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Consolidated
Learning abounds in many places at Sugar Creek Consolidated. The fourth graders have gained significant insights during their educational trip to Fowler Park. Volunteers from the community enabled the children to experience various aspects of pioneer life such as spinning/weaving, hide tanning, the smokehouse, the blacksmith, carpentry, the general store, the schoolhouse, pioneer games, and pioneer music. We are most appreciative of the time and talent that these community members contributed to make this worthwhile trip possible!
Consolidated Anchors gathered near the stage at the beginning of the month to join Mrs. Jones’ class in singing grammar jingles. The students will gather again as Mrs. Stuckey’s class presents Goose Rhymes and Readers’ Theater. The combination of music and humorous interpretation engage learners of all age groups. Many students are also involved in after school activities which include, Zumba, (Spelling) Bee Club, and Math Remediation. Our Student Council members have been selected and are gearing up for another positive year. The representatives include the following: Natalie Mauk, Logan Lemon, Hannah Davidson, Ashley Carter, Sean Beaver, Jacob Rohrbach, Katie Holvey, Shelby Joy, Rhyan Winkler, Gracie Renfro, Briana Gard, and Kelsey Farris. Mrs. Monica Tener-Smith and Mrs. Robbie Tribby are sponsors for the council.
October has been a month filled with a variety of safety programs. The Vigo County Health Department set up the “Hand Washing Tent” to remind students of the importance that this habit plays in preventing the spread of germs. The awareness and frequent practice can make the difference with the threat of seasonal and H1N1 influenzas.
The volunteer firefighters from Sugar Creek reviewed fire safety rules with all classes. They also informed students of the educational background required of firefighters. The children also benefited from instructions regarding the use of the various types of equipment. During School Safety Week several drills were practiced to insure all students’ safety should a crisis occur. Officer Trevarthan visited the schools and met with the students to recall Halloween safety guidelines.
Our school’s annual fall carnival was held on Friday, October 23rd. In addition to the traditional activities, a Hoosier Blood Drive was added this year. Thanks to the Indiana Blood Center and adults from our community we were able to donate to this worthy cause. We are grateful for the parents who organized this successful event.
We look forward to the Scholastic Book Fair from Friday, November 6th through Thursday, November 12th. This event will be held again in conjunction with our request for nonperishable food items for our Thanksgiving baskets. For each item that a child donates, he/she may enter their name in a prize drawing for a new book or poster. Nonperishable food will be collected through the 20th. Prize drawings will be held on November 23rd. Once again our generous community support is appreciated.
The experience of interactive learning, the inspiration of fellow students, the timeless effort of parents, and the influence of community volunteers have a profound impact on our students. Some of life’s best opportunities are happening here!
— Tammie Fenoglio and Suzanne Jones
Davis Park
The fourth grade classes at Davis Park just horsed around during the week of October 19 - 23. Yep partners, that’s right, we enjoyed our Cowboy/Western Unit.
The boys and girls learned in Mrs. Pickard’s groups how to make Cowboy Glyphs to gather and interpret information. Each student then assembled their own Cowboy Buckar00.
Miss Ballman, our media specialist, lassoed the students into traveling West in a covered wagon. They learned what life was like on the trail and what supplies they needed to pack. The weight of all their gear was very important so that the wagons were not overloaded. Miss Ballman also provided each student with an activity booklet about cowboys/cowgirls. Wanted Posters of each student and their decorated Stetsons were displayed in the hallways too.
Both classes learned all about the necessities a cowhand and his horse would need to be out on the open range herding cattle in Mrs. Robertson’s groups. Chaps, hats, saddles, piggin’ string, metal coffee pot and plates, snippers, saddle bags, lariat, and spurs (plus much more) were brought to the classroom and demonstrated. Wow! It was really loud cracking a bullwhip. Trying on all the western gear was a hoot too!
All three special area teachers got in on the round-up. Mr. Frisz, our P.E. teacher, had the classes involved in the simulation of hay stacking, horse shoe tossing, fence building, creating their own brand, saddling a horse, and calf roping. Mrs. Ellison, our Music teacher, sang such songs as “Clementine”, “Sweet Betsy from Pike”, “Home on the Range”, “Oh Susanna”, and “Girl I Left Behind”. Our Art teacher, Ms. Allen, had the boys and girls design their own pair of 6 inch cowboy boots after reading to them Armadillo Rodeo by Jan Brett Next they made their boot using air dry clay which will then become a boot paper weight or a boot magnet.
