Academic Spotlight: Kindergarten Readiness

Eisenhower Elementary teachers Jill Boyer, Anne Schramm and Yasmin Juarez shared an overview of the kindergarten screening process and how it helps WCS Kindergarten teachers get to know and support WCS’s youngest students.

The team explained that kindergarten screening is not a pass-or-fail test, instead, students participate in short, age-appropriate activities that allow them to connect with each student and observe how they listen, interact, communicate and respond academically. Family background and input are also an important part of the process.

WCS teachers look at several areas of readiness, including early literacy skills such as letters and sounds; early math concepts such as numbers, counting, shapes, and colors; writing, drawing, and fine-motor skills; and school-readiness behaviors such as attention, participation, following directions and comfort interacting with adults. The kindergarten teams use this information to guide small-group instruction, daily routines, classroom environments and family communication.

Student Council Update: Ms. Lilliana Rak

Student Council President and Senior Lilliana Rak provided the WCS Board with an update on the council’s plans and priorities for the new school year. The council is still working to fill a few positions. They are also establishing goals centered on providing students with more opportunities to develop leadership skills and become involved at WCHS.

This year, Student Council will focus on several key areas, including the Riley fundraiser, student engagement opportunities, and the work of a service committee, which is assisting with the upcoming FMSC MobilePack. Each class has also established its own focus for the year and is working on projects to serve the student body.  One of the largest upcoming projects is Homecoming. This year’s Homecoming will take place September 25 with a “fairytale” theme, followed by the Homecoming dance on September 26.

Human Resources and Financial Update: Mr. Steven Boyer

Steven Boyer, CFO, presented the August 2026 Personnel Reports and the July 2026 financial reports. 

Donations and Grants

The Board received several donations and grants supporting programs throughout Warsaw Schools that were board approved.  WCS also received a $45,000 2026–2027 Teacher Residency Grant from the Department of Higher Education to support three teacher residents. The donations and grants presented to the Board totaled $64,318.

2027 Budget: Mr. Steven Boyer

Mr. Boyer presented the request for permission to advertise the 2027 budget. Indiana statute outlines a specific timeline for the advertisement and adoption of the corporation budget, making Board authorization an important step in the annual budget process. This authorization allows WCS to advertise the state-mandated Notice to Taxpayers ahead of the public hearing scheduled for September 21, 2026.

Superintedent’s Report

 

Dr. David Hoffert highlighted the excitement around the start of the 2026–27 school year, including an exciting Opening Day with WCS staff and the energy across the WCS during the first few weeks of school. He also shared how songs connected to the opening of the school year have helped reinforce the themes and excitement of the first weeks together.

Dr. Hoffert also celebrated the excitement surrounding the first football game of the season and asked Mr. Matt Deuel to share a story from his wife’s recent trip to Honduras. During the trip, several WCS Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students had the opportunity to showcase their language skills as they translated for the group. 

Finally, Dr. Hoffert highlighted the kickoff of the new strategic plan. The plan will formally launch to the WCS community in the coming weeks.