VALLEY INSIGHT: Success of all students

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Written By Meagan Wilks, Director of Special Services

When Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation (TVSC) says in our mission statement that we “do whatever it takes to equip all students to be outstanding today, tomorrow and beyond”, we truly mean ALL students. Many students in our school corporation have unique social, emotional, and learning needs, which may require extra support and resources. In order to accomplish our mission of equipping all students, Tippecanoe Valley has implemented special programs and opportunities that address these unique student needs.

One program that provides services to unique learners is our Little Vikings Preschool. This preschool program provides special education services for students three to five years of age with developmental disabilities. Children can qualify to participate in this preschool through an educational evaluation. If parents have concerns about delays in development, they can request an educational evaluation. The assessment team will then evaluate the student and determine if the child meets the eligibility requirements of a disability. Little Vikings Preschool provides an excellent educational experience for students. The students enjoy a rich curriculum full of literature, play, social/emotional, and motor development. While following the preschool foundation standards, there is also a focus to meet the individual educational goals set for each student.

At Tippecanoe Valley we also recognize that many students have unique social and emotional needs that must be supported in order for them to be successful at school and in life.  We find that these needs are growing with more and more students needing the support of our school counselors and mental health therapist. Because of this, TVSC recently applied and received a $30,000 dollar grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. to plan and implement a comprehensive counseling program in the district. This grant has allowed counselors to participate in a variety of training opportunities to help with the social and emotional needs of our students. With the implementation of a more cohesive and comprehensive counseling plan, we know that all students will benefit.

The Functional Skills Program at Tippecanoe Valley High School provides a unique learning experience. During the school day, students in the Functional Skills Program participate in Community Employment Opportunities where they travel to businesses in the community and learn job skills in the natural environment. We have partnered with many different business in the Tippecanoe Valley area including, Bourbon Street Pizza, Hoffman’s Body Shop, Viking Foods, Clay’s Flooring and Interiors, Teel’s Restaurant, Java Jack’s, Little Vikings Preschool, Gagnon Motors, and the Fulton County Animal Center to provide real life work experience for students.   Research says that many students are not prepared for the workforce after high school.  At TVSC we strive to provide our students with the skills necessary to enter the workforce with knowledge to find and maintain successful employment after high school.

In order for some students to be successful and meet the requirements to graduate from high school they may need a unique learning environment as an alternative to the traditional classroom.  Burket Educational Center, our Alternative Education Program, provides this opportunity.  At Burket, high school students are able to work at their own pace to master classes and earn credits through an online program called APEX. To date, Burket Educational Center has had 296 students graduate who might not have in the traditional high school setting.  Every year a special graduation ceremony is held in the historical Burket Gymnasium to celebrate students’ success of graduation.

Through the implementation of these program and opportunities at TVSC, we see the success of students who have a variety of unique learning needs.  TVSC is truly committed to the continued success of ALL students.

Valley Insight is a recurring monthly article written by administrators on a variety of topics related to education and the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation. Articles will be posted to the district’s website and also shared with the local media.

Tippecanoe Valley senior chooses IUSB

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A Tippecanoe Valley High School senior is choosing Indiana University South Bend to further his education.

Jeremy Julian will continue his academic and golf career at IUSB. Julian plans to major in business. He recently sat down with his parents and school administrators for an official signing.

Picture: Seated with Jeremy are parents Michael and Darcy Julian. In the back row from left to right are: TVHS Athletic Director Duane Burkhart, TVHS Golf coach Darren Parker, IU Golf coach Justin Akers, TVHS Assistant Athletic Director Scott Smith, and Principal Dr. Michael Bendicsen.

Scholarship opportunities for students

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Elks Lodge Scholarship: Seniors who reside in Fulton County and have a relative who is a member of the Rochester Elks Lodge should apply for the Elks Lodge Scholarship.  Applications are due April 30 and can be picked up in the guidance office or found on the guidance department page of the high school website.

