Blair Community Schools

HIGH ABILITY LEARNERS

Philosophy: The Blair Community Schools recognizes the individual characteristics of the student and strives to advance to the fullest all aspects of the student's development. Screening and identification, case studies, program options, and placement are planning components of the program for the high-ability learners which can aid these students in their attempt to develop their abilities to optimum levels.

Definition: The Blair Community Schools recognizes students have opportunities at school and in the community to develop specific talents in the areas of creativity, leadership, intellectual capacity, visual and performing arts, and specific academic fields. At this time, the Blair Community Schools will identify learners with high ability as students who show evidence of high performance ability in intellectual and academic areas. 

What's Happening now in HAL?

Arbor Park/Deerfield:

Kindergarten: The Book Hog, Shut the Box, Counting Honeycombs, Beast Academy

1st Grade: Word Scrambles, Nonfiction Text Features, Animal Research, Addition/Subtraction Boxes, Beast Academy

2nd Grade: Biography of Helen Keller, Word Games, Beast Academy, Number Puzzles

3rd Grade: The Wild Robot Math/Reading Unit, Beast Academy

4th Grade: The Wild Robot, Natural Adaptations, Showing Appreciation

5th Grade: Scavenger, Cyphers & Codes, Writing a Newspaper! 

OBMS: The Boys and the Boat, Escape Rooms, Stop Motion Animation

BHS: BHS students are working on our yearly service project, the Open Store. We are accepting gently used clothing, shoes, housewares, toys and books. Let us know if you have items you'd like to donate!

Arbor Park/Deerfield HAL Services:

Otte Middle School HAL Services:

Blair High School HAL Services:

Carson Norine

K-12 High Ability Learner Coordinator

Head Cross Country Coach

carson.norine@blairschools.org     

(402) 427-2822 


Hi, my name is Carson Norine, and I'd like to welcome you to the BCS High Ability Learner page. I am the High Ability Learner (HAL) Coordinator for Blair Community Schools. 

In 2009 I graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa with secondary education endorsements in general science and health. I taught 7th grade science at Sioux Center Middle School from 2009-2010 before coming to Otte Blair Middle School in 2010 to teach 6th grade science. In 2015 I received my masters degree in Educational Leadership from Doane College and have since earned my HAL endorsement and currently provide services for gifted/talented students in my role as HAL coordinator for Blair Schools.

My wife Bethany and I enjoy keeping up with our kids Jackson, Cooper, and Anna.

Here's some random info about some of my favorite hobbies/activities:

Disc golf - My favorite summertime hobby

Juggling - Started in kindergarten and can now juggle balls, clubs, torches, swords, Diabolo, Devil sticks, cigar boxes, etc. This hobby has expanded into other weird/unique skills like plate spinning, unicycling, ukulele, balance board...my inner clown just can't get enough of this stuff!

Board games - I own way too many to list; my current favorite is Pandemic, but other "regulars" are Catan, 7 Wonders, and Ticket to Ride.

Podcasts - I spend way too much time listening to Freakonomics and Dave Ramsey.

Every day is different in HAL, so the best way to reach me is via email.

Jenny bruck

K-12 High Ability Learner Coordinator

jennifer.bruck@blairschools.org

 (402) 427-2822


Hi! My name is Jenny Bruck, and this is my third year as a High Ability Learner Coordinator. I am very excited to work with your young learners!

After receiving my teaching degree from the University of Northern Iowa, I taught English for 13 years, primarily teaching honors, advanced and AP courses- three of those years at Blair High School. During that time, I also earned a Master's degree in English Curriculum. In 2017, I earned an endorsement in library science and became the librarian at Bennington High School. I have since earned my HAL endorsement and currently provide services for gifted/talented students in my role as Reading HAL coordinator for Blair Schools.

I live in Blair with my husband, Chad, and our three daughters- Aubrey, Evie and Olive.

While I spend most of my time at my children's activities, when I do have free time I enjoy reading, cooking, and being outside.

Random facts about me:

JenNifer Fangmeier

K-12 High Ability Learner Coordinator

Jennifer.Fangmeier@blairschools.org

 (402) 427-2822


Hello! My name is Jennifer Fangmeier and I am honored to serve as one of the K-12 High Ability Facilitators for Blair Community Schools.This marks the beginning of my exciting journey in this new role. Prior to this, I taught third grade for the last 15 years here in Blair.

I am married and a proud mom to two daughters, Delilah (10) and Lorelai (9). We have a spirited golden-doodle and two cats who skillfully dodge her playful antics. In addition to my role as a High Ability Facilitator, I am the Blair High School Softball coach and an assistant high school track coach. Go BEARS!

I hold a Bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education and Child Development/ Family Science from NDSU, a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Doane, and I am currently pursuing my Master's in Teaching and Learning with a High Ability Learner emphasis from Midland. I am genuinely looking forward to an enriching and successful year ahead!

To round out the HAL team, here are a few fun facts about me: