The Blanco ISD
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Volume 7, Number 11
October 30, 2015
Blanco ISD Observes Red Ribbon Week BISD Students Participate in Week of Drug Free Activities
High School Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest Winners (L to R) Riley Bigler (5th), Kirstin Suire (4th), Carlie Kuebel (3rd), Rochel Acosta (2nd), Jesus Flores (1st).
This week was Red Ribbon Week across all BISD campuses, as students participated in activities, assemblies, and theme days promoting a drug free “Livin’ Clean” lifestyle. High School “Red Ribbon Week 2015 has been the best yet here at the High School!” said counselor Linsey Balmos. “On Friday, October 23rd, our students participated in a ‘Respect Yourself. Be Drug Free’ poster contest. After judging, these posters were presented to all in the foyer of Blanco High School.” “Every morning this week, members from the Student Council read the history of Red Ribbon Week and real life stories involving a teenagers who have lost their lives to the battle of drugs and alcohol.” “On Tuesday, our students and staff were encouraged and inspired by motivational speaker Stephen Mackey.” “Along with these events, each day students and staff have participated in a ‘theme day’ to help spread the message that we are drug free.” Middle School “We have had a great Red Ribbon Week at Blanco Middle School!” said counselor Lisa Rogers. “BMS is dedicated to spreading awareness to our students about the dangers of drug, tobacco, and alcohol abuse, and are encouraging our students to continue to see the importance and benefits of
‘Livin’ Clean’”. “Blanco Middle School has made a commitment to not only have these important conversations during Red Ribbon Week, but instead, be steadfast in having this remain a focus throughout the entire school year.” “We kicked off this initiative in September by having Stephen Mackey, a motivational speaker, speak to our students about setting goals and to not let drugs and alcohol destroy their dreams.” “This past week during Red Ribbon Week, the students learned important information from Detective Joe Hernandez about various types of drugs and how they can affect you not only physically, but also the legal ramifications that come with drug and alcohol abuse.” “Also visiting Blanco Middle School this week were representatives and dogs from the World Wide Canine organization. They shared information on how drug and tobacco dogs are trained, and demonstrated a mock Board of Trustees search so the students Kirk Felps, President could see the dogs workDarrel Wagner, Vice President ing.” Bernie San Miguel, Secretary Matt Herden “As in year’s past, stuLarry Kuebel dents once again enjoyed Tim Nance Charles Riley
Cont’d on Page Four...
Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford
The Bell, Vol. 7, No. 11
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“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Cross Country Team Claims Regional Crown Girls Post 89-Point Margin of Victory in Dominating Performance
Blanco Girls Cross Country Team Region IV Champs. (photo Chris Kotfas)
Blanco’s girls cross country team is now state-bound, after capturing the Region IV title in decisive fashion on Monday in Corpus Christi. “I am so happy for the kids,” said coach Stuart Schultz, who watched his team post a 57-point total, which far out-distanced second place Industrial’s total of 146. “They did it so convincingly, which is amazing to me.” The team’s performance was led by freshman Johanna Villarreal and Bret Leigh Nance, who finished 2nd and 4th respectively in the 2-mile event. “It was a great experience,” said Villarreal. “I am proud to be part of a team with so much heart.” Nance said, “It is incredible to represent Blanco in such an amazing way. We hope to do it again at state.” By virtue of its win at Regionals, the team qualifies for the state meet for the second consecutive year. Seniors Bret Leigh Nance and Carinne Johnston, along with sophomore Chloe Flores, will be returning. Nance finished third at state last year, but has been battling injuries this fall. “I know Bret Leigh, Chloe, and Carinne wanted this the most after coming up short last year,” said Schultz. “Hats off to Bret Leigh for running cross country this year. She was really thinking about not running and saving it for track.” Nance said, “The State meet will be a tough race as always, but I am feeling stronger and hope that my experience and determination will see me through it!” New to the state experience will be freshmen Johanna Villarreal, Lily Avila, Asher Haack, and Taylor Kotfas.
