Blue Ridge Families,
Progress on the secure entry project is coming along! The Unit Office and High School entrances will be ready to go on the first day of school. The Schneider and BRIJHS entries will be installed soon. Here is some important information on how the new entry process will work.
New Secure Entry "How To" Video - https://shorturl.at/dvEhP
Additionally, to simplify the entry process you can download the Raptor Safe App. This allows you to set up your profile, verify your identity, and enjoy fast, hassle-free sign-ins.
Use this link to download the app and get pre-authorized - https://shorturl.at/rhCK5
We understand this may be inconvenient for some, but our top priority is to create a safe learning environment for our students, staff, and stakeholders. Thank you for your patience during this transition!
Progress on the secure entry project is coming along! The Unit Office and High School entrances will be ready to go on the first day of school. The Schneider and BRIJHS entries will be installed soon. Here is some important information on how the new entry process will work.
New Secure Entry "How To" Video - https://shorturl.at/dvEhP
Additionally, to simplify the entry process you can download the Raptor Safe App. This allows you to set up your profile, verify your identity, and enjoy fast, hassle-free sign-ins.
Use this link to download the app and get pre-authorized - https://shorturl.at/rhCK5
We understand this may be inconvenient for some, but our top priority is to create a safe learning environment for our students, staff, and stakeholders. Thank you for your patience during this transition!
Good Morning BRHS Families!
The Fall Sport Season is right around the corner. In order to make sure practices start smoothly, please ensure your athlete is registered on our 8to18 platform. To do so, please go to https://blueridge.8to18.com . Also, please ensure that they have an updated sports physical on file. These can be turned in to the HS Office or submitted on 8to18. Specific instructions can be found on the attached images! #br_u_knighted!
The future of Blue Ridge baseball! ⚾️ Our JH team has been prepping for their season to begin on the first day of school at Heyworth. Mark your calendar for the first home game in Mansfield on 8/19 and cheer on the Knights!
#br_u_knighted
School's not in session yet but our JH athletics are underway. The Blue Ridge Lady Knights came to play tonight beating GCMS 10–3 at their season opener!
Ella Y, Clara W, Lexi P, and Roslyn F lit up the second inning with clutch hits and skilled base running. Then in the sixth, the Knights exploded for five more runs—highlighted by Madi T’s three-RBI double that cleared the bases.
Clara W was solid on the mound, striking out five and going the distance for the win. At the plate, Madi led with 3 RBIs, while Braelyn W and Phia M each added two hits to the Knights’ 10-hit attack.
Next up: The Knights face off against the Metcalf Wildcats tomorrow at home. Let’s keep the momentum rolling!
#br_u_knighted
When you enter BRIJHS this year, please be sure to stop and admire the new student-created art on the glass on your way to the Intermediate side of the building.
Mrs. Schneman, our K-8 Art Instructor, tells about the piece below:
Part of the power of art is connecting images, themes, and messages to larger groups rather than individuals. Last year, I saw an opportunity to fulfill the Illinois Visual Arts State Standard for Junior High: Make art collaboratively to reflect on and reinforce positive aspects of group identity.
With a generous gift from the Mansfield United Methodist Church, our Junior High art class was able to begin a mural that would serve as a declaration of who we want to be known as at BRIJHS.
It began with a survey asking all BRIJHS students just that: What do BRIJHS want to be known for? The survey responses came back with some variations but one word earned the highest votes over the others: brave.
So our classes brainstormed how we could incorporate an image that depicted bravery. Deciding that bravery was often coupled with resistance to an adversary, real or symbolic, tangible or intangible, we began with sketches of Knights facing overwhelming challenges. Some were on horseback, some sailed in shining armor into the face of a tempest, and using our sketches to generate AI prompts, we found ways to add atmosphere and depth to our images. However, for our purposes we needed to find an image that was dominant in linear design. Finding a classic image of a knight slaying a dragon, we adapted it by adding in the descriptive words that gained the highest responses from the students including "creative" and "determination". Using 10" x 10" wooden canvases, our 7th and 8th grade classes prepped, gridded, and painted the image of a heroic knight displaying bravery over the dragon in a vibrant mural that can be seen from the hallway of BRIJHS. It's a highly collaborative, energetic, and brilliantly colored image to remind us everyday of who we say we are. To find out what words the students also voted on, you'll have to be sure to check out the mural for yourself.
