Blackford News

Key dates are listed here. More detailed calendar will be sent to families.

Student Start and End Dates

• Students' first day of school:  August 22, 2019
• Students' last day: June 11

Breaks/Holidays

• Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 25-29. 2019
• Winter Break: Dec. 23, 2019-Jan. 3, 2020
• Presidents’ Break Feb. 17- 21, 2020
• Spring Break: April 6-10, 2020

An Internet Safety Message from Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. Ed.D.

Dear Parents,

We want to make you aware of what seems to be the latest viral challenge targeting children. It is called the Momo Challenge, and it centers around a disturbing character suggesting dangerous tasks for kids to perform. From what we have learned, these and other suggestions can also be found spliced into some YouTube Kids videos, including Fortnite and Peppa the Pig. This challenge also occurs through an app called WhatsApp, which could function on both phones and tablets.

We recommend that you talk to your child about these kinds of challenges, in a way that you feel is appropriate for their understanding. Given the connection and concern with messages within YouTube Kids videos, we also recommend that you monitor what your child is watching and screen the videos, even if they appear to be safe, to ensure their viewing does not include harmful messages.

The links below offer some information about the Internet hoax and resources to help you set rules at home:

• Forbes - “Don't Panic, What Parents Really Need To Know About 'Momo Challenge'”
• CNN - “Parents, please stop freaking out over the Momo Challenge”
• Common Sense Media - “13 Online Challenges Your Kid Already Knows About”

Learn more about how you can ensure cyber safety at home.
o   Media Guidelines for All Kids of All Ages
o   Safe Search Kids

In our schools, we are aware of this trending issue and continue working to ensure students follow safe Internet use. Throughout the school year, our teachers reinforce the expectations for safe use and responsible practices described in our Student Digital Safety contracts.  They also use the Common Sense Media resources and our lesson bank to teach grade-specific digital citizenship lessons.

If you have any further questions, please contact your child’s school.

After school and preschool program sign ups start March 1, 2019

Elementary & Middle School Programs

Our before and after school programs  offer safe, fun, and engaging programs where students develop current interests and discover new ones beyond the school day. Learn more.

Early Child Education Programs

Our high-quality infant, toddler, and preschool programs prepare children for successful educational journeys. Both fee-based and subsidized programs are available, year round, with part-time or full-time options. Learn more.

These middle schoolers offer just one example of the many ways our students give back to the community.

Showing both leadership and compassion, the students in Monroe's Leadership class made the arrangements to bring music, smiles and conversation to the residents of Caring Hearts senior care home this week.
"My committee had to find a place nearby that would like support from students," said eighth grader Valerie M. Pictured above. "We searched online for some place close, and I phoned the manager of Caring Hearts. We worked out ways we could be supportive, and scheduled our visit with them."
Wearing smiles, school uniforms and colorful tu-tus, students from the school's Leadership class and the Associated Student Body (ASB) joined the residents in making Valentine's Day bracelets, talking about school, and listening to a piano solo performed by one of the students. 
"Teaching the value of giving back to the community is important to us at Monroe," said Principal Gilbert Rodriguez. "At Monroe, Leadership students gain more than gratification from helping others. They also learn how to plan and coordinate events and activities, how to identify resources they need, and how to communicate and interact with diverse groups of people. They really represent our school well."