Welcome to the Blue Connector, an e-newsletter from Brookville Local Schools.
Please contact us at communications@brookvilleschools.org with any questions.
October 30, 2017
60th 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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Non-Sponsored Flyers
Tri-Star Basketball Competition
SiCubCub

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
(Click Image to View)


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
The Mission of Brookville Local Schools is to challenge, prepare, and support all students to realize their full potential.
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.



District Employees and Families Give in a Big Way
Participation in 8th Annual Breast Cancer Walk Overwhelming
Each year the staff of Brookville Local Schools register to walk in Brookville's Annual Breast Cancer Walk.  This engagement is part of the district's health and wellness program.  It is obvious that walking is a health benefit.  The hidden nugget is that studies also show that volunteering, participating in community service and giving to those in need, also has a positive effect on our mental health and well being.  

This year was the 8th Annual Brookville Breast Cancer Walk.  The date was Saturday, September 29, and new  to the Walk was the school building serving as the start and finish location.  The proceeds were all given to the Pink Ribbon Girls, an organization that allows funds donated to stay local and help those stricken with breast cancer get through everyday challenges.  

The response by school staff and organizations was amazing.  In all, the district registered 347 walkers of which included 92% of our staff. Family, friends, booster clubs and athletic teams joined in the efforts.  It was a beautiful morning and festive atmosphere.  You can see pictures  here .  

The most exciting result was that at the home football game Friday, October 13, the school district was able to donate $10,080 to Mrs. Gale Colston, the event organizer.  This money will be donated to the Pink Ribbon Girls as part of the $41,605 raised by the 8th Annual Brookville Cancer Walk.  What a generous community.  What a caring community.  We would like to thank all those who participated and helped support such a worthy cause.
WATCH D.O.G.S. Program Continues to Thrive
Parental Support Only Strengthens Student Experience
If the October 11, pizza party was any indication, the elementary school WATCH D.O.G.S. program is only getting stronger.   WATCH D.O.G.S. ( D ads of G reat S tudents) is the safe school initiative of the National Center for Fathering, that involves fathers and father figures to help create a more safe and secure learning environment in our nation's schools.

Who are WATCH D.O.G.S.?  Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer to serve at least one half day in a variety of school activities as assigned by the school principal or other administrator.  
 
Each year the WATCH D.O.G.S. initiative is kicked off with a pizza party, where those father figures bring their child(ren) before signing up to volunteer.  This year we had over 350 in attendance.  More than 120 half day volunteer slots were filled.  Those opportunities for father figures to help at school are between the months of November and April.  
 
What does a Watch DOG do?  In general they are just an extra set of eyes and hands in the school building to help in whatever way necessary.  They can offer tutoring and support to students in the hallway, do playground duty, help little ones in the cafeteria or aide for a teacher who needs classroom support.  In each situation, attention is given to making sure the father figure spends an ample amount of time with the student they are there for.  You can view pictures from this years pizza party here .
 
The Brookville Elementary WATCH D.O.G.S. program is coordinated by Mrs. Laura Staggs, building secretary.  If you missed the meeting but would still like to participate, you can contact Mrs. Staggs at 833-6796 or staggsl@brookvilleschools.org.  
Music to My Ears
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance Performs at BES

Elementary music teacher, Mrs. Swett, recently invited musicians from The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance to perform for her students.  A trio from the orchestra came and entertained 3rd and 4th grade children.  The performance related to a 3rd grade unit on American  Music.  This unit emphasizes students being able to identify musical styles and cultures in the arts.  Mrs. Swett has encouraged the students to understand that American music is special.  It is made up of many cultures that can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint. During  the concert, the musicians featured American music from the early 1800's through ragtime, blues, jazz and circus music. Students were truly delighted and entertained during the concert.  
Also, Mrs. Swett was able to use this opportunity to meet a district goal of introducing career connections to students.  The children were able to see first hand professional musicians at work.  This was a great experience that was fun, entertaining and educational for all the students in attendance.     
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.


Meeting our New Classified Staff
Support Personnel Adds Six New Faces This Year
Recent editions of the Blue Connector featured an introduction to our new teachers this year.  We have also added six new faces to our support personnel staff.  These individuals are highly visible around the school district and very instrumental in our operations.  We would like to introduce you to two new secretaries, two new paraprofessionals and two new custodians.  We are glad to have them as part of the Blue Devil family and recognize their roles in our buildings!

