Southwest School Corporation
October 2023 - End of the 1st Nine Weeks
A Message from the SWSC Superintendent
Dear SWSC Community,
It has been a great start to the 2023-24 school year!!! It is hard to believe we have already completed our first nine weeks of school. As a reminder, the first nine weeks end on Friday, October 6, 2023.
As we embark on the 2023-24 school year at the Southwest School Corporation, I am filled with excitement and optimism for what lies ahead. It is my honor to serve as your Superintendent of Schools, and I want to express my gratitude and share my vision for our educational community.
First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. The partnership between home and school is essential to fostering a nurturing and enriching learning environment. Together, we can provide our students the tools and opportunities they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our school corporation is a special place filled with the unique charm and warmth that characterizes our community. The Southwest School Corporation is committed to preserving and enhancing this sense of community, ensuring every student feels valued, respected, and safe within our school walls.
In the coming year, we will continue to prioritize academic excellence. Our dedicated team of educators has been working tirelessly to adapt and innovate, ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world. We will also focus on promoting creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as we believe these qualities are essential for future success.
As parents and guardians, your involvement is invaluable to our students' successes. We encourage you to stay engaged with your child's education, attend school events, and participate in parent-teacher conferences. Together, we can create an educational experience that empowers our children to reach their full potential.
In closing, I would like to express my optimism for the future. Our extraordinary community of students, parents, educators, and staff is dedicated to our shared vision of excellence. With your continued support and collaboration, I am confident we will achieve great things in the year ahead.
Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating your children. I look forward to a successful and rewarding school year.
Remember …… We are the Best, we are Southwest!!
Sincerely,
Chris Stitzle, Superintendent
DOE Awards SWSC a $400,000 BSCA Stronger Connections Grant
SWSC will be using grant funds to:
- Increase access to place-based interventions and services to help students overcome the effects of adverse experiences through hiring a full-time licensed mental health counselor.
- With school nurses standing at the intersection of health and education, weave the support needed to reduce learning barriers, including absenteeism, and promote healthy children, families, and communities through additional nursing services.
Increase inclusion and sense of belonging for students and their families, as well as the Identification and adoption of policies and practices that prioritize inclusion and create an environment of belonging through the development of a student/family engagement team.
Increase understanding and identification of youth and adult mental health concerns and an increase in earlier identification of students needing support through professional development opportunities.
Ensure school crisis teams are adequately prepared to support students, staff, and families through challenging and traumatizing events including, but not limited to, a natural disaster, fire, school violence, student or staff member death, and suicide.
SWSC Receives $100,000 Secured Schools Safety Grant
Our SROs are integral parts to meeting the needs of the "whole child" in a safe and secure learning environment. They work hand-in-hand with school administration and counselors to assist our teachers, staff, students, and families, serving as informal counselors/mentors and educators on all matters of personal, school and community safety as well as law enforcement officers when the need dictates. SROs do not dole out school discipline, though. That is up to our principals. While each SRO is assigned to a home campus, they do fill in when and wherever needed, including at extracurricular events. If you see one of these men, don't hesitate to stop and thank them for all that they do to help ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all.
David Holmes - Carlisle Elementary & Middle School
Carl Melchert - Sullivan Elementary School
Jim Dotson - Sullivan Middle School
David Story - Sullivan High School
SWSC and SHS to be Part of an AI Pilot Program
We are thrilled to announce that our school corporation has been chosen as an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Platform Pilot Grant recipient! Thirty-six school corporations across Indiana will partner with five different AI vendors to support the Indiana Department of Education's shared mission for student and teacher support and innovation.
With this grant, Sullivan High School has the potential to positively impact student learning by introducing new and innovative methods of teaching and learning. By utilizing AI technology, students may have access to personalized and adaptive learning experiences that cater to their individual needs and learning styles. This can result in increased engagement and motivation, leading to better retention of information and improved academic performance. Additionally, AI-powered tools can provide real-time feedback and assessment, allowing for timely interventions and targeted support. Overall, the pilot project has the potential to enhance the quality of education and promote student success. AI is already here and the SWSC looks forward to being a part of the pilot to incorporate it in educationally productive ways.
Sullivan Elementary School Aims for 95% Reading Proficiency
Indiana's education landscape presents a pressing challenge. According to the Indiana Department of Education, only 33% of 4th-grade students in the state can read proficiently. While the percentage of our 4th-grade students reading proficiently is significantly higher than this, the Southwest School Corporation firmly believes that with knowledge comes improvement. Drawing from the Science of Reading, a comprehensive body of research dedicated to understanding reading development, cognitive processes, and effective instructional methodologies, we are determined to make a difference.
What is the Science of Reading?
The Science of Reading provides evidence-based strategies and methods that empower educators to equip every child with strong reading skills. It explains the intricate workings of the brain when processing written language and guides us in teaching phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension effectively. Armed with this science-backed knowledge, we are setting an ambitious goal of achieving 95% proficiency among our students.
