Blue Valley elementary students recently attended summer environmental workshops at the Carolyn Ball Blair Wilderness Science Center, an educational facility created with the goal of providing authentic learning opportunities for students. The Wilderness Science Center is an area for students to study natural plant and animal life. The 33 acre property includes old and new growth forest, prairie, small wetland, wetland forest, wet meadow, multiple streams and riparian corridor. Students can study four ecosystems - prairie, forest, river and wetland. This is the 10th year that Blue Valley has held summer environmental workshops for students.

Blue Valley's 2013 graduates and their families can relive the special moments of graduation. BVTV 18 is airing all high school graduation ceremonies throughout the summer on Time-Warner Cable and Comcast channel 18.

• Blue Valley High: Sundays and Fridays at 1 p.m.; Tuesdays and Fridays at 9 p.m. Running time: 1 hour, 25 minutes.
• Blue Valley North: Sundays and Fridays at 2:30 p.m.; Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 p.m. Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.
• Blue Valley Northwest: Sundays and Fridays at 4 p.m.; Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12 a.m. Running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
• Blue Valley Southwest: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 11:30 a.m. Running time: 1 hour, 10 minutes.
• Blue Valley West: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday at 6 p.m.; Fridays at 10 a.m. Running time: 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Check out the BVTV website for the complete programming guide.

The Blue Valley School District's 2012-13 school year was a great year thanks to its outstanding students, exceptional staff and supportive community. The 2013-14 school year will begin on Thursday, August 15. Have a fun and safe summer!

On May 18 and 19, more than 1,600 graduates from all five Blue Valley high schools embarked on their commencement ceremonies. Pictured are Blue Valley North graduate Gavriel (Gavri) A. Schreiber and Blue Valley Northwest graduate Zijing (Jean) Song, who were named 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars - one of the most prestigious awards bestowed upon a graduating senior. Congratulations, 2013 graduates!