Black River Local Schools

We are thrilled to share an incredible milestone our FFA Chapter has achieved - earning a Gold Rating in the National Chapter Award Program. This accomplishment is a testament to our chapter's commitment to excellence and a beacon of pride for our school and community.

The National Chapter Award is a distinguished accolade that honors FFA chapters nationwide for their exemplary commitment to implementing the FFA's mission and strategies. It spotlighted chapters that excel in enhancing their operations through the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards alongside a robust Program of Activities focused on three pivotal areas: growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture.

Every chapter member's relentless dedication, hard work, and passion fueled our journey to this gold standard. Each individual's contribution has been vital in creating educational experiences that benefit our members and leave a lasting impact on our community.

We proudly announce that two members will take the stage and represent our chapter at the Ohio FFA Convention in May. This is not just an opportunity to celebrate our success but also a platform to showcase our members' exceptional leadership and achievements on a grand stage.

As we revel in this outstanding achievement, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our members. Your dedication and commitment have brought this honor to our chapter and set a benchmark for excellence. Let us continue to inspire and lead, fostering growth in leadership, community building, and the advancement of agriculture. Here are many more milestones and achievements ahead!

Go Pirates!

As the winter chill begins to thaw, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable athletic feats accomplished by Black River's very own this past season. It's been a whirlwind of energy, dedication, and standout performances that have filled the halls with pride and the stands with roaring cheers.

Under the fresh leadership of Coach Dennis English, the Boys Basketball team showcased grit and determination throughout the season. Their hard work was personified by Jonny Kray, who earned a well-deserved spot on the 2nd Team All-Conference, and Ridge Martin, whose prowess on the court earned him an Honorable Mention.

The Girls Basketball team, ignited by high hopes and the legendary skills of Riley Kubitz, Black River's all-time leading scorer, and Zoey Bungard, a remarkable 1000-point scorer, embarked on the season with determination. Despite the unforeseen challenges of injuries that tested Coach Vogelsong's squad, the spirit of the game shone through. Riley Kubitz's outstanding performance was recognized with a 1st Team All-Conference title, Zoey Bungard clinched a place on the 2nd Team, and Morgan Kubitz was honored with an Honorable Mention.

Not to be outdone, the Boys and Girls Bowling teams, under the seasoned guidance of Coach Dave Mate, rolled through a successful season. Their efforts were highlighted by Sarah Racut's impressive journey to the District Finals and Ryan Graves earning an Honorable Mention All-Conference recognition.

The wrestling mats too were a battleground of excellence and determination. Led by Coach Blake Owen, the team saw an incredible season with several wrestlers clinching All-Conference honors: Cooper McKean (1st Team), Tristyn Herrick, Mason Koberna, and Colton Moskal (2nd Team), Maddox Mitchell (3rd Team), and both Dozier and Kayden Hendershot receiving Honorable Mentions. The pinnacle of success was reached as Cooper McKean and the freshman phenom Taylor Owen advanced to the State Wrestling Meet, with Taylor securing a commendable 5th place in the state.

As we bid farewell to the winter athletic season, we celebrate the resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship displayed by all our athletes. Their achievements are a testament to the unwavering spirit of Black River. To all our winter athletes, we want to say great job! Your hard work and dedication have not only brought accolades but have also ignited a sense of unity and pride within our community.

We are BR!

In a stunning display of mathematical skill and creative problem-solving, the Fourth Grade 24 Tournament Team from Black River Elementary School made an impressive mark at the annual county-wide event this past Thursday, February 29, 2024. Hosted at the Cloverleaf Recreation Center, the tournament brought together young math enthusiasts from across the county to challenge their minds and mathematical abilities.

The team, consisting of Levi Cyrus, Emily Owen, Kinsley Jones, Daisy Arntz, and Griffin Bateson, represented Black River Elementary with distinction, showcasing their exceptional arithmetic and strategic thinking talent. Under the guidance of Janice Kollar, the district's esteemed Gifted Coordinator, these students demonstrated their skills in mathematical equations and their ability to think quickly and creatively under pressure.

The 24 Tournament is a unique mathematical challenge where participants are given a card with four numbers. The goal is to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to manipulate these numbers to reach 24, stipulating that each number must be used exactly once. It is a test that goes beyond mere calculation, demanding strategic planning and inventive approaches to problem-solving.

Organized annually by the Medina County ESC, the tournament aims to create a love for mathematics among students and provide a platform for showcasing the incredible talents of our young learners. It is an event that highlights mathematical ability and encourages critical thinking and creativity, essential skills in today's ever-evolving world.

Congratulations to the Black River Elementary 24 Tournament Team for their outstanding performance and for representing our district with such excellence. Their achievements are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion for learning that we value so highly in our community. Way to go, Levi, Emily, Kinsley, Daisy, Griffin, and their coach, Janice Kollar, for this achievement!

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season of renewal than by preserving your cherished school memories? We are excited to announce a special promotion for our school district's yearbook that you won’t want to miss!

For a limited time, from March 29th through April 8th, we are offering an exclusive $10 discount on purchasing your yearbook. This is the perfect opportunity to secure your copy at a reduced price, ensuring that the memories of this school year will be beautifully captured and treasured for years to come.

To take advantage of this special offer, visit https://yearbookforever.com/, select Black River, and enter the coupon code SPRINGBREAK at checkout!

