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. The cost of before-school care is $2 per child, per day.
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 eighth grade. Students must attend after-school care in building they attend.
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.
Brown County Schools is not approved to take state vouchers for before- and after-school care.
Children of Brown County Schools employees can attend after-school care for $2.50.
Book fees
Fees for print and digital instructional materials for Grades kindergarten through 6 will be available at a later date, following approval by the school board.
Career Resource Center offerings
Career Resource Center offerings
As kids go back to school, it is the perfect time for parents and recent graduates to think about going back to school too. The Career Resource Center of Brown County, 246 E. Main St., is offering a variety of courses including free high school equivalency classes and several community and certification courses. Courses include Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training courses. CRC Director Greg Pagnard said, there is no better time than now to come into the Career Resource Center and see what we have to offer. Our doors are open to all.
CRC hours: Mondays thru Thursdays, 10a.m. to 6 p.m.
Work One hours: Monday Thursday, 10a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call to schedule an appointment.
Free high school equivalency classes are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday/Thursday 6 to 8 p.m.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant training classes — Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 5 to 8 p.m., 14-week sessions beginning August 24th.
Certified Nursing Assistant training — Starting Sept. 14, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 9-week sessions.
Master electrician block test training class — Starting Sept. 28, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 9 p.m.
Call the CRC for CPR/First Aid and other community courses
For more information, call 812-988-5880
District Leaders
Main office
Superintendent: Dr. James Halik, Interim
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 Middle School
Principal: Brian Garman
Associate Principal: Trent Austin
Physical address: 95 Schoolhouse Lane
Mailing address: P.O. Box 578, Nashville, IN 47448
Phone: 812-988-6605
Helmsburg Elementary School
Principal: Kelli Bruner
Address: 5378 Helmsburg School Road, Morgantown, IN 46160 (in Helmsburg)
Phone: 812-988-6651
Sprunica Elementary School
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: Greg Pagnard
Director of Career Connected Learning: 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: Scott Waddell
School board
President: Carol Bowden
Vice President: Vicki Harden
Secretary: Amy Oliver
Members: Steve Miller, Jr., Stephanie Kritzer
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.
How to register for school
Elementaries
Any new students to Helmsburg Elementary School, Sprunica Elementary School, Van Buren Elementary 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 Monday, July 19 at 8 a.m. Contact your school to arrange a time to tour the building and enroll your student.
Students who were enrolled last school year do not need to register again.
Middle School
Students already enrolled at Brown County Middle School can register from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 28 or from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 29. Students will get their schedules and locker assignments then.
New students need to call 812-988-6605 for an appointment.
Middle 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 “BCMS 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. Wednesday, July 28 or between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday, July 29.
For high school students new to the Brown County area, 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.
The guidance office is open on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Call 812-988-5407 for an appointment.
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 championship and IHSAA tournament events.
Immunization information
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 Seleah Settle, nursing supervisor for the health department.
The health department will be at Brown County High School registration to offer immunizations on Wednesday, July 28 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Thursday, July 29 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 preschool through 12 will be available. If other immunizations are needed, they can be received 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
Pre-K- Three Hepatitis B, four DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), three polio, one MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), one varicella.
K-5th grade- Three Hepatitis B, five DTaP, four polio, two MMR, two varicella, two Hepatitis A.
6th-11th grade- Three Hepatitis B, five DTaP, four polio, two MMR, two varicella, two Hepatitis A, one MCV4, one Tdap, HPV is recommended.
12th grade- Three Hepatitis B, five DTaP, four polio, two MMR, two varicella, two Hepatitis A, two MCV4, one Tdap, HPV is recommended.
Important dates
Wednesday, July 28
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
Thursday, July 29
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. 2
5 to 6 p.m. Open houses at elementary schools
Wednesday, Aug. 4
First day of school for all students
5 to 6 p.m. Open house at middle school
6 to 7 p.m. Open house at high school
Thursday, Aug. 11
6:00 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 elementaries for children ages 3 to 5. Each school is rated Paths to Quality Level 3 by the state of Indiana and approved to take On My Way Pre-K vouchers.
