Warsaw Community Schools

 

Washington STEM & Girls Who Code

The board recognized the impactful work of Washington STEM and the Girls Who Code initiative, the only Girls Who Code program in Warsaw and one of the few in the surrounding area. This program plays a vital role in empowering young female students in computer science and STEM fields.

Julia Porter, Washington PTO President and Girls Who Code sponsor, shared insights into the program’s impact. Two fourth-grade students, Molly Yocum and Brooklyn Wurtzel, presented their experiences.

• Molly Yocum shared that she has loved coding robots and spoke about how STEM helps her develop problem-solving skills for her future career.

• Brooklyn Wurtzel shared how the club allows her to learn new things and understand how STEM has evolved over time. She aspires to become a nurse.

Julia also addressed concerns about declining female participation in computer science and emphasized the club’s efforts to inspire young girls. Recently, they hosted Dr. Funmi Olorunda, a STEM leader from Muncie, to speak with the students.

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WCS Graduation Celebration

The board celebrated 20 individuals who have recently completed advanced education programs. Nineteen of these individuals received WCS scholarships covering tuition and books, reinforcing the district’s commitment to professional growth.

Master of Education in School Administration & Supervision (Indiana State University):

• Harrison: Erin Kelly

• Leesburg: Sara Ervin, Julian Luna

• Lincoln: Hilary Stouder, Catherine Cavanaugh

• Washington: Bethany Anderson, Emily Stiers

• WCHS: Courtney Walters, David Knouse

• Central Office: Kelly Meeks, Crystal Kreider

   

Transition to Teaching Program (Grace College – 18-month program):

• Claypool: Zach Hill

• Eisenhower: Yasmin Juarez, Yahaira Pagan, Saida Hemsoth

• Leesburg: Katie Wonderly

• Washington: Juveria Azher, Chris Banks, Miriam Fabiola Nunez

Additionally, WCS Board President, Heather Reichenbach, was recognized for completing her Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP) from American University, highlighting her dedication to both education and public service.

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2024 WCHS Graduation & New Grade Requirements

Tim Devlin, the senior class principal, and Sarah Roberts, the senior class counselor presented the progress of WCS graduation rates, showing a steady increase from 90% in 2021 to 98.1% in 2024.

They also addressed the new, more stringent graduation requirements due to graduation pathways and the new diploma redesign. These updated requirements make earning a diploma more challenging than ever, but the WCS team remains committed to achieving a 96% graduation rate for the Class of 2025.

Tim and Sarah continue to work closely with students and staff to track progress and implement strategies that support student success.

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WCS Board Scholarship Renewal

The board approved the renewal of the WCS Board Scholarship, reinforcing our commitment to supporting staff in their post-secondary education journeys. This initiative continues to provide financial assistance to selected staff members pursuing higher education or career training. Information and the application will go out to staff later this month.

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Grants & Donations

Kosciusko County Health Board Grant – $247K
We are excited to announce a $247,000 grant from the Kosciusko County Health Board and Health First Kosciusko. These funds will be used to continue the WCS Welcome Center and Welcome Center Coordinator, as well as support various WCS health-related initiatives. This investment will significantly enhance resources for students and families.

DLI Grant – $40K for Eisenhower, Lakeview & Leesburg
A $40,000 grant has been awarded to Eisenhower, Lakeview, and Leesburg schools to support Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs. This funding will further enrich bilingual education, providing students with expanded opportunities for language acquisition and cultural competency.