BRHS Monthly Memo
News and Events for Blue Ridge High School
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Off to a Great Start!
Our teachers are hard at work inside the classroom to help their students learn and grow. With a combination of face-to-face and asynchronous students, they are utilizing technology in many ways. Be sure to check out our "Academic Spotlight" further down the page each month.
The BRHS volleyball teams are off to a great start. The ladies are working hard to improve each and every day and we are excited to watch them as the season progresses. Coach Dyches, Coach Wilkins, and Coach Huffhines are building a winning culture and the results are already evident. Here is a link to the volleyball schedule: https://www.brisd.net/Page/76
This week is the first home football game of the season. The coaches and players are looking to build upon the success of last year and continue to improve. These athletes have put in a lot of hard work in the heat to be ready for this first game. We hope to see you Friday night! Here is a link to the football schedules: https://www.brisd.net/Page/1019 & https://www.brisd.net/Page/1027
If you are planning on attending football or volleyball games, you will need a ticket. Here is more information on ticket sales for these events: https://www.brisd.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=1607
Our cross country season is also off to a good start under the guidance of Coach Osborne and Coach Morrison. They had their first meet this past weekend and are looking to improve their times each week. Here is a link to the cross country schedule: https://www.brisd.net/Page/588
The "Baddest Band in Tiger Land" is preparing for its 2020 marching season. Mr. Terry is excited to watch this group grow as the year progresses. We can't wait to hear and see what they are working on for halftime and contest this year. For more information on the band, click here: https://sites.google.com/brisd.net/finearts/blue-ridge-high-school-band-page
We had a great turnout at the first FFA Supporter meeting of the year. Our new ag teachers, Mr. Williams and Mr. Parr, along with Mr. Shafer shared their plans for the upcoming show season as well as updates on getting livestock into the new ag barn. We are excited to see the hard work that our FFA students put in with their animals and with their teams this year. You can find out more about our FFA program by clicking here: https://www.brisd.net/domain/48
Upcoming Events
August 28th - Pep Rally, 8:30am
August 28th - Volleyball at Melissa & Football vs Collinsville
September 1st - Volleyball vs Cumby
September 3rd - Student Picture Day (no retakes)
September 3rd - JV Football vs Quinlan Ford
September 4th - End of 3rd Week Grading Period
September 4th - Cross Country at S&S, Volleyball vs Caddo Mills & Football at Quinlan Ford
September 7th - Labor Day-No School
September 8th - Volleyball at Howe
September 10th - JV Football vs Muenster
September 11th - Volleyball at Whitewright & Football at Muenster
September 12th - Cross Country at Bells
September 14-18 - Homecoming Week
September 15th - Volleyball vs Bells
September 16 - Homecoming Parade & Community Pep Rally, 7pm
September 17th - JV Football at Wolfe City
September 18th - Volleyball vs Pottsboro & Football vs Wolfe City
September 19th - Cross Country at Trenton
September 21st - FFA Supporter Club Meeting
September 22nd - Volleyball at Leonard
September 23rd-October 1st - State Fair of Texas Livestock Show
September 24th - JV Football vs S&S
September 25th - End of 6th Week Grading Period
September 25th - Volleyball at Bonham & Football at S&S
September 28th - Staff Development-No School
September 29th - Volleyball vs Gunter
September 30th-October 3rd - Heart of Texas Heifer Show
October 1st - Tiger Trail Invitational & JV Football at Whitewright
October 2nd - Pep Rally, 8:30am
October 2nd - Volleyball vs Howe & Football vs Whitewright
October 3rd - Marching Band Competition
New BRHS Teachers
Ashley Dyches
Years in Education: 7
Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Angelo State University
Bio: Born and raised in San Angelo. This is my first time to move away from home. I am the new head Volleyball Coach at Blue Ridge, and I am super excited to be here. Family and friends mean everything to me. I love to be on the lake or at the pool. Wake-surfing is one of my favorite things to do. I am very passionate about my job, and my students.I enjoy playing sports and being active. Making a difference in a child's life is one of the greatest blessings God can give us. I was named the 6A Middle School Girls Basketball Coach of Texas in 2017.