What is Indiana’s Plan?
Recognizing the importance of statewide implementation, Indiana recently passed House Bill 1558, which establishes the Science of Reading as the cornerstone of reading instruction in all Indiana schools. To support this endeavor, the state has created the Literacy Cadre—a team of trained literacy coaches tasked with assisting elementary schools in their pursuit of literacy excellence. These coaches receive comprehensive resources, professional development, and support, enabling them to empower teachers with the necessary expertise to improve reading outcomes.
What changes will you see in our reading instruction?
Our new literacy coach, Brandy Gentry, works hand in hand with our dedicated teachers, employing a data-driven approach to make informed instructional decisions. Together, they strive to create engaging, explicit, and systematic lessons. Our teachers have all undergone Orton Gillingham training, ensuring they possess the necessary skills to deliver phonics instruction that progresses from simple to complex. By engaging students in multisensory activities, such as auditory, visual, and kinesthetic exercises, we facilitate the storage of information in long-term memory—an essential aspect of effective learning.
Furthermore, our reading instruction emphasizes the use of decodable passages and books tailored to students' current phonics skills. By providing materials that exclusively incorporate words within their decoding capabilities, we foster confidence and reinforce reading fluency. Students also benefit from engaging activities like Readers Theater, poems, nursery rhymes, and Lyrics2Learn, which enhance their fluency and expressive reading.
To promote reading comprehension, we understand the crucial role of background knowledge and vocabulary. Extensive research has demonstrated that these factors significantly contribute to students' ability to comprehend texts. Hence, our teachers expose students to a diverse range of texts and conduct read-aloud sessions featuring complex materials. By building knowledge and expanding vocabulary from the earliest grades, we lay a strong foundation for comprehensive reading skills.
Ultimately, our overarching goal is to ensure that students not only decode words but also comprehend and derive meaning from the texts they read. To achieve this, we provide comprehensive instruction encompassing phonics skills, language comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical thinking.
Southwest School Corporation is committed to leveraging the Science of Reading to provide a transformative learning experience for your child. By aligning our practices with the latest research, we strive to empower all students with the gift of literacy. Thank you for partnering with us on this exciting journey towards academic success and lifelong learning for our students.
Carlisle Elementary School Making Gains in Reading
Carlisle Elementary School has joined forces with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) to boost literacy skills and reading proficiency at the University of Indianapolis through the Literacy Cadre. As part of this collaboration, the school has appointed Mrs. Cindra Hiatt, a former third-grade teacher at Carlisle, as the dedicated literacy coach. With a focus on student learning and the Science of Reading, Mrs. Hiatt aims to support teachers in their instructional practices and enhance the overall reading abilities of students.
The role of the literacy coach, as explained by Mrs. Hiatt, encompasses various responsibilities that revolve around facilitating student progress. One of her key objectives is to assist teachers in creating clear learning targets and locating appropriate resources for their lessons. By providing valuable feedback and collaborating on lesson planning, Mrs. Hiatt ensures teachers have the tools and strategies to maximize student engagement and comprehension.
To promote fluency among students, Mrs. Hiatt has worked closely with second-grade teachers at Carlisle Elementary for several weeks during this grading period. Together, they have implemented a practice of repeated readings, starting with humorous jokes. Throughout the week, students practiced their jokes, and on Friday, they eagerly performed them in front of their peers. This engaging approach motivated students and allowed them to witness the tangible outcomes of their hard work.
Another notable achievement in Mrs. Hiatt's role as a literacy coach can be seen in Mrs. McCammon's first-grade class. In August, baseline data indicated that 47% of students were categorized as "Emerging" in fluency, while only 7% were "Exceeding Expectations." However, the latest data shows significant improvement through targeted interventions and instructional support. Currently, the number of students classified as "Emerging" has dropped to 13%, while the percentage of those "Exceeding Expectations" has risen to 20%. These impressive gains reflect students' and teachers' dedication and progress.
The collaboration between Carlisle Elementary School, the IDOE, and the CELL Program exemplifies a commitment to the Science of Reading and its practical implementation. By placing Mrs. Hiatt partnering with teachers to help further implement evidence-based strategies, the aim is to create a nurturing environment that fosters a love for reading and empowers students to become proficient readers.
The staff and administration at Carlisle Elementary School are thrilled about the positive impact Mrs. Hiatt's presence and the Science of Reading approach will have on students' literacy skills. The dedication and progress demonstrated by students serve as a testament to the effectiveness of this collaborative initiative. With a resounding message of "Keep on reading, kids!!!" echoing through the hallways, Carlisle Elementary School is poised to continue making significant strides in literacy education.