We can’t forget our cafeteria wranglers. They served up, in chuckwagon style, grub fit for any cowpoke: beefstew, biscuits, corn on the cob, apple pie, an apple, and of course a drink, all served in a pie pan. Even our cafeteria turned into a real ranch operation.
One of our culminating activity was when Mrs. Robertson brought 2 of her horses to school. All the little muttin busters got to see a cowpony in action. Not only did they all get to pet the horses, but they also got to ride them.
All in all we had a rootin’ tootin’, rip roarin’ good time. YEE HAW!!
— School staff
DeVaney
The school staff will be hosting our Annual Title I meeting on November 12, 2009, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Information will be shared regarding Title I services and families will be invited to participate in literacy focused activities. Family members will participate in taking a Reading Counts quiz, sight word bingo, and an activity using literacy strategies to improve comprehension. The purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity for parents and guardians to learn how to better assist their children using a variety of strategies.
We are pleased to have two DeVaney parents, Mrs. Stacey Utterback and Mrs. Robyn Duncan, serving on the Parent Advisory Council for Title I and the Vigo County School Corporation. These two ladies will participate in corporation sponsored meetings and share information, ideas, etc, with DeVaney families.
Each year the school staff creates a school plan to help guide instruction for the following year. Data is gathered from ISTEP+ and corporation assessments to help formulate this plan. Key errors are identified and research based strategies are implemented to assist students in becoming more proficient. The Schoolwide Plan is available in the principal’s office for families to view.
On October 30, Parent compacts and the parent policy were sent home in report cards. We encourage all parents to carefully read both of these and return the signed compact to the classroom teachers. This compact is an agreement between the student, parents and the school staff to make student learning a priority.
DeVaney Elementary School is a Title I school committed to ensuring that all students can read, write and learn at a high level. Today’s students are the leaders of the future.
The DeVaney Student Council recently sponsored a Penny War to raise money for Riley Hospital for Children. We are pleased to report that DeVaney students raised nearly $1400 dollars for this great facility. A special thank you goes out to Jane Nelson from Sam’s Club for her assistance with this project.
— Mrs. Liebermann
Dixie Bee
The beginning of the fall season is often a time of enjoyment for many Hoosier families. The world outside begins to change colors from luscious greens to deep burgundies, oranges, and browns. The air turns cool and crisp; it entices many to step outside and light campfires or gather together at festivals.
This is no less true for the many students at Dixie Bee Elementary. In particular, the first grade classes recently had the opportunity to participate in a gathering of their own. The annual “Reading in Disguise” night took place on October 2nd. This is a costume party designed to celebrate literacy and offer an opportunity for students and parents to explore various activities for beginning readers. The evening started with fun family pictures and then flowed into 3 literacy stations. Students rotated through these teacher-directed stations which focused on sight word recognition, sentence structure, and word guessing. They then all gathered in the gymnasium for a teamwork exercise that involved finding all pieces to a seasonal picture and putting it together. What fun they had racing around to find their teammates!
Finally, an ooey gooey science activity was held in the courtyard, orchestrated by the mastermind of the evening, first grader teacher Todd Warren. The end of the evening was topped off with pizza and goody bags for all who participated. This was truly an enjoyable evening for students. It was not only an opportunity to enjoy dressing like favorite superheroes, scarecrows, princesses, etc., but also a wonderful way to remind children of the joys of reading and working together!
— Julie Wheaton, 1st Grade Teacher
Dixie Bee Elementary will be celebrating our Veterans’ Program on Tuesday November the tenth, at 1:35 p.m. in the gymnasium. Students have been inviting parents, grandparents and friends to attend. We wish to honor our military heroes that have served our country and have fought for freedom. Thank you notes are being written and sent, to let them know how much we appreciate their support for our country.
