Parents in Grades 4-8,
We just noticed a login error on the Read-a-thon flyer sent home today. Please disregard this flyer and a new one will be sent home tomorrow. The flyer will say “corrected” at the top.
We apologize for any confusion!
The Superintendent's Monthly Update for February can be found here: https://5il.co/ps98. Thank you for taking a few minutes to read about all that is going on at Blue Ridge! #br_u_knighted
BR Community, due to the emergency day taken earlier this week, our last day of student attendance is now moved to Friday, May 28, 2021. Earlier this week, the board approved a revision to the 2021-2022 school calendar. The revisions include moving the first day of student attendance to Wednesday, August 18, 2021 and the timing of the Institute Day and Presidents' Day Holiday in February. You can see the 2021-2022 school calendar here: https://5il.co/prg3 #br_u_knighted
The following link takes you to the Pantagraph's article on the most recent events surrounding the theft case involving a former Blue Ridge employee. https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/blue-ridge-tech-coordinator-pleads-guilty-to-fraud-scheme/article_6b45ebf6-874a-53aa-9ae6-dc1ad3f2af00.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share #br_u_knighted
The BR Board of Education met last night and one of our discussions was surrounding the usefulness of our remote Mondays. While they were very much needed as our staff transitioned into this unprecedented year, we believe that we have reached the point where it would be best to have students on campus five days per week. In a related matter, we have 89 staff members who are scheduled to receive dose two of the COVID vaccine on two upcoming dates- Feb. 26 and March 5. With the possibility of symptoms developing in those staff members after receiving their second dose, we believe that it is best to maintain remote Mondays for the next few weeks until our vaccination clinics have been completed. We will begin on campus learning on Monday, March 15. This means that we will have one full week of our new routine prior to spring break and we will continue that plan upon our return from spring break on Monday, March 29. The dismissal time will remain the same, 2:20. Thank you for your ongoing support of all district personnel. We continue to do our very best to create an optimal learning environment for your students. Tomorrow we will share calendar information with you pertaining to the end of this school year and also next year. Please watch for it! #br_u_knighted
You can join us for the BOE meeting tonight at 7 p.m. from the comfort of your home: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVCReToRJIh-h4kXaw9Jmw. Exemplary Knights will be recognized in person this month and may invite one guest to attend with them. #br_u_knighted
JFL Football Sign Ups are here!! Check out the flyer or go to https://5il.co/poom for more details!!
We are thankful for the crews who have been very busy plowing today. We plan to be in session on campus tomorrow, Wed., Feb. 17. Buses may run a little late and we remind everyone to use caution while traveling. #br_u_knighted
Attention Parents/Guardians of K-3 BR Students! Blue Ridge 4-H Teen Teachers present 4-H STEAM camp during Spring Break! Join us via zoom for 5 different STEAM subjects including Art, Engineering, Cooking, Food Science, and Gardening. March 22-26 from 2-2:45 p.m. Open to grades K-3. Cost $10. View the flyer here: https://uofi.app.box.com/s/bhxe91tgdys664atpt4z59a0xclcqet6 Limited spaces. Register here today: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=23143 #br_u_knighted
Good morning, BR Families! We wanted to let you know that the K-5 YZone program has been cancelled this week, and possibly next week, due to extenuating circumstances. Registered families will be notified when the program is able to continue and we will announce through these same channels as well. We apologize for any inconvenience. #br_u_knighted
Due to the snowfall and drifting conditions, we believe the roads to be unsafe for travel tomorrow, Feb. 16. We also believe that the drivers will not be able to deliver meals, even later tomorrow. That said, we’re going to have an old fashioned snow day tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 16. Stay safe! #br_u_knighted
A polite reminder to help us out...Blue Ridge is joining the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in the ninth statewide survey of school climate and learning conditions. The survey provides a unique opportunity for 4th-12th grade students, teachers and parents to have a voice in improving their schools. Please see the informational letter here: https://5il.co/p5qp. The parent survey supplement opened on February 3, and will remain open through April 2. You may access the parent survey here:http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/. These surveys will serve as an opportunity for schools to reflect on progress since the last statewide implementation. You will receive reminders during the survey window as we highly encourage all our teachers, students, and parents to make their voices heard to impact positive growth in our schools. #br_u_knighted
Good morning! The roads have been checked and they are passable, so we will be in session on campus today. There is some drifting on east west country roads; please exercise caution. All buses may run a little late. Bus 55 (Pink) may be impacted by a downed power line that is being worked on now, so it may be a little later than the other buses. Thank you. #br_u_knighted
The in-person meeting for Freshman Orientation this evening (February 10th) has been cancelled due to poor road conditions. We are going to continue this evening with a virtual meeting, set up in the 8th grade google classroom titled " 25 BRHS Counseling - Class of 2025." All 8th graders have access to this google classroom, and should sign in through their chromebooks for their parents so their parents can participate. Our virtual meeting will begin at 7 pm, as scheduled. A link to the google meet will be in the banner at the top of the google classroom, and will be directly texted to 8th grade parents. Parents with questions may email Leslie Hieronymus at lhieronymus@blueridge18.org #br_u_knighted
Parents and Guardians, we expect some delayed buses this afternoon due to the weather. Safety is our top priority. Thanks for your understanding. #br_u_knighted
Families of Students Eligible for Free / Reduced Status -
We'd like to remind you to make sure your eligibility status is accurate with the unit office. The state will be issuing benefits to families who qualify for free and reduced meals. If you did not submit paperwork at the beginning of the year, your status will default to "Paid" unless you are a SNAP or Medicaid participant.
For questions about your eligibility status please email kwoliung@blueridge18.org. If you're wondering whether you qualify, please look at the eligibility guidelines https://5il.co/pgrh and household application https://5il.co/pgrg. #br_u_knighted
Do you ever wonder if your car will start on these cold winter mornings? Well, we wonder about our buses too. Today, we want to give a special shout out to Brad Stout for his extra efforts in ensuring that our buses were ready to roll. Thank you, Brad Stout! #br_u_knighted
Good morning! Buses are running 5-10 minutes late today. Thanks for your understanding. #br_u_knighted
We recently posted about signing up for meals in case of an inclement weather remote learning day. Would you please let us know if you’d like for your students to receive a breakfast/lunch meal on any inclement weather remote learning days for the remainder of the second semester? Please use this form to sign up. Knowing your needs now will make our planning much easier. Thank you! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_PdTFF6BIJygP20cheQ04fDY8pPlZ9f7QFDV-SEV4il0zIw/viewform?usp=sf_link #br_u_knighted
Good Morning! Please remember to mark your attendance today and let's make it a great Monday! #br_u_knighted
Have you ever considered teaching, but hesitated since you don't have a degree in education? Please open the flyer from EIU and see what they have to offer. https://5il.co/pcgp
We did a double check of roads this morning and we are good to travel. We will see you at school dressed in your blue and silver! #br_u_knighted
Looking for part time work? Blue Ridge YZone is hiring! https://5il.co/pctf
Dear BR Parents and Guardians, we have recently learned of new requirements for food service during inclement weather days. Please open and read the linked document and sign up on the form to request meal service during inclement weather days. https://5il.co/pcln. We continue to watch the weather forecast and if changes to our learning plans are needed, we will keep you posted. #br_u_knighted
Please join us in thanking Ms. Leslie Hieronymus, Ms. Cara Wells, and Mrs. Kristi Coy!! We are thankful for you this week and always!! #br_u_knighted
Blue Ridge will join the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in the ninth statewide survey of school climate and learning conditions. The survey provides a unique opportunity for 4th-12th grade students, teachers and parents to have a voice in improving their schools. Please see the informational letter here: https://5il.co/p5qp. Students and teachers will take their survey between February 8 and April 2. If you would prefer that your student does not take the survey, please complete and return this form https://5il.co/p5qq to your student’s school by February 5. The parent survey supplement opens today, February 3, and will remain open through April 2. You may access the parent survey here:http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/. These surveys will serve as an opportunity for schools to reflect on progress since the last statewide implementation. You will receive reminders during the survey window as we highly encourage all our teachers, students, and parents to make their voices heard to impact positive growth in our schools. #br_u_knighted
Dear BR Parents/Guardians, due to the inclement weather we had last week, the BR food service staff have prepared a breakfast/lunch meal bag for students to take home tomorrow, February 2. All K-6 students will be given a meal bag and all 7th-12th grade students will be offered a meal bag. Students will be reminded that the meals are not to be eaten on the bus. Parents/Guardians, please remember to watch for the meals so they are not left in the backpacks! Thank you. #br_u_knighted
The Transportation Department is offering something NEW: The Ride-Along Program!! Check out the flyer for more details or call/email Debra @ 309-928-2150 or dfield@blueridge18.org
Coaching positions are available at the Intermediate & Junior High School!! Check out the flyers or go to https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103 for more information. Application deadlines are quickly approaching!!
We are still impacted by illness in the transportation department. For Wednesday, January 27, 53(Red) will be up to 45 minutes late in the morning only. Bus 52(purple) and Bus 56(blue) will be picking them up. Thank you. #br_u_knighted
Good morning. Due to the conditions of the rural roads this morning, we will be learning remotely today. No on campus attendance for special education students. Special note: The COVID-19 vaccination clinic scheduled for today is postponed. More details will be shared when available. #br_u_knighted
Good evening. We do not yet have a decision for school tomorrow, but we will be choosing from 1) in person learning, 2) remote learning due to weather, with no special education student attendance, or 3) emergency day- no school at all. The emergency day will be used if power outages would keep us from being able to learn remotely. Please stay safe and we’ll communicate by 5:45 a.m. #br_u_knighted
Good morning! As we watch the forecast for this afternoon and tomorrow, there is a possibility that we would need to use a remote learning day tomorrow due to weather. In preparation, we would like to offer that buildings will be open today from 9-12 if you need to pick up any materials for your student. Thank you. #br_u_knighted
Please take a few minutes to read the Superintendent's Monthly Update for January 2021. https://5il.co/ox0g #br_u_knighted
Updated job openings are posted at https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Are you looking for a way to volunteer in your community? Please consider assisting the DeWitt Piatt Bi-County Health Department by volunteering at a mass vaccination clinic held in Clinton for DeWitt Co residents. All skill levels of volunteers are needed. Volunteers may receive the vaccination! Please click on the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/DEWITTMassVaccWORKERS
Yet another bus update: The most current update is that all buses will be running on time Friday morning, 1/22/2021. We apologize for the frequent changes, but we’re pleased to be able to run on time!#br_u_knighted
Bus 53 (Red) will be up to 45 minutes late Friday morning, January 22. (The afternoon is scheudled to run on time for Bus 53.) Bus 53 students will be picked up by either Bus 56 (Blue) or Bus 52 (Purple). Please watch for the buses to arrive. #br_u_knighted
Bus 53 Update: Bus 53 will be departing school on time this afternoon. Updates for tomorrow will be sent out later this afternoon. #br_u_knighted
Good morning. Bus 53 will be up to 45 minutes late this morning and this afternoon due to driver illness. Students will be picked up by either Bus 56 or Bus 52. We will update you for tomorrow as soon as we can. We apologize for the inconvenience. #br_u_knighted
Attention Short Term Subs!! The ROE is holding a virtual training via Zoom for those that have applied for a STS license. It will cover curriculum, classroom management techniques, school safety and school/district operations. Visit https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0044-0016-2f3f537b359a4675ab02e45b8eba6cac for more information or to register!
Transportation update for the week of January 18: Bus 4 and Bus 54 will be combined on Bus 4 and might be up to 5-10 minutes late in the morning and the afternoon. In the afternoon, the Walnut and Allen stop and the Light Plant stop will remain on Bus 53 (Red). Thank you. #br_u_knighted
Agendas are posted for the special and regular Board of Education meetings on Wednesday, January 20. Click here to view https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1708.
Also for instructions on watching the live stream or attending the BOE meeting during Tier 3 mitigations, please refer to: https://5il.co/oo3c.
Interested in YZone for your K-5th grader, but not sure if it is something your child would like? Now is your chance to sign them up for a FREE trial on January 29, 2021. Use the flyer below to sign up or get more information! https://5il.co/omvf
We have checked the roads early this morning and we are able to have school today on campus. Please use caution, leave a little extra time, and we’ll see you at school! #br_u_knighted
BR Families, we’ve asked students to take learning materials home tonight as we see some snow in the forecast. An announcement will be made by 6:00 am on January 15 that either 1) the roads are in good condition and we will have school on campus, or 2) due to the impact of the inclement weather, students will learn remotely. If we learn remotely, all district buildings will be closed to students; students with special needs will not attend on campus. #br_u_knighted
Please take a look at the new COVID-19 Dashboard which you can access from the district's webpage banner. There you can find resources including health screener tags (Please remember to use these!), weekly health metrics, cumulative counts of student and staff positive COVID-19 cases, and current counts of student and staff isolation/quarantine numbers. We hope this helps to keep you informed! #br_u_knighted
We have an update for bus 53. Earlier, we announced that bus 53 would run up to 45 minutes late leaving school in the afternoon. Due to securing an additional sub driver, bus 53 will only be 5-10 minutes late to leave school this week. Thanks for your understanding. #br_u_knighted
As a second reminder-As we return to school during the week of January 11, we find ourselves short on bus drivers. To avoid changing our learning plans, we will be rerouting buses. If you are able to assist us by driving your students to school, we ask you to contact the Transportation Department at 309-928-2150 or 309-846-8719. Thank you to any families who can help us in that way. Our current plan for the week of Jan 11: Route 55 (Pink) will be picking up the Walnut/Allen and the Power Plant stop. They will be picked up between 8:00-8:10 am. Route 53(red) will be picked up by two different buses (52 Purple- Country and Deeters, 56 Blue- Greenleaf area). Route 53 will be up to 45 minutes behind the originally scheduled pick-up times, but they will arrive to the schools no more than 30 minutes late. The Deeters’ stop will be picked up around 8:23am. Please help us by watching for arriving buses. In the afternoon, Route 53 (red) will be up to 45 minutes late. Thank you. #br_u_knighted
IDPH has updated their travel guidance as of 1.4.2021. We will be updating our Return to School Health Plan and we wanted to also share the updates with you here. There is widespread, ongoing transmission of novel coronavirus worldwide. Anyone who has traveled internationally or domestically where COVID-19 transmission is high or increasing should stay home and monitor their health for 14 calendar days. The CDC updated COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination on December 2, 2020.
Testing before and after travel can reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19. Testing does not eliminate all risk, but when paired with a period of staying at home and precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can make travel safer by reducing spread on planes, in airports, and at travelers’ destinations. If you participated in higher-risk activities during your travel, take the actions listed above AND do the following after travel: 1. Get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home for 7 days after travel. Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days. If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. 2. If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 10 days after travel. Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
As we return to school during the week of January 11, we find ourselves short on bus drivers. To avoid changing our learning plans, we will be rerouting buses. If you are able to assist us by driving your students to school, we ask you to contact the Transportation Department at 309-928-2150 or 309-846-8719. Thank you to any families who can help us in that way. Our current plan for the week of Jan 11: Route 55 (Pink) will be picking up the Walnut/Allen and the Power Plant stop. They will be picked up between 8:00-8:10 am. Route 53(red) will be picked up by two different buses (52 Purple- Country and Deeters, 56 Blue- Greenleaf area). Route 53 will be up to 45 minutes behind the originally scheduled pick-up times, but they will arrive to the schools no more than 30 minutes late. The Deeters’ stop will be picked up around 8:23am. Please help us by watching for arriving buses. In the afternoon, Route 53 (red) will be up to 45 minutes late. Thank you. #br_u_knighted
Calling all 5-7 year olds (as of 9/1/20)! The Farmer City 4-H Cloverbud club is meeting virtually once a month and their next meeting is coming up on January 15 from 6-7 p.m.! Cloverbuds is a 4-H program for kids who are younger than our regular 4-H age. They do hands on activities and have fun socializing with other kids their age. Please email Cloverbud leader Kelsey at kelseybrown61854@yahoo.com if you would like to attend or would like more information!
The State of IL is sponsoring free COVID-19 Testing on January 9 at the DeWitt Piatt Bi-County Health Department. Please see the flyer for more details. https://5il.co/oadn
BR K-5 Parents and Guardians, don't let time run out! If you are interested in sending your K-5 child to YZone starting the week of 1/12, please visit http://www.clintoncommymca.org/cms-view-page.php?page=blue-ridge-yzone-extreme-programs to register. If we don't have enough children interested and registered this week, we will not be able to offer the program. Questions? See the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Clinton-Community-YMCA-Blue-Ridge-Y-Zone-104411054909240, contact the Y directly dtorbert@clintoncommymca.org, or email ptrimble@blueridge18.org. Don't miss this fun and convenient opportunity!
The U of I Extension has an AWESOME program for 6th graders and up. Teens will learn about different cultures through cooking! The U of I Extension has reached out to people they know in different countries and those friends have made videos for us including tours of their kitchens, grocery stores, recipes and more! For more information, see the Fbook event and click on the registration link!
Registration link: go.illinois.edu/ccc4-H
FB event: https://fb.me/e/3SG4bt5l9
Good afternoon! In response to some questions regarding attendance, here is a reminder for how attendance will be taken over the next few days before students are back on campus on Tuesday, January 12. On remote Mondays, parents are asked to use the attendance form on the webpage banner to report student attendance. For Tuesday through Friday, January 5-8, attendance will be taken as students log into their class meetings. If you are unable to attend a class session, but wish to report your student’s attendance, you may do so through the attendance form on the webpage banner. #br_u_knighted
Blue Ridge High School Students -
Please visit the following spreadsheet to make sure you have signed up for your new Google Classrooms: https://cutt.ly/ZjdBmKP
As a reminder, any students who were isolating or quarantining prior to the winter break will need to provide a clearance letter from the health department prior to riding a district bus or entering a school building. Please contact Dawn Stout at dstout@blueridge18.org with any questions. Thank you.
Welcome back Blue Ridge High School students!
For second semester classes that are starting for the first time, students should be logging in this morning to check their email and accept invite codes to join Google Classrooms.. Let's have a great start!
BRHS Parents/Guardians, we have made arrangements for counseling supports to be available for students upon their return to school. Students will receive information on Tuesday morning about how to access a form on which they can privately sign up to receive support. When they sign up, they can choose to meet with a specific Blue Ridge counselor, social worker, or psychologist, or they can sign up to speak with an outside counselor, which will be arranged through Tri-County Special Education Cooperative. #br_u_knighted
We are ready to begin the new semester! Remote learning materials for the start of the second semester will be available for pick up at each school building on January 5 from 8:00-3:30. Students will receive notification from their teacher if they will need to pick up any materials. We thank you for complying with the mask protocol upon arrival. #br_u_knighted
Dear Parents/Guardians, if your child was a Knight online learner using Calvert Learning or Courseware during the first semester and will be returning to in person learning for the second semester, your child’s building principal will be reaching out to you today to provide specific information to help with the transition back to school. #br_u_knighted
We are ready to welcome students back to the new semester! Monday, January 4 is Curriculum Day with no learning activities. Tuesday, January 5 through Friday, January 8 will be remote learning days. Only special education students will be attending on campus. Remote learning materials for the start of the second semester will be available for pick up at each school building on January 5 from 8:00-3:30. Students will receive notification from their teacher if they will need to pick up any materials. We thank you for complying with the mask protocol while picking up learning materials. For the week of January 11, Monday will be remote learning, followed by in person attendance Tuesday through Friday, with 2:20 dismissal. For the following weeks, our plan is to continue with remote Mondays and in person learning Tuesday through Friday. Please note that Monday, January 18 is the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, with no student attendance or learning activities. If any changes to our learning plans become necessary, you will be notified. #br_u_knighted
As a reminder, any students who were isolating or quarantining prior to the winter break will need to provide a clearance letter from the health department prior to riding a district bus or entering a school building. Please contact Dawn Stout at dstout@blueridge18.org with any questions. Thank you.
Dear BR Community, in September, student allegations concerning a staff member came to the administration's attention. The District immediately conducted an investigation and spoke with numerous witnesses as part of that investigation. The District complied with all relevant reporting requirements involving school employees, which did not include contacting local law enforcement authorities. After a thorough investigation, the Board of Education took appropriate action, consistent with all applicable policies and procedures. The District is unable to provide additional details or answer specific questions because of confidentiality requirements involving both personnel and student matters; however, be assured that the School District has taken all precautions to ensure the safety of students, which is the District's highest priority. Upon the return to school on January 5, 2021, Mrs. Flannell will be teaching English 1 and English 2 classes. Respectfully, Dr. Stanifer
BR Parents/Guardians of K-5 students, are you interested in after school care on school attendance days? If so, please follow the link to the Clinton YMCA page. They will be hosting Y-Zone at Schneider Elementary beginning in January. Reserve your spot now! https://www.facebook.com/Clinton-Community-YMCA-Blue-Ridge-Y-Zone-104411054909240
The Facebook post from 12.28.2020 has been deleted as many of the comments were creating a very inappropriate dialogue. The message is still available for you on the district webpage. The proper channel to discuss your concerns would be to set up an appointment to meet with the superintendent. To demonstrate my desire to address your concerns, I encourage you to follow the protocol by emailing me at hstanifer@blueridge18.org to set up an appointment. I will be out of the office until Monday, January 4, but will respond to appointment requests as available. Respectfully, Dr. Stanifer
Dear BR Community, social media recently brought attention to a matter that involves a district employee. The welfare of our student body is of utmost importance; we will continue to follow proper protocols throughout the situation at hand. While I am unable to share the details of personnel matters, I respect that you are left with many unanswered questions. We will keep you informed within the bounds of policy.
Respectfully, Dr. Stanifer
The transportation department currently has 2 full time driver positions available. Check out the website and/or flyer for more details!
Blue Ridge High School is seeking a Principal for the 2021-2022 school term. Check out the flyer for details or go to https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103 for more info and for a full list of positions available.
Please see the Superintendent's Monthly Update for December 2020 here: https://5il.co/o522. We wish all Blue Ridge families a special holiday season! #br_u_knighted
The best send-off prior to a holiday break...please enjoy the K-1 Christmas Program led by Mrs. Emily Weiler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uEvh7iQDBY
Ugly sweater/mask day is here!!!! Share with us what holiday sweater or mask you're wearing today. #br_u_knighted
We learned recently that an additional jr high teacher has tested positive, which means that the junior high side of BRIJHS is now considered an outbreak by the health department. In cooperation with the health department, we have decided that both 7th and 8th grade students will learn remotely tomorrow, December 18. Due to the distinct separation between the intermediate classrooms and junior high classrooms and the disinfection of the cafeteria between lunch sessions, the staff and students on the intermediate side of the building are not included in the closure. Many 8th grade students may not have the needed learning supplies at home. To assist with tomorrow’s learning plan, the building will be open for parents/guardians (no 7th or 8th grade students, please) to pick up student supplies between 7:30 and 8:15 Friday morning. Please make sure that you are following mask protocol upon arrival and we ask that you do not park in the circle drive as buses will be using that area. Before arriving at the school, you will need to ask your student for their locker number and their locker combination if they use a lock. Please note that all impacted spaces have been sanitized. Thank you for your understanding.
