CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are vital volunteers who step up for the best interests of children involved in abuse and neglect cases in our very own county. Every child deserves an advocate, and now more than ever, CASA needs volunteers like you.
🌟 How You Can Help as a CASA Volunteer:
1️⃣ TRAINING: Start with a 30-hour initial training and then complete 12 hours annually to be fully equipped. Remember, training is remote and flexible!
2️⃣ LEARN: Become an expert on the child's life, family, and specific circumstances.
3️⃣ ENGAGE: Commit to visiting with the child at least once a month.
4️⃣ RECOMMEND: Use your knowledge to advocate and make recommendations for the child’s best interests in court, monitoring their situation until their case is closed.
Is it right for you? 🤔
Who Can Join? Anyone 21+ with a clean background check. This is a great chance for you to impact a child's life in a positive way, and it's a fantastic opportunity for retired teachers, grandparents, or others who can spare a few hours a month.
What's the Process? It includes a friendly interview and 3 non-relative references.
What is the Time Commitment? After your initial 30 hours of training, a CASA volunteer typically spends an average of 5 to 10 hours per month on their case.
Learn all you can and change a child's story!
If you’re ready to learn more or would like to sign up, please contact CASA directly at CASAVOICECLARK.ORG or 812.285.0743


🔎 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.
Brad Nifong, HHS, Social Studies Teacher
Experience: 20 years at Henryville High School!
College/University: Indiana University Southeast
Fun facts: I was one of our Special Education teachers for my first 7 years at HHS, I have two incredible daughters, and my wife is also a teacher.
Mr. Nifong's love of history fuels his work with HHS students. "I love teaching United States History because I truly believe it matters. For me, it’s important that every student (whether taking my Ivy Tech dual-credit courses or in the 8th grade ) leaves my room informed enough to become thoughtful, patriotic citizens. Henryville has provided me so many opportunities to impact students in the classroom and through coaching, and I am continually grateful that I get to be a part of our growth."
Mr. Nifong had multiple nominations from three families, including Loren Brent Franz, the family of Grace and Emily Stowell, and the mother of Keegan Lewis.
Mr. Franz wrote, "Daniel, my grandson, has not done well in all his classes. He absolutely does not talk about school unless he’s forced. The exception to this is U. S History! Daniel frequently brings up his experiences in Mr. Nifong’s class and the unique ways that he teaches history in a fun and creative way. Daniel is excited about learning in Mr. Nifong’s class, and this is a first."
The Stowell family wrote, "He has been a positive influence in our daughters' lives at school and as a coach. He provides a safe, encouraging environment, and challenges them to be their best selves. This has allowed our girls to blossom and show their personalities with confidence and self-esteem in themselves."
Keegan Lewis's mother wrote, "I am nominating Brad Nifong as a featured teacher because of the remarkable impact he has had on our son this year. Our son has always been a strong student and generally enjoys school, but as an 8th grader this year, he is coming home energized and eager to talk about Mr. Nifong’s history class. History was not a subject he previously gravitated toward, yet he is now excited to share what he is learning and even brings projects home to continue working on them. Mr. Nifong has an incredible ability to bring learning to life in his classroom, and that enthusiasm has sparked a genuine curiosity and excitement for learning in our son. And for anyone who has been around a middle school student recently, sparking interest and excitement in anything is a large task."
Mr. Nifong, thank you for choosing to make a difference at BHSC!
If you'd like to nominate a BHSC teacher to be recognized, use this link: https://forms.gle/XE8uHmrTaVtQBB1E7

Did you know your Indiana SNAP or WIC card unlocks a FREE year of discovery at the Kentucky Science Center? Start making spring break stay-cation plans!
The Kentucky Science Center offers a Community Access Membership that provides a FREE one-year Family Membership to families who receive SNAP or WIC benefits.
🏠 Good News for Indiana Neighbors!
If you live in Indiana, you’re in luck. The Science Center explicitly states that SNAP/WIC cards from any state are accepted for this program. Whether you're in Louisville or across the bridge in Southern Indiana, your family can benefit from:
12 Months of Unlimited Admission to permanent exhibits.
Membership for up to 2 adults and all children in the household (ages 2–18).
Discounted Parking in the 8th Street lot.
Discounts on camps, workshops, and birthday parties.
📝 Activating your free membership is easy:
In-Person: Visit the ticket desk at the Kentucky Science Center with your SNAP/WIC card and a photo ID or Online: Scan the QR code in the flyer or visit their website to fill out the application form.
Don't let the cost of admission stop your kids from exploring, creating, and learning. Tag a friend who should see this! 📣

