Week of September 19

The +10 Mindset

Source:  Simon Sinek's Instragram post

Growth looks different for every person.  Some people start growing physically before others.  Some don't grow at all and then overnight, they grow 5 inches.  There is one inevitable truth about growth, and it is this.

IT WILL HAPPEN.

That is why it is important that we remind our students that it is not always best to compare ourselves to others by looking at our current state or our current proficiency in learning.  It is, however, very healthy to look at our progress over time and determine if we are making the necessary growth that pushes us toward mastery in learning.

One thought that we must always remember about growth is that it is not a race.  It is, however, a journey.  Some will grow faster while others will grow slower.  Furthermore, we must teach our students that the focus shouldn't be on the speed of growth, but on our commitment to our growth and personal development, for that is how we ensure that we set our sights on making lasting growth instead of growth that is fast and more likely unnecessary growth.


Upcoming Events

• 

  Ms. Pelzel's math students are proving their learning
  by creating an instructional video on how to solve
  specific problems.

  Fri, 9/16 - Homecoming Parade at 1 p.m.
• Fri, 9/16 - VB vs Wolfe City at 4:30  HOME
• Fri, 9/16 - FB vs Quinlan Boles at 7:30 - HOMECOMING
• Sat, 9/17 - Cross Country at Princeton 8 a.m.
• Mon, 9/19 - September Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
• Tue, 9/20 - HS VB vs Trenton at 5 p.m. AWAY
• Thu, 9/22 - JH & JV FB vs Collinsville 5 & 6:30 p.m. HOME
• Thu, 9/22 - Yearbook begins selling ads
• Fri, 9/23 - HS VB vs Savoy 4:30  AWAY
• Fri, 9/23 - V FB vs Collinsville 7:30 AWAY
• Sat, 9/24 - Cross Country at Trenton 8:30 a.m.  

• 

  Great job to BRES teachers on their Reading Night.

  Mon, 9/26 - 1st 6 Weeks Assessment Week Begins

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







Teacher Growth = Adult Growth

BRES Teachers in an after school learning
session on the power of Google Sheets

Learning isn't just for kids.  It's for adults as well.  Curriculum director, Amy Hopkins, is working with principals and teachers to offer a multitude of learning opportunities for our teachers.  The best thing about this form of learning is that it is being led by our very own teachers and administrators.  To the right, BRES teachers are engaged in an after-school training learning about the district's new lesson plan template and how to use Google Sheets to make more relevant and meaningful lessons.

Teachers in our district have the option to learn in a multitude of formats such as:

• After-school face to face training
• Lunch and Learn Sessions
• Online Night Class from the comforts of their own home.
• Twitter chats

It is so exciting to work in a place where teachers are continuously learning with and from one another.  When teacher learning and growth becomes the constant, student growth will certainly follow.   This is an exciting time in Blue Ridge ISD, and our teachers are a huge reason for the excitement that is growing.

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.

Week of September 12

The +10 Mindset
We are completing the first 3 weeks of school, and wow, have they been fast.  This week, I would like to encourage you to take time to visit with your children about how the first 3 weeks have gone.  Here are a few questions you can ask them.

• Which class is your favorite class and why?
• Which class is a struggle for you and what makes it hard for you?
• Who are you sitting with at lunch and what do you all talk about?
• Are you having any problems with any students and if so, what are they?
• What do you hope to accomplish in the next 3 weeks?
• How can I help you do better in school?

Asking these starter questions can lead to some great conversations with your students.  Through these talks you can educate your kids on how to solve problems, how to persevere in tough times, and how to ask for help when needed.  The key to growth is not running from difficulties but pushing through them and learning from them.  A good conversation with words of acceptance and reassurance are exactly what every kid deserves to continue their pursuit for excellence.

