Volume 6, Number 9 October 17, 2014

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!” The Blanco ISD

Blanco Panther Band at Region 12 Marching Band Competition. (Photo Diana Schwind)

Panther Band Receives Division 1 at Region 12 Marching Contest Top Performance at Regional Competition Caps Stellar Marching Season

Board of Trustees Matt Herden, President

Kirk Felps, Vice President Bernie San Miguel, Secretary

Larry Kuebel Tim Nance

Charles Riley Darrel Wagner

Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford

The Blanco Panther Band’s marching season culminated in a Grand Finale, as it captured a Division 1 Superior rating at the Region 12 UIL Marching Competition held at East Cen-tral High School in San Antonio on Saturday. All three judges awarded the Band a Division 1 rating, which is the highest rating a band can receive. “This has truly been a great year for the Panther Band!” said band director Brian Hecimovich. “They have worked so hard and deserve all the accolades they have received.” The band’s resume this year includes first place finishes at both the Hill Country Marching Festival and the Drums Along the Medina Marching Competition. The Band also was awarded “Best Drumline” at both competitions. “It takes a lot of discipline to work so much on just a seven –and-a-half minute show,” said Hecimovich. “Few people realize what it takes to perform these shows and the amount of hours spent perfecting them.” “This is a special group, and I am very proud of what they have done.” The Region 12 judges were very impressed with the Band’s performance, as the following comments on the judges’ sheets attest: “Great Percussion Section, very talented players. Great

Woodwinds, Great Brass, Terrific Band!” “I really enjoyed your show, there was a lot of great things

on the field today and you could tell you were having fun doing it!”

The Band will perform its award winning presentation at to-night’s football game. Due to so many out of town football games, in addition to weather issues, the show has not been per-formed for the home crowd at Panther Stadium this year. The Band’s performance tonight will be at 7:00 PM, due to halftime being reserved for Homecoming activities. “We’re excited about performing tonight at Homecoming,” said Hecimovich. With marching competition over, the band will now shift its focus to adding more stand music to its folder, as well as moving over to concert band to prepare for the Christ-mas season and upcom-ing concert season. The Band anticipates a long football season, and Hecimovich added, “We will be ready to play!”

The Bell, Vol. 6, No. 9 Page 2

Middle School “Most Respectful Panthers.”

The school board met on Monday, October 13. Among the items addressed at the meeting: “Spotlight on Students”: Middle School principal Keitha

St. Clair recognized students who were named “Most Re-spectful Panthers” by middle school teachers.

“Campus Recognition”: High School principal Dr. Dustin Barton recognized technology aide Debby Caudell.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Richard LaBuhn gave the Board an update on the District’s staff develop-ment program.

Business Manager Kay Fraser gave the Board an update on the District’s food services program.

Dr. Ford announced the following early release days: ***Friday, Dec. 12, 2014—Elementary and Middle Schools hosting the District UIL Meet ***Friday, Dec. 19, 2014—Last day of the first semester ***Wednesday, March 25, 2015—High School hosting the District UIL Meet ***Thursday, June 4, 2015—Last day of school Held a public meeting on the “FIRST” report—Financial

Integrity Rating System of Texas. Blanco received a “Superior Achievement” rating.

Reviewed the District’s investment policy and approved an investment policy review resolution.

Approved the District Textbook Com-mittee.

Approved a Migrant Liaison/Tutor posi-tion posting.

Appointed Nurse Robin Johnson as chair to the School Health Advisory Council.

Approved a budget amendment Adjourned.

BOARD BRIEFS “Most Respectful Panthers” Middle School Students Recognized

Middle School principal Keitha St. Clair recognized students who had been named “Most Respectful Panthers” by their teachers. Students: Alejandro Arreguin Aguirre, Mitchell Barnett, Cade Calhoun, Sheyanne Canoy, Cade Felps, Rhealene Flores, Tristan Fortner, Whisper Garza, Cameron Goode, Jada Hector, Taylor Kotfas, Ayden Liesmann, Camila Manriquez, Delaney Munoz, Hayden Riba, Fernando Rubvalcaba, Ian Savory, Addy Seymour, Baylor Smith, Yida Garcia Torres, Johanna Villar-real, Skylar Wagner, Kenzie Warner.

Debby Caudell Honored

Debby Caudell and Dr. Dustin Barton..

High School technology aide Debby Caudell was recognized by principal Dr. Dustin Barton for her 31 years of service to the students and teachers of Blanco High School. “Mrs. Caudell is dedicated and committed to helping staff and students,” said Dr. Barton. “Her kind-hearted spirit is demonstrated with a willingness to help any student with a pro-ject and, and her expertise enables teachers to integrate tech-nology into the classroom, thus enhancing student learning.” High School faculty colleagues turn out to honor Debby Caudell.