The third grade classes have written about what it means to be a hero. Many students have written about a special person they know that is a hero to them. Some have described heroic acts that they have done for others. Our walls are covered in patriotic colors to show support.
We should all remember to stop more than just once a year to thank these men and women who give their lives in order to defend our country. They are called Veterans; we at Dixie Bee call them heroes.
— Michelle Sullivan
Farrington Grove
The No Bullies Club is off and running at Farrington Grove Elementary School. Fourth and fifth graders are nominated by their teachers to be in the club which meets on the first Wednesday of each month. We have already completed two projects this year. The first project the No Bullies Club sponsored was a poster contest during Red Ribbon Week. Students were encouraged by the No Bullies Club members to make a poster at home and bring it to school. In addition to sponsoring the poster contest, the No Bullies Club members traced shoes and gave them to each student at our school. The students decorated them and the brightly colored shoes now line our halls. The No Bullies Club members are also sponsoring, “Mix it up at Lunch Day.” They are working on labeling the lunchroom tables with a picture of a face. There are ten different faces which will be put on the tables. The students will be given a smaller version of the face when they enter the cafeteria. The No Bullies Club members will help students find the correct picture and that is where they will sit. Hopefully, students will get the opportunity to sit with a student they might not even know.
— Carol Crain, school
counselor
Fayette
The October nominates for the Mayor’s Character Award program’s character trait of Attentiveness were first graders, Justin Pruitt, Ms. Maher’s class and Morgan Roth, Mrs. Vislosky’s class. Greta Noblitt in Mrs. Nutter’s class and Makayla Wilkinson in Mrs. Wilbur’s class were the 2nd grade nominees. Caitlyn Wyrick and Colton Yates were 3rd graders nominated from Mrs. Laswell’s and Mrs. Leslie’s classrooms. Nominated in the 4th grade were Emily Perrelle in Mrs. Curley’s class and Maddie Brown in Mrs. Kastigar’s class. Nominated from Ms. Dean’s 5th grade class was Carlie Cates and from Mrs. Perrelle’s class was 5th grader Lyndsay Garrett.
Fourth grader, Emily Perrelle, will represent Fayette at the Mayor’s Character Award program reception in November.
During the weeks of October 12th and October 19th, Mrs. Favre, the school counselor, and Mrs. Carpenter, the library media specialist, met with each classroom at Fayette for the school’s annual Red Ribbon program. This program focuses on encouraging students to be drug free as they grow up. The students have an opportunity to discuss the importance of being drug free.
Because literature can model real life skills, this year’s theme was based on the book, by Carol McCloud, HAVE YOU FILLED A BUCKET TODAY? This book helped the children realize that they carry an invisible bucket that can be filled with either good feelings or bad ones. It teaches that everyone is responsible for filling other people’s buckets with good feelings by doing and saying kind and encouraging things. When you are filling someone else’s bucket you are filling your bucket as well. It is the good and kind things that are said and done that help each person to say “No to Drugs.”
The closing activity for each class visit was decorating a bookmark which will remind the students to fill others’ buckets and their own buckets by saying no to drugs.
On Fayette’s Red Ribbon Day the students and staff wore red. Each student received a red chain with red star charm that they can hang on their locker handle to remind them to stay drug free during the coming year. Students also wore a red ribbon and sticker to promote the day. On Red Ribbon day Mrs. Favre and Mrs. Carpenter passed out other special treats in the classrooms.
With some of the older students, Mrs. Favre and Mrs. Carpenter had fun sharing some good memories about some previous Red Ribbon programs and the books that were read to the children.
— Sally Carpenter, Library Media Specialist
Franklin
Congratulations to Franklin Elementary second grader, Skye Bennett for being named October’s Mayor’s Character Award winner. October’s character trait was “attentiveness”. Ms. Newport, Skye’s second grade teacher says “Skye is always very attentive in both the classroom and outside of the classroom. Whenever I am explaining directions or teaching a lesson, Skye always has her eyes on me which shows she is being attentive. I never have to redirect her and I seldom have to repeat directions for Skye because she is always actively listening. Also, when students are lining up in the hall or at recess, Skye is always watching so she knows what the next directions will be. We have had several guest speakers in our classroom this year, and Skye has given her undivided attention to each of them. She is a great role model for her peers and I believe that Skye is well-deserving of this award.”