Sullivan MIddle School, Carlisle Middle School Participating in the IDOE STEM Cadre
School districts recognize the need to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive, future-driven world. Southwest School Corporation views STEM education as an effective method to foster these skills and has initiated a STEM implementation process. Southwest School Corporation applied for and was granted admittance into the Indiana Department of Education’s STEM Cadre for the 2023-2024 school year, with Dr. Chad LeDune as the STEM Coach for Sullivan Middle School and Carlisle Middle School.
Recognizing teachers' critical role in shaping students' educational experiences, SWSC has placed teacher training and coaching at the forefront of its STEM implementation process. Dr. LeDune works with teachers at Carlisle and Sullivan on an inquiry-based instructional model that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and an interdisciplinary approach to teaching.
Understanding that a comprehensive STEM education extends beyond classroom walls, Dr. LeDune actively engages with the local community to cultivate a supportive ecosystem. Sullivan County has a wealth of knowledge and resources available within the community. STEM at SWSC aims to harness these assets and enhance the STEM learning experience. Additionally, these community partnerships provide career speakers and the potential for onsite career visits.
As Southwest School Corporation embarks on this STEM implementation journey, it recognizes that teachers and community involvement are vital for success. By prioritizing teacher coaching and establishing strong community connections, SWSC fosters an environment that nurtures curiosity, innovation, and student collaboration. This proactive approach will equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving world of STEM, preparing them for future success in an increasingly competitive society.
Sullivan High School Volleyball Community Raises Funds for Riley Children's Hospital and Live Like Luke Scholarship
In a heartwarming display of compassion and solidarity, the Sullivan High School volleyball community came together to raise funds for Riley Children's Hospital and the Live Like Luke Scholarship. This annual fundraising campaign, known as the King of the Court Campaign, has been a longstanding tradition for the team, allowing them to positively impact the lives of children in need.
The origins of this inspiring endeavor can be traced back to 2001 when Judy Badger, then Sullivan High School Volleyball Coach, received the news that her granddaughter, Addison, had been diagnosed with leukemia. Addison's battle against cancer began at Riley Children's Hospital, where the dedicated medical professionals provided her with exceptional care. During this time, Judy witnessed the invaluable work of the Child Life Services Division at Riley, which aims to create a nurturing and enjoyable environment for young patients.
Deeply moved by the division's mission, Judy initiated a fundraiser to support their efforts in giving children at Riley a genuine "child's life" experience. Donations from the campaign enabled the purchase of essential items such as highchairs, infant toys, coloring books, crayons for younger patients, computers, video game systems, and games for older children. These contributions play a crucial role in providing a much-needed diversion and respite from the daily medical routines endured by the young patients. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Child Life Services Division at Riley and the exceptional medical care provided, Addison is a happy and healthy 22-year-old today.
The Sullivan community faced another cancer diagnosis in 2017 when student Luke Jones was diagnosed. Described by friends and family as dedicated, loyal, unselfish, and compassionate, Luke's impact on those around him was immeasurable. To honor his memory and the lives he touched, all proceeds from the night’s concession stand were donated to the Live Like Luke Scholarship Fund. This scholarship, awarded annually, recognizes one senior boy and one senior girl from Sullivan High School who exemplify Luke's admirable qualities.
Riley has been meeting the needs of the children of the state of Indiana and those of Sullivan County for many years, whether it is for treating life-threatening illnesses or a consult to diagnose and treat those things that require special knowledge and expertise because the patient is a child. The unwavering commitment of the community towards fundraising efforts has helped ensure that children receive the care they need and deserve in an atmosphere that also allows them to live the life of a child as much as possible.
Over the years, the Sullivan High School volleyball teams have raised over $71,000 through the King of the Court Campaign. This event has been instrumental in supporting the vital work of Riley Children's Hospital and the Live Like Luke Scholarship, making a tangible difference in the lives of numerous children and their families. After the final dollars were tallied, the students and community stood united, proud of their collective impact. Together, they epitomize the power of compassion and demonstrate dedication to improving the lives of children in need.
This year’s candidates were:
Freshman Jaxon Zollman
Freshman Hayden Weitekamp
Sophomore Carter Mischler
Sophomore Ty Hamilton
Junior Jayden Scott
Junior Brady Drury
Senior Houston Ferree
Senior Ryder Pinkston
Senior Hunter Pirtle
Senior Ben McKinley
Together, these young men raised a total of $15,607, which brings the total since 2001 to almost $87,000. Concession sales and Miracle-Minute Funds raised an additional $950, donated to the Live Like Luke Scholarship Fund.
Candidates raising over $1,000:
Jaxon Zollman
Ty Hamilton
Jaden Scott
Ryder Pinkston
Ben McKinley
3rd place raising $2250 - Jaxon Zollman
2nd place raising $3112 - Ryder Pinkston
This year’s winner crowned King of the Court was Ben McKinley, who raised $3,716.