Members of North Webster American Legion Post 253 presented essay awards and cash prizes to fifth grade students during the Veterans Day Program at North Webster Elementary School on Monday, Nov. 12.

The crowd of students, staff, parents and citizens heard the Fifth Grade Special Choir sing “Put Your Hand On Your Heart,” “You Are Our Heroes” and “The Armed Forces Medlay.” Taps was performed by the American Legion.

Each post organization chose a first place and runner-up winner for the essay content.

Pictured from left, are Logan Harter, first, Sons of American Legion; Ryan Zorn, SAL runner-up; Stephen Foy, first, Auxiliary; Ella Williamson, Auxiliary runner up; Elizabeth Kleopfer, first, Legion; and Molly Jones, Legion runner-up. Representing the North Webster American Legion are Craig Streby, SAL, at left; Cindy Scott-Hagan, Auxiliary; and Ken Wilson, Legion.

Wawasee School Board officers for 2013 are, from left, Rebecca Linnemeier, president; Rob Fisher, secretary; and Mike Wilson, vice president. (Photo by Tim Ashley)

At North Webster Elementary School there are classes and then there is C.L.A.S.S.

During Tuesday evening’s regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee school board in Syracuse, the first meeting in 2013, the board heard a presentation from a few North Webster Elementary teachers about Connecting Learning Assures Successful Students, or C.L.A.S.S.

Mitch Willaman, fifth grade teacher, said teachers are excited about C.L.A.S.S., used at the school for approximately the last three and a half years. “It has unified us and set us on a common course,” he said.

Essentially C.L.A.S.S. follows the two basic rules of doing what is right and treating others right. Teachers stress to students the importance of treating other students positively and in a respectful manner. Teachers model the same principles by being careful when they speak to students.

Lori Jones, fifth grade teacher, noted there are several “lifelines,” or core values, emphasized. Those include, among others, honesty, self-control, respect, integrity, friendship and more. Teachers are able to integrate C.L.A.S.S. principles into lesson plans and how they teach.

For an example, there is a “community circle” time where students are encouraged to believe they have a voice and everyone is equal within a circle. There is usually a singular theme for the community circle time such as preparing for a test, working on vocabulary skills and others. The kids feel like they are important and belong to a group, it was emphasized.

C.L.A.S.S. is a school wide program, but fourth and fifth grade students are chosen as ambassadors to be leaders among the rest of the students. Ambassadors can attend a summer camp and have opportunities to develop leadership skills.

A motto used for the program is “As good as you are, you can always get better.” Josette Abrams, art teacher, said teachers at North Webster Elementary are working together because of C.L.A.S.S. and it has changed the way she teaches for the better.

In other business, the board heard a brief report from Bob Cockburn during his Stat of the Month presentation. Attendance rates through the first trimester of the current academic year are above 95 percent for all grades. The flu outbreak in recent weeks has lowered attendance rates, but only by a few percentage points at some schools.

Also on the agenda, the school board was reorganized for 2013. Rebecca Linnemeier is now the president. Mike Wilson, who had been the president in 2012, is vice president and Rob Fisher is secretary. Betty Bultemeier is recording secretary and David Cates is the board attorney.

The board will meet the second Tuesday of each month in 2013, with the exception of April, and meetings will normally be held in the Warrior Room at Wawasee High School. A stipend of $2,000 plus $55 per meeting will be paid quarterly to board members capped at a $4,000 total.

Mary Lou Dixon is president and George Gilbert secretary of the board of finances. Board representatives authorized to open sealed bids and receive quotes for school business are Dr. Tom Edington, Jim Evans, Bob Lahrman and Joy Goshert. Evans and Sandy Hollar are treasurer and deputy treasurer, respectively.

In other business, there was a public hearing regarding the school corporation’s Internet safety policy, but no one from the public spoke. Dave VanLue, technology director, said the corporation is required to comply with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act in order to receive a discount on phone and Internet service.

VanLue noted Wawasee gets a 73 percent discount on service based on the number of students receiving free or reduced price lunches. Wawasee’s Internet policy is published in the student handbook, he said, and parents are required to sign a statement during school registration saying they have read and understand the policy. Internet filters and monitoring software are also used.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the school board approved moving forward with the purchase of the former Precision Automotive facility on Chicago Street within walking distance of the high school. “It will make an ideal location for the marine mechanics program starting in the next school year,” said Dr. Edington, superintendent.

The average appraisal price between two appraisals is $265,000, Edington said. Precision Automotive is moving into a new building. He noted it would cost three times as much to build a new facility on the high school campus and space is already limited.

During his report to the board, Edington noted in response to the Connecticut school shootings in December, several safety measures are being addressed as part of a lengthy list. “We’ve already locked things down more and made it tougher to get into buildings,” he said.

For a more in-depth reporting of the Wawasee School Board meeting, see today’s issue of The Mail-Journal.

Warsaw Community School System and Wawasee Community School Corporation third grade classes will be visiting the Shrine Circus, in Fort Wayne on Friday.

According to Warsaw Transportation Department’s Sheryl Cook, Warsaw elementary students have been visiting the Shrine Circus every year for over 25 years. This year, 650 children will board the bus to visit the big top with parent chaperones attending as well.

Warsaw students will gather from 8:30 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. at the Big R store in Warsaw and will be shuttled to the event on 14 school buses.

Syracuse Elementary School will be leaving at 8:40 a.m. and will be taking approximately 72 third-grade students and one forth-grade student who missed the event last year. There are approximately 26 teachers and parent chaperones attending the circus as well.

