Tippecanoe School Corporation Spring 2024 Newsletter by thenational-group

WELCOME

The TSC is excited to reconnect with you through this newsletter. It’s one of the most effective ways to reach every household in our district that spans 437 square miles.

The TSC continues to invest in facilities across the district to address our growing enrollment and provide students with the best opportunities in academics, arts, athletics and activities. The opening of the Tippecanoe Online Academy, a state-accredited online high school, demonstrates our commitment to meet the needs of different types of learners.

In this newsletter, we invite you to meet some of our award-winning educators and get a glimpse of some of our excellent educational programs across all 19 schools and the Greater Lafayette Career Academy. Many of these amazing learning opportunities are possible through partnerships with Purdue University, Ivy Tech Community College, local businesses and community organizations. Thank you for your continued support of the TSC as we pursue excellence one student at a time.

Dr. Scott Hanback, TSC Superintendent

2023-24 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Elementary Schools

Diane Lehman Battle Ground, Fifth Grade

Tiffani Pettit Burnett Creek, Fifth Grade

Jennifer Tilley Cole, Second Grade

Carolyn Howard Dayton, Kindergarten

Jocelyn MacLaverty Hershey, Fourth Grade

Ellie Minogue Klondike, 4/5 High Ability

Paige Manns Mayflower Mill, Title I

Kelsey Bowyer Mintonye, Fine Arts

Holly Richard Wea Ridge, First Grade

Sarah Synesael Woodland, Second Grade

Abigail Moore Wyandotte, Fifth Grade

Middle Schools

Brittany Gray Battle Ground, English

Kevin Smith East Tipp, Social Studies

Michael Gabauer Klondike, Science

Rebecca Redman Southwestern, English

Sheena Baird Wainwright, Social Studies

Staci Rooze Wea Ridge, English

High Schools

Jolie McCartney Harrison, Spanish

Cindy Aubuchon McCutcheon, English

GOLDEN APPLE WINNERS

Greater Lafayette Commerce presented Golden Apple awards to two TSC educators for their passion and dedication to serving children in our community. In addition to the award, each teacher received a $1,000 prize.

Sarah Emerson

Megan Keller 2/3 High Ability, Dayton Elementary School

First Grade, Mayflower Mill Elementary School

A sign in Megan Keller’s classroom serves as a constant reminder to her first graders: “Everything is hard at first.”

“I want my students to know that just because something is hard it doesn’t mean they are not capable,” says Keller. Her ability to motivate students to challenge themselves is among the many reasons she was selected by Greater Lafayette Commerce for a Golden Apple Award.

Keller’s desire to help others led to her becoming a teacher 12 years ago. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, she began her career in education as a classroom aide. She then taught kindergarten and third grade, and now, first grade.

Mayflower Mill Principal Shannon Cauble says Keller is dedicated to all students at Mayflower, not just the ones in her classroom. Keller is known for going above and beyond to help her colleagues and mentor at-risk students. “She is a consistent learner and leader,” says Cauble. “She has innovative ideas and works diligently to find ways to apply her knowledge in the classroom to meet the needs of all of her students.”

“I care for those around me and I value relationships,” says Keller. “I would not be the teacher I am without a heart that sees the best in others, encourages and loves unconditionally.”

Students sit at tables adorned with red and white tablecloths. The hostess, teacher Sarah Emerson, moves through the classroom to offer menus that list books for students to sample. After they read the back cover and a few pages of each book on the tables, they enjoy fun snacks and select their literary choice for book club.

“The students love every minute,” says Emerson.

Dayton Elementary School Principal Ryan Simmons says the “book tasting” is one of the many ways Emerson demonstrates she is a highly effective, innovative teacher. “She is always at the forefront of best-practice teaching methods that engage and challenge each student to expand their thinking beyond the lesson.”

Emerson, a Purdue University graduate, has been teaching for more than 17 years.

Emerson says her mother inspired her to become a teacher by going out of her way to make learning fun and to provide authentic opportunities for learning: “Any time we struggled along our academic journey, she was determined to find an approach to learning that worked for us. She taught me that all students are capable and that differentiated approaches to learning are imperative.”

