Meet Garry May, the new Athletic Director at Blackford Jr.-Sr. High School.
May comes to Blackford County Schools via Hamilton Community Schools in northern Indiana, where he served as Athletic Director/Dean of Students and
Transportation Coordinator.
A “sports guy” by trade, May obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Administration Marketing and Management from Ball State University, and a Master of Education in Athletic Administration from Goucher College in Maryland.
During his own sports career, May was an avid runner in high school and at the collegiate level. He coached both cross country and soccer before becoming an Athletic Director.
"Garry has a strong background in athletics at the high school and Division 1 level, and he distinguished himself in the interview process,” says BCS Superintendent Chad Yencer. “His organization and communication skills were praised by previous administrators. We are excited to have Garry join the BCS team.”
May echoes Yencer’s excitement and plans to hit the ground running.
"My family and I are thrilled to become part of the Blackford Bruin community as the new Athletic Director. The individuals I've encountered so far have truly impressed me, and I'm eager to meet many more in the coming months. I'm excited to align my philosophy with the BCS core values of Connect, Influence, and Achieve.”
May adds, “A big thank you to the BCS administration and school board for this incredible opportunity. Go Bruins!”
May is currently house-hunting in the area. He hopes that he and his wife, Vicki, and their son, Landon, 5, will be able to move a little closer to Bruin Country.
Welcome, Mr. May!
2024 Camp Invention is wrapping up today! This week has been so fun and the projects look amazing.
Special thanks to all of our sponsors: Blackford County Community Foundation, Blackford County United Way, Blackford County Schools, 3M Hartford City, BPS Staff, and Blackford County Women of Worth.
(Also, a big thank you to Mrs. Kylee Redford and the Camp Invention staff!)
#BruinProud
Meet Aaron Murphy, the new Varsity Girls Basketball Coach and Physical Education teacher at Blackford Jr.-Sr. High School.
Murphy comes to Blackford County Schools via Hamilton Heights Middle School in Pendelton, where he served as an 8th grade Physical Education and Health Teacher and the Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at Hamilton Heights High School.
A 2014 graduate of Ball State University and Ivy Tech, Murphy brings 8 years of experience to coaching.
Murphy describes himself as a “student of the game” who is skilled in communication, teaching and leadership. He looks forward to building a successful girls’ basketball program in the district that produces “multiple championships and outstanding people.”
"We are happy to welcome Aaron Murphy to BJSHS,” says Principal Jason Ridge. “Our committee was impressed with his vision for the girls basketball program and his trek to get to us. His focus on growth and leadership, building relationships and his ability to lead a high quality program really stood out. Along with his responsibilities as a coach, we feel we are getting an outstanding PE teacher. We are very excited for him to get started!"
Murphy currently resides in Pendleton with his wife, Erin, and their three children: Olivia, 13, Violet, 8, and Maverick, 5.
Welcome, Mr. Murphy!
It takes a community to help educate children and we are thankful for ours. We appreciate everyone who donates their time, energy and resources to Blackford County Schools. Thank you!
The Ball State Healthy Lifestyle Center invites you to join us for a walking class with puppies every Thursday, starting TONIGHT! Walking is a great way to be active, and this way the dogs will get some exercise as well! ❤️
Join us at the Blackford County Animal Shelter at 5 pm. Please note that a liability waiver will need to be completed. See you soon!
BJSHS office staff headed to Decatur today to join other Area 18 schools celebrating the end of the 2023-2024 school year. From left: Todd Hill, Cate Bennett, Scott Clamme, Jason Ridge, Grace Shockey, Kelli Ruble, Dawn Goodspeed, Monica Solga, Amy Coons, Lindsey Cagle, Jayci Dick and Karen Mealy.
Thanks for a great school year, Bruins! We appreciate you!
#BetterAtBlackford
We thank all the generous donors to BCS. Your kindness makes all the difference!
#BruinProud
Check out the open jobs currently available at BCS. Perhaps there is something for you! Join Us!
https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1299/BCS/4424396/Job_Opportunities_6-4-2024.docx.pdf
Summer School is ON at BIS!
Our Bruins were practicing their reading camping style, with flashlights and finger lights. Students and teachers are making the most out of these fun learning opportunities!
#SummerSchool2024
Look at those smiles! BCS would like to congratulate the 2024 retirees from BJSHS: (from left) Vikki Armstrong, Kathleen Neal, Todd Hill, Brian Willmann and Rita Murrell. Thank you for your service! Enjoy retirement! (Not pictured - Karen Bergdoll)
#BruinProud
Happy Graduation, Bruins!
#ClassOf2024
Thank you to all those who have donated their time, energy and resources to Blackford County Schools during the 2023-2024 school year. We so appreciate you and your generosity!
#BetterAtBlackford
If you've ever wanted to coach cheerleading, we're looking for YOU!
#BetterAtBlackford
SEEKING BLACKFORD BRUINS!
BCS has openings for Teachers, Instructional Assistants and Coaches. Send a letter of interest/resume to the contact listed.
https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1299/BCS/4390344/Job_Opportunities_5-29-2024.pdf
To help raise money for the BIS Field Day, students had a contest to see who could bring in the most change. The winning class was then able to throw pies at the person of their choosing. Ms. Sara Eubank's class took the honors. They chose Assistant Principal Chaz Gabriel.
We are thankful for the many individuals and businesses who have donated to Blackford County Schools during the 2023-2024 school year! Thank you! We couldn't do it without you!
#BetterAtBlackford
BCS would like to thank everyone who donated their money or their time this school year to help our students! You rock, Bruins!
#BruinProud
The team at Blackford Intermediate School wishes everyone a great summer!
We wish the team at BIS a great (and restful) summer! Thank you for all you do!
#BetterAtBIS
Meet Matt Carlisle, the new Band Director at Blackford Jr-Sr. High School.
Carlisle comes to Blackford County via Pendleton Heights Middle School, where he most recently served as a long-term substitute teacher, working with ensembles and teaching general music and jazz band. In 2023, Carlisle student-taught under the guidance of former BJSHS Band Director Holden Berlin.
A graduate of Ball State University, Carlisle also works as a Woodwind Lessons Teacher and Instrument Fitter.
As he looks towards the future of the BJSHS Band, Carlisle plans to maintain and increase the involvement and presence of the band in the community, contests and overall ‘music scene.” He hopes to host community preview days for the band and looks forward to a County/Community Band and combined ensemble opportunities.
BJSHS Principal Jason Ridge is excited about Carlisle taking the helm of the BJSHS Band.
"Matt Carlisle is going to be a wonderful addition to BJSHS! We have been thrilled with the progress made under Mr. Berlin and feel Mr. Carlisle is the perfect person to keep the band program moving forward. His vision, experience working with high quality bands and work ethic all stood out during his interview and during his time as a student teacher. He does a tremendous job making connections with students and we are so excited to have him leading the band program!”
Welcome, Mr. Carlisle!
During the End of School Year Breakfast, staff members who had 30 years or more of service were recognized. Also, administrators shared individual staff accomplishments, as well as academic accomplishments, that took place across the district. It's been a great school year!
#BruinProud
