Welcome to the Blue Connector, an e-newsletter from Brookville Local Schools.
Please contact us at communications@brookvilleschools.org with any questions.
April 25, 2016
31st Edition

Brookville Local Schools, (937) 833-2181 | http://www.brookvilleschools.org
In This Issue
Side Subheading
Brookville High School
1 Blue Pride Drive
Brookville, OH 45309
937-833-6761
937-833-6302

Principal
Mr. Christopher Bronner
Asst. Principal
Mrs. Lynne Sayre-NIckell


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Blue Devils
Athletic Schedules
The Brookville Rotary Club honors two high school students and a staff member each month during the school year. The April 2016 Honorees are junior. Laura Bowen, senior Austin Delk and teacher, Mr. Chris Beck. Click here to read more about the honorees.
S
Brookville Intermediate School
2 Blue Pride Drive
Brookville, OH 45309
937-833-6731
937-833-6756

Principal
Mr. Erin Wheat
Asst. Principal
Mrs. Lynne Sayre-Nickell

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Non-Sponsored Flyers
Officer Down Memorial 5K Run-Walk
Pee Wee Football and Cheerleader Registration
Si
Sponsored Flyers

Brookville Elementary School
3 Blue Pride Drive
Brookville, OH 45309
937-833-6796
937-833-5354

Principal
Mrs. Stephanie Hinds

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School Calendars

School Lunch Menus



District Office
Side SubhBoardeading
Board of Education Offices
75 June Place
Brookville, OH 45309
937-833-2181
937-833-2787 - Fax

Superintendent
Timothy L. Hopkins

Treasurer
Mrs. Tiffany Hiser

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Our Mission
The Mission of Brookville Local Schools is to challenge, prepare, and support all students to realize their full potential.
Links You Might Like
OHSAA
SWBL
YouTube Brookville
Board of Education
Side Subheading
President
Scott Rutherford

Vice President
Judy Hoover

Members
John Gordon
Joe Mellon
Rick Phillips

2 Hour Delay Schedules
High School
9:50 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Intermediate School
9:50 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Elementary School
Grades 1-3
11:00 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.

Preschool
AM 11:00 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.
PM 1:40 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Prom 2016 Delivers as Nothing Short of Special
Prom Promise, Prom and After Prom All Successful
Click here to view video
from the presentation.
In what always becomes a very busy week and ends with a wistful night of formal dresses and tuxedos, once again the BHS Prom delivered great memories. The week included
Prom Promise activities, hosted by our SADD Club and After Prom committees. The final event involved a company named Cinema Drive providing a 3D virtual and interactive experience. Students watched on the big screen and then answered a host of questions using remote devices about making good decisions. This activity has avenues for continued discussion with students regarding good decision making around this critical end of the school year stretch.

The Prom itself was held at the Top of the Market Banquet Center on Webster St. in Dayton. Approximately 200 students enjoyed a great dinner together and danced the night away. The Royal Court was overseen by 2016 Prom Queen Jordann Gudorf and her King Blake Wallen. You can see the announcement of the King and Queen here. We congratulate all those elected to the prom court. BHS students seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves during the course of the evening. The host junior class is to be commended for putting on such a nice event.  

Finally, around 100 students came to BHS to participate in After Prom . Activities ranged from ping pong, dodgeball and cornhole to volleyball, basketball and many others. Visit our YouTube channel to see a video from the activities. There was an abundance of food and great door prizes. Those in attendance took advantage of getting into comfortable clothes and finishing the night off in a relaxing atmosphere.

None of these programs would be available without great adult leadership, chaperones and many individuals and local businesses that donated to make each event possible. We cannot thank them all enough. We also thank our students for your outstanding participation.  As often said, a picture is worth a thousand words. Take time to see our gallery of prom program pictures here , and enjoy video footage from the dance floor on our YouTube channel .  
Franklin B. Walter Student Scholarship & Teacher of Influence Luncheon Held
Senior Devon Cook & Mrs. Ann Stammen Recognized
Wednesday, April 13, twenty-one of the best and brightest 2016 seniors from across Montgomery County gathered at the University of Dayton River Campus for the annual Franklin B. Walter Scholarship Luncheon. These seniors were selected from each of the public high schools in the county. These students possessed remarkable resumes of their involvement in community and school activities, academic prowess and citizenship.  

Brookville High School was very proud to be represented by senior Devon Cook. Devon is the vice president of our student body this year, a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish NHS, a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams, he is active in numerous volunteer opportunities and has received a long list of awards and honors. Next year he will attend the University of Dayton with the intent to major in Mathematics.  

Part of the selection process was that each applicant had to submit an essay about a teacher of influence they have had. Devon chose to recognize Mrs. Ann Stammen, high school math teacher. Amongst his comments, Devon stated that "Mrs. Stammen fed my love for math by helping me understand concepts more clearly and the joy of explaining math to others".

