âHear Ye, Hear Ye!â Elementary Building Project
The Blanco ISD
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Volume 3, Number 23
February 17, 2012
Elementary Building Project Underway Ground Broken at New Cafeteria Site; New Gym Floor to be Installed
Workers remove old flooring at elementary gym.
Construction is underway at the elementary campus. Nine months after passage of a bond election in May, ground is being broken by construction crews on the Elementary Building Project. “It’s coming along great,” said Vanguard site superintendent Bill Burrow. “We’re laying out the pad for the new cafeteria this week, and very soon, we hope to have laid out the underground utilities—electrical, plumbing, etc.” “Hopefully early next week, we’ll be ready to pour concrete. We’ll start pouring early in the morning, and we’ll do it all in one day.” “After that, we’ll start laying the pads on the two new wings on the north side of the historical building.” Also underway is the laying of a new floor in the elementary gym, which was also part of the May bond package. The replacement of the gym floor at the elementary is coming at the right time. After decades of wear, tear, and maintenance, the original gym floor was in its final days. “Each summer, our gym floors are sanded, and a new finish is put on them,” said Maintenance Director Tony Petri. “The last time the elementary gym floor was sanded, we got down to where the tops of the nails were just flush with the flooring. The floor couldn’t take another sanding without
those nail heads protruding from the surface.” Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford said, “We realize that this construction has caused some disruption and displacement in some normal routines, but we are adjusting as best we can.” “I want to recognize and commend Mike McClure and Melinda Couey for their work in organizing and adapting the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up procedures for parents, and the traffic problems that it can create. Things have gone orderly and smoothly. They have done a great job.” “Thank you also to the teachers and students who have had to make adjustments to their PE routines, and make adjustments to seeing and hearing construction activity at the school site. We recognize your efforts as you strive to focus on the instructional tasks at hand.” “The result of this Board of Trustees will be a better and imMatt Herden, President Troy Immel, Vice President proved elementary faKirk Felps, Secretary cility for future generaTim Nance tions of Blanco stuCharles Riley dents. Our students toBernie San Miguel Darrel Wagner day are in a special position to be a witness to Superintendent that.” Dr. Buck Ford
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
BOARD BRIEFS
Page 2
Elementary Flag Captains Recognized at Board Meeting
The school board met on Monday, February 13. Among the items addressed at the meeting: “Spotlight on Students”: Elementary School principal Sue Ann Reininger recognized flag captains Marcela Alegria and Kevin Peyton. Received reminder of the TASB Winter Governance and Legal Seminar, February 16—18, in Corpus Christi. Received Statement of Impact Correspondence from Texas College of Preparatory Academies and Premier High Schools in Lewisville, Texas. Scheduled a TASB Board Training on June 18, 2012, to be conducted in Blanco. Received notice of the filing period for a place on the ballot for ESC Region XIII Board of Directors. Received notice that Blanco ISD will observe Texas Public Schools Week February 27—March 2. Open Houses are scheduled as follows: Monday, February 27—High School Tuesday, February 28—Middle School Thursday, March 1—Elementary School Received an update on the Elementary Building Project. Received an update on debt collection services from Jeff Garcia, attorney from Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, and Sampson, LLP. Approved a resolution authorizing a tax resale. Approved the purchase of security cameras. Approved the purchase of a new elementary gym floor. Approved the 2012—2013 District Calendar. Changed the date of the March school board meeting from March 12 to March 5 so as not to conflict with spring break. Approved a resolution authorizing a boundary line agreement with the City of Blanco. Adjourned to closed/executive session. Reconvened to open session. Accepted the resignations of elementary principal Sue Ann Reininger, and special education teacher Angie Smith, effective at the close of the 2011—2012 contract year. Approved one-year extensions to the contracts of Director of Curriculum and Special Programs Kathy Anderson; High School Principal Dustin Barton; Technology Director Thomas Cozzi; Business Manager Kay Fraser; Director of Maintenance Tony Petri; Athletic Director Danny Rogers; Director of Special Education Kathryn Rutherford; and Middle School Principal Jesse Salazar. Adjourned.
