WHS Freshman Counselor, Mr. Kevin Taylor has announced that Freshman Orientation will be held Thursday, August, 9 from 7-8:30 p.m.. Students will need to have a parent accompany them to the Orientation program which will be held in the high school auditorium. After a brief meeting, students will receive their schedule, locker assignment, and a tour of the high school.
As a reminder, in order to receive a schedule and locker assignment at the Orientation program, it will be necessary for students, along with a parent, to attend Registration on Tuesday,
August 1 or Wednesday, August 2 between 12:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Taylor looks forward to meeting the the Class of 2011!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Board Hones Skills at ISBA Academy
Members of the Wawasee School Board, George Gilbert, Becky Linnemeier, Dallas Winchester and Mike Wilson, along with Interim Superintendent Kline attended the Summer Board Member Academy at the French Lick Springs Resort in French Lick, Indiana on July 12-13. This seminar sponsored by the Indiana School Boards, introduced new school board members to the many facets of boardmanship along with reinforcing these principals to numerous veteran board members and administrators.
A full schedule was featured during this two-day seminar covering such topics as consequences of bad board member behavior, school board's role and responsibility, productive board meetings, general assembly and public education and a host of others. Guest presenter, Pat Shoulders, Indiana University Board of Trustees Member and Evansville-Vanderburgh County school attorney shared his experiences relating to being an educational leader in today's educational environment.
"The session for new board members was most helpful," said Mrs. Linnemeier. Wilson agreed, saying "we gained a lot from these sessions, and I could have listened to Pat Shoulders for a couple of hours." "There is much we can learn from interacting with other board members from around the state, and it was great we were able to have a majority of our board present" said Board president Dallas Winchester. Those attending all agreed the meetings were timely, interesting and most valuable.
A full schedule was featured during this two-day seminar covering such topics as consequences of bad board member behavior, school board's role and responsibility, productive board meetings, general assembly and public education and a host of others. Guest presenter, Pat Shoulders, Indiana University Board of Trustees Member and Evansville-Vanderburgh County school attorney shared his experiences relating to being an educational leader in today's educational environment.
"The session for new board members was most helpful," said Mrs. Linnemeier. Wilson agreed, saying "we gained a lot from these sessions, and I could have listened to Pat Shoulders for a couple of hours." "There is much we can learn from interacting with other board members from around the state, and it was great we were able to have a majority of our board present" said Board president Dallas Winchester. Those attending all agreed the meetings were timely, interesting and most valuable.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Greetings and Welcome!
Greetings and welcome to the 2007-08 school year! I am pleased and excited to serve as the Interim Superintendent of Wawasee Community Schools during this transition period. I began my duties here July 6, 2007 and will continue through December as the Board conducts its search for a superintendent.
Prior to this assignment, I served as Superintendent for Bremen Public Schools from 1991-2001. Prior to that, I was privileged to serve as Principal of Warsaw Community High School. My experience also includes Principal of Churbusco Jr. Sr. High School, Assistant Principal at Grissom Middle School (PHM), Social Studies teacher at Schmucker Middle School (PHM) and Language Arts teacher at Belvidere (IL) Junior High School. I hold Ed.S and M.S. Degrees from Indiana University and a B.S Degree from Ball State University.
I look forward to joining the students, staff, and the patrons of Wawasee Community Schools as we begin another school year. It is my hope that I will get to know many of you over the next few months.
Prior to this assignment, I served as Superintendent for Bremen Public Schools from 1991-2001. Prior to that, I was privileged to serve as Principal of Warsaw Community High School. My experience also includes Principal of Churbusco Jr. Sr. High School, Assistant Principal at Grissom Middle School (PHM), Social Studies teacher at Schmucker Middle School (PHM) and Language Arts teacher at Belvidere (IL) Junior High School. I hold Ed.S and M.S. Degrees from Indiana University and a B.S Degree from Ball State University.
I look forward to joining the students, staff, and the patrons of Wawasee Community Schools as we begin another school year. It is my hope that I will get to know many of you over the next few months.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Commencement Addresses
For all those who were unable to attend the Wawasee High School 2007 Commencement, we feature the audioblog replay of our Valedictorian and Salutatorian Addresses.
Just click on Play in the top left corner and you should hear the actual voices of our very own Wawasee students.
Thank you Lindsey and Elizabeth for making a special visit to my office today to make the recordings for the benefit of our community.
NOTE: I will take a break from blogging for a few weeks.
Enjoy your summer!!!!!!!!!!!
Just click on Play in the top left corner and you should hear the actual voices of our very own Wawasee students.
