Whitko School Board Focuses On Start Of School Discussion
LARWILL — Whitko School Corporation’s principals and department heads discussed the start of the school year and routines at the Whitko School Board meeting Monday, Aug. 19.
During her report, Pierceton Elementary School Principal Michele Smith addressed board members about the school’s new arrival procedure.
“Students enter the building at 7:45 a.m. and go either to breakfast or to the gym and sit by class,” said Smith. “I’ve had some good feedback on that and I think we’re seeing better entry into classrooms that way.”
South Whitley Elementary School Principal Bryan Emmert announced in his report that a rabbit habitat is being installed at the school’s courtyard.
“There will be two male rabbits coming in a couple weeks,” said Emmert. “We’re very excited about this.”
In his report to the school board, Whitko Jr./Sr. High School Principal Jake Everett focused on passion and energy.
“Back to school night was an exciting time,” said Everett. “And I think the biggest change that I’ve heard the most about is the passion in morning announcements. The first day of school, I jumped on there and I was just excited and ready to go. I know I shocked the front office staff with that enthusiasm.”
Whitko Transportation Director Jim Bumbaugh delivered a report on the corporation’s transportation department.
“I appreciate all the hard work all the bus drivers and transportation staff did the first couple days of school,” said Bumbaugh. “It was very exceptional. Over the summer, we also changed bus numbers. We changed from a number and letter combination to strictly numbers. We’ve seen a lot of good feedback on that from the community and parents.”
Athletic Director Josh Mohr talked about short-term facility improvement projects and also discussed the Whitko Athletic Leadership Academy, which was implemented in 2018.
“This is to teach leadership skills to student athletes,” said Mohr. “We want to try and develop those skills and give those kids the courage and confidence to apply them.”
Last year, 12 students took a seven-week course with Mohr and completed the Leadership Academy program.
Superintendent Dr. Brandon Penrod also remarked on the start of the school year.
“We’re eight days in and I’ve heard this many times,” said Penrod. “This was a very smooth start to the school year. I really commend everyone in the buildings and corporation who made that happen.”
The WJSH boys’ tennis team is also hosting an apparel sale fundraiser through Aug. 26. All proceeds will help the team update equipment. The community can contact any team members or Coach Victoria Cornell to make purchases.
The board’s next meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16.