“Taylor Kotfas came up big and ran a good race along with the usual of Johanna, Lily, and Asher,” said Schultz. “Those freshmen have been amazing!” Villarreal has burst on the cross country scene like a comet, with four first-place and two second-place finishes in six meets on the year. What will state be like for her? “I know there will be some great runners at state,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do.” The state meet will be held on Saturday, November 10, at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. The Results and More Class 3-A girls run at 8:30 AM. Pictures on “State will be a war,” said Schultz. Page Six... “Anything can happen.”
(photo Blanco ISD)
The Bell, Vol. 7, No. 11
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“Hear Ye, Hear
Panthers Defeat Poth in Thursday Night Contest
Lady Panthers Play Gateway Tonight to Determine Playoff Seeding
Panthers take the field against Karnes City last Friday night. (photo Diana Scwhind)
Lady Panthers closed out their regular season with a win over Florence Tuesday night. (photo Diana Scwhind)
The Blanco Panthers improved their season record to 9—0 with a 49—0 shutout of Poth in a rare Thursday night contest at Panther Stadium. “We played flawlessly last night,” said head coach Danny Rogers. “We are getting better and more confident each week, and that is showing in our play on the field. We are a good football team when we limit our turnovers and play aggressively.” Senior Ryan Ronces led the Panther offense with 98 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Defensively the Panthers gave up a mere 84 yards total. They were led by Wes Eskew and Ronces with 16 tackles each. The Thursday night contest came about as a result of some last-minute decisions revolving around hazardous weather forecasts for Friday, which predicted heavy rains and high winds. All schools in District 14-3A agreed to play their games on Thursday instead of Friday. The Panthers close out district play next week on the road at Natalia. A win against the Mustangs will mark the second consecutive year that Blanco will have gone through the regular season with a 10—0 record.
Blanco’s Lady Panthers take on Gateway Prep tonight in a post-season match to determine seeding for the upcoming UIL playoffs. Game time is 6:00 PM at Marble Falls High School. “We will treat the Gateway match with the respect it deserves,” said head coach Amy Hackebeil. “We want to earn the higher playoff spot.” The post–season match came about when the Panthers closed out the District 25-3A season in a three-way tie for second place with Jarrell and Gateway. School officials decided to flip a coin to determine playoff seeding. Jarrell won the flip, and as a result won the secondplace playoff seed and a bye from playing a post-season match. Blanco and Gateway were left to battle each other for the third and fourth seeds. “Having a competitive volleyball district helps to prepare us for the playoffs,” said Hackebeil. “We had three matches go to five sets. We were pushed to our limits. We have become accustomed to pressure situations. All of these experiences will serve us well in the playoffs.” “As far as our game tonight, we need to find the balance between playing hard and playing smart. We will need to serve tough but consistently, and swing hard from the attack line but with purpose to end the point.” Possible playoff matches for the Lady Panthers will be with either Marion or Natalia. Blanco has reserved the Luling gym for next Tuesday, but nothing is final at this point.
The Bell, Vol. 7, No. 11
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“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Panther Band Closes Out Marching Season at Area Contest
(Photo by Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford)
The Blanco Panther Marching Band’s award winning season came to an end on Wednesday at the Area E Marching Band contest held in Fredericksburg. “Area was a tough one to digest this year,” said band director Brian Hecimovich. “We did not make the finals; however, two of the five judges placed us in the Top 5.” “We are in a very competitive Area, so to know at least two of them thought we were right up there with the top bands is something we can hang our hat on as we move on.” “Unfortunately, it just wasn’t our time...yet!” The Band had an outstanding year, winning first place at three contests and receiving Division 1 ratings from all three judges at the Region 2 UIL contest. “Overall this has been a wonderful marching season!” said Hecimovich. “I am so very proud of the Panther Band and all that we accomplished this year!” “We will now move on to cheering on the awesome Panther Football and Volleyball teams as we head into the playoffs, and we will ready ourselves for Christmas time and concert season.” “This year’s band has been the best band I have ever taught, and I am looking forward to continuing our momentum through to next semester.” “I want to thank the wonderful band students I get to teach every day! The great support that the school district and community has shown for us all season has been heartwarming.” “We have a top notch team with Mr. Brandon Aly and Mrs. Danette Conard, and it’s safe to say you can continue to expect great things from the Panther Band!”
