Before and after school care
Before-school care is offered Mondays through Fridays from 6:45 a.m. until the start of class at each elementary school. Before-school care at the Brown County Intermediate School begins at 7:15 a.m.
The cost of before-school care is $2 per child, per day.
Before-school are is also available in the event of two hour delays at the elementary schools. The hours will follow the delay, so instead of 6:45 a.m. it would be 8:45 a.m.
After-school care is offered Mondays through Fridays from the time school is dismissed until 6 p.m. After-school care is not available on school vacation days, days with delays, early dismissal days and school closing days.
The program is for children in preschool through the sixth grade. Students must attend after-school care in the building they attend. We are not approved to take state vouchers for Before and After School Care.
The price of after-school care is $5 per child, per day. Reduced-price meal families pay $4 per child. Free lunch families pay $3 per child.
Children of Brown County Schools employees can attend after-school care for $2.50.
Instructional Materials Fees
Fees for print and digital instructional materials for grades K-6 will be available at a later date following approval by the School Board.
District leaders
Main office
Superintendent: Dr. Laura Hammack
Office address: 357 E. Main St.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 38, Nashville, IN 47448
Phone: 812-988-6601
Brown County High School
Principal: Matt Stark
Assistant Principal: Chuck Hutchins
Athletic Director: Mark Bruner
Physical address: 235 Schoolhouse Lane
Mailing address: P.O. Box 68, Nashville, IN 47448
Main office: 812-988-6606
Guidance office: 812-988-5407
Athletics office: 812-988-5408
Brown County Junior High School
Principal: Brian Garman
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: Greg Pagnard
Physical address: 95 Schoolhouse Lane
Mailing address: P.O. Box 578, Nashville, IN 47448
Phone: 812-988-6605
Brown County Intermediate School
Principal: Trent Austin
Assistant Principal: Thor Davis
Physical address: 260 Schoolhouse Lane
Mailing address: P.O. Box 157, Nashville, IN 47448
Phone: 812-988-6607
Helmsburg Elementary School
Principal: Kelli Bruner
Address: 5378 Helmsburg School Road, Morgantown, IN 46160 (in Helmsburg)
Phone: 812-988-6651
Sprunica Elementary
Principal: Shane Killinger
Address: 3611 Sprunica Road, Nineveh, IN 46164 (in Brown County)
Phone: 812-988-6625
Van Buren Elementary School
Principal: Gavin Steele
Address: 4045 State Road 135 South, Nashville, IN 47448
Phone: 812-988-6658
Career Resource Center of Brown County
Director: Christy Wrightsman
Address: 246 E. Main St., Nashville, IN 47448
Phone: 812-988-5880
Corporation directors
Food service: Donald Hymer
Maintenance: Jimmy Jackson
Student learning: Deborah Harman
Technology: David Phelps
Transportation: Roger Cline
School board
President: Steve Miller Jr.
Vice President: Marlene Barnett
Secretary: Carol Bowden
Members: Stephanie Kritzer, Vicki Harden
The policy-making board for Brown County Schools is the board of school trustees. Administrators at the respective schools are in charge of day-to-day decisions.
BUS ROUTES: CLICK THIS LINK to see changes for this school year.
Frequently asked questions
By LAURA HAMMACK, guest columnist
We are counting down the days until the first day of school.
As you prepare for the new school year, I’d like to provide answers to some of our frequently asked questions.
Additionally, please plan to visit the Brown County Schools booth at the Brown County 4-H Fair, where our team of administrators and school board members will be available to answer questions. We will have school calendars, supply lists, free pencils and a sweet treat for all who stop by and say hello.
Q: When does school start?
A: The first student day is Wednesday, Aug. 7. Teachers and staff will report Monday, Aug. 5.
Q: How do I register my student for school?
A: Registration for all Brown County Junior High School and Brown County High School students takes place in both buildings Tuesday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the high school and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the junior high school. On Wednesday, July 31, registration will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the junior high school and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school. Any NEW students to Helmsburg Elementary School, Sprunica Elementary School, Van Buren Elementary School, and Brown County Intermediate School need to register at the school. NEW preschool students also enroll at their local elementary school. The offices are open beginning on July 22 at 8:00 am. Students who were enrolled last school year do not need to register again.
Q: What is the web address for Brown County Schools?