Jessica Sewert
Hometown:
Englewood, Ohio
What is your position in the school district?
High School Secretary
What is your first impression of Brookville Schools?
A tight knit community where everyone is very inviting and welcoming
Do you have any pets?
Yes, a dog.  German Shepard named Caya
Who makes up your immediate family?
Myself and my husband Kyle
What is your favorite vacation spot and what is your dream vacation?
Siesta Key, Florida.  Dream vacation is Italy
_________________________________________________________

Marcy Crabtree
Hometown:
Wirtz, VA
What is your position in the school district?
Secretary to Athletics, Curriculum & Technology
What is your first impression of Brookville Schools?
I love the close-knit feel and the community involvement;  I have enjoyed being a part of Brookville Schools for years as a parent and now I get to enjoy it as a staff member as well!
Do you have any pets?
No
Who makes up your immediate family?
Husband Aaron and children Cole and Haley
What is your favorite vacation spot and what is your dream vacation?
The beach!! Someday I would love to make it to Hawaii!
_________________________________________________________

Jessica Baughman
Hometown:
Grew up in Clayton, OH.  Now live in Brookville
What is your position in the school district?
Paraprofessional, mainly in the preschool
What is your first impression of Brookville Schools?
Wonderful, caring environment
Do you have any pets?
A cat named Max
Who makes up your immediate family?
Husband - Brad; Daughters - Lizzie and Lexie
What is your favorite vacation spot and what is your dream vacation?
Favorite - Norris Lake in Tennessee.  Dream - Kauai
________________________________________________________

Marcy Norby
Hometown:
Brookville
What is your position in the school district?
Paraprofessional
What is your first impression of Brookville Schools?
Staff is helpful and kind
Do you have any pets?
Yes, a dog named Buster
Who makes up your immediate family?
Dave Norby, Ryan Norby, Bradley Cox, Cody Cox and Sam Norby
What is your favorite vacation spot and what is your dream vacation?
Favorite vacation spot is anywhere on a beach or a lake ... dream vacation anywhere with all my boys in one spot!
________________________________________________________

Kelly Clark
Hometown:
Dayton, Ohio
What is your position in the school district?
Elementary School second shift Custodian
What is your first impression of Brookville Schools?
Great!
Do you have any pets?
3 dogs - Janney (mixed), Bo-Bo (Beagle) and Yogi (Shepard)
Who makes up your immediate family?
Wife - Linda.  Daughter - Heather, Aaron (husband), Sean, Chloe, Cole.  Daughter - Rachel, Hamad
What is your favorite vacation spot and what is your dream vacation?
Favorite - Home with my wife.  Dream - Anywhere I can be with my Grandkids, Daughters, Son In-Laws and Wife
________________________________________________________

Tony Linville
Hometown:
Brookville
What is your position in the school district?
Custodian
What is your first impression of Brookville Schools?
Very Nice
Do you have any pets?
3 Dogs
Who makes up your immediate family?
Wife - Belinda, Son - Dan, Daughter - Lainey, Son - Seth
What is your favorite vacation spot and what is your dream vacation?
Sugar Island, MI.  Hawaii
Feeding Those Who Feed Us
FFA Gives Back to Ag Community in a Special Way
The BHS FFA students recently took on a project to support the hard working families that feed our families.  Mr. Wright and several students loaded up about dinner time and went to the outlying farmland to find farmers actively harvesting crops.  The students had been given a great deal on sandwiches from the plaza Subway and pop from McMakens.  Along with some other items, they used this food to stop and feed those farmers.  
Mr. Wright noted that, "Farm families and agriculture are a huge part of our community here in Brookville.  The purpose of our organization is to give back to our community especially to those that have supported us."  In the first year of this venture, the students came into contact with Travis and Bruce Flora, Kevin and Ben Dull, Chad and Billie Hoops, Randy Osswald Tom Steck, Dennis, Scott and Dan Denlinger.  They are hoping that as the project grows they will begin to learn about the best times to find and feed even more who are putting in long days harvesting crops.     
State Bound
Cross Country Team Qualifies

Saturday, October 28, was a special day for the Blue Devil Men's Cross Country Team.  Head Coach, Jon Bland and the Devil harriers traveled to Troy, Ohio to compete in the OHSAA Division II Regional meet with a berth to the state meet on the line.  In very chilly and windy conditions, the competing team members, Justin Bland, Ethan Landis, Kyle Miller, Jeremy Page, Spencer Schick, Paul Takhar and Andrew Watt accomplished exactly what they had their sights on.  Led by captains Schick and Page and paced by sophomore Bland's 9th place finish in 16:47.33, the team concept of cross country really came through.  The end result, the team finished in fourth place, thus qualifying for next week's state meet in Hebron, Ohio.

We caught up with Coach Bland to ask a few questions about his thoughts on the team's performance.  His answers were so fitting, it seemed most appropriate to share them directly with our readers:

As a coach, how satisfying was it to see this group of young men achieve such a huge team accomplishment?
Satisfying is a massive understatement.   The kids set their goals back in July at running camp.  They have been doing optional summer runs since June.  We believed with teamwork, hard work, and careful planning we could absolutely make this dream a reality.   They trusted the process and did the work to get better.  It certainly showed on Saturday.  