Good afternoon, BR Families! We would like to share with you an important update about our plans beginning in January and carrying through the end of the third quarter. Please read the document linked here: https://5il.co/o0sn. We pause to say thank you to all Blue Ridge families for your continued support as we learn how to best educate our students during these current challenges. I personally want to also thank every Blue Ridge staff member for their incredibly persistent efforts throughout the first semester. May everyone enjoy a time of rest during the holiday season! #br_u_knighted
It's holiday character day....there's so many to choose from. Show us what you dressed up as by using the BR hashtag! #br_u_knighted
BR Families, there are two parts to today’s message. First, you are invited to join us virtually for tonight’s BOE meeting at 7:00 p.m. using the link:https://www.twitch.tv/blueridgecusd. Second, do you have a student who learned remotely the first semester, will be attending on campus for the second semester, and you would like to make a request for district transportation? If you haven’t already filled out a request, please contact Debra Field at dfield@blueridge18.org or call 309 928-2150. Thank you. #br_u_knighted
What extra holiday attire will you wear today...will it be a mask, a tie, socks...or all 3??? Share with us using the BR hashtag! #br_u_knighted
We have checked the roads early this morning and we are able to have school today on campus. Use extra caution, dress warm, and we’ll see you at school! (7th grade, we’ll see you remotely.)
Bus 51 will be running about 10 min behind their scheduled morning pick-up times Wednesday morning through Friday morning unless otherwise notified.
This message is for parents of 7th grade students: Dear BR Parents/Guardians of 7th grade students, we have just learned of a positive COVID case with a junior high staff member. Through contact tracing, we have determined that all 7th grade students may have had contact with the staff member and will be considered close contacts. All 7th grade students will begin remote learning on 12/16/2020 through 12/18/2020. Students will receive additional information from their teachers, but should plan to resume Google Meets at 8:20 tomorrow morning. If families are able to pick up their 7th grade child this afternoon, you are encouraged to do so. For all 7th graders who need bus transportation home, we will provide separate transportation, only for 7th graders, this afternoon. A bus will arrive at BRIJHS at approximately 3:20 and leave BRIJHS at 3:25.
BR Families, we have something new to share with you about inclement weather days. Please be sure to open and read the linked document so you are ready for those winter weather days! https://5il.co/nvyq. With our first forecast for some snow overnight, teachers will practice preparing for a remote day by asking students to take home learning materials tonight. I will confirm road conditions by 6 a.m. on Wednesday 12/16/2020 and send out a message. If the roads are safe, we will be in person. If the roads are unsafe, we will learn remotely, following the plan in the linked document. Thanks for helping us practice for our new inclement weather routine!
Be sure to dress in your holiday colors today. Share with us by using the BR hashtag. #br_u_knighted
Check out our awesome BRHS students who attend the Bloomington Area Career Center! https://5il.co/nvyi. All Blue Ridge Juniors and Seniors are eligible to apply to BACC, where they will learn career skills in specific areas, from cosmetology, to automotive skills, to nursing, and more. Students can get more information from Mrs. Whitehouse at the high school and in their Counseling Google Classroom for their grade.
Today kicks off Holiday Dress Up Days with Pajama Day!! Be sure to share your jammies while remote learning by using the BR hashtag. #br_u_knighted
Attention NEW 2nd Semester Knight Online Learners: Student and parent login information has been emailed to you for the Calvert Learning and Courseware programs. If your child did not receive login credentials, please contact Paige Trimble at ptrimble@blueridge18.org as soon as possible to ensure your child is ready to start online learning in January. Thank you!
We were having Google issues earlier this morning that may have impacted email, apps, and our attendance form. We believe that Google has resolved the issue. If you already attempted to record your attendance and it wasn’t working, we ask you to try again. Thank you and we apologize for any inconvenience.
Good afternoon, BR Community! We have updated quarantine guidance to share with you. The first link is the updated language from IDPH:https://5il.co/ntce. The next document explains how this will work at Blue Ridge Schools:https://5il.co/ntck. Thank you for taking time to read through the documents and for your ongoing cooperation during the pandemic.
Get ready to celebrate the Holidays next week with some dress up days!! Check out the flyer or go to https://5il.co/nqgv for details! Be sure to share your participation on social media and use the BR hashtag. #br_u_knighted
The time is here! Please follow the link below if you would like to register your K-5 child for Y-Zone which will begin in January! See the flyer here: https://5il.co/nox3.
Registration link: http://www.clintoncommymca.org/cms-view-page.php?page=blue-ridge-yzone-extreme-programs
This message is for BRHS students and families: On December 16-18, all BRHS students will continue to follow the regular 2:20 in-person schedule rather than an alternate semester exam schedule. There will not be a formal exam schedule this semester. Each teacher will determine their end of the semester assessments which will be communicated with the students. #br_u_knighted
The district is teaming up with the Clinton YMCA to house an after school program, called the Y-ZONE, for K-5 students.
Employment opportunities include:
On-Site Coordinator
Program Staff
Volunteer Staff
Check out the flyer or go to https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103 for more details!
We are excited to welcome students back to on campus attendance on Tuesday, 12.8.2020! Please remember that if your student is not feeling well, they should stay home. Health screener tags will be used at the entrance to buses and school buildings. If you need another set, please see the banner on the district webpage. Otherwise, students will be screened upon arrival to the bus and the building. Welcome back! #br_u_knighted
The State of IL is sponsoring free COVID-19 testing at the DeWitt Piatt Bi-County Health Department on 12.5.2020. Please see the flyer for more details. https://5il.co/nbzh
If your child is currently an online Knight using the Calvert (K-5) or Courseware (6-12) platforms, please read the following message. Friday, December 18 will be the last day students are able to work on their online courses. Calvert (K-5) students need to have completed between 40-50% of each subject area. Courseware (6-12) must be 100% completed with their online courses. Any work that isn't completed by this deadline, will be entered as zeros and averaged into the final grade for the semester. We encourage you to check your child's progress closely over the next three weeks to make sure they are meeting these goals. #br_u_knighted
The District Office is seeking an assistant bookkeeper to help with everyday bookkeeping duties and tasks. Check out the flyer or for more details head over to https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
The transportation department currently has 2 full time bus driver positions open. Check out the flyer or go to https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103 for more information.
In partnership with the Clinton YMCA, Blue Ridge Y Zone will provide after school child care for K-5th grade students at Schneider Elementary beginning in January. The YMCA is currently looking for parttime staff members. Please check out the flyer!
https://5il.co/ngnx
BRIJHS has an opening for a 7th/8th math teacher. Can you see yourself saying, Math + You = Math Teacher?? Check out the flyer for details and apply today!
BR Families, we have updated information regarding the learning plans for the weeks of December 7 and December 14. Please see the full update here: https://5il.co/nfom. #br_u_knighted
For the superintendent's November update, please follow the link: https://5il.co/nc5l #br_u_knighted
Holiday Treats with Blue Ridge 4-H Teen Teachers is being offered to K-3 students. Sign up now to join Gracie, Kallee, and Natalie in making yummy holiday treats such as Banana Snowmen (Dec 9) and Pumpkin Pie in a cup (Dec 16). https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2020-12-09-holiday-treats-blue-ridge-4-h-teen-teachers
Good morning, Blue Ridge families! During this Thanksgiving week, I invite you to join me in choosing to focus on those things for which we are thankful. I am thankful for the support and health of my family, our teachers’ ability to adapt through our multiple changes in learning models, our parents who have modified their schedules, our food service workers who have prepared meals whether we are learning in person or not, our students who demonstrate perseverance and determination, our custodians who keep our buildings clean, and the list could go on.
As promised during the BOE meeting on 11.18.2020, we have considered today’s updated health metrics from IDPH for our three counties. All counties have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases since the last update. You can view the rubric here: https://5il.co/na2e The BOE had determined in advance that if the metrics remained the same or worsened that we would remain in remote instruction through Friday, December 4. As a recap, students will learn remotely today and tomorrow. Following the Wednesday through Friday Thanksgiving break from school, students will remain in remote learning for the full week of November 30 through December 4. The current arrangements for our students with special needs will continue; if any changes are needed, you will be contacted personally. Our collective hope is that we will be able to return to in person instruction prior to December 18. We will continue to monitor the health metrics and keep you informed.
Please be safe this holiday season and we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
The District Office is seeking an assistant bookkeeper. Check out the flyer for details or visit https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103 for more information.
Today is the LAST day to sign up to be a Knight online learner using the Calvert Learning (K-5) or Courseware (6-12) program. If you were a Knight this semester, you MUST sign up again to be a Knight second semester. New and returning Knights should use the links below to sign up for Calvert Learning or Courseware second semester. Calvert Learning K-5 Sign up: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FLVHXJH Courseware 6-12 Sign up: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F2JQ5ZD
BR Community, at last night’s BOE meeting we discussed the current health metrics for our three counties, using a rubric developed with CDC guidance. You can see a copy of the rubric here: https://5il.co/n7jy For the first time, the majority of our 12 markers were in the higher/highest risk categories. The BOE had agreed earlier this school year that in that situation we would consider a move to remote learning. As you’ve heard in the news, many surrounding districts are implementing or considering what is called an adaptive pause surrounding the upcoming holidays. An adaptive pause is a scheduled time of remote learning, with the purpose of minimizing the spread of the virus. The BOE has agreed to watch the upcoming metrics released on Monday, 11/23, before making a decision about using an adaptive pause. At that time, if the majority of the markers remain in the higher/highest risk category, we will announce an adaptive pause from Tuesday, Dec. 1 through Friday, Dec. 4. This would mean that all current remote instruction procedures that have been in place prior to Thanksgiving would continue through Dec. 4. Current special education accommodations would remain in place; if any changes are needed, personal contacts will be made. I encourage you to prepare for an adaptive pause while waiting for the final decision, which will be shared with you on Monday, 11/23. Thank you for your understanding. #br_u_knighted
Good morning BR Families! Due to recent updates in guidelines for the size of public body meetings, we will need to keep our in person attendance for tonight's Board of Education meeting to a minimum. To make accommodations for you to attend, our meeting will be live streamed and you are invited to tune in tonight at 7:00 p.m. using this link: https://www.twitch.tv/blueridgecusd.
Dear K-5 Families-
Please don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! In order for us to move forward with offering a Y-Zone program to the families in our Blue Ridge community, we need to know if we have enough interest in the program to move forward. Please share this with other members of the community who may be interested, as well as on social media. Don't forget to fill out the survey below, so we know how to proceed. If we don't meet the minimum amount of interest, the program will not be offered. The survey will close this Friday, November 20.
The Clinton YMCA is offering a Blue Ridge Y-Zone! Y-Zone is an after school program for K-5 students. Y-Zone would be held at Schneider Elementary starting on January 5 from 2:20-5:45 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Cost would be $12.50 per child per day.
Please help by sharing this exciting news! #br_u_knighted
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QQ6CX9M
Holiday Treats with Blue Ridge 4-H Teen Teachers is being offered to K-3 students. Join Gracie, Kallee, and Natalie in making yummy holiday treats such as Banana Snowmen (Dec 9) and Pumpkin Pie in a cup (Dec 16). Please follow the link to register for this virtual experience! https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2020-12-09-holiday-treats-blue-ridge-4-h-teen-teachers
BR Families, two days of remote meals will be available for all requests received by Wednesday, 11/18 at 5:00 p.m. To reserve your meals, please use the Food Service Requests banner on the district website. Meals will be available for pick-up at Schneider Elementary on 11/23 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Limited delivery will be available on 11/24.
Just a reminder! This Friday, November 20, is the LAST day to sign up to be a Knight online learner using the Calvert Learning (K-5) or Courseware (6-12) program. If you were a Knight this semester, you MUST sign up again to be a Knight second semester. New and returning Knights should use the links below to sign up for Calvert Learning or Courseware second semester.
Calvert Learning K-5 Sign up: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FLVHXJH
Courseware 6-12 Sign up: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F2JQ5ZD
BR Families, BRIJHS is experiencing some power issues which are impacting both internet and phone service. Thank you for your understanding.
The Special and Regular Board of Education meetings are coming up on November 18. Agendas can be found at https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1708
Our Pre-K program hosted our first drive-thru Growing Together event this evening. Families received a meal and book to take home and enjoy. Thank you to all our families for attending!
BR Families, we'd like to remind you that student meals are free of charge through the end of the school year. Five days of remote meals will be available for all requests received by Friday, 11/13 at 8 p.m. To reserve your meals, please use the Food Service Requests banner on the district website. Meals will be available for pick-up at Schneider Elementary on Tuesday, 11/17, from 6-7:30 p.m. Limited delivery will be available on 11/18.
Blue Ridge will transition to remote learning beginning tomorrow, November 11. Please open the link below to find details about ordering meals, learning schedules, and attendance. As always, please reach out to your normal attendance centers with any questions or concerns. https://5il.co/my1o #br_u_knighted
Dear K-5 Families-
We are excited to announce a great opportunity for the children of the Blue Ridge community! The Clinton YMCA is offering a Blue Ridge Y-Zone! Y-Zone is an after school program for K-5 students. Y-Zone would be held at Schneider Elementary starting on January 5 from 2:20-5:45 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Cost would be $12.50 per child per day. Please use the link below to answer a short survey for us to gauge interest. In order for us to proceed with offering this, we need to hear from you. Please help by sharing this exciting news! #br_u_knighted
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QQ6CX9M
Good evening, BR community. After 5:30 tonight we learned that we have a positive COVID-19 case in our transportation department that will most likely result in the great majority of the transportation staff being considered close contacts, which will keep them from being able to transport students. We will need time to work with the health department to develop our next steps. For now, we will move to a Remote Learning PLANNING Day on Tuesday, 11/10/2020. Pre-K will continue with choice board activities and report their attendance as usual. Knights will continue with their learning platform; attendance is recorded with logging in to work. For all other students, no new learning activities will be provided on Tuesday, 11/10/2020; no attendance reporting is necessary. On Wednesday, 11/11/2020, in addition to remembering Veterans’ Day, we will return to remote learning through Friday, 11/13/2020. After meeting with the administrative team in the morning, we will communicate with you about such things as remote meals, special education services, class meeting schedules, attendance reporting, etc. for the remainder of this week. By Friday, I will communicate our plans for next week. Thank you for your understanding and your continued diligence in following all health protocols. #br_u_knighted
Looking for a virtual 4H activity for your K-2nd grade student? Please check out the linked flyer. Registration is open through the end of November. Sessions will be held virtually once monthly December through May. https://5il.co/mw3m
Today, 11/9/2020, is a Remote Learning Day. Assignments will be provided. Knights record attendance through logging into Edmentum, while all other students need to have their attendance reported using the attendance form on the banner of our district webpage: www.blueridge18.org. The time to choose between remote and on campus learning for the second semester is almost here. If you have any thought about signing up for fully remote learning, please join Paige Trimble tonight to hear more about the Edmentum curriculum. The November 9 meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. with this meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/92948207101?pwd=aFlhcEErNFFzbmpXMzdXc1RGdlRGUT09, Meeting ID: 929 4820 7101, Passcode: yAa5y6. An identical meeting will be offered on November 11 at 6:00 p.m. with this meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/99072256916?pwd=VTZvWTB3Ym5tbEFjOEIvaXhMd1gxQT09, Meeting ID: 990 7225 6916, Passcode: 0JK8Fn.
Also, for students attending four days weekly, please remember that you can request meals for remote Mondays. Please see the Food Service Requests link on the banner of our webpage. From there, select Mondays Remote Food Service Request. The deadline to receive a meal for 11/16 is 11/11. Thank you! #br_u_knighted
The students are back and now it’s time to start working on plans for the second semester. Please see the linked document (https://5il.co/mskd) for information on selecting remote learning versus in-person learning for the second semester. All students, including current Knights, selecting fully remote learning through Edmentum for the second semester must sign up by November 20. More details can be found in the linked letter. #br_u_knighted
Today’s the day! Welcome, students! Please remember your health tags as you enter the bus and school building. https://5il.co/miyt. Any absences on days that school is open should be reported by calling the respective school building, rather than using the attendance form on the webpage. #br_u_knighted
As a reminder for families whose student has been home for isolation or quarantine, a release letter from the health department is required prior to their return to school. We want everyone to return as soon as possible, but we must have proper documentation for the safety of all. Thank you.
Good morning! As we transition to four days of on campus instruction, we will have a few extra reminders for families. Today, Nov. 2, is a Remote Learning PLANNING Day. Pre-K will continue with choice board activities and report their attendance as usual. Knights will continue with their learning platform; attendance is recorded with logging in to work. For all other students, no new learning activities will be provided today; no attendance reporting is necessary. On Tuesday, 11/3, there is no school due to Election Day. On Wednesday, 11/4, we welcome Blue, Silver, and returning Knights to school! We ask that you self-certify all students in your household. Your student should have brought a page of health screener tags home, but you can find them here as well: https://5il.co/miyt. Students should have those readily available/visible upon entry to the bus and/or entry to the school building. Anyone who arrives without a tag will be screened following our previous protocol. We appreciate your ongoing help in diligently checking that students are healthy before they are sent to school. #br_u_knighted
BRIJHS has an opening for a 7th/8th math teacher. Can you see yourself saying, Math + You = Math Teacher?? Check out the flyer for details and apply today!
Looking for a mental health resource for your teen? Check out this six-part free resource through the U of I Extension 4H. https://5il.co/mj0n
Registration has been extended through October 30, so act now!
Parent Teacher Guidelines
We are so glad to work with you to help your child(ren) achieve success. In order to make things run smoothly, we ask that you follow the guidelines below.
Parents will enter through the front door.
Temperatures will be checked upon entering the building.
All people will remain at least 6 feet apart.
All desks and chairs will be cleaned before each conference and teachers will use alternating seating.
Virtual Conferences will be set up by the teacher in an email.
For Blue Ridge High School parents:
At the high school, the stairwells are one way. The south stairwell is up and the north stairwell is down.
If you are in the building for a virtual conference with Mr. Anton, please go to the office to use a computer that has been set up for this purpose.
If you have any questions, please call your child’s school:
Schneider Elementary: 309-928-2611
BRIJHS: 217-489-5201
BRHS: 309-928-2622
Your partners in learning,
Mr. Ryan Peyton, Mrs. Katie Nichols, Mrs. Lois Dowling, Mrs. Mary Diener
November is coming and we have many updates for you as we approach the start of four days of on campus learning. One very important change is the daily health screening protocol. Please see the linked document to learn about all the upcoming changes! https://5il.co/miiy n#br_u_knighted
Please see today's COVID update: https://5il.co/mfy3. Current stats- 3 student and 8 staff positive cases to date, 35 students and 2 staff currently isolating/quarantining.
BR Families, the Superintendent's Monthly Update for October 2020 can be found here: https://5il.co/mful. Next week, please watch for more information regarding four days of on campus attendance! #br_u_knighted
Do you know what today is???? BLUE & SILVER FRIDAY Show your school spirit and post a picture of your blue and silver to end the Fall Fun Days!! #br_u_knighted
Trying again to get the Knight survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S7CZ8Y6
BR Families- I have three important messages to share with you. First, attached is a COVID-19 update from today. https://5il.co/meac Second, I’d like to clarify for our Pre-K students and families that Pre-K students will remain in their current Blue and Silver hybrid learning model when other grade levels transition to four days of attendance. The reasoning for this is the inability to maintain social distancing at such a young age. The third message is for Knight families- Attention Knight Learner Parents & Guardians: After consideration of current health metrics and community and staff surveys, the Board of Education has approved for Grades K-8 Knights to return to on campus instruction on 11/4. Please fill out the attached form for each of your children and specify if you would like them to continue as Knight learners or to return to Schneider or BRIJH for in person instruction. Please use the link below to complete and submit your survey by Tuesday, October 27.
Knights Return to In Person Learning Survey
A message from BR Food Service: For remote meals scheduled to be delivered during the week of 10/26, Blue learners requesting meals will receive two meals on Wednesday. Silver learners will not receive meals due to the timing of our four day reopening. Meals for Knights will remain the same. Thank you.
Who is your Hero....Superman, Wonder woman, first responders, teachers, nurses, etc? Show us which hero you dressed up as for HERO Day and add a picture in the comments. #br_u_knighted
Good morning, BR Families! After consideration of current health metrics and community and staff surveys, the Board of Education has approved for Blue and Silver learners to attend four days per week, beginning in November. Grades K-8 Knights are also welcome to return to on campus instruction at that time. Monday, 11/2 will be a remote learning planning day. Tuesday, 11/3 is Election Day and schools are closed. We look forward to a 'reopening' on Wednesday, 11/4, all conditions permitting. Much more information will follow, but we wanted to send this update right away. Have a great day. #br_u_knighted
At tonight's BOE meeting, we begin our Exemplary Knight recognition for our students and staff who excel. The board will also be discussing the current health metrics and possible revisions to our learning models. You can join the livestream at 7pm using this link: https://www.twitch.tv/blueridgecusd
It's Wacky Wedneday!!! How wacky is your outfit today? Show us by adding a picture in the comments. #br_u_knighted
Y-Zone Employment Opportunities!! Check out the flyer or visit https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103 for more information!
BR Families, please see the linked COVID update: https://5il.co/mav7
Attention Knight learner families! A survey was sent to your email in regards to the Edmentum platforms, Calvert Learning and Courseware. We would appreciate your feedback. If you did not receive a survey please email ptrimble@blueridge18.org. #br_u_knighted
Today's dress up day is crazy mask day. Did you make a crazy mask? Did you already own a crazy mask? Show us all the masks today by dropping a picture in the comments . #br_u_knighted
Happy Fall Fun week!!! Today's dress up day is Pajama Day. Be sure to send in your pictures of how you're dressed for learning today. Did you add slippers or a robe to your attire today? #br_u_knighted
Get ready for some Fall Fun next week!! Dress up days start on Monday and participation is highly recommended while you're remote learning or in school learning. Pictures are encouraged and be sure to use the hashtag!! #br_u_knighted
The agenda for the Regular Board of Education meeting on October 21, 2020 is posted at https://www.blueridge18.org/board-of-education--196
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we move forward with this school year, we are trying to provide options to address the needs of our students through the use of recorded and live streaming lessons. Many teachers will be trying this in the near future. During live streaming, the camera will be on the teacher or their workspace. The teachers may also choose to record their lessons and post them. These recordings could include a demonstration. If you would prefer your child not to participate in any of the recorded demonstrations, please contact your child’s school office. Our technology department will be working with teachers to explore how to best offer recordings and live streaming for our students.
Our goal is to increase the amount of direct contact between the teacher and students, in addition to having something in place if our learning model changes due to COVID. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your building principal.
Thank you for your willingness to try these new formats as we navigate these unchartered waters. We appreciate the support you provide for your child and our district.
Parents/Guardians of Blue and Silver learners, please see the linked Learning Model Data document that outlines the work being done in the planning stages for increased on campus learning. https://5il.co/m3hw. Once you’ve read the document, parents/guardians of Blue and Silver learners are encouraged to complete a brief survey, once for each Blue or Silver learner in your home. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JXRTGYR The survey will close on 10/18/2020.
BRIJHS and Schneider Families: Please click on your child's building link to select a date and time for P-T conferences.