Rick Engelhardt
Degrees: B.S. in Math Eastern, New Mexico University & M.S. in Sports Admin, Eastern New Mexico University
Bio: Born in North Dakota, HS and College in New Mexico, played football at Eastern New Mexico. Have 2 kids Kristena (22) and Clay (19) both attending Texas A&M Kingsville. Kristena will graduate in Dec. with a degree in Athletic Training, Clay is a member of the football team.
Nicole Kolb
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Spanish and French
Bio: Born and raised in Dallas, went to St. Patrick’s, Bishop Lynch, and Austin College in Sherman. I am the oldest of 5 kids. I live in downtown McKinney, while the rest of my family lives in Celina. I like to paint and I also work part-time at Whole Foods. I’ve been teaching private Spanish lessons for the past four years. I love all foreign languages, organic food, all things holistic and I have an affinity for puns and dad jokes!
Christine Knabe
Degrees:BA in Chemistry & Math, Southwestern Oklahoma State University & M.Ed Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Bio: I grew up in western Oklahoma in Clinton where I meet and married my husband, Richard, of 23 years. Together we are raising our four children. Ryan is a Cavalry Scout in the US Army. Devin is a freshman at OSU majoring in Math to study Forensics and plays trumpet in the Cowboy band. Robin will be a fourth-grader this year and our daughter Caitlin is an eighth-grader. They are the center of my life. I enjoy traveling, reading, sewing, watching movies, and cooking in my free time. While pursuing my passion for teaching I've taught Algebra 1 to AP Calculus along with Anatomy, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Robotics. I'm a life long learner preparing students to succeed in a changing society. I recently finished my Masters of Education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and teach night math courses at Grayson College. I am excited to join the Blue Ridge Family! Go Tigers!
Derrick Osborne
Degrees: Bachelors in Kinesiology, Angelo State
Bio: Hometown--Smyer, Texas. Married for 25 years to Laura. 2 kids--Grant, 20 and Avery, 17. Avid golfer.
Luke Parr
Degrees: Bachelors of Agriculture Science and Technology
Bio: Hello! My name is Luke Parr. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University - Commerce. I am entering my ninth year of teaching Ag and my first year at Blue Ridge ISD. I will be supervising the Sheep, Goat, and Pig Projects for Blue Ridge FFA along with training competitive LDE and CDE Teams. My wife, Katlyn, will be teaching Kindergarten at BRE. We enjoy raising livestock at home with our family. We are excited to be in Blue Ridge and can't wait to see what great things happen in the future for our students and families!
Sean Williams
Degrees: Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Education
Bio: I graduated college from Tarleton State University in 2005 with a bachelors degree in Agricultural education. I feel very lucky that I get to go to a job every day that I truly enjoy and one that presents many different opportunities. As you can see from the pictures above my family and I love raising and showing livestock and with that, we also maintain and market a small herd of club calf cows. I am very excited to be back in Blue Ridge and be able to work for a community that values Agriculture and the lifestyle that goes along with it.
Counselor's Corner
For this month, I think it is important to focus on SAT/ACT test dates and a timeline for seniors as they begin planning for college.
In the Fall
Finalize your list of colleges. Visit several schools and make a list of which ones are your favorite. Weigh the pros and cons of each school and decide on your top 3-5 schools that you will apply to and plan to visit as many of these colleges as possible. Please note: Some are only doing virtual, online tours at this time-so know before you go!
Stay on track with your grades and extracurricular activities. Colleges will look at what you have done during your senior year so maintain a balance between school and extracurricular activities...that way you have the opportunity to excel in both!
Take standardized tests. Register for and take the ACT and/or SAT tests and be sure you have requested that your test scores be sent to the colleges of your choice. Depending on where you wish to apply, some schools are test optional for this year due to COVID-19. It is important to remember that just because they may be test optional for admissions purposes, test scores may be needed for applying for scholarships granted by your school of choice.