Other students who were also recognized for the character trait of “attentiveness” during the month of October were: Mason Meeks Johnson, Tanis Lake, Ky Juan Tate, Destiny Stephens, Brooke Griffith, Kyra Stevens, Nick Weir, Sharaya Cook, Hailey Lawrence, Natalie Greenlee, Francesca Fernando, Zach Baldwin, Rebecca Kirmse, Reba Jones, McCartney Johnson and Jillyan Clark.
Congratulations to Mrs. Afdahl’s Flying Aces. They were the first class to build the word TEAMWORK by passing the weekly reading tests with at least 73 percent of the class passing each week.
Congratulations to Franklin Elementary second grader, Skye Bennett for being named October’s Mayor’s Character Award winner. October’s character trait was “attentiveness”. Ms. Newport, Skye’s second grade teacher says “Skye is always very attentive in both the classroom and outside of the classroom. Whenever I am explaining directions or teaching a lesson, Skye always has her eyes on me which shows she is being attentive. I never have to redirect her and I seldom have to repeat directions for Skye because she is always actively listening. Also, when students are lining up in the hall or at recess, Skye is always watching so she knows what the next directions will be. We have had several guest speakers in our classroom this year, and Skye has given her undivided attention to each of them. She is a great role model for her peers and I believe that Skye is well-deserving of this award.”
Other students who were also recognized for the character trait of “attentiveness” during the month of October were: Mason Meeks Johnson, Tanis Lake, Ky Juan Tate, Destiny Stephens, Brooke Griffith, Kyra Stevens, Nick Weir, Sharaya Cook, Hailey Lawrence, Natalie Greenlee, Francesca Fernando, Zach Baldwin, Rebecca Kirmse, Reba Jones, McCartney Johnson and Jillyan Clark.
Congratulations to Mrs. Afdahl’s Flying Aces. They were the first class to build the word TEAMWORK by passing the weekly reading tests with at least 73 percent of the class passing each week.
— School staff
Lost Creek
The Lost Creek Explorers are up and running. Mr. Bitzegaio is proud to announce the “baker’s dozen” as members this year. Elizabeth Culp, Molly Farmer, Shelby Oakman, Rose Williams, Gabbi Yeager, Makayla Irish, Savannah Limcaco, Emily Dougherty, Jensen Kellett, Caaveh Siahmakoun, Nick Sacopulos, David DeSantis and Wesley Long are representatives of the Explorers for 2009-2010. So far, they have pulled weeds from the butterfly garden, surveyed the campus trailhead, and made some other plans for the outdoor spaces at Lost Creek. They have learned a little about Newton’s ideas about motion, and what floats a boat. They have also eaten lots of snacks and played several fun games. They played host to Save Our American Raptors (SOAR) on Nov. 10 for all 4th and 5th graders at Lost Creek. SOAR has provided an exciting program on alternate years, so each 4th and/or 5th grader gets to see the show once. The program includes several raptors, including owls, hawks, a black vulture, and a bald eagle. Several of the birds interact with, or fly over, the audience. Two knowledgeable bird handlers share a great deal of valuable information with the students.
— School staff
Lost Creek students have a dynamic after school book club named Roaring Readers. Our fifth grade members meet with Ms. Ellis to read and discuss high interest books. Students meet in Ms. Ellis’s classroom each Thursday, after school from 2:40 to 4:00. Ms. Ellis applied for and was rewarded a grant from the Vigo County Education Foundation to purchase high interest, grade level books. The goal is for each member to read the same high interest book, discuss the book, and take Reading Counts quizzes.
There was an interesting program presented at Lost Creek for all 4th grade classes. This program occurred on Sept. 11, 2009, in Lost Creek’s gymnasium. The purpose of the program was to share information about the Terre Haute Fire Department, what happened Sept. 11, 2000, and why soldiers are in Iraq. Participants in the program were: Jeff Fisher, Chief of Terre Haute Fire Department, Debbie Anderson, program designer, Madonna Johnson, introduction, Heidi Fuson and Dylaney Plasse gave 911 facts, and Julie Plasse donated military equipment and pictures. This program was very informative and grandly appreciated by all. Great respect for our community helpers and military personal was shown by the students in the audience.
