Emily Hower, of Elevatus Architecture, presented updated renderings of the Milford School project. The Milford School project is one of two projects underway within the Wawasee Community School Corporation. Photo by Marissa Sweatland.

By Marissa Sweatland
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Emily Hower, of Elevatus Architecture, came before the Wawasee school board to present updated Milford School renderings. The Milford School project is one of two projects currently underway within the Wawasee Community School Corporation. The other project is constructing a performing arts center at Wawasee High School, which began construction on Monday, June 3.

Hower showed multiple renderings, from the exterior to the cafeteria to the gymnasium.

“There is not a whole lot to say, we are just so excited to show you these updated renderings!” Hower told the board.

Since the project is nearing the end of its design phase, the next step in the project is to open the floor for bids. Once bids are sent, publicly opened and then accepted by the board then construction can begin.

Hower predicts by end of the week, MKS will have the final drawings. The bid opening will shortly follow the approval of final drawings.

“One year ago this month, the board approved the hiring of our architects and construction managers for our two big projects,” Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer said. “It’s been a packed year of stakeholder input, of design meetings and collaborative sessions between different groups of people. It has been a really cool process to walk through the last year.”

The board approved a memorandum of understanding between the school corporation and the Kosciusko County Health Department to create the Kosciusko Health First Indiana Program. The grant of $49,500 will allow the school corporation to provide two projects: tobacco and vaping prevention and chronic disease prevention, primarily obesity.

The tobacco and vaping prevention program will be a collaborative project with McMillen Health. McMillen Health is recognized as the number one resource for health education in Northeast Indiana. The program would begin in the fall 2024 and would be geared toward fourth and fifth grade students. Currently, the corporation does not have a tobacco and vaping prevention and cessation program in place for this age of students.

Once students complete the program, they should be able to identify three things all vaping devices have in common, define addiction, describe at least two negative consequences of addiction, demonstrate at least one self-regulation strategy to handle stress and identify at least two tricks that peers can use to pressure an individual.

The chronic disease prevention program will be a collaborative effort with Wawasee’s FFA organization as well with CTE agricultural department students. This program will allow students to experience learning in a different way, understand how our food is grown and learn healthy eating practices.

Students will utilize a hydroponic growing system so students can grow leafy greens and herbs inside their classroom. Hydroponics is a versatile tool that peaks the interest of students, encourages involvement, and amplifies the teaching of not only a wide variety of school topics but also real-world skills. This program will benefit middle and high school students, starting in the fall of 2024.

The Wawasee school board honored two student athletes who placed at the IHSAA State Finals. Isabela Schwartz placed 24th in the 100 hurdles. Emma Yoder placed third in discus throw. Pictured from left is Don Bokhart, Mike Wilson, Schwartz, Andy Cripe, Neil Likens and Dr. Steve Troyer. Photo by Marissa Sweatland.

The board approved multiple 1-year addition to certified and non-certified administrative contracts, including: Dr. Shelly Wilfong, assistant superintendent; Jennifer Phillips, director of special services; Emily Worrell, director of communications and marketing; John Snyder, Wawasee High School assistant principal; Steve Perek, Wawasee High School assistant principal; Jon Everingham, Wawasee Area Career Cooperative director; Brent Doty, Wawasee High School athletic director; Michael Casey, Milford School principal; Lee Snider, North Webster Elementary principal; Brent Berkeypile, Wawasee Middle School principal; Wade Wirebaugh, director of technology and Brandon Kiser, director of facilities.

During Good News, the school board honored two staff members who are retiring.

The Wawasee school board honored two teachers at its regular June meeting, Carol Speicher and Paula Fiscus. Pictured from left is Don Bokhart, Mike Wilson, Andy Cripe, Speicher, Fiscus, Dr. Steve Troyer and Neil Likens. Photo by Marissa Sweatland.

Carol Speicher worked for the corporation for 28 years, serving as Milford and Wawasee Community Schools administrative assistant.

Paula Fiscus worked as a Wawasee Community School teacher and instructional support specialist for 31 years.

Additionally, the school board honored two students who competed in the IHSAA State Finals. Isabela Schwartz, a Wawasee junior, placed 24th in the 100 hurdles. Emma Yoder finished out her Warrior career with placing third at discus throw.

Numerous donations were made to North Webster Elementary and Wawasee High School. Sandra Weaver donated $250 for North Webster student’s needs. Zoo Day field trip donations included $100 from Metcalf, Payne and Bell; $100 from ProWake, LLC; $100 from Davidsen’s Pier Service; $100 from Jeffrey and Michelle Helfers; $100 from Sue’s Creations and $100 from an anonymous donor.

The Wawasee Super Mileage Team received a $100 donation from Absolutely Apparel and Gifts and $110 from an anonymous donor.

Wawasee FFA received $500 from Maple Leaf Farms; $500 from Schlipf Precision Ag Inc. and $1,400 from Knights of Columbus Council #6323.

The Knights of Columbus Council #6323 also donated $850 to the tennis team, $1,400 to the Wawasee High School band and $950 to the baseball team.

Robert Ragland donated $1,000 to the Wawasee High School music scholarship.

As the last item on the agenda, the board approved two over night trips that will take place in July. The Wawasee football team will be participating in an overnight summer camp on Manchester University’s campus July 19-21.

The Wawasee High School DECA will attend the DECA Emerging Leader Summit July 12-15 in Nashville, Tenn.

The next Wawasee school board meeting will be 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 in the Professional Learning Center, 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse.