NESC Newsletter- MAY 2024

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Dear Students, Parents and Teachers,

As we transition into the vibrant month of May, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates and important information with you all.

Firstly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible teachers and staff for their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout this academic year. Your commitment to our students' success does not go unnoticed, and we are truly fortunate to have such a talented and caring team.

To our students, as we approach the final stretch of the school year, I encourage you to stay focused and continue to strive for excellence in your studies. Remember, each day is an opportunity for growth and learning, and your determination will undoubtedly lead to great achievements.

Parents, your support and involvement in your child's education are invaluable. Thank you for partnering with us in fostering a positive and enriching learning environment for our students.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting events and initiatives planned for the month of May. From field trips and extracurricular activities to academic competitions and community outreach projects, there is something for everyone to get involved in and enjoy.

Additionally, I want to remind everyone of the importance of practicing kindness and empathy towards one another. As we navigate the challenges and joys of the school year together, let us continue to prioritize respect, understanding, and inclusivity in all that we do.

In closing, I wish each of you a wonderful month filled with growth, success, and meaningful connections. Together, we will finish the school year strong and celebrate all that we have accomplished.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Warm regards,

Dr. Baker

NESC Superintendent

Here are a few pictures of our Automotive Skills Competition at Ivy Tech Terre Haute last Thursday, April 5th. Zane Merritt (Senior) and Dakota Cooper (Junior) both competed and did well. They received some cool tools and the whole class enjoyed the day. It was good for the boys to get out of the shop for a while after working hard to finish all the remaining scheduled services these last few weeks and preparing to shut the shop down for the year.

Speakers from Pregnancy Choices out of Linton, Indiana, spent three days presenting the "I Decide for Me" curriculum to students in North Central Jr & Sr High School's health classes. The curriculum teaches what healthy relationships look like. It also teaches abstinence until marriage as the healthiest option.

Anyone wanting more information about the curriculum or other services offered by the center may call the center at 812-847-4611.

Pictured with Nurse Becky Jackson and speakers Cory Deschamp and Cole Thompson is one of Mrs. Horn's health classes.

Mr. Ransford received a grant through the Society of Plastic Engineers. The grant was for a new 3D printer. The students in the Computers in Design and Production class recently put the 3D printer to good use.

Students were given the challenge of designing and 3D printing a device that could open a plastic twist top pop bottle with less effort than by just using your hand. This is an assistive device that would help someone when they do not have full strength in their hands, such as someone that is injured or has an illness. The students came up with several good designs that worked very well. The new 3D printer helped speed up the printing process so the students could test their designs faster.

North Central HS recently honored its 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.

Click the button below to view photos from NC during the month of April.

On April 5th, NEEE hosted an Eclipse Day for both NEEE and NENE to teach students about the Total Eclipse that occurred on April 8th. Students learned about Sun safety, how animals react to an eclipse, and made UV bead bracelets or keychains that would change colors during the eclipse.

We also had a special guest speaker come in and talk to the students about the Citizen Cate 2024 project, which is a program sponsored by NASA and the NSF. ( For more information on project, go to eclipse.boulder.swri.edu/citizen-cate-2024/). Former NEEE and NCHS student Rachael Weir, who graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a degree in Astronomy/Astrophysics and was the coordinator for the state of Indiana for the CATE 2024 program, talked about how the eclipse will be used to help study the corona of the Sun. She also talked about all the opportunities she has had with the program. She encouraged students to take chances and try new things, even if you are from a small town.

These sixth grade boys had a year to remember! They were able to accomplish both team goals and break individual records. Their determination, growth, and work ethic has been a privilege to watch and be a part of, and they’ve proven that they accomplish anything they set their minds to!

Boys, I hope that no matter where you find yourself - whether playing basketball, working a job, supporting your community, or one day coaching your own child’s team - you always remember to use your accomplishments and struggles to help those around you!

It has been a privilege to coach these young men and I cannot wait to see where life takes them.