As winners, Devon received a $1,000 scholarship and Mrs. Stammen received $500 to be used in purchasing supplies for the math department. We would like to congratulate both individuals and express how well they represent Brookville Schools.
Earth Day Tree Plantings
Years ago U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin introduced to the media an idea for a "national teach-in on the environment". On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies.  Since that time, April 22 has become recognized as Earth Day. 

At Brookville Schools children in the 21st century continue to learn about ecology, energy conservation, wildlife extinction and shared values about protecting the precious resources of the environment. Today our students serve and learn through Ecology Clubs and simple tasks such as recycling daily in our classrooms and cafeterias. 

This past Friday, Earth day was celebrated by two trees being planted on school grounds. The Cargill Premix & Nutrition Company of Brookville partnered with the school district on this project. Through the Cargill Cares Committee the company donated two beautiful trees to the district as part of their Earth Day activities. The company wanted their employees to experience giving back to the community. A team of Cargill employees came to the school grounds Friday and helped Intermediate and High School students representing the Ecology Club plant the trees.  

Earlier in the week the K-Kids and Builders Clubs had also planted a tree. Prior to that, these clubs decorated paper grocery bags being used at McMakens with Earth Day colorings. These were all 'hands on' experiences to raise students awareness that we all help maintain our environment. Generations to follow are counting on us!!  Please see the following pictures of Earth Day activities here.  You can view video of our students planting trees at our YouTube station
Blue Devil Athletics
BHS Track Team in Heart of the Season
Coming off a strong finish at their home meet last week the boys' and girls' track teams find themselves competing and improving weekly. While the girls won the Brookville meet, the boys' were not far behind finishing second. Both teams have finished near the middle of the pack in several large invitationals. Typically, these meets include several large schools including a number of GWOC teams. Amongst schools our size, the Twin Valley South meet is traditionally a strong field. This past Friday, the girls finished 7th in the 15 team TVS field the boys came in 5th.

A highlight for our thinclads will be to attend the Wayne Invitational this coming weekend.  It is a two day meet that allows our athletes to compete against some of the very best in the state. Head Coach John Barrera comments that "at this meet we will be able to see over twenty state placers from all divisions." This type of competition prepares team members to be ready for the league and district meets which are always the primary focus.  

The 2016 team is anchored by a small but strong group of seniors. The boys' team appears to have multiple athletes who can score in distance, sprints and field events.  Coach Barrera also states that, "our girls team has shown great improvements in numbers and ability the past couple of years. They continue to improve every meet, which was apparent as they won our own seven team event."

Coach Barrera conceded that the SWBL has a field of strong teams that will challenge our athletes. However, he feels strongly that both teams have the potential to finish in the top half.  You can click here to see the full track schedule and here for more photos from the season.  As the weather turns for the better, take an opportunity to see this group in action. We wish the track team continued success the remainder of the season.  
First Graders Complete Research Project
Visit by Aullwood Audubon Center Sparks Study of Ohio Birds
Nicole Conrad from the Aullwood Audubon Center, spoke to our first grade students about birds and how we can protect them. She even brought in a live Kestrel for students to see. That was enough to whet the appetite of those children and head them down a path of extended research.

Students were asked to select an Ohio bird they wanted to learn more about. The school library became ground zero for research as children began to answer the questions of where does my bird species live? What does it look like? What does it eat and how might I help save these birds in Ohio. You can see more photos from this process here.

As an example of cross-curricular teaching, the students then went to art class where they worked on painting a picture of their bird in its habitat. Some of these art pieces were chosen to participate in the Aullwood Avian Art Contest!! A reception for the contest will be held April 26.

All of the student's hard work was on display in BES this past week. Activities that added a special touch included the fact that Mrs. Dobberstein's class even recorded themselves reading their paragraphs. Then a QR code was located on their writing.  Family and friends who visited could scan the code and listen to the child reading their report! Students from Mrs. Summers' class made bird houses and students in Mrs. Walz's class made bird feeders.

The work completed was a great example of what young minds can accomplish once they are put into motion. The kids were able to connect to the birds that are around us every day.  Most importantly it was a fun and meaningful learning experience.
Staff Spotlight
Mr. Bey
We would like to introduce you to Mr. Tyler Bey, one of our intermediate school teachers. The Staff Spotlight is a regular feature in the Blue Connector and is designed to assist you in getting to know our teachers and staff. Please take a moment to learn a little bit about Mr. Bey and what he does at Brookville.

Where is your hometown?
Versailles, Ohio
 
Where do you live now? 
I currently live in Versailles, Ohio.
 
How many years have you been teaching?
This is my first year.

How many years have you worked at Brookville?
This is my first year teaching for Brookville Schools.
 
What is your position in the school district?
I am a 6th grade math teacher, the head varsity wrestling coach and the JV baseball coach.
   
