The Wawasee Community Schools will be closed on Friday, January 16, 2009, due to weather conditions. School will be in session on Monday, Janaury 19.
Make-up days for the missed days of Janaury 15 and 16 will be on February 6 and 16.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Ahtletic Contests Postponed
All athletic contests for Thursday, January 15th have been postponed. The following high school contests have been rescheduled:
- Varsity and JV Girls' Basketball vs. Columbia City - moved to Monday, January 19th at 6:15 p.m.
- Boys' and Girls' Swim vs. Warsaw - moved to Monday, January 19th with diving at 4:45 p.m. and swimming at 6:30 p.m.
- Gymnastics at Carroll - moved to Monday, January 19th at 6:15 p.m.
- Wrestling at Elkhart Memorial - moved to Wednesday, January 21st at 6:45 p.m.
Rescheduled Parent Conferences, Friday Possibilities, and Monday Make-up Day
Wawasee Community School parent-teacher conferences will be rescheduled at Milford School, Syracuse Elementary School , North Webster Elementary School, and Wawasee Middle School on Thursday, Janaury 22. Conferences will begin after school and last into the evening hours. Please feel free to contact the school or your child's teacher to confirm conference times. Wawasee High School conferences were held last Monday afternoon and evening.
Our early dismissal on Friday, the 16th, remains. School will be in session from 8:00 am until 11:00 am, with a slightly later dismissal at WMS. Wawasee Community Schools will be either in or out of school on Friday (with our interesting weather!). With the early dismissal, no delay will be considered.
Monday, the 19th, is a make-up day for December 19, the day missed prior to Christmas Break due to poor weather.
Our early dismissal on Friday, the 16th, remains. School will be in session from 8:00 am until 11:00 am, with a slightly later dismissal at WMS. Wawasee Community Schools will be either in or out of school on Friday (with our interesting weather!). With the early dismissal, no delay will be considered.
Monday, the 19th, is a make-up day for December 19, the day missed prior to Christmas Break due to poor weather.
January 15 School Closing
The Wawasee Community Schools will close on January 15. K-8 parent conferences will be rescheduled.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
January 15 School Delay
The Wawasee Community Schools will begin Thursday, January 15, with a 2-hour delay.
Middle School Ski Club Postponed
The Ski Club trip this Friday for Milford Middle School and Wawasee Middle School has been postponed due to expected frigid temperatures. Watch for rescheduling details at school.
Early School Closing on January 14
Wawasee Community Schools will dismiss students on January 14 at 1:30 pm, due to deteriorating road conditions. Wawasee Middle School will dismiss a little later than 1:30 pm.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
School Closing Early
The Wawasee Community Schools will close early on Tuesday, January 13. Schools will dismiss at 1:00, with a slightly later dismissal at the Wawasee Middle School.
News of Upcoming Events
The weather folks are calling for bitter conditions over the next fews days. Extremely cold temperatures and blowing snow will be severe. If we attend school on those days, make sure that your child is dressed for the weather.
A half-day, with 11:00 dismissal (later at the middle school), is set for this Friday.
On Monday, January 19, we will attend school all day to make up the day missed on December 19 due to poor weather.
We make weather-related decisions based upon: whether our school buses can safely operate in the conditions, whether the lots and sidewalks can be cleared in time for student and staff use, and the weather conditions expected during the next several hours. We always keep the safety of students in mind. Parents of students who normally are taken to school by auto or drive to school can call 457-3188 to request bus pick-up for their children on days they don't wish to get out or have their child drive. A school bus is the safest form of wheeled transportation.
A half-day, with 11:00 dismissal (later at the middle school), is set for this Friday.
On Monday, January 19, we will attend school all day to make up the day missed on December 19 due to poor weather.
