Wawasee Congratulates Academic Superbowl Teams
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Kathy [email protected]
Superintendent Tom Edington commended members of the English and social studies Academic Superbowl teams, which placed third and fifth in state competition.
Presenting a program developed for the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy were high school students Justin Ciriello, Courtney Linnemeier and Jada Antonides. They were the force behind the Jan. 10 basketball game half-time scrimmage by area Special Olympics players. They explained how they worked with Grace College to bring these players into an arena where they would experience the noise and appreciation of a large crowd.
The program’s requirements, for high school juniors only, started with applications. Then they had to come up with a plan and execute it. Many hours were required, and they had to use data to measure the impact it had on the community.
Ciriello said, “We gained more appreciation for what we have in our lives, and what others go through.”
All three are now certified to work as mentors in the Special Olympics program.
Milford science teacher Mary Brower presented her school’s “Make An Impact” program for students in fifth through eighth grades, which asks students to choose a topic and develop a project that can make an impact in their community. This work is incorporated into the regular classroom curriculum.
“Clothes for a Cause” was the brainchild of Clara Hardy, Amy Beer and Adriene Gill, who explained how they decided to collect clothes, then sell them at almost no cost, to students from low-income families. They examined poverty levels in the state and county, and said they never realized how many of their fellow students fell into this category.
“We want to provide proper clothes to those who can’t afford them,” echoed the girls.
Retiring teachers were also brought forth for recognition. Elaine Bokhart, David Eldridge, Darcy Hively, Jay Smith, Sallie Hoyle, Cayle Woodard and Rick Bauer made brief remarks about their time in the schools and how they came to be hired. Edington joked about how many of them had worked in other school systems for one year before coming to Wawasee, where they stayed for many years.
The board also accepted the retirement request of Betty Bultemeier, administrative assistant at the WCSC central office. She is also present at every school board meeting, keeping minutes and documents in order. Her retirement is effective July 1.
Sue Kraft, also an administrative assistant at central office, submitted her letter of retirement effective Aug. 27. Also retiring are Deb Gaby, corporation reading coach; Diana Parker, supervisor of Title I; and Janet Shofner, Syracuse Elementary School teacher.
Resignations of teachers Laura Ahnert and Tracie Vermillion, both high school language arts teacher, were accepted.
In other business, the board:
• Accepted donations of $15,800 from the Dekko Foundation to be used in music and art programs, and $10,000 for the Eco Challenge program; and $500 from the Knights of Columbus for the Academic Hall of Fame.
• Was informed that the Wawasee Open golf outing at Tippecanoe Country Club is July 7.
• Heard that bricks at the entrance of the new sports fields will be available for sponsorship.
• Scheduled a budget workshop for 6:30 p.m. July 29.
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Superintendent Tom Edington commended members of the English and social studies Academic Superbowl teams, which placed third and fifth in state competition.
Presenting a program developed for the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy were high school students Justin Ciriello, Courtney Linnemeier and Jada Antonides. They were the force behind the Jan. 10 basketball game half-time scrimmage by area Special Olympics players. They explained how they worked with Grace College to bring these players into an arena where they would experience the noise and appreciation of a large crowd.
The program’s requirements, for high school juniors only, started with applications. Then they had to come up with a plan and execute it. Many hours were required, and they had to use data to measure the impact it had on the community.
Ciriello said, “We gained more appreciation for what we have in our lives, and what others go through.”
All three are now certified to work as mentors in the Special Olympics program.
Milford science teacher Mary Brower presented her school’s “Make An Impact” program for students in fifth through eighth grades, which asks students to choose a topic and develop a project that can make an impact in their community. This work is incorporated into the regular classroom curriculum.
“Clothes for a Cause” was the brainchild of Clara Hardy, Amy Beer and Adriene Gill, who explained how they decided to collect clothes, then sell them at almost no cost, to students from low-income families. They examined poverty levels in the state and county, and said they never realized how many of their fellow students fell into this category.
“We want to provide proper clothes to those who can’t afford them,” echoed the girls.
Retiring teachers were also brought forth for recognition. Elaine Bokhart, David Eldridge, Darcy Hively, Jay Smith, Sallie Hoyle, Cayle Woodard and Rick Bauer made brief remarks about their time in the schools and how they came to be hired. Edington joked about how many of them had worked in other school systems for one year before coming to Wawasee, where they stayed for many years.
The board also accepted the retirement request of Betty Bultemeier, administrative assistant at the WCSC central office. She is also present at every school board meeting, keeping minutes and documents in order. Her retirement is effective July 1.
Sue Kraft, also an administrative assistant at central office, submitted her letter of retirement effective Aug. 27. Also retiring are Deb Gaby, corporation reading coach; Diana Parker, supervisor of Title I; and Janet Shofner, Syracuse Elementary School teacher.
Resignations of teachers Laura Ahnert and Tracie Vermillion, both high school language arts teacher, were accepted.
In other business, the board:
• Accepted donations of $15,800 from the Dekko Foundation to be used in music and art programs, and $10,000 for the Eco Challenge program; and $500 from the Knights of Columbus for the Academic Hall of Fame.
• Was informed that the Wawasee Open golf outing at Tippecanoe Country Club is July 7.
• Heard that bricks at the entrance of the new sports fields will be available for sponsorship.
• Scheduled a budget workshop for 6:30 p.m. July 29.
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