North Webster Elementary School will be taking two buses and leaving at 8:50 a.m. with approximately 87 third-grade students and 27 teachers and parent chaperones.

Milford Elementary School will be taking two buses at 8:30 a.m. with approximately 92 third-grade students and 12 teachers and parent chaperones.

The Milford and Syracuse buses will be meeting in Syracuse near the Wawasee High School and will be joined by the North Webster buses later in the route to form quite the caravan.

According to Milford Elementary School Principal Cindy Kaiser, “The majority of the kids have never been to a circus. There are curricular activities, discussions, and just the plain ol’ excitement of going somewhere new. They read non-fiction books about the circus, they write what they think it will be [like] and then again when they come back, they compare and contrast how a circus animal lives differently than the animal in its real habitat.”

Kaiser said the students will also talk about the circus families, their careers and how they learn. “In math they practice their graphing skills on how much the different animals weigh. They also learn about money [and] how much to take. They practice making change from a $20 bill,” she explained.

For careers, the students will also talk about the police and their role in the day. Social skills involve learning how to be in a large building, staying together and participating. “The fun part is just that they get to go, participate in the caravan, see the coliseum [and] the sight[s] and smells of the circus,” Kaiser added. “We at Milford School are very thankful for the Shriners and their organization of their special day.”

Wawasee third-grade students have been attending the circus since 1963. From the early 60′s through the 80′s the third graders wore felt beenies to identify themselves as a group. The students at Milford had white and blue beenies while Syracuse had blue and gold and North Webster had red and white. In the 1990′s the schools started purchasing painter hats – normally a neon type color for the all the Milford third graders. In the 2000′s the school has have switched over to T-shirts.

North Webster Elementary School is celebrating Grandparents Week all this week, April 15-19.

Grandparents are invited to have lunch at school with their grandchildren and to shop the “two-for-the-price of one” book sale that will benefit the North Webster Elementary Parents-Teachers-Friends Organization and provide interesting material for students to read.

Browsing through some of those book selections are, pictured at left, Jeremiah Urrtia, left, and Nevaeh Crosley and Zander Coon. All are third grade students of Brenda Hauser.

For more information, contact your grandchild or the school, 574-834-7644.

School security has been a hot topic all across America for decades, but discussions ramped up after Dec. 14, 2012, when a gunman killed 26 people – 20 elementary students and six adults – at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

The actions of one has led school officials and lawmakers from coast to coast to discussion tables where they wrestled with the best methods to protect children in schools. Those discussions are not lost locally where school corporations have held public meetings to address concerns.

While Milford Town Council is currently struggling with an option to include a school resource officer at Milford School, the Wawasee Community School Corp. is looking toward grant possibilities to help fund additional officers for the corporation’s five school buildings. Warsaw School Board is also continuing to look at how to improve school safety.

For some, however, the schools’ actions just are not being implemented fast enough. StaceyPageOnline.com recently received an email noting a concern about North Webster Elementary School. Although the complaint was anonymous, we asked principal Kristine Woodard to address the person’s concerns.

The individual noted about a recent visit to the elementary school, “When I walked into the front office to sign in, I did not have to sign my name or what my business was that day. The office lady did not even know if the badge I wore was legit or not.

“After i was done with my business at the school, I walked back into the office where the principal, office lady, and another teacher was standing. I asked if I needed to sign out and the office lady did not even know why I was there, but still I did not have to sign out.”

The author added, “I am concerned about the school safety. They let just anyone into that school without signing in and out and not even knowing what their business is in the school. Other schools that I have visited this year (have) made me wear a badge of their own and sign in and out even though I had my own badge.”

Woodard responded to the concern with this statement: “We take the safety and well-being of our school very seriously. We currently have a system that requires all people who enter the building to ring a buzzer that brings up a visual monitor picture and voice access. The receptionists talk to each person prior to letting them enter the building, requiring them to state their business before entering the building. They are careful to monitor that they have a good visual of the person and their credentials prior to allowing them entry.”

Woodard added, “However, I have brought this concern to the attention of the office personnel and we will continue to improve the safety procedures for our school.”

And school corporations will likely not have a choice in improving those safety measures.

Senate Bill 1, mandated last month, provides – among other things – that public schools must employ an individual with a loaded firearm unless the school receives an annual waiver from the state. Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Craig Hintz and Wawasee Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Thomas Edington, both said that, should the mandate stay in effect, both school systems will attempt to receive grants to help in the hiring of trained security personal. (See full story)

The Wawasee Community School Corporation is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children (age 18 and under) without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.  Meals will be provided Monday through Friday at the sites and times as follows.

North Webster Elementary School, 5475 N. 750 E. Lunch Service: 11:30 a.m. to noon. Thursday, June 6 through Friday, July 26 (excluding Thursday and Friday, July 4-5).

Syracuse Elementary School, 502 W. Brooklyn St. Lunch Service: 11:30 a.m. to noon. Thursday, June 6, through Wednesday, June 26.

Syracuse Lakeside Park Pavilion (during inclement weather, meal service will be inside the Syracuse Community Center), 1013 N. Long Dr. Lunch Service: noon to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 6 through Friday, July 26 (excluding Thursday and Friday, July 4-5).

Milford Elementary School, 611 W. Emeline St. Lunch Service: 11:30 a.m. to noon. Thursday, June 6, through Friday, July 26 (excluding Thursday and Friday, July 4-5).

Bowen Center at Enchanted Hills, 9799 E. Excalibur Place. Lunch Service: 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thursday, June 6, through Friday, July 26 (excluding Thursday and Friday, July 4-5).