We make weather-related decisions based upon: whether our school buses can safely operate in the conditions, whether the lots and sidewalks can be cleared in time for student and staff use, and the weather conditions expected during the next several hours. We always keep the safety of students in mind. Parents of students who normally are taken to school by auto or drive to school can call 457-3188 to request bus pick-up for their children on days they don't wish to get out or have their child drive. A school bus is the safest form of wheeled transportation.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Honor for Jay Smith
Congratulations to Jay Smith who has been selected as a recipient of the Center Circle Officials Recognition Award for girls' basketball. This award is sponsored by the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and recognizes him as an outstanding basketball official in the state of Indiana. Jay will be honored at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 25, 2009. His name will be added to a permanent plaque displayed at the Hall of Fame in New Castle.
Jay is employed with Wawasee Schools at Wawasee Middle School as a science teacher and coach. He became an IHSAA licensed official in 1971. He has been an active member of the Northern Indiana Officials Association as president, basketball chairperson, IHSAA rules clinician and a basketball mentor for younger officials. In his 38 years as a basketball official, Jay has worked 32 IHSAA state tournaments and over 1300 girls' varsity contests, including five state finals in girls' basketball. Jay has also officiated over 1500 boys' varsity games and three boys' state finals and has officiated the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Classic games three times.
Jay is employed with Wawasee Schools at Wawasee Middle School as a science teacher and coach. He became an IHSAA licensed official in 1971. He has been an active member of the Northern Indiana Officials Association as president, basketball chairperson, IHSAA rules clinician and a basketball mentor for younger officials. In his 38 years as a basketball official, Jay has worked 32 IHSAA state tournaments and over 1300 girls' varsity contests, including five state finals in girls' basketball. Jay has also officiated over 1500 boys' varsity games and three boys' state finals and has officiated the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Classic games three times.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
January 6, 2009 School Board Meeting
The Wawasee Community School Board met on Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 pm to reorganize for the coming year. Election of officers was held. George Gilbert will serve as president, Mike Wilson as vice-president, and Becky Linnemeier as secretary for 2009. The Board of Finance officers are Mary Lou Dixon as president and Mike Wilson as secretary. Dallas Winchester will be the board representative to the Vocational Advisor's Council.
Regular meetings will generally take place on the second Tuesday of a month. During January and April, meetings will be on the third Tuesday. From April through September, meeting times will be 7:00pm, while 5:30pm will be the meeting time during the October through March months.
We are looking forward to a great 2009 year at Wawasee Community Schools.
In other business, Rex Miller was re-appointed to the Milford Library Board.
A work session was held following the business meeting. Board attorney David Cates worked with the board on policy development issues, including a new student random drug testing policy to be instituted for the 2009-10 school year. Health insurance consultant Stan Burt discussed the benefits and challenges involved in operating a staff health clinic. The board will study this issue further to see if lower health insurance costs and better staff health will offset the investment in a clinic. Rob Staley of The Crossing presented to the board about an alternative school for those high school and young adult community members who aren't part of our present school setting, due to a variety of reasons. Students in that situation are served by The Crossing, a faith-based organization, at Goshen, West Noble, Elkhart, South Bend, and DeKalb Eastern schools. Because most of the students who attend The Crossing are not now in school, but of school age, we would receive additional revenue from the state to cover the cost of the program. We will continue to study possibilities for The Crossing at Wawasee.
Regular meetings will generally take place on the second Tuesday of a month. During January and April, meetings will be on the third Tuesday. From April through September, meeting times will be 7:00pm, while 5:30pm will be the meeting time during the October through March months.
We are looking forward to a great 2009 year at Wawasee Community Schools.
In other business, Rex Miller was re-appointed to the Milford Library Board.
A work session was held following the business meeting. Board attorney David Cates worked with the board on policy development issues, including a new student random drug testing policy to be instituted for the 2009-10 school year. Health insurance consultant Stan Burt discussed the benefits and challenges involved in operating a staff health clinic. The board will study this issue further to see if lower health insurance costs and better staff health will offset the investment in a clinic. Rob Staley of The Crossing presented to the board about an alternative school for those high school and young adult community members who aren't part of our present school setting, due to a variety of reasons. Students in that situation are served by The Crossing, a faith-based organization, at Goshen, West Noble, Elkhart, South Bend, and DeKalb Eastern schools. Because most of the students who attend The Crossing are not now in school, but of school age, we would receive additional revenue from the state to cover the cost of the program. We will continue to study possibilities for The Crossing at Wawasee.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Criteria for Accepting Cash Transfer Students
At the November school board meeting, a policy for accepting cash transfer students was adopted that goes into effect on January 1, 2009. This policy describes the process a student and parents must go through in order for the student to be considered for being an out-of-district transfer student to Wawasee Community School Corporation.
