🔎 Each week, a central office committee reviews nominations and selects one educator from a rotating school (BES, HES, BHS, HHS). Winners receive a $50 Amazon gift card courtesy of the Kolton Kaiser Foundation. The nominator’s identity is revealed to the honoree on announcement day to keep the fun and suspense.
This week, the BHSC Teacher Feature Friday spotlights Borden High School
Cara Martin, BES, Special education teacher
Experience: 30 years in special education, 27 of those years on the Borden campus
College/University: IUS
Fun fact: I own a large Sulcata Tortoise named Sully.
Mrs. Martin says, "My favorite part of teaching is building strong relationships with students and watching their confidence grow. I love seeing students realize they are capable of more than they believed—academically and personally—especially after they’ve struggled or doubted themselves. While not all of our “wins” are obvious, we celebrate each one. Supporting students through challenges and celebrating their successes, even years later when I hear how they’re doing as adults, is what makes this work so meaningful to me."
The McCormick Family nominated Mrs. Martin and shared, "Mrs. Martin is an outstanding educator who treats each child as her own. She understands the individual needs of each student and goes out of her way to accommodate those needs. When people ask me about Borden and why I love this school, Mrs. Martin is one of the first thoughts that comes to mind. You can tell that she teaches with her heart every day she comes to work. I know many students who have overcome great adversity because Mrs. Martin was by their side, each step of the way! She is amazing!! "
Mrs. Martin, thank you for choosing to teach ALL learners and celebrate their wins!
If you'd like to nominate a BHSC teacher to be recognized, use this link: https://forms.gle/XE8uHmrTaVtQBB1E7
Updated aerial footage of the Henryville athletic fields is live on our YouTube page.
https://youtu.be/q9jKXKLkQgw
Thank you to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Committee of Jeffersonville, Indiana for their generous support of a BHSC senior and for continuing to invest in students and the legacy of Dr. King.
https://www.bhsc.school/documents/school-calendar/2026-27-school-year-calendar/24775607
BHSC Teacher Feature Friday
🔎 Each week, a central office committee reviews nominations and selects one educator from a rotating school (BES, HES, BHS, HHS). Winners receive a $50 Amazon gift card courtesy of the Kolton Kaiser Foundation. The nominator’s identity is revealed to the honoree on announcement day to keep the fun and suspense.
This week, the BHSC Teacher Feature Friday spotlights Henryville Elementary School
Maggie Summers, HES, Kindergarten teacher
Experience: 17 years, all at HES in kindergarten!
College/University: IUS
Fun fact: My first job was at an ice cream shop.
Mrs. Summers says, "My favorite part of teaching is seeing the world through the innocence of children. I also love watching them grow in so many ways during their year in kindergarten. Having a K-12 campus, I have been blessed to continue watching students grow over the years until they graduate. I have even got to see a few come back and start their careers here."
The Horton Family, who nominated Mrs. Summers, shared, "She has spent years teaching my children and encouraging our family. I'm so thankful that she has never given up on my kids and continues to support them as well as all of her students!"
Mrs. Summers, thank you for choosing to teach our youngest learners in the Henryville community for the last 17 years!
If you'd like to nominate a BHSC teacher to be recognized, use this link: https://forms.gle/XE8uHmrTaVtQBB1E7
🔎 Each week, a central office committee reviews nominations and selects one educator from a rotating school (BES, HES, BHS, HHS). Winners receive a $50 Amazon gift card courtesy of the Kolton Kaiser Foundation. The nominator’s identity is revealed to the honoree on announcement day to keep the fun and suspense.
This week, the BHSC Teacher Feature Friday spotlights Borden Elementary School
Nichole Farley, BES, English teacher
Experience: 8 years total, 5 years at BES
College/University: Western Governors University
Fun fact: I own my own cleaning business!
Mrs. Farley says, "My favorite part of teaching is watching my students grow—not just academically, but as confident, curious learners. Seeing their faces light up when something finally “clicks” makes all the hard work worth it. I cherish building relationships with my students and knowing that my classroom is a place where they feel safe, supported, loved, and excited to learn each day. I love knowing that I get to play a small role in shaping their love of learning and helping them build a strong foundation for their future."
Multiple families nominated Mrs. Farley because of her impact on their children and the growth they see in them as students and as humans.