Was there any two or three key points of emphasis you felt needed to happen Saturday to reach the goal of a team berth at State?
Every kid was given a goal for Saturday.  Some kids were slightly ahead of their goal and some were slightly off that goal.   Collectively the team finished right on or slightly ahead of the team goal, which is ultimately why we were successful.  I told the kids to quit running for themselves and do it for your team.   They bought in and each kid gave everything they had for the team.  It truly was a team effort, down to the boys and girls who have continued to train with us even after their racing season ended two weeks ago.  That's real teamwork!

Did any one or two runners really exceed your expectations Saturday or this season?
Honestly, I believed in each kid because I knew what they were capable of doing.  They've all exceeded my expectations in workouts and that just translates when they race.  I love the quote, "sports don't build character they reveal it!"  The hard work and dedication they put into this sport tells me all I need to know.  They did it for each other and that's pretty special.

Speak to the character and work ethic this group of runners brings to the start line every race.
The character and work ethic of this group is reflection of our captains.  Jeremy Page and Spencer Schick have been great leaders.  Both have probably sacrificed a little individually to make certain that their teammates are prepped mentally and on task each race.  The younger kids see what it takes and that's huge.   Their leadership has been the key.

Anything else you want to add, coach?
I just want to thank everyone who has supported these kids by coming out to Troy and throughout the season.  Our parents in the program are amazing and our XC family is the best.  We still have work to do this coming Saturday in Hebron, OH at National Trail Raceway, at 2:15pm.   I believe we have saved our best for last...Go Blue Devil Harriers!
Staff Spotlight
We would like to introduce you to Mrs. Melissa Ross, High School English Teacher. 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. Ross. 

Where is your hometown?
Botkins, Ohio
 
Where do you live now? 
Clayton, Ohio
 
How many years of teaching experience do you have?   21 years

How many years have you worked at Brookville?
19 years
 
What is your position in the school district?  
Currently, I teach English I, Great Books and AP English IV.  I am also the National Honor Society Advisor.

Tell us about your family and hobbies outside of teaching?
I have twin daughters in the eighth grade here at Brookville so they keep me very busy with the sports they are involved in all year long. I also play in a volleyball league and enjoy reading. My husband and I collect antiques and sometimes go to auctions.
 
What is your favorite thing about working in Brookville?
I have two favorite things: the staff and the students. Since I came from such a small town (44 people in my graduating class), I wanted to teach in a district with that same hometown feeling.
 
How do you spend June and July?
I spend June and July going to softball and basketball tournaments with my daughters. I also LOVE going to garage sales and finding bargains! Lastly, since I don't have papers to grade, I read lots of books!
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 Aaron Honious, a 2013 graduate. Please take a moment to view this latest profile  here. You can also view our past profiles on our  website.                           
High Five's
Goodwill Drive to Victory - For the second year in a row and third time in four years, the Brookville Community was the OVERALL WINNER in the Goodwill Drive to Victory donation competition.  Our community donated 21,060 lbs. to Goodwill during the eighth week of the football season.  That was 6,700 lbs. more than the closest competitor.  What a fantastic accomplishment!! As a reward the Brookville Community Scholarship Foundation will receive $1,300 for senior scholarships.  Thank you Brookville!!


Marv Mason - At the last home football game, the school district and athletic department recognized Mr. Marv Mason, long time statistician for our football program.  Marv headed up the stats team for 44 years dating back to 1972. He was committed to this volunteer work in a very special way and we appreciate his dedication.  Thank You, Marv!!!
Around Town
Beggar's Night - Just a reminder that Trick or Treat is observed in the City of Brookville tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 31.  The established time for beggar's is 6-7:30pm.  Driver's please be cautious of young children out and about!!


Meet the CandidatesThe Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Meet the Candidates Night in the High School Auditorium, Wednesday, November 1.  The program will begin at 6:30pm and end with time to speak with candidates individually at or near 8pm. This includes those individuals running for City Council, Clay and Perry Township Trustee positions.

Breakfast with the Blue Devils  -
the Athletic Dept. is hosting a "Breakfast with the Blue Devils" Saturday morning, November 4.  This will take place in the high school cafeteria from 9 until 11:30am.  Tickets are $6 each and breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit and juice. Come out and be served breakfast by our high school athletes!


Optimist Pumpkin Walk -
The Optimist Club annual Pumpkin Walk is scheduled for Saturday, November 4, at 6:30pm at Golden Gate Park. Come out and enjoy the family oriented festivities!!   

Veteran's Day Program -
This program is hosted by the high school this year in the auditorium.  It will be held Friday, November 10, at 10am.  All Veterans of our community are invited to come and be honored through this program.