After the class reads “Because of Winn-Dixie” for book club, students celebrate with a picnic like the one in the book. “A primary goal of mine is to ignite a spark in students so that they desire to be lifelong learners,” Emerson says. “When they leave my class, I want them to remember that I loved them, I believed in them, and pushed them hard, sometimes even beyond their comfort zone, so they could achieve excellence.”

Nominate your favorite teacher

The Golden Apple Award recognizes the most outstanding teachers in Greater Lafayette. Nominate an educator who has made a positive impact on your student by May 1. Scan the QR Code for the 2025 nomination form and to view videos of our current honorees.

aug 2024

About Tippecanoe Online Academy: As an extension of the Tippecanoe School Corporation, the TOA is designed for learners seeking a flexible and personalized online education experience. Unlike other online options, our classes are taught by certified TSC teachers who have earned an online teaching certification from Arizona State University. Students' academic journey will be guided by experts committed to delivering high-quality, interactive, and rigorous courses.

classes start aug 2024

classes start

classes start aug 2024

Visit Our Website TOA.TSC.K12.IN.US

OUR PROGRAM

Local teaching staff Engaging curriculum

Learning Success Coach

Asynchronous Instruction

Local teaching staff Engaging curriculum

Learning Success Coach Asynchronous Instruction

EMPLOYEE MILESTONES

Visit Our Website TOA.TSC.K12.IN.US

Local teaching staff Engaging curriculum

Learning Success Coach

Asynchronous Instruction

TSC honors these staff members for their years of service to our corporation and students.

30 Year

Christi Brooks East Tipp Middle, Cafeteria Manager

Gail Emerick Technology Center, System Specialist

Lisa Lane Hershey Elementary, First Grade

Michael Pinto Cole Elementary, Principal

Julie Storms Cole Elementary, Interventionist

Loralie Swan Burnett Creek Elementary, ENL

Laura Whitcombe McCutcheon, English

40 Year

765-269-8888

Mary Eisert Wea Ridge Middle, English

Retirees

TSC salutes our retiring staff members. We appreciate their dedicated service and commitment to our schools. Scan the QR code with your phone to watch a video honoring our retirees.

CHANGING THE WORLD

ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

Wainwright and Klondike students ‘wonder’ on the Wabash

The singing of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and laughter filled the air as several rafts piloted by students from Wainwright Middle School and Klondike Middle School made their way down the Wabash River. As Wainwright sixth grader Tessa Rice and her team maneuvered large oars to the rhythm of the song, they marveled at blue herons and bald eagles along the shoreline.

“It was so much fun,” says Tessa. “We made up chants and songs to keep us motivated.”

The Tippecanoe County Partnership for Water Quality designed the floating classroom program called Wonders on the Wabash. The journey begins at Shamrock Park where volunteers help students conduct a variety of experiments to gauge water quality.

To test water turbidity or its cloudiness and haziness, Natalia Gajdzik and her classmates from Klondike filled a plastic tube and released water until it was clear enough that they could see the tube’s emblem at the bottom: “I was very surprised by how hard it was to see through the river water.”

Another group tested the water temperature, as well as oxygen and pH levels before they rode on their rafts.

The next leg of their journey included a stop at Lafayette Renew, the city’s wastewater treatment facility. “Students were surprised about how much water the water treatment plant processes each day (20 million gallons) and that the plant runs 365 days a year, even on holidays,” says Wainwright Middle School health teacher Daniel Porter.

After a few more miles of rowing, students stopped at an island to meet representatives from Purdue Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences who netted a variety of fish including a sauger, blue gill, drum and bass.

“Each stop provided a wealth of information about water quality and fish life and how to be better stewards,” says Klondike Middle School science teacher Michael Gabauer. “Our river guides taught us so much about the history of the river also. The students leave with a new appreciation of the river and how it is important to preserve this resource.”

“The name of the river comes from a local tribe,” says student Teagan Pusey from Wainwright. “Waapaahsiiki means water over white stone. The white stone refers to limestone.”

“I hope the students learned how important it is to be good stewards of the water that flows in the river,” says Gabauer. “It’s eye opening for students to learn how what they do in their homes affects the quality of the water that supports fish, plants and wildlife.”