Schneider - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d48ada923a4f5c07-schneider1
BRIJHS - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040845aeaa2aa0fb6-parentteacher
2nd quarter kicks off next week!! Let's start it off with FALL FUN DAYS and have some dress up days to add to the fun. Take a peek at the flyer to see how to dress the week of October 19-23. All are encouraged to participate, whether you're learning in school or remotely. Pictures are definitely welcome and be sure to use the hashtag! #br_u_knighted
Update: The free COVID-19 testing at Kirby Medical Center for BR staff and students is scheduled to begin today, however, we recently learned that BR staff and students will need to bring a form to the testing site that is only available in the school offices. Due to school being closed on Monday, 10/12, this offer will begin for us once schools reopen on Tuesday, 10/13. Reminder of the details: The Kirby Foundation will be offering free COVID-19 testing for Blue Ridge students or staff who have symptoms. Their goal is to process the results in 24 hours or less, which could greatly reduce the time away from school for both students and staff. Blue Ridge thanks Kirby Medical for making this possible! Please see the available locations, days, and times below. Kirby Medical Center – School COVID testing outside at the tent 1000 Medical Center Drive, Monticello, IL 9:30-12:30 and 1:30-4:30 M-F Kirby Medical Group at Atwood 108 S. Main Street, Atwood, Illinois 2-3 PM M-F Kirby Medical Group at Cerro Gordo 407 S. Jackson Street, Cerro Gordo, Illinois 2-3 PM M-F
With great sadness, we share the passing of a dear Blue Ridge colleague. Please see the attached letter for more details. Thank you. https://5il.co/lz93 #br_u_knighted
As a reminder- Please see the linked document for information about COVID-19 testing coming to Clinton on October 10 and 11. https://5il.co/lm47
The BRHS library is trying to complete the collection of Farmer City yearbooks. If you have any of the following years and would like to donate them, that would greatly be appreciated. If you have any questions please email lraines@blueridge18.org or call 309-928-9141.
Years needed are : 1916-1917, 1919-1920, 1925, 1942-1951, 1980-1990, 1994. The library would also take yearbooks from 1912-1951.
Beginning on October 12, 2020, Kirby Medical Center and The Kirby Foundation will be offering free COVID-19 testing for Blue Ridge students or staff who have symptoms. Their goal is to process the results in 24 hours or less, which could greatly reduce the time away from school for both students and staff. Blue Ridge thanks Kirby Medical for making this possible! Please see the available locations, days, and times below.
Kirby Medical Center – School COVID testing outside at the tent
1000 Medical Center Drive, Monticello, IL
9:30-12:30 and 1:30-4:30 M-F
Kirby Medical Group at Atwood
108 S. Main Street, Atwood, Illinois
2-3 PM M-F
Kirby Medical Group at Cerro Gordo
407 S. Jackson Street, Cerro Gordo, Illinois
2-3 PM M-F
BRIJHS and BRHS Parents, are your students planning on, considering, or even remotely interested in participating in any extra-curricular activities this school year? If so, please read the linked letter (https://5il.co/lro7) that refers to the revised drug testing policy (https://5il.co/lqiq) and an extended sign-up deadline. #br_u_knighted
BRIJHS has an opening for a 7th/8th math teacher. Can you see yourself saying, Math + You = Math Teacher?? Check out the flyer for details and apply today!
Please see the linked document for information about COVID-19 testing coming to Clinton on October 10 and 11. https://5il.co/lm47
Are you interested in teaching, but you don’t have the needed certification? Here are two opportunities for those with a bachelor’s degree to obtain teacher certification. https://5il.co/l97k https://5il.co/lg5e
#br_u_knighted
Additional dates have been added for the FLU CLINIC. Walgreens will be providing flu shots for all staff and ALL Blue, Silver and Knight students (over the age of 10) at their respective schools on Friday, October 2 and Tuesday, October 13. Times are: BRIJHS 9-10:15, BRHS 10:30-11:30 and Schneider 11:30-1. Blue and Silver students can pick up consent forms this week in their school office or the consent form can be found at https://5il.co/lcm0 Consent forms must be returned to the clinic. Please call your school office with questions.
We were thankful to have our Blue learners back in the buildings today and we're anxious to see our Silver learners on Thursday. Knights, keep up the great work!
Please see today's COVID update, which can be found here: https://5il.co/lnfa
7/8th grade parents, please see the link below as posting assignments during non in-person days has changed for the JH. If you have a Silver learner, please allow them to view the screencast in the letter, as well, so they are ready for tomorrow.
https://5il.co/ljt6
Thanks!
Dear families of 8-12 year old students, please see the 4H opportunity that is coming up in October. Virtual fun at its finest!! https://5il.co/ljc3 #br_u_knighted
BR has Bus Driver openings!! Apply today by emailing your letter of interest and resume to dfield@blueridge18.org
The approved Blue Ridge 2020-2021 budget can be found on our webpage under menu, documents, district documents, financial information, budget 2021. It is also linked here: https://5il.co/lfb2
I wanted to provide an update regarding COVID-19. Earlier this week, you received a communication stating that two additional staff members at Schneider Elementary tested positive; additionally, there are three staff members at Schneider Elementary that are considered close contacts and will be quarantining through October 4. Due to the number of positive cases and close contacts, Schneider is labeled as an outbreak by DeWitt Piatt Bi-County Health Department through October 4. We are thankful that students were not exposed as they were fully remote during this timeframe.
All of our school buildings have been fully disinfected in preparation for next week. Monday, 9.28.2020 is a School Improvement Day with no student attendance. Beginning Tuesday, 9.28.2020, we will resume our hybrid learning model. Blue learners will attend on Tuesday, 9.28.2020; Silver learners will learn remotely and report their attendance with the form on the webpage. While we strongly encourage in-person attendance on assigned days, if you have a concern, please contact your building principal.
Please note that for the accuracy of your student’s attendance record, we ask families of Blue and Silver learners to complete the attendance form on the webpage for all assigned remote days. Please enter the student’s name with the same spelling each day. Much extra work is required from secretaries and teachers on a daily basis when student attendance is not reported, or reported with nicknames or different spellings on different days. Thank you.
EIU is offering an accelerated teacher preparation program for adults with a Bachelor's degree who would like to receive secondary certification in a variety of subject areas. If you have any interest at all, please follow the link: https://5il.co/l97k
On October 2, Walgreens will be providing flu shots for all staff and ALL blue, silver and knight students (over the age of 10) at their respective schools. BRIJHS 9-10:15, BRHS 10:30-11:30, Schneider 11:30-1. Blue and Silver students can pick up consent forms next week in their school office or the consent form can be found at https://5il.co/lcm0 Consent forms must be returned to the clinic. Please call your school office with questions.
Parents,
Please read the linked document regarding Bark's Parent Portal. We want to you to have the ability to monitor your student's technology usage outside of the school day. Thanks for all you do to help protect your student in our digital world.
https://5il.co/lbvy
Please see the most recent COVID update with a reminder about upcoming re-opening dates, which remain unchanged at this time. https://5il.co/lakv
Blue Ridge has partnered with Parchment to fulfill student transcript requests. We're offering this service to make ordering transcripts easier for you. It's also more efficient for your school, and will deliver your transcripts to the colleges you choose in the format they prefer. Any student (past or present) wanting to send a transcript to an employer, college, or elsewhere, can do so by visiting: http://www.parchment.com/u/registration/9972/account
Students will need to create a profile and then can place a transcript request order directly from this site.
Blue Ridge Baseball & Basketball apparel is available online through Sept. 30. Support your favorite team via the link below!
https://bit.ly/2FG7mrz
The Superintendent's Monthly Update for September can be found here: https://5il.co/l7cp. #br_u_knighted
Do you love the game of BASKETBALL?? Ever thought about COACHING?? If you answered yes to either of those questions, check out the flyer or visit https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
BR Parents and Guardians, are you interested in receiving support with Google Classroom or Seesaw? ISBE and the Learning Technology Center are providing these free resources for parents. Please follow the link: https://ltcillinois.org/services/spark/
Parents and Guardians,
Today is the day that Progress Reports are scheduled to be sent home. Since we cannot send them home with students today and we want you to have the information in a timely manner, we ask that parents log on to their learning management system to see current grades.
Blue/Silver Students: Go to wwww.blueridge18.org. There is a tab at the bottom for Qmlativ. Log on to Qmlativ and click on "Grading."
K-5 Knights: Log on to Calvert.
6-12 Knights: Log on to Sensei.
Have a great weekend!
#br_u_knighted
Did you catch my date mistakes? Let's try this again.
We are pleased to inform you that in consultation with the DeWitt Piatt Bi-DCounty Health Department, we are able to resume the distribution of meals. With support from the USDA, all student meals are currently free. To request student meal service for September 23 through September 28, please use the KNIGHTS/BLUE/SILVER Meal Service Request form found under the Food Service Request link on the banner of our district webpage, www.blueridge18.org. All requests for student meal service between September 23-September 28 will include 4 breakfast and 4 lunch servings. Requests will be accepted now through Friday, September 18 at 5 p.m. Pick-up will be available on Wednesday, September 23 from noon-2 p.m. at both Schneider Elementary and BRIJHS. Delivery is available upon request.
We are pleased to inform you that in consultation with the DeWitt Piatt Bi-County Health Department, we are able to resume the distribution of meals. With support from the USDA, all student meals are currently free. To request student meal service for August 23 through August 28, please use the KNIGHTS/BLUE/SILVER Meal Service Request form found under the Food Service Request link on the banner of our district webpage, www.blueridge18.org. All requests for student meal service between August 23-August 28 will include 4 breakfast and 4 lunch servings. Requests will be accepted now through Friday, September 18 at 5 p.m. Pick-up will be available on Wednesday, August 23 from noon-2 p.m. at both Schneider Elementary and BRIJHS. Delivery is available upon request. #br_u_knighted
BR Community, today's COVID update includes one additional positive staff member at Schneider Elementary. Please see the linked letter for more information: https://5il.co/l1wg #br_u_knighted
Today, September 15, begins remote learning for Blue and Silver learners. We ask that for each of the next nine remote learning days that you use the attendance form on the district webpage to report student attendance. When using the form, please enter only one student name per form. Thank you for your help in doing this daily and accurately. #br_u_knighted
Blue Ridge High School Blue and Silver learners, please see the linked document that gives information about picking up materials and the learning schedule for the next nine remote learning days. #br_u_knighted https://5il.co/l0px
The staff at BRIJHS has worked very hard today to come up with a plan for the next two weeks of remote instruction.
All students in grades 4-8 will have something to physically pick up at school. We will have tables set up with these items from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday 9/15). If you are not able to come during that window, we will set an additional time this week.
Please note, all students will have schedule times during the day that they should log on and receive direct instruction from their teachers. If a student does not attend these Google Meets, they will miss the direct instruction and may have a hard time completing their assignments. Please check your email for links to the schedules.
Schneider Elementary materials pick-up is today, 9/14/2020, from 1-3 p.m. Classroom teachers who have materials to be picked up include: all Kindergarten, all first grade, Mrs. K Wilkinson, and Mrs. Rumple. All other classroom teachers will communicate with students, but do not have materials to be picked up. If today’s pick-up time does not work for you, please contact the office at (309)928-2611. We will send additional messages if future pick-up dates are needed. Thank you.
BR Parents of Blue and Silver learners, this is a reminder of the importance of documenting attendance on days that your student is scheduled to work remotely. On the three remote days each week, please use the attendance link on the district webpage to record your student's attendance. We ask for your help in using the form multiple times each day if you need to record attendance for multiple students. This will assist us in keeping accurate records. Thank you.
As a reminder, today, September 14, is a remote learning planning day. Blue and Silver learners will not need to take attendance, nor will they be given any learning activities. Teachers will use this day to prepare for our next nine days of remote learning. Thank you. #br_u_knighted
Blue Ridge Families, while today is a remote learning planning day for our Blue and Silver learners, we do have an additional COVID-19 update to share with you. Please see the letter at this link: https://5il.co/kz6r
The agenda for the Special Budget Hearing and Regular Board of Education meeting on September 16 are posted at https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1708
BR Families and Staff, please read the important COVID-19 update, which impacts student attendance. Thank you. https://5il.co/kx56
The deadline for physicals and immunizations has been extended to October 15 for the 2020-2021 school year due to the pandemic. Please note the approaching date and see the attached guide to learn more about required physicals, immunizations, and dental and vision exams. You may contact your school nurse if you have questions. https://5il.co/kdsk
Parents, please see the safety message regarding recently circulating social media posts. https://5il.co/kw9i
We have new Edmentum resources for all Knight learners! Please follow the link: https://get.edmentum.com/parents/
Assistant coaching positions are open at the High School for both girls and boys basketball. More details and other current openings can be found at https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Blue Ridge parents and guardians, please see the district safety letter as an annual reminder of our safety procedures. https://5il.co/kn7z #br_u_knighted
Blue Ridge is continuing efforts with the Clinton YMCA to offer childcare for Blue and Silver learners on remote learning days and after school care on attendance days. For information regarding employment opportunities with Blue Ridge Y Zone, please see: https://5il.co/kq6e. The Blue Ridge Y Zone employment application can be found here: https://5il.co/kq6f.
Y-Zone Employment Opportunities!! More details coming very soon but for now check out the flyer to see if you'd be interested!!
Attention grade 6-12 Knight Courseware families, Edmentum has something new to share with parents called Sensei. Please click on the link to learn more about how this will help parents stay updated with student progress and grades. Also, please check your email for your Sensei username and password. If you don’t see it, also check your junk or spam folders. The account name on the login page is: BRCSD18. Please note the spelling of the account name does not include the letter U.
https://5il.co/kpno
A reminder for you- Would you (or someone you know) like to learn more about being a part of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts? All interested children (boys and girls) - ages 5 to 10 (Cubs) and 11-17 (Scouts BSA) - and their parents or guardians are invited to the big pavilion at South Park, Farmer City on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. to learn more and sign up if interested. Leaders and adult helpers will also be needed. Interested adults can learn more about what is involved. If the gathering becomes too large, then we will plan to divide the groups so that social distancing protocols can be followed. Spread the word!
Attention BR Families, we recently received notice from ISBE that we can begin serving free meals to all district students. This will go into effect as of September 8, 2020. This is true for Knights, Blue when in school and remote, and Silver when in school and remote.
For Knight meals, we are moving to once weekly pick-up or delivery. For the week beginning with Labor Day, the Knight meal pick-up will be on Tuesday, 9/8, at Schneider Elementary or BRIJHS from 11-12. Please note the new time. If needed, delivery can be requested.
Beginning the week of 8/14, the Knight meal pick-up and delivery will be on Mondays for the entire week. Pick up locations are Schneider Elementary or BRIJHS from 11-12. Delivery is available if requested.
All meals served to Blue and Silver students while learning from school will be free of charge. Requested meals for Blue and Silver students on their remote days will be sent home with students. Blue students will take home requested meals on Wednesday and Silver students will take home requested meals on Friday.
Important: Please note that all remote meals must be requested weekly through the Food Service Request form located on the top of the district webpage, www.blueridge18.org, by Wednesday at 3 p.m. for the following week's meals.
Meals will consist of freezer and shelf stable items and/or menu items that have been pre-prepared and frozen. Families will not have the ability to request certain menu items. Thank you for your understanding.
Dear BR Families and Staff,
We have a few important reminders to share with you. First, we are approaching Labor Day, our first holiday that coincides with school operations during a pandemic. For the sake of our common goal to educate our students to the best of our ability, I urge you to remain mindful of how holiday travel plans could impact our learning environment. For those who travel to hotspots or out of state, IDPH recommends quarantining for 5 days upon return, testing for COVID after the 5 day wait period, and then waiting for a negative test result prior to returning to school. Even with a negative test result, the required time away from school for students and staff would be detrimental. I ask you to join me in prioritizing our goal for the school district by considering how we each can contribute to remaining as healthy as possible and maintaining our current hybrid plan until we are able to return to an even greater extent.
Our second reminder is for our families with Blue and Silver students. In order for your student to be considered present for any days that they are learning off-campus, including Mondays, we ask that you complete the attendance form that can be found at www.blueridge18.org on each off-campus learning day. Without completing the form on each off-campus learning day, your student will be marked with an unexcused absence. Please contact your school office with any questions regarding attendance.
Thank you! #br_u_knighted
Calling all parents/guardians!!! Have you ever said to yourself, "I wish I knew more about Google Classroom or SeeSaw?" Well here is your chance. The ROE #17 is hosting workshops for both of these platforms. Workshops are FREE, but registration is required. Learn more and register here:
https://reg.learningstream.com/view/cal1a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=44&wp=318&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=I-KAN&rf=
Would you (or someone you know) like to learn more about being a part of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts? All interested children (boys and girls) - ages 5 to 10 (Cubs) and 11-17 (Scouts BSA) - and their parents or guardians are invited to the big pavilion at South Park, Farmer City on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. to learn more and sign up if interested. Leaders and adult helpers will also be needed. Interested adults can learn more about what is involved. If the gathering becomes too large, then we will plan to divide the groups so that social distancing protocols can be followed. Spread the word!
Good morning, BR families! This message is for our K-5 Knights regarding the Calvert Learning platform. Some upgrades have been made by the company over the weekend. Please read the letter found here: https://5il.co/kf3g
Congratulations to our Pre-K program for achieving our second consecutive ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality Rating! The Gold Circle of Quality recognizes programs which have demonstrated quality on all fifteen standards, as validated by a state approved assessor. Gold Circle programs meet or exceed specific quality benchmarks on learning environment, instructional quality, and all program administrative standards; group size and staff/child ratios; staff qualifications; and professional development.
Substitute Teachers Needed!! Check out the flyer for the details!!
The Transportation Dept is seeking at least 1 more bus driver to complete their staff. Check out the info on the flyer. Substitute drivers and substitute bus aides are always wanted and needed too!!
Parents of Knights, please see the K-5 Calvert Learning FAQ document https://5il.co/kb3z and the 6-12 Courseware FAQ document https://5il.co/kb40 for valuable information. #br_u_knighted
Please see the message from John Lawrence, Principal of BRHS. This message was shared with BRHS students on Wed. and Thu. morning.
Students, I have thoroughly enjoyed my years serving as the Principal of Blue Ridge High School. I have many happy memories when I think about my years as your principal. Recently, I have had some struggles with my health which have kept me away from school. I wanted to let you know that I have decided to retire early to focus on getting healthy. I will miss seeing you at school, but know that I will always have your back and support you in any way possible. I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, especially my grandkids. I hope that you have a great year and I wish you all the best!
Mr. Lawrence
Have you heard about the low cost internet offer from Mediacom? Please follow the link to see if your family may be eligible for this service. https://5il.co/k4v6
Good Tuesday morning! Today's reminders...Knights, your attendance will be recorded as you log into your learning platform. Blue, please remember to screen for symptoms, and if healthy, we'll see you at school today. Silver, you are learning remotely and using the webpage attendance form to record your attendance. Want to order meals for remote days? Use the form on the webpage to do so by Wednesday for the next week. Have a great day! #br_u_knighted
This message is for Blue and Silver. Today is our first remote learning Monday. While you are completing your learning activities, see the Blue/Silver Learning link at www.blueridge18.org, please also remember to use the attendance form on the webpage banner to record your attendance. Have a great day! #br_u_knighted
This is a message for Knights only: K-5th grade Knights, we are still waiting for Calvert Learning to load our courses due to their extremely high volume at this time. We are hopeful that you will receive log in information to both parent and student emails at some point later tonight or tomorrow. Until you receive that communication, we will consider you as present for learning unless you call the school office to say otherwise. Once up and running, your daily attendance will be recorded as you log into your Calvert Learning platform each day.
For 6th-12th grade Knights, beginning on Monday, 8/24/20, your daily attendance will be recorded as you log into your Courseware platform. You will no longer need to use the attendance form on the Blue Ridge website to be marked present for the day. Thank you.
Today, we welcome students in our Silver group! Knights and Blue, please use the attendance form found on the banner of our webpage, www.blueridge18.org, to verify that you are learning remotely. Without doing so every day that you are learning remotely, you will be considered an unexcused absence. Together, We Can make today a great one! #br_u_knighted
This is a reminder for all families with students in the Silver group. Please go to www.blueridge18.org and find the attendance form on the top banner. Beginning today, you will need to complete the form to record your studnet's attendance for the day. We ask you to do so before noon. This is a change from last spring and you will need to do this on every day that your student is learning remotely. Thank you.
Welcome Back! Here are a few reminders to assist with day one. Blue attends in person after completing a wellness check at home. Silver and Knights are learning remotely. Silver and Knights will use the attendance form on the district webpage banner to report their learning: www.blueridge18.org. Knights will be contacted by their assigned teacher and Silver will find learning links at the very top of the district webpage, under Blue/Silver Learning. Do you want to request meals for any remote days next week? There’s a Food Service Request Form on the district webpage banner. Please fill out a form today for next week’s food service needs for remote days. Together, We Can! #br_u_knighted
The Transportation Dept has a full time driver position open. Check out the flyer for more details!
Easy access to the Home Health Screening document is at your fingertips https://5il.co/jmvl
Breakfast and Lunch Menu for K-12 available at https://5il.co/jqlr
Updated Openings for Paraprofessional Positions!!
Let’s stay connected with our weekly Summer Knights theme! All you have to do is post a picture in the comments of today’s Facebook post. This week's theme is 'Game Time'! This Friday, join us on Facebook for our first spirit day post of the 2020/2021 school year! #br_u_knighted
Can you believe it? The first day of the 20/21 school year is almost here! Please open the attached document to learn about chromebook distribution, jetpacks, IDPH updates, orientation for Knights, Clever for Blue and Silver, and much more! https://5il.co/jonl #br_u_knighted
A revision was made on page 16 of the Update for BR Families. https://5il.co/jkzy
We are only a few days away from Schneider Elementary's Back to School Drive-Thru!! This is a great way for students to meet their new teachers and drop off supplies.
Click the link for more information - shorturl.at/pxyIX
Dear BR Families, please see the most recent guidance about school reopening. Many documents are not yet available as guidance continues to change. Thanks for your understanding. https://5il.co/jk1f
BR Families, the superintendent's monthly message can be found at: https://5il.co/jisp. Additional information for the opening of school will be shared later today. #br_u_knighted
Schneider Elementary will be hosting Back to School Night on Monday, August 17. This year's event will be a Back to School Drive-Thru! Click the link for more information - shorturl.at/pxyIX
Schneider has an opening for a 1st grade teacher....APPLY TODAY!!!
Last Call for online registration. Closing today!!!
Walk In Registration for new students, pre-kindergarten students and kindergarten students is TODAY from 10am-3pm and 4pm-7:30pm. Please visit the school building your child will be attending to register.
Kindergarten Jumpstart is just around the corner! Click here for more information - shorturl.at/axzQ4
Online registration for returning students grades 1-12 is open all week and Thursday is walk in registration for new students, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students from 10-3 and 4-7:30.
Starting today, the District Office will be back to regular days and hours. We are open Monday-Friday 8-4.
Here is a letter from Mr. Lawrence, Mrs. Nichols and Mr. Peyton regarding school registration and your options for the 2020-2021 school year. Visit the link to read more: shorturl.at/pwR08
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!
