Blue River Valley Schools

We’ve had such a quick and positive start to August, and I’m excited about the year ahead! The energy in our buildings has been incredible, and it’s been so fun to see students and staff jump right into the new year.

September gives us the opportunity to settle into routines, deepen learning, and continue growing together as a school community. Thank you for your support and encouragement as we move forward, it truly makes a difference for our students.

Here’s to a great September and an even brighter year ahead!

At Blue River Valley, our mission comes to life when students and staff work side by side to make a difference in the world around them. That’s why we’re excited to launch a bold new initiative: BRV Wednesday Works!

Starting this year, each teacher will choose a passion project, something meaningful they want to build, improve, or create. Every Wednesday, students will spend 1.5 hours joining teachers to bring these projects to life. It’s hands-on, real-world, purpose-driven learning that’s as unique as the people behind it.

🎯 Why it matters:
This is more than a class project, it’s an opportunity to:

• Cultivate community by working together for the greater good

• Grow expectations by going beyond traditional learning

• Empower dreams by helping students and staff pursue what they care about most
  
  

🌟 Get involved: Whether you’re a teacher with a vision, a student ready to lead, or a community member willing to help, we invite you to be part of this work.

Teachers presented their passion projects, and students selected their top three choices. Students were then placed into groups and officially began Wednesday Works this morning! Excitement was high as students started collaborating, learning, and bringing their projects to life. We can’t wait to see the amazing work they accomplish this year!

• 🐝 Pollinator Pals (Pre-K–1): Prepare to protect pollinators for spring

• 🌳 Get Outside with OWL (Grades 2–12): Clean up and rebuild the outdoor wildlife lab.

• 🎠 The Adventure Zone (Grades 2–6): Plan updates for the elementary playground.

• 🏛️ Viking Vault (Grades 2–12): Design and stock a community resource space.

• 📰 Viking Voice News & Documentary (Grades 2–12): Report and document student perspectives.

• 🌸 Seeds of Service (Grades 7–12): Beautify BRV with flowers, landscaping, and memorials.

• 🧣 The Comfort Crew (Grades 2–6): Tie blankets for the Viking Closet, foster homes, or shelters.

• ☀️ The Gathering Grounds (Grades 7–12): Create an outdoor patio for lunch and class.

• ✉️ Golden Connections (Grades 2–6): Write letters to nursing home residents.

• ⚗️ Chemistry for Kids (Grades 7–12): Conduct safe, fun experiments to share.

• ♻️ Turning Caps into Comfort (Grades 2–6): Collect bottle caps for benches.

• 🧵 Stitch & Share (Grades 7–12): Crochet classroom pets.

• 🎭 Backstage Stars (Grades 7–12): Learn tech skills for performing arts productions.

• 🤟 Communication without Limits (Grades 7–12): Learn sign language.

• 🤝 Buddy Bridge (Grades 2–12): Mentorship program between elementary and Jr./Sr. High students.

• 🏅 Athletic Council (Grades 6–12): Lead, promote school spirit, and support athletics.

Earlier this year, the 2025–2026 school calendar was approved. As part of that process, we applied to the Indiana Department of Education for waiver days to allow our staff dedicated time for professional development.

On these waiver days, students will not attend school, and no e-learning assignments will be required.

The approved waiver days for the upcoming school year are:

• Wednesday, September 17

• Wednesday, November 12

• Friday, February 13

• Friday, March 27

On Friday, October 17, students will have an asynchronous e-learning day while teachers participate in Parent/Teacher Conferences. This allows teachers the opportunity to meet with families while students continue learning at home.

Teachers will post assignments online by 9:00 AM, and students are expected to complete their work independently throughout the day. Attendance will be counted for students on this day.

Blue River Valley’s School Board works hard to support our students, staff, and community. Meetings are held regularly in the district office conference room and are open to the public, giving families the chance to stay informed about important decisions. You can also access agendas, minutes, and updates anytime through our Community Portal, making it easy to stay connected with everything happening at BRV.

Board Members:

Board President: Carla Bryant

Vice President: Mysia Brown

Secretary: Ashley Beavers

Member: Lance Brown

Member: Brian Koontz

If you want to be featured in the upcoming "news", please email Mrs. Dickerson (lori.dickerson@brv.k12.in.us) or complete our "Celebrating Viking Excellence Form".

• September 9 - Regular School Board Meeting at 7:00 PM
• September 17 - Waiver Day: No School or E-Learning for Students
• October 2 - School Board Meeting: Budget Public Hearing at 7:00 PM
• October 3 - End of Quarter 1
• October 6-10 - Fall Break: No School
• October 14 - Regular School Board Meeting at 7:00 PM (*This is a Tuesday.)
• October 17 - Parent/Teacher Conferences: Asynchronous E-Learning for Students

While I know many of our Viking families, I want to ensure that every family gets to know me as your superintendent. Please feel free to stop and introduce yourself whenever you see me!

This is the start of my second year as superintendent and my eighth year at BRV, where I’ve held various administrative roles. Before coming to BRV, I worked as an elementary teacher, data/literacy coach, and director of curriculum and instruction.

My husband, Michael, and I recently celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary. He is a Sergeant First Class in the Indiana National Guard, works full-time there, and runs a small electrical business. He also supports BRV by coaching varsity boys' golf and assisting with varsity boys' basketball. We have 12-year-old twins, Jaylee and Mitchell, who are 6th graders at BRV. Our children participate in many activities, which keep us busy as a family. When we aren't at BRV, we enjoy camping in our 5th wheel, showing pigs and goats, and watching IU sports (though Mitchell is a proud Purdue fan!).

I believe our small, rural school truly matters. As parents, we chose BRV for our children because we know they receive opportunities here that they might not find elsewhere. I don’t believe any school is perfect, but I do believe every family can find the perfect school for them. I am so grateful to be part of our BRV community and look forward to another year of growth and learning together!

Communication is a two-way street, and this year we’re working to keep families informed and involved:

• Weekly: Building principals share newsletters every Wednesday.

• Monthly: Superintendent updates and Construction News.

• BRV App “Rooms”: Connect with classrooms and groups (we’re working through some initial frustrations with the company).

• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook at Blue River Valley Schools, Blue River Valley Jr./Sr. High School, and Blue River Valley Elementary.

• EventLink: Subscribe to stay up to date on all activities, events, and practices.