#br_u_knighted
Mrs. Schneman, our K-8 Art Instructor, tells about the piece below:
Part of the power of art is connecting images, themes, and messages to larger groups rather than individuals. Last year, I saw an opportunity to fulfill the Illinois Visual Arts State Standard for Junior High: Make art collaboratively to reflect on and reinforce positive aspects of group identity.
With a generous gift from the Mansfield United Methodist Church, our Junior High art class was able to begin a mural that would serve as a declaration of who we want to be known as at BRIJHS.
It began with a survey asking all BRIJHS students just that: What do BRIJHS want to be known for? The survey responses came back with some variations but one word earned the highest votes over the others: brave.
So our classes brainstormed how we could incorporate an image that depicted bravery. Deciding that bravery was often coupled with resistance to an adversary, real or symbolic, tangible or intangible, we began with sketches of Knights facing overwhelming challenges. Some were on horseback, some sailed in shining armor into the face of a tempest, and using our sketches to generate AI prompts, we found ways to add atmosphere and depth to our images. However, for our purposes we needed to find an image that was dominant in linear design. Finding a classic image of a knight slaying a dragon, we adapted it by adding in the descriptive words that gained the highest responses from the students including "creative" and "determination". Using 10" x 10" wooden canvases, our 7th and 8th grade classes prepped, gridded, and painted the image of a heroic knight displaying bravery over the dragon in a vibrant mural that can be seen from the hallway of BRIJHS. It's a highly collaborative, energetic, and brilliantly colored image to remind us everyday of who we say we are. To find out what words the students also voted on, you'll have to be sure to check out the mural for yourself.
#br_u_knighted
We’re excited to welcome our newest staff members to the Blue Ridge family! 🏫✨
This incredible group of educators, administrators, and support staff bring energy, passion, and a shared commitment to student success. We’re grateful to have each of you join us as we inspire, support, and grow together this school year. #inductionday #br_u_knighted 💙📚🍎
Just a quick reminder that the deadline is approaching for new nominees for this year's Wall of Fame addition. See this link for details. https://aptg.co/Ym3pS5
Happy August to all of our Blue Ridge families! Your principals have some back-to-school information to share with you. Please take a look at the letter from the building where your student attends.
It's a great time to be a Knight!
Click this link for the Schneider Welcome Back Letter - https://aptg.co/ChXvbM
Click this link for the BRIJHS Welcome Back Letter - https://aptg.co/0Kps-G
Click this link for the BRHS Welcome Back Letter - https://aptg.co/mySjBm
It's a great time to be a Knight!
Click this link for the Schneider Welcome Back Letter - https://aptg.co/ChXvbM
Click this link for the BRIJHS Welcome Back Letter - https://aptg.co/0Kps-G
Click this link for the BRHS Welcome Back Letter - https://aptg.co/mySjBm
Spots are filling fast for Pre-K at Schneider but we have screening spots still open today! If you know of or have any children who are three or four years old on or before September 1, 2025, they are eligible for a free preschool screening with this amazing group of educators. Call 309–928–2611 to schedule an appointment.
Good Afternoon, Blue Ridge Families!
Here is July's Superintendent Newsletter - https://5il.co/3marf. Inside you'll find important upcoming dates, the 2025-2026 Blue Ridge District Calendar, Kindergarten Jumpstart details, secure entry information for all three buildings including a "how to" video, and more.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!
Here is July's Superintendent Newsletter - https://5il.co/3marf. Inside you'll find important upcoming dates, the 2025-2026 Blue Ridge District Calendar, Kindergarten Jumpstart details, secure entry information for all three buildings including a "how to" video, and more.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!
