Preparing for flu season

As flu season approaches, Brandon Valley School District fully anticipates that some of our students and staff will contract seasonal flu and/or H1N1 flu ( the novel flu virus discovered last spring).
At this time, the H1N1 virus appears to be no more serious -- and no less severe -- than the seasonal flu. State health officials are recommending that we treat H1N1 much as we treat seasonal flu. Students at high-risk (eg., those with chronic illnesses such as asthma) should consult a physician for specific guidance.

Common-sense hygiene practices can go a long way to prevent the spread of flu illnesses. To that end, we ask parents to:
* keep children who exhibit flu-like symptoms (fever 100 degrees or more w/cough or sore throat) home for at least 24 hours after they are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medication.
* teach children to cover their noses and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough/sneeze in their sleeve.
* teach children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, or to use hand sanitizer if soap/water is not available.
* look for opportunities to have children vaccinated.

Finally, the district does not plan to notify families every time a student or staff member is sick with H1N1. Since that is not our practice with seasonal flu, it will not be our practice with H1N1.

Based on the timing and severity of a potential flu outbreak, these guidelines could change. If things do change, we will do our best to notify the school community as quickly as possible.

Pigskin Classic ~ exciting experience!

WOW! What a night! I'm really impressed with the BV Booster Club. It was an exciting experience that I won't soon forget. I was nervous as I approached the stadium ~ I had to
supervise the high school football game and wanted to find my assigned area before the game. During this process, I got an explanation on the blanket reserved bleachers from Bob Logan. Great fundraiser idea!

I enjoyed the 5th/6th grade football exhibition and the Cheer Camp pre-game performance. While we've had the same events in Groton - nothing compares to the number of students who are involved at Brandon Valley! I took a picture of the crowd - just because it looks more like the Brown County Fair than a high school football game attendance.

The Brandon Valley Booster Club recognizes families who have provided a significant donation to the School District. The Fred Assam family was recognized this year. Representing the Assam family is Jennifer Assam Peterson and her husband Tony and their sons Lane, Mitch, and Grant.

The marching band looked fantastic and sounded even better! Neither Arlington or Groton has a marching band any more. It was absolutely wonderful to see them in action and brought back memories of my high school days in the marching band at SF Washington!

"KUDOS" to the football players, coaches, and cheerleaders on the victory over the Sturgis Scooopers! While I didn't get to see much of the game from my supervision area "behind the bleachers", it was fun to listen to the crowd and the announcer.

Beautiful picture!

This hot air balloon was in the air on Sunday morning. What a beautiful sight! Thanks to Jennifer Assam Peterson and her family for submitting the picture!

High School Volleyball action!

WOW! I had the pleasure of watching the Brandon Valley High School volleyball team in action on Friday night. It was exciting for me to watch the tempo and talent out on the court. CONGRATULATIONS to the coaches and players on their victory over SF Washington! I look forward to next week's home action when they take to the court with Sioux Falls Christian and Huron.

I coached junior high volleyball for a number of years in Arlington and also coached the last two years in Groton. My daughter excelled in volleyball during her junior high and high school years and also played on an Elite Junior Olympic volleyball team. Just get me talking volleyball ~ and you'll see my passion emerge!

Safety takes teamwork!

Superintendent Dave Pappone and parent Dave Howard helped with the crosswalk area on Thursday and Friday. Thanks to their efforts, motorists were alerted to the school zone and crosswalk areas and children were able to cross Six Mile Road safely to Fred Assam Elementary School.

Thanks, also, to the officers from the Sheriff's Department. They patroled both before and after school. The speed cart was displayed so motorists could check their driving speeds as they entered the school zone area.
THANK-YOU, parents! Your continued attention to driving, speed zones, and children will keep our school family safe.

School is in session, so please help protect our kids by following these tips behind the wheel.

** All drivers should use caution around the Elementary School. Motorists need to come to a complete stop and wait when children are present at the crosswalk. Motorists are required to stop only when pedestrians are present.

** Expect the unexpected, especially when driving in or around a school zone, playground, or park.

** Obey the law when meeting or passing a school bus. Always use caution around buses loading and unloading children.

** Please reduce speed around the school zone area. Be observant and watch closely for students walking to or from school.

** Drop-off and pick-up traffic ~ pull over to the side of the road. Students should not leave or run out in the middle of this traffic. Vehicles should not be left unattended when picking up students. Children sometimes dart unexpectedly into traffic ~ often between parked cars.

** PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY! KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE AS THEY TRAVEL TO AND FROM SCHOOL!

First Day of School

We planned and prepared ~ and finally the day came! Our start to the day went very smoothly. Thank-you, parents, for assisting with traffic control in the parking lot as well as on Six Mile Road. It always amazes me just how quickly the children (and teachers) pick up their routines and get down to business. We will have a terrific school year!

Fred Assam Elementary School Dedication

Welcome to a new school year in the beautiful new Fred Assam Elementary School!

It's official! We have been planning, preparing, and anticipating this beginning for the last few months ~ and now it's here!

The dedication program and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, August 13.