Online registration is now open for returning students in grades 1-12. To register your child online, please visit the Qmlativ link at the bottom of the district website. If you're unsure how to login to your Qmlativ account, please check your email for a password reset. Online registration is open through next Friday, 8/7/20. #br_u_knighted
Online registration is open for returning students in grades 1-12. To register your child online, please visit the Qmlativ link at the bottom of the district website. If you're unsure how to login to your Qmlativ account, please check your email for a password reset. Online registration is open through next Friday, 8/7/20. #br_u_knighted
Want to be sure you're in the know and you have accurate information? This year, more than ever, communication will be critical and we want to make sure all parties are getting messages pertinent to them. Nightly, our student information system syncs with our alert platform and uses information from the primary guardian. We recommend that any other guardian, family member, grandparent, daycare provider, babysitter, etc. download the free Blue Ridge #18 app in the app store on their mobile device. Once the app is downloaded, users need to allow push notifications from both the district and the respective buildings they have children in. Please review your app settings today by opening the app and clicking on the menu in the top left and choosing "Settings."
Do you have questions about the learning models? Please use reopening@blueridge18.org to get accurate answers! #br_u_knighted
You can find here K-5 Calvert Learning and 6-12 Courseware links: https://5il.co/isqr
BR Families, we have lots of information to share with you today!
1) Do you need information about the Blended Learning Model for Blue and Silver (https://5il.co/is5s) and the Remote Learning Knights (https://5il.co/iscd)
before registration opens? If you are considering Knights, you may also want to view the Edmentum preview videos. K-5: Calvert Learning and 6-12: Courseware
2) Be looking for an email sent to you today from donotreply@blueridge18.org with subject line Family Access Account Information. Following the password reset steps will help ensure a smooth registration process.
3) Principals are working on preliminary Blue and Silver groupings. Please look for an email from them on Friday with additional information.
Substitute School Bus Drivers Needed!
Are you ready?? Online registration (for returning students grades 1-12) opens on Friday!!
Blue Ridge needs substitute teachers!!
Substitute Bus Aides Wanted!!
4 more days and Online Registration (for returning students grades 1-12) will be open!!
LAST CHANCE to get in for those Free Preschool screenings on July 28-31. Children must be 3 or 4 yrs old at the time and those children who turn 5 on or before Sept 1, 2020 are not eligible. Call Kristi at the Unit Office to schedule an appt or to ask any questions. 309-928-9141.
Science Teacher needed for grades 7 & 8!!
Math Teacher Wanted for grades 7 & 8!!
School Nurse position open at the High School and Schneider Elementary!
Mark your calendars!! Online registration (for returning students) opens ONE week from today.
The details for the upcoming Board of Education Special Meeting-School Board Training can be found at https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1708
Paraprofessionals needed!!
Let's try this message again! The Superintendent's Monthly Message can be found here: https://5il.co/ikgp.
It's loaded with new information, including the detailed 7.23.2020 Learning Model document, which can also be read here: https://5il.co/ikfw.
Please stay connected by staying informed! #br_u_knighted
Please access the full 7.23.2020 Learning Model document here: https://5il.co/ikfw
#br_u_knighted
This monthly update includes information on registration, the recently approved 7.23.2020 Learning Models, and much more. You can read it here: https://5il.co/ikf5. Please help us stay connected by staying informed!
In addition to the overview shared in the monthly update, the detailed 7.23.2020 Learning Plan document can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TIaF__xaZKzM8_LL_PsoLZfZDDNC2Twn/view?usp=sharing
School supply lists can be found at https://www.blueridge18.org/o/blue-ridge-cusd-18/browse/136025
During the 92nd Illinois FFA Convention, which is being held virtually, Blue Ridge FFA was announced as a Gold Ranking recipient of the National Chapter Award for Illinois. During the evening it was further announced that Blue Ridge FFA has been named a Premier Chapter which recognizes the top 34 chapters in the State and is a National Finalist for the National Chapter Award. The Blue Ridge FFA chapter will be one of the chapters representing Illinois at the 2020 National FFA Convention which will be held virtually in October.
Please join me in congratulating our Blue Ridge FFA and Ms. Meisner!
The registration information you've all been waiting for!!
Want to watch the Board of Education meeting tonight through livestream? Tune in to twitch.tv/blueridgecusd at 7 p.m. For those attending in person, face coverings and social distancing are required. Limited seating is available.
Congratulations to Sarah Whitehouse for placing 8th in the nation in the VFW Auxiliary Young Artist Patriotic Art Contest. Sarah won $500 in the national contest. Sarah qualified for the national contest by finishing 1st place in the State of Illinois contest.
Have you seen the revised learning plans shared on 7/17? If not, please follow the link to read the revised learning plans that will be discussed at the special Board meeting on 7/22 at 7pm in the BRHS Library. https://5il.co/idv3 After reading the document, parents please take the brief survey to share your learning plan preference with the Board: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VXHNTM2 Staff, please take this brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VGVKB9K Responses requested by tonight! The 7/22 BOE meeting will be streamed; the link will be sent out prior to the meeting. Limited in-person seating is available; masks are required for in-person attendance.
The agenda and details for the Special-Return to Learn Board of Education meeting on Wednesday can be found at https://www.blueridge18.org/board-of-education--196
REMINDER!! Free Preschool screenings are set for July 28-31. Children must be 3 or 4 yrs old at the time and those children who turn 5 on or before Sept 1, 2020 are not eligible. Call Kristi at the Unit Office to schedule an appt or to ask any questions. 309-928-9141.
Please follow the link to read the revised learning plans that will be discussed at the special Board meeting on 7.22.2020 at 7pm in the BRHS Library. https://5il.co/idv3
After reading the document, parents please take the brief survey to share your learning plan preference with the Board: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VXHNTM2
Staff, please take this brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VGVKB9K
Responses requested by Monday evening.
The 7/15/2020 Board meeting can be viewed at the following three links.
Part 1 : https://youtu.be/zS6BGuKs5Zo
Part 2: https://youtu.be/LYLjdhZnA1o
Part 3: https://youtu.be/m0BbzUGgZ5k
In response to last night's comments at the Board meeting, a revised draft of learning plans will be released tomorrow, along with a new community and staff survey. Please watch for this and participate. The Board will meet on 7/22/2020 to consider the survey data and approve our reopening plan. #br_u_knighted
For those interested in attending the 7:00 Board meeting tonight, we ask that you enter through the north BRHS doors, closest to the pool. Face coverings will be required and seating will comply with social distancing. If needed, a socially distant waiting area will be available.
The details for the Special Finance Committee meeting and Regular Board of Education meeting on Wednesday night are posted at https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1708
Blue Ridge Parents, have you read the Draft Return to Learning Plan document sent earlier today? If so, please share your thoughts: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DD89G7D. We want to hear from you!
ATTENTION!! Free Preschool screenings are set for July 28-31. Children must be 3 or 4 yrs old at the time and those children who turn 5 on or before Sept 1, 2020 are not eligible. Call Kristi at the Unit Office to schedule an appt or to ask any questions. 309-928-9141.
Attention, BR Community! The Board will be considering our blended remote learning plans for the 20/21 school year on 7/15/2020. You can access the document here: https://5il.co/i7hn. Questions and concerns can be sent to reopening@blueridge18.org. Thank you.
Free Preschool screenings are set for July 28-31. Children must be 3 or 4 yrs old at the time and those children who turn 5 on or before Sept 1, 2020 are not eligible. Call Kristi at the Unit Office to schedule an appt or to ask any questions. 309-928-9141.
BRHS Prom Update from Mrs Lagle:
I hope that all of you are staying safe and healthy. I met with school personnel to discuss our options for Prom. Since it is impossible to social distance at a dance and it would involve more than 50 people, we are unable to have a safe Prom. This makes me very sad for the kids. However, we are still planning on having a virtual coronation. Everyone on court will submit a video introducing themselves, who their parents are, and what town they are from. I will put all of the videos together and announce the King and Queen at the end. We will crown the new King and Queen at a scheduled time later to take pictures. We will post these pictures on the district FaceBook page. Mr. Kramer will upload the video to our school YouTube channel on July 25 @ 5:00. Students who are on court will be receiving more details in a separate email.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mrs. Lagle
glagle@blueridge18.org
Did you miss the Community Re-Opening Meeting on June 30? You can stay connected and watch the recorded livestream here: https://youtu.be/LTBISiLfwNs . Questions and comments can be sent to reopening@blueridge18.org.
BUS DRIVERS NEEDED
School Nurse position open at the High School and Schneider Elementary!
7-8 Math Teacher Wanted!!
Calling All Coaches!!!
HS Alternative Education Teacher Wanted!
Please read the linked letter regarding recent school re-opening guidance. Also in the letter, you are invited to a community meeting on 6/30 and we ask you to take a short survey. https://5il.co/hjaf
We Are Hiring!!!!
Please see the superintendent's monthly message posted at https://5il.co/hd5d. Also, please join us on Fridays by posting a BR spirit picture in the comments of our Facebook post. #br_u_knighted
Free Preschool screenings are set for July 28-31. Children must be 3 or 4 yrs old at the time and those children who turn 5 on or before Sept 1, 2020 are not eligible. Call Kristi at the Unit Office to schedule an appt or to ask any questions. 309-928-9141.
Did you know families with children who received free or reduced meals at National School Lunch Program participating schools are eligible for Pandemic EBT benefits? Find out more information at www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/Brochures/4980.pdf (Spanish: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/Brochures/4980S.pdf). The deadline to apply is June 30.
Let’s stay connected with our weekly Summer Knights theme! All you have to do is post a picture in the comments of today’s Facebook post. This week, get outdoors and post a picnic picture! Every Friday, join us on Facebook for a spirit day post! #br_u_knighted
Cheer Tryout Practice tonight from 6-7:30 on the football field!! Make sure to wear comfortable/cool clothing and bring water. Social distancing rules will be followed. Please arrive by 5:45 to start the check in process.
The upcoming Board of Education meeting details are posted at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
The Blue Ridge webpage now has a banner posted with Pre-K through 6th grade summer choice boards. Take a look at the fun summer activities that your teachers have provided for you! Enjoy! #br_u_knighted
Dear Blue Ridge Community,
Please click on the link to read my letter of introduction. https://5il.co/h0k5
#br_u_knighted
FOOTBALL MEETING:
The next football meeting will be on Tuesday June 9th at 7pm on Zoom. We will discuss the when the summer season starts and the new guidelines passed by the state. The meeting info is below:
Meeting ID: 414 280 2780
PW: 2JPPjN
Please share: The Salt Creek Resource Center clothes closet will re-open this Sat., June 6, 9 am - noon. Facemasks will be required. Everyone entering will use hand sanitizer. Clothing donations will be accepted, but held for 1 week before processed and put out on the floor.
HS Cheer Practice and Tryouts are scheduled for June 15 & June 18 @ 6pm-7:30pm and June 19 TBA. Email kwoliung@blueridge18.org for more info!
Videos for cheer tryouts will be sent out soon to those interested in becoming part of the HS cheer squad. If you're interested in giving it a try, make sure you've filled out the Google form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1045phuBBp5C2QyoZ0TxY6pFweyBRwjQaiGMVHEK-ZG4/edit
Each year we compile Blue Ridge Schools' accomplishments for the past year and share them out to the community. Please take a minute and look through the information posted at https://5il.co/gss8 and enjoy a recap of this past (very eventful) year!
The Blue Ridge Schools District Office will change to the summer schedule beginning Monday, June 1 and continuing through July 31. Office hours will be 7 am - 5 pm Monday through Thursday. Normal hours will resume in August. Have a great weekend!
Free Preschool screenings are set for July 28-31. Children must be 3 or 4 yrs old at the time and those children who turn 5 on or before Sept 1, 2020 are not eligible. Call Mary at the Schneider Office to schedule an appt or to ask any questions. 309-928-2611.
Fill out the #2020Census to help our community get the funding we need for a brighter future. Go to https://www.2020census.gov/ to complete the census today. #MakeILCount #br_u_knighted
Updated teaching and coaching vacancies are posted at https://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Free Preschool screenings are set for July 28-31. Children must be 3 or 4 yrs old at the time and those children who turn 5 on or before Sept 1, 2020 are not eligible. Call Mary at the Schneider Office to schedule an appt or to ask any questions. 309-928-2611.
It is the final day to drop off school items and clean out lockers! Please stop by Schneider or BRIJHS by noon today. Freshmen need to go to the high school by 4 today. All Chromebooks should be charged. Don't forget cases, Jetpacks, library books, textbooks, and sport uniforms.
The final radon test results for BRIJHS have arrived and are posted at https://5il.co/g7zz. All levels tested below the required minimums.
The (last) Daily Remote Learning Announcement for the school year is posted at https://5il.co/g7hd. Remember to stop by for the bonus food distribution (available to all), and charge those Chromebooks before dropping them off May 20-22. Details for food distribution, and the plan for retrieving and dropping off materials are included in today's message. Have a wonderful summer!
Tuesday, May 19, is last day for student attendance and BR will deliver extra food to families from 8-10 a.m. at 3 feeding sites - Bellflower Community Center, BRIJHS, and Schneider School - and via home delivery. Any remaining food packs will be available on 1st come, 1st served basis at the schools on May 20-22 when students retrieve and drop off items. Remember to charge up Chromebooks to make process go more smoothly. Details on the retrieval process are posted at https://5il.co/fnyk. Call us if you have any questions!
BRHS Class of 2020 had a memorable graduation ceremony yesterday! Thanks to all who made it extra special! Tues., May 19 we will deliver extra food to the 3 communities. Details on this and much more are in today's Remote Learning Announcement, posted at https://5il.co/g67y
The Superintendent's Monthly Update for May 2020 is now posted at https://5il.co/g5nf. LOTS of good information included!
Updates galore in today's Remote Learning Announcement. Check it out at https://5il.co/g4st and have a great weekend. Congratulations to the class of 2020! We will celebrate you on Sunday!
The Farmer City Public Library Presents “Reading Beyond Boundaries” Summer Reading Program 2020. This year’s program is going to look a little different this year. Registration for this year’s virtual summer reading program is now open. You may go to the following website https://engagedpatrons.org/read/index.cfm?SiteID=7842&ReadID=736
to create a user account for yourself and each member of your family. All ages are encouraged to participate again this year. Once you have created a user account you may then log the minutes that you have read. Prizes will be given for every 100 minutes read. We look forward to a wonderful summer full of 'Reading Beyond Boundaries.’
Field day must go on! BRIJH will be participating in an at home Field Day event on Wednesday , May 19th! Field Day is an important tradition. We feel that in these challenging times field day is a unique way to stay connected and support one another in a fun and meaningful way. Post videos and pictures of you and your families participating! Post them on the district’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/blueridge18.
Pick a couple of events or do them all! It’s up to you. Field Day Packet: https://openphysed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/NFD2020-ALL-FullParticipationPacket.pdf
The May 14, 2020 Remote Learning Announcement is posted at https://5il.co/g3ye. Have an awesome Thursday!
May 13, 2020 Daily Announcement is posted at https://5il.co/g2zq. The end is in sight - you can do it!
Today's Daily Announcement includes information on graduation, the UKnighted Olympics, and ways for you to give feedback on remote learning. Check it out at https://5il.co/g260. Have a great Tuesday!
Board of Education meeting details for this Wednesday are posted at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
IMPORTANT: BRHS Graduation will look a little different this year. Here are the details: 2020 Grad Parade https://5il.co/g1t5; student information for graduation https://5il.co/g1t4. Shout out to all who have helped plan! Thank you!
Welcome to the virtual UKnighted Olympics! We’ve created a menu of fun challenges to do with your family! Check it out at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XhP3OXqNmkw-Xn31-TLKY4YSzf3k5Et36yafaF3_dkE/edit?usp=sharing #br_u_knighted
Welcome to the last full week of the school year - and what a year it's been! Check out today's daily announcement posted at https://5il.co/g0jw. Enjoy the next few days!
Incoming 6th grade parents, 6th graders are eligible for certain activities (see top of survey). Apologies for leaving 6th grade students off the BRIJHS survey that went out this morning in the daily post! Activity surveys are due 5/14! https://forms.gle/Ubsouy5vo48A7XNC6
Today's Remote Learning Announcement has info on signing up for fall sports and activities, extra food deliveries on May 19, and surveys for parent/student feedback on remote learning. Check it all out at https://5il.co/fygx. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day!
Check out the presentation facilitated by BR parent, Elizabeth Franklin, from posters made by art students to thank health care workers. Awesome! https://5il.co/fus8
We would like your feedback on remote learning. Parents/Caregivers - please fill out the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C3DZBMD. Students (with or without parent help), please fill out the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CFFXWNR. Thank you for your time!
Today's Daily Remote Learning Announcement is posted at https://5il.co/fxlj. BRHS proudly announces Josephine Aldrich as Valedictorian and Meah Carter as Salutatorian. Congratulations to both of these outstanding students! #br_u_knighted
The Daily Remote Learning Announcement is posted at https://5il.co/fwgr. Check out the 2nd and 3rd graders in their Virtual Spring Program – It’s adorable! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t-hbfc8s7k&feature=youtu.be
Happy Cinco de Mayo! The Daily Remote Learning Announcement (and ideas for how to celebrate) are posted at https://5il.co/fv1p. Have a great Tuesday!
It's National Education Week! We celebrate our educators' devotion to BR students! The state revised graduation guidance over the weekend, and we can proceed with drive-in graduation. Details are included in today's Remote Learning Announcement posted at https://5il.co/fsgm.
ISBE released new guidance for graduation programs that allow for drive-in program like we had been planning. ISBE guidance is posted at https://www.isbe.net/documents/idph-isbe-grad-ceremony-guidance.pdf BRHS Graduation plans are posted at https://5il.co/fh12.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) launched the Pandemic EBT application for families on May 1 at https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/. A flier explaining benefits and how to apply is available at https://5il.co/fqhd.
P-EBT is a new special benefit that can help families buy food for their school age children who would normally receive National School Lunch Program (NSLP) free or reduced-priced meals when schools are in session. Families that currently receive SNAP benefits do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits. Families who do not currently receive SNAP benefits but do have children who receive NSLP free or reduced-priced meals will need to apply directly with IDHS.
May 1, 2020 Daily Remote Learning Update is at https://5il.co/fq8u. If new state guidance stands, graduation plans will need to be revised. Changes will be developed & communicated early next week.Thanks for your patience as we deal with the frequent changes related to COVID-19.
DOVE provides many supports and services for families in our area. If you have a need, or if you would like to volunteer or donate to DOVE, check out the May 2020 edition of DOVEtails at https://5il.co/fq1i
Happy Thursday! See the Daily Remote Learning Announcement at https://5il.co/fp7u, including information on the calendar, how to pick up personal items and return school materials at the end of the school year. Have a wonderful day!
The Retrieval Plan for BRHS Graduating Seniors is now posted at https://5il.co/fouc. The Retrieval Plan for PreK thru Gr. 11 is posted at https://5il.co/fnyk. These documents will provide information on how to pick up personal items and return school materials.
Today's Remote Learning Announcement is chock full of good info: NEW info on the school calendar, the Retrieval plan for students to pick up and drop off items at school, and the district's accreditation report. Read all about it at https://5il.co/fnyl. Have an awesome day!
Welcome back to day #589 of remote learning (or maybe it just feels that way...). We miss being together at school and hope you all are finding ways to keep things fun and light! Today's daily announcement is posted at https://5il.co/fmsa. Have a wonderful day!
Monday is a School Improvement Day, so no student attendance, and no food deliveries. School resumes on Tuesday along with food deliveries. Remember May 4-8 is Education Appreciation Week. PIE created some great ideas for how to thank an educator at https://5il.co/fkln #br_u_knighted. Have a great week!
Today is a Remote Learning Planning Day. Teachers may choose to not assign new schoolwork. Meals will be delivered today. The daily announcement is posted at https://5il.co/fi19 and includes BRHS graduation plans. Have a wonderful weekend!
BRHS Graduation plans and related information are posted at https://5il.co/fh12. Plans include a program in the circle drive on May 17, and an in-person reception for the Class of 2020 later in summer when social distancing protocols are eased. #br_u_knighted
BR Daily Remote Learning Announcement is posted at https://5il.co/fgl4. Fri., Apr. 24 is a Remote Learning Planning Day. Mon., Apr. 27 is a School Improvement Day, no school, food will not be distributed. Tues., Apr. 28 will be a new materials pickup day. Have a wonderful day!
It's a wonderful Wednesday! The Daily Remote Learning Announcement is posted at https://5il.co/fevj. Today's message includes an awesome video from the BRIJHS staff!
Have a Terrific Tuesday! The Daily Remote Learning Announcement is posted at https://5il.co/fcsg.
Girl Scouts has some events to Shine & Sparkle at this week...take a look https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10221493690993706&id=1294141003?sfnsn=mo
For some reason I keep trying to extend the closure through 2020-2021. Sorry about that! The closure is just until the end of the 2019-2020 school year.Susan.
Remote Learning Announcement for April 20 is at https://5il.co/fafj. Remote learning is extended thru the end of the 2020-21 school year. BR will continue with Remote Learning as we have been. More info will be sent in next few days on the many issues that the extension raises.
Gov. Pritzker has continued Remote Learning for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. BR will continue with Remote Learning as we have been, but early next week will be sending you info on the many issues this raises. Additional details are posted at https://5il.co/f892.
Please see the statement that BR Board President Dale Schneman made at the start of the April 15 board meeting thanking our district personnel, families and community for their efforts. Have a wonderful weekend!
Happy Friday! Today's Remote Learning Announcement is posted at https://5il.co/f705. Don't miss tonight's lights at the football field to honor senior athletes, first responders, and health workers! #br_u_knighted #LightsForTheFight. Have a wonderful day!
BRHS will turn on the lights at the BRHS football field from 8:00 to 8:20 pm Fri, 4/17 to honor senior athletes, first responders, and health care workers during this pandemic. Drive by and fill the parking lot! #LightsForTheFight #br_u_knighted #IHSA
The Illinois Principals Association compiled a list of Mental Health Resources. These resources, along with the Call4Calm contact information, can be found at https://5il.co/f643
Congratulations to the Blue Ridge Community for formally receiving Accreditation. Details are included in the Superintendent's Monthly Update for April, now posted at https://5il.co/f628.
Happy Thursday, Everyone! The Daily Remote Learning Announcement is posted at https://5il.co/f5cz. Check out the video from BRHS Staff! Have a wonderful day!
While we are still hopeful to return to school yet this year, we have prepared alternate plans for upcoming end-of-year events in case Remote Learning continues through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Details in today's Remote Learning Announcement: https://5il.co/f40u.
Correction - 2019-20 school year.
As of this writing we are still hopeful that we can return to school yet this year, but also want to prepare alternate plans for many upcoming end-of-year events so families can know how they will be handled if Remote Learning continues through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Details are posted at https://5il.co/f35k
“Call4Calm,” is a free service for Illinois residents that allows callers to speak to a mental health care professional about disability, unemployment, rent, or anything else they may need. Text the word “TALK” to 552020 to receive a call back within 24 hours.
Happy Tuesday! The Daily Remote Learning Announcement is posted at https://5il.co/f2df. Have a great day!
The Board Meeting agenda and packet for Wednesday, April 15, 2020, can be viewed at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
Welcome back to Remote Learning! See the daily announcement at https://5il.co/ezu9. Updates include winners of the blanket fort contest and a fun video from Schneider Staff. Have a wonderful day!
The BR Daily Remote Learning Update is posted at https://5il.co/ewai. Remember: no school on Friday. Have a great weekend!