— School staff
Meadows
The students and staff at Meadows Elementary School would like to announce the student council representatives for the 2009-2010 school year. First grade representatives are Kaylen Gustafson, Maggie Lawson, and Kyle Angilletta. Second grade representatives are Moses Hamm, and Kevin Beddow. Representing the third grade is Megan Pendergast, Lincoln Thoma, Abbye Amerman, Gabriel McNichols, Colleen Link, and Zach Simoneaux. Representatives from fourth grade are Myja White, Taylor Canada, Tah’Naeah Chatman, and Chloe Cooper. Fifth grade representatives are Scott Gustafson, Gilbert Saddig, Seaonna Michaels, and Sierra Grindle.
The students and staff would also like to congratulate Antowane Simmons from Mrs. Wright’s class. Antowane was selected as the Mayor’s Character Award winner for the month of October. The October character trait was attentiveness. Congratulations Antowane.
The Meadows family would also like to extend a big thank you to our PTO for all of the hard work and dedication they put into to making our school and our teachers a great success. You are greatly appreciated!
— School staff
Riley
The first grade classes at Riley Elementary School recently enjoyed a field trip to Dobb’s Park. After studying different habitats in our classrooms, each class participated in a nature walk to see the wetlands area at the park. While at the wetlands, the students learned how the wetlands benefit our environment and the animals that llive there.
The naturalist in the Nature Center taught us about bats that we could find in the Wabash Valley, along with bats in other parts of the world. The children loved seeing the real bat! While at the Nature Center, we were able to see and learn about other small animals from Indiana.
We toured the Native American Center which will inspire us as we prepare to learn about Native Americans and their first Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful first field trip!
— School staff
St. Patrick’s
Saint Patrick School is excited about hosting a Scholastic Book Fair. The theme this year is “Reading Under the Big Top!” An amazing selection of books is headed our way! The fair will begin with a crazy hat and hair day on Monday, November 16th and conclude with and Thursday, November 16th. Mark your calendar for our Family Event on Tuesday evening where the whole family can join in the fun. The Book Fair is a super way for kids and parents to find books they’ll love to read as well as educational materials all at affordable prices. And, you can contribute books to your child’s classroom library. Don’t miss this chance to light up a young reader’s face with a good book! See you at the Book Fair!
— Tammy Kikta
Sugar Grove
Mrs. Fuller’s October PALS (Principal’s Advisory League) helped pick students for the Mayor’s Character Awards. They also helped get report card inserts ready and will help decide what Mrs. Fuller will do if students earn 20,000 Reading Counts points again this school year!
The following students served as PALS: Jaden Thomas, Belle Hargis, Keegan Collins, Imare Holman, Maddie Kooistra, Ella Lautzenheiser, Jaxson Kunz, Jennifer Garcia-Israel, Kaylee Fell, David Taylor, Austin Sheese, Heath Selph, Dylan Holmes, Tony Smodilla, Mariah Foreman, D’Andre Lewis and McKenzie Smith.
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent their classrooms for the Mayor’s Character Award last month. These students demonstrated attentiveness: Mikaila Sullivan, Carly Thompson, Keelynn Lopez, Trent Johnson, Amelia Ogden, Jake Norris, Nathan Richardson, Tommy Personett, Savanah Long, Matthew Jones, Heaven Briley, Ashleigh Kehoe, Cameron Frederick, Natalie Egan, Natalie Scamihorn,Jarrett Mattox and Nastasia Whitesides.
On Thursday, Movenber 12, 2009, Jake Norris will represent Sugar Grove and meet Mayor Bennett at the City Council meeting.
— Submitted by Mrs. Fuller and Mrs. Knierim
Terre Town
Once again, Terre Town Elementary had an exciting evening playing bingo for books! Over five hundred people attended the “Bingo for Books Family Night” on October 6th. That is our highest turnout since we began nine years ago. The students were invited to bring their family to play bingo using sight words. We were awarded a grant by the Vigo County Education Foundation to purchase the books for the evening. Each student went home with at least one book, but most went home with several. This year we served hot dogs, chips, and a drink to all who attended. The Terre Town PTO and Title 1 funding provided the food. Thank you to all who made this evening possible! The students, parents, and teachers enjoyed spending time learning and playing bingo together.
