I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Test Scores Increase 2

Hailmann Title I Distinguished School

3

Rick Wormeli Presents to Staff Members

4

Bill Wilmsen Travels to China

5

Homecoming Tailgate Party Successful

5

La Porte High School Implements New Programs

6-7

New Technology at Elementary Schools

7

Crichfield Implements Junior Achievement Program

8

Dig Pink a Success 9

School Closings Or Delays

10

Employment Information

10

2009-2010 School Calendar

11

Contact Information 12

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9 V O L U M E 5 , I S S U E 2 November 2009 Volume 5, Issue 2

Dr. Judith DeMuth

Mission Statement

The La Porte Community Schools will be recognized among Indiana’s highest achieving corporations by ensuring that all students reach their maximum academic potential, working in partnership with parents and the community to become productive and

responsible citizens who are successful in a competitive global world.

Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s), Please know that the safety of each and every one of our students and staff members is of the highest priority during this flu season. The La Porte County Health Department continues to disseminate the vaccine for flu shots and will inform school personnel when there is vaccine available at specific sites to provide the flu shots. The Health Department determines which schools will be vaccinated and on what days. The La Porte County Health Department’s plan is to dispense the vaccine to students at all La Porte Community Schools at no charge; however, the La Porte County Health Department will not vaccinate any student without a fully completed and signed consent form. Therefore, a permission slip to allow or not allow the La Porte County Health Department nursing staff to provide free H1N1 vaccinations to your child at school is available on the school corporation’s website at www.lpcsc.k12.in.us. Additional H1N1 informational documents have also been placed on the LPCSC website for your review if you so choose. Two of our elementary schools, Handley and Lincoln, were identified by the La Porte County Health Department as vaccination sites thus far. Schedules for the vaccinations will be sent home with your child and placed on the website upon their receipt from the La Porte County Health Department. Cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza infections continued to occur in the United States and around the world. Younger persons are at increased risk of infection. Based on this data, the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that children and young adults aged 6 months through 24 years be vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 as soon as the vaccine is available. It is possible that two doses of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be required for children to benefit fully from this vaccine. Please note, this is a different vaccine from the seasonal flu. Our students, who are in high-risk target groups identified by the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, are recommended to receive the H1N1 vaccine in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine. For additional information, please check the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov or email the La Porte County Health Department at H1N1@laportecounty.org.

Thank you for your patience in this matter and following

the CDC recommendations to keep all of our students and staff safe.

Educational Services Center 1921 A Street La Porte, Indiana 46350

Phone: 219-362-7056 FAX: 219-324-9347

Superintendent: Dr. Judith A. DeMuth Associate Superintendent: Dr. Dennis K. Shawver

Assistant Superintendent: Mr. Jim Dermody

P A G E 2

71%

54%

75%62%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

4TH GRADE 6TH GRADE

ISTEP+ SPRING 2009Science

60% 58%69% 70%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

5TH GRADE 7TH GRADE

ISTEP+ SPRING 2009Social Studies

               State Results                 La Porte Community School                 Corporation Results

72% 70%76% 73%

68% 67%

79%84% 87%

77% 76% 76%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

Spring 2009 ISTEP+Math

74% 73% 70% 69% 67% 65%

80% 80% 80%72% 74%

77%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

Spring 2009 ISTEP+English/Language Arts

48%

91%

0%

50%

100%

DIBELSLaPorte

Kindergarten Test Results

SEPTEMBER  2008

MAY 2009

Pathway to the Future

P A G E 3

061218243036

ENGLISH MATH READING SCIENCE

20.6

21.0

21.4

20.9

21.6

22.4

22.6

21.6

21.6

21.8

21.9

21.6

ACTNATIONAL STATE LPHS

0

200

400

600

800

READING MATH WRITING

501

515

493

496

507

480

491

509

478

SATNATIONAL STATE LPHS

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

ALGEBRA I  BIOLOGY I ENGLISH 11

41% 50% 61%

44% 54%

69%

ECA STATE LPHS

  

     

  

The Distinguished Schools award is to recognize and honor Title I schools that make adequate yearly progress two or more consecutive years or make the greatest gains in closing the achievement gap.  The award also identifies Title l schools, like Hailmann Elementary School, that are models of best practices for schools of similar demographics identified for school improvement.  Hailmann was one of eight elementary schools 

recognized by the Indiana Department of Education.  

