Wolverine Connection

This has been a challenging year with the loss of a student and many family members. Our community in mourning was also hit by a tornado. From these disastrous times we have risen to prove we are stronger as a community. Our High School students finished finals early and headed out to help our neighbors in selfless service.

As we move forward we are hopeful for many successes ahead, and want to reflect on the truly amazing moments of this past year.

Graduation Spotlight

• The most amazing part of this year is our 100% graduation rate again this year. Every student was able to complete the requirements to graduate.

Drama Club

• This year's Drama plays of “Mary Poppins” and "Frozen Jr." were outstanding.

High School Notes

• National Honor Society inducted 15 new members

• Riley Dance Marathon earned over $10,000 for Riley Children’s Hospital

• Grand March and Prom

• Our FFA brought amazing events such as the FFA Breakfast for staff and the Lunch for Farmers. The Summer Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program has helped several students earn High School credit over the summer.

• Finally, graduation. Besides the noted 100% graduation rate, students were able to participate in a wide array of activities during the week leading up to their final success. These traditions continue through amazing sponsors and build the excitement of the upcoming Senior class.

Middle School Highlights

• The National Junior Honor Society celebrated 21 new inductees.

• Participation in the Crane Engineering Design Challenge.

• Our Middle Schoolers brought in more than 1,000 items for our Student Council’s food drive.

• An Amazing throwback game brought amazing crowds and memories back to Lyons.

Elementary Spotlights

• Six Wolverine Huddles to recognize student achievement included: Tenet Awards (Monthly), Perfect Attendance, Talent Show, Student/Staff Challenge, Christmas Sing, and finally six students received bicycles.

• The Accelerated Reader Program was filled with bingo parties, bowling, a carnival, and various classroom prizes.

• Red Ribbon Week to stay drug-free was celebrated.

• Bradford Woods was an exceptional experiential experience.

• The Robotics Team competed.

• Students were also able to participate in Read across America as well as Field Day and Silly Safari.

Athletics

• Boys' Sectional Soccer Champions.

• Girls' Soccer Sectional runner-up.

• Boys' Cross Country - Jake Antibus and Landon Lundy ran at the regional meet, and Landon was the SWIAC Champion.

• Jake Antibus signed with the University of Evansville to continue his running career in Cross Country and Track.

• Kate Linneweber, Liv Crago, and Ember Howell went to run at the Regional Cross Country Meet, with Kate Linneweber advancing to the State Finals meet.

• The girls' Basketball team was Sectional Runners-up.

• Eli Noel signed with NAIA St. Francis to continue his basketball career.

• Brynna Walton hit 1000 points for her High School basketball career.

• Boys Track were SWIAC Champions - Landon Lundy 1600 M Run, Jake Anitbus 800 M run and Trey Greenlee advanced to the Regional. Trey continued to the state meet in High Jump.

• Girls' Track had a great season as well. The 4 by 400 relay team (Hadlee Dixon, Ember Howell, Kate Linneweber, and Madison Dimbath) won the SWIAC and advanced to Regional competition. Libby Hostetter advanced to regional in high jump, and Kate Linneweber in the 1600 M and 800 M advanced to the regional tournament.

• Multiple track and field records were tied or broken this season including boys' high jump (Trey Greenlee), girls' 4 by 400 relay (Dixon, Howell, Linneweber, Dimbath), Jake Antibus 800, Kate Linneweber for the mile run.

One of the true highlights of this year has been the continued growth and innovation coming out of Wolverine Enterprises. Despite nearly all new staff, our students are leading with creativity, critical thinking, and a commitment to real-world impact. Whether launching entrepreneurial projects, developing sustainable solutions, or engaging in hands-on learning, Wolverine Enterprises is a shining example of what’s possible when students are empowered to lead. Students were able to make presentation to the Indiana Department of Education’s Work Based Learning Team, as well as, the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, and Uplands Grown, Vincennes University student leadership conference. Our Junior Enterprise is not matched in the State!

A special thank you to the staff and community mentors who guide these students with wisdom, patience, and vision. You are planting seeds that will grow far beyond our district.

I am constantly inspired by the dedication, compassion, and resilience of our staff. From classroom teachers to bus drivers, instructional aides to food service workers — each of you plays a critical role in shaping the success of our students. You go above and beyond, and it shows in every smile, every breakthrough, and every safe, welcoming learning space you create.

Let’s carry that spirit forward and continue to lift one another up.

I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize our extraordinary team of administrators. Their leadership is thoughtful, student-centered, and deeply committed to excellence. Whether navigating challenges or celebrating milestones, they lead with integrity and heart. Their efforts set the tone for a culture of success across every school building.

The upcoming school year promises even more opportunity and innovation. We are entering 2025–2026 with renewed energy, a continued focus on excellence, and new programs that will enrich student learning across the board. We can’t wait to share more in the weeks to come!

With the financial uncertainty surrounding School Funding due to Senate Bill 1, I want to reassure our community that our district remains in a strong financial position. While this legislation is creating concern across the state, we are well prepared to manage its impact.

Thanks to years of careful planning and responsible stewardship, our district is among the most financially stable in the state. Unlike many others, 81% of our district is farmland, which means we are uniquely and less adversely affected by the changes proposed in Senate Bill 1.

Here is a snapshot of our current financial standing:

• Education Fund: Over $3 million

• Rainy Day Fund: Over $3 million

• Building Improvements: $3.3 million earmarked over the next two years

• Operational Fund: Over $2 million and highly sustainable

These reserves position us well for long-term stability and continued success, regardless of statewide funding changes. We have the resources to continue supporting our students, staff, and schools for the foreseeable future.

We’ve taken care of ourselves in the past, and we will continue to do so—with confidence, resilience, and a commitment to excellence for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this incredible Wolverine community. — Know that your impact matters.

Here’s to a safe, joyful summer, and an exciting school year ahead.

Warm regards,

Jim Larkin
Superintendent

White River Valley School District

Email: jlarkin@wrv.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.wrv.k12.in.us/
Location: 5644 IN-54, Switz City, IN 47465, USA
Phone: (812)659-1424
Twitter: @WRVwolverines