On October 13, 2009 the 4th grade at Terre Town traveled back in time to experience life as pioneers. This special day took place at Fowler Park. Students had the opportunity to observe pioneer homes and clothing. The children learned how to make rope, use wood chipping tools, and sang pioneer songs. Everyone enjoyed a lesson at the schoolhouse. Of course, students loved eating the snicker doodles and beef jerky! Many classes wrote letters thanking the volunteers for making the trip possible.
Earlier this year, visitors from Vectran spoke to the 4th grade. Students participated in activities focusing on energy safety. Each class designed a slogan to enter into a poster contest. Now we are eagerly awaiting the B. A. T. (Basic Aid Training) program presented by the American Red Cross.
Since school started in August, Terre Town students have been busy learning and writing poems. Therefore, it was quite a treat for students and staff to have Randy Beard, talented musician and songwriter, visit the school on October 19 and 21. Randy met with each grade level and kept his audience actively involved as he put music to the lyrics of familiar poems and to original works of Terre Town students. We look forward to additional visits with Randy in November and December as he works with individual classrooms to enhance literary skills.
Many families came out to enjoy the Fall Festival on the evening of October 23. There were games galore, fabulous food and even a pumpkin decorating contest. A big thanks to PTO President Molly Kensell, staff and parents for making this year’s event a huge success.
— School staff
Ouabache
The halls of Ouabache turned spooky when the P.T.O. sponsored the annual Fall Festival. Parents, Students, and Staff, dressed up in their spookiest costumes to enjoy an evening of fun and food. Thank you to the P.T.O. for sponsoring a great event.
First grade students have been working hard on learning the life cycle of a butterfly. In October we were able to go to Rose Hulman Institute of Technology to attend a puppet show about the butterfly life cycle. The show contained bright lights, music, and wonderful puppetry which brought the life cycle of a butterfly to life. This was a great way to finish our unit!
Our first grade Character Education winners for Attentiveness are in Mrs. Copeland’s class Aundria Roberts, Mrs. Higham’s class, Chylinn Kirkman, and KayLeiss Hutchinson, Mrs. Readinger’s class.
Keep up all of your hard work
— Mrs. Copeland, first-grade teacher
West Vigo
Students at West Vigo Elementary School are encouraged to read at home every day through various activities being implemented at our school. Students in Pre Kindergarten through Grade 5 are involved in a schoolwide reading incentive program called “Pop It Open”. Each student has a reading goal, and they are required to read at home to attain their individual goal. After they read a book at home, they take a comprehension quiz using the Scholastic Reading Counts computer program at school. When their monthly goal has been reached, they receive a book and token from the reading cart. As an end of the year reading incentive, the students may participate in a schoolwide reading carnival.
Our schoolwide goal is to encourage all students to pop open good books!
Another monthly activity is offered to Reading Recovery students in first grade. During lunchtime, students and families are invited to eat biscuits and gravy for lunch and participate in learning reading strategies provided by Title 1 teachers. Children receive a packet that contains a book about Biscuit the dog and reading activities. They are encouraged to read the book and do the activities with their families at home.
Book Bingo is another way we are putting books in the hands of children. Book Bingo is being held for each of the grade levels throughout the year. The first book bingo held for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade1 was in October. Children and families played Bingo for books. Students received 2-3 books each. We are looking forward to our next Book Bingo at the end of November.
— Jenny Williams, Title 1 Reading
The fourth grade students at West Vigo Elementary recently visited Fowler Park. Prior to the fieldtrip the students viewed a presentation in the Media Center. Mrs. Long shared photographs taken during Pioneer Days. She explained that the students would see many of the sights she shared. After this ‘virtual fieldtrip’ the students were ready for the actual visit. While at Fowler Park they encountered pioneers in the village engaged in lots of activities. The students reported on some of their favorite sights and activities.
