Welcome to the Blue Connector, an e-newsletter from Brookville Local Schools.
Please contact us at communications@brookvilleschools.org with any questions.
January 30, 2018
64th 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

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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Sponsored Flyers
Side Subheading
Kroger Rewards


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.
Handling Stress From Behind the Scenes
BHS Junior Enjoys the Experience of Major Production

Emily Gordon admits that the final week leading up to the Miami Valley Muse Machine Production of Hello Dolly was extremely stressful.  The five productions put on at the Victoria Theatre between January 12-14, had to be polished to perfection.  But Gordon, a member of the stage crew, endured the stress to enjoy the many benefits of the experience.  

When asked what she liked the most about being on the stage crew of such a production, her face lit up and the response was quick.  "I've met so many new people from a lot of different high schools," she answered, "and the talent is just amazing."  She went on to explain that the singing and dancing that she was able to see was extraordinary.

Gordon noted that Mrs. Hutsell, the BHS Muse Machine Advisor, brought to her attention that the Miami Valley Muse Machine was looking to fill the stage crew staff.  Being in this role was certainly nothing new to Emily.  She has been a part of Muse Machine since entering high school, serving as the assistant stage manager three times and stage manager once in our high school productions.  When asked why she had gotten involved in drama and musicals, her answer was wise beyond her years.  "I knew when I came to high school that I needed to be involved in some activities," she explained. "I'm not the most athletic person, so drama seemed like a good choice."  "I really like working behind the scenes as part of the stage crew," she added.  Her favorite production to be involved in was Mary Poppins and she has also helped out as part of the stage crew with the Brookville Community Theatre.  

The commitment for Emily and other crew members involved in Hello Dolly was daunting.  Toward the time of production they were on site from 4:30 to 8pm Wednesday thru Sunday and 10am to 10pm on Saturday.  However, providing notes for the director and stage support to the choreographer allowed her ".... to be around some very successful role models and mentors."  

Emily noted that the communication skills learned and the experience of building relationships with people outside her usual travels will benefit her well in life.  She readily admits that the stage and drama are just a hobby for her.  However, while she hopes to pursue a career around chemistry and research, the lessons learned as a stagehand will serve her well throughout life.
Superintendent's Corner
Taking a Hard Look at Soft Skills
Recently, a distribution plant in our little town of Brookville held a job fair.  The goal was to fill 80 immediate full time openings.  Eighty openings?  What could they possibly be looking for that is so difficult to find?  

What we in education are repeatedly told by employers, business advisory councils and chamber of commerce members is they have a growing need for applicants who possess elusive soft skills.  Personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.  

Research from the Society for Human Resource Management found that employers actually care more about soft skills than they do technical abilities like reading comprehension and mathematics.  Terms such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem solving, critical analysis, and leadership are used to describe soft skills.  Some employers go to ground zero in saying just give me someone who is going to show up on-time, everyday, drug free with a willingness to work.

Striking a Balance

Therefore, we have set out in Brookville Schools and across Montgomery County to meet the needs of children in this fashion.  It means striking a balance.  A balance between preparing students for the world of technology without allowing so much screen time that they do not know how to communicate.  A balance between preparing for standardized tests, while still allowing for student creativity and development of teamwork skills. A balance between following the rules of mathematics, while still being adaptable and analytical. Much like meeting all the necessary elements of a well balanced diet, we understand this new focus on soft skills has to be on the plate of students we serve.  

Making the Effort Intentional  

I believe teaching interpersonal skills has always been a part of what classroom teachers do.  We found a way to stress work ethic, leadership, written and verbal communication skills.  However, now the effort must be intentional.  A hard look at what soft skills students leave with in their toolbox has now become an overt part of the school day.  

At Brookville, we have a Foundations class for students in grades five through eight.  Emphasis includes focus on grit, perseverance, professionalism in communication, reflection for improvement, creative and collaborative thinking and accountability.  We have sought out opportunities in the elementary grades to teach young people how to properly provide and accept critical peer feedback in a graceful manner.  At the high school, we now have classes that stress the soft skills that allow students to make a positive contribution to both the workforce and community.  

These classes are not unique to Brookville. Similar courses are happening across our county and state.  While the balancing act is tricky, we are diligent in answering to the skill set being requested by employers.  It is a combination of both hard technical skills and those elusive soft skills.        
Intermediate School Winterfest
Students Enjoy Fun and Games
 
Brookville Intermediate School 4th, 5th and 6th graders came out in large numbers Friday, January 26, to Winterfest.  Winterfest is sponsored and ran by the BIS Parents Group.  It is an opportunity to provide some mid-winter fun for this particular age group.  While the 7th and 8th graders participate in an occasional school dance their younger peers have two cafeterias full of activities in Winterfest.  This year over 20 parents volunteered to host the event by manning the different games and challenges along with providing snacks for the students.  

Tickets were sold to the event for $1 each with the proceeds being used by the parents for prizes, treats and hosting other school projects.  Over 230 students bought a ticket and attended.  Both cafeteria's were opened up. Numerous games were available, face painting, prizes and snacks.  This is a story where the pictures and video truly tell the story.  You can view the Winterfest photo gallery HERE and video HERE .  
Upcoming Events At Brookville Local Schools
We invite you to take a moment to watch the video which highlights some of the exciting things that are coming up in the next fe w weeks at Brookville Local Schools.



