A tremendous amount of attention has been given lately to safe water supplies in public schools.  Last summer there were several school buildings around the State of Ohio where the test showed unhealthy signs of lead in the water.  Recently the Dayton Daily News reported a couple of schools in the Miami Valley had tested their water only to find lead levels above the acceptable range.  

It had been quite some time since similar water test had been done on our Brookville buildings.  In an effort to be proactive, the district sent water samples off to the lab for testing.  Samples were taken from the intermediate and high school, the elementary, the district administrative offices and the bus garage.  In each case the lead level was determined to be "below the detection limit."  This assures that the water is safe for drinking, cooking, washing your hands or anything other imaginable public use.

The new face in the high school guidance office is a familiar one.  Mrs. Erin Ketchen, who is in her fifth year of work in the district, now holds that position.  Prior to this, Mrs. Ketchen was a high school study hall and lunch room monitor, then an intermediate school intervention paraprofessional.  She moved to the role of high school guidance secretary on January 26th. Mrs. Ketchen replaces Linda Limbert who left the district for other employment.  

Mrs. Ketchen realizes the new position will involve a learning curve for her. However, she describes the change in duties as being challenging with foreign task and obligations, but at the same time exciting.  She uses adventurous to describe the first couple of weeks at the desk of the guidance office.  

When we asked what has excited her the most in these initial days, she quickly pointed out "getting to know all the students." She went on to mention that she "has had fun investigating and learning," but said that knowing she will "...serve as a positive link between students and their future is was what I look most forward to every day."  

The follow up question for Mrs. Ketchen was to point out the one thing she wants parents, students and her new colleagues to know about her?  Erin quickly responded that she wants everyone to know that she is "always willing to help in any way that I can."

"I am really looking forward to the remainder of the school year and learning everything I can about this position," said Mrs. Ketchen.  While she is a new face behind this desk, we are glad to add a familiar face to the high school guidance office!         

Each year Brookville is one of the 900 plus Ohio high schools to send participants to the Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State program.

The Boys State Program is held June 10-17 at Miami University and is sponsored by the American Legion. It is a highly structured, intense, "hands on" workshop into Ohio Government.  Through a practical, objective, nonpartisan approach, participants in the American Legion Buckeye Boys State program are exposed to fundamental democratic principles in local, county and state elections and governmental functions, which prepare them for leadership roles as patriotic American citizens.  It is the single largest program of its type in the nation.  Over 1,200 delegates attend annually.

Buckeye Girls State is held the same week at University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio and is hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary.  It is a week-long program designed to educate Ohio's young women in the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of good citizenship. The Girls State program has also had hundreds of annual attendees and provides a rich experience and unique look at citizenship and government within the State of Ohio.  

To be chosen, the candidates were interviewed by community leaders from within Brookville on a Sunday afternoon.  During this opportunity, students had to display a strong academic standing, involvement in school activities, leadership abilities and a charisma that displays strong communication and personal interaction skills.   Brookville Police Chief Doug Jerome summed up the interview process this way, " I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing 16 dynamic students applying for the Buckeye Girls State Program. Once again, this process reinforced the abundant amount of potential, talent, and accomplishments that our students have gained from supporting families and Brookville Schools. This sense of civic pride among all applicants was overwhelming and consistent. Lastly, I can't recall another situation when I was ask to select a small number of finalist from a large group of candidates which had such a large number of academic, sporting, volunteer, and community service accomplishments."

With many students interviewing, 7 were chosen to represent Brookville High School.  The girls are: Emma Swabb, Hailey Petkewitz, Lauren Hinkle and Emily Weidner.  The boys are: Ethan Van Buskirk, Jacob Vore and Parker Holt.

We congratulate those chosen and believe they are outstanding representatives of our high school and community.  We look forward to them having a great experience at these long standing programs.      

   

Tuesday, February 20th -

Thursday, February 15th & Tuesday, February 20th -  

Grades 4-12 Parent-Teacher Conferences. Third quarter interim reports are ready to be distributed and this is an excellent opportunity to converse with your students' teachers about their second semester progress.  While calling ahead to schedule a time is not necessary, it may be beneficial in ensuring no wait time.  We encourage you to be engaged in your child's education by conferencing with their teachers!  High School 833-6761; Intermediate School 833-6731.

We would like to remind everyone that sometime between March 1st to 15th the Arlington Rd. overpass will be closed.  This really only affects one bus route. That is bus 6 driven by Cheryl Hoops. The transportation department has already taken a look at what the alternative route for this bus will be and if pick up and drop off times are affected in any way parents will be notified.  

Equally we would remind parents who may be coming to pick children up at school or to attend athletic and school events to remember that this overpass will be out from the beginning of March through the remainder of the school year.  Please be aware of your other routing options and how that may affect your drive time.