At the end of the four-mile journey, students pulled their rafts onto the bank at Fort Ouiatenon. They were tired, but gained a greater appreciation for our natural resources.

“This trip is an awesome way to learn about science,” says Natalia. “It is definitely an experience I will never forget,” says Tessa.

ENGAGING MINDS

ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

GLCA puts students on fast track to nursing careers

McCutcheon High School senior Macey Johnston is getting a head start on her dream to become a pediatric nurse practitioner through the Pre-Nursing program at the Greater Lafayette Career Academy.

“When a family member was diagnosed with cancer, I decided that I wanted to become a nurse,” says Macey. “I want to help patients and families through their hard times. Plus, watching a patient that you bonded with heal and go home has to be the most rewarding feeling.”

Instructor Melynda Bryant, who has 20 years of nursing experience, is adamant about her classes becoming close. “I will move the seating arrangement several times to make sure all students are making friends with all students. I explain how important it is that they have a bond. When they go to the clinical site and take care of real people, they will be relying on each other heavily.”

“The family atmosphere is amazing,” says Harrison High School senior Akeelah Pearsall. “We work together to get things done and come up with solutions when we are doing activities together.”

During first semester, students split their time between classroom instruction and a simulation lab where they master resident-care procedures. They then go to Saint Anthony Rehabilitation and Nursing Center or the Indiana Veterans’ Home as student CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistant) during second semester. In addition, a partnership with IU Health Arnett gives students an opportunity to shadow staff members in different professions at the hospital and view a surgery.

By the end of the school year, students will have earned 17 college credits and various certifications that will give them a running start on their career paths in healthcare.

Battle Ground Middle students channel ‘Yoda’ wisdom to engineer robots

A sharp screeching noise comes from “Yoda,” a small, four-wheeled robot on its first test drive in a Battle Ground Middle School technology class. “That doesn’t sound right,” says seventh grader Sharon Schultz, as she lifts the unit back on the desk so she and her lab partner, Hana Dilley, can adjust it.

Engineering and technology teacher Ricci Barber purchased the robot kits, each with more than 180 parts, to teach students a variety of lessons from computer programming and engineering principles to project management. A grant from the Arconic Foundation provided funds for a variety of equipment to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) experiences in TSC’s middle schools.

The funds also went toward equipment for a second robotics team, a set of drones and a 3D printer, as well as an earthquake shake table that will allow students to test structures they build in earthquake simulations.

Student Conner Wagner says building the robot tested his abilities to work with others and follow instructions. “It was tough at first, but then we got into a groove,” he says. “It can be frustrating when something goes wrong and you have to go back and redo something, but we are happy with how our robot, Jimmy Bill Bob, turned out. We can make him do wheelies and spin in circles.”

As for Yoda, Sharon and Hana took a wheel and motor off to fix the alignment. Once repairs were complete, they drove Yoda to a galaxy far, far away — well, at least to the principal’s office.

Mintonye pioneers in robotics

“See if you can get the robot to move that,” says Irene Gibbs to her teammate, Ella Best, as the two Mintonye Elementary School students test their machine on a mobile practice field in the media center. The small gray robot slowly rolls forward to push an orange cylinder across the mat.

“Our robot is finally working!” says Irene.

“We had to adjust it several times, but I think we got it now. Plus, what’s really exciting is this is Ella’s first time getting to drive the robot.”

The girls are among several teams of fourth and fifth grade students building and programming VEX robots in an afterschool club. Teacher sponsor Barb Tilley says the afterschool program allows students to be creative and build confidence in their design skills while promoting collaboration between teams.

“Pursuing excellence is personal. Everyone has different goals to accomplish each week, but it’s also an overall goal as we steward our robotic resources wisely through our friendly competitions,” says Tilley. “Sometimes our build or programming efforts don’t go as planned, but the students learn it is important to do hard things and partner with a mentor to stay focused and positive.”

Fifth grader Hudson Meyer says the club is about trying to build a robot the best that it can be. “Sure, it would be fun to win, but it’s more than that,” says Hudson. “We get to spend time doing what we love to do, make new friends and have fun.”

