.  While growth is a good for our district, there are implications for our facilities.  Below are a few considerations:
  • Currently, we have enough classrooms for instruction, but with every increase of 20 students, it will require the district to hire an additional teacher which will require another classroom.
  • Moving from 2A to 3A in athletics will require us to have more teams in all sports, and the district will need to upgrade the Elementary Gym to allow for competitive games.
  • Increases to our FFA program enrollment will require the district to provide more barn facilities to house animal projects.
  • The elementary school facility can make allowances for  approximately 3-4 additional teachers.
  • The middle school facility can make allowances for  approximately 1-2 additional teachers.
  • The high school facility can make allowances for approximately 2-3 additional teachers.

The district has postings for teacher and administrator
positions.  Please CLICK THIS LINK for more info.
The district has contracted with WRA Architects to advise the district in ways to optimize our facilities for future growth.  It is important to note that at some point our existing facilities will not be able to accommodate the enrollment of the district, and a building project will need to be considered.  As more information comes available, I will share it with you.





Upcoming Events

  • Fri, Mar 30 - Good Friday (SCHOOL HOLIDAY)
  • Sun, Apr 1 - HAPPY EASTER
  • Mon, Apr 2 - District Golf at Webb Hill
  • Tue, Apr 3 - SB at Bells
  • Tue, Apr 3 - BB at Celeste
  • Wed, Apr 4 - Band at UIL Concert & Sight-reading in Pottsboro
  • Thu, Apr 5 - Powderpuff Game at BR Stadium
  • Fri, Apr 6 - SB vs Sam Rayburn HOME
  • Fri, Apr 6 - BB vs Tom Bean HOME
  • Sat, Apr 7 - HS District Track Meet HOME
  • Tue, Apr 10 - STAAR Testing:  English 1 EOC & 5th and 8th Math
  • Tue, Apr 10 - SB at Dodd City
  • Tue, Apr 10 - BB at Bells 
  • Wed, Apr 11 - STAAR Testing:  5th and 8th Reading
  • Wed, Apr 11 - #LoveMySchoolDay:  Post why you love BRISD on your Facebook and Twitter
  • Thu, Apr 12 - STAAR Testing:  English 2 EOC
    Our MS teachers are collaborating about strategies to help
    our kids learn, grow and excel.  This type of work occurs on
    every campus in BRISD
  • Fri, Apr 13 - SB vs Trenton HOME
  • Fri, Apr 13 - BB vs Savoy HOME
  • Sat, Apr 14 - JH Track Meet at Honey Grove
  • Sat, Apr 14 - BB at Bonham
  • April 16 - 20 - PK and Kindergarten Round Up
  • Mon, Apr 16 - HS Course Expo
  • Mon, Apr 16 - BRISD Board Meeting
  • Tue, Apr 17 - SB vs Ector HOME - SENIOR NIGHT
  • Tue, Apr 17 - BB at Trenton
  • Wed, Apr 18 - HS Area Track Meet
  • Fri, Apr 20 - SB at Trenton
  • Fri, Apr 20 - BB vs Ector HOME
  • Sat, Apr 21 - Mother/Son Date Night at BRES




Calendars
Congratulations to our newest members of
the Junior Beta Club.

District Calendar
Elementary School Calendar
Middle School Calendar
High School Calendar
Blue Ridge Community Calendar





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.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Week of March 26

The +10 Mindset - In the Board Meeting
Powerlifting State Champion Natalie Walker
and Coach Jarred Seamans
At the Monday, March 19 board meeting, the board recognized our teachers of the month, Amanda Nichol, Andrew Carlson, and Jennifer Stroup.  Additionally, the board recognized Natalie Walker for winning the state championship in powerlifting and the 8th grade girls basketball team for having another undefeated season this year.

Gallagher Construction provided an informational presentation about future construction options for the district, and the board cancelled its school board election because all places have candidates who are unopposed.  Additionally, the board was updated on the progress of 3rd and 4th 6 weeks assessment process which showed that students are making great gains in their learning.  Finally, the master facility plan outlined major projects for the next 3 years, and the district's budgetary process for this year as well as the forecast for next year revealed that the district is in great financial shape heading into the 2018-2019 school year.

BRES Teacher of the Month, Amanda Nichol
and Principal Matthew Todd
Last the board took action on several issues related to our teachers and staff.  First, the board Early Leave Notice Incentive that would allow the district to get a head start on recruiting teachers for next year.  Finally, the board approved the BRISD Sick Leave Bank which would serve as extra incentive for our teachers and staff at no cost to the district.  Future discussions related to personnel will include a staff salary analysis to determine how the district can be more competitive with neighboring districts in its teacher, administrator, and support staff salary scale.


The board also approved the extension of contracts to teachers currently under term contract. Probationary contracts will be reviewed in April.  Additionally, Matthew Todd, BRES Principal, was named the district's new curriculum director, and he will officially begin his new duties this summer.  The district will begin its search for the new elementary principal this spring and anticipate having the new principal named by May 2018.



Enrollment Continues to Increase
Our district is growing in enrollment
and in learning.

Enrollment in Blue Ridge ISD has continued to grow for the second year in a row.  In just 2 years, our district has grown 128 students in grades PK - 12.  In 2017, BRISD contracted with Templeton demographics  to predict the future of our district with respect to enrollment.  In the table below, you will see that the growth for our district is expected to continue for the next 2 years.  Beyond 2020, the future of the district's enrollment will be based on the economy among other factors.  



Campus15-1616-1717-1818-1919-20
BRES341370391394429
BRMS164194204205217
BRHS197206233254269
BRISD702770828853915

Upcoming Events


  • Fri, Mar 23 - Carter Blood Drive at BRHS
    BRMS 8th Grade Girls Basketball Champions
  • Fri, Mar 23 - Softball at Ector
  • Fri, Mar 23 - Baseball vs Trenton HOME
  • Sat, Mar 24 HS UIL Academics District Meet at BRHS
  • Mon & Tue, Mar 26 & 27 - District Tennis Tournament in Princeton
  • Tue, Mar 27 - Softball vs. Tom Bean HOME
  • Tue, Mar 27 - Baseball at Ector
  • Wed, Mar 28 - JH Track Meet at Howe
  • Wed, Mar 28 - TSI Testing for Seniors
  • Wed, Mar 28 - Collin College Dual Credit and Health Science Night
  • Thu, Mar 29 - HS Track Meet at Howe
  • Fri, Mar 30 - Good Friday (SCHOOL HOLIDAY)
  • Sun, Apr 1 - HAPPY EASTER
  • Mon, Apr 2 - District Golf at Webb Hill
  • Tue, Apr 3 - SB at Bells
  • Tue, Apr 3 - BB at Celeste
  • Wed, Apr 4 - Band at UIL Concert & Sight-reading in Pottsboro
  • Thu, Apr 5 - Powderpuff Game at BR Stadium
  • Fri, Apr 6 - SB vs Sam Rayburn HOME
    BRMS Teacher of the Month, Andrew Carlson
    and Principal Phillip Lentz
  • Fri, Apr 6 - BB vs Tom Bean HOME
  • Sat, Apr 7 - HS District Track Meet HOME
  • Tue, Apr 10 - STAAR Testing:  English 1 EOC & 5th and 8th Math
  • Tue, Apr 10 - SB at Dodd City
  • Tue, Apr 10 - BB at Bells 
  • Wed, Apr 11 - STAAR Testing:  5th and 8th Reading
  • Wed, Apr 11 - #LoveMySchoolDay:  Post why you love BRISD on your Facebook and Twitter
  • Thu, Apr 12 - STAAR Testing:  English 2 EOC
  • Fri, Apr 13 - SB vs Trenton HOME
  • Fri, Apr 13 - BB vs Savoy HOME
  • Sat, Apr 14 - JH Track Meet at Honey Grove
  • Sat, Apr 14 - BB at Bonham


Calendars
District Calendar
Elementary School Calendar
Middle School Calendar
High School Calendar
Blue Ridge Community Calendar





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.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Week of March 19

The +10 Mindset - Happy Spring Break
Our students are growing in their learning and showing
it on their 6 Weeks Formative Assessments.
As we come to the end of the 3rd quarter of school, I would like to encourage you to have a fun and restful spring break with your kids.  Take time with them and encourage them to rest and relax, but don't miss your opportunity to expose them to the world around them. 

Did you know that giving your children experiences is one of the greatest gifts we can give them?  Whether it's a road trip across Texas or a trip to the library or local museum, experiences give kids valuable information that will help them in the classroom.  Furthermore, it will show them why the learning they are doing in the classroom is important.


Stay Current with District & Campus Calendars
So many events will be happening this spring that we can't list them all.  To help you stay organized, please go to the calendars on each campus webpage.  Each week the calendars are posted at the bottom of my weekly post.





2nd Phase to Baseball Field Completed
The 2nd phase to the baseball field improvements is almost complete.  The 3rd phase of the baseball field (bleachers and concrete sidewalks) will be begin after the season ends in May.


Upcoming Events

  • Thu-Sat, Mar 8 - 10 - Baseball at Anna Tournament
    Congrats to Stacey Raymer and the One Act Play company
    for their winning Alternate at the District Meet
  • Fri, Mar 9 - End of 3rd 9 Weeks
  • Fri, Mar 9 - Baseball JV at Leonard
  • Fri, Mar 9 - Softball vs Bells at Home
  • Fri, Mar 9 - Boys Powerlifting at Chico
  • Mon, Mar 12 - 16 - Spring Break
  • Mon, Mar 12 - Softball at Sam Rayburn
  • Tue, Mar 13 - Baseball vs Bells
  • Tue, Mar 13 - Softball vs Dodd City HOME
  • Fri, Mar 16 - Girls State Powerlifting Meet in Waco
  • Mon, Mar 19 - BRISD Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
    Our BETA club is growing by leaps and bounds.
  • Mon, Mar 19 - Golf at Webb Hill
  • Mon, Mar 19 - JH Track Meet  HOME
  • Mon, Mar 19 - JV Baseball at Tioga
  • Tue, Mar 20 - Softball at Trenton
  • Tue, Mar 20 - Baseball at Savoy
  • Thu, Mar 22 - HS Track Meet HOME
  • Fri, Mar 23 - Carter Blood Drive at BRHS
  • Fri, Mar 23 - Softball at Ector
  • Fri, Mar 23 - Baseball vs Trenton HOME
  • Sat, Mar 24 HS UIL Academics District Meet at BRHS
  • Mon & Tue, Mar 26 & 27 - District Tennis Tournament in Princeton
  • Tue, Mar 27 - Softball vs. Tom Bean HOME
  • Tue, Mar 27 - Baseball at Ector
  • Wed, Mar 28 - JH Track Meet at Howe
  • Wed, Mar 28 - TSI Testing for Seniors
  • Wed, Mar 28 - Collin College Dual Credit and Health Science Night
  • Thu, Mar 29 - HS Track Meet at Howe
    1st Grade students exploring 3D shapes
  • Fri, Mar 30 - Good Friday (SCHOOL HOLIDAY)



Your Input Matters
If you have a question, suggestion, or comment, please leave 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.