The first criteria listed in the policy reads, "A student requesting transfer shall complete the Application for Transfer of Non-Resident Student and submit it to the Wawasee Community School Corporation Superintendent's Office prior to July 1. Transfers will be considered on a yearly basis. Transfer students will be responsible for any applicable tuition payments including full tuition if the student enrolls after state enrollment count day."
The first criteria listed in the policy reads, "A student requesting transfer shall complete the Application for Transfer of Non-Resident Student and submit it to the Wawasee Community School Corporation Superintendent's Office prior to July 1. Transfers will be considered on a yearly basis. Transfer students will be responsible for any applicable tuition payments including full tuition if the student enrolls after state enrollment count day."
Friday, December 26, 2008
T’is the Season to Earn Credits
With a new director and a new staff member, Wawasee Academy has a new flavor. The classroom has a fish theme. In the Academy, FISH stands for “Fresh Ideas Start Here.” Students are motivated with fish-themed quotes and fish-shaped chips they collect and redeem for treats when they are “caught” being good. First trimester at the Academy was an enormous success. Students earned 62 credits, and we celebrated our first graduate! This trimester, students have already earned twelve more credits with several awaiting approval.
In October, the Academy sent out numerous emails and letters to members of the Wawasee corporation, business owners, and non-profit organizations asking for a “hand up.” We have been scouring the community for donations of equipment, educational materials, and monetary gifts to sponsor GED candidates.
We have been overwhelmed by support! Cindy Pierce of North Webster Elementary donated a full truck load of equipment for our gym. We have new machines and a “ton” of new weights. Now everyone can get “buff”!
We are thrilled by the generosity of our area service clubs. The Sons of the American Legion donated $100 for our GED candidates. The Lakeland Eagles donated $120. Most recently, the Milford Kiwanis Club offered to sponsor our Milford-native GED candidates. The North Webster Women’s Auxiliary donated $500. The GED test costs between $50 and $60 depending on the testing site. We have all of our current GED candidates covered!
During this seasonal time of generosity, the staff and students at the Academy cannot thank our community enough. It really does take a village to raise a child, and we feel like a great big happy family here! All in all, the “new” Academy has had a tremendous start with very driven, serious students who are getting caught up to grade level and many at the brink of graduation.
-Anne Rackely, Director of Wawasee Academy
In October, the Academy sent out numerous emails and letters to members of the Wawasee corporation, business owners, and non-profit organizations asking for a “hand up.” We have been scouring the community for donations of equipment, educational materials, and monetary gifts to sponsor GED candidates.
We have been overwhelmed by support! Cindy Pierce of North Webster Elementary donated a full truck load of equipment for our gym. We have new machines and a “ton” of new weights. Now everyone can get “buff”!
We are thrilled by the generosity of our area service clubs. The Sons of the American Legion donated $100 for our GED candidates. The Lakeland Eagles donated $120. Most recently, the Milford Kiwanis Club offered to sponsor our Milford-native GED candidates. The North Webster Women’s Auxiliary donated $500. The GED test costs between $50 and $60 depending on the testing site. We have all of our current GED candidates covered!
During this seasonal time of generosity, the staff and students at the Academy cannot thank our community enough. It really does take a village to raise a child, and we feel like a great big happy family here! All in all, the “new” Academy has had a tremendous start with very driven, serious students who are getting caught up to grade level and many at the brink of graduation.
-Anne Rackely, Director of Wawasee Academy
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
December 23, 2008 Boys Basketball Game Postponed
The Wawasee Warriors boys basketball game scheduled for Tuesday evening, December 23, at Columbia City has been postponed to a future date due to poor weather conditions.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Felicidades – Happy Holidays from the ESL Department!