Southwestern students go out on a limb

Peanut the elephant lost his trunk, Bob the alligator doesn’t have a tail and Spot the dog is missing a leg. But there’s hope for these stuffed animals at Southwestern Middle School because teacher Jen Pike has challenged eighth grade students to design and create prosthetic limbs for them.

“In addition to teaching the science, I challenged students to be good stewards and make the prosthetics out of completely recycled or repurposed materials,” Pike says.

“We used cereal boxes, tape, rubber bands and strings to create a new elephant trunk,” says student Jaylee Gibb. Team member Jillian Royer says cutting slits in the cardboard gave the trunk flexibility. “It was hard to come up with a way to make sure that the prosthetic would be easy to get on and off. We used a rubber band like a facemask.”

Another group started with a sock and toilet paper roll to make a new tail for the alligator.

“When that didn’t work, we found a red Solo cup worked better,” says Charlie Delcourt. “It seemed to be more conforming and had a natural fit.”

“We are very happy with the way Bob turned out,” adds classmate Gavin Winningham. “He can walk, swim and move his tail, which is important for his survival.”

Alexis Catron and her team used ribbons, popsicle sticks and paper clips to create a series of joints for the dog to have more natural movement. “The design is based on a dog’s bone structure with a shoulder, elbow and paw,” she says.

The students say they enjoyed the project and learned resiliency. “We definitely encountered some trial and error,” says student Payton Royer. “I learned how to work better with a group and that the first plan doesn’t always have to be the final plan.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

Unified Sports – more than just games

It came down to the final toss for Harrison High School’s inaugural Unified Sports bocce ball team at the state tournament. “It felt like forever before the ball stopped rolling within reach of the target,” says senior Bella Maynard.

The four-girl Raider team and their opponents, the defending state champions from North Knox, anxiously approached the court to see who won.

“When we realized that our ball was closest, there was a collective gasp among us, then we erupted in a celebration of cheers and laughter,”

Bella says,

“The

excitement and joy on the faces of my teammates was priceless.”

Bocce ball, basketball, flag football and track are among the sports in the IHSAA Unified Sports programs, which bring athletes of diverse intellectual abilities together to promote inclusion, acceptance and teamwork.

While the high school teams bring home medals and trophies, there are greater wins to be celebrated.

“Unified is so much more than a sport. It changes lives,” says McCutcheon coach Gina Bunch. “The program positively impacts the lives of not only the athletes and partners, but the coaches and parents as well. Our athletes are given a chance to participate in a school sport and feel successful and included. It creates a unique environment that allows everyone involved to learn and grow as team members while gaining important experience with handling the highs and lows of life with grace.”

Dance parties on the sidelines are a regular occurrence when the Mavericks compete. It’s common to see sophomore Heather Daniel enthusiastically leading the chant: “Go Mavs, Go Mavs!”

McCutcheon senior Sage Adams got involved in the Unified Flag Football program as a sophomore so he could be part of something bigger than just sports—to build relationships. “It has given me an opportunity to see sports through a different lens,” says Sage. “I have built relationships that I will never forget. It has shown me how much people can grow and develop when everyone is on board and is there for each other. Regardless of a win or a loss, everyone is having just as much fun as they were before the game.”

Harrison senior Ethan Popp says the entire school benefits from the program. “I see my teammates thrive in practice, in games and at school. It breaks down barriers and contributes to a more accepting, supporting community that values the contributions of every individual,” says Ethan. “We truly strive to live out our motto T.E.A.M., Together Everyone Achieves More.”

Digging gardening at Burnett Creek

“Purple carrots?” says an excited Kraiden Wilkinson when Burnett Creek Elementary School teacher Bridget Sharp reveals some of the new items that her self-contained classroom will plant this spring. “Wow, that’s so cool. I want to plant purple carrots,” says the first grader.

Students open the seed packets for the unusual carrots along with watermelon and cantaloupe. The students place seeds in each of the cups filled with soil as teachers add a splash of water. “Now comes the hard part, right? We wait for our seeds to grow,” Sharp says as students place the biodegradable pots on the windowsill.