Flag captains Marcela Alegria and Kevin Payton were honored at Monday’s Board meeting. Also pictured is elementary principal Sue Ann Reininger
Project Graduation Sponsors Pancake Supper
The Blanco High School Project Graduation and the Blanco Lions Club will host their annual Pancake Supper fundraiser. Where? When?
Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall Tuesday, February 21st, from 5:00—8:00 PM
Donations accepted to support Blanco HS Graduation 2012.
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
Page 3
Stage Set for Middle School One Act Play Contest Blanco Plays Host to District 8-AA Schools Next Wednesday
Holly (Riley Watt) asks Kristin (Hannah Hulbert) to put her up for a brief stay while she tries to figure out her life. Picture captured at rehearsal of Roomers, Blanco Middle School’s entry in District 8-AA One Act Play contest scheduled for next Wednesday.
The District 8-AA Middle School One Act Play Contest will be held on Wednesday, February 22, at Blanco Middle School. Junction, Blanco, and Comfort will vie for this year’s top honors, with competition scheduled to start at 4:00 PM. Blanco’s play choice for performance this year is Roomers, by Jerome McDonough. It is about a small apartment building filled with an alarming number of crazy personalities When the group pitches in to help one of their own, a case of mistaken identity sends the situation into hilarity. “The students picked this play,” said middle school One Act Play director Amy Arlitt. “I gave them several options to read and discuss back in November, and this was, by far, their favorite.” “The play really is a fun piece, so each practice brings new laughs—we are definitely having a blast this season. The kids look forward to practice every single day.” The cast is made up predominately of seventh graders, but Arlitt is quick to expound on the leadership of her eighth graders. “Drew Ritter is one of the returning 8th graders, and he has such a fun part,” she said. “He keeps us in stitches at every practice.” “Bret Leigh Nance is also a returning 8th grader. She was awarded Best Actress at our contest last year, and lobbied hard for this role. She is very talented, and I often find myself telling the others to play up to Bret’s level—she just has a great pres-
ence.” “Maryn McMain is also a returning 8th grader. She ran sound last year and did a fantastic job! There was no doubt that I wanted Maryn to do it again this year.” Critic Judge for this year’s One Act Play contest is Krin Brooks Perry. Ms. Perry retired from TEA in 1995 after 29 years in the classroom and six years as the Theatre Arts Curriculum Specialist at TEA. She was inducted into the Educational Theatre Association’s Hall of Fame in 1992, and has been twice honored by TETA with a Founders Award in 1997, and an Emeritus Award in 2007. “We’ve been district champs for the past two years—and I expect no less from this group,” said Arlitt. “We have fun and laugh every day, but we also work very hard. We’ve been invited back to the Fredericksburg Festival in April, which we won last year. I hope we can continue our success.” District 8-AA Middle School One Act Play Contest Blanco Middle School February 22, 2012, 4:00 PM Order of Performance: Junction Blanco Comfort
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
Page 4
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Blanco Takes On Grape Creek in Bi-District Tilt Next Tuesday
Lady Panthers Fall to Ballinger in Bi-District 52—35
Panthers Finish 6—2 and in Second Place in 8-AA
Senior Dominated Team Closes Out Season
Coach Jeff Akin addresses 2012 Panthers during a time-out.
Lady Panthers prior to opening tip vs. Ballinger Tuesday night. (photo by Diana Schwind)
The Blanco Panthers, second place finishers in District 8AA, will face San Angelo Grape Creek in a Bi-District playoff match scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, in San Saba at 7:00 PM. “Grape Creek has some good players,” said head coach Jeff Akin. “They have two tall kids inside that can rebound and block some shots. We’ve seen them play. We’ll be ready.” Ingram Game and Playoff Outlook The Panthers played Ingram last Tuesday night, and a win would have vaulted them into a first place tie with the Warriors. However, it was not to be, as the Panthers lost 67—61. “We were pretty disappointed in the outcome,” said Akin. “We took too long to get anything going offensively. We got in some foul trouble, and had to adapt.” “But we were pleased with the effort. I say that, but effort is never a problem with us. We could have waved the white flag several times, but these guys refused to do that. “I told the guys that we were disappointed that we were not district champs, but as we learned during football, all you have to do is get in the bracket. Once you’re in the bracket, anything is possible.” Basketball Notes The JV team tied for the district championship with a 5—1 record. The Freshmen team won the district championship with a 2—1 record. Tickets for Tuesday’s playoff game are $4 for adults, and $2 for students.