Thank you Lindsey and Elizabeth for making a special visit to my office today to make the recordings for the benefit of our community.
NOTE: I will take a break from blogging for a few weeks.
Enjoy your summer!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, June 01, 2007
The Class of 2007
Here is a "by the numbers" look at the Class of 2007. But...they AREN'T numbers. These are our students!
280 students as incoming freshman
201 students in the commencement class
45 students transferred to other schools
10 transferred to home school
1 student has passed away
1 was expelled and never returned
11 are working on their GED right now ... somewhere else
20 students are still in the Wawasee Academy and could graduate next year
5 have already earned a GED and moved on
3 dropped out with an official exit interview
9 students received a certificate of completion or attendance
16 students had special learning needs – 11 of them earning a diploma
9 foreign exchange students
6 students transferred here from other schools and are graduating
29 students received their diploma by working through the Wawasee Academy
50 students are in the Academic Hall of Fame
6 are graduating with Distinction with a GPA 10.7-10.9
13 are graduating with Highest Distinction with at GPA of 11.0+
65 are graduating with an Academic Honors Diploma with Core 40
80 are graduating with Core 40
33 are graduating with the regular diploma
122 of our current seniors plan on attending a 4-year college this fall
21 plan on attending a 2 year college
15 plan on attending a vocational or technical school or apprenticeship
35 plan on joining the workforce
I point these statistics out because the constant, simplistic, negative, drum beat against public education does not do much to describe the complexities and diversities of life today.
Congratulations students!
We wish you the very best!
280 students as incoming freshman
201 students in the commencement class
45 students transferred to other schools
10 transferred to home school
1 student has passed away
1 was expelled and never returned
11 are working on their GED right now ... somewhere else
20 students are still in the Wawasee Academy and could graduate next year
5 have already earned a GED and moved on
3 dropped out with an official exit interview
9 students received a certificate of completion or attendance
16 students had special learning needs – 11 of them earning a diploma
9 foreign exchange students
6 students transferred here from other schools and are graduating
29 students received their diploma by working through the Wawasee Academy
50 students are in the Academic Hall of Fame
6 are graduating with Distinction with a GPA 10.7-10.9
13 are graduating with Highest Distinction with at GPA of 11.0+
65 are graduating with an Academic Honors Diploma with Core 40
80 are graduating with Core 40
33 are graduating with the regular diploma
122 of our current seniors plan on attending a 4-year college this fall
21 plan on attending a 2 year college
15 plan on attending a vocational or technical school or apprenticeship
35 plan on joining the workforce
I point these statistics out because the constant, simplistic, negative, drum beat against public education does not do much to describe the complexities and diversities of life today.
Congratulations students!
We wish you the very best!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Building Trades Open House
Please mark your calendar for May 31, 2007 from 3-6 PM to visit the Wawasee Building Trades Open House. This year's house was built for Ed and Linda Phillipp at 1123 E. Northshore Drive, Syracuse.
The students and instructor have worked long and hard on this 3-story lake front home. Please attend our open house and see what our students have accomplished in less than a year. Attached is a picture from the lake front.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Quotes for Graduating Seniors
If you could leave our graduating seniors a memorable quote to guide them in their future lives what would it be?
Teachers will always be needed...but schools? maybe not!
I recently shared some unusual developments with the entire faculty that down the road could impact education in unusual ways.
My premise was that "teachers will always be needed, but a place called 'school' may not be."
I showed the staff this 5 minute video describing the NMC College Campus in the software platform known as "Second Life." It is surreal enough to leave you wondering what it's all about.
Will Richardson said recently that our current educational system was built on the notion that learning content was scarce. Learning content is now abundant and every day it grows more accessible to the public. Motivated students will no longer need traditional schools because teachers will be everywhere and the best ones will be available without being "present."
Shortly after that, I was introduced to MIT's free course ware. Many of MIT's classes are being offered free to the public. That includes lectures, notes, videos, assignments, and virtually everything except a grade and a credit.
Motivated students will have access to absolutely world class educational materials and teachers. Most will still need the personal touch, but in the text message world they live in, who's to say the personal touch isn't digital instead of analog!
My premise was that "teachers will always be needed, but a place called 'school' may not be."
I showed the staff this 5 minute video describing the NMC College Campus in the software platform known as "Second Life." It is surreal enough to leave you wondering what it's all about.
Will Richardson said recently that our current educational system was built on the notion that learning content was scarce. Learning content is now abundant and every day it grows more accessible to the public. Motivated students will no longer need traditional schools because teachers will be everywhere and the best ones will be available without being "present."