Keep track of deadlines. Make a calendar showing the application deadlines for college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. Many of these deadlines occur before winter break!
Ask for letters of recommendation. Make a list or resume of all of your accomplishments, awards, and achievements that you have received as well as clubs, activities and organizations that you have been involved with during your time in high school. Give these to teachers, bosses and/or administrators and counselors and ask them if they can write you a letter of recommendation. Be sure to allow at least a week for these to be written and returned to you or mailed directly to the colleges.
Complete applications. Finish all college application forms and make sure you have sent in all necessary materials including test scores, recommendations, transcripts and application essays. Proofread everything before sending and plan to get all of this done before winter break.
Continue your scholarship search. Apply for scholarships.
Submit financial aid forms. Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which will be available beginning October 1, 2020. No matter what your family’s income level is, the FAFSA is your main priority for financial aid purposes because it will determine how much you’re expected to pay. More information can be found here -
In the Winter
Act on the results of early decision applications. If you are accepted for early admission, you will need to withdraw your applications from other schools.
Follow up on your applications. Check with the schools that you applied to and make sure they have received all of your information, including test scores, transcripts, and recommendations.
In the Spring
Watch your mail for notification from colleges. If you applied under the regular application process, you should receive an admissions decision by March or April.
Compare financial aid packages. Make sure to consider each financial aid award carefully. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the financial aid office of the college to get more information. Financial aid is a key factor in deciding where you will attend.
Prepare for any last standardized tests.
Complete enrollment paperwork for the college you will attend. Once you accept an offer, you should receive information from the college about course scheduling, orientation sessions, housing arrangements, and other necessary forms. Be sure to complete all required paperwork by the appropriate deadlines, including applying for student loans if necessary.
What Will I Do For the Rest of My Life?!
Whether you’re thinking about your academic major at college or prepping for a career, there are things you can do now to help you make a decision.
Target Your Interests
- What subjects or classes have you enjoyed in school?
- Write down extracurricular activities or job tasks that you have enjoyed.
- Brainstorm academic majors or jobs that seem interesting to you.
- Take a personality test to find out what academic major or occupation might suit you.
- Take a look at a prospective college’s course catalog. What course topics catch your interest?
- Talk to your high school counselor, friends and family! Discover Your Values
- Do you want to study a broad topic that will apply to many jobs or an academic major that will prepare you for a specific career?
- Talk to people who work in your fields of interest. Ask about their day-to-day experiences in those fields. How did they choose their careers or majors (if they went to college)?
- Ask your teachers, parents and parents’ friends about their careers. What should you expect if you major or get a job in one of their fields?
- Ask if you can “job-shadow” a parent or family friend at his or her workplace.
How do I find this information?
- Go to the college’s’ website.
- Look for links such as “Current Students,” “Academics,” “Degrees,” different colleges may use different wording.
- After clicking the link from Step 2, select the academic major you want to learn about or study.
- Try to find the course selection list in the course catalog. You may find it in either the “Prospective Student” or the “Current Student” section.
What do I do once I find this information?
- Many college websites will list their classes, course materials and videotaped lectures online. Do those courses sound interesting to you?
- Does the academic page in your field of interest have an “Events” or “Calendar” link? You can check out many extra activities a college offers for students in that academic major.
- Does the site have access to newsletters or other announcements and events within the department? Look for a sense of the academic atmosphere in that major. Is it interesting to you?
- You might be able to find information on what the college/department is currently researching. Do those programs and projects excite and motivate you?
SAT/ACT Testing Dates
Algebra II Requirement for Students
BRHS Academic Spotlight
Mr. Williams' Class
Mrs. Knabe's Class
BRHS Bell Schedule 2020-2021
About Us
Email: trent.hamilton@brisd.net
Website: https://www.brisd.net/Page/9
Location: 11020 County Road 504, Blue Ridge, TX, USA
Phone: (972) 752-5554
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueridgehighschool
Twitter: @brhs_tigers