A: Our website is www.browncountyschools.com. There is a lot of information on our website. The website is easy to navigate, but if you are having any issues, please contact Director of Technology David Phelps, who will be happy to assist you. His email address is [email protected].
Q: How do I apply for free/reduced-price lunch benefits and assistance with textbook rental?
A: Paper applications will be available in registration packets for families to complete at each school and you may print an application located under the “food services” tab on the Brown County Schools website.
Q: Where can I go to find a copy of the school breakfast and lunch menus?
A: The Brown County Schools website has all of the menus for breakfast and lunch posted under the “food services” tab.
Q: With the new school year ready to begin, what piece of advice would you give parents to help them get off to a successful start?
A: I have several suggestions for this question. First, try to establish a realistic schedule for your family. The summer is a wonderful time to have later bedtimes paired with sleeping in; however, school hours should be established at least a week before school starts. Try to stick with earlier bedtimes so that the transition to the school morning isn’t such a shock. Second, develop a partnership with your child’s teacher(s). We have an incredibly talented team of educators who care very deeply about the well-being of your child. When questions arise, contact your child’s teacher. They will be happy to work with you to find a resolution to your child’s needs. Third, talk positively to your child about their education and their school day. When our parents and caregivers communicate to their children that education is important, this translates positively in student achievement. Celebrate successes with your children and let them know that mistakes are simply opportunities for learning how to do better.
Q: I want to become more involved in my child’s school. How do I do this?
A: We have several opportunities for parents and caregivers to become more involved in school activities. Our elementary, intermediate and junior high schools all have a Parent Teacher Organization or a Parent Council. These are active groups of parents and educators who work together to provide incredible opportunities for boys and girls both during and outside of the school day. As well, there are opportunities to volunteer in your child’s school building. Please reach out to the building principal and let them know of your interest in PTO, PTO Council or volunteer activities. We will put you to work!
Q: How can I get my child involved in athletics programs or other extra-curricular activities?
A: Thor Davis is the athletic director at Brown County Intermediate School, Greg Pagnard is the athletic director at Brown County Junior High School and Mark Bruner is the athletic director at Brown County High School. They are happy to help with any questions you may have about athletics programming. Contact your school and ask to speak with one of these leaders of our student-athletes. In addition to athletics, we have incredible extracurricular opportunities available in music, theater and the arts. We have academic teams where students compete in statewide competitions. Brown County Schools identifies directors and/or coaches for these additional extra-curricular opportunities. Contact your child’s teacher, principals or school office to learn more about these incredibly engaging activities.
Q: My student is homeschooled, but I am interested in having him take a class or two at Brown County Schools. Is this possible?
A: Yes! We would love to talk to you more about the ways in which you can develop a hybrid schedule of courses where your child is enrolled in the courses for which you have an interest. We will absolutely respect your desire to homeschool in other areas while working together to open doors for opportunities that might not be possible in your programming.
Q: How can I find out about activities that are taking place across the school district?
A: The Brown County Schools website has a calendar tab that identifies the various activities that are taking place in our schools. We have several social media platforms that are linked on the Brown County Schools website where we enjoy celebrating success stories from our students and team members. The Brown County Democrat is also an excellent resource.
Q: What is the role of the Board of School Trustees and when do they meet?
A: School boards, elected by their communities, represent the community’s beliefs and values. The National School Boards Association writes, “The school board represents the public’s voice in public education, providing citizen governance for what the public schools need and what the community wants. Your school board is your community’s education watchdog, ensuring that taxpayers get the most for their tax dollars.” Our school board meets on the first and third Thursday of the month in the Goldberg Room at Brown County High School. We invite you to attend.
Q: My child doesn’t live in the Brown County Schools district. Can he/she attend one of the schools in the district?
A: Yes! Brown County Schools is an open transfer district; therefore, students are able to attend schools in our district if the grade level has not met an established capacity. If you are interested in attending Brown County Schools, please contact the building where your student would like to attend and we will start the enrollment process.
We are looking forward to another successful school year and appreciate the support from our community as we welcome the boys and girls back to school Aug. 7.
How to register for school
Elementaries and Intermediate school
Any NEW students to Helmsburg Elementary School, Sprunica Elementary School, Van Buren Elementary School, and Brown County Intermediate School need to register at the school. This includes enrollment of preschool students. (Helmsburg, Sprunica, Van Buren schools offer preschool.) The offices are open beginning on July 22 at 8:00 am. Students who were enrolled last school year do not need to register again.