Tell us about your family and hobbies outside of teaching?
Outside of teaching I enjoy coaching wrestling and baseball. I am recently engaged and will be getting married to my fiance, Sarah, in October.
 
What is your favorite thing about working at Brookville?
My favorite thing about teaching at Brookville is being able to interact with the kids and seeing their different personalities shine every day.
 
How do you spend your time off from work?
June and July are spent working construction back in Versailles and spending time outdoors fishing and kayaking. I also enjoy playing softball on the weekends.

Where Are They Now?
Brookville Schools are proud of our series "Where Are They Now", which features profiles of past Brookville High School graduates. These graduates have responded to brief questions concerning their education or training after high school, their current occupation and their words of wisdom to the students in our buildings.

Our current profile is of Adam Murka, a 2002 graduate. Please take a moment to view this latest profile  here. You can also view our past profiles on our  website.
BES Donuts with Dad has Record Turnout
For over a decade the elementary PTA has enhanced parental involvement, especially with dads, by hosting the Donuts with Dad event. Definition of the guest has broadened over the years since it isn't always possible for dad to be available. This year, dads, grandpas, uncles and others who serve as paternal influences in the lives of our students escorted them to the event.  In all, nearly 600 were in attendance!!

The program is held in the high school cafeteria where donuts, juice and coffee were provided and several very nice door prizes were distributed. After everyone had enjoyed their donuts, the dads then walked their child across to the elementary to see them off to the start of a new school day.  "We were thrilled with the amount of family members who attended this year" stated Mrs. Hinds, elementary principal.  "It shows how many caring people our students have in their lives who support them and the schools".  

This event rotates annually with Muffins with Mom. As an added twist this year, the PTA partnered with local coffee house Hip-Stirs who provided the coffee and their new 'square donuts'. We appreciate the involvement of Hip-Stirs and needless to say, the food and drink were a huge hit. This was a very special event and you can see the picture gallery from Donuts with Dad here .
Local Service Club Recognizes BHS Students
Optimist Celebrate Youth Appreciation Winners
Since the 1963-64 school year, the Brookville Optimist Club has worked with school staff to select a male and female student from each high school grade level to recognize during their club's 'Youth Appreciation Week'. That first year the senior recipients were Bill Herkins and Dianna Bowman. The composite list of award winners provided by the Optimist reads like a Who's Who of Brookville graduates who have gone on to find success in their lives. The evening begins with a wonderful meal and is followed by awards presented to the students and public service recipients.

This celebration is one of several ways that the Optimist Club supports our local youth. The intent is to honor students who are well rounded with strong individual character, good academics, involvement in school activities and have shown a desire to serve and help others. This year's recipients are: Freshmen - Christina Bronner & Derek Winner, Sophomores - Caitlin Shatsby & Jeremy Page, Juniors - Sydney Carnes & Cameren Alber and Seniors - Caitlin Perry & Brandon Ferguson.

A few years ago the Optimist Club combined this recognition program with their Public Service Awards. The night of the program, April 11, police officers from Perry Township and the City of Brookville along with a Brookville firefighter and EMT were recognized. A young lady from Perry Township was recognized as their 'Citizen of the Year'. We are proud of the BHS students who were recognized for their character and dedication to their academics and our community.
High Five's



BES students who so far this school year have read 8,752 books and then passed on-line quizzes about the books showing comprehension of what they read.









Tiffany Hiser, Amy Muhlenkamp and Rhonda Haynes, who make up our School Treasurer's office, for the results of the State's Financial Audit. The State Auditor's work indicated a clean audit of our schools spending and financial record keeping. There were no negative findings.  






Mrs. Sherril Spangler and the Junior Class Officers on a great 2016 Prom. Mrs. Spangler and her officers members worked very hard and were successful at putting on a great event at the Top of The Market. It was a beautiful setting and it was thoroughly enjoyed.





Mrs. Deana Herbert, Mr. Marcus Lamb and the members of the SADD club for this year's After Prom event. They worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere of fun and relaxation after a beautiful prom and gather many prize and food donations from local businesses and individuals. Your efforts were appreciated!






The junior high track teams. Continuing on a great start to their season, the girls team placed 2nd and the boys team placed 1st this past weekend at the 18th Annual Jet Invitational out of 12 teams, with many individual 1st place finishes.  Congratulations athletes - keep up the good work!    
Around Town
It's a Celebration Of Historical Proportions!!  
The Brookville Historical Society is excited to announce a celebration on May 15, from 2-5 p.m. recognizing the 40 years since the opening of the Spitler House.   The Society is hosting a ceremony that day with all of their facilities, including the Spitler House, Exhibit Building and Train Depot open for self guided tours. The Samuel Spitler House is located at 14 Market St. in Brookville. Come out on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy this treasure of Brookville history.