The Blue Ridge Daily Remote Learning Announcement is now posted at https://5il.co/eu8p. Have a beautiful day! #br_u_knighted
Here's your daily Remote Learning update, including information on jetpacks, tech support, and meal deliveries. If you need any assistance, please call. We are here to help! https://5il.co/et07 #br_u_knighted
Please share: The USDA National Hunger Hotline is available for anyone seeking food assistance. The hotline, operated by Hunger Free America, can be reached Monday through Friday, 7 am to 10 pm at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) (Spanish).
Good Morning, Blue Ridge!
THANK YOU for cheering on Friday's BR Staff Parade. It was a big encouragement to see all your smiling faces & so much BR Spirit! Remember: No School Friday, April 10. Daily Remote Learning Update is posted at https://5il.co/epve. #br_u_knighted
WILL Programs for grades PreK-5: WILL-TV (channel 12) is offering PBS KIDS programs for grades PreK-5 from 6 am-5pm. For details go to https://will.illinois.edu/athomelearning
It's Parade Day, Spirit Day, and Remote Learning Planning Day. Details are posted at https://5il.co/ele0 in today's Remote Learning Update. Make it a great one!!
#br_u_knighted
So much information to share this morning: Friday's parade thru communities, the Remote Learning Plan, tomorrow's remote learning day, and many, many other things. Please go to https://5il.co/ej9p for details. Have a wonderful day!
BRHS Art Club creates a beautiful art installation for the District Office. Thank you, Mrs Wieber and students!!
Daily announcement for BR Remote Learning is posted at https://5il.co/eh3w. Updates include: Gov. extends school closure to 4/30; free/low cost internet options for families; Remote Learning Planning Day set for 4/3; and Spirit Week info! #br_u_knighted
At this afternoon's press conference, Governor Pritzker extended the shelter in place order to April 30, and extended the school closure to that time. Remote learning will continue as it has been.We'll keep you posted on any updates, including impact on upcoming events.
Free/Low Cost Internet for Families: BR families have some free/low cost options for internet access. As we become aware of options, we will pass them along to you. If you would like more robust connection or more data than you are getting through the district jetpack, you might consider the Connect2Compete program through Mediacom. C2C is available to families that qualify for free or reduced meals. Qualifying families receive Mediacom Internet access in home with a wireless router FREE for 2 months and then only $9.95 per month after the first two months. There is NO CONTRACT and you can cancel the service at anytime with no penalty. For details, limitations or to apply for service, simply go to https://mediacomc2c.com/
Daily update for Remote Learning includes info on replenishing school supplies, pick up and drop off of assignments, and PIE fundraising packets - now posted at https://5il.co/eeot. #BR_U_Knighted
Welcome back to remote learning! See the note posted at https://5il.co/ebbk for updates on school calendar, food distribution, tech support, and state guidance for remote learning. We have a fun spirit week planned and a fresh new hashtag we’d love for you to use! #br_u_knighted
Congratulations to Jenna Mozingo for making the News-Gazette's all-area honorable mention basketball team! Way to go!
https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/girls-basketball/rd-news-gazette-all-area-girls-basketball-team-the-full/article_578c8a59-967c-568b-9a09-47142795580d.html
We hope you are having a good spring break. It has been encouraging to see the Blue Ridge community pull together to support each other! Remember: the governor extended school closures through Tuesday, April 7, with school resuming on April 8. It is, however, possible that the school closure will be extended further. We will continue to use the remote learning systems used before spring break. Food deliveries will resume this Monday from 8-10 a.m. and continue on week days during the closure. Home deliveries can be arranged if needed. Call if you have a need - we are here to help! Have a good weekend!
Interested in joining our team?? Take a look at the current vacancies in our district and apply today!!
http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Gov. Pritzker extended school closure to Tues., Apr. 7. School resumes Wed., Apr. 8. Blue Ridge will continue the current Remote Learning plan, feeding plan, and deliveries through Apr. 7. We will notify you of new developments as they occur. Spring break is March 23-27 - No School. Stay safe and well!
The Salt Creek Resource Center food pantry will hold their normal distribution on Sat., 3/28, using a drive-up format. The SCRC clothes closet will close for now due to the current need for social distancing due to COVID-19. Please hold onto clothing donations until it reopens.
BR Superintendent's Monthly Update is now posted at https://5il.co/dzdo. Have a wonderful spring break!
Free internet access resources have been put together by the Illinois State Board of Education. Go to https://www.isbe.net/keeplearning for more information!
Go to https://5il.co/dz6b for info on food/food box deliveries, assignments, and progress reports. No school during spring break. This daily message will not be posted unless new developments. Enjoy the latest from Mr. Zogg: https://youtu.be/IQ8o09wNOfc! Have a great week!
Don't let 'em divide us! Thanks for the heads up, Mr. Zogg! https://youtu.be/IQ8o09wNOfc
The Mansfield Alumni Association Banquet for 2020 has been cancelled!! Next year's banquet will be held on Saturday, April 24.
A key factor in lowering the pace and extent of spread of COVID-19 is practicing social distancing. Here's a quick explanation. Thanks for all you are doing!
Remote Learning Day #3! Important information on food boxes for Friday, assignments, and report cards posted at https://5il.co/dtne. And a fun video from bus driver and sub teacher, Mr. Zogg. Have a wonderful day! https://youtu.be/PRE_8OzkJ04
Day 2 of Remote Learning! Check your school email daily. See information on food delivery, links for learning, report cards and progress reports at https://5il.co/dtne. If you need any support, please call your child's school. We are here to help! Have a wonderful day!
Remember to vote today!
Parents/Guardians: Today's information on assignments, food delivery to Bellflower, Mansfield, & FC; and jetpacks for internet access is posted at https://5il.co/dtne. We are here to help in any way we can. If you need something, call your child's school. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
BR school counselors have been working hard to develop ways to reach the community and create a sense of unity. We created counseling facebook pages for each Blue Ridge School to post information related to the counseling departments, provide guidance and tips to parents during this difficult time, and for fun-filled challenges and team building (remotely, of course). We hope this provides connections with families and community in a light-hearted way - much needed during this period of social distancing.
Please "like" and share our Facebook pages!
Search Facebook for:
BR Schneider Elementary School Counseling
Blue Ridge Intermediate and Junior High School Counseling
BRHS Counseling Dept
The Board of Education agenda and packet for Wednesday, March 18, are posted at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
Reposting: See important updates for how to pick up school materials, Chromebooks, etc.; district-wide meal program; how assignments will be communicated; & help for internet access at https://5il.co/dry5. Please take the survey at https://forms.gle/RitiCj9jUrFGuj8j6
See important updates for how to pick up school materials, Chromebooks, etc.; district-wide meal program; how assignments will be communicated; & help for internet access. It's all posted at https://5il.co/dry5. Please take the survey athttps://forms.gle/RitiCj9jUrFGuj8j6
Schneider Elementary finished up the Kids Heart Challenge on Friday. Students raised over $15,000 which was donated to the American Heart Association. Thank you to our students and community for making this amazing accomplishment possible!!
Parents/Guardians: You may pick up medicine from the school nurse through the day on Monday if needed. We will let everyone know the plan for picking up school materials and items, chromebooks, etc.
Update for parents/guardians: No school Monday. Remote learning and community feeding program will begin on Tuesday. For details, please go to https://5il.co/dqmk. Thank you for your ongoing support throughout this process.
We are sensitive that the upcoming school closure may create hardships for many in our school community. BR staff will contact parents/guardians on Tuesday to ask if they need help with meals, internet access, or something else during the school closure. If you or someone you know needs help of some kind, & are not contacted by 2 pm on Tuesday, please call your child's school. Have a good weekend.
Gov. Pritzker orders school closure from Tuesday, March 17 to Monday, March 30. School resumes on March 31. We will have school on Monday, March 16. All school personnel will report to work on Tuesday, March 17. For details go to https://5il.co/dpt9.
An update on coronovirus for BR Parents and School Personnel is posted at https://5il.co/dnd8. Have a good evening.
Thanks to all who came out to BR Connect last night and passed along thoughts and ideas to strengthen our school district. At the March board meeting we will talk through the feedback received and how it might be used in the district. The evening included wonderful presentations on the CEO program, role of counselors in our schools, and Dr. Stanifer's future plans for the district. If you missed it, the introductory presentation is posted at https://5il.co/djig. Have a wonderful day!
Tonight is Blue Ridge CONNECT from 6-8 pm in the BRHS Library. We hope to see you there! Details at https://5il.co/cq5h.
If you're looking for a fun family event tonight, don't forget about the Family Reading Night and Book Fair in Mansfield from 5:30-7:30 pm. We hope to see you there!
5 Quality Travel Mugs Left! First come, First served!
Picture Day is coming up on March 17!
Our 7th grade girls will play for the Regional Championship at 5:30 pm at BRIJHS in Mansfield. Come support our team! Go Knights!
FC library, FC Garden Club, DeWitt County 4H, & DeWitt County Master Gardens are partnering for the family container gardening project “Little Roots” starting April 22. We need Rubbermaid 18 Gal. Storage Totes with lids and 2-3” PVC pipes. Contact 217-935-5764 to donate. Thanks!
Parent's Night Out!! The BRHS Spanish Class and International Club are hosting a Parent's Night Out during the Cash Bash on March 14. More details and the form to sign up can be found at https://5il.co/ddy9
Pratt Music Foundation is offering a music scholarship to students in grades 2-12. For details go to http://www.prattmusicfoundation.com/
Kindergarten Registration and Orientation (parents only) will be March 10 at 6 p.m. in the Schneider Cafeteria. Students who turn 5 on or before Sept 1 are eligible. Please call the Schneider Office 309-928-2611 to ask any questions.
We hope you'll join us for Blue Ridge CONNECT, Mon, March 9, 6-8 pm, BRHS Library. A light dinner will be served. Talk with district leaders about your thoughts, concerns and questions. Details at https://5il.co/cq5h. RSVP to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BlueRidgeConnect.
Free preschool screenings will be held on April 2 and 3. This developmental screening is for children who are 3 or 4 years old at the time of the screening. Please call Mary at the Schneider Office (309)928-2611 to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.
You have the power to shape your future, and the future of all children, by counting everyone in your home in the upcoming 2020 Census. Learn more at https://5il.co/cubm.
See the letter at https://5il.co/dcjn for good news on water tests at Schneider School. Have a wonderful weekend!
Go to https://5il.co/dc92 for information that Illinois Dept. of Public Health has provided for schools across the state regarding coronovirus. Included is a link to the BR pandemic preparedness plan. Thank you for your support in helping us keep our school community healthy!
Are you coming to Blue Ridge CONNECT, Mon, March 9, 6-8 pm, BRHS Library? A light dinner will be served. Talk with district leaders about your thoughts, concerns and questions. Details at https://5il.co/cq5h. RSVP to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BlueRidgeConnect.
JH Track Parent Meeting has been rescheduled for Feb 27 @ 5:30 in the Intermediate Gym.
Due to weather and road conditions Blue Ridge will not have school today.
Kindergarten Registration and Orientation (parents only) will be March 10 at 6 p.m. in the Schneider Cafeteria. Students who turn 5 on or before Sept 1 are eligible. Please call the Schneider Office 309-928-2611 to ask any questions.
Schneider Elementary will be wrapping up our Kids Heart Challenge on Fri., 2/28. If you haven't signed up online, there is still time. Any students that have collected donations (cash/checks) in their packets, please send the packet with your student to school by Fri., 2/28.
Free preschool screenings will be held on April 2 and 3. This developmental screening is for children who are 3 or 4 years old at the time of the screening. Please call Mary at the Schneider Office (309)928-2611 to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.
BRIJHS Scholastic Bowl is up and running. Last week they had their first double win of the season against Rantoul Eater.
BRHS Students: Registration for CEO for the 2020-2021 school year is open! See the link in the comments below to start the application process.
https://www.centralillinoisceo.com/News/2026330144331883_2308183182813243/registration-for-ceo-for-the-2020-2021-school-year-is-
Corrected correction: The Knight to Remember is Feb. 28, and the Gr. 2/3 program is on Thurs., March 19. The updated newsletter is posted at https://5il.co/d5o4. Have a wonderful weekend!
Corrected a couple of dates in the Superintendent's Monthly Message. The Knight to Remember is Feb. 28, and the Gr. 2/3 program is on March 17. The updated newsletter is posted at https://5il.co/d5o4. Have a wonderful weekend!
Don't miss Blue Ridge CONNECT, Mon, March 9, 6-8 pm, BRHS Library. A light dinner will be served. Talk with district leaders about your thoughts, concerns and questions. Details at https://5il.co/cq5h. RSVP to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BlueRidgeConnect.
Don't forget! BRHS Key Club and Kiwanis Club of FC Chili Supper Feb. 21, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the BRHS Commons Area. Delicious Farmers Cafe Chili with all the fixings, brownies, and ice tea for $5. Proceeds go to service projects in the community.
The Superintendent's Monthly Message is now posted at https://5il.co/d5o4, including updates on BRIJHS Radon and HVAC. View the School Calendars for 2020-2021 at https://5il.co/d586 and for 2021-2022 at https://5il.co/d58c
An important update on bus times for 4-8th students attending the SIT Conference this Saturday: Bus will leave BRHS circle drive at 7:30 a.m. and we will arrive back to FC at 2:35 p.m. Looking forward to a great day of learning and fun!
Join us for the BRHS Key Club and Kiwanis Club of FC Chili Supper Feb. 21, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the BRHS Commons Area. Delicious Farmers Cafe Chili with all the fixings, brownies, and ice tea for $5. Proceeds go to service projects in the community.
Parents of 4th-6th grade students: Beginning March 3 it's time to study Animals and Veterinary Science! Please see the 4H flyer to register: https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2020-03-03-piatt-county-4-h-steam-club-session-7-starts
Parents: We need each parent to take the the 5-Essentials School Survey. Deadline is Friday, Feb. 14. If you haven't done so already, please take the survey at https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ Thanks so much!
Additional messages for today: PM Pre-K will be dismissing at 2:35 today, all High School afternoon and evening events are cancelled, all Junior High afternoon and evening events are cancelled.
Due to road conditions, Blue Ridge will dismiss at 2:45 p.m. today to give the buses additional daylight to deliver students. Teachers Institute on Friday (no school), and holiday on Monday (no school). Stay safe and warm.
Fun morning at Schneider Elementary for Breakfast with Someone Special!
After much consideration and parent input, Freshman Orientation will be changed to Wed., Feb. 19, 6pm. Doors will open at 5:15 for parents & students to view activity and class displays and ask questions of elective teachers. Our presentation will begin at 6 pm.
Parents of kids grades K-3, there are still spots open for the next session of the 4-H afterschool program. We will be focusing on art starting February 19! Here is the correct link. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=21486
All after school and evening activities and practices, and 4H Agademics cancelled for tonight. 8th grade orientation and the HS sports meeting rescheduled for tomorrow night. Mrs. Whitehouse will meet separately with parents of 8th grade VB players to discuss orientation.
BRIJHS scholastic bowl and volleyball practice are cancelled for today.
Mark your calendar for the Annual Blue Ridge CONNECT, Mon, March 9, 6-8 pm, BRHS Library. A light dinner will be served. Talk with district leaders about your thoughts, concerns and questions. Details at https://5il.co/cq5h. RSVP: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BlueRidgeConnect.
Radon levels were spot tested on the Jr. High side of BRIJHS over the weekend and came back well within acceptable limits. For details on this, the HVAC, and next steps, go to https://5il.co/cv7q.
Parents of kids grades K-3. The next session of the 4-H afterschool program is open for registration. We will be focusing on art starting February 19! https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=21485
Parents: We stand at a 16% parent response rate to the 5-Essentials School Survey, but need at least 20% to get an actual report of your feedback. If you haven't yet done so, please take the survey at https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ Deadline is Feb. 14. Thanks so much!
An update on BRIJHS HVAC and Radon Mitigation is now posted at https://5il.co/cu1x. Have a wonderful weekend!
Cold and flu season are here. Prevent the spread of illness by covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands often, and staying home if you are ill. For more info: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza
U of I Extension invites local adults to attend a session on Eating for Your Heart. Students, ages 7 and above, are welcome to attend with a parent. Sessions will be held at the libraries in Mansfield and Farmer City. https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/eating_for_your_heart_-_combined_flyer_0.pdf Follow the registration link on the flyer and search for a session under the events tab.
Pre-K’s Growing Together featured “Reading is Magic”. This fun event connected magic with a love for reading. Thank you to all our Pre-K families for coming out to enjoy this night!
The special meeting for the Board of Education is cancelled for this evening and will be rescheduled.
The 4H after-school program for K-3 students and teen teachers is cancelled for this evening.
Blue Ridge Jr. High games and practices are cancelled this afternoon/evening due to expected weather. High school practices and events are still on.
You are cordially invited to Blue Ridge CONNECT, Mon, March 9, 6-8 pm, BRHS Library. A light dinner will be served. Talk with district leaders about your thoughts, concerns and questions. Details at https://5il.co/cq5h. RSVP to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BlueRidgeConnect.
Pre-K-8th grade yearbook order forms are due on Thursday, February 6! The cost is $22. Order forms were sent home to students in January. If you need another form, please contact the office at Schneider or BRIJHS.
Quick reminder to BR parents: Please go to https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ and fill out the survey for your child's school. We need at least 20% of our parents to respond to get results. Currently 12% have responded. Deadline is Feb. 14. Thank you for your time!
Kindergarten and first grade students are celebrating 100 days of school with stations and a Kindergarten parade.
The most recent update regarding BRIJHS HVAC and radon is now posted at https://5il.co/cobh.
"The Shirt Shack is open for business!
The High School Life Skills and Young Adult classes have opened a custom shirt making business. Students help design, make, and sell custom shirts and hoodies. All profits benefit these wonderful special ed. programs.
They are currently selling Knight-wear in the two designs featured below. Hoodies cost $22. T-shirts cost $12. They carry sizes ranging from Youth XS to Adult 2X.
If you are interested in ordering a shirt made by our lovely class, please email Sarah Ringel at sringel@blueridge18.org with your size, color, and design preferences.
Jan. 24, 2020 Update on BRIJHS HVAC and Radon is now posted at https://5il.co/cjdj. Have a good weekend.
Attention parents of 4th-6th graders! Learn more about Healthy Living! Join us for our next after school 4H program, beginning on Feb. 4 at BRIJHS. Follow the link to register now! https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=21508&preview=yes
The Central Illinois CEO program is hosting the Furry Scurry 5K this weekend! CICEO teaches our HS students skills for entrepreneurship. Form more info: https://signup.itsracetime.com/Race/IL/Forsyth/CEOFurryScurry. Should be a fun way to keep those New Years Resolutions!
School is in session this morning. Roads have some slick spots this morning, particularly in the north and west of the district, so buses may need to go slower at times.
BRIJHS Heat and Radon update is posted at https://5il.co/cfz2. This went out an hour or so ago on Facebook, but may not have gone through on other mediums, so resending in this format.
Thank you to all who have called or written with your concerns regarding radon and heat issues at BRIJHS. Following is an update on both items:
JH Heat:
Evidently we had a power surge over the long weekend which tripped a 220 volt breaker and created numerous problems with the HVAC units that serve the building, with primary issues on the JH side. Our maintenance team has been working diligently with the professionals that service our systems to identify all of the issues and make repairs. As of this afternoon, we have heat in the following parts of the school: the entire Intermediate side, the JH gym, and office areas. Jr. High classes were relocated to the Intermediate side of the school today and we plan to continue to house the classes on the Intermediate side for the remainder of this week. This will give staff and students some stability for the next couple of days.
Radon Mitigation for the Jr. High side of BRIJHS:
The engineer and architect for the school district are working with the radon mitigation consultant to develop a temporary mitigation solution that can be put in place until the permanent mitigation system can be implemented. As you know, the JH students were relocated to the Intermediate side today because of the ongoing HVAC issues. We will continue to house the JH students and their classes on the intermediate side until the temporary radon mitigation solution can be put in place. We will let you know when the temporary solution has been implemented and JH classes return to the JH side of BRIJHS.
Special appreciation goes out to Mrs. Nichols and the staff of BRIJHS for their flexibility with classrooms, and to our O & M director Greg Builta and his team for all their work to address these issues. As always, if you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know.
About a half hour ago it came to my attention that a post did not go out to the public as planned last night (see below for content). The post was sent to district personnel, but was not put out through all of our other systems. I apologize for the unnecessary confusion this caused. Susan Wilson.
Post from yesterday: BR plans to be in session tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 22. The heat on the JH side is not yet working, but we have made alternative plans to relocate JH classes to spaces on the Intermediate side of the building. Thanks to Greg and his team for all their work to address the HVAC issues. Thanks to Katie and her team for rearranging their classrooms as we work on the HVAC. I sincerely appreciate everyone's efforts.
Grades 4-6 4H STEAM Club is cancelled today, 1/21/20
Status of district events this PM: HS Drama auditions will be Wednesday, not tonight. BRHS boys basketball at Argenta-Oreana, home scholastic bowl match, and girls basketball practice at HS are on. For BRIJHS: no JH Volleyball practice tonight; JH Boys Basketball at Corpus Christie 5:30 pm is on. Lil Knights volleyball will in in HS Old Gym at 6 p.m.
A letter regarding radon testing in the district is now posted at https://5il.co/cegz. Links to the test results are included in the letter.
Blue Ridge High School alumni Ryan Roe (2004), Malachi Johnson (2005) and Wesley Chrisman (2010) are headed to Afghanistan to defend our country. They will be headed out with Effingham Bravo Company 130th Unit. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
This is a district-wide closure.
Good morning. The heat for the entire Jr. High side of BRIJHS is down this morning. We had heat issues over the weekend but believed they were repaired yesterday evening. School is cancelled for today. A decision about any evening events will be made by noon today.
The Board reviewed draft versions of the school calendars for 2019-20 and 2020-21. BR is considering a 2:20 dismissal during the 1st week of school to ease students back into the school schedule and allow for the many additional committee and planning meetings that need to take place at the start of school. We are also considering earlier than normal start date for 2021-22; this would allow for more even numbers of days in semesters, and a guarantee that school would be out for the summer prior to Memorial Day. Check out the proposed calendars at https://5il.co/cc7f. The calendars
will be presented to the board for final approval at the February 2020 board meeting. The Board welcomes any comments or input on the calendars.
Schneider, Kiwanis , and Key Club celebrated students who improved their grades or maintained good grades at the “Bringing Up Grades” BUG Assembly! Way to go!
Ms. Aimee Thacker, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, produced a fun video to highlight some of the work her students have done in their classes. Watch it at https://5il.co/cc6s (it may load slowly).
Auditions for “The Magical Land of Oz” are canceled tonight but will now be held on Tuesday, January 21, from 3:30-5:30.
Tonight’s JH game has been postponed to Monday.
The Superintendent's Monthly Message is now posted at https://5il.co/cc8p. Remember: No School on Monday due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday!
Congratulations to 7th grade students Josh Berkler for placing 2nd and Carsyn Stiger for placing 3rd in the district level with their Patriot Pen Essays. Josh received an award and $150 check from BR Board Member, Dion Lathrom at the January Board meeting.
Mr. Ken Seneca, Industrial Arts Teacher, presented at last night's BR Board meeting on the opportunities his courses provide students. Mr. Seneca’s program is well-respected and includes classes that are eligible for dual credit with Parkland College. It is well-worth your time to look at the presentation posted at https://5il.co/cc6i.