(Photo provided)

Abi Smith, third grade, and  Ali Smith, kindergarten, raised $771 at North Webster Elementary School just before school was out to help aid American Red Cross efforts in the disaster response in Oklahoma. The girls’ mother, Erin, called the Kosciusko office to find out ways the girls could help since they’d expressed an interest in doing something to help the victims of tornados in Oklahoma.

Helping others in a time of need is the primary focus of various humanitarian projects the students, staff and families at North Webster Elementary School frequently take on. Efforts earlier in the school year benefited Sandy Hook victims. The girls are the daughters of Erin and Gary Smith. The donation project was overseen by them as well as Christie Holst, school counselor at North Webster Elementary School.

The girls are very close to a target of $1,000 in order to become a Red Cross Everyday Hero. The duo plans to continue working toward their goal of $1,000 once the school year resumes. Anyone can be a Hero – all it takes is a good bit of effort to help raise or give $1,000.00.

North Webster Elementary School third-graders were recently given an assignment to put their best ideas of what Fall means to them on paper. The above creations were shared with StaceyPageOnline.com by art teacher Josette Abrams.

Attention teachers: Are your students doing something fun or unique in school? Take some photos or their work and share them with us for future postings. Send photos and information to stacey@staceypageonline.com.

(From left) Jada Carter and Kennedy White prepared a list of items that could be used with Bill Fausey, who is on a mission trip there.
(Photo provided)

Two students in Charlotte Jessie’s fourth-grade class at North Webster Elementary School are helping the children of Haiti with assistance from their classmates.

Jada Carter and Kennedy White prepared a list of items that could be used with Bill Fausey, who is on a mission trip there. The girls gave a presentation to explain what was needed and why to the class and packed what has been donated.

North Webster Elementary School is conducting a census to obtain the names of students who will be attending kindergarten in school year 2014-2015.

To be eligible for admission to the kindergarten program, a child must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 1 and reside in the North Webster School District. A birth certificate, immunization records and Social Security number are necessary at round-up. It will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at the school, 5475 N. 750 E., North Webster.

If you have not returned your pre-registration form to the school, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Parents who did not receive a pre-registration form should contact the school office at 574-834-7644.

Fourteen students at North Webster Elementary School were recognized with Presidential Physical Fitness Achievement awards for performing well during various physical fitness challenges.
In the front row, from left, are Bronwyn Bonner, fifth-grade; Cameron Kryder, fourth-grade; Rylee Firestone, third-grade; Talia Kuhl, fourth-grade; Grant Likens, second-grade; and Landen Alexander, third-. In the second row are Rileigh Atwood, fifth-grade; Emma Ebright, fifth-grade; Kassidy Bestul, fifth-grade; Jace Alexander, fifth-grade; Daegan Kingrey, fifth-grade; and Dominic Blair, fourth-grade.

Awards are given to students across the nation who are graduating from elementary, middle or high school and who meet high thresholds of academic achievement.
At North Webster Elementary School, the 2014 Presidential Academic Award winners were, in the front row, from left: Blake Wagner, Jose Espinoza, Delaney Hare, Clayton Firestone, Morgan Heche, Nathan Smith, Alexandra Haberman and Bode Grimes.
In the second row are Rileigh Atwood, Riley Menzie, Emma Ebright, Noah Beckner, Tess Helfers, Kendal Coy, Mackenna Tharp, Vivian Wiggs, Cassidy Elder, Vanessa Wright and Norah Miller.

North Webster Elementary School recently held its awards ceremony and several students were recognized. They are as follows:

Accelerated Reader

Fifth-grade — Makenna Tharp

All Academic

Fifth-grade — Ava Rush, third year; Norah Miller, third year; Noah Beckner; Allie Haberman, second year

Fourth-grade — Cammy Kryder, second year; Kai Miller; Devon Kuhn; Jackson Stover, third year; Jada Carter

Third-grade — Dylan Stump; Keegan Ballantine, second year; Cole Turner; Carlie Tom; Nadia Whalen, second year; Addyson Ritter, second year; Beau Baker

Second-grade — Brooklynn Gibson; Alex Knouff; Adaline Haynes; Windsor Bonner

Ambassador

Fourth-grade — Jada Carter, Devin Haskins, Nathan Larson, Abby Murphy, Kennedy White

AR High Point

Second-grade — Lainey McClure

Art

Fifth-grade — Rylie Bame, Kendal Coy, Angela Drabenstott, Katelyn Dunivan, Tess Helfers, Bailey Mayhew, Megan McDaniel, Elena Ramirez, Alex Troutman, Ava Rush, Isabella Umanzor, Blake Wagner, Vanessa Wright

Citizenship

Fifth-grade — Ava Rush, Emma Ebright, Rileigh Atwood, Kassidy Bestul, Allison Mall, Norah Miller, Ellamae Reiff, Nathan Smith, Alex Troutman, Aden Wiseman, Bronwyn Bonner, Kendal Coy, Makenna Tharp, Rylie Menzie, Delaney Hare, Mackenzie Fisher, Genesis Click, Blake Wagner, Awan Bautz, Bode Grimes, Allie Haberman, Liam Maloney, Phoenyx Niedermeyer, Laney Ramirez

Fourth-grade — Grace Rhodes, Taylor Hurt, Jeremiah Urrutia, Caleb Clevenger, Jada Carter

Third-grade — Zane Manwaring, McKenna Schmucker, Zoe Yarger, Mackenzie Bottorff, Madeline Close, Addyson Ritter, Amanda Allen, Colt Dolsen, Jaden Thorn, Jayden Rodriguez, Layla Scott, Beau Baker, Ash Simison, Jared Smith