Shortly after that, I was introduced to MIT's free course ware. Many of MIT's classes are being offered free to the public. That includes lectures, notes, videos, assignments, and virtually everything except a grade and a credit.
Motivated students will have access to absolutely world class educational materials and teachers. Most will still need the personal touch, but in the text message world they live in, who's to say the personal touch isn't digital instead of analog!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
World's Greatest Wakeboard Board For Sale :-(((
It's hard to wakeboard on the high plains! I may have to switch to the snowboard!
2001 Supra Launch for sale. Sleek yellow and white - very cool. I bought it new and I have been the sole owner.
It is an absolute monster of a wakeboard boat. It has Wakeboard Pro (cruise control for your board) which is absolutely essential for quality wakeboarding especially with a loaded boat throwing a thigh-high wake. It has a tower, speakers and radio, built-in ballast system and a custom ballast system for additional fat sacks. This is one of the deepest wakeboard boats made so it is also ideal for your family and kids. Rated for 13 people. It will NEVER take water over the nose like many ski/wakeboard boats.
Yellow and white. Have you priced a new wakeboard boat lately?
Price: $27,000.
Call me at 574-594-5956 in the evenings.
Also for sale? are wakeboards, skis, wakesurf board, life jackets and several assorted tubes and double tubes for you tube fanatics.
Get ready - Memorial Day weekend!
2001 Supra Launch for sale. Sleek yellow and white - very cool. I bought it new and I have been the sole owner.
It is an absolute monster of a wakeboard boat. It has Wakeboard Pro (cruise control for your board) which is absolutely essential for quality wakeboarding especially with a loaded boat throwing a thigh-high wake. It has a tower, speakers and radio, built-in ballast system and a custom ballast system for additional fat sacks. This is one of the deepest wakeboard boats made so it is also ideal for your family and kids. Rated for 13 people. It will NEVER take water over the nose like many ski/wakeboard boats.
Yellow and white. Have you priced a new wakeboard boat lately?
Price: $27,000.
Call me at 574-594-5956 in the evenings.
Also for sale? are wakeboards, skis, wakesurf board, life jackets and several assorted tubes and double tubes for you tube fanatics.
Get ready - Memorial Day weekend!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Why the Wiki is down
A recent commenter asked why I took the Wawasee Wiki down that contained the information regarding changes in summer registration process. I took it down because I copied all the comments and suggestions in hard copy form and will take them to the principals for consideration after school is out. I took it down because I didn't have the time to monitor it daily.
Because this technology is new, people (including me) are still not sure how to best use it.
For example, people would replace the main information on the page explaining the purpose and leave a statement that says "This isn't a good idea, people can change the page and say bad things." Of course this is true, but the solution is for the community to police the pages themselves. In time the goal is for the community to monitor a Wiki themselves.
In other words it takes a whole community to monitor a wiki. In the blog format I have been using here, I moderate or monitor and the public input is just commentary.
People have gotten used to the limited forum this provides. A wiki is a wide open (Web 2.0) environment that requires broad community policing.
As far as the main task of improving registration, I have copied all the ideas and will take them to the administrators for discussion.
Because this technology is new, people (including me) are still not sure how to best use it.
For example, people would replace the main information on the page explaining the purpose and leave a statement that says "This isn't a good idea, people can change the page and say bad things." Of course this is true, but the solution is for the community to police the pages themselves. In time the goal is for the community to monitor a Wiki themselves.
In other words it takes a whole community to monitor a wiki. In the blog format I have been using here, I moderate or monitor and the public input is just commentary.
People have gotten used to the limited forum this provides. A wiki is a wide open (Web 2.0) environment that requires broad community policing.
As far as the main task of improving registration, I have copied all the ideas and will take them to the administrators for discussion.
Bittersweet
Last night at the public board meeting at 5:00 PM I announced my resignation as Superintendent of Schools. I have posted the statement I read to the board.
I have enjoyed serving the Wawasee Community School Corporation as Superintendent of Schools for the past 11 years.
I am announcing my resignation as Superintendent of Schools effective August 14, 2007. I have been offered a position at the University of Wyoming as a professor in the Educational Leadership Department. My primary responsibility will be working with potential superintendents and principals teaching courses that prepare them for public school administration. It is something I have always wanted to do. This will allow me time to pursue writing, publishing and research which is always something I have wanted to try.
I will leave Wawasee with nothing but fond memories. This has been a great place to live and raise our families and the community has much to be proud of.
I wish to formally thank the Board of School Trustees for their support over the years. They took a chance on a 38 year old with no previous superintendent experience and allowed me the chance to grow as a person and as a professional for which I will always be grateful.
