This week the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools mailed its 2023-2024 Summer District Newsletter to the community. Superintendent Greg Denecker's article is below and the 4-page mailer is attached.
~ News from the Superintendent~
We are excited to get the 2023-2024 school year started by welcoming over 1215 students, a small increase from last year, into our district on the first day of school. Our enrollment numbers continue to stay very consistent, which is a real tribute to our community and staff, as many schools in our region have declining enrollment.
The Healthwise Mobile Health Clinic will come to Bluffton on Friday August 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The bus will be parked in front of the Bluffton Public Library, 145 S. Main.
This clinic includes free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol (please fast for 12 hours to participate in cholesterol or blood sugar screening) and osteoporosis. Participants may speak with ONU Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors.
CARMEL, Ind.–The Hanover College Panthers were tabbed to finish the 2023 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) women’s cross country season on top in a vote amongst league coaches.
The Panthers were voted to reign victorious in the 2023 season, garnering 75 points and five first-place votes.
The Bluffton Schools have announced that live streams will continue for the following 2023-2024 athletic events. Subscribing to the channels is recommended to make finding the events easier.
Et Cetera Inc. is planning a yearlong 50th anniversary celebration for 2024. A series of community events will celebrate 50 years of Et Cetera operation in Bluffton.
Events throughout 2024 will include a summer garden tour, style show, customer appreciation days at each store, a comforter blitz for MCC and repurposing/crafts for kids at Bluffton Family Recreation, as well as other events.
The Pandora-Gilboa Rockets kicked off their 2023 football season by hosting their State Route 12 rival, the Columbus Grove Bulldogs on Thursday night, August 17. The annual non-conference season opening showdown between the two neighboring schools proved to be a thriller, as P-G scored a touchdown with 0:01 left on the clock, for a 25-22 come-from-behind win.
Bluffton Exempted Village Schools has announced its 2023-2024 program year policy for free and reduced price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast.
Children from families whose annual income is at or below the federal guidelines are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. The Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines will be used to determine eligibility.
Each school office and the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.
Application forms available through Payschools on the district web site and is sent via schoolpointe sendit alerts to parents or guardians.
To apply for free and reduced-price benefits, households should complete an application online through the Payschools site. Additional hard copies are available at the superintendent’s office. A complete application is required.
By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team
Maya Angelou was an American poet, writer, and civil rights activist. She is famous for over 50 publications including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She was part of the inauguration of President Bill Clinton on January 20, 1983 when she recited her poem "On the Pulse of the Morning."