Second-grade — Ana Umanzor, Alyssa McClintic, Bradley Wroblewski, Brooklynn Gibson, Cade Garden, Chloe Rodgerson, Jolie Likens, Lucas Linder, Mikilah Wiggs, Sophia Boucher, Hunter Kunish, Jaxon, Senter, Adaline Haynes, Grant Likens, Alex Shock, Haylee Allen, Landon McClintic

Creative Art

Fifth-grade — Delaney Hare

Creative Writing

Second-grade — Sophia Boucher, Treyvon Cook

Health

Fifth-grade — Taylor Fiedeke, Bronwyn Bonner, Kyra Likens, Parker Stouder, Kylie Fisher, Jose Espinoza

Homework Hero

Second-grade — Kamron Richardson

Illustrator

Second-grade — Anthony Hughes

Jaime Clevenger Art

Fifth-grade — Rileigh Atwood, Bronwyn Bonner, Emma Ebright, Allie Haberman, Delaney Hare, Morgan Heche, Ellamae Reiff

Language

Fifth-grade — Morgan Heche, Tess Helfers, Kendal Coy, Myloe Tinsley, Gavin Harris, Ethan Clark, Bode Grimes

Fourth-grade — Landon Gause, Cammy Kryder, Caden Welty, Devin Haskins, Kennedy White

Third-grade — Sierra delaFuente, Marcus Duque, Mackenzie Bottorff, Jaxon Brown, Izabelle Groce

Second-grade — Christian Balhetchet, Charlotte Crighton, Xavier Washington, Ashtyn Poe

Leadership Award

Second-grade — Windsor Bonner

Math

Fifth-grade — Ethan Carey, Kassidy Bestul, Haydyn Miller, Chance Raney, Vanessa Wright, Bode Grimes, Ava Rush, Daegan Kingrey

Fourth-grade — Talia Kuhl, Devon Kuhn, Joshua Matney, Dominic Blair, Clara Kerlin

Third-grade — Landen Alexander, Kiah Farrington, August Himes, Adriana Trimble, Drew Williamson, Christina Morrow

Second-grade — Ryan Menzie, Hunter Fiedeke, Caleb Wiseman, Hunter Kunish, Ashtyn Poe, Chloe Linder, Braxton Mickem, Gavin Pratt

Math Facts

Second-grade — Ty Neuenschwander, Morgan Anderson, Marcus Stone

Most Improved

Second-grade — Landen Kessler, Grady Maloney

Most Improve Second-Grader

Second-grade — Braxton Mickem

Most Improved Reader

Second-grade — Johnny Worboys

National Fitness

Fifth-grade — Kendal Coy, Kylie Fisher, Delaney Hare, Morgan Heche, Kyra Likens, Bailey Mayhew, Haley Riggins, Stephanie Ruiz, Makenna Tharp, Vivian Wiggs, Vanessa Wright, Ethan Carey, Reid Cox, Taylor Fiedeke, Bode Grimes, Mason Haywood, Dean Jennings, Tyrell Loftin, Derrick Matthews, Kolton Meerzo, Joshua Metcalf, Chance Raney, Logan Roberson, Zach Smith, Alex Troutman, Riley Turner, Devon Valentine, Blake Wagner

Fourth-grade — Kennedi Adkins, Alli Bonee, Jada Carter, Caitlyn Cox, Sophia Grumme, Devin Haskins, Taylor Hurt, Kelsey Keiper, Clara Kerlin, Dylan Konieczny, Madison McClintic, Kenady Meerzo, Abigayle Murphy, Elianna Neuhaus, Grace Rhodes, Chloe Smith, Makensie Thomas, Claira Tom, Kennedy White, Victoria Zorn, Kendal Coy, Kylie Fisher, Delaney Hare, Morgan Heche, Kyra Likens, Bailey Mayhew, Haley Riggins, Stephanie Ruiz, Makenna Tharp, Vivian Wiggs, Vanessa Wright, Caleb Clevenger, Zander Coon, Chad Eryman, Landon Gause, Cadin Kessler, Nathan Larson, Joshua Matney, Tim Shortt, Jeremiah Urrutia, Dayton Vitalone, Chandler Walley, Kodee Workman, Alec Wortinger

Third-grade — Paige Cunningham, Izabelle Espinoza, Kiah Farrington, Shelby Hartley, August Himes, Ainsley Holsten, Julie Jacquay, Skylynn Kelich, Alexys Plummer, Addyson Ritter, Tegan Ross, Layla Scott, Jaden Thorn, Carlie Tom, Adriana Trimble, Abigail Umanzor, Nadia Whalen, Beau Baker, Evan Ball, Tim Bolt, Josiah Boyer, Jaxon Brown, Carson Clevenger, Clay Coblentz, Gabriel Garro, Keyan Herbst, Aydence Kingrey, Parker Lenfestey, Gavin Rose, Jaden Russell, Ash Simison, Jared Smith, Russell Sproat, Logan Stuckman, David Stump, Dylan Stump, Tristan Tom, Cole Turner, Drew Williamson

Second-grade — Haylee Allen, Charlotte Crighton, Jolie Likens, Adaline Haynes, Brooklynn Kirleis, Alyssa McClintic, Elliette Pulley, Ana Umanzor, Donovan Blair, Trevor Cannon, Hunter Fiedeke, Landen Kessler, Hunter Kunish, Mason Lawlor, Lucas Linder, Ryan Menzie, Braxton Mickem, Ty Neuenschwander, Eric Pohl, Alex Shock, Jaden Sweet, Nevin Tinsley, Xavier Washington, Caleb Wiseman