The Lady Panthers basketball team closed out its season last Tuesday night, falling to Ballinger 52—35 in a Bi-District playoff game played in Llano. “Ballinger is a very quick team,” said head coach Stuart Schultz. “We had difficulty setting our traps.” “In addition, our press was ineffective. We made some adjustments, and Ballinger did as well. Most of our points are generated from our steals on the press. The shots that we did have would not fall.” The Panthers finished District 8-AA competition with a 6—2 record, good enough for second place and one game behind Junction. The Panthers’ finished the year at 16—13. “The Panthers still had a good season,” said Schultz. “The seniors played hard, and always left everything out there on the court. They will all be missed, not only for their athleticism, but their competitiveness as well.” “I’m really going to miss the leadership and the competitiveness of Lindsey Jenkins.” Six seniors played their final basketball game for Blanco last Tuesday night: Susannah Campbell, Justine Cooley, Lindsey Jenkins, Micaela Klein, Kayla Martinez, and Felicia Skillman. Point guard Lindsey Jenkins said, “I felt the team was better prepared to face Ballinger this year; however, I thought we could have worked together a little better as a team.” “We had a really good season. The freshmen stepped up and helped us out. Also, having six seniors on the team was definitely an advantage.”
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
Page 5
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Boys Golf Team Captures First Place in Opening Tournament
Natalie Stahmann Signs Scholarship with Wayland Baptist
Girls Take Individual Honors at Mason
Soccer Star to Continue Sports Career in College
First Place Team Ingram Tom Moore Invitational. (L to R) Coach Scott Balmos, T J Hardin, Kyle Gray, James Leachman, Tanner Rogers, Lane Hoelting.
(L to R) Soccer coach Darren Leonton, trainer Chris Lay, athletic director Danny Rogers, Natalie Stahmann, girls coach Brandi Mumme.
Speech and Debate Team Places Second at Lampasas
Mason Puncher Invitational. (L to R) 1st Place Emmalee Arlitt, 2nd Place Presley Savarino, Alex LeBlanc
PTO Announces Upcoming Activities The Blanco PTO announced the following activities in the upcoming weeks: Friday, Feb. 24—Movie Night. Free to all “A” and “A and B” honor roll elementary students. Saturday, Feb. 25—Father and Daughter Dance at the Rec Center. Wednesday, March 8—Walk-a-Thon. Goal is to raise $9K. Parent volunteers needed.
Informative Speaking 2nd Braxton Guinn 3rd Marina Hogan 6th Jacie Handberry News Writing 4th Callie Nance
Results Persuasive Speaking 2nd Natalie Barnett Lincoln-Douglas Debate 5th Samantha Primeaux Prose Semifinalist Mekala Button
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
Page 6
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
FOCUS ON BISD Blanco Elementary
Blanco ISD
“Collin’s Cam” by Collin Gaskamp
“Lisa’s Lens” by Lisa Rogers
Valentines Day, Grades 1—3
Project Graduation Dodgeball Tournament
Would you like an email subscription to our newsletter? Just let us know by emailing us at [email protected] with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject.
Week of February 17—26 Fri, Feb. 17 Kimberley Brownell Tues, Feb. 21 Diane Salinas Bryan Wyatt Sun, Feb. 26 Janice Culton
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Lady Panthers vs. Ballinger Bi-District Playoffs, Llano, Texas 2/14/12 Photos by Diana Schwind
Page 7
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Volume 3, Number 23
February 17, 2012
Elementary Building Project Underway Ground Broken at New Cafeteria Site; New Gym Floor to be Installed
Workers remove old flooring at elementary gym.
