During the first weeks of school, all Blanco and Johnson City school district employees received a “How SWEET it is to be TAUGHT by YOU” bag of treats as a welcome back gift from Blanco County Association of Retired Educators (BCARE).

Five BCARE officers had a fun masked party to assemble 300 bags of a mint candy, cookies and lifesavers.

From experience, BCARE members recognize that, although classroom teachers have the bulk of the responsibility, every district employee cares for and educates our children and grandchildren.

Kathy Carriker, president, and Carole Smith, vice president, had the privilege of visiting Johnson City ISD, where they are residents, to present a bag of treats to everyone. Officers Mary Nabers and Jan Booth had the joy of distributing treats in Blanco ISD, where they are residents.

Also, for the third consecutive year, BCARE presented new books to classes of the youngest learners in a literacy partnership with Scholastic, Inc. Because of the expense, the organization alternates between Blanco Elementary and Johnson City Elementary. This year, Johnson City kindergartners, taught by Sydney Callier and Monica Pape, received 50 colorful, age-appropriate books.