EGC Women in Law Scholarship: Any female interested in pursuing a career in law should stop by the guidance office for information on the Eisenberg, Gilchrist, and Cutt Women in Law Scholarship.  Applications are due June 30.

Kiwanis Scholarship: Applications for the Kiwanis Scholarship are available in the guidance office and on the guidance department website.  Applicants must have a parent/guardian who is a member of the Kiwanis club and must also be planning on attending an Indiana college or university.  Applications and supplemental materials must be turned in to the Kiwanis Club by March 29.

Three C’s Memorial Scholarship: The Three C’s Memorial Scholarship Committee will be awarding at least three $1,000 scholarships to eligible students who demonstrate courage, character, and commitment.  To be eligible, students must be active in their school and community, have a minimum 3.0 GPA (7.9 on 12.0 scale), and have completed six athletic seasons during high school as an athlete, trainer, manager, cheerleader, etc.  Interested students must fill out an application, provide names and contact information for three references, submit an official transcript and write a 250-essay.  Applications may be picked up in the guidance office or downloaded from the guidance department page of the high school website.  Applications and supporting materials must be postmarked no later than April 15.

Engineering Scholarship Program:  The Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation will be awarding an Freshman Engineering Scholarship, that is renewable for four years if students continue to meet the criteria.  The following are eligibility and application requirements:

ELIGIBILITY

  1. The Student must be a high school graduate from Kosciusko County and pursuing an education in engineering at an Indiana accredited University.
  2. Student must display excellent merit and qualities required by the Engineering Scholarship sought.
  3. Student must remain at full-time student status.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

  1. The student must complete the student section of the scholarship application provided by the Foundation.
  2. The student must obtain a recommendation from one (1) high school teacher at his or her high school.  The recommendation must be submitted directly to the Foundation on the form provided by the Foundation.
  3. The high school student guidance counselor must complete the portion of the scholarship Application as designated.
  4. The high school guidance counselor must return the completed scholarship application to the Foundation along with a certified copy of the student’s high school transcript.

The Application must be submitted by the deadline date, April 1st.

For a copy of the application, students may stop by the guidance office of visit the guidance department page of the

Indiana University Cox Scholarship: Students who have been accepted and are planning to attend Indiana University should apply for the Cox Scholarship, an award that includes, a full-ride scholarship, a part-time job, academic and personal support, and professional development and network opportunities.  Students may apply through their One.UI accounts.  For more information, students may stop by the guidance office.

Kosciusko Board of Realtors Scholarship (KBOR): Once again this year, KBOR is offering three $1,000 Scholarships.  One of three $1,000 Scholarships will be designated as the:  “Spirit of the Heart” Scholarship.  It will Honor REALTOR® Professionals Who Have Been Lost That Touched Their Community Throughout Their Lives.   KBOR hopes to be passing on the spirit of mission and purpose with this specially designated Scholarship.  There are no specific requirements for applying for this scholarship.  Students interested in applying may stop by the guidance office or visit the guidance department page of the high school website for a copy of the application.  The application deadline is Friday April 28, 2017.

Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Program: Interested in Criminal Justice?  The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association is giving away 40, $500 scholarships to qualified students who are pursuing an education and career in the criminal justice field.  To qualify, you must be an Indiana resident, an active affiliate or associate member of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association or a dependent child or grandchild of an active affiliate or associate member of the association, attend an Indiana college or university, major in a law enforcement field and enroll as a full-time student (12 credit hours).  Anyone interested should stop by the guidance office for an application.  Applications are due April 1.

Niccum Educational Trust Foundation: Applications for the Niccum Educational Trust Foundation are available in the guidance office and on the guidance department page of the high school website.  Any senior interested should apply.  Students must submit an application along with parental financial information, letters of recommendation, a transcript, and FAFSA information.  All materials must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2017.