Many stated that tasting deer jerky was a favorite. Most said the jerky was good and very chewy. Delicious! Others quickly said making snicker doodle cookies was the best. They rolled up dough into a ball, dipped it in cinnamon, and then smashed it down. Each student was given a freshly baked cookie to enjoy.
At one cabin the students visited they learned a little French. In addition they sang three hilarious songs they had learned in music class a few weeks prior to the fieldtrip. One song they sang was Pop Goes the Weasel. In addition to singing songs, students were able to play instruments such as a dulcimer and rhythm sticks.
Other students enjoyed visiting the schoolhouse. They learned that the building was used not only for school, but also for church services, meetings, and even square dances. One student like it because the girls sat on one side while the boys sat on the other side.
The Lone Turtle was a favorite stop for some. The students mentioned that there was a lot of merchandise to trade such as animal skins and guns. The muzzleloader was a favorite because it made a loud noise when it was fired.
Students learned how to make bowls out of wood by chipping. At the wood shop they were allowed to use a tool to shave some wood from a log.
The blacksmith shop was fascinating to students. One said that the blacksmith was really talented. They saw the tools used to make metal objects.
Almost all the West Vigo 4th graders want to visit Fowler Park again with their families. They appreciate the work of the volunteer pioneers who helped recreate and shared the pioneer life. The students all agree that this was a wonderful fieldtrip and they hope that Fowler Park never closes!
— Karen Adams Long, Library Media Specialist
Montezuma
Montezuma Elementary School is selling Market Day Pies for a school fundraiser. If wanting to order please call the school 245-2303 or go on line and order www.marketday.com under Montezuma School 22333. Order now and you will get back in time for Thanksgiving. Delivery date is November 12 at 3:30 - 4:30 pm at the school.
Recently some Montezuma Elementary students took part in the Montezuma Runners’ Club. Over 40 students in grades 3 thru 6 signed up to take part in the after-school club. The club, sponsored by Mr. Livers, is an opportunity for students to get a little exercise, learn to set personal goals and have active fun. The Montezuma Runners’ Club met once a week for six weeks. As a final activity for the Runners’ Club, the runners could chose to take part in a short cross country meet along with runners from Rosedale, North Vermillion, and Rockville. North Vermillion High School hosted this year*s run.
The following runners took part in this year’s meet. Marissa Bovair (sixth grade girls race winner), Kyle Wickens, Lauren Hayworth, Makayla Wickens, Jake Collom, John Foster, Cain Myers, Allison Oldham, Sydney Phillips, Brooke Thomas, and Bailey Kinne,
According to Mr. Livers, all the Montezuma Runners’ Club participants did a wonderful job trying to improve
Schools
Across The Wabash Valley: Nov. 11, 2009
- Schools
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Board OKs $5.4M in work at schools
The Vigo County School Board has approved borrowing $5.4 million for an expansion of DeVaney Elementary School and energy-related projects at 15 other schools.
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Shift to online raises school cost concerns
Legislation that would require high school students in Indiana to take at least one online course is meeting resistance from some school administrators who say they can’t afford any more mandates from the state.
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Valley educators cautious on Indiana’s ‘No Child’ waiver
Indiana is one of 10 states to receive a waiver from federal No Child Left Behind requirements.
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Driver dies after Illinois school bus crash
“Brace yourself. Brace yourself,” Fay Pickering shouted to her students just before the school bus she was driving crossed U.S. 40 and landed in a ditch Thursday morning.
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Official: Indiana among first 10 states to get ed waiver
President Barack Obama today will free 10 states from the strict and sweeping requirements of the No Child Left Behind law, giving leeway to states that promise to improve how they prepare and evaluate students, The Associated Press has learned.
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Letters from Debs
Cinda May sat with the phone to her ear listening as the auctioneer in New York City said “Holding, holding.”
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ISU presents Sycamore Hoopla; activities kick off Friday
Indiana State University’s Hulman Center will host its sixth annual Sycamore Hoopla Friday and Saturday.
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BRUCE'S HISTORY LESSON: This little-known compromise may have saved the union
When the Constitution was signed in September of 1787 and sent to the Congress that then existed under the Articles of Confederation, Congress was instructed to send that Constitution to the states to be ratified … or not. The message to the states was clear: Accept the Constitution or reject it, but don’t try to change it.
