Blackford Elementary School

Reminders for our Blackford Bobcats

Here are a few reminders about the beginning of school.

We are so excited to see all our Blackford Bobcats on Thursday, August 19th.  The teachers and staff have been working so hard this week getting everything ready for the 21-22 school year and our students to return!

Reminder that students will begin the day by entering through one of three gates in the front of our school.  We will have signs indicating grade level gates.  Parents/family members will be allowed to walk their child(ren) to the classroom door.  All parents/family members must wear a mask when on school grounds.  Our gates will open at 8:05 and gates will close by 8:20 AM.  Parents/family members will only be allowed on campus for a total of ten minutes due to safety.  Thank you for respecting the parameters and process.  Our goal is to keep everyone in our community safe.

The first two days we will have students meet their parent/family member at the end of the day (dismissal) at the grade level gates they entered through at the beginning of the day.  On Monday, August 23rd, we will begin using our iDismiss app.  Every student (siblings) will receive a numbered placard.  Please pick up your iDismiss placard in front of the school beginning on Thursday, Aug. 19th.  Staff will be at tables in front of the school to assist you.  More info to follow regarding the iDismiss app and process.

As you get ready at home for school to begin, please remember:

-Masks need to be worn by all students indoors.  We suggest that your child brings a couple of masks in their backpack in case they need to change their mask during the day.  We will have extra student masks in all our classrooms as well!  Masks are optional when outdoors.  If you prefer your child wears a mask during the morning recess and lunch recess, please discuss this with your child.

-Have your child bring a water bottle daily.  Our water fountains have been turned off and capped due to safety concerns.  Every classroom has a sink with a working faucet so students can wash their hands and refill their water bottles as needed.  We also have a water bottle filling station located on our playground for student use.

-Make sure your child knows who will be picking them up from school or where they need to go afterschool (examples: Campbell Care, afterschool program, etc.)  Please note: Our Blackford students will not be participating in bussing this year.

-Students will be eating outside during our "before school" breakfast program, morning recess, and lunch.  

-If your child needs a backpack, please contact our Community Liaison, Mariza Ramans, by calling the school office.  Our site has some donated backpacks we can provide to our students.   

-Most importantly: Get ready to have a lot of fun... learning, playing, meeting new friends, having a lot of new experiences and being a Blackford Bobcat!  It is going to be an incredible year!  Here's to "Bobcats Better Together 21-22."