Representatives from Gibraltar Design presented updates in the building project to the Eastern Pulaski School Board Monday night. The project includes upgrades to the elementary, middle and high schools. Main entrances will be secured, restrooms updated, classrooms improved including the change of chalkboards to marker boards and replacing windows. Continue reading
Oregon-Davis Schools Considering Active Shooter App
The Oregon-Davis School Corporation is considering the addition of a smartphone app to quickly notify law enforcement of an active shooter or other emergency. School Guard creates a direct link between teachers, staff and nearby law enforcement officers. The app has a panic button that speed dials 911 and instantly sends an alert directly to nearby law enforcement officers with the companion free Hero 911 app on their phones. Continue reading
Reality Store Teaches Students Life Lessons
The annual Reality Store for 8th grade students at West Central Middle School is scheduled this month. The program provides students with the chance to learn about careers, and envision their life at age 28. Continue reading
Knox School Board Considering Elementary School Renovation, Expansion
A public hearing was held by the Knox School Board Monday evening for the renovation and addition being planned for Knox Elementary School. The project is designed to expand the kitchen and cafeteria areas by about 5,500 square feet. A final hearing is scheduled for November 3rd.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa presented a detailed summary the 2015 budget, expressing a concern about the effect of reduced revenues on operations. The board will hold the final hearing on that budget on October 20th.
The purchase of a 78 passenger bus was approved, as was the hire of four substitute teachers and substitute personnel for food service and custodial work.
Raelyn Binkley was approved for the position of Middle School Treasurer, effective October 20th, subject to the customary criminal history report.
In the “Spotlight on Success” portion of the agenda, Middle School Principal Josh Pugh and three students made presentations on the successful Manufacturer’s Day event, attended by 7th grade students from Knox, North Judson and Oregon-Davis schools last week.
Knox School Board Approves Budget, Discusses Balanced Calendar
Superintendent A.J. Gappa reported that balanced calendar discussions for the 2015-16 school year continue with other area schools, many of whom have expressed interest in a coordinated calendar. That schedule would feature four nine week sessions and
two-week breaks at Christmas and in the Spring, with the school year ending around Memorial Day. Continue reading
Marshall County Safety Commission Meeting Tuesday
Marshall County Safety Commission members are expected to meet tomorrow to discuss safety plans for the upcoming winter season and more. EMA Director Clyde Avery explained that his portion of the meeting will address the plan in place when significant winter weather is forecast. Avery will make sure that the school emergency plans are up to date with current contact information plus critical components such as communications, command and management, emergency notification, public information, and other needs. Continue reading
Starke County Economic Development Foundation Hosting Manufacturers Day Event
Students from Starke County’s three school corporations will get a firsthand look at local job opportunities during the upcoming Manufacturers Day at Knox Middle School. The Starke County Economic Development Foundation is bringing together 7th grade students and representatives from local industries and SCILL on Thursday, Oct. 2. They will have displays of what their company manufacturers, the skills and training required for each job at the company and the kinds of jobs they have and will also be available to answer questions. Continue reading
Enrollment Down at Knox Schools
The first tally of the fall 2014 student enrollment at the Knox schools shows a drop of some 50 students from the previous year at the same time. Superintendent A.J. Gappa reported to last night’s meeting of the school board the loss of student attendance was across all grade levels. An officiall tally is scheduled later this month which will determine the state’s financial reimbursement to the schools.
Students Thriving at The Crossing
The 29 students enrolled at Starke County’s newest school are thriving in the non-traditional learning environment. The Crossing alternative school opened recently and offers a second chance to students who have been expelled from or dropped out of public schools. Principal Quentin Bishop says the school is an extension of the students’ sending schools.
“This is like a classroom just down the road from their sending school. We have that type of relationship, that type of partnership to say we’re not only just The Crossing Education Center working as an independent school. We’re actually in partnership with our public schools,” Bishop said. Continue reading
OD Elementary Receives Donation
Tiffany Nagai, a representative of Farm Bureau was present at the Oregon-Davis School Board meeting to donate $500 to the elementary school. The money will go toward a field trip to Fair Oaks Farms. Continue reading
SCILL Enrolling High School Students in Welding and Automotive Tech Programs
Starke County high school students wishing to pursue a career in either welding or automotive technology can get a head start on doing so without leaving home. The Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning offers courses in both fields of study to high school juniors and seniors. Continue reading
ISTEP Scores Mixed for Area School Corporations
Indiana students overall showed improvement on their ISTEP scores in both math and language arts. Scores released yesterday by the Indiana Department of Education indicate 80.7 percent of students passed English, compared to 79.5 percent in 2013. Math scores went up from 83 to 83.5 percent statewide. Continue reading
Knox School Board to Discuss Assistant Principal’s Salary
The Knox Community School Board will discuss the salary for new elementary school assistant Principal Rebecca Despot when they meet this evening. Continue reading
All Aboard for the Knox High School Marching Brigade’s Premiere Performance
Marching band members and musical instructors have been hard at work all summer with band camp. Their dedication has paid off and the group is scheduled to perform an exhibition of this year’s show, “All Aboard” on Thursday, August 7th. Continue reading
Drew’s Gift of Music Third Annual Event
Each year since his untimely passing family and friends gather at the Washington Township Fire Department to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a remarkably gifted individual, Drew Shearin. Saturday August 2, is the annual Drew’s Gift of Music and Stuff.
Continue reading
Open House for The Crossing
The new alternative faith-based school, the Crossing, hosted an open house Wednesday at their location in Knox. So far about 10 students are enrolled to attend. They will be hosting another open house today from 8 a.m until 3 p.m at the old Sears store in the Mint Leaf Plaza off of U.S. 35.
Free Dental Exams at I.U. Health La Porte Dental Center for Children Who Qualify
The Indiana University Health La Porte Dental Center is offering free dental exams to children to kids with no dental insurance. The exams are by appointment only on August 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. and August 6th and 13th from 4 p.m until 6 p.m. Not only will children receive an exam that fulfills area school requirements but children will also get a free bag of dental-related gifts. Continue reading
The Crossing Set to Open Next Week in Knox
Starke County’s newest school is set to open on Friday, Aug. 1. The Crossing has leased the old Sears retail location south of Knox on U.S. 35 for it’s alternative school. The mission statement on the Goshen-based nonprofit organization’s website says The Crossing believes in “empowering struggling students to become contributing members of their communities through academics, job training and faith-based mentoring.” Continue reading
Back to School Immunization Requirements
Are your children up to date on their immunizations? Before school starts, you must be sure they are. Continue reading
N.J.-S.P. Revises Budget Adoption Calendar
Marsha Reimbold and Patricia Goin
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board has revised its budget adoption calendar. The corporation was selected as part of a state pilot program and as a result cannot adopt a budget until Oct. 15. The Starke County Council will conduct a public hearing on Monday, Aug. 18 on the school corporation’s general, debt, pension and transportation funds. The next day the school board will meet in special session to adopt the 2015 Capital Projects Fund and Bus Replacement Plan. Continue reading
