Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MENTONE - Four educators were recognized as the Building Level Teachers of the Year for the 2025-26 school year at the Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting on Monday.
Educators were nominated by their colleagues and principals for their work and leadership.
Cate Smith, speech pathologist, received the award for Mentone Elementary School. Principal Randy Dahms said about Smith, “Her dedication to ensuring every child reaches their fullest potential, combined with her deep knowledge of speech pathology, and her commitment to continuous learning makes her an invaluable member of our school community … I am incredibly proud that someone of her caliber is representing Mentone Elementary School.”
Kayla Rassi, music teacher, received the award for Akron Elementary. Principal Scott Sterk said, “Mrs. Rassi consistently goes above and beyond for our students, our staff, and our school community … She works tirelessly to create exceptional music programs at every grade level, giving our students opportunities to shine and creating memorable experiences for families and for the community … We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Rassi and thankful for the passion, dedication, and excellence she brings to Akron Elementary School each and every day.”
Bradley Williams, seventh-grade social studies teacher, received the award for Tippecanoe Valley Middle School. Principal Kyle Wieland said about Williams, “Mr. Williams represents everything we hope for in an educator … Every day he finds creative and meaningful ways to reach all students … His dedication, innovation, and genuine support for students is incredibly important.”
Sonia Roches, Spanish teacher, received the award for Tippecanoe Valley High School. Principal Brandon Kresca said, “Sonia Roches is more than an outstanding Spanish teacher. She is a difference maker in the lives of students … she challenges students to strive for excellence while supporting them every single day. Señora Roches creates unforgettable learning experiences that broaden perspectives and change lives. Sonia Roches is known for her high expectations, unwavering support, and deep care for students. Señora Roches has become a trusted mentor and motherly figure to so many here at Valley.”
Typically, one of the four Building Level Teachers of the Year would then be selected using the terms of evaluation provided by the state of Indiana and submitted as the Tippecanoe Valley Community Schools' representative for State Teacher of the Year. Unfortunately, the state is reevaluating their terms of evaluation at this time. Next year, the school will submit two entries based on the revised terms.
New Cell Phone Policy
To comply with the statewide bell-to-bell cell phone ban in Indiana, TVSC has updated their policy. Under the new policy, students will be required to keep their cell phones, smart watches, headphones, earbuds and any other personal electronics in their lockers for the entirety of the school day, from first bell to final bell. The only acceptable electronics will be students’ school-provided laptops.
If a student is found with a nonschool sanctioned electronic device, there will be cascading consequences. The first and second offense will lead to the students’ electronic device being confiscated and brought to the school office, where it will be held until a parent retrieves the device at the end of the school day. The third offense will involve a conference with the students’ guardians. If there is a fourth offense, student devices will be required to be brought to the front office every day by a parent or guardian and picked up after school by a parent or guardian.
This cell phone policy, which comes from the Indiana School Board Association, will be the same for all TVSC schools.
Additionally, TVHS will no longer allow students to carry bags to class. All bags will need to be stored in students’ lockers.
More detailed information and reminders regarding the ban will be provided to parents over the summer during registration.
Other Business
Kayla Adams, Wade Melansen and Gracie McTaggart are three new hires for the 2026-27 school year. Adams will serve as a guidance counselor at TVHS. Menansen will take the role of social studies teacher at TVHS. McTaggart will be taking on the role of math teacher at TVHS.
The administration building is near completion. The electrical work will be completed next week, and office furniture is scheduled to be installed on June 24.
Open enrollment has begun for the upcoming daycare at the administration building.
The Mentone Spell Bowl Team finished second at their regional competition in Fort Wayne, and 16th out of 110 for their division statewide.
Second-grade student Brynlei Puckett earned a perfect score on her IREAD exam.
Mason Dennis, Lillian Simpson and Adalie McDonald received awards for their demonstrated leadership in school council.
Kara Harris, Elijah Scott, Dean Sponseller and Emma Sponseller received perfect attendance awards for the full year.