Tri Kappa Alpha Lambda Scholarship and Tri Kappa Chapter Scholarships

  • Available to graduating high school seniors and/or current college students who have graduated from a high school within Kosciusko County.
  • All Tri Kappa chapter members and their dependents are ELIGIBLE for the Alpha Lambda Scholarship.
  • All dependents of Tri Kappa board officers are INELIGIBLE for Chapter Scholarships.
  • This scholarship can be applied to tuition only.

Georgianna Easterday Memorial Scholarship

  • Available to graduating high school seniors and/or current college students who have graduated from a high school within Kosciusko County.
  • All Tri Kappa chapter members and their dependents are ELIGIBLE for the Georgianna Easterday Memorial Scholarship.
  • This scholarship can be applied to tuition only.

Applications for the Tri Kappa Alpha Lambda and Georgianna Easterday Memorial Scholarship can be found by going to www.indianacollegecosts.org and clicking on” local scholarships” under the “Learn Where the Money Is” tab.

Fulton County 4-H Livestock Sale Scholarship: Applications for the Fulton County 4-H Livestock sale scholarship are available in the guidance office and on the guidance department website.  To be eligible, students must be in their junior or senior year of high school, or last year of 4-H eligibility, be a club member, and have completed five years of 4-H.  Applications are due March 15.

Rotary Club Nursing Scholarship: The Rochester Rotary Club will present one (1) or two (2), $500 scholarship to prospective and/or current nursing students who reside in Fulton County.  Applications must be submitted no later than March 28.  Applications are available in the guidance office or on the guidance department website.

Knights of Pythias educational Assistance Program:  Seniors, if you have a 7.9 GPA or higher and need financial assistance for college, apply for the Knights of Pythias Educational Assistance Program.  The Knights of Pythias of Indiana will be awarding a minimum of 12, $1,000 scholarships to selected graduating seniors. Applications are available in the guidance office and at www.knightofpythiasofnewcastle.com

Knights of Pythias Poster/Visual Arts Contest:  Do you like being creative and want a chance to win $1,000?  The Knights of Pythias of Indiana are sponsoring a poster/visual arts contest for any student in Grades 9-12.  Frist prize will be $1,000 and 7 other monetary awards ranging from $100 to $500 will also be given.  If interested, stop by the guidance office for more information on the contest.

Seniors are you a member of Beacon Credit Union?  If so, you may apply for one of 8 $1,000 scholarships they are awarding this year.  For more information, please stop by the guidance office.

Planning to pursue a career in a health-related field?  The Physicians health Plan is awarding three scholarships, totaling $6,000.  For more details on the scholarship and application process, you can stop by the guidance office. Information can also be found on chalkable or the guidance page of the high school website.

Indiana Tech Regional Scholarship: Any senior interested in attending Indiana Tech who applies, submits their transcript and SAT/ACT scores, and chooses to attend Indiana Tech will receive the $3,000 Indiana Tech Regional Scholarship.

Groth and Associates Scholarship: The Lawyers at Groth & Associates are proud to offer a generous $1,000.00 scholarship for any individuals who qualify. To qualify for this scholarship:

  1. Must have a G.P.A. of 3.0+
  2.      Fill out the form with your contact information
  3. Attach school transcript to verify enrollment
  4. Attach a 500-word essay about difficulties or hardships you have had to personally overcome

The deadline for application submissions is June 1, 2017. For more information, students can stop by the guidance office or visit the guidance department page of the high school website.

Fulton County REMC Scholarship: In an effort to encourage students to further their education, the Fulton County REMC will be awarding 8, $500 scholarships to students whose parents or grandparents are REMC members.  Winners will be chosen based on GPA, school and non-school activities with an emphasis on the applicant’s personal comments, community service, and teacher evaluation/2 letters of recommendation.  For more information, stop by the guidance office or visit the guidance department website.  Applications are due March 17, and should be turned into the guidance office.

