Volume 4, Number 33 May 10, 2013

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!” The Blanco ISD

Council of Educational Facility Planners Hosts Meeting at Historical Building School Planners from Throughout the Region Marvel at Blanco’s Unique Renovation

The Central Texas Chapter of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International met on Wednesday at Blanco’s renovated historical building. The picture above was taken in the new library. (Photo Willard Gibbons)

The Central Texas chapter of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) held its monthly meeting at Blanco’s renovated historical building on Wednesday. Approximately fifty educational planners from throughout the region were in attendance. “This project is an answer for what communities can do when they are faced with similar concerns that we were faced with,” said Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford. “Many communities may have an old school building that has deteriorated over the years. That was the case with Blan-co’s historical building. Maintenance and repairs to the building were not cost effective. It was a safety hazard for students. It no longer served an instructional purpose.” “At the same time, the building had historical, cultural, and artistic significance for the local community and many of its

alumni. Preservation of the building was their passion-ate objective.” “For years, there didn’t seem to be a resolution to the issue.” At Wednesday’s meet-ing, attendees learned the story of how Blanco ar-rived at an answer for its problem—a story that in-

volved community members coming together to both preserve their historical building, and upgrade elementary facilities that had students in 20-year old portable buildings. Architect Randy Fromberg said, “Wednesday’s CEFPI presen-tation was a huge success and demonstrated how Blanco’s history has been honored throughout the project.” “I know that many of the attending facility planners were from large districts that do “big box” schools—they seemed to really appreciate a project that can be both interesting and fun.” “This has been a great example of how community based plan-ning can identify common values and unite many in a shared vi-sion.” “It’s a great example of how a school building should happen.”

Board of Trustees Matt Herden, President

Troy Immel, Vice President Kirk Felps, Secretary

Tim Nance Charles Riley

Bernie San Miguel Darrel Wagner

Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford

Attendees view artifacts in the east gallery. (Photo Willard Gibbons)

Principal Linda Romano receives $200 check from

CEPFI. (Photo Carole Ford)

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Sixth Grade Band performs at middle school Fine Arts Night.

By Kris Baker—“Blanco Middle School hosted “Fine Arts Night” on Tuesday, May 7th. Fine Arts Night is an annual cele-bration of the creativity and talent of BMS students. Many students who participate in Art, Theatre Arts, and Band were given an opportunity to display art work and participate in live performances.

BMS’s award winning bands played sev-eral songs including “Smoke on the Water,” “Firestorm,: “Voodoo Dance,” “Fire Dance,” and others. Under the direction of Brian Hecimovich and Brandon Aly, the band put on an excellent show for the com-munity in the packed middle school cafete-ria. The 6th grade band has recently been awarded with a first division rating at the Pirate Land music festival. The 7th grade band will soon compete in the Six Flags Across Texas Festival. BMS middle school theatre classes per-formed several short plays for the audience.

Theatre classes have enjoyed an outstanding year of competi-tion that includes yet another first place finish in district UIL One Act Play competi-tion. BMS theatre stu-dents also grabbed first place at the Fredricks-burg One Act Play festi-val, their third in a row at this event.

Art students at Blan-co Middle School dis-played handmade works of art which included ceramics and wire sculptures, print-making, painting, and many other media. The Art teacher and

Art UIL coach Kris Baker led another dominant UIL Art team to outstanding results at the district UIL meet. The UIL Art team again earned the most points at district in the Art event. In addition, BMS UIL Art teams placed first in district as a team in every grade level. The Blanco Middle School fine arts teachers would like to give their thanks to both the community and the hard work-ing students who have made Fine Arts night a success. Theatre Arts teacher Amy Arlitt added, “I was very pleased to see such a great turn-out for our Fine Arts Night. The students work hard all year on these projects, pieces and per-formances – it’s a great thing to see so many from the communi-ty come out and support our kids.”