The ACT is offered three times in four subject areas along with a writing component. The SAT is offered three times in two subject areas and a writing component. The End of Course Assessments (ECA’s) are offered at the end of the following courses: Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology, and English 10.

P A G E 4

One of the first Nationally Board Certified teachers in America, Mr. Rick Wormeli brings innovation, energy, validity, and high standards to both his presentations and his instructional practice, which includes more than twenty-five years teaching math, science, English, physical education, health, and history, and coaching teachers. Mr. Wormeli’s work has been reported in numerous media, including ABC’s Good Morning America, Hardball with Chris Matthews, National Geographic and Good Housekeeping magazines, What Matters Most: Teaching for the 21st Century, and the Washington Post.

With his substantive presentations, sense of humor, and unconventional approaches; he’s been asked to present to teachers and administrators in all 50 states, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Australia, the Middle East, and at the White House. He is a seasoned veteran of many international Web casts, and he is Disney’s American Teacher Awards 1996 Outstanding English Teacher of the Nation. He won the 2008 James P. Garvin award from the New England League of Middle Schools for Teaching Excellence, Service, and Leadership, and he has been a consultant for National Public Radio, USA Today,

Court TV, and the Smithsonian Institution’s Natural Partners Program and their search for the Giant Squid. During the October Full Day In-service, Mr. Wormeli presented to La Porte Community School Corporation staff members on the topic of “What role does summarization play in a differentiated classroom?”

The American Red Cross will be working with our schools to host blood drives at La Porte High School during 2010.

The middle and high school levels will host a blood drive on January 15, 2010 and the elementary and high school levels will host one on May 21, 2010. More details will be released after the first of the year.

P A G E 5

Mr. Bill Wilmsen, Kesling Middle School Principal, will be participating in the US-China

Administrator Shadowing Project during the 2009-2010 school year. The U.S.-China Principal Shadowing Project (PSP) provides a unique opportunity for school administrators (Superintendents and Principals) to learn about and observe one another's educational systems close up. Each October Principals from China visit schools in the United States. After attending lectures on American education at universities, schools, and departments of education, they shadow partner Principals or Superintendents on the job, live with a host family, visit classes, and participate in a variety of school and community events. American administrators reunite with their counterparts in China in April for comparable parallel experiences. The U.S.-China Principal Shadowing Project is co-sponsored by the China Exchange Initiative (CEI) and the China Education Association for International Exchanges (CEAIE) of China's Ministry of Education. To date, CEI has sponsored PSPs in Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts and Oklahoma. Mr. Zhendong Guan, Principal at Shenyang No. 107 Middle School, visited La Porte November 15-20, 2009 and Mr. Wilmsen will travel to China April 12-25, 2010 to visit their school.

Bill Wilmsen to Participate in US-China Shadowing Program

La Porte EducationAL Development Foundation Homecoming Tailgate Party A SUCCESS!

Cloudy skies and cold winds did not deter the many Slicer fans who arrived early for the Homecoming Football game on Friday, October 9th. Those who braved the elements were treated to hot-off-the grill burgers, brats, and hot dogs as part of the La Porte Educational Development Foundation (LEDF) annual Homecoming Tailgate Party. The LEDF Tailgate Party took place before La Porte High School’s Homecoming Game in the parking lot at Kiwanis Field Stadium. “It was wonderful to see so many people still come out for the Tailgate Party even though the weather was not as nice as in year’s past,” said event co-chair, Linda Wiltfong. In addition to enjoying traditional tailgate fare of hotdogs, brats and burgers, event goers had the

opportunity to take their chances at various carnival games including the dunk tank and little kids bounced to their hearts-delight on the moonwalk. Special guests included the La Porte High School Homecoming candidates for King and Queen, and several of the La Porte High School Cheerleading Squad. “It’s a true family atmosphere, and a great way to get the family together before the game,” said Wiltfong. “In addition, the Homecoming Tailgate is our biggest fundraising project. Proceeds from the Tailgate help us fund other projects such as teacher grants, teacher and staff appreciation and hopefully soon, scholarships for local students.” The La Porte Educational Development Foundation was formed in 1992 in an effort to help increase the resources and relationships for those in La Porte’s educational community. The stated mission of LEDF is to provide opportunities for La Porte educators to develop and implement ideas that enhance learning opportunities for students. Working in partnership with the La Porte Community School Corporation, the LEDF participates in a number of ways to recognize, support and develop the teachers and students of the La Porte Community Schools.