We are currently hiring in both of our cafeterias at Borden and Henryville. Please click here for more information. https://aptg.co/qnH86R

"Henryville Jr./Sr. High School serves grades 7–12 and has over 500 students in the building. We are supported by two outstanding school counselors, Cameron Clark and Carrissa Burns, who guide students in their academic planning and decision-making.
Cameron and Carrissa are responsible for a wide range of tasks. They ensure each student is planning courses aligned with future goals and aspirations. Henryville is unique in that, despite being a small school, we are able to offer a wide variety of opportunities. We currently have five career pathways available to students: engineering, medical, education, business, and hospitality. In addition, we recently became an Early College–endorsed high school, allowing us to offer many college credit opportunities to our students. Over the past three years, more than 30% of our seniors have earned the Indiana College Core, graduating with 30 transferable college credit hours.
We also send students to Prosser Career Education Center, which partners with us to help students explore additional career opportunities. Cameron and Carrissa coordinate all of this, ensuring students stay on track with high school graduation requirements, dual credits, pathway requirements, and Prosser enrollment.
Beyond academics, they play a vital role in supporting the mental health of our students, helping them navigate the many challenges teenagers face during these formative years. Cameron and Carrissa are also incredibly flexible. With constantly changing requirements and regulations, they are always willing to problem-solve and find ways to make things work for our school and our students.
They truly put students first, and we deeply appreciate all that they do."
Miss Burns and Mr. Clark, thank you for your work with BHSC students!

🔎 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
Seth Caudill, HHS, Engineering/Design Teacher
Experience: 9 years at HHS, 14 years total
College/University: IUS
Fun fact: Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Caudill was a licensed electrician.
Mr. Caudill says, "My favorite part of teaching at Henryville High School is helping students make real-world connections between content areas. In the engineering classroom, we are able to demonstrate how content learned in other classes can be applied to real-world situations through projects and activities. Professionally, I am most proud of establishing and growing the engineering and robotics programs. Thanks to the support of the school board, administrators, and local businesses, we have been able to offer opportunities to our students that have never existed at Henryville High School before. "
The Tieken Family nominated Mr. Caudill, writing, "Besides being a great teacher, Mr. Caudill also puts in additional time as a tennis coach and a Robotics coach. His commitment to students and players is far more than just being there. He is passionate in all that he does and goes above and beyond. Last year’s MS Robotics success, and this year’s MS boys tennis success are just a few examples of his commitment!"
Mr. Caudill, thank you for working to create opportunities for BHSC students!
If you'd like to nominate a BHSC teacher to be recognized, use this link: https://forms.gle/XE8uHmrTaVtQBB1E7

Families who are raising grandchildren or caring for relatives’ children are not alone. Our Place Drug & Alcohol Education Services is offering a free 6-week support group for grandparents and kinship caregivers, providing connection, guidance, and a judgment-free space to learn alongside others in similar situations.
📍 Clarksville Library
🕤 Wednesdays, 9:30–11:30 a.m. (April–May)
👉 Connect with the local support community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/ROCK-Raising-Our-Childrens-Kids-of-Southern-Indiana-61579765828717/?scrlybrkr=96fa4b4c
Thank you to Our Place Services and ROCK – Raising Our Children’s Kids of Southern Indiana for supporting families in Clark County! ❤️

Updated aerial footage of the Henryville athletic fields is live on our YouTube page.
https://youtu.be/q9jKXKLkQgw

🔎 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

The Indiana Institute on Disability & Community's Center on Community Living and Careers is offering a FREE, virtual or in-person information session on Monday, December 15th from 9 AM to 12 PM ET, and BHSC wants to help remove any potential barriers for our families who would like to hear the information but are unable to coordinate virtual attendance.
A Place of My Own offers important information for any individual with a disability, their families, or caregivers. When people can no longer provide support, adults face sudden changes such as new homes, routines, and caregivers. We welcome you to join us in learning more about residential options, funding, regulations, workforce challenges, and intentional communities. Jim McCarten will facilitate this session. Jim is a special needs attorney and focuses on planning to protect benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. He advises families and trustees of Special Needs Trusts and is a sought-after speaker for professionals and families alike.
If you'd like to attend virtually but need help setting up on the technology side, BHSC is happy to host you at our central office! BHSC has registered to attend, and we will log in so that anyone in our board room can easily hang out in a common space without having to register separately. You won't even need to bring a device and can watch from ours.
If you plan to attend here at BHSC, shoot Samantha Hurst an email at shurst@bhsc.school or call 812-913-9630 to RSVP by Dec. 12th. If you'd like to sign up to attend virtually from your own space or even in-person, use this link: A Place of My Own - Information Session