All preschool sessions are FULL-DAY beginning at 8:00am and ending at 3:00pm.
The fee for 1 FULL-DAY Preschool session is $25.00. A two FULL-DAY minimum per week is required. Children may attend up to five FULL-DAYS as long as space allows. The cost for five FULL-DAYS is $125.00/week.
A $25, nonrefundable, certification maintenance fee will be collected upon enrollment.
Busing is ONLY available to students with special education needs in accordance with their individual education plan (IEP). Parents are required to purchase and provide transportation for additional sessions.
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 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. 2 and Tuesday, Aug. 3
Teacher work days; no school
Wednesday, Aug. 4
First student day
Monday, Sept. 6
Labor Day; no school
Monday, Oct. 4 to Friday, Oct. 8
Fall break; no school
Thursday, Nov. 4
End of first trimester grading period
Monday, Nov. 8
First day of second trimester
Wednesday, Nov. 24 to Friday, Nov. 26
Thanksgiving break; no school
Monday, Dec. 20 to December 31, 2021
Christmas break; no school
Monday, Jan. 3
Students return
Monday, Jan. 17
Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school or snow makeup day
Monday, Feb. 21
Presidents Day; no school or snow makeup day; End of Second Trimester grading period
Tuesday, Feb. 22
First Day of Third Trimester
Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18
Spring break; no school
Friday, May 20
Last student day
Monday, May 23
Teacher work day or snow makeup day
Tuesday, May 24 to Thursday, May 26
Snow makeup days
Friday, May 27
High school commencement, evening
Lunch information
Brown County Schools received a waiver so student breakfast and lunch is free. However, extra items will be charged accordingly.
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 or COVID-19 related 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 Parentsquare.
School hours
Helmsburg, Sprunica and Van Buren elementary schools: 7:50 a.m. to 3:25 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.
Bus transportation
If your child rode a school bus regularly last year, the bus will stop for your child at your home this school year as well.
If your child was not a regular bus rider, if you have moved, or if your child is a new Brown County Schools student, call the district transportation office as soon as possible to learn details about when, where and how bus pick-up and drop-off will occur for your child.
The transportation office can be reached at 812-988-5412.
Frequently asked questions
The first day of school is two weeks away.
As you prepare for the new school year, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Additionally, please plan to visit the Brown County Schools booth at the Brown County 4-H Fair the week of July 26 to 31, where a team of administrators and school board members will be available to answer questions. There will be 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. 4. Teachers and staff will report Monday, Aug. 2.
Q: How do I register my student for school?
A: Registration for all Brown County Middle School and Brown County High School students takes place in both buildings Wednesday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the high school and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the middle school. On Thursday, July 29, registration will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the middle school and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school. Any students new 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 July 19 at 8 a.m. Students who were enrolled last school year do not need to register again.
Q: What is the web address for Brown County Schools?
A: The website is 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, or 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: 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 wellbeing 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 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: There are several opportunities for parents and caregivers to become more involved in school activities. The elementary, intermediate and junior high schools all have a parent-teacher organization (PTO) 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. There are also 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.
Q: How can I get my child involved in athletics programs or other extra-curricular activities?
A: Respective schools are happy to help with any questions you may have about athletics programming. Contact your school and ask to speak with one of the 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 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! More information is available on how you can develop a hybrid schedule of courses where your child is enrolled in the courses for which you have an interest. We will 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 the schools. Several social media platforms are linked on the Brown County Schools website where success stories from students and team members are shared. The Brown County Democrat is also a 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.” The school board meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month in the Goldberg Room at Brown County High School. You are invited to attend. Meetings begin at 6 p.m.
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 the 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.
— Brown County Schools staff