Blue Ridge School District #18 will conduct free preschool screenings on July 24 and July 25 at
Schneider Elementary School, 309 N John St, Farmer City, Illinois. The developmental screening is
for children who are 3 or 4 years old at the time of the screening. Children who turn 5 on or before
September 1, 2025 are not eligible for the screening. Please allow up to 2 hours for the screening. We ask
you not to bring other children with you since you will be asked to join us during your child’s appointment.
Parents will be asked to complete an information packet and return it to the school a week before the
appointment. Please call Mary at the Schneider Office (309) 928-2611 to schedule an appointment or ask any
questions. Thank you!
The BRHS volleyball team definitely put in some work last week! On Thursday, we hosted Deland-Weldon for a scrimmage and pizza party... then wrapped up a great camp with our 4th-8th graders that night.
Substitutes are needed for this upcoming school year. Teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, etc. Check out the flier to request more information. https://5il.co/3kzd5
It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we come together to celebrate and honor the retirement of our Superintendent, Dr. Hillary Stanifer.
Throughout her remarkable tenure, she has exemplified what it means to be an amazing leader, one who leads not only with vision and wisdom, but with heart. She has been a constant source of inspiration, guiding our district through change and growth with a steadfast commitment to excellence and compassion.
Under her leadership, our mission to embrace, engage, equip, and empower every student, educator, and family became more than just words, it became a lived reality. She embraced challenges with courage, engaged our community with authenticity, equipped our schools with the tools to thrive, and empowered learners to dream big and reach higher.
As we say farewell, we do so with immense appreciation. The legacy Dr. Stanifer leaves behind is one of unity, innovation, and hope, a foundation that will continue to uplift our district for years to come.
Please join us in celebrating a career that has touched countless lives. While we will miss her daily presence, we are forever grateful for the indelible mark she leaves on our hearts and in our halls.
With heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes!
#br_u_knighted
Did you, or someone you know, miss the chance to tryout for the High School Cheer Squad? Well you're in luck! The High School Cheer Squad is looking to add ONE person to their team. For anyone interested, please email kwoliung@blueridge18.org . Deadline to request information is tomorrow by 8am.
Did you, or someone you know, miss the chance to tryout for the High School Cheer Squad? Well you're in luck! The High School Cheer Squad is looking to add ONE person to their team. For anyone interested, please email kwoliung@blueridge18.org . Deadline to request information is June 30 by 8am.
The Superintendent's Monthly Update can be found here: https://5il.co/3jrk5. Updates include status of the track project, end of year celebrations, FFA news, and several hires for the upcoming school year. This also marks the transition of superintendents for Blue Ridge. Mr. Peyton, we're so glad to have you take on your new role and we wish you all the best! #br_u_knighted
One more time... still a chance to get a free camp t-shirt along with a free camp experience...
Attention ALL VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS!! A quick reminder for those entering 5th-8th grade that the high school is hosting a free camp on July 1st-3rd. Here is the link to register if you haven't already done so (https://5il.co/3gfj1).
The Jr High Lady Knights Basketball Program visited Greenville University for a couple of days this week. The girls played 8 games in two days, and went .500! They also enjoyed a fun two nights of playing in the pool at the hotel, eating pizza, made new friends, and went on an ice cream trip. We can’t wait to see this invaluable experience translate into more success next season!
#br_u_knighted
Blue Ridge School District #18 will conduct free preschool screenings on July 24 and July 25 at
Schneider Elementary School, 309 N John St, Farmer City, Illinois. The developmental screening is
for children who are 3 or 4 years old at the time of the screening. Children who turn 5 on or before
September 1, 2025 are not eligible for the screening. Please allow up to 2 hours for the screening. We ask
you not to bring other children with you since you will be asked to join us during your child’s appointment.
Parents will be asked to complete an information packet and return it to the school a week before the
appointment. Please call Mary at the Schneider Office (309) 928-2611 to schedule an appointment or ask any
questions. Thank you!