For more information on or ways to support the La Porte Educational Development Foundation visit www.lpcsc.k12.in.us 

P A G E 6

La Porte High School English Classrooms Go Wireless

The 2009-2010 La Porte High School English classes are using traditional teaching methods but in a non-traditional fashion. Students have access to individual classroom workstations via wireless laptop computers. The laptops were purchased as result of receiving a grant from the Indiana Department of Education through the Office of Learning Technologies. Using these new laptop workstations, teachers have seen an increase in student interest and an increase of completed assignments. Students have used the Dell laptops to create multimedia presentations using Power Point, Microsoft Word, and Windows Movie Maker. The use of the wireless computers has enabled the classes to move at a faster pace while keeping students on task. Gary Bates, from the Indiana Department of Education, made a visit to LPHS English classrooms early in October. He was very impressed at how far our English Department has come in such a short time, working with the new wireless computer workstations. Mr. Bates enjoyed observing the students researching topics and composing papers while using the wireless computers directly within their classroom walls. Although still working out some kinks, the overall experience thus far with the wireless classroom has been both rewarding and positive. A La Porte High School student who uses the wireless classroom stated “I like using the computer much better than using a pen and paper. I feel more comfortable and think I write better when I am using the computer.”

La Porte High School Students “Get Back On Track”

The New Credit Recovery Lab program is helping students to “Get Back On Track” with their high school education. Also called G-BOT for short, this program which is being funded with federal stimulus funds, allows students to make up credits after school two days a week. Program components include: coaching of all participants, close collaboration with Juvenile Service Center (Crowley), credit recovery for all participants, positive adult relationship, student advocacy with teachers, parental involvement, and career exploration. Classes in the G-BOT program use Epic software and give students the opportunity to view video lectures and demonstrations, complete assignments, and take quizzes and exams. Students work individually, on their own time, and at their on pace without having to keep up with a class. Students participate in the program on Tuesday and Thursday each week from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Big Screens at La Porte High School

At the start of the 2009-2010 school year students walked into La Porte High School’s large commons area to find a large screen television blurting out the latest news issues. In addition to the large screen television in the large commons, there is also one in the cafeteria. Whether students are gathered in the large commons or eating lunch, the latest CNN news topics or ESPN updates are available to them. In most cases, students cannot hear the reported news but do spend time reading the “bottom line”. A student from “C” lunch stated, “We can’t really hear what they are saying but we read the bottom line most of the time anyway.” “Watching the highlights makes our lunch go a little faster,” said another “B” lunch student.

P A G E 7

Students in Mr. Dan Jeffer’s Government class at La Porte High School were present when the Indiana Court of Appeals held oral arguments in a pending case on November 9, 2009 at Michigan City High School. In addition to hearing oral arguments at the State House in Indianapolis, the Court of Appeals hears several oral arguments each year at locations around the State to enable Hoosiers to learn about the judicial branch through their program called “Appeals on Wheels”.

Lincoln Elementary School received a Smart Table, an innovative tool for the younger students, for the 2009-2010 school year. It is small in size and has a touch screen for interactive small-group instruction. The Smart Table reinforces skills such as word recognition, vocabulary and also engages students in content area instruction of social studies and science.

Riley Elementary School Title I students, in grades 3-5, utilize the SMART Board for their group instruction in lessons in Study Island. Study Island is an integrated learning software package that can be used for Language Arts, Math, and the content areas.

Hailmann Elementary School has been very fortunate to receive a wireless mobile lab purchased for their Title I students this year. The mobile lab is housed in the Title I resource room and utilized every day by Title I students and staff in a variety of ways. Staff members instruct students with Study Island and Education City lessons in math and reading. In addition to these programs, time is spent supervising students with Reading Renaissance. The Smart Table is programmed with numerous math and reading skill activities to focus on specific academic needs for students.

P A G E 8

Crichfield Elementary School staff members are excited about the implementation of the Junior Achievement Program at their school. Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. The program will be implemented in grades 1-3. Volunteer led sessions will be conducted from October 26th through November 30th with

each session lasting 30 minutes. First-grade students will focus on the Our Families® lesson, which emphasizes the roles people play in the local economy and engages students with activities about needs, wants, jobs, tools and skills, and interdependence. The Our Families® lesson enhances students’ learning of the following concepts and skills:

♦Concepts: Business, Choices, Consumers, Economic institutions, Employment, Family, Incentives, Income, Interdependence, Jobs, Needs, Resources, Scarcity, Skills, Tools, Voluntary exchange, Wants, and Work. ♦Skills: Analyzing information, Decision-making, Differentiating, Drawing, Following directions, Interpreting symbols, Listening responsively, Making observations, Map reading, Matching, and Teamwork.