Contact your school to arrange a time to tour the building and enroll your student.
Junior high
Students already enrolled at Brown County Junior High School can register from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, or from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 31. Students will get their schedules and locker assignments then.
New students need to call 812-988-6605 for an appointment.
Junior high school athletes are asked to pay the sports fee of $20, along with a transportation fee of $20, during registration. In return, they receive a pass that entitles them to attend all BCJHS home sports events for free. Athletics fee checks should be made out to “BCJHS Athletics.” Athletes not planning to participate until the winter or spring are encouraged to pay fees early. Transportation fees need to be paid separately with checks made to “Brown County Schools.”
High school
Returning Brown County High School students are to pick up schedules and locker assignments between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, or 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 31.
Each athlete must pay a yearly activity fee of $30 and a corporation transportation fee of $20. All of those dollars are returned to the athletes in the form of uniforms, awards, first-aid supplies, etc. Athletes who fail to pay by the established deadline will not be able to compete until they have paid. An all-sports pass will be issued to each athlete when the fee is collected. Passes are not valid at Brown County Junior High School, WIC championships and IHSAA tournament events.
For high school students new to the Brown County area:
The guidance office is open Wednesdays throughout the summer. Call 812-988-5407 for an appointment.
The following information will be needed to register: Proof of physical address (no P.O. box; a phone bill, utility bill or other bill showing home address is needed); custody agreement, if applicable; health records; ECA test score; former school phone and fax numbers; transcripts; withdrawal grades.
Immunization information 2019-2020
Indiana law requires children enrolled in public schools to be immunized against a list of diseases.
Students are expected to have all required immunizations before the first day of school. Documentation can be submitted in the form of a physician’s certificate, records from another school system, or from the health department that show the month, day and year of each dose.
If you need to update immunizations, contact your health care provider or the Brown County Health Department (812-988-2255) to schedule an appointment.
Through the VaxCare program, the health department is now able to provide immunizations to people who have insurance, in addition to the uninsured, underinsured or people on Medicaid. VaxCare will handle insurance billing; people who have insurance need to bring their insurance card with them. By visiting the health department for their immunizations, families will not have to pay a doctor’s fee, said Jennifer Unsworth, nursing supervisor for the health department.
The health department will be at Brown County High School registration to offer immunizations on Tuesday, July 30 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Wednesday, July 31 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. A nurse in the registration area will be able to look up immunization records. A parent or guardian will need to be with the student if he or she is younger than 18. This clinic is open to all students. Immunizations for grades Pre-K through 12th will be available. If other immunizations are needed, they can be received by appointment at the health department.
Students entering kindergarten must have a current physical exam. Forms documenting physicals and immunizations can be sent to school at any time and are available from the schools and administration office.
For children who have delayed immunizations, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention catchup immunization schedule at cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/catchup.html.
Doses needed
Ages 3 to 5: Three Hepatitis B, four DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), three polio, one MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), one varicella.
Kindergarten through fifth grade: Three Hepatitis B, five DTaP, four polio, two MMR, two varicella, two Hepatitis A.
Sixth and seventh grade: Three Hepatitis B, five DTaP, four polio, two MMR, two varicella, two Hepatitis A, one MCV4 (meningoccocal), one Tdap (tetanus, diptheria and pertussis).
Eighth through 11th grades: Three Hepatitis B, five DTaP, four polio, two MMR, two Varicella, one MCV4, one Tdap.
12th grade: Three Hepatitis B, five DTaP, four polio, two MMR, two varicella, two MCV4, two Hepatitis A, one Tdap.
Important dates
Tuesday, July 30
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration, locker assignment and schedule pickup opportunity for high school students
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration, locker assignment and schedule pickup opportunity for junior high school students
Wednesday, July 31
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration, locker assignment and schedule pickup opportunity for high school students
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration, locker assignment and schedule pickup opportunity for junior high school students
Monday, Aug. 5
5 to 6 p.m. Open houses at elementary schools
6 to 7 p.m. Open house at the intermediate school
Wednesday, Aug. 7
First day of school for all students
5 to 6 p.m. Open house at junior high
6 to 7 p.m. Open house at high school
Thursday, Aug, 8
6:30-7:30 p.m. Lilly Scholarship meeting at the high school
Preschool programs
Brown County Schools offers high-quality and fully inclusive preschool classes at Helmsburg, Sprunica and Van Buren Elementary for children ages 3- to 5-years of age. Each school is rated Paths to Quality Level 3 by the state of Indiana and approved to take On My Way Pre-K vouchers.