The Bell, Vol. 6, No. 9 Page 3

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”

Panthers take the field vs. Stockdale. (photo Diana Schwind)

Blanco Hosts Nixon-Smiley in Homecoming Matchup Panthers Enter Game 6—0

Blanco Homecoming festivities are on tap tonight, as the Panthers entertain Nixon-Smiley in week two of District 14-AAA II action. The Panthers enter tonight’s game undefeated at 6—0; Nixon-Smiley is 4—2. “Nixon-Smiley is coming off a close 20—18 loss last week to undefeated Karnes City,” said head coach Danny Rogers. “They are a run oriented offense, and have two really good running backs that run hard and make big plays. They do not have the overall size that we have seen the last few games, but they run the ball often and get some tough yards.” “What they do best is what we are best at defending, and I believe that our defense will be ready for their offensive at-tack.” The Panthers enter tonight’s game following a 49—0 romp against Stockdale in their district opener. “Our offensive line was very aggressive in establishing the line of scrimmage and making big holes for our running backs,” said Rogers. “We played great defense all night, limit-ing the Brahmas to only four first downs and zero points the entire game.” “Homecoming is always a special week for the entire school, and we intend to make a good showing on the field tonight for all our fans. Hopefully our alumni will leave tonight knowing that the Panther football team is as good as advertised, and we are keeping the tradition alive.” “Go Panthers!”

Lady Panthers Face Ingram in Key 25-AAA Contest

Game Scheduled for 4:00 PM at Panther Gym

Volleyball team is 30—7 on the year. (photo Diana Schwind)

Extra Points Tonight’s game is the KSAT 12 “Game of the Week.”

Service Aces Game time for this afternoon’s varsity game is 4:00 PM. Senior outside hitter Reagan Rogers was named the Texas

“High School Player of the Week” by MAXPreps/American Volleyball Coaches Association for her perfor-mance during the week of October 6—12. Link:

http://www.avca.org/includes/media/docs/10.13.14-HSPOW.pdf

The Lady Panthers, 8—0 in district and 30—7 on the year, host Ingram this afternoon in a big District 25-AAA contest. “Ingram is the only district team to which we have dropped a set thus far,” said head coach Amy Hackebeil. “They have a strong outside hitter, and their middle blocker is looking better every match.” “They blocked well against us the first time we played, and their defense was sound. We struggled with finding holes on their side of the net.” “We will have to be very aggressive and smart with the ball. We need to serve well and score points when we are receiving the serve as well.” Blanco defeated Jarrell last Friday night in three sets. “We played well at Jarrell; executing offensive plays, serv-ing well, and winning every long rally.” “I liked the movement that we had on the court with quick transitions from offense to defense and vice versa. The overall court sense and chemistry that our athletes are displaying is really exciting.” “These girls have a special connection. They can anticipate not only what each other will do but have been anticipating what their opponents will do.”

The Bell, Vol. 6, No. 9 Page 4

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”

Logan Dodd Named September’s FFA Student of the Month

Secondary School Teachers Receive Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Teachers at Blanco Middle School participate in Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.

For the month of September, the Blanco FFA Chapter would like to recognize senior Logan Dodd as the FFA Student of the Month. Logan is currently the Blanco FFA President and has been a valuable member of the Blanco FFA Chapter for the past four years. He has been a very successful team member and partici-pant in numerous leadership and career development events such as Plant ID, Range and Pasture, ENR, Livestock, Chapter Conducting, Sr. Skills and Job Interview. In addition, Logan has established a strong livestock pro-gram exhibiting market and breeding swine at the local, county, district and state level and has placed very high at each. Finally, Logan has proven to be very active in the communi-ty as an FFA representative at numerous fundraisers and events such as constructing projects for the Wild Game Dinner and working as a Jr. FFA mentor. For his valuable contributions to the program, Logan has been presented the Blanco FFA Student of the Month Award.

On Monday, October 13, teachers at Blanco High School and Blanco Middle School participated in Youth Mental Health First Aid training. The training was presented by the local Hill Country MHDD Center. Jerry DeCicca, facilitator for the training, said, “Youth Men-tal Health First Aid is a thoughtful, accessible, and critical cur-riculum for better understanding young people. We were ex-tremely pleased with the response, participation, and feedback from the educators at Blanco ISD.” Senate Bill 460, which became effective September 1, 2013, requires Texas school teachers to learn about detecting and educating students with mental or emotional disorders, and providing positive behavioral interventions. House Bill 3793, which passed in May 2013, allows teachers to receive up to twelve hours (the course is eight hours) of CPE credit for attending a Mental Health First Aid class offered by a local Mental Health Authority. “The eight hour mental health training at Blanco Middle School on Monday was a great success,” said middle school principal Keitha St. Clair. “I am very proud of the BMS faculty and staff for their positive attitudes and commitment to the training.” “I’ve heard various teacher/staff comments about the quality of the trainers and the applicability of the content. Some of the most important aspects of the training included learning the signs and symptoms of teenage substance abuse, eating disor-ders, and bullying.” “In addition, a significant amount of time was centered on teaching us the best ways to reach out to students that we fear might be seriously depressed and/or considering suicide.” “We all learned things that could save a student’s life one day. We are grateful for the training.”