-Coach Brand

We had the largest team of 5th and 6th grade cheerleaders yet. The cheer squad is a combination of NEEE and NENE students, and the members are listed as follows:

Ali Lawson, Alyxandria Jackson, Aria Fiscus, Autumn Brown, Barbie Stuck, Brylee White, Brynlee Cox, Elly Brown, Emelynn Fiscus, Gemma Cox, Jasmine Barger, Jayde Orso, Jocelyn McLain, Journey Wall, Madison Roseberry, Makya Burroughs, Masey Hauser, Ruth Scott, Rylee Tryon, Sarah Taylor, Savannah Ivy, Sophie Shott and Zoey Swalls.

These girls worked very hard and were able to complete several stunts using a lighted basketball and pom-poms along with learning numerous sideline and floor cheers. One of the stunts incorporated all 23 girls. The group was very impressive when running out on the floor and then nailing the cheer or stunt.

Our very supportive Principal, Mrs. Hannon, purchased body flags for us this year. The girls were very quick to learn cheers using the flags, and we are the only group in the area to have them. Rheana Stain volunteered and was very valuable working with the girls. The 6th grade experienced girls were eager to help with the new 6th grade girls and the 5th grade girls.

We will be losing eleven 6th grade cheerleaders to junior high next year, but hopefully they will continue cheering for our schools. They will be greatly missed, but, I am sure next year's 6th graders will step up and lead the team.

We hope to have another exceptional group of girls next year to cheer for our ball teams.

The Animal Enrichment Project sponsored by the Indianapolis gave Zoo 4-6th graders from Northeast North and Northeast East Elementary schools the opportunity to present enrichment prototypes to the zoo’s education staff on April 10th. Students were tasked with creating a prototype of an enrichment object for two zoo inhabitants. Fourth and fifth graders got to work with the Red Pandas and sixth graders had the Bottlenose Dolphins. These students had to research their given animal and create a prototype to offer animal enrichment for these animals. Animal enrichment provides physically and mentally stimulating toys, activities, and environments for the animals. After their presentations, they had the opportunity to explore the zoo including their researched animal. The zoo’s education staff will send feedback to the students on evaluating their projects. Sometimes the zoo even uses the ideas in their exhibits. This is an opportunity that NESC has participated in for many years and we are looking forward to it again next year.

Sixth-grade students from Northeast East and Northeast North Elementary took an end-of-the-year field trip last week on April 25th. The students took a bus tour through Indiana University to see what the campus is like. Then they went to Urban Air to celebrate the end of their elementary days. They rode the sky coaster, used the VR gaming systems, played dodgeball, and completed climbing challenges. It was a great day to celebrate the end of their elementary school careers.

This has been a great year of Wandering to Wonder, Investigating to Innovate, Listening to Learn and Discovering to Dance.

Our students at both NESC elementary schools have had a full year of STEAM Labs here at the Wonder Lab. Some of the highlights from 1st semester included swimming with sharks (with VR goggles), using microscopes to dissect flowers/view slides/and bugs from outside, designing keychains for the laser printer, engineering challenges along with many other STEAM related activities. Second semester was dedicated to preparing our students for the once-in-a-lifetime 2024 Total Solar Eclipse that our area got to witness. What an amazing day that was! There were many discussions with all grade levels on how the phenomenon occurs and what they should expect to see. We stressed the importance of safety and even designed their own solar eclipse viewers either from a paper plate or cereal box. And, what students may not have realized during all these experiences is that they were applying critical thinking skills, problem solving strategies, learning to work collaboratively with their peers and honing their creative mindset.

Drones were another favorite experience this year for grades 4-6. During these sessions, students discussed piloting rules, drone careers, learned the basic parts of the drone and how the controller works. Students then had the opportunity to fly drones in the gym and try different maneuvers. Since our time was limited with the hands-on flying opportunity, the Wonder Lab hit the road and provided Drone Camps at both elementary schools for grades 4-6 after school during the month of April. It was well received and we hope to provide more camps next school year.

STEAM Camp is in the planning stages, so please keep a look-out for information to be sent home with your student and posted on your school’s Facebook page.

Prior to going to the Indianapolis Indians baseball game, kindergarteners and 4th and 5th graders spent time making paper hats and baseballs made out of their thumb prints.

Meteorologist Jesse Walker from WTWO came to Northeast North Elementary on April 3rd to talk with Kindergarten about weather. The kiddos learned a lot from Mr. Walker about weather conditions and also weather safety! He told some fascinating stories about tornadoes and also discussed how to stay safe in case of bad weather. The students and teachers really enjoyed his visit and learned a lot!