Kosciusko County Extension Homemakers Association Student Scholarship: The Kosciusko County Extension Homemakers Association is awarding two (2) $400 scholarships to students who meet the following criteria:

  • A male or female high school/college students who is a resident of Kosciusko County OR a present or past member of a Kosciusko County Purdue Extension organization, such as 4-H, Master Gardeners, or Extension Homemakers).  Any age.  May be single or married.
  • Preferably majoring in Consumer and Family Science or a related field of student but can be majoring in any field.
  • Preference given to applicants active in or with parent/grandparent active in an Extension Homemaker Club or Extension organization, such as 4-H, Master Gardeners, Women in Ag., etc.

Applications are due to the Kosciusko County Extension Homemakers Association Purdue Extension Office on March 15, 2017.   For a copy of the application, please visit the guidance office website or stop by the guidance office.

Students to compete at state career development conference

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Two Tippecanoe Valley High School students will compete at the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) State Career Development Conference on Friday, March 17, in Indianapolis.

Seniors Yara Vazquez and Elizabeth Salazar qualified at the regional conference at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in South Bend on February 2. Vazquez won the employability skills competition and Salazar placed second in the writing skills competition.

“Yara and Liz have both displayed an increasingly high level of responsibility and perseverance throughout the process of preparing for the state competition. This will be a great event. The experience should be celebrated as well as the results that are achieved. They have certainly earned this experience and will compete with a sense of confidence and accomplishment,” said TVHS JAG Specialist Matt Malless.

Vazquez and Salazar will travel to Indianapolis with other regional qualifiers by charter bus on Thursday, March 16, and stay the night in a hotel.

Following the competitions, a government official will deliver the keynote address. This year’s speaker has yet to be named, but recent keynote speakers have been Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court Loretta Rush and Vice President Mike Pence when he served as governor of Indiana.

Picture: Yara Vazquez and Elizabeth Salazar

Board approves facility use agreement for preschool

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The Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation board of trustees approved on March 13 a facility use agreement that will provide a new location for a longstanding preschool.

The Jack & Jill Preschool is a non-profit faith-based preschool that will lease space annually inside the Burket Educational Center.

The preschool operates from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday. There is also a class on Thursdays, but only for students ages four and up.

“If there are enough students registered, an afternoon class will be created,” said Karissa Cody, Jack & Jill Preschool president.

There is a monthly fee of $75 for kids who attend three days a week and $100 for kids who attend four days a week. The preschool exposes children to activities that help them develop the social and educational skills needed for kindergarten.

Parents interested in registering their child for the 2017-2018 school year can contact the Jack & Jill Preschool at (574) 551-8086 or stop by the Bell Memorial Public Library in Mentone to pick up a registration form. Forms can be mailed to: P.O. Box 83, Mentone IN, 46539. Registration forms are due by April 13.

There will also be an informational meeting for parents and guardians on March 28th at 7 p.m. at the Bell Memorial Public Library.

Pictured are TVSC Board President Todd Hoffman, President of the Jack & Jill Preschool Board of Directors Karissa Cody and Jack & Jill Preschool Teacher Laurie Carlin.

TVHS students to perform The Sound of Music March 23 – 25

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Tippecanoe Valley High School will hold its spring musical The Sound of Music for three days in March.

The musical will take place March 23 – 25 in the TVHS lecture room at 7:00 p.m. each day. There is also a 2:00 matinee Saturday afternoon. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the door.

More than 30 students are involved in the musical this year. Auditions were held in December before the holiday break and rehearsals began in January.

This is the first production of The Sound of Music for the high school. Music Director Mark Williamson calls it the right show for this year.

“We try to choose a show that is going to fit the students that we have and that we think are going to try out for the show,” said Williamson.

Williamson says the entire process is a learning experience for the students because they get a chance to grow as actors and musicians, all the while juggling academic responsibilities.

“It’s not just about being on stage and putting a performance together. It’s about learning how to deal with the stresses of learning the production and still keeping your grades up,” he added.

