Blanco Elementary, riding a wave of strong performances, captured the District 27-AA UIL Academic meet title in competition held last Friday in Lago Vista. “UIL is an opportunity to enrich and extend learning, to build teamwork, to celebrate a sense of accomplishment, and to practice diligence and dedication,” said elementary school principal Linda Romano. “The teachers and students get to know one another on a level based upon a common bond as they practice and prepare for their event ...

The Blanco bands held their annual Christmas concert on December 13.

Sixth Grade Jimena Alegria 6th Calculator, Best Alt Number Sense Karley Burnette 5th Calculator Zach Collins 1st Maps/Charts/Graphs, 2nd Math Cade Felps 1st Art, Best Alt Listening Jackson Hunter 4ht Maps/Charts/Graphs, 2nd Number Sense, 4th Math Brynn Kirkland 4th Art Taylor Kotfas 1st Dictionary, 1st Spelling, 5th Ready Writing, 3rd Number Sense, 2nd Oral Reading Cami Manriquez 5th Art Jayme Mowery 1st Listening, 2nd Dictionary, 3rd Social Studies Hannah Srackangast 3rd Oral Reading ...

The Middle School Student council collected 160 toys to donate to the Toys for Tots charity. Montana and Skylar Wiseman and their mother were the chairs for the drive, and were responsible for the great turnout.

The National Forensic League, the speech and debate honor society, is proud to announce Russell Kirkscey as its newest diamond coach. Kirkscey, a teacher and debate coach at Blanco High School, received a second diamond award after earning 3,022 points on December 2, 2012. A diamond award recognizes a professional career that combines excellence and longevity.

Blanco Middle School, with strong performances across all grade levels and categories, dominated the District 27-AA UIL meet held Thursday, December 13, at Blanco Middle School. “I am very thrilled with our students,” said middle school UIL coordinator Stephanie Taylor. “They did an exceptional job! Winning year after year tells a lot about our students in Blanco—they are truly the best!” “Competing felt good,” said competitor Jackson Hunter, 6th grade.

A little more than a week ago, on December 14, the second-deadliest school shooting occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. A shooter entered the school, killed 20 children and six staff members, before killing himself. The events in Newtown have affected the entire nation and will cause waves of change in our country, from the federal level down to the smallest schools.

Blanco ISD instructional aide Maria Jeske and custodian Jeffrey Wicks were recipients of a $100 attendance incentive implemented by Blanco Farm Bureau. Each six weeks, employees with perfect attendance are identified, and two employees from that pool are selected in a drawing to receive $ 100. Fifty-one employees qualified for this period’s drawing. “I want to thank Monica McCormick and Blanco Farm Bureau for providing this incentive for our employees, and for their support of Blanco scho ...

Renovation work at the historical building is progressing as scheduled. Front windows were installed this week, and their installation marked a new stage in the renovation process. “We’re near the point of having the entire building dried in,” said Vanguard site superintendent Bill Burrow. “After getting the front windows installed in the historical building, we’ll next get the back walls framed in.” “Our roofer started yesterday.

Auditor Keith Neffendorf gave a summary of the 2011-12 Annual Financial and Compliance Report for the Blanco Independent School District to trustees at their December 10 meeting. He thanked Business Manager Kay Fraser and Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford for their cooperation in the preparation of the report, saying the district “had a good year” with total net assets of $11,569,555, up $1 million from 2011. He added that the assets are a good thing, since the 2013 Texas Legislature will proba ...

Six students from Blanco High School competed to make the All-Region Band. Students competed against 400 other 1A-3A students to form the Region 12 All-Region Band. Bryce Burson - Flute Helen Kasberg - Clarinet Rebecca Dowlearn - Trumpet Echoe Burkhart - Trombone Canyon Burkhart - Tuba Donald Miller - Tuba Of these students, Echoe Burkhart placed 2nd and will advance to the area round (on January 12) to compete for a chance in the all-state band.

Student council members Kelton and Hayden were the top sellers for the candy sale. Both boys received a gift card for their prize. Kelton was the first place seller, while Hayden was the second place seller. This was a very successful fundraiser!

Red Ribbon Week was kicked off with a “You CAN Be Healthy and Drug Free!” food drive. The final count for food items brought in by the students was just under 1000. Student Council members Addy Seymour, Kyla Davis, and Kelton Marek helped with the final day of collections. All donations went to Blanco Good Samaritan Center.

The Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas conducted a cornerstone dedication ceremony at the elementary building project on Thursday. Masonic dignitaries from throughout the region were in attendance. “It was an honor to be able to conduct the cornerstone ceremony here at Blanco, where the connection between the school and Masonry goes so far back,” said Past Grand Master Gene Carnes, who officiated the ceremony. In 1874, Blanco Lodge # 216 got approval from the Grand Lodge to build a Masonic Univ ...

Each six weeks Blanco Elementary recognizes students who exemplify the guidance topic that has been taught throughout the six weeks. During October, students learned about drug awareness and how to keep their bodies healthy. Blanco Elementary students pictured below were recognized for demonstrating healthy and responsible habits! The habits include good hand washing, healthy eating habits, good PE participation, and being a role model to others when discussing healthy choices.