Northeast East Elementary in Hymera excels in building strong relationships with its students through various moments, both silly and opportune. Teachers at the school dedicate time to create memorable experiences that evoke warmth and positivity, fostering a sense of belonging and attachment to school. Whether through playful interactions or seizing the right moments, the staff ensures that every student associates school with positive emotions, enhancing the overall school experience and encouraging a supportive learning environment.

The elusive Lirpaloof ("April Fool" spelled backward) bird is a whimsical creature that captured the imagination of Kindergarten, First, and Second-grade students at Northeast East Elementary. On April 1st, these eager young minds embarked on a thrilling hunt to locate this mysterious bird. Excitement filled the air as the students sketched imaginative pictures of where they believed the Lirpaloof might be hiding.

However, much to their surprise, the students soon discovered that the Lirpaloof bird was nowhere to be found! It turned out that their dedicated classroom teachers, Mrs. Kamman, Mrs. Ficklin, and Mrs. Baker, had orchestrated a clever April Fools' Day prank.

Although the students didn't find the elusive bird they were searching for, the adventure brought laughter and joy to the classroom. This playful experience not only showcased the creativity of the teachers but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and fun among the students. It's moments like these that make school unforgettable and instill a love for learning in young hearts.

The NEEE Student Council hosted their annual spring dance. The theme this year was neon. Jackson McDaniel was crowned King and Addy Boling was crowned Queen. Sophyl Glaspie was princess and Ledger Brand was prince.

Thank you to all of the volunteers and sponsors who helped make the dance a success.

NEEE Student Council members planted flowers for local Hymera businesses and organizations as a community service project. Special thanks to Mrs. Hunt, Mamaw Debbie, and Mrs. Kathy for all of their help.

The NEEE and Hymera Elementary Kindergarten, first, and second-grade students embarked on an exhilarating field trip to the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Bursting with excitement, the children engaged in hands-on learning experiences, exploring the museum's many engaging exhibits. Positive interactions filled the air as parents, grandparents, and friends joined in, providing personalized one-on-one experiences for the eager students. Amidst the joyous chaos, teachers found moments to observe the fun and learning unfolding before them, occasionally diving in to participate themselves. From start to finish, the field trip was a delightful blend of exploration, discovery, and shared moments of wonder.

During the trip it was exciting to watch 2nd grade students discover the bronze statue of Wilma Rudolph. The class had read a biography about the runner, Rudolph, during reading and knew every fact that was posted beside the perfectly rendered version. The students eyes sparkled as they relayed the information. Mrs. Kamman's eyes sparkled because they remembered what she had taught them.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Here is some information concerning the new “SUN Bucks” cards that are being sent to parents whose students qualify for free/reduced benefits:

• These cards are similar to the P-EBT cards that were issued during the pandemic years.
• Not all students qualify-- and we have notified (by email) those parents whose children do qualify.
• If you think you may meet the income guidelines for free/reduced eligibility, you may apply directly to the SUN Bucks program either by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer or going to https://indianasunbucks.com and applying online.
• Your child’s school does not have an application for this program—we only report eligibility as of May 1. Please ensure that your mailing address is correct by updating it in Harmony, or you may update your address online through the SUN Bucks website.
• For more information, there is a “FAQ for Parents” page at https://in.gov/doe/nutrition/indiana-sun-bucks-summer-ebt.
• Please contact Nancy Woodard at 812.397.5390 or by email at woodardne@nesc.k12.in.us for any questions you may have.
• USDA is an equal opportunity provider.

Here is list of additional resources for parents to find out more information on the location of nearby Summer Meals:

• idoenutrition.com
• fns.usda.gov/meals4kids
• dial 211 or 866-211-9966

Check out all of the wonderful events that are being offered up by our very own Sullivan County Public Libraries in Carlisle, Dugger, Merom, Sullivan, Shelburn, and Farmersburg!

Click on the button below for information on current NESC job openings⤵️

Thanks to all NCHS Student Media students and NESC teachers/staff who contributed to this month's newsletter! Great job everyone!