Actors as young as second grade will also have a part due to the need to cast children for certain roles.

Picture: Cast members learn how to waltz for The Sound of Music

TVHS archery team shoots, scores big at state tournament

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On Saturday, March 11, the Tippecanoe Valley High School archery team made its presence at the NASP State Shoot in Indianapolis at the Blue Ribbon Pavilion.

Students were loaded up by 5:15 a.m. and on their way. 13 archery members got to take part in the 3-D shoot at 8:40 a.m. One member, Dylan Wood, made it into the bulls-eye tournament.

“As coaches, we would like to take the time and congratulate each and every member of the archery club as they represented our school and club well.  We would like to congratulate our top male shooter in the 3-D, Dylan Wood, shooting a 271 and our top female shooter in the 3-D, Sarah Cavender, shooting a 225. Dylan Wood also shot an amazing 281 in the bulls-eye tournament,” said coach Wes Backus.

Here are the standings overall it is also broke down into grade level, boys rank, and overall boys and girls:

3-D results :

DYLAN WOOD

Score: 271

Tens: 10

High School Boys Rank: 10 out of 104

10th Grade Boys Rank: 3 out of 33

Overall Boys Rank: 16 out of 305

 

ELIJAH HOLDER

Score: 266

Tens: 10

High School Boys Rank: 19 out of 104

10th Grade Boys Rank: 4 out of 33

Overall Boys Rank: 31 out of 305

 

ETHAN HARGER

Score: 266

Tens: 6

High School Boys Rank: 22 out of 104

10th Grade Boys Rank: 6 out of 33

Overall Boys Rank: 35 out of 305

 

DAVID KREBS

Score: 256

Tens: 7

High School Boys Rank: 47 out of 104

10th Grade Boys Rank: 13 out of 33

Overall Boys Rank: 76 out of 305

 

JARVIS MORT

Score: 237

Tens: 6

High School Boys Rank: 77 out of 104

12th Grade Boys Rank: 16 out of 18

Overall Boys Rank: 130 out of 305

 

TAYLER GRUBBS

Score: 237

Tens: 5

High School Boys Rank: 78 out of 104

11th Grade Boys Rank: 17 out of 20

Overall Boys Rank: 132 out of 305

 

TRISTEN GRUBBS

Score: 230

Tens: 3

High School Boys Rank: 85 out of 104

10th Grade Boys Rank: 24 out of 33

Overall Boys Rank: 155 out of 305

 

SARAH CAVENDER

Score: 225

Tens: 3

High School Girls Rank: 51 out of 68

9th Grade Girls Rank: 8 out of 12

Overall Girls Rank: 115 out of 221

 

BRANT NORRIS

Score: 223

Tens: 4

High School Boys Rank: 91 out of 104

10th Grade Boys Rank: 27 out of 33

Overall Boys Rank: 173 out of 305

 

MCKENZIE MURPHY

Score: 220

Tens: 1

High School Girls Rank: 54 out of 68

11th Grade Girls Rank: 16 out of 17

Overall Girls Rank: 123 out of 221

 

GABBY ENYART

Score: 214

Tens: 5

High School Girls Rank: 60 out of 68

10th Grade Girls Rank: 21 out of 23

Overall Girls Rank: 134 out of 221

 

JORDAN KROTKE

Score: 207

Tens: 2

High School Girls Rank: 63 out of 68

11th Grade Girls Rank: 17 out of 17

Overall Girls Rank: 149 out of 221

 

BRENDON GRUBBS

Score: 197

Tens: 2

High School Boys Rank: 101 out of 104

9th Grade Boys Rank: 32 out of 33

Overall Boys Rank: 238 out of 305

 

 

Bullseye Results:

 

DYLAN WOOD

Score: 281

Tens: 14

High School Boys Rank: 48 out of 324

10th Grade Boys Rank: 15 out of 111

Overall Boys Rank: 68 out of 1075

Upcoming event to bring awareness to dangerous side of technology

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The Tippecanoe Valley Community Mental Health Task Force and Crosswinds is hosting an event designed to alert parents and guardians about the dangers of teens using technology.