First-grade — Brooke Baker, Hollis Click, Alexis Gunkel, Kendell Jaress, Calista Kuhl, Hannah Likens, Ember McCoskey, Macey Rosbrugh, Eden Scott, Alexis Stump, Kael Bestul, Gavin Blair, Addison Coy, Ryan Frentner, Cooper Garden, Sawyer Grimes, Weston Hoffert, Mason Kunish, John Likens, Weston McClintic, Andrew McClure, Jay Miller-Harris, Carson Nine, Landon Smith, Greyson Tharp, Sam Trowbridge

Outstanding Attendance

Fifth-grade — Genesis Click, Mikael Coon, Emma Ebright, Cassidy Elder, Kylie Fisher, Caytlin Garman, Mason Haywood, Daegan Kingrey, Megan McDaniel, Riley Menzie, Logan Roberson, Brianna Smith, McKenzy Stone, Izabella Umanzor

Fourth-grade — Hayden Bartels, Jada Carter, Zander Coon, Caitlyn Cox, Madison Espinoza, Devin Haskins, Cadin Kessler, Talia Kuhl, Devon Kuhn, Andrew Martin, Madison McClintic, Chloe Smith, Elizabeth Sopher, Dylan Tom, Chandler Walley, Kennedy White, Kodee Workman, Alec Wortinger

Third-grade — Hayley Bartels, Nickolas Clark, Carson Clevenger, Sierra delaFuente, Peyton Felger, Xavier Gibson, August Himes, Julie Jacquay, Skylynn Kelich, Nathan Kryder, Christina Morrow, Jason Olson, Addyson Ritter, Collin Roberson, Jayden Rodriguez, Andrew Slabaugh, Annabel Sobieralski, Russel Sproat, Tristan Tom, Adriana Trimble, Abigail Umanzor

Second-grade — Morgan Anderson, Christian Balhetchet, Gavin Gerke, Allison Gibson, Kadden Kelich, Landen Kessler, Logen Kessler, Lynk Klinefelter, Chloe Linder, Alyssa McClintic, Lainey McClure, Braxton Mickem, Madelyn Moudy, Clayton Ousley, Kyler Pierce, Gavin Pratt, Ethan Ratliff, Trinity Roberson, Payton Sewell, Marcus Stone, Cooper Walley, Mikilah Wiggs

First-grade — Kaitlyn Bottorff, Mckena Cavender, Aubrey Gerber, Weston Hoffert, Jacob Jacquay, Weston McClintic, Haylee McIntosh, Macey Rosbrugh, Anna Shock, Landon Smith, Morgan White, Ella Yarger

Penmanship

Fifth-grade — Ellamae Reiff, Emma Ebright, Ava Rush, John Moudy, Bronwyn Bonner, Mackenzie Fisher, Allie Haberman

Fourth-grade — Madison Winters, Clara Kerlin

Third-grade — Shelby Hartley, Julie Jacquay, Izabelle Espinoza, Reagan Fisher, Drew Williamson, Nick Clark, Izabelle Groce

Second-grade — Kasey Becola, Amarissa Bruder, Lucas Linder, Whitney Jordan

Presidential Academic

Fifth-grade — Emma Ebright, Morgan Heche, Norah Miller, Rileigh Atwood, Noah Beckner, Clayton Firestone, Cassidy Elder, Kendal Coy, Tess Helfers, Nathan Smith, Mackenna Tharp, Bode Grimes, Alexandra Haberman, Vanessa Wright, Jose Espinoza, Delaney Hare, Riley Menzie, Blake Wagner, Vivian Wiggs

Presidential Fitness

Fifth-grade — Rileigh Atwood, fifth year; Kassidy Bestul; Bronwyn Bonner, third year; Emma Ebright, fourth year; Jace Alexander, fourth year; Daegan Kingrey

Fourth-grade — Talia Kuhl; Dominic Blair, third year

Third-grade — Rylee Firestone; Cameron Kryder; Landen Alexander, third year

Second-grade — Grant Likens, second year

Reading

Fifth-grade — Rileigh Atwood, Makenna Tharp, Delaney Hare, Vivian Wiggs, Clayton Firestone, Laney Ramirez

Fourth-grade — Kennedi Adkins, Kai Miller, Landen Dilley, Hudson Bonner

Third-grade — Ainsley Holsten, Peyton Felger, Clay Coblentz, Amanda Allen, Nathan Kryder, Nico Ramirez

Second-grade — Donovan Blair, Samantha Rose, Chloe Rodgerson, Lucas Linder, Alex Shock, Grant Likens, Katlynn Sopher, Maddy Moudy

Reading AR Points

Fifth-grade — Wesley Hays

Science

Fifth-grade — Emma Ebright, Zach Smith, Joshua Metcalf, Riley Turner, Vanessa Wright

Fourth-grade — Kai Miller, Gracie Fellabaum

Third-grade — Lea Wysong, Gavin Rose, Lynden Chupp

Second-grade — Colton McDonald, Ashton Stidams, John Hoy

Social Studies

Fifth-grade — Rileigh Atwood, Nathan Smith, Riley Menzie, Seth Kelich, Mason Haywood, Phoenyx Niedermeyer, Stephanie Ruiz, McKenzy Stone

Fourth-grade — Josh Matney, Madison McClintic

Second-grade — Drew Holst, Alexander Locklin

Spelling

Fifth-grade — Emma Ebright, Nathan Smith, Andrew Fannin, Gavin Harris, Cassidy Elder

Fourth-grade — Mark Wiggs, Sophia Grumme, Kaden Pierce

Third-grade — Keyan Herbst, Rylee Firestone, Josiah Boyer, Madeline Close, Brady Russell, Jayden Berger

Second-grade — Garret Kentch, Kyler Pierce, Alex Ritter, Chloe Linder, Clayton Ousley

Spelling Bee Runner-Up

Fifth-grade — Alexandra Haberman

Spelling Bee Winner

Fifth-grade — Nathan Smith

Technology Assistant

Fifth-grade — Genesis Click

SYRACUSE – Fall tumbling sessions for the Wawasee Gymnastics Club have been announced, which begin Sept. 15 and end Oct. 13, with the exception of the pre-K class, which ends Oct. 21.

