Board Summary
Regular School Board Meeting - October 2024
Superintendent Reports
Superintendent's Report - Dr. Troyer
Wawasee Gymnastics Program Update
Since July, we, along with several board members, have been actively engaged in finding solutions for the gymnastics program at Wawasee, covering both the high school and middle school teams, as well as the gymnastics club. Given the board's involvement, we wanted to share an update on the progress made and outline next steps.
Last month, the board decided to explore alternatives for the gymnastics equipment set up in light of various logistical challenges. As a result, two potential solutions have emerged:
- Leasing a Local Facility in Syracuse: We’re finalizing a lease agreement for a facility here in Syracuse that would serve as a temporary home for the gymnastics program. While the deal is not yet complete, the site visits have been very encouraging.
- Partnership with a Nearby District: As an additional option, we’re exploring a partnership with a neighboring school district, allowing our athletes to use their gymnastics facilities. We would provide transportation for our students, and this would serve as a short-term solution while we seek a permanent local option.
Our community’s passion for this program has underscored its significance, and we remain committed to finding the best path forward. While these decisions take time and resources, our dedication is unwavering. Recently, someone referred to our previous statements on gymnastics as “empty rhetoric.”
It would be silly to publicly express care for the program and then not do everything possible to find a solution. When we say we are working on something, we mean it, and we ask for patience as we navigate this complex process.
Our goal is that this effort demonstrates what school governance should look like; a school board committed to listening and school leaders committed to acting. It reflects how our community positively impacts our schools, showcasing the strength of Wawasee when we come together for our kids.
We aim to finalize a plan so the middle and high school teams can prepare for an exciting season ahead. We look forward to sharing these developments with you soon, as we continue not only to support our gymnastics program but to strengthen all programs across Wawasee Schools.
Community Engagement Events:
- Retired Staff Breakfast - October 15th at 8:00 AM in the PLC
- Town Hall Meetings - See Below
- Community Coffee Chats - See Below
Town Hall Meetings
Community Coffee Chats with Dr. Troyer
Learning Report - Dr. Wilfong
Indiana ILEARN Checkpoints: Supporting Student Success
Our district is implementing the Indiana ILEARN checkpoints, a diagnostic tool provided by the Indiana Department of Education for English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. These checkpoints, aligned with Indiana Academic Standards, will give educators valuable insights into student progress throughout the year. Middle school students are currently taking these assessments, while elementary students will begin after Fall Break.
Here's how we plan to use the ILEARN checkpoints:
Targeted Instructional Support: Checkpoints will help identify specific areas where students need extra support. Teachers will use the results to adjust instruction, provide targeted interventions, and ensure students stay on track with grade-level standards.
Data-Driven Decision Making: As formative assessments, these checkpoints will provide meaningful data to guide instructional planning. The information gathered will also fuel our Professional Learning Community (PLC) discussions, where teams collaborate on best practices to support student learning.
Progress Monitoring: Throughout the year, these assessments will serve as benchmarks to monitor academic progress, set instructional goals, and measure student growth as we prepare for the end-of-year ILEARN assessment.
Teacher Professional Development: Our teachers will engage in ongoing professional development to effectively analyze checkpoint data, adjust instructional practices, and apply evidence-based strategies for improvement.
These efforts reflect our commitment to supporting every student’s learning journey and helping them achieve mastery of essential skills.
Good News
Exemplary Behavior Reports
At Wawasee, we recognize that our athletic program serves as the “front porch” of our school district, showcasing the values and character of our community. We are committed to transforming the perception of Wawasee Athletics and creating a culture of excellence. We have incredible student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and a robust foundation built on our mission to develop well-rounded individuals who represent Wawasee with pride, excellence, and integrity. Through a renewed focus on character development, community connection, and competitive performance, our athletics program is setting a high standard for behavior and sportsmanship. To further this commitment, we plan to spotlight those students who exemplify extraordinary sportsmanship and leadership on and off the field by recognizing exemplary behavior reports from the IHSAA publicly, both in our monthly school board meetings and by display in the Hardwood TeePee. Along with the public recognition, each student will receive a special patch for the letter jacket. The patch along with the banner display, not only reinforces our dedication to fostering the Warrior spirit but also aligns with our goal of cultivating student-athletes who embody the best of Wawasee.
NWES Invited to the State House
The staff of North Webster Elementary School was invited to the Indiana Statehouse for the second year in a row to celebrate literacy and IREAD scores. This year, they celebrated a 100% pass rate. Every third grader passed.
Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride
The Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride has had an amazing start to their competitive season. The band placed 1st in their class at the DeKalb, Carroll, and Homestead invitationals as well as taking home the caption awards for best music, best general effect, and best visuals at all three contests. The band is looking forward to their October 18th performance at Lucas Oil Stadium as they take part in the Bands of America Super Regional competition. This will be the first time Wawasee has entered a band in Bands of America competition since the early 90's.