With the help of a Purdue University service organization, Alpha Phi Omega, the students will transplant their seedlings in the raised garden beds behind the school in late spring. A grant from the Lafayette Breakfast Optimist Club helps cover some of the cost of expanding the garden project, now in its second year.

“Not only do they learn so much about plants and how they grow, they learn responsibility,” says Sharp. “After we build the garden and plant the seeds, we have to care for the garden daily. The students love taking turns watering, pulling weeds and picking the harvest. We had some plants that didn’t do so well, so we researched what we could have done differently and learned from our mistakes.”

The students are eager to plant more seeds. “I hope we can plant more strawberries and tomatoes,” says third grader Royce Hartley. “But no cucumbers please.”

Wyandotte sends students around the world

“Bonjour!” Harrison High School French students said to welcome Wyandotte Elementary School students to their presentation about France. This stop, among others throughout the elementary school, featured tabletop displays with colorful posters, clothing and samples of traditional cuisine from Vietnam, Trinidad, Mexico, Indian, Germany and the Philippines. This worldwide, whirlwind tour was part of Wyandotte’s annual Multicultural Day.

At each stop on the walking tour, parent and community volunteers showcased holiday traditions, interesting facts, geography, music and food. The French students simulated the King Cake tradition. Instead of searching for a charm in a slice of cake, the elementary students picked up a cup to see if it had a figurine inside that would designate them as a king or queen for the day.

“I hope the students took away that France is a very diverse country that celebrates several holidays including l’epiphanie or King’s Day,” junior Kiersten Eads says.

“I liked learning about the different countries,” says second grader Ella Harpenau. “My favorite was India because I really like Indian food. I learned that each country speaks a different language and that some countries don’t celebrate Christmas.”

Classmate Mia Chen says she learned the most popular fruit in Vietnam is dragon fruit: “And, I was surprised that they eat rice for every meal in the Philippines.”

Another culinary favorite was a sample of fresh baked buñuelo (pronounced boo-nyew-AY-low), a fried-dough fritter, made by parent Mari Del Real and her family, who represented Mexico. “It was crispy and sweet,” says Mia.

“I hope the kids felt connected in some way whether it was by the food, the Spanish words they learned or just knowing that some of their classmates celebrate a holiday in this particular way,” Del Real says. “It’s a blessing to have such a diverse school and celebrate our similarities and differences. It allows us to give the students a window into the world.”

EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES

Ruffling feathers at Cole Elementary

“Cock-a-doodle-doo” rings out through the schoolyard at Cole Elementary School on a regular basis. The crowing is coming from a colorful bantam rooster in a chicken coop in the Outdoor Education Center.

Third grade teacher Jen Tilley received a grant from the Public Schools Foundation of Tippecanoe County to purchase materials to build the chicken coop and various supplies including waterers, feeders and egg-collecting aprons. A McCutcheon High School engineering and technology class built the coop, complete with nest boxes and a perch. A local business donates the feed. While Tilley oversees the project, five student volunteers check on the chickens before school and help lead different student groups to care for the flock later in the day.

“Every morning and afternoon we go out to feed and water the chickens,” says Axten Earley, one of the Chicken Squad leaders. “We also clean their coop, add fresh sawdust and check for eggs. Today, we got six eggs!”

ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

Burnett says their feathered friends have names and distinct personalities: “You can pet and pick them up now. Well, all the hens you can pick up, but not the rooster, Peeper. He likes to strut around and fluff up his bright feathers.”

Students say the chickens at first were a bit skittish, but now they cackle with excitement and flock to the gate when they hear the students approaching. Student Andrew

Hershey profits from sweet enterprise

Even though Wendi Elam has chickens at home, she continues to learn more about the birds.

“Some of our Cole hens lay pretty blue eggs,” Wendi says. “Chickens are a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. You have to take care of them even when it’s cold outside.”

While Tilley’s third grade classroom is responsible for the daily care of the chickens, the whole school enjoys interacting with them. “It’s our hope that students will gain a greater understanding of the role agriculture plays in the economy and our food supply,” says Tilley. “We will use the eggs for food, art and conduct egg drop experiments, as well as share our knowledge with the community.”

