Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation is planning to use solar energy to offset the cost of electricity at Mentone Elementary School.

TVSC installed a 44-panel solar array on 1.5 acres of school property northeast of the school. The estimated annual energy output of the solar array will be enough to power the entire school. It is expected to officially begin producing electricity sometime in March.

“With concerns about reductions in state funding for public schools, it is imperative we continually explore opportunities that help our schools maintain educational programs and services by generating revenue in new and different ways,” said TVSC Superintendent Brett Boggs.

Revenue generated by the production of electricity will be used to cover the annual lease payment for the solar array. At the end of five years, the solar array will be purchased at fair market value and will belong to the school corporation.

The electricity produced by the solar array will be sold directly to Northern Indiana Public Service Company, which will credit the school corporation for the electricity produced.

“The value of the estimated energy produced by the solar array the first year will be well over $70,000, with additional revenue generated by carbon credits,” said Boggs.

The total installed cost of the solar array was $875,000. The system is being purchased from and installed by Ag Technologies of Rochester. The adjustable steel support systems for the solar panels were manufactured by Craig Welding & Manufacturing, Inc. of Mentone.

In the fall of 2014, TVSC began exploring solar energy as a means of providing electricity for some of its facilities. The board of trustees approved several resolutions at the Nov. 13, 2017, school board meeting regarding the solar array to officially get the project underway.

“Bringing solar power to Mentone Elementary School is a wise financial decision that will benefit the school corporation for many years to come,” said Boggs.

A school-wide conversion to LED lighting will be completed at Mentone Elementary School during the summer of 2018, which will result in improved lighting inside the school and consume less electricity.

Tippecanoe Valley has taken other initiatives in recent years to improve energy efficiency throughout its facilities. In 2009, a Guaranteed Energy Savings project was completed at the Burket Educational Center, which included a new geothermal heating and cooling system, renovation of restroom areas, a new roof and new energy-efficient doors and windows. In 2011, a wind turbine was built on the corporation’s main campus.

Written by Mentone Elementary School Principal Randy Dahms

As a principal, when I think about education today, I find myself looking at our current students and asking myself, “How do we best prepare our students to be successful in the ever changing world that they are going to live in?”  I suppose that education is like any other industry where there are current fads and trends.  In today’s world, it is critical for an organization to be able to step back and assess new ideas while at the same time, stay true to the values of what our school system believes in.  Tippecanoe Valley’s Vision Statement reads, “Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation does whatever it takes to equip all students to be outstanding today, tomorrow, and beyond.”  So what actions need to be taken to reach that admirable vision?

At Mentone Elementary, I am encouraged on a consistent basis to see our staff and the Mentone community reaching out and working tirelessly to form a positive culture. It’s typical around Mentone to see a staff member who is taking time out of their day to eat lunch with a student or to go out of their way to encourage them in some way.  Sometimes, I see our full-time school counselor reaching out and teaching classes along with frequently meeting with individual students throughout the day.  Our community plays a big role, as well.  Midwest Spring, a local business in Mentone that is owned by CJ Overmyer, has worked with us to form a partnership. Some of his workers come to the school with the goal of encouraging the students they are mentoring.   The Mentone Lions Club recently made a donation of funds to provide students with school supplies during this second semester.  Our local parent support group consistently comes in to help whenever there is a need.  Sometimes I see students encouraging each other during Family Groups when our fifth grade students are leading their younger peers in a monthly activity as we build a positive culture within our student body.

At Mentone Elementary it’s nice to see student growth and academic success.  This last school year, Mentone was an awarded an A by the Indiana Department of Education.  People can argue about the validity of these assessments, but as a principal, what I am most proud of is seeing the Professional Learning Community culture take hold at Mentone as we consistently look at individual student results/data over concepts that are essential to the grade level.  As a principal, it’s nice to see student growth on a day-to-day basis, and it is validating when your hard working staff is recognized for their efforts.

Mentone Elementary is the host site of two kindergarten readiness classes taught by certified teachers, the Little Vikings Developmental Preschool for young children with special needs, and a Head Start classroom that has been at Mentone for several years.  All of these programs exist to give our students the best start possible going into their kindergarten year.  The leadership of our school system has shown their commitment to meeting a local need in our community for children to receive a high quality preschool experience.  Numerous clubs and opportunities exist for students to participate in throughout the school year.

Though things in society may change, I believe there are principles that will stand the test of time such as commitment to excellence, building relationships, and refining practice to meet student needs.  These are pillars that Mentone Elementary will carry forward to meet our school system’s vision, “To do whatever it takes to equip all students to be outstanding today, tomorrow, and beyond.”

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.

Parents seeking an alternative to traditional preschool can now register their kids for the Mentone Kindergarten Readiness Center for the 2018-2019 school year.

The program is taught by certified teachers using a research-based curriculum and ensures children are being taught with the skills that are essential to kindergarten. It runs three to five days a week from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Mentone Elementary School located at 301 E. Jackson Street.

Parents who need to drop their children off earlier or later than the program’s scheduled hours can purchase additional childcare located inside the school through the Kosciusko Community YMCA Kid’s Club.

The costs of the program are $160 a month for five, full days a week or $145 a month for three to four days a week. Parents who meet certain financial guidelines can get a 25 percent discounted price per month.

A registration open house will be held on Tuesday, March 6^th at 6 p.m. at Mentone Elementary in the Large Group Instruction room for parents wanting more information or to fill out an application.

Demand for the program is high. Interested parents are advised to register their child as soon as possible. Anyone with additional questions can contact the school at (574) 598-2590.