The Bell, Vol. 6, No. 9 Page 5

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”

District 25-AAA Cross Country Meet Next Wednesday

Redbud Hosts Exhibition for 4th and 5th Grade Art Students

Students in Laura Salazar’s elementary art class. (photo Collin Gaskamp)

(L to R) Junior Ronaldo Flores, Freshman Kaylin Gaskamp, Senior Jamie McClinton, Sophomore Shayna Srackangast.

Blanco High School Students of the First Six Weeks Announced

The District 25-AAA Cross Country Meet will be held next Wednesday at Comfort High School. Coach Stuart Schultz says he is looking forward to the meet. “Our girls team may not be as strong as last year; however, for the Regional Meet, they take four teams and ten individuals that are not on the four teams. So this being the case, I feel strongly about the girls making it to the Regional Meet.” “On the boys side, Joaquin Olmedo has shown so much im-provement that he should make it to the Regional Meet. Right now he is probably ranked as the third best runner in the dis-trict. Joaquin is so competitive that he is striving to be the best.” “Mario Sanchez has an outside chance of making it.” “As far as the girls, Bret Leigh Nance should be the best in the district. She is so focused right now. Breanna Collins is running very well also and ready to go.” “Breanna’s, Bret’s, and Joaquin’s work ethics have been outstanding. They never complain and are always willing to work hard and improve. They are so easy to coach.”

District 25-AAA Cross Country Meet Comfort High School

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

1:30 PM JV Boys 2:00 PM Varsity Boys 2:30 PM JV Girls 3:00 PM Varsity Girls 3:30 PM 7th Grade Girls/Boys 4:00 PM 8th Grade Girls/Boys

Students in Laura Salazar’s fourth and fifth grade art classes will be displaying their art work at an exhibition hosted by the Redbud Restaurant scheduled from October 30—November 14. “Students have been exploring the concepts of composition, color theory, the interplay of lightness and shadow, exploration of rendering portraits, and creating with a variety of mediums,” said Salazar. “The fifth grade artists work in more of an independent type of framework. They attend art by choice daily instead of just once a week, and invest themselves completely in their work.” An opening reception for the exhibition is scheduled for Sat-urday, November 1, from 3:00—5:00 PM.

Pictures from the Region 12 Marching Band Contest

by Diana Schwind

The Bell, Vol. 6, No. 9 Page 6

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”

Blanco Elementary students are CRAZY about reading! Students who met their point and average AR goals for the first six weeks identified themselves to everyone on campus by wearing hats all day long. Stu-

dents who reach their goals next six weeks will celebrate with a “Crazy Hair” day.

Blanco Elementary Students “Crazy” About Reading

Ben Copeland, Valerie Shoemaker Blanco Farm Bureau $100 Winners

Blanco County Farm Bureau $100 Winners for Perfect Attendance during the First Six Weeks (L to R) Ben Copeland, Monica McCor-

Julio Alegria Linsey Balmos Bobby Beard Nonie Beard Jodye Burnette Jason Campbell Rachel Clakley Colton Clark Jennifer Collette Ben Copeland Lucy Courtney Sharon Cox Aurelia Cruz de Hernandez Belinda Delgado Helen Depew Mark Depew Allison Dowdy Lisa Duncan Elizabeth Fair Debbie Faurie Sheila Felps Collin Gaskamp

Linda Gray Brian Hecimovich Derrick Hernandez Angel Hernandez Ginger Hull Shirley Johnson Tim Jung Diane Kainer Matt Karnes Shawn Kipp Mike Kipp Brooke Kotfas Victoria Kretchman Lisa Lovinggood Madeleine MacNeal Felice Marek Kristan Marshall Jerlyn Martinez Bertie May Linda Miller Linda Minjares Tina Miranda Raul Miranda

Malissa Mollberg John Moore Keith Morgan Teresa O'Shaughnessy Laurie Parker Amy Petri Lisa Petri Paul Pfluger Kay Preiss Laura Rice Audrey Robbins Danny Rogers Tammy San Miguel Lisa Scherlen Stuart Schultz Jessica Schwind Valerie Shoemaker Bill Tesch Susan Villarreal Dianne Wagenfehr Jeff Wicks Bryan Wyatt Becky Yerger

Would you like an email subscription to our newsletter? Just let us know by

emailing us at bell.subscribe@blanco.txed.net with

the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject.

Week of October 17—26 Tues, Oct. 21 Renee Simon Sat, Oct. 25 Michelle Davis Kaleigh Walker Sun, Oct. 26 Lisa Petri

The Bell, Vol. 6, No. 9 Page 7

FOCUS ON BISD

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”

Blanco Elementary “Collin’s Cam” by Collin Gaskamp

Homecoming, 10/17/14

The Bell, Vol. 6, No. 9 Page 8

Football vs. Stockdale Photos by Diana Schwind

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”