The school year started off with our English as a Second Language (ESL) staff attending the Fall 2008 Title III Administrative Workshop where they learned about administering the LAS Links Placement test (a test used with new ESL students to our corporation and ESL kindergarten students to find out what their level of English proficiency is). In October, ESL staff and a number of teachers attended a training session staged by the Indiana Department of Education on Indiana's English Language Proficiency Standards. The meetings were very informative and helpful.
Syracuse Elementary School's ESL students invited the third grade students to attend and enjoy an educational program on “Bats.” The presentation was very interesting, and the children were able to observe several taxidermied bats. In addition, the students even had the opportunity to hear a recording of a bat using echolocation to find its food!
This fall we held our first Reading is Fun (RIF) book distribution meeting at Milford Elementary School. Our theme this year was “Family Science Night.” There were over 100 parents and students in attendance. Students and parents were able to observe and/or participate in various science demonstrations. The students' involvement with the experiments and distribution of books helped encourage the families to attend. Great job everyone!
At the North Webster Elementary School, we are working on reading, math and a “Word Tower.” Any new vocabulary words acquired by the student are pasted onto a paper and placed on the wall. We hope to fill all the walls with new words by the end of the school year!!!
Middle school students have engaged in reading poetry and writing in language arts. Students have also rehearsed speeches on various topics. The students researched the topics, created a list of questions and facts, then put together their speech. We worked on intonation, facial expressions, and delivering the speech with credibility. Other subjects we work on include science and social Studies, as time allows.
The high school students have been working hard on English, math, history and Chem/Phys, making new friends, and participating in researching topics in the classroom, when their school work is complete. In particular, they have researched successful and prominent multicultural individuals who have contributed in one way or another to the arts, music, science, politics, etc. The goal is to help students envision their own dreams and to pursue them.
On behalf of the ESL Department, have a safe holiday, and may the true beauty of the season fill your hearts with peace, joy and laughter.
- Maria Waltz, Director of ESL Programs
Syracuse Elementary School's ESL students invited the third grade students to attend and enjoy an educational program on “Bats.” The presentation was very interesting, and the children were able to observe several taxidermied bats. In addition, the students even had the opportunity to hear a recording of a bat using echolocation to find its food!
This fall we held our first Reading is Fun (RIF) book distribution meeting at Milford Elementary School. Our theme this year was “Family Science Night.” There were over 100 parents and students in attendance. Students and parents were able to observe and/or participate in various science demonstrations. The students' involvement with the experiments and distribution of books helped encourage the families to attend. Great job everyone!
At the North Webster Elementary School, we are working on reading, math and a “Word Tower.” Any new vocabulary words acquired by the student are pasted onto a paper and placed on the wall. We hope to fill all the walls with new words by the end of the school year!!!
Middle school students have engaged in reading poetry and writing in language arts. Students have also rehearsed speeches on various topics. The students researched the topics, created a list of questions and facts, then put together their speech. We worked on intonation, facial expressions, and delivering the speech with credibility. Other subjects we work on include science and social Studies, as time allows.
The high school students have been working hard on English, math, history and Chem/Phys, making new friends, and participating in researching topics in the classroom, when their school work is complete. In particular, they have researched successful and prominent multicultural individuals who have contributed in one way or another to the arts, music, science, politics, etc. The goal is to help students envision their own dreams and to pursue them.
On behalf of the ESL Department, have a safe holiday, and may the true beauty of the season fill your hearts with peace, joy and laughter.
- Maria Waltz, Director of ESL Programs
Make-Up Day - January 19, 2008
The day of school at Wawasee missed due to inclement weather on December 19, 2008 will be made up on Monday, January 19, 2008.
School Closing - December 19, 2008
Wawasee Community School Corporation will be closed due to weather on Friday, December 19, 2008.
Have a great Christmas break!
Have a great Christmas break!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Congratulations to Marion Acton
At the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame's Annual Men's Banquet on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, Marion Acton will be receiving the Center Circle Officials Recognition Award.