Construction is underway at the elementary campus. Nine months after passage of a bond election in May, ground is being broken by construction crews on the Elementary Building Project. “It’s coming along great,” said Vanguard site superintendent Bill Burrow. “We’re laying out the pad for the new cafeteria this week, and very soon, we hope to have laid out the underground utilities—electrical, plumbing, etc.” “Hopefully early next week, we’ll be ready to pour concrete. We’ll start pouring early in the morning, and we’ll do it all in one day.” “After that, we’ll start laying the pads on the two new wings on the north side of the historical building.” Also underway is the laying of a new floor in the elementary gym, which was also part of the May bond package. The replacement of the gym floor at the elementary is coming at the right time. After decades of wear, tear, and maintenance, the original gym floor was in its final days. “Each summer, our gym floors are sanded, and a new finish is put on them,” said Maintenance Director Tony Petri. “The last time the elementary gym floor was sanded, we got down to where the tops of the nails were just flush with the flooring. The floor couldn’t take another sanding without
those nail heads protruding from the surface.” Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford said, “We realize that this construction has caused some disruption and displacement in some normal routines, but we are adjusting as best we can.” “I want to recognize and commend Mike McClure and Melinda Couey for their work in organizing and adapting the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up procedures for parents, and the traffic problems that it can create. Things have gone orderly and smoothly. They have done a great job.” “Thank you also to the teachers and students who have had to make adjustments to their PE routines, and make adjustments to seeing and hearing construction activity at the school site. We recognize your efforts as you strive to focus on the instructional tasks at hand.” “The result of this Board of Trustees will be a better and imMatt Herden, President Troy Immel, Vice President proved elementary faKirk Felps, Secretary cility for future generaTim Nance tions of Blanco stuCharles Riley dents. Our students toBernie San Miguel Darrel Wagner day are in a special position to be a witness to Superintendent that.” Dr. Buck Ford
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
BOARD BRIEFS
Page 2
Elementary Flag Captains Recognized at Board Meeting
The school board met on Monday, February 13. Among the items addressed at the meeting: “Spotlight on Students”: Elementary School principal Sue Ann Reininger recognized flag captains Marcela Alegria and Kevin Peyton. Received reminder of the TASB Winter Governance and Legal Seminar, February 16—18, in Corpus Christi. Received Statement of Impact Correspondence from Texas College of Preparatory Academies and Premier High Schools in Lewisville, Texas. Scheduled a TASB Board Training on June 18, 2012, to be conducted in Blanco. Received notice of the filing period for a place on the ballot for ESC Region XIII Board of Directors. Received notice that Blanco ISD will observe Texas Public Schools Week February 27—March 2. Open Houses are scheduled as follows: Monday, February 27—High School Tuesday, February 28—Middle School Thursday, March 1—Elementary School Received an update on the Elementary Building Project. Received an update on debt collection services from Jeff Garcia, attorney from Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, and Sampson, LLP. Approved a resolution authorizing a tax resale. Approved the purchase of security cameras. Approved the purchase of a new elementary gym floor. Approved the 2012—2013 District Calendar. Changed the date of the March school board meeting from March 12 to March 5 so as not to conflict with spring break. Approved a resolution authorizing a boundary line agreement with the City of Blanco. Adjourned to closed/executive session. Reconvened to open session. Accepted the resignations of elementary principal Sue Ann Reininger, and special education teacher Angie Smith, effective at the close of the 2011—2012 contract year. Approved one-year extensions to the contracts of Director of Curriculum and Special Programs Kathy Anderson; High School Principal Dustin Barton; Technology Director Thomas Cozzi; Business Manager Kay Fraser; Director of Maintenance Tony Petri; Athletic Director Danny Rogers; Director of Special Education Kathryn Rutherford; and Middle School Principal Jesse Salazar. Adjourned.