“Protecting Your Family from the Dangerous Side of Technology” is a free presentation that will be held in the Tippecanoe Valley High School Lecture Room on Monday, March 27.

The presenter will be Crista Miller, who will be joined by Detective Jeffrey Robertson, an FBI special agent, and Chris McCarthy from the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Human Trafficking Task Force.

Miller will share her story about the heartbreaking experiences of her family that resulted from her daughter’s use of technology.  People interested in attending are encouraged to go to YouTube and search for “My Story – Crista” to understand more about her experience.

“The bad guys are out there and are ready to prey on our children.  By increasing our awareness of the dangerous side of technology, we can help families avoid the pain experienced by Crista and her family,” said Superintendent Brett Boggs.

Students 13 years of age and older are encouraged to accompany their parent/guardian.  The general public is also invited. A meal of pizza, chips, cookies and water will be served in the TVHS cafeteria starting at 6:15 p.m., followed by the presentation in the lecture room from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Mentone Elementary math teams place high

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Students from Akron and Mentone elementary schools placed high in a recent statewide math competition held February 23 at the Honeywell Center in Wabash.

The competition was broken down into five divisions; blue, green, orange, red and yellow.  Each division was based on grade level and school enrollment.

Mentone Elementary took two teams to the competition, one in the yellow division made up of fourth grade students and the other in the red division comprised of fifth grade students. Akron Elementary took one team in the red division made up of both fourth and fifth grade students.

Akron Elementary took first place in the red division with a score of 21 out of a possible 32. The Mentone Elementary yellow division team took third place in the competition, while the red division team took second place behind Akron.

In overall standings, Akron placed 11th and Mentone placed 17th out of 126 schools statewide.

The teams began practicing in January for two to three evenings a week. An invitational was held in early February to help students prepare for the main competition.

Large picture caption back row left to right: Kynan Cords, Brayden Farmer, Wade Jones, Damion Brown, Evan Richards, Cody Eastgate and Coach Vonda Ryman. Front row left to right: Jason Wilcox, Aiden Kohler, Lorna Apt, Makynna Rentschler and Tiffany Bullington

Small picture caption back row left to right: Brock Derf, Reed Jones, Noah Spangle, Austin Wallace, Ethan Young, Colton Crabb, Evan Bolinger and Coach Vonda Ryman. Front row left to right: Madison Thompson, Chloe Haussmann, Mackaylie Costello, Lily Bradley and Brooklynn Swindell

 

 

Akron places first in its division in recent math competition

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Students from Akron and Mentone elementary schools placed high in a recent statewide math competition held February 23 at the Honeywell Center in Wabash.

The competition was broken down into five divisions; blue, green, orange, red and yellow.  Each division was based on grade level and school enrollment.

Mentone Elementary took two teams to the competition, one in the yellow division made up of fourth grade students and the other in the red division comprised of fifth grade students. Akron Elementary took one team in the red division made up of both fourth and fifth grade students.

Akron Elementary took first place in the red division with a score of 21 out of a possible 32. The Mentone Elementary yellow division team took third place in the competition, while the red division team took second place behind Akron.

In overall standings, Akron placed 11th and Mentone placed 17th out of 126 schools statewide.

The teams began practicing in January for two to three evenings a week. An invitational was held in early February to help students prepare for the main competition.

Picture back row left to right: Gabe Ruiz, Dewey Gillman, Anahi Ramirez Brito,  Porter Rich, Landon Durkes, Eli Love, Gio Arriaga, Levi Sampsel, Kaylynn Miller and Erika Henderson.Front row left to right: Austin Hann, Elise Smith, Marcus Smith and Genevieve Heller. Not pictured: Avery Wagoner