2019 Blaze Bulletin
Week of April 22nd - Edition 58
Dear faculty/staff:
This week, we recognized our administrative assistants in the building for their work. They play such a huge role in our school, and they go about their work without asking for or needing very much. We did a luncheon for them on Wednesday, and the theme was "Heart of the School Awards." As the faces and voices of our school, how they interact with our parents, students, and community set the all-important first impression of the school. They are at the center and forefront of our culture. So, please join me in thanking them for their patience, smiles, visibility, work, flexibility, multi-tasking, quickness, and - mostly - servant leadership.
You all are appreciated! Go Blaze!
Have a great long weekend,
-lj
GO BLAZE!
“Did You Know?” Interesting Facts about Blackman High School’s First Year
Article Submitted by Dorf
- In 1987, the Rutherford County School Board facility plan projected a new high school to be built for 1,200 students (!) by 1993. This eventually became Blackman High by 2000.
- In 1998, the commission voted on bonds of $34,870,000 to pay for BHS (compared to $59 million for Rockvale High in 2017)
In 1998, the designs for the sports complex was approved, including a pool (!!). Later, a design for a tennis court was approved. (Obviously, neither one of those happened).
The name of Blackman High was almost Battlefield High School.
BHS was Rutherford County’s newest high school since 1987 (Smyrna High and Lavergne High), and the newest in Murfreesboro since 1972 (Riverdale and Oakland).
The first public performance of the BHS Band was on Friday, August 11th in the parking lot
The first in-service day for teachers was on Monday, August 14th, with the first full day for students on Friday, August 18th. There was no Fall Break at that time.
Blackman High was dedicated in a ceremony on August 20th, 2000.
The official total of students for the first day was 1,550. Dr. Gary Nixon was the first principal, with assistants being Mr. Melvin Daniels, Mr. Merz Duvall, Mr. David Sevier, and Ms. Gail Vick.
There were 50 homerooms, and just so you know, the campus was Internet-wired.
In the first year (and first year only), the schools address was 3956 Wilkerson Crossing, before the change to 3956 Blaze Drive by the 2nd year. Of course, that means a lot of stationery and library books still had Wilkerson Crossing stamped on them.
Non-retractable backboards were put in the aux gym, which meant volleyball had difficulties playing and practicing. Those boards were taken out, and new retractable boards were put in—to the tune of almost $16,000.
Athletic fields were not quite ready on time, as the schedules of teams had to be changed.
The yearbook was delayed when a computer program didn’t arrive by the beginning of the school year.
The trees in the front of the school were planted in honor of the first Freshman Class of Blackman High School.
Interesting classes offered in the first year: German, Native American History, Web Page Design, Drafting.
There was still barely any grass on the property by the end of the first year due to grass seed issues.
By March of 2001, there were already calls for an expansion of the school due to overcrowding.
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Counselor Corner
A-D Counselor: Mrs. Charlie Borel, E-K Counselor: Ms. Christine Bryan, L-R Counselor: Mrs. Shannon Barber, S-Z Interim Counselor: Mrs. Elaine Allen, College and Crisis Counselor: Mrs. JoJo Breiner, Graduation Coach: Mrs. Kim Garrott, Counseling Secretary/Registrar: Mrs. Marina Sadler, Counseling Clerk: Mrs. Carole Kasbee
*Please let us know about any Seniors you’re concerned about.
*Note from our Graduation Coach, Kim Garrott
Teachers, this is the time of the year where we must have hard conversations about student failing for the year and sometimes seniors possibly not graduating. Just a reminder—the first call home about a student failing your class needs to come from you. During this call, please let them know what they need to make during this last quarter and semester to pass for the year. This is especially important for our seniors! Once you’ve made the call, please let that student’s counselor and me (the Grad Coach) know that you’ve made contact. Thank you for much for what you do and how hard you work!
*Shout out to Mr. Pedigo for helping us all get through testing and being so cool about it! You’re the best!
*ENJOY THE COUNT DOWN TICKER TO END OF SCHOOL IN THE LINK BELOW!!! SO FUN!!!
*The counseling department had so much fun last year taking a test to figure out our personality types. It helps us better understand ourselves and each other. We thought this might be a fun activity for you to do with you colleagues and family! Click the link below to join in the fun!
We are so thankful to be part of this team! Go Blaze!
BHS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - April 2019
BHS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - April 2019
In our profession, there is always something new on the horizon. New challenges require new thoughts, new strategies, and new learning. We hope you'll find these professional development sessions to be helpful as you prepare for what's on your horizon with your students.
We have three on-campus sessions in the month of April as shown below.
Friendly reminder: All PD hours must be completed and recorded by Friday, May 10, 2019. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is a session you would like to offer in April.
- Justin Smith
May On-Campus PD Sessions
ESL TIDBITS
Article Submitted by: Evelyn Heckman and Anoulom Phimphivong
CALENDAR REMINDERS...
All teachers are expected to work one of the following events: Homecoming Dance, Prom, or Graduation. The dates for each event are below so that you can mark your calendar.
Graduation - May 19, 2019 at 2:30pm
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
FACULTY MEETING
TIME: 7:30 am LOCATION: Auditorium
- May 7th
Early Dismissal Days
- May 29
Please keep in mind that if you are absent on an early dismissal day, you will only require a sub until 12:00 pm., but your absence will be for a whole day!
BREAKING NEWS: BHS FIELD UPDATE
BE A PART OF BLACKMAN'S HISTORY AND FUTURE...
REMINDER ABOUT WORK ORDERS...
Send maintenance work orders to BHSMAINT@rcschools.net
BHS SPIRIT SHOPPING
Blackman High School Spirit Wear website has a direct link available on the BHS home page.
Shop to support our school and enjoy a an amazing discount this month!
GO BLAZE!!
Let's play who is that? HIGH SCHOOL YEARS REVISITED....
Send Mrs. Brewer a high school or younger days picture (teacher & staff) to be featured in the bulletin. Be the first to email your answer and win a prize!!!! brewerk@rcschools.net
FACULTY FUN...GUESS WHO?
In the know....
Follow Dr. Justus on Twitter @bhsjustus
Sign up for Remind by texting @ljustus to 81010
SEND US YOUR NEWS!!!
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
April 1 - Doherty
April 8 - Davies
April 10 - McDowell
April 11 - Faircloth
April 12 - H. Miller
April 13 - Haynes
April 14 - Giacobbi
April 14 - Johnson
April 20 - Meadows
April 21 - Sanders
April 22 - Bryan
April 24 - Ron Jones
April 25 - Allen
April 25 - E. Edwards
April 30 - Anderson
April 30 - Daniel
April 30 - Ferguson
April 30 - Dawson