Purchase your yearbook between March 29th and April 8th to benefit from this special discount. Whether you are buying one for yourself, your child, or as a gift to someone special, a yearbook is a timeless keepsake that captures the essence of this school year.

Remember, the SPRINGBREAK coupon code is your key to unlocking this deal. Visit https://yearbookforever.com/ today and make sure your memories are preserved in the pages of our yearbook.

Spring break is April 1 - 5.

We will see you back on April 9th (Due to the Solar Eclipse).

We hope everyone has a relaxing and fun break.

In light of the extraordinary celestial event gracing our skies on April 8, our school district has announced a one-day closure to allow students and staff the opportunity to experience the solar eclipse safely. This rare astronomical event is not only a moment of wonder but also an educational experience, highlighting the marvels of our universe.

Understanding the Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, temporarily obscuring the sun from our view. This alignment of celestial bodies is a breathtaking sight and offers a unique opportunity to learn and appreciate the wonders above us.

The upcoming eclipse is particularly significant due to its rarity in our region. Such events allow astronomers and enthusiasts to gather valuable data and foster a deeper appreciation for the intricate dance of our solar system.

Viewing Safety Tips

While the allure of witnessing a solar eclipse is undeniable, it is crucial to do so safely to prevent eye damage.

Only look directly at the sun with proper eye protection, even during an eclipse. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are insufficient to protect your eyes.

Use eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. These glasses are designed specifically to protect your eyes while observing the sun.

Telescopes or binoculars should only be used with solar filters designed for this purpose. Improper use can cause severe eye damage.

Educational Opportunity

We encourage our students and their families to use this day to witness the eclipse and engage in learning activities related to astronomy and the science of eclipses. This event is a perfect opportunity to spark curiosity and wonder about the natural world and the universe beyond.

As we look forward to this awe-inspiring event, let us ensure we view the eclipse safely and maximize this educational experience. Here is to a day of wonder, learning, and celestial celebration!

This past Tuesday, March 26th, the halls of Black River High School buzzed with the energy and anticipation of real-world opportunities as Miss Mitchell's Senior English class took a significant step toward their future careers. In a remarkable collaboration between education and local industry, students conducted mock interviews, applying weeks of preparation and learning to a practical test.

Under the dedicated guidance of Miss Mitchell, these students have been practicing their professional writing skills, crafting resumes and cover letters that showcase their achievements and aspirations. This preparation anticipated a day that would bridge their academic efforts with practical, real-world experience.

The event saw the generous participation of local businesses, who brought their expertise and commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals. Representatives from Centerra Co-op, Forest City Technologies, Mack Industries, Spencer Forge, Sunrise Co-op, and Welser Profile took time from their demanding schedules to engage with our students, providing invaluable insights into the professional world.

This initiative was more than just an exercise in interview techniques; it was a cornerstone in building the confidence and competence of our students as they stand on the threshold of their future careers. The mock interviews provided a safe yet realistic environment for students to experience the nuances of job interviews, receive constructive feedback, and understand the workforce's expectations.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the local businesses that supported this event. Their involvement exemplifies the power of community collaboration in enriching educational experiences and preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

As our seniors prepare for their next journey, the mock interview day will undoubtedly be a highlight of their final year at Black River High School. Initiatives like these prepare students for their professional paths and strengthen the bonds between our educational institutions and the community at large.

Thank you to all involved in making this day a success. Your dedication to the growth and development of our students is a testament to the vibrant community spirit surrounding Black River High School.

This past January and February, culinary arts and global foods students at our district's high school had the opportunity to blend their passion for cooking with entrepreneurial skills in the much-anticipated Food Truck Wars assignment. This innovative project, part of the Global Foods "Chef 4" and Culinary Fundamentals "Chef 2" curriculums, challenged students to think beyond the kitchen and dive into the food business world.

In the Global Foods class, students had the challenge of creating food trucks inspired by different countries. They dove into the culinary traditions of their chosen nations, researching and preparing dishes that best represented the local cuisine. The assignment culminated in a two-day food lab, where students crafted three-dimensional food truck displays to showcase their culinary masterpieces. The school staff judged the vibrant and creative displays, turning the event into a spirited competition that celebrated the diversity of global cuisine.

Meanwhile, the Chef 2 students explored the nuts and bolts of building a successful food business. From devising effective marketing strategies to designing eye-catching food trucks, the students applied their lessons in entrepreneurship to the culinary field. The project encouraged them to create a unique menu item, bringing their theoretical business plans to life in the school's kitchen. The hands-on experience proved to be both educational and enjoyable, fostering a sense of camaraderie and creativity among the students.

Kaydance Delesky, a senior in the Chef 2 class, reflected on the project's challenges and rewards, highlighting the importance of teamwork and the joy of creative expression in the kitchen. "It was not easy, but learning to work together and be creative with the food truck display and our menu items made it all worth it. Plus, cooking what we designed was much fun," she shared.

The Food Truck Wars Competition is more than just a school assignment; it is a testament to our students' ability to combine creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking. These future chefs and business leaders have shown that with a pinch of innovation and a dash of hard work, they can cook up success in any endeavor they undertake.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Food Truck Wars. Your hard work, creativity, and culinary skills have impressed us all!

Grade 6- Adriana Miller

Grade 7- Mallory Finkel

Grade 8- Kohl Henry

Mr. Laskos!

Ava Workinger and Nathan Obarski!

Natalie Maples and Kenzley Mate!