And last of all I wish to thank the professionalism of so many administrators, staff members and support staff who toil away in our classrooms, schools and buses to make our corporation what it is.
I have enjoyed serving the Wawasee Community School Corporation as Superintendent of Schools for the past 11 years.
I am announcing my resignation as Superintendent of Schools effective August 14, 2007. I have been offered a position at the University of Wyoming as a professor in the Educational Leadership Department. My primary responsibility will be working with potential superintendents and principals teaching courses that prepare them for public school administration. It is something I have always wanted to do. This will allow me time to pursue writing, publishing and research which is always something I have wanted to try.
I will leave Wawasee with nothing but fond memories. This has been a great place to live and raise our families and the community has much to be proud of.
I wish to formally thank the Board of School Trustees for their support over the years. They took a chance on a 38 year old with no previous superintendent experience and allowed me the chance to grow as a person and as a professional for which I will always be grateful.
And last of all I wish to thank the professionalism of so many administrators, staff members and support staff who toil away in our classrooms, schools and buses to make our corporation what it is.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Technology is the devil...and other thoughts from Will R. and friends
Here is an interesting blog post from Will Richardson who has left the classroom to speak to educators and share the content from his new book. Will was a pioneer in the use of technology and web tools in the classroom. The blog comments are also very thoughtful.
Will Richardson was in Fort Wayne last week and I got a chance to sit and visit with him some. He is finishing a 3 week tour of the U.S. and he seems genuinely discouraged at the response he is getting across the nation.
Why? He is frustrated at the pace of change and how educators seem reluctant to embrace technological innovations, especially the use of internet and web 2.0 applications in the classroom.
Surveys and teacher feedback repeatedly reveal that students are not engaging or investing in their school "work." Yet the multimedia, hyper speed world of our young people continually leaps ahead of us adults in the implementation of technology in the classroom.
Will's post and additional comments are found here.
Will Richardson was in Fort Wayne last week and I got a chance to sit and visit with him some. He is finishing a 3 week tour of the U.S. and he seems genuinely discouraged at the response he is getting across the nation.
Why? He is frustrated at the pace of change and how educators seem reluctant to embrace technological innovations, especially the use of internet and web 2.0 applications in the classroom.
Surveys and teacher feedback repeatedly reveal that students are not engaging or investing in their school "work." Yet the multimedia, hyper speed world of our young people continually leaps ahead of us adults in the implementation of technology in the classroom.
Will's post and additional comments are found here.
Friday, May 11, 2007
A Tribute to Mothers
I post this each year in honor of upcoming Mother's Day.
My mother passed away several years ago, leaving behind a wonderful tribute and family legacy. On Mothers' Day it seems appropriate to remember her.
When I was 8 years old, my father passed away after losing a battle with a brain tumor, leaving my mother a widow at age 32 with three children under the age of 8. Mother had been a stay-at-home mom and dad was an airline mechanic for Delta Airlines. Mom did not have marketable job training that would provide a living wage.Unsure of what to do, she moved our family from Michigan to Ohio to be closer to her parents. She bought a small home and enrolled in college at Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio. Her goal was to become a classroom teacher.My brother, sister and I can still hear her late into the night, studying by reading outloud to herself. I can hardly imagine the stress and workload of a single, widowed mother of three young children taking a full load of classes at the university.Mother graduated with academic honors in four years and got her first full-time employment as a third grade teacher at the age of 38. I can still remember how excited us children were that mom could finally afford to buy soda-pop for a family treat.
From my earliest memory, I knew that I was going to go to college because mom did, yet the greatest gift my mother left us was her spiritual example. She overcame all obstacles placed before her, and although her life could never have been described as easy, she was satisfied in what life had brought. She never complained, but set a solid example of honesty, integrity and work ethic that has remained a legacy, not only to her children but all who knew her. She never remarried, but chose to dedicate her life to God, her family and her elementary school students.
From her example of going to college and working hard, her three children continued their education as well. In her last few years while fighting cancer, she helped me finish my doctoral dissertation by entering all my data into spreadsheets. My sister completed her college degree and passed her CPA exams and my brother went back to school to finish an MBA.
The research says that one of the highest correlations for educational achievement for any individual is found by tracking the educational degree of the mother. It certainly seems true for our family.Here in America, the greatest land of opportunity the world has ever known, let us be thankful for caring and dedicated mothers who model the values and work ethic that made America great. Especially those single mothers who must play many roles for their children.Mothers, take courage, your children will not forget the legacy you leave them. May it be a positive one.
My mother passed away several years ago, leaving behind a wonderful tribute and family legacy. On Mothers' Day it seems appropriate to remember her.