Registration dates are from 6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 8-9, at Wawasee High School’s main entrance and from 4:30-6 p.m., Sept. 10, at New Paris Elementary School’s main entrance.

Sessions are as follows (all times are p.m.): Mondays at North Webster Elementary 3:30-4:15 for beginner/advanced beginner and 4:30-5:15 for intermediate/advanced; Tuesdays at Syracuse Elementary 3:15-4 for beginner/advanced beginner and 4:15-5 for intermediate/advanced; Tuesdays at Wawasee High School 6:15-7 and 7:15-8 for preschoolers; Wednesdays at New Paris Elementary 3:30-4:15 for beginner/advanced beginner and 4:30-5:15 for intermediate/advanced; and Friday at Milford School 3:15-4 for beginner/advanced beginner and 4:15-5 for intermediate/advanced.

For more information, including cost, visit wawaseegymnasticsclub.com, find them on Facebook or email Nika Prather at nikaaprather@gmail.com.

Glenda Ritz, left, state superintendent of public instruction for Indiana, visited briefly with fifth-grade teacher Mitch Willaman in a hallway during her visit to North Webster Elementary School Thursday afternoon.

Glenda Ritz said she has a “laser like” focus on getting things into classrooms teachers really need. During her visit to North Webster Elementary School Thursday afternoon, the state superintendent of public instruction had an opportunity to explain just how she intends to keep that focus.

Ritz travels around the state at least two to three times each week visiting schools, community leaders, businesses, industries, service clubs and more. Earlier Thursday, she visited a few schools in Warsaw.

After arriving at the school Ritz toured part of the building and visited a few classrooms along the way. She also stopped briefly in hallways to chat with students and teachers.

She then attended the “pow-wow” session where the entire student body gathers in the gym. Ritz sat on the gym floor among the students and observed as the fourth and fifth grade student ambassadors were introduced and also watched a video presentation, “Learn Like a Champion,” presented by the fifth grade teaching team and dealing with the importance of friendships.

Ritz addressed the student body briefly and promoted the Hoosier Family of Readers initiative of the Indiana Department of Education. After the pow-wow, she visited the kindergarten playground outside the building.

Later she spoke to staff members in the media center and answered a few questions. When asked how teachers can best support her, she encouraged teachers to let their views be known to legislators. She said teachers need to stay involved and talk among their neighbors and friends.

She noted she was not in favor of changes made a few years ago in the way teachers are evaluated and stressed evaluations need to be about more than just tied to student test scores. “It needs to be about skills assessment too,” she said.

“I am not a politician, though I have dealt with politics about my whole life,” Ritz emphasized. “I am focused on what it is we need to get in the classroom for teachers.”

As she has in the past, Ritz let her feelings be known about “high stakes testing.” She prefers more emphasis be placed on a growth assessment model instead of a pass or fail test. She noted the federal government requires pass or fail testing and it costs Indiana millions of dollars each year to administer tests such as ISTEP+. “You (teachers) already know who is going to pass the test before they take it,” she said.

The A-F accountability grading system for public schools administrators have often been critical of will look different this year, she said, and will be based on a 100 point scale. “You need to see the growth too,” she added.

In response to a question about early childhood learning initiatives at the state level, Ritz said she has placed a focus on building an infrastructure for early childhood learning. “We have an attendance age of 7 in the state,” she said. “We have kids who have not been to kindergarten or any early childhood learning. There is also no mandatory or fully funded kindergarten. And there is no infrastructure for pre-K at all or no standards for preschools.”

Ritz said Indiana has a 22 percent poverty rate and it creates numerous obstacles to learning.

She also spoke against Gov. Mike Pence’s Center for Education and Career Innovation initiative, saying Indiana only needs one education agency, the Indiana Department of Education.

After about a 90-minute stay at North Webster Elementary, Ritz left to return to Indianapolis. It was her second visit to the Wawasee Community School Corp., having visited Wawasee High School during the 2012-13 academic year.

Members of North Webster American Legion Post 253 presented essay awards and cash prizes to fifth grade students during the Veterans Day Program at North Webster Elementary School on Monday, Nov. 12.

The crowd of students, staff, parents and citizens heard the Fifth Grade Special Choir sing “Put Your Hand On Your Heart,” “You Are Our Heroes” and “The Armed Forces Medlay.” Taps was performed by the American Legion.

Each post organization chose a first place and runner-up winner for the essay content.

Pictured from left, are Logan Harter, first, Sons of American Legion; Ryan Zorn, SAL runner-up; Stephen Foy, first, Auxiliary; Ella Williamson, Auxiliary runner up; Elizabeth Kleopfer, first, Legion; and Molly Jones, Legion runner-up. Representing the North Webster American Legion are Craig Streby, SAL, at left; Cindy Scott-Hagan, Auxiliary; and Ken Wilson, Legion.

