Jefferson Elementary School

On Tuesday, August 20th, Jefferson 6th graders, their teachers, and five community partners from Legrand participated in the Grassy Creek Rafting Expedition, provided by the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Students learned about water quality, invasive species, wildlife, plants, wetlands, stream ecosystems, and more. ​ Activities involved rafting from Grassy Creek to the dock, where everyone loaded onto pontoon boats, which then transported the group to Camp Crosley. Before heading there, students stopped to do a water clarity test. Community members from Tippecanoe Lake donated their boats and time to take everyone on a tour of the lake. At Camp Crosley, students enjoyed lunch and then completed a watershed activity. From Mrs. Long, 6th-grade teacher: "Thank you to the volunteers that joined us. They were amazing with the students. We appreciate our partnership with Legrand and look forward to continued opportunities in the future." #WarsawINSPIRES

The Jefferson Library has once again received an aquarium on loan from Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams at Grace College. Melia and Blake took great care in making sure that every rock and piece of greenery and driftwood was just right before introducing the new fish to what will be their home for the next nine months. Our fish start out young, and therefore small, in order to give them plenty of room to grow over the course of the school year. Tankmates include a perch, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. These four have actually been living together for several weeks at Lilly Center prior to their relocation to Jefferson, just to make sure they will get along! Mrs. Propp, Jefferson's Digital Learning Specialist/Librarian, is thrilled for the return of the aquarium. "I've come to love having this experience in our library, not only for our students, but also for myself. There's something very calming and beautiful about a fish tank. Being able to learn about and observe native species right in our own library makes it even more meaningful. Students become invested and look forward to seeing the fish every week when they come to specials—especially the catfish, who is the undisputed star of the aquarium!" During the week before fall break, Lilly Center educators will come in to teach each class a grade-appropriate "Lake in the Library" lesson. This is a time for students to learn more in-depth aspects about our local lakes and streams and their populations and why it's important to be good stewards of these valuable resources. We are grateful to Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams for sharing this remarkable learning experience with our Jefferson students. #WarsawINSPIRES

We can't wait to see you! #WarsawINSPIRES

In the "happy news department," Miss Kohler (Kindergarten) got married this past weekend! Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Giek! Jefferson was well-represented at the joyous event. (Photos provided by the bride.)

I am Ms. Heckaman (maternity-leave sub for Mrs. Jankowski), and I will be teaching Kindergarten. I am extremely passionate about teaching and providing hands-on experiences for my students. I obtained my Bachelor of Education in elementary education from IU in 2022. While at IU, I also had the opportunity to teach Saturday Science. Last year, I worked as the WIN ("What I Need") teacher, which was an amazing experience. My younger brother currently attends Washington as a 4th grader, and he is my main inspiration for teaching.

Legrand Better Communities partnered with their Operations Excellence Team, consisting of Renee Fuentes, Carmen Chapman, Devyn Clabaugh, Kim Hopson, Faith Gonzalez, and Amanda Graf to create 48 stocked, back-to-school backpacks for Jefferson kindergarten (24) and 1st grade (24) students. Legrand Better Communities and the Kris Barone Memorial Fund were able to provide the funds needed to purchase the supplies. Mark Sproles, the lead committee chair for the Better Communities Initiative within Legrand, coordinated the purchase of the supplies, while Renee Fuentes led her team in the assembly of the backpacks. These were delivered to Jefferson by Wendy Cox. Legrand Better Communities and their Operations Excellence Team are proud to be partners with Jefferson Elementary and to be able to help students succeed and to give back to the local community. Thank you, Legrand Better Communities/Operation Excellence Team! #WarsawInspires

Hello, my name is Isaac Merida! I am a first-year 6th grade teacher that just graduated from Grace College with my Elementary Education degree. I grew up in the small town of Martinsville, IN with my parents and younger brother. I graduated from a small private school with a class of nine to graduating with one of the biggest classes at Grace. This is the fourth job that I have had so far with the previous three being a clerk at a small bookstore, paraprofessional, and tutor. I got married to my beautiful wife, Charlene, on July 1st, 2023, and we recently moved to the Larwill, IN area. I’m so excited for the school year! #WarsawInspires

Hello! My name is Mallory Hiatt, and I am from Rochester, Indiana. I graduated from Grace College, where I got my degree in Elementary and Special Education and a licensure in Intense Intervention. I come from a family of teachers and have had many teachers who have had an impact on my life, and I hope to do the same for my students. I enjoy running, painting my nails, and spending time with my friends and family. I am so excited to join the Jefferson family and be a 3rd grade teacher! I look forward to this school year and to helping students grow as learners and reach their goals! Student relationships are the most rewarding part of teaching, and I am so excited to meet my students! Go, Spartans! (Photo provided.) #WarsawInspires

We want to help your student(s) start the new school year prepared! #InspireWCS

Mr. Wall (our principal) and Mr. JR (our head custodian) checked on our Jefferson bees this morning, making sure the hive is still healthy and producing. ​Photos provided by Mrs. Terpstra. ​ #InspireWCS #WCSJeffersonSTEM

Just a reminder that "Popsicles on the Playground" with Mr. Wall is TOMORROW, Friday the 26th from 10:00–11:00am. Please park on the back side of Jefferson and enter the playground through the double gate.

Mr. Wall would like to invite all Jefferson Spartans to "Popsicles on the Playground" this Friday, July 26th from 10–11am. This will be an informal, fun time for parents and students to play and hang out with our principal, Mr. Wall, while enjoying a cool treat. We hope to see you there!

This summer, Mila Collier had a lemonade stand with the idea to make money to pay for school lunches for kids who need it. Mila, a 2nd grader at Jefferson STEM Elementary, raised $200 for students' lunches by selling lemonade and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, which is enough to cover 75 student lunches at Jefferson. Mila said, "I felt excited, because it helps those who need a lunch." Mila has been doing a lemonade stand for the past three years to benefit various causes. Recipients of her past donations include the Animal Welfare League and the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. We are proud of Mila's servant heart! #ExperienceWCS

Here's Jefferson's Field Day , entitled "Ten Photos of HAPPINESS!" Have a great summer, Spartans! We will miss you so much! #ExperienceWCS #WCSLastDay

We're maybe just a tiny bit excited about Field Day tomorrow. #ExperienceWCS #WCSLastDay

In total, $349.10 was raised for Riley Hospital for Children! Thank you, Jefferson Spartans! #ExperienceWCS

Jefferson 1st-graders enjoy being hands-on scientists at Cherry Creek. ​ #ExperienceWCS #WCSJeffersonSTEM

Our 6th graders graduate this afternoon! Ample parking is available across the street at Winona Lake Grace Church.

Tomorrow, Wednesday the 22nd, is the final day to vote for the People's Choice from our Talent Show! Every cent equals a vote, and all proceeds go to Riley Hospital for Children. Who will win the People's Choice? Stay tuned! ​ #ExperienceWCS

Kindergarten family and friends, there is extra parking available across the street at Winona Lake Grace Church, if you are planning to come to Kindergarten Graduation today.