According to a press release from the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, each year they recognize up to three outstanding basketball officials for their outstanding officiating ability and for their contributions and promotion of the game. Marion Acton worked as an official at 20 sectionals, 15 regionals, 9 semi-states and called four state finals. He served numerous years, 15-20, as an observer in both boys and girls basketball. He also helped organize and begin the Mississinewa and Northern Indiana Officials Associations.
Mr. Action is a former physical education teacher, assistant principal, principal and school board member for Wawasee Community Schools. He served as an educator/administrator for us from 1971-1994 at three buildings: Milford Junior High School, Syracuse Junior High School, and North Webster School. He served as a school board member from 1995-2006.
The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame's Annual Men's Banquet will be held at the Primo Banquet Hall located on the south side of Indianapolis. Tickets will be made available in early 2009. You can call 765-529-1891 for more information.
According to a press release from the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, each year they recognize up to three outstanding basketball officials for their outstanding officiating ability and for their contributions and promotion of the game. Marion Acton worked as an official at 20 sectionals, 15 regionals, 9 semi-states and called four state finals. He served numerous years, 15-20, as an observer in both boys and girls basketball. He also helped organize and begin the Mississinewa and Northern Indiana Officials Associations.
Mr. Action is a former physical education teacher, assistant principal, principal and school board member for Wawasee Community Schools. He served as an educator/administrator for us from 1971-1994 at three buildings: Milford Junior High School, Syracuse Junior High School, and North Webster School. He served as a school board member from 1995-2006.
The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame's Annual Men's Banquet will be held at the Primo Banquet Hall located on the south side of Indianapolis. Tickets will be made available in early 2009. You can call 765-529-1891 for more information.
Girls Basketball Hall of Fame Classic
Wawasee High School is pleased to announce the Lady Warriors will participate in the 2008 City Securities Hall of Fame Basketball Classic on December 29th. This prestigious basketball event is held at New Castle High School – the largest high school basketball arena in the nation. The Warriors will play in the second morning game –vs- Oak Hill (12 noon) and again that evening against Ben Davis or Connersville.
Tickets are now available – great for you or perhaps for you to purchase as a Christmas Holiday gift. Fans will see some of Indiana’s best basketball and have an opportunity to visit the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame located across the street from New Castle High School.
Presale tickets are a great deal! Ticket prices that day at the door will be $10.00 for each session, morning and evening. Presale tickets at Wawasee are $10.00 for the entire day. Tickets will be available at all home girls’ basketball games and school hours in the athletic office through Friday, December 19, 2008.
Tickets are now available – great for you or perhaps for you to purchase as a Christmas Holiday gift. Fans will see some of Indiana’s best basketball and have an opportunity to visit the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame located across the street from New Castle High School.
Presale tickets are a great deal! Ticket prices that day at the door will be $10.00 for each session, morning and evening. Presale tickets at Wawasee are $10.00 for the entire day. Tickets will be available at all home girls’ basketball games and school hours in the athletic office through Friday, December 19, 2008.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Fundraiser for Van Laeken Family
On Saturday, December 20th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Lowe's parking lot next to Walmart in Warsaw, there will be a Port-A-Pit chicken sale and bake sale in order to help with expenses the Van Laeken family has incurred over the past weeks.
Wawasee graduate Cheryl (Grady) Van Laeken is a fifth grade teacher at Milford School. She and her husband Mike had baby girl Makenna on October 22, 2008. Sadly, after weeks in hospitals, Makenna died on December 3, 2008. Our hearts go out to the Van Laekens.
It is not necessary to order tickets for the Nelson Port-A-Pit chicken; however, if you want to order tickets, you can email Christie Holst at cholst@wawasee.k12.in.us.
Wawasee graduate Cheryl (Grady) Van Laeken is a fifth grade teacher at Milford School. She and her husband Mike had baby girl Makenna on October 22, 2008. Sadly, after weeks in hospitals, Makenna died on December 3, 2008. Our hearts go out to the Van Laekens.
It is not necessary to order tickets for the Nelson Port-A-Pit chicken; however, if you want to order tickets, you can email Christie Holst at cholst@wawasee.k12.in.us.
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