Charlie and Allen Scott's family wrote, "She’s had at least one of my kiddos for three years straight. She values my kids' needs and understands them like no other! Even when they’re having a rough day, she always makes sure to communicate with me, and make sure my boys turn their day around. We work together as a team to make sure the boys know how to be their best. She goes above and beyond for the students in her classroom. She’s always there to support them, and for that I couldn’t be more thankful. "
The King family wrote, "From Covid to now, we have had the immense privilege of having Mrs. Farley teach three of our children! Our kids are all very different in personality and learning style, but every year has been amazing. We know when our kids are placed with her that she will meet them where they are and give them all the tools they need to be successful in first grade! Our son can be a tough cookie to crack, and we weren’t sure what to expect this year. When we walked in at open house, she greeted him with a fist bump and positive words that gave him the confidence to open up. She has blown our expectations out of the water, and he’s become a reading rockstar this year! We are so grateful for her ability to reach every kind of student."
Mrs. Farley, thank you for choosing to invest in our students!
If you'd like to nominate a BHSC teacher to be recognized, use this link: https://forms.gle/XE8uHmrTaVtQBB1E7
🔎 Each week, a central office committee reviews nominations and selects one educator from a rotating school (BES, HES, BHS, HHS). Winners receive a $50 Amazon gift card courtesy of the Kolton Kaiser Foundation. The nominator’s identity is revealed to the honoree on announcement day to keep the fun and suspense.
This week, the BHSC Teacher Feature Friday spotlights Henryville High School
Beth Vaught, HHS, English teacher
Experience: 22 years total, 9 years at HHS
College/University: Georgetown College (Bachelor's) and Middle Tennessee State University (Master's)
Fun fact: I worked at a Christian youth camp for 5 summers during and after college
Mrs. Vaught says, "My passion for teaching is rooted in building meaningful relationships with students and ensuring they feel valued and supported. One of my greatest joys as an educator is helping students discover that reading can be enjoyable and inspiring them to develop a lifelong love of books."
Mrs. Vaught had multiple nominations, some of whom asked to remain anonymous, but common threads in each nomination include Mrs. Vaught's extraordinary kindness toward students and their families.
One family gave us permission to share their nomination, which shows Mrs. Vaught's empathy and commitment to action to support all students. "Mrs. Vaught went on her lunch and bought shoes for my son because his tore up while at school. She knows our family is struggling right now and was also nice enough to get him a couple sweat outfits over fall break. This was absolutely one of the most caring thoughtful things that has happened to our family. I can't thank her enough for being so kind and thoughtful! She is truly one of a kind!"
Mrs. Vaught, thank you for choosing to teach at BHSC, but more importantly, thank you for showing our students what it means to constantly look for ways to leave every situation better than you found it!
If you'd like to nominate a BHSC teacher to be recognized, use this link: https://forms.gle/XE8uHmrTaVtQBB1E7
BHSC Teacher Feature Friday
🔎 Each week, a central office committee reviews nominations and selects one educator from a rotating school (BES, HES, BHS, HHS). Winners receive a $50 Amazon gift card courtesy of the Kolton Kaiser Foundation. The nominator’s identity is revealed to the honoree on announcement day to keep the fun and suspense.
This week, the BHSC Teacher Feature Friday spotlights Borden High School
Joe Oakes, BHS, math and science teacher
Experience: 25 years, 8 of those at BHS
College/University: BS in math education and MS in secondary education from IUS
Fun fact: I went to college to be a chemistry teacher but ended up double majoring in math and chemistry. I didn't teach chemistry until I came to Borden. I only taught math and physics at my previous job.
Mr. Oakes says his favorite part of teaching is working with students every day. "I truly enjoy watching my students grow throughout my classes. There is nothing better than watching students celebrate their successes in my classes."
Mr. Oakes had multiple nominations; several families asked to remain anonymous, but common threads in their nominations included that he pushes his students to achieve, and even one student reported working harder in his classes than she ever had in any others.
Will Baker's family said, "Mr. Oakes inspires a love of learning in his students. He truly cares about preparing his students for the future. My son, Will has had him for advanced math and chemistry for the past few years. Mr. Oakes goes beyond the classroom to send messages out to parents to keep them informed on material being covered and upcoming tests and makes himself available to students who need extra help. He has helped my son and countless other students navigate some of the most difficult classes, and prepare them for college. I feel like Mr. Oakes deserves this award because he genuinely cares about the success of his students."
Mr. Oakes, thank you for choosing to make a difference for BHSC students!
