The West Central School Corporation can schedule e-learning days if necessary to make up for any missed instructional time this year. Superintendent Don Street says the state approved the corporation’s waiver application. Continue reading
State Funding Formula Change Hurts Small Schools
Small school corporations throughout the state are feeling a pinch in the pocketbook thanks to changes in the state’s per-pupil funding formula. West Central Superintendent Don Street says state tuition support is down significantly over last year. Continue reading
West Central Pleased With Wind Turbine Investment
The wind turbine on the West Central Schools campus has proven to be a sound investment for the corporation. Superintendent Don Street says it conserves energy and helps keep electric bills in check. He says June, July and August are traditionally slow months in terms of wind production. It picks up in September through the winter months, though. West Central is on net metering through NIPSCO, which allows the corporation to build up credits during heavy wind months and use them during slower months. Continue reading
West Central School Board Approves Vocational Agreement
Students at West Central High School have a chance to try several careers on for size thanks to the corporation’s participation in the Indian Trails Vocational Cooperative. Superintendent Don Street says West Central shares resources with schools in White, Jasper and Newton Counties.
“We have students this year from North White School Corporation that are involved in our welding program and our health occupations program. We’ve had students as well in our drafting/CAD program, as well as our anatomy/physiology and athletic training courses as well.” Continue reading
West Central School Board Braces for Budget Hit
The West Central School Corporation is anticipating a $385,000 reduction in general fund revenues in the coming year. Superintendent Don Street says that’s due to several factors.
“Our enrollment is at currently 818 students. The complexity index that we have talked about before has changed with different laws with the state legislature, and many small, rural schools are being hurt by that complexity index change.” Continue reading
West Central Still Seeking Some Staff Positions
When the West Central School Board met Thursday evening they discussed a plethora of back-to-school matters. One agenda item under personnel matters was the current need for a High School English teacher and a band director middle and senior high school.
An update about facility renovations was also provided. Over the summer custodians have been working diligently to replace carpet and install new energy saving lighting.
Superintendent Don Street said that Monday, August 10 will be the first teacher day back. The Tuesday of that week will be another teacher preparation day as well as meet the teacher night for students in grades K through 5 from 6 to 7 pm eastern. Wednesday, August 11 will be a half day for teachers and students return on Thursday August 13th.
West Central School Board Finds Innovative Option For Old Van
During the West Central School Board meeting Thursday evening the school board utilized chrome books in an effort to cut down on paper costs. One of the items on the agenda under new business was the opening of bids on an old van that is no longer in use at the school.
West Central Parents, Students Overwhelmingly Support E-Learning Days
West Central students and parents responded favorably to a recent survey about the four e-learning days the corporation scheduled in lieu of extending the school year. Superintendent Don Street says they tried to make the online lessons as user friendly as possible. Continue reading
Last E-Learning Day at West Central Today
Students in the West Central School Corporation will participate in their last e-learning day today. The corporation was granted the chance to make up missed school days this year by completing assignments online.
Students received assignments on Thursday. They will work on those assignments online today as it coincides with the one-to-one computer program.
West Central School Corporation to Offer Free Meals this Summer
The West Central School Corporation will participate in the summer feeding program.
Students aged 18 and younger can eat free breakfast and lunch at the West Central Elementary School Cafeteria from June 2 until June 11. Adults and staff members can eat breakfast or lunch for $1.00.
Breakfast will be served from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch is available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. ET during the dates listed.
West Central Students Collect Change in Pennies for Patients Campaign
Students participating in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program at the West Central School Corporation were successful in collecting funds for the Pennies for Patients initiative.
The goal was set at $2,500, but Superintendent Don Street told WKVI News that the goal was surpassed. The students collected over $3,000 to benefit patients who are part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Any loose change was donated by students in the high school, middle school, and elementary school.
West Central Students Participating in FFA Week
West Central FFA students are getting in the spirit of educating others about FFA.
FFA Leader Shaw Haselby told WKVI News that the students have been participating in spirit days. Today is Denim Day while tomorrow the students will be driving their tractors to school. Friday is Cowboy/Western Day.
Haselby says FFA is vital in giving students information about agriculture, but also public speaking, leadership skills, and other experiences to promote agriculture.
Grant Will Help Students with Industrial Maintenance Skills
Pulaski County Community Development Commission Executive Director Nathan Origer told the county commissioners last night that the county is the recipient of an $82,355 Region 1 Works Council for a Career and Technical Education (CTE) innovative-curriculum grant.
Origer said the grant will fund a Pulaski County Repair and Maintenance Technology (RAM-Tech) program at West Central High School to give students the skills they need to be successful in an industrial setting.
West Central School Board Approves E-Learning Application
West Central School Corporation students could make up school days missed if the Department of Education approves the corporation’s application to incorporate e-learning days into the school calendar.
Superintendent Don Street said students have missed four days of school due to snow so far this semester.
“We have to built-in snow days so we will go to school on February 16 and April 20 to make up two days. Currently, we have two days that are still outstanding,” said Street.
Schools to Make up Missed Days of School
Schools closed three days last week due to weather which means students will be making up those lost days of instruction.
West Central School Superintendent Don Street explains what his corporation will do to make up those days.
“Feb. 16 and April 20 are two snow make-up days we have. We’re also exploring the possibility of e-learning days and designate Saturdays as a possibility to make up future days missed,” said Street.
Teacher Performance Grants Awarded to Several Local Schools
Educators at several local schools will receive a share of the $30 million in Teacher Performance Grants awarded by the state to more than 1,300 schools. Funds were given to schools with students earning ISTEP+ or end of course assessment passing scores of 72.5 percent or above or with a growth in graduation rates of 5 percent ore more from the previous year. Teachers who are rated effective or highly effective under Indiana’s teacher evaluation system for the 2013-2014 academic year will be paid based on student performance. Continue reading
West Central School Board to Meet Tonight
The West Central School Board will meet tonight with several items of discussion on the agenda.
The public hearing concerning the 2015 budget, capital projects plan and the bus replacement plan will be held during the meeting that begins at 7:30 p.m. ET. The board members will also discuss P.L. 221 and the A-F grading system that the state gives every school corporation.
West Central Ready for New School Year
The West Central School Corporation is ready to welcome students back to school tomorrow.
Superintendent Don Street said several projects are finishing up before the school year starts.
West Central School Board to Meet Tonight
The West Central School Board will meet tonight for their regular monthly meeting and to discuss how things around going before the start of school next week.
The board members will have the second reading of the firearms policy. Superintendent Don Street explained in an earlier report that the policy includes language that doesn’t allow a firearm inside the school building. A firearm will not be allowed on school property unless it is inside a locked vehicle and out of sight of the public, as outlined in the state statute.
West Central Registration Dates Announced
The West Central School Corporation will be opening doors to students soon.
Students can register for classes on Monday, Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Textbook rental fees will be due. A $15 technology fee will be added for students receiving a technical device. The rental fee for sixth through twelfth grade will be based on courses taken and will be calculated at the time of registration.
