Black River Local Schools

The board of education is very excited to get these new computers into the hands of our students!

This is another example of the district using grant funding to offer our students the best educational opportunities while being good stewards of the district’s tax dollars.

Toys for Tots 2023 marked a triumph for Black River, with an impressive collection of over 800 toys that went on to benefit 19 local families. The success of this initiative was a direct result of the incredible generosity and love shown by the Black River community.

The heartfelt gratitude extended to the Black River community was not just a formality but a sincere acknowledgment of the community's outstanding support. In a time where unity and empathy are often sought after, Black River stood tall, proving that a collective effort can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

A special recognition was reserved for the Sullivan Fire Department, whose active involvement played a pivotal role. Spencer Dollar General and Tangles and Tans also earned their stripes, showcasing that it's not the scale of the contribution but the intention that truly matters.

As the toys found their way to deserving homes, the success of Toys for Tots 2023 became a testament to the power of community and collaboration. In the heart of this small town, something much more profound than toys was exchanged – a sense of belonging, compassion and a reminder that even the smallest gestures can create ripples of positive change. Black River not only celebrated the joy brought to families but also the unity that made it all possible.

Thank you all for a successful 2023 Toys for Tots.

Black River High School is gearing up to extend a warm welcome to all incoming high schoolers at the Class of 2028 reception scheduled for this Thursday, January 25, at 5:30 p.m. This event promises an engaging evening focused on building connections, exploring electives and offering valuable guidance to support the newest members of the Black River High School family.

The primary goal of the night is to foster a sense of community and connection between the incoming students and the school staff. This reception provides an excellent opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the environment and get to know the dedicated individuals who will be part of their high school journey.

An essential aspect of the evening is the exploration of electives, allowing students to gain insights into the diverse range of courses and extracurricular activities offered at Black River High School. This step is crucial in helping students make informed decisions about their academic paths and interests.

One of the highlights of the event is the question and answer session, where students can seek guidance and receive support from experienced staff members. This interactive session aims to address any concerns or queries that incoming students may have, ensuring a smooth transition into their high school experience.

The reception goes beyond the conventional by incorporating snacks, fun activities like a scavenger hunt and the chance to win exciting door prizes. These elements add a touch of enjoyment to the evening, making it not only informative but also memorable.

Black River High School eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Class of 2028 and is committed to making their transition into high school a positive and enriching experience. The reception on January 25 promises to be an evening filled with connections, exploration and support, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling high school journey. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP promptly and join in the excitement at Black River High School.

Black River FCS/FCCLA is excited to announce its Strawberry Fundraiser, bringing the taste of fresh Florida strawberries right to your doorstep. As one of the first signs that spring is approaching, these sweet and juicy berries are not only a delightful treat but also a way to support service-learning projects benefiting the school and the local community.

For just $22.00 per flat, you can enjoy approximately eight pounds of fresh strawberries, with each flat containing 8 pints of these delicious berries. Orders can be placed through February 13th, and payment is due by February 13th. The eagerly awaited delivery of the strawberries is scheduled for the week of February 26th.

If you choose to order by phone, you will receive a notification a few days before the delivery, allowing you to set up a convenient pick-up time. These fresh strawberries are not only great for jams, jellies, shortcakes, and pies but also serve as a healthy snack, rich in fiber, vitamin C and folate.

The proceeds from this fundraiser play a crucial role in supporting service-learning projects initiated by Black River FCCLA and Family and Consumer Sciences classes. These projects include activities and supplies for the Veterans Day Breakfast and Assembly, service projects in the local community and at the state level, educational opportunities for Black River students, and leadership opportunities for FCCLA members.

To place your order, reach out to an FCS/FCCLA student or contact FCCLA Adviser Jenny Demczyk at 419-736-3303 ext. 1221. All checks can be made payable to Black River FCCLA. By participating in this strawberry fundraiser, not only do you get to enjoy fresh and tasty berries, but you also contribute to meaningful initiatives that make a positive impact on the school and the community. Order your strawberries today and join in supporting these valuable service-learning projects!

Black River Middle School is gearing up for an evening of literary exploration and family fun at its upcoming Literacy Night on January 30, 2024. The spotlight of the event will be on the featured book "Restart" by Gordon Korman, as part of the school's One School, One Book program. Parents, students, and community members are all invited to join in the literary festivities.

The night promises a variety of engaging activities for attendees of all ages. A Game Table will be set up, featuring classics like Scrabble and Boggle, providing a playful and interactive way to celebrate the joy of words. Additionally, there will be demonstrations showcasing Libby, an app designed for accessing thousands of free ebooks and audiobooks. This is a fantastic opportunity for both students and parents to discover new literary adventures and expand their reading horizons.

For those looking to enhance literacy activities at home, the event will provide ideas and opportunities to increase reading and writing in a family-friendly manner. The student projects on display will offer a glimpse into the creative and literary talents of Black River Middle School students.

Excitement will be in the air with door prizes up for grabs and to keep energy levels high, concessions will be available courtesy of Black River Food Service, Moonstone Coffee Works and Kona Ice.

One of the unique features of the Literacy Night is the Book Swap table. Attendees are encouraged to participate by bringing a book to swap – leave one and take one. This initiative adds an element of community sharing, allowing participants to discover new reads and share their favorites with others.

The Black River Middle School Literacy Night is an opportunity for families to come together, celebrate the joy of reading and foster a love for literature in a fun and interactive setting.

We hope to see you there.

Dear Black River Community,

Black River Local School District is committed to financial transparency and open communication. Currently, we are navigating substantial financial challenges. These challenges have prompted the need to make critical financial decisions. To aid in this process, we have developed a survey that addresses various facets of our financial considerations. Your participation is essential in helping us make decisions that will impact the future of our district.

Time Commitment: 10 -15 minutes

Deadline: Please complete the survey by February 16, 2024.

We encourage every member of our community to participate. Your input will shape the future of the Black River Local School District. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for our schools.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community.

Black River is thrilled to announce Family First Night, a special occasion dedicated to prioritizing family connections and spending quality time together. Scheduled for Monday, March 18, 2024, Family First Night encourages families to set aside the usual routine of homework and practice, providing a unique opportunity to focus on what matters most – each other.

On Family First Night, there will be no homework assignments, no practices and no reason for any family member to miss out on quality time. Instead, families are encouraged to seize the moment and engage in activities that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

Take the time to cook together, preparing a delicious family meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether it's a cherished family recipe or a new culinary adventure, the act of cooking together can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all.

For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, why not challenge each other to your favorite game? Whether it's a board game, card game, or an outdoor activity, Family First Night is the perfect opportunity to embrace some friendly rivalry and create a spirit of camaraderie.

Importantly, this evening is not just about the fun activities but also about providing a breather from academic responsibilities. No homework will be assigned and there won't be any looming tests or projects due the following day. Family First Night is a break from the usual routine, allowing families to unwind and focus on what truly matters – spending quality time with loved ones.

Black River Local School District is committed to supporting the well-being and connection of our community and Family First Night is a testament to that commitment. We encourage every family to participate and make the most of this special evening dedicated to strengthening family ties.

Mark your calendars for Monday, March 18th and join us in celebrating the importance of family, connection and the joy of spending uninterrupted time together.

Congratulations to our Black River Middle School December Pirates of the Month!

Grade 6- Ally Knapp

Grade 7- Brandon Naer

Grade 8- Daniel Van Cooney

Congratulations to Hannah Schmaterbeck, Black River Middle School Math 7 teacher, for being selected as an Ohio Lottery Teacher of the Month! She was nominated by several students to have her name submitted by the Staff Success Committee. Congrats, Hannah!