Middle School Hosts Fine Arts Night Middle School Band, Theatre Arts, and Art Classes on Display

Lady Panthers Come up Short to Boling in Area Finals

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The Lady Panther softball team fell to the Boling Bulldogs in Area playoff action held last weekend in Shiner. The schools played a two-out-of-three series, with Blanco losing Game One 4—0 and Game Two 5—2. “These girls have nothing to be upset at,” said head coach Michael Seales. “They played some solid softball throughout their season.” Coach Seales would like to recognized seniors Mishelle Cal-zoncit, Callie Culton, Leslie McClinton, Kelsey Schwind, and Angel Williams for four years of hard work and determination in softball. During their four years, these seniors were 88—33 and 28—4 in district play. Coach Seales and Coach Lester would also like to thank Mackenzie Johnson, Taylor Guinn, Meaghen Seales, Kasie Dowdy, Abbie Culton, Payton Savarino, Jamie McClinton, Lexee Jenkins, Katherine Biggs, and all the parents and fans for their hard work and support of the Blanco Panther 2013 softball team. The Lady Panthers finished the year 22—5 overall and 7—1 in district play. They were District 27-AA Co-Champions, and an Area Fi-nalist.

Seniors, Area Final, Shiner. (L to R) Jason Lester, Leslie McClinton, Angel Williams, Mishelle Calzoncit, Kelsey Schwind, Callie Culton,

Michael Seales. (Photo Diana Schwind)

***Update*** 5/10/13, 1:15 PM Game One has been re-scheduled for tonight (Friday) in Johnson City at 7:30. Games 2 and 3 TBA. Check BISD website for updates.

Panthers Face East Bernard in Best-of-Three Area Series

Blanco Eliminates Luling in Bi-District Round

2013 27-AA District Honors: Co-MVP Meaghen Seales; Offensive MVP Kelsey Schwind; Defensive MVP Leslie McClinton; 1st Team Infield—Callie Culton, Taylor Guinn, Angel Williams; 1st Team Outfield—Abbie Culton, Payton Savarino; 2nd Team Outfield—Mishelle Calzoncit; Honorable Mention—Jamie McClinton

Blanco Panthers following series win vs. Luling at Texas State University. (Photo Tracy Sauceda)

The Panther baseball team opens a best-of-three Area playoff series vs. East Bernard tonight at 7:00 PM at Bastrop High School. The Panthers earned their trip to the Area round by disposing of Luling 6—0 and 7—6 in Bi-District action played last week-end at Texas State University in San Marcos. “We played very well defensively against Luling,” said head coach Bryan Wyatt. “We committed only two errors in 14 in-nings.” The Panther coach was particularly impressed with his pitch-ing staff of Layne Lassberg, Josh McCaslin, and Sam Isenberg. “They went the 14 innings and did a great job of holding down a good Luling offense,” said Wyatt. Wyatt had nothing but praise for East Bernard, champions of

District 26-AA. “They are ranked #10 in the state,” he added. “If we can throw strikes and make the routine play on defense and put the ball in play, good things are going to happen. Game Two of the series is scheduled for 6:00 Saturday, with Game Three to follow 30 minutes afterwards if necessary.

Kyle Gray following HR vs. Luling on Saturday.

(Photo Tracy Sauceda)

Golf Team Blazes Trail at State Meet

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Blanco Boys Golf Team (L to R) Kyle Gray, James Leachman, Lane Hoelting, T. J. Hardin, Aaron Uballe, Coach Scott Balmos.

Sixth Grade Band Receives Division I Rating

Division I Rating Blanco Middle School sixth grade band.

The Blanco boys golf team closed out its season, competing in the State 2A meet held May 2 and 3 at the Roy Kizer golf course in Austin. Weather conditions were tough both days. “It was a great experience for me and our boys to play in the biggest golf tournament in the state,” said head coach Scott Balmos. The Panthers shot 370-359 for a two-day total of 729—good for ninth out of twelve teams. “We were very competitive on both days. We moved up as high as second place on day one, and if we could have scored the same on the second nine as we did on the first nine we could have had a chance to win it all!” “It is a great feeling to be one of the state’s best in golf this year!”