Flag captains Marcela Alegria and Kevin Payton were honored at Monday’s Board meeting. Also pictured is elementary principal Sue Ann Reininger
Project Graduation Sponsors Pancake Supper
The Blanco High School Project Graduation and the Blanco Lions Club will host their annual Pancake Supper fundraiser. Where? When?
Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall Tuesday, February 21st, from 5:00—8:00 PM
Donations accepted to support Blanco HS Graduation 2012.
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
Page 3
Stage Set for Middle School One Act Play Contest Blanco Plays Host to District 8-AA Schools Next Wednesday
Holly (Riley Watt) asks Kristin (Hannah Hulbert) to put her up for a brief stay while she tries to figure out her life. Picture captured at rehearsal of Roomers, Blanco Middle School’s entry in District 8-AA One Act Play contest scheduled for next Wednesday.
The District 8-AA Middle School One Act Play Contest will be held on Wednesday, February 22, at Blanco Middle School. Junction, Blanco, and Comfort will vie for this year’s top honors, with competition scheduled to start at 4:00 PM. Blanco’s play choice for performance this year is Roomers, by Jerome McDonough. It is about a small apartment building filled with an alarming number of crazy personalities When the group pitches in to help one of their own, a case of mistaken identity sends the situation into hilarity. “The students picked this play,” said middle school One Act Play director Amy Arlitt. “I gave them several options to read and discuss back in November, and this was, by far, their favorite.” “The play really is a fun piece, so each practice brings new laughs—we are definitely having a blast this season. The kids look forward to practice every single day.” The cast is made up predominately of seventh graders, but Arlitt is quick to expound on the leadership of her eighth graders. “Drew Ritter is one of the returning 8th graders, and he has such a fun part,” she said. “He keeps us in stitches at every practice.” “Bret Leigh Nance is also a returning 8th grader. She was awarded Best Actress at our contest last year, and lobbied hard for this role. She is very talented, and I often find myself telling the others to play up to Bret’s level—she just has a great pres-
ence.” “Maryn McMain is also a returning 8th grader. She ran sound last year and did a fantastic job! There was no doubt that I wanted Maryn to do it again this year.” Critic Judge for this year’s One Act Play contest is Krin Brooks Perry. Ms. Perry retired from TEA in 1995 after 29 years in the classroom and six years as the Theatre Arts Curriculum Specialist at TEA. She was inducted into the Educational Theatre Association’s Hall of Fame in 1992, and has been twice honored by TETA with a Founders Award in 1997, and an Emeritus Award in 2007. “We’ve been district champs for the past two years—and I expect no less from this group,” said Arlitt. “We have fun and laugh every day, but we also work very hard. We’ve been invited back to the Fredericksburg Festival in April, which we won last year. I hope we can continue our success.” District 8-AA Middle School One Act Play Contest Blanco Middle School February 22, 2012, 4:00 PM Order of Performance: Junction Blanco Comfort
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
Page 4
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Blanco Takes On Grape Creek in Bi-District Tilt Next Tuesday
Lady Panthers Fall to Ballinger in Bi-District 52—35
Panthers Finish 6—2 and in Second Place in 8-AA
Senior Dominated Team Closes Out Season
Coach Jeff Akin addresses 2012 Panthers during a time-out.
Lady Panthers prior to opening tip vs. Ballinger Tuesday night. (photo by Diana Schwind)
The Blanco Panthers, second place finishers in District 8AA, will face San Angelo Grape Creek in a Bi-District playoff match scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, in San Saba at 7:00 PM. “Grape Creek has some good players,” said head coach Jeff Akin. “They have two tall kids inside that can rebound and block some shots. We’ve seen them play. We’ll be ready.” Ingram Game and Playoff Outlook The Panthers played Ingram last Tuesday night, and a win would have vaulted them into a first place tie with the Warriors. However, it was not to be, as the Panthers lost 67—61. “We were pretty disappointed in the outcome,” said Akin. “We took too long to get anything going offensively. We got in some foul trouble, and had to adapt.” “But we were pleased with the effort. I say that, but effort is never a problem with us. We could have waved the white flag several times, but these guys refused to do that. “I told the guys that we were disappointed that we were not district champs, but as we learned during football, all you have to do is get in the bracket. Once you’re in the bracket, anything is possible.” Basketball Notes The JV team tied for the district championship with a 5—1 record. The Freshmen team won the district championship with a 2—1 record. Tickets for Tuesday’s playoff game are $4 for adults, and $2 for students.