Upcoming Events

• Mon, 9/12 - Reading Night at BRES at 6 p.m.
• Tue, 9/14 - VB vs Dodd City HOME
• Thu, 9/15 - JH / JV vs Quinlan Boles at 5 & 6:30 p.m. AWAY
• Fri, 9/16 - Homecoming Parade at 1 p.m.
• Fri, 9/16 - VB vs Wolfe City at 4:30  HOME
• Fri, 9/16 - FB vs Quinlan Boles at 7:30 - HOMECOMING
• Sat, 9/17 - Cross Country at Princeton 8 a.m.
• Mon, 9/19 - September Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

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



Homecoming Week is Here!
Homecoming Week is here.  There will be lots of morning activities at school, so make sure your child doesn't miss school on Friday.  Additionally, the parade starts at 1 p.m. and ends with a pep rally at the high school at 2:30 p.m.   The game begins at 7:30 p.m and we hope to see everyone there as we show our Tiger Pride when we play on Friday.


Get Healthy in September
Are you looking for ideas to get healthy and fit? Check out the American Heart Association newsletter for September. 


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.

Week of September 5

The B_Ridge to Excellence
Our focus at Blue Ridge ISD is about growing learners into leaders.  This week, I encourage you to discuss with your child how he or she is leading himself/herself to become a better learner.  Here are a few questions that you can ask.

• How well are you doing at staying on top of your school work?
• How well are you doing at taking good notes to make sure you remember what you learn?
• What are you doing at paying attention and staying focused in class?
• What kinds of questions are you asking your teacher to learn more or to get help?
• What are two or three things you are learning from your classmates in a class that is challenging for you?

Becoming a great leader starts with becoming a great learner first, and great learning comes with focus, discipline, determination and perseverance.

Do you want your middle or high school student to be a better writer?  
Our students are improving their writing with the use of our new Chromebooks, and there are 5 Useful Chrome Extensions for students to add through the chrome extensions.  Watch this 3 minute video and ask your HS student if they have these 5 extensions on their Chromebook?


Enrollment Update
On Monday, August 29, the Blue Ridge ISD Board of Trustees adopted the 2016-2017 budget and tax rate.  The tax rate for 2016-2017 remained the same at $1.5715 per $100 valuation, and the adopted budget will be $8,824,166.

Additionally, the board reviewed enrollment numbers comparing the first week of school enrollment for the last four years.  Enrollment is up 62 students from last year's enrollment, and in the last 4 years, the district has grown 91 students.  In our enrollment, the number of transfer students increased from 60 to 81 this year alone.  We will continue to monitor growth and housing development to anticipate future growth for our district.

Below is a slideshow that illustrates our district's growth.



Upcoming Events

• Fri, 9/2 - Pep Rally at 2:30 at BRHS
• Fri, 9/2 - VB vs Boles AWAY at 4:30
• Fri, 9/2 - FB vs Whitewright HOME at 7:30
• Sat, 9/3 - VB at Cumby Tournament
• Mon, 9/5 - Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
• Tue, 9/6 - VB vs Community AWAY at 5:00
• Wed, 9/7 - JH & JV FB vs Honey Grove HOME at 4:30 & 6:00
• Thu, 9/8 - FB vs Honey Grove AWAY at 7:30 
• Fri, 9/9 - VB vs Tom Bean AWAY at 4:30 

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


Follow BRISD on Social Media
Blue Ridge ISD has so many exciting things going on that we can't list them all, BUT you can follow them all, by visiting our webpages, liking our Facebook pages and following our Twitter accounts.  Here is a list of the Twitter and Facebook accounts by organization, and below the list is an awesome example of  how we are sharing our schools with you.  Mr. Todd, BRES Principal is using Periscope to live stream exciting events at BRES through the school's Twitter account.

Webpage    Facebook      Twitter

BRISD      Facebook      Twitter

BRES       Facebook      Twitter

BRMS      Facebook      Twitter

BRHS       Facebook      Twitter

Athletics                         Twitter

LIVE on #Periscope https://t.co/jAfrc2WHKx

— Blue Ridge Elem (@BlueRidgeElem) August 26, 2016

What I'm Learning

• How to Move from Zaption to EDpuzzle In Three Steps via  Richard Byrne
• Ninja Reflections on Education: 20 Songs to Use at School #KidsDeserveIt from Todd Nesloney
• STEMConnector.org

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.