If you'd like to nominate a BHSC teacher to be recognized, use this link: https://forms.gle/XE8uHmrTaVtQBB1E7
The Indiana Department of Education's Office of Student Assessment has provided Parent IREAD Slides for families ahead of the spring IREAD assessment for second and third graders. The slides explain what the test measures, who must take IREAD, and what IREAD scores mean for your student. There is also a Released Item Repository if you'd like to see practice questions on the same platform students will use to take the IREAD test.
Please reach out to Samantha Hurst, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, at shurst@bhsc.school or 812-913-9624 if you have specific questions about the test itself or to your child's teacher or principal if you have questions about your child's readiness for the test!
BHSC Teacher Feature Friday
🔎 Each week, a central office committee reviews nominations and selects one educator from a rotating school (BES, HES, BHS, HHS). Winners receive a $50 Amazon gift card courtesy of the Kolton Kaiser Foundation. The nominator’s identity is revealed to the honoree on announcement day to keep the fun and suspense.
This week, the BHSC Teacher Feature Friday spotlights Borden Elementary School
Karen Abbott, HES, second grade teacher
Experience: 23 years, 3 of those at HES
College/University: IUS
Fun fact: I was raised on a family farm in Salem, Indiana, which is still in operation today. I also have 31 first cousins—two of whom are double first cousins.
Mrs. Abbott's favorite part about teaching is the friendships she has gained from students and their families. "I also love creating an environment in my classroom that provides engagement for learning and helping students set goals. When a child feels successful, they will want to learn more, and that is pure joy for me."
Mrs. Abbott's nomination comes from Michaelia Clements, who wrote, "Karen is an amazing teacher! I first met her when my son Gunner was in her class. She is such a sweet and caring person. I requested her as a teacher for my daughter this year because she is just that awesome as a teacher and person in general! My children love her and I am grateful to have her as a friend now as well!"
Mrs. Abbott, thank you for choosing to serve families and their students at BHSC!
If you'd like to nominate a BHSC teacher to be recognized, use this link: https://forms.gle/XE8uHmrTaVtQBB1E7
BHSC Teacher Feature Friday
🔎 Each week, a central office committee reviews nominations and selects one educator from a rotating school (BES, HES, BHS, HHS). Winners receive a $50 Amazon gift card courtesy of the Kolton Kaiser Foundation. The nominator’s identity is revealed to the honoree on announcement day to keep the fun and suspense.
This week, the BHSC Teacher Feature Friday spotlights Borden Elementary School
Jenny Pierce, BES, third grade teacher
Experience: 23 years, all at BES
College/University: IUS
Fun fact: I won several tractor pedal pulls at the Leota Frolic!
Mrs. Pierce loves working and team teaching with Mrs. Misty Ray, and she loves to watch her students grow and experience those "aha" moments. Her heart smiles thinking of the accomplishments of former students. Mrs. Pierce says, "I love seeing what my former students grow up to be. It’s neat seeing Carson Casey coach and teach at Christian Academy. I loved watching AJ Agnew being on the news for saving a person’s life. I feel proud knowing that Zane Stotts and Grace Hall are serving our country and keeping us safe. It’s pretty cool knowing that I was able to be part of their lives for just a moment. This makes my heart smile."
Mrs. Pierce had SEVERAL nominations from the families of current and past students. We can't wait for her to read the kind words families have shared!
Kaitlynn Loy wrote, "Mrs. Pierce worked so hard with our son last year to find a way to make him believe he could succeed. She worked with him on his reading and focusing skills so he was able to pass his reading tests to move to fourth grade (where his current teacher Mrs. Saylor is building on his third grade success by encouraging him and continuing to make him very confident with school). Mrs. Pierce was the turning point for our son's education. And I know I am not the only parent who feels that way."
Another parent, Tracy Beckett, wrote, "My child Lathan is special needs. She has went above and beyond helping him and reaching his needs. I believe that she treats him like she would treat her own children. The communication between her and us as his parents is amazing. She's very professional and knows how to be a third grade teacher!!"
Stacy McCormick shared, "Mrs. Pierce welcomes each child into her classroom and treats them as if they are her own. My child started at Borden in 3rd grade and was lucky enough to start his Borden career in her classroom. She gave him confidence and comfort that he has never had in school before. She is a special human that my entire family is lucky to know. "
Mrs. Pierce, you've spent 23 years impacting families in BHSC communities, and what a reputation of kindness, compassion, and encouragement you have built! Congratulations!
If you'd like to nominate a BHSC teacher to be recognized, use this link: BHSC Teacher Feature Fridays.