Children may attend part-time (4-6 sessions per week) or full-time (8-10 sessions per week). Fees are $12 per half day or $25 per full day. An additional $1 supervisory fee per day is charged for half-day students who participate in the school lunch program. A $25, nonrefundable, certification maintenance fee will be collected upon enrollment.
Busing is available students with special education needs in accordance with their Individual Education Plan. Parents are required to pay for any additional sessions. Parents of general education students must provide transportation to and from preschool.
Payments are made weekly. Payments in advance are welcome and encouraged. Cash or check payments (to Brown County Schools) can be made to the school office administrative assistant. Credit card payments can be made online; visit browncountyschools.com to log in.
Enrollment forms are available at www.browncountyschools.com. Use the Grade PK-6 Enrollment Form. Any parent or guardian with developmental concerns may contact the building principal at any time before, during or after registration. For more information, call your area elementary school.
School calendar
Monday, Aug. 5 and Tuesday, Aug. 6
Teacher work days; no school
Wednesday, Aug. 7
First student day
Monday, Sept. 2
Labor Day; no school
Friday, Oct. 4
End of first nine-week grading period
Monday, Oct. 7 to Friday, Oct. 11
Fall break; no school
Monday, Oct. 14
Beginning of second nine-week grading period
Wednesday, Nov. 27 to Friday, Nov. 29
Thanksgiving break; no school
Thursday, Dec. 19
End of first semester
Friday, Dec. 20
Teacher work day; no school
Friday, Dec. 20 to Friday, Jan. 3
Christmas break; no school
Monday, Jan. 6
Students return; beginning of second semester and third nine-week grading period
Monday, Jan. 20
Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school or Snow Makeup Day
Monday, Feb. 17
Presidents Day; no school or Snow Makeup Day
Friday, March 13
End of third nine-week grading period
Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20
Spring break; no school
Monday, March 23
First day of fourth nine-week grading period
Thursday, May 21
Last student day
Friday, May 22
Teacher Work Day; or Snow Makeup Day
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day; no school
Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, June 5
Snow Makeup Days
Friday, June 5
High school commencement, evening
School meals
Brown County Schools charges students $1.80 for breakfast and $2.90 for lunch. The cost of milk is 50 cents.
All schools participate in the national school breakfast and lunch programs. Children from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Reduced-rate meals cost 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch.
Applications for these programs can be obtained from the school offices at any time during the school year. Information on applications may be verified by district officials at any time.
Schools encourage parents to fill out free and reduced-price meal applications. They also allow for reduced book fees.
Call the food service office at 812-988-5423 to confirm your family’s approval status or to ask questions.
For more information about online lunch payments and food services, visit browncountyschools.com/foodservices.
Weather closures
Information on weather-related school closings and delays can be accessed via the Brown County Schools website, browncountyschools.com.
Closings also will be posted on social media, shared with local media, and parents will be notified via the Skylert system.
School hours
Helmsburg, Sprunica and Van Buren elementary schools: 7:50 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.
Brown County Intermediate School: 8:10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brown County Junior High School: 8:20 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brown County High School: 8:20 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Career Resource Center offerings
As kids go back to school, it’s the perfect time for parents to think about going back to school for themselves as well.
The Career Resource Center of Brown County, 246 E. Main St., is offering a variety of courses from Ivy Tech, including free high school equivalency, business courses and CCMA and CNA training courses.
CRC Director Christy Wrightsman said, “It’s really great timing for people to get involved with those trainings if they are ready.”
CRC hours: Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Work One hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free high school equivalency classes — Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m.
Certified clinical medical assistant training classes — Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m., 14-week sessions. Deadline to apply is Aug. 2.
Certified nursing assistant training — Starting Oct. 15, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 9-week sessions. Deadline to apply is Aug. 30.
Master electrician block test training class — Starting Sept. 24, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 9 p.m.
Quick Books class — Aug. 27, 28 and 29, 5 to 8 p.m.
CPR/AED/first aid certification — Aug. 29, 4 to 8 p.m.
For more information, call 812-988-5880.