And if that isn’t enough, the class is hatching plans to build a playground for the chickens. Later, they may let some eggs hatch to add to their flock.

Posters with bright red and pink hearts promising tasty treats decorated the hallways of Hershey Elementary School in February. The advertising blitz to sell Tootsie Roll Pop Valentine treats was part of an economic project sponsored by the Purdue University Center for Economic Education. Each treat cost one dollar.

“We have to cut the paper hearts and then use a hole punch so the pops can slide through,” says second grader Chloe Soto. “It’s a big project so we work with our third-grade business partners.”

Students from Therese Comery’s third grade class and Emily Ledbetter’s second grade class create assembly lines at each table to prepare treats to be bagged.

The students filled and delivered 730 orders on Valentine’s Day. “Purdue reimbursed each class for supplies, so this represents a $730 profit,” says Ledbetter. “We will keep $250 as a way to start our business next year and use the remaining funds toward our school’s field-day activities.”

Second grader Owen Long says he knows a little bit about running a business because his family has one. “In class we went over how to manufacture the product, how to sell it and keep a profit,” says Owen. “Now, I could help my dad with his business.”

“The most challenging part was counting the money,” says third grader Aedan Frost. “You have to make sure it is the correct amount—exactly.”

The project also hopes to inspire some young entrepreneurs, like Aedan: “I hope to someday have my own business, like designing video games.”

Matter matters at East Tipp

East Tipp student Valerie Vaughn and her lab partner fill a graduated cylinder with water, then drop a small block into the water. The eighth graders measure the change in the water level to determine the water displacement—an important step in determining density, which will help them identify what the block is made of.

Science teacher Christina Schmidt purchased the blocks, or density cubes, and other materials with a grant from the Public Schools Foundation of Tippecanoe County.

“The materials will provide students with multiple opportunities to discover how matter is identified, classified and can change,” Schmidt says. “These materials allow students to understand the differences between physical and chemical properties and how everything around us is ultimately connected to the periodic table.”

In this lab activity, students must measure the mass and density of the blocks to determine if the blocks are made of acrylic, copper, steel, willow, polyethylene or poplar.

“The blocks helped me because I’m a visual learner,” says student Lucy Gibbs. “They were very useful in helping us learn about matter because we were able to use our formulas and put what we have learned to use in the lab.”

Back at Valerie’s table, they have results for the first block: “The mass was 8.3 with a volume of 25. The final density was 0.332 grams per milliliter. That means it is poplar.” That’s correct!

SHAPING THE FUTURE

ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

Intramurals get students moving at Wea Ridge Elementary

“We’ve got spirit; we know it. This is how we show it!”

Impromptu cheers in the hallway show the growing enthusiasm for the Wea Ridge Elementary School intramural program. The afterschool activities include co-ed dance and pom, basketball and volleyball.

“I didn’t know anything about basketball, but they taught us how to shoot, dribble and play.” - Aria Davis, third grader

During second semester, Aria joined dance and pom with teacher Jessica Albrecht.

“For many of our students, this is their first opportunity to have training in dance or cheerleading,” Albrecht says. “When they are encouraged by their coaches and teammates to try everything and do their best, the students realize they can do new things. Their confidence and determination grow with each practice.”

Third grader Nashley Hernandez-Martinez first started dance as something to do after school. Now, she is learning new moves and making new friends: “We do stretches, tumbling then practice cheers and dances. Everyone loves it.”

Organizer Michela Rieck says the program involves nearly 100 students in second through fifth grades and 20 staff members. “This is often the first time students are being exposed to the sport,” says Rieck. “Students look forward to coming to learn new skills or strengthen their skills. It is also a great opportunity for the staff and students to develop a deeper, positive relationship that transfers into the school day.”

So, teachers are not surprised when they hear students down another hallway cheering: “Big G, little O. Go Timberwolves, go!”

Wea Ridge students take the Walking School Bus

Dozens of students enjoyed a new way to start their day at Wea Ridge Middle School by taking the bus—the Walking School Bus. For one week in the fall, teachers and other staff members met students at designated stops in nearby subdivisions for a short hike to school.

