Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
LARWILL - The Whitko Community School Board heard a presentation from The Center for Whitley County Youth and received updates from faculty members during a meeting on Monday, Sept. 21.
The Center for Whitley County Youth gave a presentation about how they have helped several Whitko middle school students during the last year, and how they will continue to help through this year. Like many organizations, Isaiah Humiston, Whitko’s program director, remarked that they have had to deal with budget constraints, and have to move from a four day a week program to a three-day program.
Humiston brought three other members with him, who spoke about how The Center has had many trips throughout the summer, and some of the programs they offered last year. The presenters remarked on how they went on college and career trips to local campuses, and how the program offers a leadership program for high school students.
To learn more about The Center, go to https://thecenterwcy.com/
Reports
Joel Holsopple, principal of South Whitley Elementary School, reported “every grade level in every content area surpassed the state level for ILEARN,” and “some are of the highest in our area.” JD Maurer, principal of Whitko Junior High School, reported the ILEARN scores will be released shortly, and the middle school has seen a great improvement in “underperforming grades.”
Chris Benedict, director of Whitko Career Academy, reported students are settling into their CAPstones, with some completing their OSHA training. There are 29 welding students, and the culinary students are working toward their ServSafe food handler accreditation. Many students are working toward dual credit through Ivy Tech.
Kathy Longenbaugh, principal of Whitko Senior High School, told the board that homecoming is this Friday, Sept. 24, and there will be a dance at WCA on Saturday. Along with that, Superintendent Dr. Amy Korus said there would be a moment of recognition for homecoming for the Class of 1991.
The PSATs are coming Oct. 22, and the high school staff will have an in-service day for the upcoming PSATs and on virtual learning “so they are prepared for snow days,” which will take place also on Friday. Faith Erexson, director of curriculum, remarked the professional service day is to make sure “that all of our teachers have what they need to do the best job possible.”
Kari Walmer, director of special services, reported finding 37 students who did not pass the hearing exams which were given in the last weeks.
Athletic Director Drew Benedict reported fall sports are underway and gave a shout out to the cheerleaders for their support and taking on five days of concessions. He also thanked the Booster Club for a game-ready compression therapy, which is used on the legs “for injury prevention and recovery.”
Joe Jackson, director of operations, reported that the roofing projects for SWES and WJSHS has slowed from the rain, but “there were no leaks.” He also noted that they will be doing some carpet replacements and are still in need of a full-time janitorial staff member.
Rhonda Snavley, director of transportation, reported the semi-annual bus inspection for several buses over 12 years old went well, with all of them passing. Lisa House passed her skills test, and she gave a huge shoutout to Chris and Samantha Staley for “the use of a tow truck” for a bus that broke down on Ind. 13.
“It has been about three or four times that Chris has helped us out?” asked Board President Scott Werstler. “He’s also done this at no charge?”
“Yes, it has … and it’s saved us quite a bit to tow it. It costs about $3,000 to $5,000 to tow it in,” said Snavley. “We appreciate them so much.”
A motion for the North Manchester First Brethren Church congregation’s request to use a Whitko School bus to attend Way of Christ weekend retreats in North Webster failed after a second on the motion was not heard. This caused Korus to remind the board that the policy states “outside entities can request to use the buses.” Studebaker remarked that since they are not affiliated with the school corporation, they are not taxpayers in the district.
“This is six times where someone has asked to use our buses … I think the taxpayers of Manchester should be paying for this,” said Studebaker. “We’re asked multiple times a year to do this.”
“You’ve always voted yes … these are some long standing bus drivers who are asking for this … and I love seeing Whitko buses in other territories,” said Korus.
After further consideration, Studebaker gave the second, and the motion was approved.
The board also:
• Heard about the students of the month for September. The students were recognized at the meeting for their shared determination, improvements since the last school year, taking initiative, challenging themselves, and showing kindness to other students and staff. The students recognized were Lillian Stump, Harley Stein, Sarah Coburn and Keenan Gonzales.
• Heard from Matt Buchanan, director of technology, who reported they are working on several projects, and wanted to highlight the PowerSchool team.
• Heard about an anonymous donation of $5,000 to WJSHS for teacher and student appreciation.
• The next school board meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, in the Whitko Career Academy lecture room.