Week of August 29

The +10 Mindset
At BRISD, we are pushing our students and staff to embrace the +10 Mindset.  +10 is all about growth whether it be academic, athletic, extracurricular or personal growth.  This week, we would like to salute Theresa Wade who has overcome physical obstacles to be where she is today.  No matter her situation, Theresa's attitude of positivity is what pushes her to growth in her craft as an English teacher at BRHS and in her personal triumph.  Watch the video below to learn more about and to support Theresa in her journey.

Upcoming Events 

1st Day of School at BRHS / BRMS

• Fri, Aug 26 - V FB vs Detroit at 7:30 AWAY
• Fri & Sat, Aug 26, 27 - V VB at Whitesboro Tournament
• Mon, Aug 29 - Public Meeting on Proposed Budget and Tax Rate (Special Board Meeting to follow)
• Tue, Aug 30 - HS VB vs. Pilot Point from 5-8 HERE
• Thu, Sep 1 - MS VB vs. Tom Bean at 5:00 AWAY
• Thu, Sep 1 - JV FB vs. Whiteright at 6:30 AWAY
• Fri, Sep 2 -  V VB vs Boles at 4:30 AWAY
• Fri, Sep 2 - Pep Rally at 2:35 at BRHS
• Fri, Sep 2 - V FB vs Whitewright at 7:30 HERE
• Mon, Sep 5 - Labor Day (School Holiday)
• Tue, Sep 6 - School Resumes

BRISD Calendars
District Calendar
Elementary School Calendar
Middle School Calendar
High School Calendar
Athletic Calendar

Our HS students are learning about Google Classroom with their new Chromebooks. #BRISDPride pic.twitter.com/T6c2MlcEwz

— Blue Ridge ISD (@BlueRidgeISD) August 22, 2016

Public Meeting on 2016-17 Proposed Budget & Tax Rate and Special Board Meeting
The Blue Ridge ISD Board of Trustees will have a special meeting at 6 PM on Monday, August 29, 2016.  The agenda contains the following items.

1. Public Meeting on 2016-17 Proposed Budget and Tax Rate - The budget and tax rates are contained in Proposed Budget 2016-2017 link
2. Adoption of 2016-2017 Budget
3. Adoption of 2016-2017 Tax Rate
4. Review and consider additional paraprofessional for special education.

Due to changes in state funding and a decrease in enrollment, we have created a proposed budget that will be $341,000 less than the budgeted amount from last year.  We feel confident that while revenue will be less, we will be able to provide the resources that students and teachers need to learn at high levels.

The proposed tax rate is currently $1.5846, but the recommended tax rate for approval will be $1.5715, which will be the exact same tax rate that we currently have.  Again, the recommendation for approval will be to keep the tax rate the same as it is currently today.

pic.twitter.com/IkyeMwT7Fe

— Blue Ridge Elem (@BlueRidgeElem) August 18, 2016

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.

Week of August 22

GROWing Back to School

The first day of school starts on Monday, August 22, and the teachers and staff have been working hard this week to roll out the 'Green Carpet' for every student when all of them return.  This year our goal will be to help every student grow into the excellence that we know is already inside them.

As you talk to your student about the beginning of school, it is always great to have conversations that help them set goals for growth.  Great conversation starters include:

• What is one class you're excited about taking?
• What is one subject that you really want to improve in this year?
• What is something you are worried about as you start the year?
• By the time we get to the end of the year, what would you hope to accomplish academically?

Having conversations with your students calms their fears and helps them focus on the purpose of school.  I wish each and every one of you a great start to the year and look forward to watching every student and teacher grow closer to excellence.