Second-grade students will study the Our Community® lesson, which explores the interdependent roles of workers in a community, the work they perform, and how communities work. Students will learn the following concepts and skills during the Our Community® lesson:

♦Concepts: Banking, Business, Choices, Circular flow of money, Community, Division of labor, Economic institutions, Goods, Government, Incentives, Interdependence, Jobs, Money, Productivity, and Taxes. ♦Skills: Comparing, Critical thinking, Decision-making, Identifying choices, Listening responsively, Making observations, Matching, Problem-solving, Role-playing, and Teamwork.

Third-grade students will experience the Our City® lesson, which studies careers, the skills people need to work in specific careers, and how businesses contribute to a city. The Our City® lesson will focus on the following concepts and skills:

♦Concepts: Banking, Business, Careers, City, Consumer, Economic institutions, Entrepreneur, Incentives, Income, Jobs, Money, Producers, Quality, Resources, Skills, Specialization, Zones. ♦Skills: Applying information, Conducting research, Decision-making, Filling out forms, Interpreting directions, Map reading, Math computations, News writing, Role-playing, Teamwork.

Junior Achievement Implemented at Crichfield Elementary School

P A G E 9

On Saturday, October 10, 2009 the La Porte High School Volleyball team and coach Marybeth Lebo took part in the second annual Dig Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Volleyball Tournament at La Porte High School. Participating teams included Bishop Dwenger, Carroll, Concordia Lutheran, Elkhart Memorial, La Porte, Marion, McCutcheon, Michigan City, Mishawaka, Munster, Roncalli, and Valparaiso.

The La Porte High School volleyball team and Coach Marybeth Lebo are proud to be a part of the Side-Out Foundation and Dig Pink campaign. The nonprofit’s motto is, “Fighting for a cure through the sport of volleyball.” Since education is key to increasing awareness and knowledge about breast cancer, Awareness Rallies are held at hundreds of high school and college volleyball matches across the country in October. The purpose is to help educate and raise funds to make a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer.

Coach Lebo makes a grand day of the Dig Pink event by planning many events. “We are better people when we give back,” she said. “I want the girls on the volleyball team to understand the many ways a person can be involved in a community and impact others. We need to think outside of ourselves.”

Upon entering the La Porte High School lobby, guests saw the Dig Pink apparel shop and the Pink Candyland Shop. Local sponsors also offered specials with proceeds going to Dig Pink.

Breast cancer survivors from the hometowns of all 12 teams participated in Dig Pink’s opening ceremony. La Portean Marion Passafume was the

featured speaker. After the opening ceremony, people were able to walk down the Wall of Honor where they were able to write tributes and share thoughts.

P A G E 10

Employment Opportunities La Porte Community School Corporation is always looking for talented people to work in various jobs that keep our schools running. Job openings are posted on the corporation website at www.lpcsc.k12.in.us and remain posted until the position is filled. Prospective employees should complete an online application located on the Career Opportunities page. Resumes, transcripts, licenses, or reference materials may also be electronically attached to the on-line application. Completed forms are retained in the system for one year. Anyone interested in substitute teaching should pick up an application packet at the Educational Services Center. Interest in positions and online applications are provided to the Principal or Department Director who screens the applications and resumes and conducts the interviews. Once a candidate is selected, they are recommended to the Assistant Superintendent and a criminal background check is conducted. It is the policy of this school corporation that no person shall be excluded from participation in the educational programs, activities, instructional opportunities, or facilities of the La Porte Community School Corporation or denied the benefits of or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or handicapping condition including limited English proficiency.

Radio Stations: La Porte - 1540 AM & 96.7 FM Michigan City - 1420 AM & 95.9 FM Knox - 99.3 FM Valparaiso - 1500 AM & 105 FM

Television: WNDU 16, WSBT 22, WSJV 28, and Merrillville Lakeshore Public TV Channel 96 on Comcast Cable

Website: www.lpcsc.k12.in.us Check out the “stop light” on the right side of our homepage – green, school is in session; yellow, school has been delayed; and red, school has been closed. The website is updated as soon as a decision has been made regarding weather conditions.