Wawasee School Board officers for 2013 are, from left, Rebecca Linnemeier, president; Rob Fisher, secretary; and Mike Wilson, vice president. (Photo by Tim Ashley)

At North Webster Elementary School there are classes and then there is C.L.A.S.S.

During Tuesday evening’s regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee school board in Syracuse, the first meeting in 2013, the board heard a presentation from a few North Webster Elementary teachers about Connecting Learning Assures Successful Students, or C.L.A.S.S.

Mitch Willaman, fifth grade teacher, said teachers are excited about C.L.A.S.S., used at the school for approximately the last three and a half years. “It has unified us and set us on a common course,” he said.

Essentially C.L.A.S.S. follows the two basic rules of doing what is right and treating others right. Teachers stress to students the importance of treating other students positively and in a respectful manner. Teachers model the same principles by being careful when they speak to students.

Lori Jones, fifth grade teacher, noted there are several “lifelines,” or core values, emphasized. Those include, among others, honesty, self-control, respect, integrity, friendship and more. Teachers are able to integrate C.L.A.S.S. principles into lesson plans and how they teach.

For an example, there is a “community circle” time where students are encouraged to believe they have a voice and everyone is equal within a circle. There is usually a singular theme for the community circle time such as preparing for a test, working on vocabulary skills and others. The kids feel like they are important and belong to a group, it was emphasized.

C.L.A.S.S. is a school wide program, but fourth and fifth grade students are chosen as ambassadors to be leaders among the rest of the students. Ambassadors can attend a summer camp and have opportunities to develop leadership skills.

A motto used for the program is “As good as you are, you can always get better.” Josette Abrams, art teacher, said teachers at North Webster Elementary are working together because of C.L.A.S.S. and it has changed the way she teaches for the better.

In other business, the board heard a brief report from Bob Cockburn during his Stat of the Month presentation. Attendance rates through the first trimester of the current academic year are above 95 percent for all grades. The flu outbreak in recent weeks has lowered attendance rates, but only by a few percentage points at some schools.

Also on the agenda, the school board was reorganized for 2013. Rebecca Linnemeier is now the president. Mike Wilson, who had been the president in 2012, is vice president and Rob Fisher is secretary. Betty Bultemeier is recording secretary and David Cates is the board attorney.

The board will meet the second Tuesday of each month in 2013, with the exception of April, and meetings will normally be held in the Warrior Room at Wawasee High School. A stipend of $2,000 plus $55 per meeting will be paid quarterly to board members capped at a $4,000 total.

Mary Lou Dixon is president and George Gilbert secretary of the board of finances. Board representatives authorized to open sealed bids and receive quotes for school business are Dr. Tom Edington, Jim Evans, Bob Lahrman and Joy Goshert. Evans and Sandy Hollar are treasurer and deputy treasurer, respectively.

In other business, there was a public hearing regarding the school corporation’s Internet safety policy, but no one from the public spoke. Dave VanLue, technology director, said the corporation is required to comply with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act in order to receive a discount on phone and Internet service.

VanLue noted Wawasee gets a 73 percent discount on service based on the number of students receiving free or reduced price lunches. Wawasee’s Internet policy is published in the student handbook, he said, and parents are required to sign a statement during school registration saying they have read and understand the policy. Internet filters and monitoring software are also used.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the school board approved moving forward with the purchase of the former Precision Automotive facility on Chicago Street within walking distance of the high school. “It will make an ideal location for the marine mechanics program starting in the next school year,” said Dr. Edington, superintendent.

The average appraisal price between two appraisals is $265,000, Edington said. Precision Automotive is moving into a new building. He noted it would cost three times as much to build a new facility on the high school campus and space is already limited.

During his report to the board, Edington noted in response to the Connecticut school shootings in December, several safety measures are being addressed as part of a lengthy list. “We’ve already locked things down more and made it tougher to get into buildings,” he said.

For a more in-depth reporting of the Wawasee School Board meeting, see today’s issue of The Mail-Journal.

Warsaw Community School System and Wawasee Community School Corporation third grade classes will be visiting the Shrine Circus, in Fort Wayne on Friday.

According to Warsaw Transportation Department’s Sheryl Cook, Warsaw elementary students have been visiting the Shrine Circus every year for over 25 years. This year, 650 children will board the bus to visit the big top with parent chaperones attending as well.

Warsaw students will gather from 8:30 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. at the Big R store in Warsaw and will be shuttled to the event on 14 school buses.

Syracuse Elementary School will be leaving at 8:40 a.m. and will be taking approximately 72 third-grade students and one forth-grade student who missed the event last year. There are approximately 26 teachers and parent chaperones attending the circus as well.

North Webster Elementary School will be taking two buses and leaving at 8:50 a.m. with approximately 87 third-grade students and 27 teachers and parent chaperones.

Milford Elementary School will be taking two buses at 8:30 a.m. with approximately 92 third-grade students and 12 teachers and parent chaperones.

The Milford and Syracuse buses will be meeting in Syracuse near the Wawasee High School and will be joined by the North Webster buses later in the route to form quite the caravan.

According to Milford Elementary School Principal Cindy Kaiser, “The majority of the kids have never been to a circus. There are curricular activities, discussions, and just the plain ol’ excitement of going somewhere new. They read non-fiction books about the circus, they write what they think it will be [like] and then again when they come back, they compare and contrast how a circus animal lives differently than the animal in its real habitat.”

Kaiser said the students will also talk about the circus families, their careers and how they learn. “In math they practice their graphing skills on how much the different animals weigh. They also learn about money [and] how much to take. They practice making change from a $20 bill,” she explained.