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College plans Prom Expo on Feb. 19
Get the scoop on the latest in prom fashions and services during Lincoln Trail College’s Prom Expo Feb. 19.
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ISU offering tech ed scholarships to VU grads
Indiana State University is offering $1,000 scholarships for graduates of Vincennes University’s technology programs to pursue their bachelor’s degree.
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Fort Harrison State Park to host winter wildlife workshop
Our culture’s most celebrated survivalists are often men with an accent, a trusty knife, and a tagalong camera crew filming their every move.
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Riverton Parke's winter king and queen
Seniors Gary Secuskie and Taylor Mansinne were named King and Queen of the Riverton Parke Winter 2012 Homecoming.
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Four alumni receive GOLD awards from Indiana State University
A former collegiate football standout and a trio known for selling humorous holiday apparel received the Indiana State University Alumni Association’s Graduate of the Last Decade Award this year.
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Indiana State students hear view from Cuba
Carlos Alzugaray, who spent 40 years representing the Cuban government around the world, wishes NBC newsman Brian Williams had asked a different question during a recent Republican presidential debate in Jacksonville, Fla.
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College to celebrate homecoming
Lincoln Trail College will celebrate homecoming on Feb. 18.
- Goals, Pride & Achievements: Feb. 9, 2012
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Valley middle schoolers ready for MATHCOUNTS
Weeks of early-morning and after-school problem-solving sessions for about 100 Wabash Valley middle school students will culminate on Saturday in the regional MATHCOUNTS competition at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
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Indiana State education major takes teaching to Siberia
Christin Keirn wanted a challenge and she does enjoy winter. So for her, it seemed an obvious choice.
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Lincoln Trail College honors
Lincoln Trail College has released its academic honor lists for the Fall 2011 semester.
- ACROSS THE WABASH VALLEY: Feb. 9, 2012
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Vigo schools see grad rate rise
The Vigo County School Corp. 2011 graduation rate improved nearly 4 percentage points and surpassed the state graduation rate, according to information from the state Department of Education.
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Rose-Hulman to help address need for advancing railroad technologies
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is stepping back into its past and addressing a need to advance the nation’s transportation system by educating the next generation of railroad engineers.
Chauncey Rose, an entrepreneur and builder of railroads, came to western Indiana in 1817. -
Take the Plunge for Special Olympics on Feb. 11 at ISU
Join Mayor Duke Bennett, Indiana State University Police Chief Bill Mercier, Terre Haute and ISU Police departments, GFS Marketplace, Mix-FM, the men of Pi Kappa Alpha and the ladies of Alpha Sigma Alpha at the Fourth Annual Terre Haute Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Indiana on Feb. 11.
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Valley woman’s recipe featured by Taste of Home
Taste of Home magazine has honored a Riverton Parke Jr.-Sr. High School Foods Services employee for her recipe.
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College Goal Sunday set for Feb. 12 at Ivy Tech
Financial aid professionals will be volunteering at Ivy Tech Community College in Terre Haute and 39 other Indiana sites to help college-bound students and their families open the door to financial aid during College Goal Sunday, set for 2 p.m. Feb. 12.
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College to offer aeronautics classes at Robinson airport
Lincoln Trail College is flying high this spring with two aeronautics classes taught at the Robinson (Ill.) Community Airport.
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Agreement to further college’s international initiatives
Harrison College, a private sector college serving 6,000 students at 12 campuses in Indiana and Ohio as well as online, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Siva Sivani Institute of Management in Hyderabad, India.
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Otter Creek Middle School to celebrate 50 years
Otter Creek Middle School turns 50 years old this year. In 1962, the newly formed Vigo County School Corp. opened the current Otter Creek Middle School as Otter Creek Junior High School.
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College savings campaign kicks off statewide
Students in Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties are joining students across Indiana to launch Learn More Indiana’s 2012 Cash for College campaign this week.
Eighty percent of students who attend college receive financial aid.
- Goals, Pride & Achievements: Feb. 2, 2012
- More Schools Headlines
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Board OKs $5.4M in work at schools








