The Blanco ISD
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Volume 8, Number 13
November 11, 2016
Blanco Schools Honor Veterans on Veterans Day Veterans Thanked for their Service at All Three Campuses
Veterans were thanked for their service as part of Veterans Day ceremonies at Blanco Middle School. (photo Lisa Rogers)
Blanco students had an opportunity today to thank local veterans for their service in protecting the freedoms of the USA. “We appreciate the opportunity to recognize and honor our veterans who have served in our armed forces,” said Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford. “These ceremonies at our various campuses give our students the opportunity to express their thanks to veterans, as well as educate them on the human contribution involved in protecting our country.” Blanco Middle School Veterans Day ceremonies began Friday morning at Blanco Middle School. Principal Dr. Kathryn Korelich recognized visiting veterans, followed by the playing of the national anthem by the Panther Band. Students leaders then led the assembly in the pledge of allegiance to the US and Texas flags, followed by words of appreciation and tribute to local veterans by Dr. Korelich. The Panther Band then played a medley of the Armed Forces Hymns, followed by the playing of Taps. “BMS would like to express our utmost gratitude for the past, present, and future sacrifices of our Veterans and active
duty military personnel,” said Dr. Korelich. “This country of ours would not be if it was not for these elite men and women of our military.” Blanco High School Following the ceremony at BMS, veterans were treated to a breakfast at Blanco High School. Students from Amy Petri’s FCLA class then presented a program for veterans, which included the recitation of a Presidential Proclamation, a Veterans Day slideshow, and some special gifts. “Our hope at BHS is to express our deep gratitude and respect for our veterans,” said principal Keitha St. Clair. “They were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our American freedom and values. Our appreciation is truly immeasurable for their duty.” Blanco Elementary Board of Trustees Veterans concluded Darrel Wagner, President their morning at BISD Charles Riley, Vice President Tim Nance, Secretary with a program at Blanco Joe Hernandez Elementary.
Cont’d on Page 3...
Troy Immel Larry Kuebel Liza Struck
Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford
The Bell, Vol. 8, No. 13
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“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
UIL Academic and Speech Students Take Honors at Pflugerville and La Vernia
UIL Winners at Pflugerville and La Vernia (L to R) Mark Kuebel, Jayme Mowery, Mia Albrecht, Tre Pruitt, Jenna McHugh, Griffin Wearden.
Blanco High School’s Academic and Speech students took honors at UIL competitions held last Saturday in Pflugerville and La Vernia. Congratulations to these students for their success! UIL INVITATIONAL MEETS Blanco Results At Pflugerville Mark Kuebel
1st 2nd 4th 5th
Tre Pruitt Jenna McHugh
Computer Applications Computer Science Computer Applications Ready Writing
At La Vernia Mia Albrecht and Griffin Wearden Jayme Mowery
3rd CX Debate 3rd Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Panthers Wrap Up 2016 Football Season
2016 Blanco Panthers (photo Collin Gaskamp)
Blanco’s football season came to an end last Friday night with a hard fought 21—7 loss to Rogers at Panther Stadium. The loss eliminated the Panthers from post season playoff competition. As head coach Danny Rogers reflected back on the 2016 season, he had some special thoughts for the team’s six seniors: Steven Flores, Will Hourigan, Jacob Mangold, Kameron Martinez, Sebastian Thomas, and Kailen Webster. “The Blanco football staff would like to thank each and every senior football player that gave their all to us the past six years.” “These young men battled all year each and every week, and it was a pleasure to coach them. Although we failed to make the playoffs this year, we never failed to give it our best try. To these six young men I say thanks.” In regards to the season itself, Rogers was proud of the way the Panthers represented themselves and Blanco. “We are so fortunate to coach a group of young men that refuse to give up and will fight to the finish, and that is what we will remember from the 2016 Panther football team.” “Sometimes things don’t turn out the way that you would like them to, and you just have to get back to work and prepare for the next day. We will still hold our heads high and are very proud to be the Blanco Panthers.” “Thanks to all. Go Panthers!”
The Bell, Vol. 8, No. 13
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“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Talking to Your Kids about Prescription Drug Abuse, Part 3
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 information, comes from a pamphlet titled “Talking to Your Kids about Prescription Drug Abuse,” published by the US Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA, Washington, DC.
Veterans Day Cont’d from Page One... First, they were welcomed by principal Jowie Walker. Student council representatives then led the Pledge of Allegiance to the US and Texas flags. Third grade students then sang a medley of the Armed Forces anthems, followed by recognition of the first, second, and third place winners of the school’s Veterans Day Essay Contest. Fourth grade choir members closed the program singing “Just for You.’ “Today, people throughout the country will gather together to remember, to honor, and pay gratitude to those who have served our country,” said Mrs. Walker. “Our program at Blanco Elementary is just one small spark in the flame of pride that burns across the nation today and every day. We honor those who have sacrificed so that we can live in freedom.”
Girls Cross Country Team Runs at State Tomorrow
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE The best way to prevent prescription drug abuse is to first educate yourself. That way, you can accurately and adequately present the facts when you talk with your teen. Be sure you can recognize the signs of prescription drug abuse:
Fatigue, red or glazed eyes, and repeated health complaints; Sudden mood changes, including irritability, negative attitude, personality changes, and general lack of interest in hobbies/activities; Secretiveness and withdrawing from family; Decreased or obsessive interest in school work; Missing prescription medicines from your medicine cabinet; Additional filled prescriptions on your pharmacy record that you did not order.
Some of these warning signs might signal other problems as well. If you recognize any of these signs, refer to further resources or contact your teen’s physician or other healthcare professional.
Photo Chris Kotfas
Blanco’s girls’ cross country team runs at the UIL State Cross Country Meet tomorrow at Settler’s Park in Round Rock. The girls’ team has captured both the District 25-AAA and Region IV titles, each for the second year in a row. This will be the team’s third straight trip to the state finals. Sophomore Johanna Villarreal said, “Last year we got fifth place at state. This year we hope to place even higher. I’m going to give it my all.” Start time for the Class 3-A girls division is 2:40 PM.
The Bell, Vol. 8, No. 13
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“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”
Veterans Day at Blanco Middle School by Lisa Rogers
November 11—27 Would you like an email subscription to our newsletter? Just let us know by emailing us at
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Lisa Rogers Janet Serrano James Caudell Jennifer Flores Lisa Horton Shawn Kipp Debbie Faurie Scott Balmos