Upcoming Events

• Mon, Aug 22 - 1st Day of School
• Thu, Aug 25  JV FB vs Detroit HOME at 6 p.m.
• Thu, Aug 25  Volleyball tournament at Whiteboro
• Fri, Aug 26 - V FB vs. Detroit  AWAY at 7:30 p.m.
• Fri, Aug 26 -  Volleyball vs. Whitesboro HOME at 4:30 p.m.
• Mon, Aug 29 - Public Meeting on Proposed Budget and Tax Rate 6 p.m.
• Mon, Aug 29 - Board Meeting (Immediately following Public Meeting)

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


BRISD Academic Success for 2015 - 2016

The state accountability ratings came out this week, and there are 2 results a school can earn, improvement required or met standard.   We are excited to report that BRISD met standard on every campus and for the district as a whole.  To read  the chart below, the number on the left is our performance and the number on the right is what we needed to earn to meet standard.  Blue Ridge ISD met standard in every index for every organization.

A brief explanation of the indices are as follows:

• Index 1 - Score is based on number of tests passed,
• Index 2 - Score is based on number of students meeting and exceeding growth,
• Index 3 - Score is based on low socioeconomic and lowest subgroups  and the numbers of these students passing and scoring advanced on the test,
• Index 4 - Score is based on students performing at final passing standard on 2 or more tests and for the HS and district  the score includes performance of students graduating on time and being college and career ready.

BLUE RIDGE ISD STATE ACCOUNTABILITY 2015 - 2016

Teachers learning the new website and personalized pages. Teachers that learn together stay together! #Brisdlearns pic.twitter.com/rVTpk2sC2C

— Rene Sawatsky (@RenePrincess7) August 16, 2016

Public Meeting for Proposed Budget and Tax Rate
The Blue Ridge ISD Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting on the proposed budget and tax rate at Monday, August 29 at 6 p.m. at the Blue Ridge ISD Board Room.  Immediately following the public meeting, the board will hold a special meeting to adopt the budget and tax rate.

Information on the proposed budget can be found at this link. (CLICK HERE).  Due to changes in state funding and a decrease in enrollment, we have created a proposed budget that will be $341,000 less than the budgeted amount from last year.  We feel confident that while revenue will be less, we will be able to provide the resources that students and teachers need to learn at high levels.

The proposed tax rate is currently $1.5846, but the recommended tax rate for approval will be $1.5715, which will be the exact same tax rate that we currently have.  Again, the recommendation for approval will be to keep the tax rate the same as it is currently today.


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.

Week of August 15

The +10 Mindset
This year we will be working hard to raise the bar at Blue Ridge ISD.  In order to do that, it is important to know that we must change our thinking and that starts with our language.  Instead of focusing on passing, advanced and other fixed terms, we want to use the term, "Growth".  In other words, if we believe that learning is about human growth and development, then we should use growth as the measuring stick to gauge whether or not learning is occurring.

That is where the +10 Mindset comes in.

The way that we will gauge growth is by setting +10 goals for students.  In academics it is fairly easy.  If a student made a 70 on his STAAR math test last year, then his +10 goal would be 80.  For other subjects or organizations such as band, a +10 goal may mean that the student is shooting to move from playing 2nd trumpet to 1st trumpet this year or to make the All Region band for the first time.  For cross country, an athlete may set a +10 goal to drop his time by 2 minutes by the time the district meet arrives.

The +10 Mindset is all about setting a goal for improvement from last year, last semester or even last week.  When students are in classes where growth is the goal, students are more apt to take risks, seek help from the teachers and their peers, and ultimately strive to do their best.  With the +10 Mindset, the competition changes from competing against others to competing against yourself, and isn't that what learning is about?

Source +Venspired Learning 

Upcoming Events
Mon, Aug. 15 - Teachers return for Staff Development at Central Office at 8:00 a.m.
Tue, Aug. 16 - HS Volleyball at Cumby
Thu, Aug 18 - Meet the Teacher at the Campuses
                       Beginning times at 5:30 - 6:30.  See campus calendars below for times.
Fri, Aug 19 - Meet the Tigers at 5:30 p.m.
                      HS FB vs Cumby at home
                      HS VB at Chisum
Mon, Aug 22 - 1st Day of School for Students


District Calendar
Elementary School Calendar
Middle School Calendar
High School Calendar
Athletic Calendar


Public Meeting for Proposed Budget and Tax Rate
The Blue Ridge ISD Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting on the proposed budget and tax rate at Monday, August 29 at 6 p.m. at the Blue Ridge ISD Board Room.  Immediately following that, the board will hold a special meeting to adopt the budget and tax rate.