Blanco Middle School’s sixth grade band received a Division I rating at a competition held on May 1 in Lytle. “Congratulations to our sixth grade band!” said band director Brian Hecimovich. The band performed for three judges, and earned high marks for difficulty of music and musicianship. “We performed very well,” said Hecimovich.

Spanish Club Celebrates Cinco de mayo

By Seňora Shirley Johnson—The Blanco High School Spanish Club recognized Cinco de mayo this year with the as-sistance of the Canyon Lake Dance Team. All Spanish class students enjoyed experiencing the culture of our southern neighbors as they learned the salsa. ¡Baila! ¡Baila! ¡Baila!

Middle School Dominates District 27-AA Tennis Meet

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Garrett Seales won the 8th grade Boys Singles competition at the Middle School District 27-AA meet. (Photo Jennifer Seales)

Debbie Greene, Jason Marek Blanco Farm Bureau Honorees

Perfect Attendance Fourth Six Weeks, 2012—2013

Nonie Beard Mike McClure Jennifer Bird Tina Miranda Jennifer Collette John Moore Aurelia Cruz de Hernandez Brandi Mumme Michelle Davis Teresa O’Shaughnessy Belinda Delgado Peggy Pepper Linda Gray Amy Petri Debbie Greene Lisa Petri Mary Ann Johnson Paul Pfluger Diane Kainer Edit Quintanilla Victoria Kretchman Danny Rogers Perry Kuebel Angie Sandoval Kelly Lane Lisa Scherlen Jason Lester Stuart Schultz Alex Mann Jessica Schwind Felice Marek Michele Skillman Jason Marek Dianne Wagenfehr Roberta May Bryan Wyatt

(L to R) Blanco Farm Bureau representative Monica McCormick, elementary instructional aide Debbie Greene,

High School Ag teacher Jason Marek.

Debbie Greene and Jason Marek received $100 from Blanco Farm Bureau for having perfect attendance during the fifth six weeks grading period. Their names were drawn from am eligi-bility list of 36. “I want to thank Monica McCormick and Blanco Farm Bu-reau for their support of Blanco schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford.

District 27-AA Middle School Tennis Meet May 3, 2013

Ingram, Texas

Blanco Results 8th Grade 1st Boys Singles—Garrett Seales 1st Boys Doubles—Luis Elizondo and Jacob Robinson 1st Girls Singles—Andrea Calzoncit 2nd Boys Singles—Logan Parker 2nd Boys Doubles—Jonathon Campbell and Chris Prosise 2nd Girls Singles—Montana Wiseman 2nd Girls Doubles—Victoria Moya and Jessica Sevilla 3rd Girls Singles—Kaleigh Griffin 3rd Girls Doubles—Vianney Gonzalez and Veronica Se-

gura 7th Grade 1st Boys Doubles—Kaleb Hunter and Jo Mac Wyatt 1st Girls Singles—Skylar Wiseman 1st Mixed Doubles—Alexis Bates and Dustin Culak 2nd Boys Singles—Paco Vargas 2nd Girls Singles—Cheyenne Dechert 3rd Boys Doubles—Lance Reinhard and Cade Smith 3rd Girls Doubles—Jasmine Barker and Sienna Buchen-

bacher 4th Boys Singles—Isaiah Delgado 4th Girls Doubles—Rebecca Bergman and Jaslyn Rangel

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Week of May 10—19 Fri, May 10 Shirley Randall Wed, May 15 Kay Fraser Sat, May 18 Marilyn Bowman

The Bell, Vol. 4, No. 33 Page 6

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!”

Softball, Area Playoff vs. Boling State Track Qualifiers

Photos by Diana Schwind