Don Anton was named Mix 95.4 Teacher of the Month sponsored by Rick Ridings Ford in Monticello.
Good morning, BR Parents! Please take a minute to complete the 5Essentials Parent Survey at https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ We need a 20% response rate to get survey results, and have only 5%. Results shape school improvement plans and goals. Thank you for your help!
Attention parents of students in grades K-3: The next afterschool 4-H session is open for registration. Please sign up and join us for a session on cooking, beginning January 15! https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=21485
Now Hiring....Substitute Bus Drivers. If you've ever thought about becoming one or would like more information, please call 309-928-9141 or email pclagg@blueridge18.org.
Schneider and BRIJHS parents-Yearbooks are on sale at www.jostensyearbooks.com choose Blue Ridge Intermediate Junior High Mansfield to purchase. Cost is $22 email mhardesty@blueridge18.org with questions!
Rocking togas for Greek Games at BRIJHS!
Parents - This message is to let you know that if you receive an email notification from Bark regarding monitoring your student's device(s) it is because of our partnership using Bark for Schools. We encourage you to read the email for details about the Bark Parent Portal and want you to know we've been pleased with the service they provide. Happy holidays!
The Superintendent's Monthly Update for December is now posted at https://5il.co/bzhs. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Years!
Getting in the spirit with PJ day at Schneider!
Parents of 4th-6th grade students, please register your son/daughter for our next after school 4H session, which begins on January 14 with Food Science! View the flier at https://5il.co/bz3q. Register at
https://extension.illinois.edu/dmp
Fun times at Supper with Santa! Thank you BREF!
Don't forget the ROE Substitute Teacher Sign-Up Day on Dec. 16! See flier at https://5il.co/bjt2 for more information.
Students have been working hard to prepare for their 4H Food Challenge. The final challenge will be at the BRJH boys home basketball game on Dec. 12. The program is set up similar to the tv show Chopped.” All are invited to come and watch!
See the latest from Bloomington Area Career Center! Lots of great programs and opportunities for BRHS Juniors and Seniors! https://5il.co/brlr
Food Challenge is back! Parents of BR 7th and 8th graders, follow the link to read about our upcoming activity for students & parents. A light dinner is provided before the Food Challenge and the entire event is free of charge! Please RSVP at go.illinois.edu/brijhs
Families of Blue Ridge 4th-6th graders, make plans now to 'wrap-up' your holiday season with our 4H Holiday Art and Cooking session! Click on the link for registration information.
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2019-12-10-piatt-county-4-h-steam-club-session-4-starts
We are happy to report that our website and email are up and running again. Thank you for your patience during the technical problems this past week. We hope you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break! See you Monday.
Congratulations to Aaron Jayne for making the News-Gazette All Area Honorable Mention Golf Team. Way to go! https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/boys-golf/th-news-gazette-all-area-boys-golf-team-full-teams/article_2b08a39e-7ce4-5d1f-b3e3-8bcf78449a39.html
The BR website is down and we cannot receive email. If you have something urgent to communicate to the school, please telephone. We are working to resolve the problem and will let you know when it is fixed. It may continue through the weekend. Reminder: no school tomorrow or for the rest of the week. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
ROE 17 is holding a Substitute Teacher sign-up day on Dec. 16. See the flier for more information! https://5il.co/bjt2
Mrs. Nichols has the Thanksgiving Spirit!
Congratulations to Ashlyn Voyles for making the News-Gazette All-Area Honorable Mention Golf Team. Way to represent!
BR Board Secretary Kenna Dunlap Johnson, Curriculum Coordinator Hillary Stanifer, and UI Extension Educator Jamie Boas at the IASB school board convention, presenting on the BR/UI Extension partnership to offer after school programming. Way to represent!
BR Board of Education is honored at the State School Board Conference for earning the IASB Governance Recognition! (L to R: Supt. Susan Wilson, Curriculum Coordinator Hillary Stanifer, and Board Members Chelsie Leffelman, Franci Miller, and Kenna Dunlap Johnson)! Way to go!
It’s not too late to celebrate American Education Week! So how about a quiz? It’s not high stakes! :)
Happy American Education Week! We are blessed with a awesome administrative team to guide our district! Thank you for all you do!
BR Ed. Foundation awarded over $7000 for class projects! Traveling Theater–1st gr.; Challenger Mission-2nd gr. BRIJH: Assistance Bands-“Pull-Up” Club; Flexible Seating-ELA Classes; Go Fit Pro-for PE; Piano Progress-Music; and Trauma Informed Supply Cart for BRIJH & Schneider.
The Superintendent's Monthly Update is now posted at https://5il.co/bhd7. This issue includes information on many important items, including audit, tax levy, and school report cards. Happy Thanksgiving!
Our school board members are committed public servants who work on behalf of our children, families, and entire community. Celebrate School Board Member Appreciation today! Happy American Education Week!
Junior High Fannie Mae Candy Pick Up is scheduled for this Thursday, November 21 from 4-5 p.m. Parents, please make arrangements to have your student pick up their order during that time. Any questions, please contact Andrea Weedman - aweedman@blueridge18.org
Happy Education Support Professionals Day! Thank you to all the drivers, cooks, custodians, secretaries, parapros, and library clerks who ensure safe, clean, and healthy learning environments for students every day. #WeLoveOurESPs #AEW2019
It’s American Education Week! We love our public schools and the educators who inspire us.
At the Nov. 20 board meeting, the Blue Ridge Board of Education plans to name Dr. Hillary Stanifer as superintendent for the 2020-21 school year. For details, go to https://5il.co/bbyq. Congratulations, Dr. Stanifer!
Please join Schneider Elementary for our annual Senior Citizen and Grandparent Thanksgiving Dinner taking place November 21, 2019. Serving begins at 11 a.m in the BRHS Moore Gym. Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 19th to Schneider Elementary at 309-928-2611.
World Kindness Day is Wednesday, November 13th.
This list of 7 kind actions from randomactsofkindness.org offers some great ideas for spreading kindness. #WorldKindnessDay and #ROE17Learning
Please share: Angel Tree will serve over 100 kids with clothes and Christmas gifts this year. Contact Lynda Harmon at harman.lynda@yahoo.com to adopt a child or two - or even a family. Monetary donations are also welcome. Angel Tree is a great organization for our community!
Check out this wonderful article in the New York Times about the Honor Flight. Our own Lowell Spieker is featured in the article - very cool! Happy Veterans Day to all! https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/11/us/politics/honor-flights-veterans.html
BRIJHS Boys game and practices for both boys and girls have been cancelled for this evening. BRHS practices are still on as of now.
Due to weather conditions, the Monticello Veterans Day parade has been cancelled. School will dismiss at the normal time. Buses may need to go more slowly when dropping off students. Evening school activities are still on at this time. Happy Veterans Day - and Stay warm!
Information regarding a threat made at the high school this afternoon can be found at https://5il.co/b67r
Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour this Sunday, November 3rd!
Please see the letter to parents/guardians posted at https://5il.co/b40a as a followup to the All-District Evacuation Drill we had on Oct. 10. Thanks to everyone for their help and feedback. Have a good weekend!
Blue Ridge Board of Education unanimously approved new contract with the Union at last night's special board meeting. For details, go to https://5il.co/b2nv
Due to bad weather we will move the Schneider Halloween Parade indoors to the BRHS Old Gym. Parade begins at 9 a.m. this morning. Please enter by the west doors to the gym. See you there!
School Report Cards are now posted at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/ For more information, go to https://5il.co/b2gq
Attention 4th-6th grade students and parents! Art is the subject of our next 4H course which begins Tuesday, November 5 at BRIJHS. Register at the link below. Don't miss out on this creative class! https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=21001
The Blue Ridge Federation of Teachers met Sunday, October 27 and ratified a new 3-year agreement with the BR Board of Education. The Board will meet on Wednesday, October 30 to formally vote on the measure. For details, go to https://5il.co/b0om.
BR will use the 5-Essentials surveys to gather feedback on our schools. The survey's parent version opens today. Teacher & student versions open in December. Parents: access the survey at https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ Type "DeWitt" for the county. Thanks so much!
Parent Care and Share Groups meet in Bloomington on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Childcare is provided. A flier is posted at https://5il.co/ayqc with more information.
BR Board and BRFT Reach Tentative Agreement - press release posted at https://5il.co/aww0
The students and staff of Schneider Elementary School cordially invite all Veterans to attend a special program in their honor. The program will be held in the Moore Gym at Blue Ridge High School at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2019.
Veterans and their families are also invited to join us for lunch from 11:15a.m.-12:15 p.m. Please RSVP for lunch to the Schneider School office at 309-928-2611 by Friday, November 1. No RSVP needed for those coming to the program only.
Please share: Fundraising has begun for BR Memorial Track Project. Info on the project is posted at https://5il.co/as3q. To be a part of this exciting project, send tax deductible contributions to "Blue Ridge Schools Track Complex", 411 N John St, Farmer City 61842.
The Superintendent's Monthly Message for October is now posted at https://5il.co/auze
Attention K-3 parents: There are still spots open for BR Afterschool with 4-H Teen Teachers. The next session (Nature/Environment) starts Wednesday 10/16! Go to https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=21021 to register your child today.
Parents who participated in today's evacuation drill were given a paper feedback form to complete. Parents who did not participate are also asked for their feedback using the form at https://5il.co/aqga. Please return the form to your child's school by Oct 18. Thank you!
Mansfield students are completing their drill and will be returning to school at 1:50 pm and be back at school shortly thereafter.
Evacuation Drill Information. This is just a drill. https://5il.co/aqqh
Update on October 9 Negotiations Session: https://5il.co/aqbp
Attention parents/guardians of 4th-6th graders! Our next 4H course will be about food and it starts next week! You'll not want to miss this one! See the registration link for more info and to get registered!
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=20998
Please read - one additional letter with information regarding our evacuation drill on Thursday is posted at https://5il.co/ap1i. A big thank you to all local law and emergency personnel, community members, school personnel, and parents for making this exercise possible!
Bloomington Area Career Center's Fall 2019 Newsletter is posted at https://5il.co/ao5g. Check out the latest from BACC and the opportunities for our students!
For an update on Blue Ridge contract negotiations, and the posting of the latest offers from the Board and the Union go to https://5il.co/anvl
IASB Director Bertrand and Field Service Rep. Allen, gave BR Board members Kenna Dunlap Johnson, Dale Schneman, Franci Miller, and Supt. Susan Wilson School Board Governance Recognition for a 2nd time! Dale, Kenna, Franci, and Dion Lathrom also recognized for Professional growth!
Homecoming parade at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 4. Football game at 7 p.m. Go Knights!
Our Kindergarten students celebrated the end of their “ABC Bootcamp”. Students were introduced to a letter each day to kick-off the school year. They celebrated with a parade through the building in their student created letter vests!
Blue Ridge K-3 Parents:
Registration is now open for our next session of BR after school 4-H programming! Topic: Nature and Environment, will run October 16-November 20. Register your child today at https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=21021
It's Homecoming Week! Watch for information from your child's school with dismissal details, and call the school if you have questions. Parade steps off at 2 p.m. in Farmer City, and football game is at 7 p.m. Go Knights!!
On Thurs., Oct. 10, BR schools will practice lock-down drills in the morning, and hold an all-district evacuation drill in the afternoon. Details have been sent home with students. Please read all info carefully and return forms to schools.Call with any questions. Go Knights!
2019 Homecoming Court!
Here’s some science from 1st grade this week! Students used mirrors and flashlights to learn about reflection of light and made head harps to learn about sound/vibration.
Following is an update from the Blue Ridge Board of Education regarding negotiations:https://5il.co/afdp
Reminder: No school Monday, September 23 for a School Improvement Day.
Bloomington Area Career Center annual report for 2018-19 is now posted at https://5il.co/adpm. BACC is a valuable program for BRHS Students. Take a look at all they have to offer!
Maureen Gilbert and Franci Miller at the "Ask A Board Member" table at the Schneider Open House last night. Watch for Board members at school events throughout the school year - and stop by to ask questions and offer your input!
The BR Superintendent Monthly Update is posted at https://5il.co/acrg. Don't forget the Schneider Open House tonight from 6-8 pm! See you there!
STEAM Club for grades 4-6 begins on September 24 at BRIJHS. Come join us for our three week Leadership Squad! Follow the link to register now!
https://5il.co/a8iw
The agendas for the upcoming Board of Education meetings can be viewed at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
Schneider's Open House and Book Fair is next week Thursday, September 19th from 6-8 p.m. Check out more details here - shorturl.at/abEOZ
2019 Homecoming Tailgate and Fish Fry to be held Oct 4 at the FC Legion. Check out the flier for more details!! https://5il.co/a5by
Blue Ridge has an opening for a full-time bus driver. Free training. If you are interested, call 309-928-9141. More information is posted at https://5il.co/7sui
Please share: The Salt Creek Resource Center food pantry, clothes closet, and backpack food program are valuable services for people in our communities. The flier at https://5il.co/a0hh provides details and contact information.
Warner Hospital Health Fair - 9/12, 5-7 p.m. Meal, petting zoo, health screenings. See information at https://5il.co/9zu5
We only have 16 signed up for Blue Ridge Agademics starting tomorrow afternoon and we would love to have a full 30! Please spread the word and tell your friends!
Register at https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=20846
Nice article about BR Football! Go Knights!
http://news-gazette.il.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=2b56c7637
Mrs. Rumple’s 3rd graders doing their “All About Me” bags this week. Students are getting to know their classmates and building a strong classroom community.
The Illinois State Board of Education has developed a Guide to Understanding Dyslexia - for parents, educators, and students. The guide is available at https://5il.co/99up
All parents K-12 are encouraged to drop off their students in the morning using the pick up lane at Schneider Elementary. The after school pick up lane is for K-3 parents only. Thank you for your patience with this transition!
Our first week of the school year is in the books! After a few days of our new drop off/pick up policy at Schneider we have a couple updates. Please pull as far forward in the lane as possible when dropping off a child, this allows more cars to come into the pick up lane.
BRHS Fall Preview: showcasing all fall sports starting at 6pm in the new gym with Volleyball, then outside to the football field for Band, Golf, Soccer, Cheer, and finish with Football. Please join us for free hot dogs after the preview.
Blue Ridge K-3 Students and Families: After school programs will be starting very soon. For details go to https://5il.co/9q2m. Don't miss it!
Message from our Transportation Department:
Please DO NO walk between the buses while they are in the circle drives at BRHS/Schneider and BRIJHS.
"Welcome back to Blue Ridge High School. All of us at BRHS are excited for the new year and seeing new and returning students. To kick-off the new year on Wednesday, August 21 we are hosting a class kick ball tournament which will be added to our normal first day of school activities of meeting your teachers and learning about the upcoming school year. So be sure to wear tennis shoes and appropriate clothes! An all school picnic of hot dogs, chips, cookie and water will be provided to all students. We look forward to kicking the year off right and making positive connections. We are looking forward to an awesome school year."
New Blue Ridge teachers are joined by their mentors for a special orientation session. Welcome to the BR Family!
Check out the job opportunities we currently have open. http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
The City’s public informational open house about the upcoming Safe Routes to School sidewalk project is tonight! It will be held at City Hall from 530 to 6 pm, just before our regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn about where the new sidewalks will be built, the timeline for the project and any other questions associated with it.
If you have questions before then, please call City Hall at (309) 928-3412. Thank you!
The Superintendent's Monthly Message for August is posted at https://5il.co/9kze
2019-2020 Bus Schedule PM Shuttle
Farmer City from Schneider/BRHS @ 3:15
Mansfield from BRIJH @ 3:15
**These Shuttle buses will include Bellflower students**
2019-2020 Bus Schedule AM Shuttle
Farmer City from Schneider/BRHS @ 8:00
Mansfield from BRIJH: Bus #53 with Jeff @ 7:45, Bus #54 with Don @ 7:55
Bellflower from Community Center @ 7:45
Peanut butter and allergy accommodations at Blue Ridge will look different this year. For more information on the changes, go to https://5il.co/9j5r.
New Knight wear apparel and order form https://5il.co/9ig2 https://5il.co/9ig5 https://5il.co/9ig6 Orders are due by Sept 25. More options at
https://brhsathleticboosters.ecwid.com/NEW-for-2019-c36466002?fbclid=IwAR2itPveQAeeJrwZswT7spvU0HyQ2UjrRuj7oy_0Yz_BKRAnjMotsaMTtyU
Come join our team! Schneider Elementary has an opening for a Title I Paraprofessional. Find more information at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
With the repaving of John Street, numerous changes have been made to parking, traffic flow, and pickup and dropoff of students. For detailed information, go to https://5il.co/99fq.
The agendas for the upcoming Board of Education meetings can be viewed at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
Current list of jobs available can be found at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Online Registration closes tonight at 11:59 p.m. Instructions are located here: https://tinyurl.com/y3n7jopk Online Registration is for returning students in grades 1-12. If you need to register on-site, you will need to go into your child's school before school starts.
PreK-gr. 12 walk-in registration at BRHS today 10am-3pm, 4-7:30pm. Enter north door #4. Start in district office (1st door on left). Online reg. is open today for returning Gr 1-12.
Farmer City will hold an information meeting on the Safe Route to Schools sidewalk project on Aug. 19, 5:30 p.m. prior to the Council mtg. at City Hall. Learn where new sidewalks are planned, project timelines, and other answers. Call City Hall at 309-928-3412 for more info.
Updated job postings can be found at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
High School Fall Sports Parent meeting is tonight at 6 p.m. Everyone will start in the new gym and then break into groups. Since the circle drive is closed please park in the back and enter the building by the new gym doors.
In case you missed it - here is an electronic version of the BR Community Update that was mailed to all homes in our district last week. Take a look and see what is happening at Blue Ridge! https://5il.co/99hv
Mark your calendars! Schneider's Back to School Night is August 20th. Kindergarten Orientation will be from 5:30-6:00 p.m. and K-3 classrooms are open from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Did you know the new CEO Program is in place this fall for HS seniors at Blue Ridge, Clinton, Maroa-Forsyth, & Warrensburg-Lathom? Learn more at https://www.centralillinoisceo.com/News/2026330144331883_2151763148455248/did-you-know-that-central-illinois-ceo-program-
Illinois Department of Public Health is warning about recent hospitalizations potentially tied to vaping. IDPH is encouraging parents to talk with their teens about consequences and potential dangers of vaping. More information can be found at https://5il.co/97t4
Online Registration is open for returning students in grades 1-12. Please click this link to see instructions for online registration: https://tinyurl.com/y3n7jopk Online Registration closes on 8/9. On-Site Registration will be available on 8/8 from 10-3 and 4-7:30 p.m.
Online Registration is projected to open tomorrow. Stay tuned for a follow-up message with instructions for registering returning students in grades 1-12 online.
The Superintendent's Monthly Update for July 2019 is now posted at https://5il.co/90ra. #BlueRidgeTogether
The latest news form Central Illinois CEO Program - coming to BRHS this fall! https://www.centralillinoisceo.com/News/2026330144331883_2126311744333722/the-central-illinois-ceo-board-is-comprised-of-
Updated job postings can be viewed at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
All OSF PromptCare locations, in Bloomington/Normal area, are offering walk-in $35.00 (self-pay at time of service) sports physicals.
The Central Illinois CEO Program will start this fall. Students from Blue Ridge, Clinton, Maroa-Forsyth, and Warrensburg-Latham will meet to develop business skills and entrepreneurship. See the latest update at https://www.centralillinoisceo.com/
School Supply Lists can be found at the links below. Happy Shopping!
Schneider https://5il.co/8kdn
BRIJHS https://5il.co/8kdo
BRHS https://5il.co/8kdp
The July edition of the DOVE newsletter is posted at https://5il.co/8k72. This information is helpful whether you need assistance, or would like to help in some way.
Free preschool screenings will be held on Aug 1 & 2 at Schneider Elementary for those children who are 3 or 4 years old at the time of the screening. Please call Kristi at the Unit Office (309)928-9141 to schedule an appointment.
Congratulations to recent BRHS Grad Rebekah Kilpatrick for coming in 16th in Job Demonstration at the National Skills USA competition in Louisville, KY this past week. Way to Go!
For more info on Skills USA, visit https://www.skillsusa.org/competitions/skillsusa-championships/
Construction is underway on John St. Due to the John St. renovation, we are anticipating changes to our arrival and dismissal procedures at the Farmer City campus. We will have more information regarding these new procedures coming soon.
Updated job postings and coaching opportunities are available at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Blue Ridge, along with Clinton, Maroa-Forsyth, and Warrensburg-Latham, has started Central Illinois CEO entrepreneur development program for high school seniors. The first class will be this fall. Keep up to date on this great opportunity at https://www.centralillinoisceo.com/
BRHS Baseball's Aaron Jayne made All-Area Special Mention, & Keegan Lyle Jacob Mozingo made the N-G All-Area Honorable Mention Teams! Way to represent! #BlueRidgeTogether
http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/baseball/2019-06-23/2019-n-g-all-area-baseball-teams.html
Congratulations to Gavin Raines and Mitchell Houser for being named to the News-Gazette Track and Field All-Area Honorable Mention team. Way to represent! #BlueRidgeTogether
http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/2019-06-21/2019-n-g-all-area-boys-track-and-field-teams.html
The Superintendent's Monthly Message is now posted at https://5il.co/88uv!
Congratulations to Jenna Mozingo and Polly Reynolds for making the News-Gazette All-Area Honorable Mention Girls Track and Field Team. Way to represent! #BlueRidgeTogether
http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/track-and-field
Check out a re-cap of all the great things that happened in Blue Ridge Schools in 2018-19 at https://5il.co/84u3. Thanks to all school personnel, parents, students, families, and community supporters who make it happen! #BlueRidgeTogether
Free preschool screenings will be held on Aug 1 & 2 at Schneider Elementary for those children who are 3 or 4 years old at the time of the screening. Please call Mary at the Schneider Office (309)928-2611 to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.
Gibson Hospital is offering CPR Training twice this summer. For more information, see the flyer at https://5il.co/80as.
Reminder: the BR District Office is on Summer hours in June and July. Open 7am- 5pm Monday through Thursday. Closed Fridays.
Updated job postings in all areas can be viewed at: http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
It's finally here - the last day of student attendance for Blue Ridge is today. Remember that school dismisses at 2:20 p.m. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer!
This is a reminder that all BRHS students should have their chromebook turned in to school tomorrow by the end of the school day if they have not paid the $50 deposit to keep them during the summer.
The BACC Summer Spotlight is now posted at https://5il.co/7vy4. BRHS Students Lexi Reed, Gabe Jenkins, and Rebekah Kilpatrick are mentioned! Way to represent!
Update: Mansfield phones are back up.
The Mansfield campus is experiencing phone issues, please call 309-928-9141 if you need to get in touch with someone located on that campus. Thank you!
Farmer City is currently under a boil order until further notice. HS and Schneider students may use the restrooms, but will not be able to flush toilets due to low pressure. Bottled water is available for those who need it. School will dismiss at the normal time.
