Panther Print
Western High School, Russiaville, Indiana
AUGUST 2024
Principal's Message
Welcome Back to the 2024-25 School Year!
Dear Students, Staff, and Parents,
We are thrilled to kick off the new academic year at WHS, and what a great start it has been! Here’s a quick overview of what’s happening around campus:
- Academic Classes: Our classrooms are buzzing with activity as students dive into their studies with enthusiasm.
- Sports Teams: Our athletes are hard at work, preparing for competitions and representing WHS with pride.
- Marching Band: The Marching Band is gearing up for their upcoming competitions—stay tuned for some fantastic performances!
- Open House: We had our Open House on August 27th, where we welcomed families and showcased our school.
- ECA Fair: This week, our Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) Fair is in full swing, with clubs eagerly seeking new members to join their ranks.
New Cell Phone Policy: A Positive Change
We’re pleased to report that the transition to our new cell phone policy has gone smoothly. Both students and staff have adapted well, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve seen a notable increase in student engagement and more meaningful collaboration among peers. Thank you to everyone for embracing this change and contributing to a more focused and interactive educational experience at WHS.
Go Panthers!!
Mr. Edwards
WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL
The New Year Begins!
Western students were back in the classrooms on August 7.
Personal Finance Now a Required Course
The Indiana General Assembly enacted a law that requires public and charter high school students to pass a financial literacy course before graduating. Any teacher with a General Education degree can teach the one-semester course. Mrs. Coble has stepped up and now teaches Western’s Personal Finance class. Her course, modeled after financial advisor Dave Ramsey’s program, covers everything from budgeting and loans to taxes and investments. One of the goals is to create financially literate students who are better informed consumers and citizens. The class of 2028 (current freshmen) and all upcoming classes are required to take the course. Below, Mrs. Coble discusses budgeting with the students in her Personal Finance class.
Criminal Justice Course Added to the Curriculum
This school year, Western added a Criminal Justice class as an elective option. The course is taught by Officer Chris White, a 13 1/2 year veteran of the Kokomo Police Department. He is a certified bomb technician on the hazardous devices unit, a SWAT operator on the SWAT team, a member of the Honor Guard, and just recently resigned as a FTO (field training officer), which he did for seven years. The Criminal Justice course is an introduction to the three primary areas of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The class is offered primarily to juniors and seniors. In the future, Mr. White would like to expand the class and offer it for multiple periods to students of any grade level. Currently, it is a full-year course available one period.
ECA Week Allows Students to Explore Extracurriculars
Students had an opportunity to check out the various extracurricular activities offered at WHS during ECA Week. Below, Jack Sullivan signs up for a club.
Drama Returns!
Good news for drama enthusiasts and student thespians! The play is coming back to Western. Auditions for Radium Girls will be held September 4. Mr. Putt has agreed to assist with the production. See flyer below.
TEACHER/STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Teacher Spotlight
MICHAEL PUTT Mr. Putt did not choose the normal course to becoming a teacher. He studied ministry at Cincinnati Christian University and Anderson University and earned a B.S. in Youth Ministry before obtaining a teacher’s license through the Transition to Teaching program. He also completed a Masters of Business Administration. Mr. Putt teaches the business classes at WHS and sponsors the new extracurricular group Future Business Leaders of America. He also has been instrumental in bringing a play back to Western: Radium Girls will be held later this semester. One of his goals for his students is to “have a post-high school career path plan started” while in high school. He enjoys sports, theater, family, and running his business, the Kokomo Vipers FC, a semi-professional soccer team.
Staff Spotlight
LYDIA HICKS Ms. Hicks is a new Instructional Assistant in Mrs. Metcalf’s room. She is a Western graduate who spent time at Indiana University. She enjoys her position and tries “to create and foster a positive learning environment for the students.” She also loves to read and crochet and was inspired to pursue a career in education from her experiences as a peer tutor in high school.
ATHLETIC EVENTS
Soccer and Football "Kick Off" the Season
YEARBOOK PICK UP
2023-2024 Books Are "All In"
The 2023-2024 books are available for pick up in Room 202. If you have already graduated, please email Mrs. Kincaid at dkincaid@western.k12.in.us to arrange to pick up the book in the high school office.
The 2024-2025 books are now on sale through December 31, 2024, for the early-bird price of $65.00. Select the link below to order online.
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
New Faces
Student Services received some extra help this year. Brittany Beatty is working toward her Master's in Social Work and assisting Mrs. Yazel as an intern. John Parkison has stepped in for Mrs. Stout during her maternity leave.
Mr. Harmsen with Mr. Parkison
Mrs. Beatty
SAVE THE DATES!
ASVAB is September 19, 2024.
The PSAT will be given to the 9-11 grade students on October 15th. Seniors will need to schedule a college visit or some type of job shadow on that day. They will need to pick up a form for either job shadowing or college visit and have it completed prior to October 12th. If you have any questions, contact someone in Student Services.
GATHER ◾ GROW ◾ GO
Western High School
Principal Steve Edwards
2600 S 600 W
Russiaville, IN 46979
P (765) 883-5541
F (765) 883-7946