From the Office of the Treasurer
We are officially in the second half of the 2018 Fiscal Year, and we are pleased to report that Brookville Local Schools is outperforming our financial projections for the year!

With revenues on track and current expenditures tracking $270,000 under budget, we are pleased to report that we are on track to end the year with a balanced operating budget for the fifth year in a row.  


As we approach February we will be updating our long term capital plan, focusing on keeping up and maintaining our facilities and assets.  With limited capital improvement funds, the district is looking to make every dollar count. This review will help us update the capital funds we need in the next couple of years to address things like:  lighting efficiencies, HVAC needs, parking lots, gym resurfacing, flooring, technology, track refinishing and transportation needs.  
2018 Athletic Hall of Fame
Profitt McCullough & Boyd Inducted
The 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held Saturday, January 27.  Two former BHS student-athletes entered the Hall this year.  

First, was 1996 graduate Andrea Profitt McCullough.  Andrea was honored for her success in cheerleading and softball.  She was selected as an All-American Cheerleader in 1996, which allowed her the opportunity to perform in Honolulu, Hawaii at the NFL Pro Bowl. Her athletic accomplishments were most noted as a pitcher on the softball team.  Amongst other awards, in 1995 she was named second team All-Ohio and in 1996 she was selected first team All-Ohio.  Her career record was 51-10 and she held a 1.39 ERA, six no-hitters, one one-hitter, one perfect game and 360 strikeouts in 357 innings. Andrea went on to play softball at Capital University  and is now in her 18th year of teaching at Dublin City School District.  See Andrea's acceptance speech HERE .

Second, was 1984 graduate Brad Boyd.  Brad excelled in football, wrestling and track for BHS.  As a senior in football he broke the record for tackles in a career, in wrestling he held school records for wins and pins in a season and in track he set school records in the discus and shot put.  Boyd is the only Brookville athlete to have placed in the State Meet of two seperate sports. He placed 7th in the discus and 4th in wrestling at the respective state meets. Brad went on the wrestle at Wright St. University before transferring to Toledo. He has taught in the Brookville School District for the last 29 years.  See Brad's acceptance speech HERE .

We congratulate these two individuals as being the 77th and 78th honored inductees.  They were both very deserving and great representatives of the athletic program in Brookville Schools!
Staff Spotlight
We would like to introduce you to Mrs. Rachel Esterline, Second Grade Teacher at BES. 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 Mrs. Esterline. 

Where is your hometown?
West Alexandria
 
Where do you live now? 
Brookville
 
How many years of teaching experience do you have?
I have six years of teaching experience
 
How many years have you taught in Brookville?  
This is my fifth year teaching at Brookville 

What is your position in the school district?
I teach second grade
 
Tell us about your family and hobbies outside of teaching?
I have been married to my wonderful husband Jacob for three years. We have three beautiful daughters all under the age of three. Most of my time is spent caring for and playing with my girls. When I get a moment to myself, I like to read, knit and run.
 
What is your favorite thing about teaching in Brookville?
There are many things I love about teaching in the Brookville School District. If I had to choose just one favorite thing about teaching at Brookville it would be the community. I have watched and have been a part of moments when the parents and community members have reached out and wrapped a family in love. We also have amazing parent volunteers. This includes our PTA, Watch D.O.G.S., and classroom parents. All of these amazing community members give their time and energy to help support teachers and students in the learning experience. I feel blessed and lucky to be given the opportunity to teach and be apart of our wonderful community. 

How do you spend June and July?
My last two summers have been used to love on and enjoy my little family. We all love being outside and spend many of our days doing outdoor activities. This includes going for walks, visiting local parks, hiking, and playing in water. When I get a spare moment, I like to go for runs alone.
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 Hannah Tomlin, a 2014 graduate.  Please take a moment to view this latest profile here.  You can also view our past profiles on our  website .                           
First Graders Celebrate 100 Days
On Monday, January 29, the BES first graders, under the direction of music teacher Jessica Swett gave a performance on the 100th day of school. Parents were invited as the children took to the big stage in the high school auditorium. The program highlighted creatures of the sea as students sang, danced and told jokes to everyone's delight.  In the end, the first graders emphasized that they have had 100 days of school now to learn about reading, writing, numbers and so much more.  It was a marvelous production and you can see several videos of the show HERE .
High 5's
Boys & Girls Soccer Teams - The Brookville High School boys and girls soccer teams were honored by the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association with "Team Academic Excellence" Awards for the 2017 fall season. This award is given to varsity teams that maintain a team grade point average of 3.0 throughout the season. Congratulations to our soccer teams as they strive for excellence in the classroom as well as on the field.

Wrestling Team - The wrestling team won three matches January 24, to start the OHSAA Dual Team Tournament.  This tournament is held in advance of the individual state tournament held at the end of the season. It allows teams to advance through a state bracket much like basketball.  The wrestlers will compete again in the next round this Wednesday, January 31 at Blanchester.

Brookville Board of Education - Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich proclaimed January 2018 School Board Recognition Month in the state.  The Ohio School Board Association's theme for the 2018 School Board Recognition Month is "School boards lead so students can achieve."  The Brookville Board of Education is leading with a new President, Joe Mellon, and are looking forward to another great year!