Nice mention of BR Athlete, Gavin Raines in the News-Gazette! http://www.news-gazette.com/multimedia/photogallery/2019-05-23/hs-boys-track-1a-state-prelims
Blue Ridge is hiring bus drivers. Work the school schedule. BR provides free training, competitive wages and state benefits. Call 309-928-9141 for more information. Flier posted at https://5il.co/7sui
BR Key Club is the high school affiliate of the local Kiwanis Club. We are tremendously proud of the dedicated service these high schoolers give to our community and school. Take a look at the great work they've done this past year at https://5il.co/7sxb!
The Superintendent's Monthly Update for May is now posted at https://5il.co/7q55. Have a great evening!
Bus Drivers and Sub Drivers Needed!!! See the job posting and details here: http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
The agenda for the May 15 Board of Education meeting is posted at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
HS Cheer Tryouts will be held the week of May 20. See the flier for more details!!!! https://5il.co/7kyu
Hello, BR parents! There is power in prevention! See the latest poster for tips for parents to prevent underage drinking! Provided by the Piatt County Mental Health Center! https://5il.co/7mxt
Promenade/Coronation at 5 pm today. Students:arrive 4:15 - 4:30 for pictures; Line-up in commons 4:45; park in front of school or north lot. Public: park behind school, enter thru back door by gym.
All students interested in playing football in high school, there is a meeting Saturday May 11th at 5pm at the Blue Ridge High School weight room. We will discuss summer practice dates and expectations for the upcoming season. Parents are welcome to attend.
BR Board Member Kenna Dunlap Johnson was quoted several times in the May/June issue of the Illinois School Board Journal on "What to Expect the First Year" of school board membership. See the article at https://www.iasb.com/journal/j050619_02.cfm. Way to represent!
HS Cheer Tryouts will be held the week of May 20. See the flier for more details!!!! https://5il.co/7kyu
Thank you to SRO Davis and “Think First” for providing all our students at Schneider Elementary a free bike helmet. Students, also, attended an assembly focused on bike helmets, seat belt usage and other basic safety information.
"Pop Culture" Team Trivia Night is tomorrow night at the Farmer City Public Library. Check out the flier for more details! https://5il.co/7ioz
Blue Ridge has an outstanding FFA program led by Jacalyn Meisner. Numerous accomplishments were highlighted at last night's FFA banquet. To see some of the great things the group has done, take a look at their "Year in Review" at https://5il.co/7i2r. Truly Impressive!
A "Bench For Caps" recycling drive is happening now. Bins are located at the FC Library and the football concession stand. More details can be found at https://5il.co/7dtb, https://5il.co/7dth, https://5il.co/7dti Call Liz @ 217-494-1047 with questions.
FYI: Bus 7 (Jeff's route) is running a little over 20 minutes late. We apologize for the delay.
Today, students at Schneider Elementary participated in a presentation about transportation safety. This included a special guest visitor, Toby Tire, who reviewed several important bus safety rules.
BR JFL is promoting and sponsoring a "Bench For Caps" recycling drive. Check out the links for more details of what is acceptable vs unacceptable, what each phase needs and more! https://5il.co/7dtb, https://5il.co/7dth, https://5il.co/7dti
Interested in becoming a Substitute Teacher? A sign up day will be held at Heartland Community College on 5/2. See the link for more details. https://5il.co/7dss
Our spring book fair at Schneider Elementary is happening this Thursday, April 25th from 5-7 p.m. We hope to see you for this fun night of literacy!
Superintendent's Monthly Message for April 2019 is now posted at https://5il.co/7c6r. Have a wonderful weekend. Remember - no school Friday and Monday, April 19 and 22!
The latest job postings can be viewed at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
We are pleased to announce that Maureen Gilbert has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the Blue Ridge Board of Education that was created by the resignation of Justin Otto. She will be sworn in at tonight's meeting and will fill out the remaining 2 years of the term.
Our 1st grade students shared their poetry during today’s Poetry Cafe. So proud of their creativity and courage!
The agenda for the April 17 Board of Education meeting is posted at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
Congratulations to our Schneider School BUG (Bring Up Grades) recipients for 3rd quarter. Students are recognized for improving grades from 2nd quarter or maintaining good grades. Thank you to program sponsors: BRHS Key Club, BR Educational Foundation, and Kiwanis Club of FC!
Too many State Troopers have lost their lives by drivers not following the law. Scott’s Law mandates all vehicles must reduce speed, change lanes if possible, and proceed with caution when approaching any stopped vehicle with flashing emergency lights. https://5il.co/77dc
Updated job postings can be viewed at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
BR Educational Foundation will have a cake walk at the Daddy Daughter Dance this Saturday night at 7 p.m. If you would like to donate desserts, please bring items to the BRHS Old Gym that evening from 6:30 pm. Proceeds go to educational grants for classrooms. Thanks so much!
Prom right is around the corner and we want to ensure our children stay safe & sober! DeWitt-Piatt Co. Health Dept. asks parents to take this survey provision of alcohol to HS students. Information will be kept confidential.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/English_Survey_BRHS
The Jr. High track meet in Ridgeview tonight has been cancelled and there is NO practice today after school either.
Homeless children have equal access to the same public education, including preschool, as other students. BR Schools work to address any barriers that may negatively affect a child's education. Call 309-928-9141 for assistance. Details are available at https://5il.co/621q
Congratulations to newly elected BR board members Chelsie Leffelman & Carlos Burton, & re-elected incumbent Dale Schneman! Thank you to outgoing board members Matt Althaus, Curt Homann, & Justin Otto for dedicated service. The new board will be seated April 29.#BlueRidgeTogether
The Daddy Daughter Dance is set for Sat., Apr. 6 from 7-9 pm at Blue Ridge High School. Join us for a great time. Details are posted at https://5il.co/6sq8.
Free preschool screenings at Schneider on April 11 & 12. This is for children who are 3 or 4 at the time of the screening. Call Mary at 928-2611 to schedule an appt or for any questions. For more info go to http://www.blueridge18.org/article/100626?org=blue-ridge-cusd-18
Attached is a press release from the athletic conference for BRHS regarding a name change for the conference. We are Lincoln Prairie Conference, beginning in 19-20! https://5il.co/73kn
BR Educational Foundation will have a cake walk at the Daddy Daughter Dance this Saturday night at 7 p.m. If you would like to donate desserts, please bring items to the BRHS Old Gym that evening from 6:30 pm. Proceeds go to educational grants for classrooms. Thanks so much!
The Daddy Daughter Dance is set for Sat., Apr. 6 from 7-9 pm at Blue Ridge High School. Join us for a great time. Details are posted at https://5il.co/6sq8
Blue Ridge is very well represented in the 2019 News-Gazette Design An Ad. Congratulations to Alicen Herald, Megan Schumacher, Polly Reynolds, Brayden Evans, Elise Swanstrom, Hannah Cole, Kalyn Warner, Kallee Steinkamp, and Sarah Whitehouse! #BlueRidgeTogether
Today’s softball and baseball games have been cancelled.
Congratulations to Katie Bowns, Meah Carter and Jenna Mozingo for being named to the News-Gazette All-Area Honorable Mention Team! Way to represent! #BlueRidgeTogether
The Bloomington Area Career Center is a valuable asset for students from Blue Ridge High School. See the latest information from BACC in their spring newsletter, now posted at https://5il.co/6zyz. Have a very happy spring break!
Lights, Camera, Cook! registration is open to all 4th-8th graders and will begin on Thursday after Spring Break. If you like to cook, create videos, or be the star in a video, this session is for you! Visit go.illinois.edu/dmp and register soon!
Let’s Get Growing registration is open to all K-5 graders and will begin on Wednesday after Spring Break. Activities will include outdoor/gym time, cooking, and gardening. Visit go.illinois.edu/dmp and register soon!
The most recent job postings can be viewed at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
The Superintendent's Monthly Message for March is now posted at https://5il.co/6zmg. Have a great day!
Spring Break is soon upon us with Summer soon to follow. Let's keep our kids involved in healthy activities. Set aside time to be with our youth and just talk to them. Parents: We have the power to be a positive support system for our youth! https://5il.co/6yjt
Blue Ridge's own Dr. Stanifer, Mrs. Nichols, and Mrs. Parsons at the Women in Education Leading and Learning (WELL) Summit in Springfield yesterday! Way to Represent! #BlueRidgeTogether #ILWellSummit
Sub Bus Drivers NEEDED!!!!!! Call Paulette or Jessi @ 309-928-2150 if interested or for more information.
Don't forget the BREF Daddy Daughter Dance on April 6. See https://5il.co/6sq8 for more details!
Our Kids Heart Challenge Assembly was a success! Our Schneider students raised over $11,500 for the American Heart Association. Our students worked so hard to provide for a good cause. So proud of these young Knights!!
Updated job postings can be found at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
The Backpack Food Program provides weekend provisions for students at risk of hunger. Volunteers are needed for food packaging 1:30-3 PM in the BRHS Ag Shop on 3/13, 4/17, 5/15. Come by and lend a hand if you can!
Justin Otto has resigned from the BR School Board. The Board is accepting applications from interested individuals (qualifications: 18 years old, district resident for 1 year). Send letter of interest and resume to District Office, 411 N. John St., Farmer City 61842 by April 5.
BRHS Parents: Please take a minute to complete the survey from DeWitt/Piatt Co. Health Department at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7MDQM9M. This survey looks at parent provision of alcohol to High School aged students. All responses are kept confidential. Thank you!
Please share: The Blue Ridge Educational Foundation Daddy Daughter Dance has been scheduled for a new date: Saturday, April 6 at BRHS Moore Gym. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Dance is from 7-9 pm. Join us for dancing, snacks, raffle and cake walk. See details at https://5il.co/6sq8
The local Angel Tree provided over 85 children with Christmas gifts and other needed items. Angel Tree volunteers are already gearing up for next year. To read many more details on the good work of this group, go to https://5il.co/6slm. Thanks to all who supported Angel Tree!
See all the ways to stay informed about BR Schools at http://5il.co/2oct
Who wants to be the next Food Vlogger Star? 4-H STEAM Club presents Lights, Camera, Cook! a hands-on cooking club for BR 4-8th graders. Meetings are at BRIJHS on Thursdays, 4/4-5/2, 3:15-5:15 pm. Sign up by 3/29 at go.illinois.edu/dmp. Email questions to kleissjm@illinois.edu.
Important, please read: We have had a few reports within the last day of a resurfacing social media and internet presence known as the "Momo Challenge". A letter regarding this serious issue was sent home with students today. It is also posted at https://5il.co/6qnx
Updated job postings can be found at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
There may have been some confusion but the winter sports banquet will begin at 6:00 pm in the old gym at Blue Ridge High School
Kindergarten Registration and Orientation will be held on Tues, Mar 12 @ 6pm. Call the Schneider Office at 309-928-2611 with questions or go to http://www.blueridge18.org/article/92490?org=blue-ridge-cusd-18
Free preschool screenings at Schneider on April 11 & 12. This is for children who are 3 or 4 at the time of the screening. Call Mary at 928-2611 to schedule an appt or for any questions. For more info go to http://www.blueridge18.org/article/92492?org=blue-ridge-cusd-18
Weather Spotter Training - March 27. See the flier at https://5il.co/6p2k for more details.
Blue Ridge places great importance on supporting students as they grow and develop socially and emotionally. For an updated list of supports available, go to http://5il.co/20s8
Correction on Supt. Monthly Message: One of the teachers honored by the Chamber of Commerce was incorrectly identified. For the updated version go to https://5il.co/6n9j
Superintendent's Monthly Message for February is now posted at https://5il.co/6n9j. Have a great evening!
The 2018-19 school calendar has been updated and is posted at http://5il.co/2uv7. As of now, June 4 is the last day of school, June 5 is Teacher Institute, and we have 1 emergency day left. The calendar for 2019-20 is also available at http://5il.co/2uv8
Schneider Kids Heart Challenge Update! We have 76 students that have joined our school's team already and have already raised $4,600 online as a school!
GET REGISTERED today at: http://www2.heart.org/goto/Schneider_FarmerCity
If we can get 50% of our students (122) registered online, we will earn an extra $300 certificate for FREE P.E. Equipment!!! We are already more than halfway there!
Free preschool screenings at Schneider on April 11 & 12. This is for children who are 3 or 4 at the time of the screening. Call Mary at 928-2611 to schedule an appt or for any questions. For more info go to http://www.blueridge18.org/article/90722?org=blue-ridge-cusd-18
Agendas are posted for the upcoming Board of Education meeting on Feb 20 and the 3rd annual Blue Ridge Connect event on Feb 25. Check them out at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
Kindergarten Registration and Orientation will be held on Tues, Mar 12 @ 6pm. Call the Schneider Office at 309-928-2611 with questions or go to http://www.blueridge18.org/article/89989?org=blue-ridge-cusd-18 for more information.
BR Board of Education is hosting the 3rd Annual BR Connect Mon, Feb 25, 6-8 pm at BRIJHS, Mansfield. This evening is an opportunity to give us your thoughts. The flier is at https://5il.co/68fp. RSVP at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BlueRidgeConnect. We hope you join us!
For Gr. 6-8:
Want to use cameras and lighting to shoot videos? Want to edit videos? Want to be the next video star? The 4-H STEAM Club is looking for kids that want to cook, eat and produce videos! Sign up for Lights, Camera, Cook! by 2/19 at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp
K-5 students
Let’s Get Growing is Wednesdays, February 20-March 20 Kids will learn do gardening and cooking activities. Register by 2/18 at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp
BR appreciates all who filled out the snow day survey. Results are posted at https://5il.co/6i85. This information will be used as we look at options such as remote learning days. For more info on the how/why/when of emergency days, go to https://5il.co/6i8g. Have a great week!
The Backpack Food Program provides weekend provisions for students at risk of hunger. Volunteers are needed for food packaging 1:30-3 PM in the BRHS Ag Shop on 2/13, 3/13, 4/17, 5/15. Come by and lend a hand if you can!
K-1 students celebrated 100 days of school today! Kindergarten students showcased their 100 day projects during their morning parade and K-1 students were engaged in several hands-on learning activities throughout the morning.
Homeless children have equal access to the same public education, including preschool, as other students. BR Schools work to address any barriers that may negatively affect a child's education. Call 309-928-9141 for assistance. Details are available at https://5il.co/621q
Blue Ridge celebrates National School Counselor Week! We are so grateful for our dedicated and caring counselors, Leslie Whitehouse and Cara Wells! If you get a chance, thank them for all they do for our students and families!
Blue Ridge is a proud partner with the U of I Extension Programs. We work together to provide after school enrichment programs for our students such as the Food Challenge and Coding. Here's a link to the Extension's annual report: https://5il.co/6h8g
Schneider Elementary is kicking off our “Kids Heart Challenge”! You can find more information at https://bit.ly/2E17pud
Job Postings for the 2019-2020 school term can be found at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Kindergarten Registration and Orientation will be held on Tues, Mar 12 @ 6pm. Call the Schneider Office at 309-928-2611 with questions or go to http://www.blueridge18.org/article/87562?org=blue-ridge-cusd-18 for more information.
Update on Thursday evening events for Blue Ridge: BRIJHS volleyball and scholastic bowl are cancelled. BRHS Girls Basketball Game is still on. Scholastic Bowl is postponed until Feb. 11. Barring unforseen circumstances, school is on for Friday!
Kindergarten Registration and Orientation will be held on Tues, Mar 12 @ 6pm. Call the Schneider Office at 309-928-2611 with questions or go to http://www.blueridge18.org/article/86512?org=blue-ridge-cusd-18 for more information.
KEY CLUB/KIWANIS CHILI SUPPER, Friday, Feb. 8, 5 -7 p.m. at BRHS. $5 per person for chili (and all the fixings), drink and dessert. Proceeds will go toward community service projects. Come out for some delicious Imo's chili - a good deal for a great cause!
Due to a housefire on the west side of Farmer City, school buses #52 and 28 need to be re-routed. Students on the South and West sides of Farmer City will be delivered a little later than usual. (Tuesday, Jan. 29 afternoon.)
Flag Clinic will not be performing tonight. The basketball game for tonight got postponed.
Blue Ridge Boys Basketball game for tonight, Jan. 29 has been canceled. It will be rescheduled for a later date.
Dangerous windchills late tonight thru Thurs AM. Temps may rise Thurs PM. School & evening events cancelled Wed, Jan. 30; school cancelled Thurs, Jan. 31. Decisions made by noon Thurs about PM events. Short Term Sub Training and evening events are still on for today, Tuesday.
Back by popular demand! Join us Sat., Feb. 23 at Blue Ridge High School for the 2nd Annual "A Knight to Remember". This memorable evening includes dinner at 5-7 pm and Talent Show and Auction at 7:15 pm. Details can be found at https://5il.co/6cef.
ATTENTION: Flag Clinic performance time has been moved up due to a game time change. Please arrive at 7 and meet in old gym.
We are asking for input on various options used for school when we have bad weather days. Please take a minute to fill out the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LateStartsToSchool.
Evening events: BRHS: LOVC Varsity BBB Tournament game at Arcola vs Arcola tonight is still on as scheduled. Bus leaves at 4:30 p.m.
BRIJHS: No evening events or practices. Have a good weekend!
Blue Ridge is cancelling school today due to extreme cold. Stay safe and warm.
15 students from BRHS will be showing their artwork at Illinois State University. Their work was accepted into the juried show for Central Illinois High School Art Exhibition. The show is at University Galleries in downtown Normal and will run from February 2-16.
Roads are icy at present time. Temps should rise & conditions improve to dismiss at normal time at end of day. We plan to keep AM PreK at school, feed lunch, send home when K-12 dismisses. PreK parents may check their child out of school if prefer. PM PreK is cancelled.
BR Board of Education is hosting the 3rd Annual BR Connect Mon, Feb 25, 6-8 pm at BRIJHS, Mansfield. This evening is an opportunity to give us your thoughts. The flier is at https://5il.co/68fp. RSVP at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BlueRidgeConnect. We hope you join us!
Stay informed about all things Blue Ridge! Check out the options at http://5il.co/2oct
Superintendent's Monthly Message for January is now posted at https://5il.co/68d5
Blue Ridge CUSD #18 V/VJ scholastic bowl quad for tonight has been post-poned to Feb. 6th.
BR Evening Events will be held as scheduled:
BRIJHS Volleyball match is at home. 7th grade boys basketball play at Heyworth at 5 p.m. with bus leaving at 3:50 p.m. BRHS Girls Basketball at LOVC Tourney is on for tonight. Bus at 4:15 p.m.
Due to inclement weather, school is cancelled for Blue Ridge today, Thursday, January 17. Status of evening events will be determined by noon today.
The Backpack Food Program provides weekend provisions for students at risk of hunger. Volunteers are needed for food packaging 1:30-3 PM in the BRHS Ag Shop on 1/16, 2/13, 3/13, 4/17, 5/15. Come by and lend a hand if you can!
Tonight’s HS basketball game has been canceled due to weather. We will reschedule Ryan Albin night and send out the new date when it is available. Stay safe and warm!
The January newsletter for DOVE is now posted at https://5il.co/6640. DOVE is an area agency that supports individuals who are dealing with domestic violence, homelessness, and other challenges. Volunteers and resources are always welcome.
Ever thought about becoming a substitute teacher but didn't know where to start? Join us for an informational meeting and Short Term Sub training on January 29 to see what it's all about. More details can be found at https://5il.co/63bt
As we move forward into a new year we set new goals, plan new and exciting activities, & start with a fresh slate. Engaging in positive communication and setting healthy boundaries with your teen is a great way to help you both achieve success in the new year. https://5il.co/62vj
4-H STEAM Club presents Spark Tank! BRJHS 6-8th graders are invited to identify a school issue and present a solution to funders- Shark-Tank Style. Thursdays 1/10-2/7, 3:15-5:15pm. Sign up by 1/7 at go.illinois.edu/dmp. Email questions to kleissjm@illinois.edu.
Children without a regular, adequate nighttime residence are considered homeless, as are unaccompanied youth not in the custody of a parent/guardian. If you know someone who needs support due to homelessness, call 309-928-9141 for help. For more info, go to https://5il.co/621q
4-H Afterschool- All Things STEM including edible science, aerospace, and engineering challenges. K-2 has 6 openings and 3-5 has 11 openings. Wednesdays 1/9-2/13, 3:30-4:45pm. Sign up by 1/7 at go.illinois.edu/dmp. Email questions to kleissjm@illinois.edu.
Happy New Year to the Blue Ridge Community! Teachers will be returning on January 2nd for professional development and work on curriculum and instruction. School resumes for students on January 3rd. It's going to be a great 2nd semester!
Congratulations to Hannah Brackenhoff for making the News-Gazette All-State Volleyball Team Honorable Mention 100! http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/2018-12-26/37th-news-gazette-all-state-volleyball-team.html
BR 6th-8th graders: 4-H STEAM Club presents Spark Tank! BR 6-8th graders are invited to identify a school issue and present a solution to funders- Shark-Tank Style. Thurs. 1/10-2/7, 3:15-5:15pm. Sign up by 1/7 at go.illinois.edu/dmp. Email questions to kleissjm@illinois.edu.
New job postings can be found at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
The Superintendent's Monthly Update for December is available at https://5il.co/60kq. Have a wonderful holiday break!
Supper with Santa pictures are posted at https://www.facebook.com/962779150497789/posts/1890490204393341/ Many thanks to Blue Ridge Educational Foundation and all the volunteers for hosting this event!
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us the We are More Campaign is reminding parents to slow down, spend extra quality time with your teens and have a safe and healthy holiday season. https://5il.co/5rcj
The Bloomington Area Career Center Winter Spotlight Newsletter is now posted at https://5il.co/5yz6
Cheer, Cheer everybody cheer! Don't forget that cheer clinic forms are due to any school office by this Wednesday!! Clinic is offered to students in grades K-6th. See the link for more details and print from there! https://5il.co/5uc4
Congratulations to Keegan Lyle and Brady Massengale for making the News-Gazette All-Area Honorable Mention Team for Football! Go Knights! http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/2018-12-16/2018-all-area-football-teams.html
It's foggy out there. For safety's sake, our buses will be taking it a little slower this afternoon, so may be running later than usual as they deliver their riders.
The Backpack Food Program provides weekend provisions for students at risk of hunger. Volunteers are needed for food packaging 1:30-3 PM in the BRHS Ag Shop on 12/14(FRI), 1/16, 2/13, 3/13, 4/17, 5/15. Come by and lend a hand if you can!
Parents/Guardians: Please take a minute to do the Climate/Culture survey about our schools. A note was sent out last week with details (view at https://5il.co/5ro4). Survey link: https://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/89814/p45670
BRHS Cheerleaders are hosting a cheer clinic for students currently in Kindergarten-6th grade on January 5th. Check out the flier for more details and how to sign up! https://5il.co/5uc4
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us the We are More Campaign is reminding parents to slow down, spend extra quality time with your teens and have a safe and healthy holiday season. https://5il.co/5rcj
Here’s a look at tonight’s K/1 music program “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Awesome performance by our students. Another great production by Mr. Davito!
Reminder for school board candidates that the petition filing period began today and will continue until next Monday, December 17. pic.twitter.com/TUIJAjZLJq
The High School Parent Advisory Council will hold it's December Meeting on Wednesday, December 12th at 6:00 in the Commons.
Our Pre-K “Growing Together” event took place this evening. Such a fun night! Thank you to all our Pre-K families for attending.