Again this year, all students, staff, and community members may receive important information pertaining to emergencies, school delays, dismissals, and closings sent directly to their cell phone, wireless PDA, pager, or e-mail through the LPCSC@lert program.

Anyone interested in learning more about this process is encouraged to visit the corporation’s website at www.lpcsc.k12.in.us and look for the LPCSC@lert link located along the left column of the home page.

Signing up is easy, just complete the simple 2-step process and make sure that the “Please add me to the LPCSC@lert Group” box is checked before clicking the submit button.

July-09 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

August S M T W T F S 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

September S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

October S M T W T F S 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

November S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

December S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

January-10 S M T W T F S 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

February S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

March S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

April S M T W T F S 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

May S M T W T F S 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

June S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

LaPorte Community School Corporation 2009-2010

Aug. 18 - First Teacher Day Dec. 21 - Jan 1 - No School - Winter Break April 5 - 9 - No School - Spring Break Aug. 19 - First Student Day Jan. 15 - Last Day of First Semester May 7 - No School (Snow Make-Up Day) Sept. 7 - No School - Labor Day Jan. 18 - No School - Martin Luther King Day May 31 - No School - Memorial Day Oct. 1 - No Students - Staff In-Service (Snow Make-Up Day) June 3 - Last Student Day (Snow Make-Up Day) Oct. 22 - No Students - P/T Conferences Feb. 15 - No School - President's Day June 4 - Last Student or Teacher Day Oct. 23 - No School (Snow Make-Up Day) (Dependent on 6/3) Nov. 26 & 27 - No School - Thanksgiving Mar. 12 - No School (Snow Make-Up Day) June 6 - Graduation Day April 2 - No School (Good Friday) June 7 - Last Teacher Day (Dependent on 6/3)

P A G E 11

Dr. Judith A. DeMuth Superintendent jdemuth@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-7056

Dr. Dennis Shawver Associate Superintendent dshawver@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-7056

Mr. Jim Dermody Assistant Superintendent jidermody@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-7056

Mr. Rande Thorpe Business Manager rthorpe@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-7056

Ms. Patty Steele Coord. of Inst. Programs & Assessment psteele@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-7056

Mr. Rich Stalbrink Director of Transportation rstalbrink@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-1023

Mrs. Judy Keim Director of Food Service jkeim@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-8823

Mrs. Paula Nichols Director of Special Education pnichols@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-324-3287

Mrs. Gloria Ballard Director of Technology gballard@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-324-0880

Mr. Marc Cizewski Director of Support Services mcizewski@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-7145

Mrs. Shelley Ludlow Director of Child Care sludlow@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-326-0281

Mrs. Linda Wiltfong Crichfield School Principal lwiltfong@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-2020

Mrs. Denise Sanders Hailmann School Principal dsanders@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-2080

Mrs. Dottie Davis Handley School Principal ddavis@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-2561

Mrs. Kim Rehlander Indian Trail School Principal krehlander@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-369-9016

Mr. Greg Hunt Kingsbury School Principal ghunt@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-1823

Mrs. Marcia Alexander Kingsford Heights School Principal malexander@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-393-3116

Mrs. Diane Szynal Lincoln School Principal dszynal@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-3755

Mr. Steve Manering Riley School Principal smanering@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-3235

Mr. Dave Birkholz Boston Middle School Principal dbirkholz@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-326-6930

Mr. Bill Wilmsen Kesling Middle School Principal bwilmsen@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-7507

Mr. Greg Handel La Porte High School Principal ghandel@lpcsc.k12.in.us 219-362-3102

We invite you to use the following contact information should you have any questions or concerns.

Board of School Trustees Mr. Adam Schoff, President

Mr. Mitch Feikes, Vice-President

Mrs. Rhonda Spence, Secretary

Mrs. Carol Bigg, Member

Mrs. Ketra Bolster, Member

Mr. Ron Gigliotti, Member

Mrs. Mary McDermott, Member

La Porte Community

School Corporation 1921 “A” Street

La Porte, IN 46350

Phone: 219-362-7056

Superintendent Fax: 219-324-9347

Human Resources Fax: 219-362-4950

Business Fax: 219-324-1398

Visit our website at www.lpcsc.k12.in.us

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