Seventh grader Tess Madsen says she participated because taking the Walking School Bus is good exercise and an opportunity to socialize with other students and teachers: “It was fun to talk to my old sixth grade teachers and take pictures.”

Sixth grader Delilah Allbaugh says it took about a half an hour to walk to school with the group. “We talked about school, classroom seating charts and about our families,” says Delilah. “Everyone should participate at least once because it’s good exercise and a chance to hang out with friends and teachers.”

About a dozen students joined PE and health teacher Lori VanArsdel in the Waterstone subdivision to make the halfmile walk to school. VanArsdel says the most obvious benefit to walking to school is the exercise and fresh air. “But, more importantly, it allowed the staff to make connections outside of the classroom and with students that we might not even have in class. It helps our students get to know their teachers and staff outside of the school day and have conversations about things other than school.”

the next time the Walking School Bus rolls around.

Battle Ground students discover learning is sweeter with gingerbread

First graders at Battle Ground Elementary School gather around a map of the United States eager to hear the latest update in the search for the missing Gingerbread Man.

Teacher Shae Zimmerman reads a postcard from Texas: “We just saw the Gingerbread Man here on Fort Cavazos Army Base.” Students excitedly scan the map to find where to put a pin to mark the missing pastry’s latest sighting. “He visited with the soldiers and then loaded up into a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter,” Zimmerman adds.

“He wants to get out of the oven, so he’s going to a cold place,” says student Rowan Chambers.

For several weeks, students received over 150 pieces of mail from all over the world in response to Zimmerman’s social media post. They charted multiple sightings in the states, graphed the temperatures in each location and made predictions about the next place he might show up.

In addition to the geography and weather, the gingerbread man unit encompassed all subjects. The class read 23 different Gingerbread Man-based books, wrote stories and made cookies using recipes. Students watched gingerbread cookies fall into different liquids and tracked their disintegration. Students also built bridges and tested their designs.

“The multidisciplinary approach in a unit like this provides the opportunity for learning to happen in a cohesive manner. This helps students gain understanding and draw connections between subjects,” Zimmerman says.

When the Gingerbread Man is reported in Florida, student Kenya Machi says, “He loves the oven life!” By the end of the month, the students had tracked the Gingerbread Man in 42 states, as well as five other countries including Iraq and Japan.

Delilah and Tess say they will be ready to lace up and walk to school again

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

Klondike and Mayflower students are happy campers

“Knock one arrow.” With that command from a camp counselor, several students grab arrows from a quiver and place them on their bow strings. Mayflower Mill Elementary School fourth grader Camilla Mayer takes aim at the target across the field.

“I’ve never shot a real arrow before,” Camilla says. While the first few arrows fail to reach the target, the fifth arrow hits the yellow center. “Bullseye!” she shouts as her classmates cheer.

“Many students have never been camping or even hiking in the woods,” says fourth grade teacher Ashley Royer. “Camp Tecumseh gives them the opportunity to see things in nature that we can’t replicate in the classroom.”

This is the second year that students from Mayflower Mill have participated in an overnight trip to Camp Tecumseh.

They learned about plants and animals and their life cycles all while being able to see and touch them.

ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

Student Miracle West-Tate says it was her first experience camping. She enjoyed the pancake breakfast, canoeing and learning about different kinds of animals at the nature center. “But, after touching a snake, I couldn’t sleep,” says Miracle. “I was afraid the snakes would get out of their enclosure and slip into our cabin.”

For Klondike Elementary School fifth graders, an overnight trip to Camp Tecumseh is a 37-year tradition.

Student Isaiah Mayfield has been to Camp Tecumseh several times, but this trip was more memorable because he was with friends. The night hike through the woods to Ghost Creek was his favorite activity.

“We saw a spider floating in its web just staring at us,” Isaiah says. “It was the biggest spider I have ever seen. It had a yellow body and long, blue legs. When we shined the flashlight on it, its eyes glared back at us.”

The highlight for classmate Sophia Lacay was sliding down the Black Hole: “You ride a plastic sled down a dark, enclosed tube. I was so scared at first, but I did it two more times. It was really fun and fast, and there were no spiders.”