Information on the proposed budget can be found at this link. (CLICK HERE).  Due to changes in state funding, we have a proposed budget that will be $341,000 less than the budgeted amount from last year.  We feel confident that while revenue will be less, we will be able to provide the resources that students and teachers need to learn at high levels.

The proposed tax rate is currently $1.5846, but the recommended tax rate for approval will be $1.5715, which will be the exact same tax rate that we currently have.  Again, the recommendation for approval will be to keep the tax rate the same as it is currently.

Have a Question, Comment or Suggestion, leave a comment.
Comments are not published immediately.  To ensure that your comment is published, remember not to leave comments that specifically address one person.

Week of August 8

August is Here

August 5 - 7 is Tax Free Shopping Weekend

August is here, and many of our students are in full swing with activities.  Athletic teams have started 2 a days.   Band has begun their practices, and registration is happening at BRMS and BRHS.  The teachers return on Monday, August 15, and school starts on August 22.  We hope that you are ready.  Be sure to go to BRISD.net to stay informed.


Check out our New Website
Blue Ridge ISD has a new website (CLICK HERE), and it launched this week.  Special thanks go to Amy Hopkins, Kimberly Fritchman, Stephanie McPherson, Katie Pelzel, and Melissa Stiney for all of their hard work in putting it together.  Check it out to stay up to date and informed.






Our Teachers are Leading the Learning!!!
Many of our teachers were at the Revolutionizing Learning Conference in Royse City last week.  Click the link in the tweet below to see our awesome teachers presenting.

BRE teachers presenting STEM ideas at Revolutionizing Learning. #RLchat #BRISDpride https://t.co/fjWMuxH4Ln

— Blue Ridge ISD (@BlueRidgeISD) July 28, 2016

Board Meeting
Below is the agenda for our regular board meeting for Monday, August 8, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the BRISD Administration Building.

Agenda
1. Call to Order and Announcement by the Board whether a quorum is present, that the meeting has been posted for the time and manner required by law.

2. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer

3. Public Participation as allowed by BED(LOCAL)

4. Special Presentations
       A. BRISD Website

5. Consent Agenda
       A. Review and Consider Minutes from the July 11, 2016 board meeting
       B. Finance/Close of July Business
       C. Discuss and take possible action regarding approval to adjust the 15-16 General Fund Budget
            1. Add fund 429 to 15-16 budget for new PK Grant
            2. Adjust function 81 to cover construction expenses for 2015-2016
       D. Approve MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Collin County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program

6. Closed Session 551.074
       A. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074, deliberation regarding Duties of a Public School Official
       B. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074, deliberation regarding the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee

7. Reconvene from executive session for action relative to items covered during executive session.

8. Action Items
    A. Review and approve “Policy Update 105"
    B. Discuss and consider the sale of property located at Ridgetop CT, co-owned with the City of Blue Ridge
    C. Endorse candidate for TASB Board of Directors
    D. Review and consider Construction Bid Process
    E. Discuss and consider a Public Meeting Date for Budget and Proposed Tax Rate
    F. Discuss and consider the date to adopt the 2016-2017 budget and tax rate
    G. Discuss and take possible action regarding 2016-2017 Property, Liability, and Fleet insurance proposal(s) as presented for approval of 2016-2017 policy period.
    H. Discuss and consider approval of Kenneth Maun, Tax Assessor Collector, 2016 collection rate will be 100%.

9. Discussion Items
     A. STAAR 3-8 Scores
     B. Contract for Appeal and Audit Services

10. Superintendent Comments
     A. Revolutionizing Learning Conference
     B. TASA/TASB conference
     C. Enrollment Update
     D. Policy Update - Possible Special Board Meeting on October 11

11. Adjournment