BR Parents/Guardians: From Dec. 11 thru Feb. 15, we are conducting a climate and culture survey of parents, teachers, and gr. 3-12 students to gather your opinions on our schools. Go to https://5il.co/5ro4 for details. This letter will also be sent home with students this week.
Report IT is posted as a Quick Link at the bottom of the BR18 website. This form allows individuals to proactively share important or concerning info with select personnel and administration regarding school safety or possible threats. https://goo.gl/forms/vEvAkAxNFRthVo7t2
Mr. Seneca's Class complete's garage #22. Great job!
Here's a link to the many ways to stay up-to-date on Blue Ridge Schools: http://5il.co/2oct
BRIJHS Parents: We've recently had some phone line changes at the Mansfield campus. Please program in the main number 217-489-5201 on your contact list and use this number when you are trying to contact BRIJHS. This number, the main phone line, has not changed. Thanks!
Congratulations to the Blue Ridge High School Students who placed in the Local Voice of Democracy Contest: First Place- Kaitlyn Bradford, Second Place- Madi Houser, Third Place- Sarah Whitehouse, and 4th Place- Cody Philips.
Congratulations to our November Principal Luncheon students at Schneider Elementary! Thank you for being good role models and modeling our respect rules.
Three positions for the BR Board of Education are up for election in April 2019. For those interested in running for election, petitions will be due to the DeWitt County Clerk's office Dec. 10-17, 2018. The 2019 Candidate Guide is posted at http://5il.co/55pw.
The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) selected Dec 3 this year for their “Dining In” Day. This day is to encourage families to eat at home, instead of dining out. For more info, visit: https://www.aafcs.org/fcsday/home.
Take a peek at the job openings available! http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Students in Mrs. Wilkinson’s 3rd grade class are participating in their daily classroom meeting. What a great way to problem solve and promote a positive classroom community!
Save the date for Supper with Santa at Schneider on December 14! Pizza and cookies will be served along with some holiday activities planned. Be sure to come in your pajamas!! More info can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/491387244675789/
Updated job openings are posted at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Congratulations to Nick Becker, Brenden Flannell, Troyer Gilman, and Tyler Maxwell for making the News-Gazette Alll-Area Honorable Mention Soccer Team! http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/2018-11-25/2018-all-area-all-conference-boys-soccer-teams.html
Congratulations to the 89 High School Students who received a Gondola Lunch for having No Late or Missing Assignments from the October 15th through November 9th!
Some of our students participated in the Kirby Medical Center 2018 Holiday Card contest. Brenna Light, in Ms. Sedberry's 4th grade class, was chosen as a finalist and will be invited to ride on the Kirby Christmas Parade float with her holiday card! Congratulations, Brenna!
Ms. Dickman's 1st grade class is thankful for PIE! The class won a pizza party for having the most participation for the Knight Walk. We appreciate P.I.E. for making this possible!
IASB Field Services director Larry Dirks, BR Board Secretary Franci Miller, and Superintendent Susan Wilson presented today on Board-Superintendent Relations at the Illinois School Board conference in Chicago!
Save the date for Supper with Santa at Schneider on December 14! Pizza and cookies will be served along with some holiday activities planned. Be sure to come in your pajamas!! More info can be found at
https://www.facebook.com/events/491387244675789/
BR appreciates the work of our school board members! #ThankABoardMember
The Superintendent's Monthly Update is now posted at https://5il.co/5mrp . Have a great day!
Everyone is safe. This morning a bus slid into a ditch near DeLand. Our mechanic pulled the bus out and followed it on the rest of the route. Minor damage occurred to a panel behind the rear tire. We are especially thankful for our bus & maintenance crews on days like today!
Don’t forget about tomorrow’s Senior Citizen and Grandparents Thanksgiving Luncheon! If we have inclement weather and school is cancelled, we will move the luncheon to Friday, November 16th.
Celebrating the leadership of the BR School Board! #ThankABoardMember
BRHS Parents: Please take 3 minutes to complete this very short survey and give the Coalition for Bright Future’s your opinion on which Parent Campaign Posters you like best! For more info go to: https://www.facebook.com/WEAREMOREpcmhc/
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVP8JGM
Tomorrow is the day for a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner for Senior Citizens and Grandparents. Please join us in the BRHS old gym, starting at 11 am. $2.75 per person at the door. Call 309-928-2611 to reserve your seat! See the flier for more details http://5il.co/5ft9
One stop shop to sign up to become a substitute teacher. Check out the details!
Happy Board Member Appreciation to Justin Otto, Dale Schneman, Franci Miller, Curt Homann, Dion Lathrom, and Kenna Dunlap Johnson, and Matt Althaus! #ThankABoardMember
Thank you to all our veterans for attending today’s luncheon and assembly at Schneider Elementary!
Happy Board Member Appreciation! We are celebrating the volunteers who serve our community as members of the BR Board of Education! We appreciate Justin Otto, Dale Schneman, Franci Miller, Curt Homann, Dion Lathrom, and Kenna Dunlap Johnson, and Matt Althaus! #ThankABoardMember
Just a friendly reminder not to block driveways when parking on John Street near the Farmer City schools. Thanks so much!
There has been a change to the time frame for the climate and culture surveys we will be giving to parents, students, and teachers. The surveys will be sent out after December 11 and will be due by Feb. 15. Watch for more information closer to the time.
BRIJHS honors our veterans!
The agenda for the Regular Board Meeting on 11/14/18 is posted at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
The Backpack Food Program provides weekend provisions for students at risk of hunger. Volunteers are needed for food packaging 1:30-3 PM in the BRHS Ag Shop on 11/14, 12/14, 1/16, 2/13, 3/13, 4/17, 5/15. Come by and lend a hand if you can!
The FC Chamber of Commerce will again be recognizing Blue Ridge Teachers and Staff Members of the Year at their annual meeting. This is a great way to recognize someone for going above and beyond.To nominate, please complete the form at
https://goo.gl/forms/oavXtqEbHxCGxpaj1
Blue Ridge schools are engaged in continuous improvement. Parent feedback is essential to the process. A text will go out Nov. 15 that links you to a survey due mid-December. Responses will be used to learn about your expectations for our schools. We hope you'll take part!
Parents/Guardians: Just a friendly reminder as winter approaches: Please check your contact info in Q. The phone/email contact system pulls the latest info from Q each night. You should be able to make your own changes, but call the school if you have trouble. Have a great day!
Blue Ridge Volleyball is selling t-shirts to commemorate their record breaking season, 6 time regional championship and 3 time Sweet 16. Orders are due Nov. 20th. Congratulations to the Volleyball team, Coach Miles and Coach Moak. Tradition never graduates!
http://5il.co/5iuc
No plans this Friday evening? Come to BRIJHS to watch The Hobbitt, performed by all ages of BR students. Performance starts at 7 pm and general admission is $10/ticket. See the flier for more details http://5il.co/5ie6
This morning the BRHS driver's ed van was hit from behind as it was stopped to turn left onto Allen Street from Rt. 54 in FC. Thankfully no one appears to be seriously injured, but we continue to monitor those involved. Thanks to local first responders for assisting at the scene.
Angel Tree applications can still be turned in. Pick up an application in any school office or at the Farmer City Public Library. For more information go to http://5il.co/5iat
The Illinois School Report Card for 2017-18 has been released. Information for our school district and each school can be found at https://IllinoisReportCard.com or under "Documents" at www.blueridge18.org.
STEAM Club will have a culminating event, 4H Family Food Challenge, on Nov.7 at Schneider School. A spaghetti meal will be served at 6pm. Family Food Challenge begins at 6:30 pm. Only 100 seats are available! See the flyer at http://5il.co/5dir to register.
Brooklyn Hardesty, 2nd grader in Mrs. Burns' room, had her writing published in the Flying Horse! Congrats, Brooklyn! You can view her piece at https://bit.ly/2P3L0Ug.
Mrs. Parson's class leads the pledge (https://youtu.be/M0SYX_UF_nk) just before the annual Schneider School Halloween Parade (https://youtu.be/yS4JZ3q826U) - October 2018!
BRHS reached their fundraising goal for UNICEF and Operation Christmas Child, so Mr. Duke got a pie in the face. Thanks to Shelby Arndt for doing the honors!
Senior Citizens and Grandparents-Please join us at BRHS for Thanksgiving Dinner on November 15th! See the flier for more details http://5il.co/5ft9
Just a reminder: The Sectional Final tomorrow night, Oct. 31 between Blue Ridge and Flanagan-Cornell is at 5:30 p. m.
There is now a mobile app available for Qmlativ! If you have the current Skyward mobile app you need to delete it before installing the new one. To find the new app search your app store for Skyward Mobile Access. Click this link for more information https://goo.gl/tQrxBR
Wondering how to stay informed about Blue Ridge Schools? Take a look at http://5il.co/2oct
Challenger Learning Center at Heartland College is planning a Community Day on Sat., Nov. 3, 9-noon (come and go). Families with children 5 and older are invited to this free event at the Astroth Community Education Center, Room 1200. Register at http://www.heartland.edu/clc/
Bloomington Area Career Center students are participating in the World Skills competition. This is a tremendous accomplishment for BACC. Blue Ridge students are fortunate to be a part of such a high value programs! For more details: http://5il.co/5ezi
Not sure what to have for supper tomorrow night? Dine in/carry out at Monicals to help support the FCBC. Must have flier at dine in or state flier at carry out. Print the flier here: https://farmercitybaseballcorporation.weebly.com/uploads/8/1/6/6/81663854/monicals_flier.pdf
Check out the updated job postings! Teachers, coaches, individual aides, nurses and subs wanted. http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Happy Principal Appreciation Week, Mr. Peyton!
Mrs. Wrestler’s 2nd grade students learning about colors and abstract art. Here they are creating their “Kandinsky” inspired collages!
Sign up now for after school clubs:
K-2nd and 3rd-5th will have Art Club after school on Wednesdays. Flyer posted at http://5il.co/5diu.
6th-8th will have Coding Club after school on Thursdays. Flyer posted at http://5il.co/5dit.
Happy Principal Principals Appreciation Week, Mrs. Nichols!
STEAM Club will have a culminating event, 4H Family Food Challenge, on Nov.7 at Schneider School. A spaghetti meal will be served at 6pm. Family Food Challenge begins at 6:30 pm. Only 100 seats are available! See the flyer at http://5il.co/5dir to register.
The students and staff of Schneider Elementary School cordially invite all Veterans to attend a special program in their honor. The program will be held in the Moore Gym at Blue Ridge High School at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 12, 2018. Veterans and their families are also invited to join us for lunch from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Please RSVP for lunch to the Schneider School office at 309-928-2611 by Friday, November 2nd. No RSVP needed for those coming to the program only.
Happy Principal Appreciation Week, Mr. Lawrence
Angel Tree is still accepting application. Contact any school office to pick one up. Questions can be directed to Lynda Harman @ 309-846-8500.
Oct. 22-26 is Principal Appreciation Week. BR is blessed with great principals for our schools. Mr. Lawrence, Mrs. Nichols, and Mr. Peyton care about our students and community! If you get a chance, let them know that you appreciate the work they do!
The Superintendent's Monthly Update for October is now posted at http://5il.co/5br7. Lots of great things happening at Blue Ridge!
Updated job postings can be found at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Hungry? Come out on October 30 to Monical's to help support the FC Baseball Corporation. Must have flier for donation to be applied.
The Backpack Food Program provides weekend provisions for students at risk of hunger. Volunteers are needed for food packaging 1:30-3 PM in the BRHS Ag Shop on 9/12, 10/17, 11/14, 12/14, 1/16, 2/13, 3/13, 4/17, 5/15. Come by and lend a hand if you can!
Our Knight Walk tradition will be quite chilly tomorrow morning. Please dress your child accordingly for the 40 degree temperatures. Go Knights!
October is principal appreciation month! We are thankful for the high quality principals we have at Blue Ridge. Here is a video from the Illinois State Superintendent honoring the work of principals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j42mfDdezl4
Mark your calendars! BRIJHS Drama Club presents The Hobbit on Friday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. Call 217-489-5201 to reserve your tickets today!
Due to Homecoming activities there will be NO Parent Advisory Committee Meeting tonight. We will meet again next month.
Three positions for the BR Board of Education are up for election in April 2019. For those interested in running for election, petitions will be due to the DeWitt County Clerk's office Dec. 10-17, 2018. The 2019 Candidate Guide is posted at http://5il.co/55pw.
Great day of professional development. BR Faculty learning about Restorative Practices.
Remember the benefit for Kade Nichols, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. at the FC Raceway Expo Building!
Do you have pictures that would be great for our yearbooks? Upload pics for consideration here: https://www.replayit.com/#/home Questions? Please contact mhardesty@blueridge18.org for the PreK-8 yearbook and athacker@blueridge18.org for the BRHS yearbook.
The Bloomington Area Career Center fall newsletter is now posted at http://5il.co/53wk. Check out the latest news from this valuable resource for our high schoolers!
Angel Tree application deadline is October 19. Contact any school office to pick one up. Questions can be directed to Lynda Harman @ 309-846-8500.
Safe Sitter Class scheduled from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13 om Clinton. More details are available at http://5il.co/53i3
Check out the updated job opportunities posted at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Thank you, Blue Ridge Educational Foundation, for purchasing a new Viewsonic interactive whiteboard for Mrs. Lagle's high school math classes!
The Revised District Budget for July '18-June '19 has been posted at http://5il.co/515j
Files like this can be found at blueridge18.org --> Menu --> Documents
It's important to prevent student absences whenever possible. Some absences are unavoidable, such as serious or contagious illness. But some may be preventable. Going to school every day matters for success in school and life!
Don't miss out on fun after school programs - registration is due this Sunday! Gr. 6-8 Cooking with Miss Tonya http://5il.co/4xlp, or Agademics for gr. K-2 and gr. 3-5 http://5il.co/4xj4. Sign up today!
Power and phones are back on in Mansfield
Power is out in Mansfield. If you need to reach the Mansfield campus, please call the district office. 309-928-9141
Updated job postings are posted on our website. Check them out at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Superintendent's Monthly Message for September is now posted at http://5il.co/4xqp. Lots of good news to share. Have a wonderful day!
Check out the flyer for Blue Ridge STEAM Club for grades 6-8! Session 1 is 4-H Food Challenge and Session 2 is Coding. Details at http://5il.co/4xlp
Check out the Ag-ademics flyer for grades K-2 and 3-5. Deadline to sign up is tomorrow! http://5il.co/4xj4
Congratulations to Melissa Ward for being named Teacher of the Week in the News-Gazette. Great article. BR Teachers Rock!
SERIOUSLY SILLY - News-Gazette http://news-gazette.il.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=211e217f9
NEW! NEW! Short-Term Sub Teachers (STS). A STS license may be obtained by having an associate's degree or show completion of 60 semester hours of college coursework. Find out all of the details on how to become a short-term sub at http://roe17.org/licensure/substitute-teaching
Schneider’s Open House/Health and Safety Fair/Book Fair will be Thursday, 9/20, from 6-8 p.m. Come out and enjoy a fun, family friendly evening!
Agendas for the Special Budget Hearing and Regular Board Meeting on 9/19/18 are posted at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000247
Updated job openings are posted at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Spirit Friday!!! Our high school athletes visited and greeted Schneider students this morning. Thank you, high school students, for promoting school spirit and Knight pride! #knightnation
Good attendance helps children do well in school and eventually in the workplace. Absences represent lost opportunities to learn in the classroom. As early as PreK and kindergarten, good attendance helps students stay on the path to academic success.
Board of Education, Insurance Committee will meet on Sept 21, 2018, at 7:30 a.m. Details can be found at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicMeetingMaterials.aspx?ak=1000247&mk=50302416
The Backpack Food Program provides weekend provisions for students at risk of hunger. Volunteers are needed for food packaging 1:30-3 PM in the BRHS Ag Shop on 9/12, 10/17, 11/14, 12/14, 1/16, 2/13, 3/13, 4/17, 5/15. Come by and lend a hand if you can!
Power is back up and you should be able to call your child’s school if necessary. Have a good weekend!
Soccer is canceled for weekend. All other activities are going on as scheduled.
Power is out in FC for 2+ hours so no phone or internet at school. To get a message to schools call 217-489-5201. Dismissal at normal time.
Warner Hospital's Health and Wellness Fair is scheduled for Sept. 13, 5-7 p.m. in the hospital's parking lot. For more information: http://5il.co/4r5w
Improving attendance is an essential, cost-effective way to ensure our students are on-track to learn and succeed. Chronic absence is an early warning sign of academic trouble. Working together, we can give our students the strongest opportunities for success!
We had a great day at Schneider Elementary celebrating our “Respect” rules! Students attended an assembly featuring a Respect skit by our BR Thespian Troupe. Students also participated in several other activities highlighting our Respect rules! We are off to a great start!
Special congratulations to BR PreK program for earning GOLD from the state's most recent evaluation. Amazing accomplishment by our PreK Team! Go Knights! For more information go to http://5il.co/4ntd
All payments can now be completed online! If you have more than one student go to the food service tile for an individual student. Once in it click make payment and it will take you to Revtrak where you can make payments for all your students.
Congratulations to BR FFA Member, Ellie Paulsrud for receiving a Gold Rating at the National FFA Level! This is the highest rating below being a National Finalist and we are proud of the hard work she has put in her SAE to receive this recognition. Way to go!
Here is some info on a couple of events and sign ups in our area! 4H family fun night info: http://5il.co/4mvd; Intertribal Powwow info: http://5il.co/4mvf; and info on Girl Scout sign ups: http://5il.co/4mve
Very nice article on BR Volleyball player Avery Fisher! Go Knights! http://news-gazette.il.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=15b03541e
We are working on moving previous years balance to this year food accounts. If you need to make a payment please send a check in with your student. Food service has now moved to individual accounts instead of family accounts so if you have more than one student please designate how much to put on each students account.
Communication and Technology Information for the BR Community is posted at http://5il.co/4loz
There will be a Facility Rental Meeting on September 6 at 6pm in the High School Commons. All youth and/or adult activity groups or community organizations that use any school facility are asked to join.
Latest job postings can be found at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Looking forward to our first day of student attendance tomorrow!! P.I.E. will host a “Back to School” Parent Breakfast/Meet & Greet for interested Schneider Elementary parents. Hope to see you there!
The Backpack Food Program provides weekend provisions for students at risk of hunger. Volunteers are needed for food packaging 1:30-3 PM in the BRHS Ag Shop on 9/12, 10/17, 11/14, 12/14, 1/16, 2/13, 3/13, 4/17, 5/15. Come by and lend a hand if you can!
New job postings on the website. Check them out here: http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
BRIJHS is hosting an Open House on Tuesday, August 21, from 6-7 p.m. All students in grades 4-8 are invited to attend and meet the teachers, put items in desks/lockers, and see the awesome new gym floor! We'll also have the Book Fair set up and Kona Ice in the circle drive.
The Superintendent's Monthly Message for August is posted at http://5il.co/4gi9
It includes links to the proposed budget for 2018-19, too. Looking for a great start to the school year!
We are looking forward to seeing all our Pre-K families that signed up for today’s park visit at Weedman Park. See you between 4:30-6:30!
Join us in supporting our student athletes and marching band on Friday, August 17th beginning at 6 pm for Fall Preview at the High School.
Here's a handy guide on how to stay informed with Blue Ridge Schools. Pass it on! http://5il.co/2oct
Go to www.blueridge18.org to view the agenda and packet for the 8/15/18 Blue Ridge Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 pm. Click on Menu, Board of Education, Board Agendas/Minutes, and choose a meeting. This meeting will be held in the BRHS Library, 411 N John St. Farmer City.
Online registration is still available for returning students until midnight tonight (Aug 9). If you need assistance with registration, stop by the school from 10 am-3pm or 4-7:30 p.m. today.
Those who register online do not need to come to walk-in registration to pay fees. A notification will be sent out when online payment is operational. You can make payment at that time. Detailed information regarding registration requirements is posted at http://5il.co/4ba2
Coaches for Clubs and Athletics Needed! To find our full list of employment opportunities for teachers and coaches, go to http://www.blueridge18.org/emp...
Online registration is ready to go! The old Skyward app for your phone will no longer work. You will need to use the link below to login. To login use your old Skyward login information.
https://skyward.iscorp.com/BlueRidge18ILStu
Upcoming Events:
8/1-8/9 Online Registration
8/1&2 Preschool Screening
8/1 BRHS Fall Sports Mtg, new gym
8/9 PreK-12 Walk-in Registration at BRHS, 10am-3pm, 4-7:30 pm
8/22 1st day Student Attendance
Pre-K/ECSE Teacher deadline has been extended. For a complete list of positions open go to http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Online Registration was originally scheduled to be up and running today but will not be available until Wednesday! Thank you for your patience!
DOVE and RSVP need community helpers (AKA Volunteers). Here is their newsletter with more information: http://5il.co/46ew
Special Ed Teacher position open at the High School! Details at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
For everyone asking here is the supply list for BRHS 2018-2019 school year.
http://5il.co/42r2
Superintendent's Monthly Message is posted at http://5il.co/425v
Check out the latest job postings at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Board of Education Meeting tomorrow night in the HS Library. See the agenda at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicMeetingMaterials.aspx?ak=1000247&mk=50292346
Here's a handy guide on how to stay informed with Blue Ridge Schools. Pass it on! http://5il.co/2oct
School supply list for Schneider students: http://5il.co/3yjc
School supply list for BRIJHS students: http://5il.co/3y00
Spread the word - Kade Nichols is due to arrive in Farmer City around 4 p.m. today Let's have a big turnout for him. We are meeting at the high school. See http://5il.co/3yem for details!
Science/Biology Teacher position open at the HS. More details and updated postings @ http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103.
U of I Extension Program on making your own yogurt at home: See flier at http://5il.co/3x9r
U of I Extension special program on diabetes. See flier at http://5il.co/3x9q
Preschool screenings on Aug 1 & 2 at Schneider. Children who are 3 or 4 years old at the time of screening are eligible. More info @ http://www.blueridge18.org/article/53929?org=blue-ridge-cusd-18
Skyward will be down for 5 days as we transition to Qmlativ (new version of Skyward). Thank you for your patience.
New job postings are available at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
We hope you are having a wonderful summer! Here is the link to the June edition of the Superintendent's Monthly Update. http://5il.co/3rh7
Bellflower 4th of July festivities are listed at http://5il.co/3qvo Lots of great events to celebrate!
Check out the coaching opportunities open at BRHS at http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
This summer, BR is updating to Skyward's new system, called Q. Learn more at http://5il.co/3igx
Job Posting - Individual Paraprofessional, Blue Ridge High School
More info @ http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Preschool screenings on Aug 1 & 2 at Schneider. Children who are 3 or 4 years old at the time of screening are eligible. More info @ http://www.blueridge18.org/article/52288?org=blue-ridge-cusd-18
Lots of good things are happening at Blue Ridge. To see some of the accomplishments from 2017-18, and a preview of things to come, go to http://5il.co/3lqr
Have a wonderful summer vacation!
Blue Ridge Educational Foundation is selling high quality travel mugs - 7 left! To purchase, see flier at http://5il.co/3llb
See the latest news from DOVE at http://5il.co/3lb2
Check out the current job postings! http://www.blueridge18.org/employment-opportunities--103
Get the latest information from our area career center! BACC newsletters are posted at http://5il.co/3krw
and http://5il.co/3kqe