The Lady Panthers basketball team closed out its season last Tuesday night, falling to Ballinger 52—35 in a Bi-District playoff game played in Llano. “Ballinger is a very quick team,” said head coach Stuart Schultz. “We had difficulty setting our traps.” “In addition, our press was ineffective. We made some adjustments, and Ballinger did as well. Most of our points are generated from our steals on the press. The shots that we did have would not fall.” The Panthers finished District 8-AA competition with a 6—2 record, good enough for second place and one game behind Junction. The Panthers’ finished the year at 16—13. “The Panthers still had a good season,” said Schultz. “The seniors played hard, and always left everything out there on the court. They will all be missed, not only for their athleticism, but their competitiveness as well.” “I’m really going to miss the leadership and the competitiveness of Lindsey Jenkins.” Six seniors played their final basketball game for Blanco last Tuesday night: Susannah Campbell, Justine Cooley, Lindsey Jenkins, Micaela Klein, Kayla Martinez, and Felicia Skillman. Point guard Lindsey Jenkins said, “I felt the team was better prepared to face Ballinger this year; however, I thought we could have worked together a little better as a team.” “We had a really good season. The freshmen stepped up and helped us out. Also, having six seniors on the team was definitely an advantage.”
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
Page 5
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Boys Golf Team Captures First Place in Opening Tournament
Natalie Stahmann Signs Scholarship with Wayland Baptist
Girls Take Individual Honors at Mason
Soccer Star to Continue Sports Career in College
First Place Team Ingram Tom Moore Invitational. (L to R) Coach Scott Balmos, T J Hardin, Kyle Gray, James Leachman, Tanner Rogers, Lane Hoelting.
(L to R) Soccer coach Darren Leonton, trainer Chris Lay, athletic director Danny Rogers, Natalie Stahmann, girls coach Brandi Mumme.
Speech and Debate Team Places Second at Lampasas
Mason Puncher Invitational. (L to R) 1st Place Emmalee Arlitt, 2nd Place Presley Savarino, Alex LeBlanc
PTO Announces Upcoming Activities The Blanco PTO announced the following activities in the upcoming weeks: Friday, Feb. 24—Movie Night. Free to all “A” and “A and B” honor roll elementary students. Saturday, Feb. 25—Father and Daughter Dance at the Rec Center. Wednesday, March 8—Walk-a-Thon. Goal is to raise $9K. Parent volunteers needed.
Informative Speaking 2nd Braxton Guinn 3rd Marina Hogan 6th Jacie Handberry News Writing 4th Callie Nance
Results Persuasive Speaking 2nd Natalie Barnett Lincoln-Douglas Debate 5th Samantha Primeaux Prose Semifinalist Mekala Button
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
Page 6
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
FOCUS ON BISD Blanco Elementary
Blanco ISD
“Collin’s Cam” by Collin Gaskamp
“Lisa’s Lens” by Lisa Rogers
Valentines Day, Grades 1—3
Project Graduation Dodgeball Tournament
Would you like an email subscription to our newsletter? Just let us know by emailing us at [email protected] with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject.
Week of February 17—26 Fri, Feb. 17 Kimberley Brownell Tues, Feb. 21 Diane Salinas Bryan Wyatt Sun, Feb. 26 Janice Culton
The Bell, Vol. 3, No. 23
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Lady Panthers vs. Ballinger Bi-District Playoffs, Llano, Texas 2/14/12 Photos by Diana Schwind
Page 7