“From a teacher’s perspective, the best thing is to see students excitedly participating out on the trails, reveling in the fun of recreation activities and growing in confidence as they try new things,” says Klondike fifth grade teacher Sarah Halladay.

Isaiah says his group of boys played soccer, football and ended the evening with a disco party in their cabin.

For Dayton and Woodland, it’s all in the family

“Which of the following animals goes through metamorphosis?” As the question popped up on the classroom board, a group of students frantically tried to hit a buzzer to answer the question. The “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader” game is among a variety of games families enjoyed at Dayton Elementary School’s Family Game Night.

Students grabbed their parents’ hands and pulled them down the Candy Land path to different classrooms and the cafeteria to play games that ran the gamut from Chutes and Ladders to Uno and Pictionary.

For parent Cody Bragg, it was an opportunity to teach his daughters how to play checkers.

“I’ve never played checkers before,” said Ellie, who is in the fifth grade. “My sister, Everlie, likes it better, only because she is winning.”

“No screens, no television, no homework,” says Bragg. “This is a great opportunity for parents to meet teachers and get to know their children’s classmates.”

A similar game night is held at Woodland Elementary School, where families enjoy traditional board games in the cafeteria and yard games like ring toss and cornhole outside.

“I think that family game night is crucial for creating memories and traditions,” says parent Sandra Hernandez “When I was Abby’s age we did not have family game events, so I was not going to miss this opportunity.”

Hernandez says the school events, like family game night, help create a sense of community and improve communication with the school.

For Abby, a third grader, it was special to spend time with her mother: “In the Operation game my mom won, but I won in Connect 4 and Guess Who. Maybe it was a tie, but we both won, actually, because we had fun.”

Back at Dayton Elementary School, the students had to choose which animal goes through metamorphosis: alligator, frog or buzzard. If you are smarter than a fifth grader, you know it’s a frog.

What happens when Creative Corral Preschool students share their monster drawings with McCutcheon High School ceramics students who bring those illustrations to life?

The McCutcheon

Art Project

Scan the QR Code to check out the video of the unveiling of the clay creatures.

Where our funds come from

The funds to educate our 13,708 students are estimated to come from these sources in the 2024 calendar year:

How we spend our education dollars:

Education Fund

The Education Fund comprises 57.1% of our annual budget, approximately $106.2 million for 2024. It allows for instructional expenses that include salary and benefits for teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, among other school instructional staff. In addition, this fund pays for supplies, staff development expenses and instructional equipment. The Education Fund is almost entirely supported by the State of Indiana (98.3%). The balance revenue comes from miscellaneous sources (1.7%)

Operations Fund

The Operations Fund comprises 25.2% of our annual budget, approximately $46.9 million for 2024. It allows for operational expenses that include salary and benefits for custodians, bus drivers, maintenance workers, among other school operational staff. In addition, this fund covers utility expenses, maintenance and repairs, building renovations, bus and vehicle replacements, as well as other operational costs. Revenues for the Operations Fund comes from local property taxes (59.8%), excise and financial institution taxes (4.3%), and other miscellaneous revenues (35.9%).

Debt Service Fund

The Debt Service Fund comprises 17.7% of our annual budget, approximately $32.9 million. It provides for the repayment of school corporation debts. Revenues for the Debt Service Fund come from local property taxes (93.2%). The balance of the fund’s revenue comes from excise and financial institution taxes (6.8%).

TSC Tax Rates

For year 2023, payable 2024

Debt Service Fund .4778

Operations Fund .4196

Total Tax Rate .8974

School Tax Rates

Here’s how the TSC compares to other area school corporations for 2024 tax rates: Tippecanoe School Corporation .8974

Lafayette School Corporation .8117

West Lafayette School Corporation 1.1957

Pictured left to right: Holly Keckler, Josh Loggins (President ), Jacob Burton, Brad Anderson, Julia Cummings (Vice President ), Brian DeFreese and Will Sondgerath (Secretary ).

Get TSC2Go

The TSC has a mobile app, TSC2Go, that provides a convenient option for patrons to stay informed of activities happening throughout the TSC. The app is available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

TSC sends all school delays and closings through the app. Please visit the TSC2Go information page on our website, tscschools.com, to get signed up.