For careers, the students will also talk about the police and their role in the day. Social skills involve learning how to be in a large building, staying together and participating. “The fun part is just that they get to go, participate in the caravan, see the coliseum [and] the sight[s] and smells of the circus,” Kaiser added. “We at Milford School are very thankful for the Shriners and their organization of their special day.”

Wawasee third-grade students have been attending the circus since 1963. From the early 60’s through the 80’s the third graders wore felt beenies to identify themselves as a group. The students at Milford had white and blue beenies while Syracuse had blue and gold and North Webster had red and white. In the 1990’s the schools started purchasing painter hats – normally a neon type color for the all the Milford third graders. In the 2000’s the school has have switched over to T-shirts.

North Webster Elementary School is celebrating Grandparents Week all this week, April 15-19.

Grandparents are invited to have lunch at school with their grandchildren and to shop the “two-for-the-price of one” book sale that will benefit the North Webster Elementary Parents-Teachers-Friends Organization and provide interesting material for students to read.

Browsing through some of those book selections are, pictured at left, Jeremiah Urrtia, left, and Nevaeh Crosley and Zander Coon. All are third grade students of Brenda Hauser.

For more information, contact your grandchild or the school, 574-834-7644.

School security has been a hot topic all across America for decades, but discussions ramped up after Dec. 14, 2012, when a gunman killed 26 people – 20 elementary students and six adults – at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

The actions of one has led school officials and lawmakers from coast to coast to discussion tables where they wrestled with the best methods to protect children in schools. Those discussions are not lost locally where school corporations have held public meetings to address concerns.

While Milford Town Council is currently struggling with an option to include a school resource officer at Milford School, the Wawasee Community School Corp. is looking toward grant possibilities to help fund additional officers for the corporation’s five school buildings. Warsaw School Board is also continuing to look at how to improve school safety.

For some, however, the schools’ actions just are not being implemented fast enough. StaceyPageOnline.com recently received an email noting a concern about North Webster Elementary School. Although the complaint was anonymous, we asked principal Kristine Woodard to address the person’s concerns.

The individual noted about a recent visit to the elementary school, “When I walked into the front office to sign in, I did not have to sign my name or what my business was that day. The office lady did not even know if the badge I wore was legit or not.

“After i was done with my business at the school, I walked back into the office where the principal, office lady, and another teacher was standing. I asked if I needed to sign out and the office lady did not even know why I was there, but still I did not have to sign out.”

The author added, “I am concerned about the school safety. They let just anyone into that school without signing in and out and not even knowing what their business is in the school. Other schools that I have visited this year (have) made me wear a badge of their own and sign in and out even though I had my own badge.”

Woodard responded to the concern with this statement: “We take the safety and well-being of our school very seriously. We currently have a system that requires all people who enter the building to ring a buzzer that brings up a visual monitor picture and voice access. The receptionists talk to each person prior to letting them enter the building, requiring them to state their business before entering the building. They are careful to monitor that they have a good visual of the person and their credentials prior to allowing them entry.”

Woodard added, “However, I have brought this concern to the attention of the office personnel and we will continue to improve the safety procedures for our school.”

And school corporations will likely not have a choice in improving those safety measures.

Senate Bill 1, mandated last month, provides – among other things – that public schools must employ an individual with a loaded firearm unless the school receives an annual waiver from the state. Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Craig Hintz and Wawasee Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Thomas Edington, both said that, should the mandate stay in effect, both school systems will attempt to receive grants to help in the hiring of trained security personal. (See full story)

The Wawasee Community School Corporation is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children (age 18 and under) without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.  Meals will be provided Monday through Friday at the sites and times as follows.

North Webster Elementary School, 5475 N. 750 E. Lunch Service: 11:30 a.m. to noon. Thursday, June 6 through Friday, July 26 (excluding Thursday and Friday, July 4-5).

Syracuse Elementary School, 502 W. Brooklyn St. Lunch Service: 11:30 a.m. to noon. Thursday, June 6, through Wednesday, June 26.

Syracuse Lakeside Park Pavilion (during inclement weather, meal service will be inside the Syracuse Community Center), 1013 N. Long Dr. Lunch Service: noon to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 6 through Friday, July 26 (excluding Thursday and Friday, July 4-5).

Milford Elementary School, 611 W. Emeline St. Lunch Service: 11:30 a.m. to noon. Thursday, June 6, through Friday, July 26 (excluding Thursday and Friday, July 4-5).

Bowen Center at Enchanted Hills, 9799 E. Excalibur Place. Lunch Service: 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thursday, June 6, through Friday, July 26 (excluding Thursday and Friday, July 4-5).

(Photo provided)

Abi Smith, third grade, and  Ali Smith, kindergarten, raised $771 at North Webster Elementary School just before school was out to help aid American Red Cross efforts in the disaster response in Oklahoma. The girls’ mother, Erin, called the Kosciusko office to find out ways the girls could help since they’d expressed an interest in doing something to help the victims of tornados in Oklahoma.

Helping others in a time of need is the primary focus of various humanitarian projects the students, staff and families at North Webster Elementary School frequently take on. Efforts earlier in the school year benefited Sandy Hook victims. The girls are the daughters of Erin and Gary Smith. The donation project was overseen by them as well as Christie Holst, school counselor at North Webster Elementary School.

The girls are very close to a target of $1,000 in order to become a Red Cross Everyday Hero. The duo plans to continue working toward their goal of $1,000 once the school year resumes. Anyone can be a Hero – all it takes is a good bit of effort to help raise or give $1,000.00.