Red Ribbon Week Cont’d from Page One participating in our Red Ribbon Week poster contest and daily theme days that followed important drug free messages.” “Our 8th grade Health classes also helped spread important messages by decorating the sidewalks around the school.” “Our Red Ribbon Week at BMS concluded with a student led assembly on sharing or demonstrating to other students what their ‘Natural Highs” are, and how they use their time and energy to lead clean lives.” Eighth grade student Aaron Daniels said, “Red Ribbon Week is a good motivator and reminder of the importance of being drug free.” Seventh grade student Lexi Creswell added, “Red Ribbon Week inspires me to always be drug free and to say ‘No’ to all the bad stuff out there.” Elementary School “This week at the elementary we have had excellent participation in Red Ribbon Week activities,” said counselor Patricia Mangold. “This has been the most participation I can remember seeing.” “In addition to the Red Ribbon Week activities and announcements, each class came to the Counselor’s Office for a Guidance Lesson on Responsibility. This lesson included the responsibility we have to keep our bodies healthy and live drug free.” “We will be starting our counseling groups soon that are a drug prevention program. However, these groups are great for all students, focusing on self esteem, feelings, goal setting, and many other topics.”
Middle School Health students wrote drug free messages on sidewalks during Red Ribbon Week.
The Bell, Vol. 7, No. 11
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Public Hearing Announced on Drug Testing of Extracurricular Students
As part of our effort to reduce substance abuse by our young people, The Bell will be running Public Service Announcements each week to educate students and parents in regards to substance abuse. Today’s announcement furthers the district’s commitment to effective communication between the District and parents.
Blanco ISD has announced a public hearing in regard to the issue of drug testing of students who participate in extracurricular activities. “The issue of drug testing of students involved in extracurricular activities has been proposed as a strategy as one part of an overall plan to combat substance abuse,” said Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford. “The District is currently taking this issue under consideration.” Ford said BISD is committed to effective communication between the District and parents. “We want to hear how our parents feel about this issue while we take it under consideration,” said Ford. “That is the purpose of this public hearing.” The public hearing will be an agenda item at the board’s regular monthly meeting scheduled for Monday, November 9, at 7:00 PM at the Blanco High School library. “We will be there to listen,” said Ford, who added that no action will be taken on the issue at that time. Reminder Blanco ISD and the Blanco PTO will host a parent information forum on Thursday, November 12, at 6:00 PM at the Blanco High School cafeteria. Gloria Olivo-Mendoza from the Hays Caldwell Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse will discuss youth substance abuse.
Red Ribbon Week at Blanco ISD
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The Bell, Vol. 7, No. 11
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Region IV Girls 3A Cross Country Meet Photos by Chris Kotfas
District 25-AAA Cross Country Meet October 26, 2015 Blanco Finishers
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
2nd 4th 12th 17th 35th 50th 89th
Team Results (24 teams) Blanco Vanderbilt Industrial Goliad Santa Gertrudis Academy
57 146 165 192
Individual Results (175 finishers) Johanna Villarreal 12:18.4 Bret Leigh Nance 12:44.4 Lily Avila 13:03.8 Asher Haack 13:17.0 Taylor Kotfas 13:45.2 Chloe Flores 14:04.1 Carinne Johnston 14:44.6
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The Bell, Vol. 7, No. 11
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“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Volleyball vs. Florence Photos by Diana Schwind
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