When I was 8 years old, my father passed away after losing a battle with a brain tumor, leaving my mother a widow at age 32 with three children under the age of 8. Mother had been a stay-at-home mom and dad was an airline mechanic for Delta Airlines. Mom did not have marketable job training that would provide a living wage.Unsure of what to do, she moved our family from Michigan to Ohio to be closer to her parents. She bought a small home and enrolled in college at Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio. Her goal was to become a classroom teacher.My brother, sister and I can still hear her late into the night, studying by reading outloud to herself. I can hardly imagine the stress and workload of a single, widowed mother of three young children taking a full load of classes at the university.Mother graduated with academic honors in four years and got her first full-time employment as a third grade teacher at the age of 38. I can still remember how excited us children were that mom could finally afford to buy soda-pop for a family treat.
From my earliest memory, I knew that I was going to go to college because mom did, yet the greatest gift my mother left us was her spiritual example. She overcame all obstacles placed before her, and although her life could never have been described as easy, she was satisfied in what life had brought. She never complained, but set a solid example of honesty, integrity and work ethic that has remained a legacy, not only to her children but all who knew her. She never remarried, but chose to dedicate her life to God, her family and her elementary school students.
From her example of going to college and working hard, her three children continued their education as well. In her last few years while fighting cancer, she helped me finish my doctoral dissertation by entering all my data into spreadsheets. My sister completed her college degree and passed her CPA exams and my brother went back to school to finish an MBA.
The research says that one of the highest correlations for educational achievement for any individual is found by tracking the educational degree of the mother. It certainly seems true for our family.Here in America, the greatest land of opportunity the world has ever known, let us be thankful for caring and dedicated mothers who model the values and work ethic that made America great. Especially those single mothers who must play many roles for their children.Mothers, take courage, your children will not forget the legacy you leave them. May it be a positive one.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
New Feature
The Wawascene's new feature is an digital sound clip that is featured in the top left corner of the blog site's main page. By clicking on the "play" button you can hear a short audio clip.
The featured clip today is a short heartwarming story of how giving someone a chance can make a difference, not only in their life, but your own.
The featured clip today is a short heartwarming story of how giving someone a chance can make a difference, not only in their life, but your own.
Two-hour delay on Thursday
Two-hour fog delay for Thursday. Dense fog, especially towards Milford and south of Dewart Lake. There is medium density fog and patchy fog that floats around the rest of the Wawasee attendance area.
Drive careful.
Drive careful.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Scary!
Here is a scary one.
Some research out of UW reports that 40% of babies watch TV!
It's just a vast wasteland. Read your baby a book!
Some research out of UW reports that 40% of babies watch TV!
It's just a vast wasteland. Read your baby a book!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Up next - Mind controlled video games
It looks like the next breakthrough in video game technology will involve controlling the game characters with the brain as opposed to hand controls.
I suppose it makes no difference whether you tell the computer to do something or whether you tell your hands to make the computer do something.
At least humans are still telling the computer to do something instead of the other way around!
Article here.
I suppose it makes no difference whether you tell the computer to do something or whether you tell your hands to make the computer do something.
At least humans are still telling the computer to do something instead of the other way around!
Article here.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
2007 Super Mileage Challenge!
On Monday, April 30th Wawasee High School competed in the 11th annual Indiana Math Science and Technology Education Association Super Mileage Challenge. The objective of the event is to challenge students to apply (STEM) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a cooperative effort to construct a student engineered vehicle to obtain the highest calculated miles per gallon. This year's Wawasee team shattered the old school record of 711 miles per gallon by obtaining an amazing 1,195 miles per gallon. The method used to determine the miles per gallon is based on the weight used to travel a certain distance. The vehicle travels ten laps around the track at Indianapolis Raceway Park, a total of 6.25 miles. The fuel tank is weighed before and after the race, and then the difference is inserted into a formula to calculate the miles per gallon. Wawasee’s vehicle used a mere 14.3 grams to travel the distance of 6.25 miles. Wawasee placed 4th of 22 teams in the unlimited class with the winning vehicle averaging 1,350 miles per gallon.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
WMS - State Academic Super Bowl Champions!
Congratulations to Wawasee Middle School Academic Super Bowl students and their academic coaches for their fine showing in the Indiana State Academic Super Bowl competitions.
Out of approximately 80 teams, our WMS English team was 1st in the state!
The Social Studies and Interdisciplinary teams finished 4th!
Thank you for all the hard work!
Out of approximately 80 teams, our WMS English team was 1st in the state!
The Social Studies and Interdisciplinary teams finished 4th!
Thank you for all the hard work!
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