NWES K21 Grant
Wawasee to Host Medicare Workshop
We are hosting a FREE, educational Medicare workshop on November 6, 2024, at 4:45 p.m. at Wawasee Community School Professional Learning Center, Central office, in partnership with Everence. This workshop will help bring confidence and clarity on the transition to Medicare.
Please register by contacting Barb Casey at bcasey@wawasee.ki2.Iin.us
Other Board Business
Culture and Climate Initiative at Wawasee Middle School - Warrior Coalition (Approved)
We recently presented a proposal to the board aimed at fostering a positive culture and climate at Wawasee Middle School. This initiative, led by the Warrior Coalition, brings together Jonathon Wattley from Building a Stronger Family, Ed Kominoski from One Question Consulting, and the resources of the School Care Team.
The proposal includes:
- Student Engagement: Four small-group student cohorts will participate in guided conversations and mentorship aimed at improving the school environment and enhancing student ownership.
- Parent and Community Involvement: Several events will be held to engage parents and the community, strengthening partnerships and building a supportive network for our students.
- Faculty Support: The School Care Team will collaborate with our faculty, providing resources and support to navigate today’s educational challenges.
This project will be funded through remaining ESSER funds, along with donations and professional development resources. This proposal represents an investment in a more connected, supportive school environment for our students, families, and staff and community.
Welcome to Wawasee!
Approved for employment at WCSC:
Employment:
Lindsey Kroening - WMS - Special Education Teacher.
- Jeremiah Dilley - WHS - Wrestling Assistant (Boys)
- Molly Liston- WHS - Head Gymnastics Coach
- Jenna Myers - WHS - JV Assistant Coach
- Paige Myers - WHS - Softball Varsity Assistant Coach
- Miguel Rodriguez - WHS - Head Girls Wrestling Coach
- Alisha Solache - WMS - Assistant Cheerleading Coach (25%)
- Mark Yoder - WMS - 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
- Andrew Zaebst - WHS - Head Baseball Coach
Rick Carroll - WCSC - Bus and Mini Bus Substitute Driver
Amanda Erb - SES - 5.5 Hour Title 1 Paraprofessional
Carolyn Lindeman - MES - Custodian
Holly Miller - MES - 5.75 Hour Resource Paraprofessional
Thank you for your service:
Resignations:
Retirements:
Beth Banghart - 25 Years - Milford Schools Administrative Assistant
Thank you
Recent Donations to WCSC
- Wildman Business Group - WHS - Homecoming Donation
NexGen Epoxy - WHS - Homecoming Donation
Rowe’s Lawn Care - WHS - Homecoming Donation
Wawasee Community Bible Church - WHS - Homecoming Donation
Wawasee Bowl - WHS - Homecoming Donation
Bubbles & Yarn - WHS - Homecoming Donation
Travel Star - WHS - Homecoming Donation
The Papers Inc. - WHS - Homecoming Donation
Kosciusko County Foundation - WHS - FFA Donation
Guesthouse 6225 - WHS - FFA Donation
Tom Farms and Partners - WHS - FFA Donation
Titus Funeral Home - WHS - FFA Donation
North Webster Tippecanoe Twp. Chamber of Commerce - WHS - Band Donation
Korenstra Family Foundation - WHS - DECA Donation
Knights of Columbus Council #6323 - WHS - Girls Golf Donation
Knights of Columbus Council #6323 - WHS - Boys Soccer Donation
Knights of Columbus Council #6323 - WHS - Girls Soccer Donation
Price Auto Repair - WHS - Super Mileage Donation
Sally Mahnken - WHS - Super Mileage Donation
Lakeland Animal Clinic - WHS - Super Mileage Donation
Fiedeke Vinyl Coverings - WHS - Super Mileage Donation
Foyle Plumbing - WHS - Super Mileage Donation
Higgins Sport & Lawn - WHS - Super Mileage Donation
Beer & Slabaugh Inc. - WHS - Super Mileage Donation
Clayton Garden Center - WHS - Super Mileage Donation
Lions Club of Syracuse - WHS, WMS, SES - Nurse Account for Student Needs
Anonymous Donor - 1,902 Pounds of Material - WHS - Welding Program Donation
Recent Sponsorships to WCSC
South Shore Social - $500 - Wawasee High School - Band
Patron Comments
The School Board recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on School Corporation matters. This month the following patrons spoke:
To find more information about making a patron comment at monthly board meetings, click HERE. Under Bylaws - po0167.3
Dr. Penrod's Summary
- Financial Report - See Graphic Below
September Financial Report
The charts below are presented to the board each month by Dr. Penrod, recapping the total revenue and expenditures from our four main school funds.