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NOVEMBER 2022 NEWSLETTER

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SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE

A Lifetime of Options

As we close out the month of our midterm elections, it is appropriate to be reminded that one of the core fundamentals for creating public education was to ensure that our country raised children to become literate citizens for the purpose of upholding democracy.

Tri-Creek schools not only equip kids with literacy skills to read and write, but we also engage students in a broad array of program options from athletics, trades, career and tech education, visual and performing arts to enrichment classes of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses. Providing students with well-rounded experiences paves the way for a lifetime of opportunities. Our Lowell community can be assured Tri-Creek schools focus on the whole child in order for each of them to have choices in their future that are aligned to their individual skill sets and passions.

In the spirit of the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child," thank you for supporting the Tri-Creek School Corporation. Working together is perhaps more important now than ever before.

Great Schools, Great Community - Tri-Creek Proud!

Mr. Andy Anderson
Superintendent

SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Closing One Chapter, Opening Another

Thursday, December 8, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the LGI at Lowell Middle School will mark the last official meeting for the following school board members who will be retiring their positions at the end of December. Please join us in thanking them for their commitment, time, and civic duty to the Tri-Creek school community.

Lon Childress
Tri-Creek School Board
2003-2011 * 2015-2022

Diana Damm
Tri-Creek School Board
2015—2022

Doug Ward
Tri-Creek School Board
2006-2022

The transfer of leadership to Bobby Hayden, Katie Kimbrell, and Nate Kleefisch will occur on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the LGI room at Lowell Middle School.

Congratulations to the three board-elect members who will be taking on the next chapter for the Tri-Creek School Corporation as they join Kyle Mitsch and Debra Harden to round out the five-member school board.

DISTRICT CALENDARS

CLICK HERE FOR DISTRICT CALENDARS

NEWSWORTHY

Lowell High School trades building completes major upgrades
William Skipworth November 19, 2022, NWI.Com

Nathan Hayden, a senior in Lowell High School's welding program, welds on Nov. 10 in the newly upgraded Red Devils Trades Building.

LOWELL — Lowell High School's Red Devil Trades building just completed a series of major upgrades, adding 16,000 square feet and $5.8 million worth of enhancements.

The Red Devils Trades building, which opened five years ago, offers students the opportunity to prepare for careers in the trades. Students can learn welding, automotive services, precision machining and other fields.

The face-lift added four new classrooms; 16 welding booths, which doubles the school's previous amount; 20 welders; a virtual welding system for students to practice with before using a real welder; five manual lathes; a computerized lathe; four manual mills; one computerized mill; new cars for the auto shop classes to work on; a layout room for blueprint design; a fabrication area; and a grinding room.

Lowell High School faculty showed off the new upgrades to parents during an open house on November 17th.

"If you go around and look at any other schools around here, you're not going to see a nicer shop unless it's brand new," said Ray Goss, one of the school's welding instructors. "This is probably the nicest shop in Northwest Indiana even compared to any of the colleges."

Goss touted the job prospects Lowell students have after completing their programs.

"Pretty much if our seniors want a job when they graduate to be welders, they're gonna have jobs," he said.

Senior Brenden Pempek-Richard is evidence of that. He did precision machining his first three years at Lowell High School before beginning a work-study program with Caliber Mold and Machine.

While he's bummed the upgrades weren't completed before he finished the program, he said it's awesome to see how nice they turned out.

"I'm excited that I got to use (the building) and that kids below me are going to have such a better experience with it," Pempek-Richard said.

Click here to access The Times.

Area elementary schools mark Veterans Day

Friday, November 11th, our nation honored those who served our country, both living and departed, having previously served or currently serving, in peacetime and during war. And on Veterans Day, area schools invited veterans in for breakfast and a special program to honor them and their service to our great nation.

At Oak Hill Elementary School, the Veterans Day observance started with coffee and donuts followed by a ceremony in the gymnasium.

“Each and every day, countless sacrifices are made by the brave men and women in our Armed Forces to protect many freedoms that each of us enjoy,”
--Brandi Muha, Principal.

After Cub Scout Pack No. 234 presented the colors, Oak Hill principal Brandie Muha greeted the veterans with the student body behind her.

Muha said she is also the “proud sister” of Maj. Chad R. Wilson, USMC, who is stationed at Camp LeJuene in Jacksonville, North Carolina. She said her brother has been deployed five times, two of which were combat deployments.

Muha acknowledged her brother’s service is but one story. She acknowledged the service of those in the military who keep us free.

Read or listen to the entire Lowell Tribune article here.

TRI-CREEK EDUCATION FOUNDATION
AWARDS OVER $16,000 IN GRANTS

Innovative programs continue to be a part of the instructional experience for Tri-Creek area students, thanks to the support of the Tri-Creek Education Foundation, Inc. The Foundation’s twentieth annual competitive grant opportunity has awarded over $16,000, due to generous community support.

Lynne Haberlin, Chairperson of the Foundation’s Grant Committee, introduced the 2022 recipients of eight grant awards, which will impact Tri-Creek students at all grade levels, at the Tri-Creek School Corporation Board of School Trustees’ meeting held Thursday, October 27, 2022. The following Tri-Creek staff members received funding for creative programs and educational activities.

Lake Prairie Elementary teachers Ashley Mitsch, Nicole Wedel, and Mia Kouros were awarded $705.00 for their project, “Bringing Books to Life.” Funding will enhance second-grade reading instruction by allowing students to read interactive, culturally diverse books via an app and compatible library books at both school and home. The program is designed to improve reading fluency and comprehension.

Lowell Middle School teachers Jennifer Boer and Jason Renner were awarded $4,628.00 for their project, “PLTW 6th Grade Design and Modeling Launch.” Students will learn about and use 3D printers to make abstract concepts concrete and tangible. Grant funds will purchase 3D printers and filament bundles, and students will use TinkerCad, a free online design module.

Three Creeks Elementary teachers Kaitlyn DeBoer, Lisa Patton, Christina Liakopoulus, and Maegin Krstanoski were awarded $592.00 for their project, “First-Grade Animal Ambassadors.” First-grade students will make observations of animals and compare their needs and habitats. Zoo Mobile presentations will give students real-life experience in seeing animals they may have researched.

Lake Prairie Elementary teachers Jennifer Lusinski, Steffany Mears, Amanda Treasure, and Michelle Mishlove were awarded $2,099.00 for their project, “At LP We ‘Glow’ Creative Minds.” ”Specials” teachers and their students will create interactive art displays, games, clothing, and a glow room. Using neon art supplies and black lights, students will create a fun experience for themselves and their families.

Lowell Middle and High School teachers Don Favors, Darryl Hebble, and Gary Lembcke were awarded $700.00 for their project, “EV Go Karts.” This program will connect project-based learning to the future development of and transition to electronic vehicle transportation. Students will work on a kart throughout the school year, making tactical decisions for improvements in race-day strategy. TCEF funds will pay for fall and spring entry fees.

Lowell High School teachers Lindsay O’Neill, Bri Mikovetz, and Marissa Morris were awarded $6,380.00 for their project, “A Moment in Life: English 9 / 9 Honors Photo Journal.” Students will capture images or moments of their freshman year and write responses to those moments. Each week, learners will add entries to personal digital books using the web-based Canva program. Books will be printed at the end of the school year to serve as personal, educational artifacts, illustrating growth in written communication skills.

Lake Prairie Elementary teachers Dawn Johannsen, Kerri Coapstick, and Jen Rose were awarded $1,023.00 for their project, “Beyond the Classroom – Teamwork Brings 5th Graders Together.” This project will provide a STEM- building community experience for fifth-grade students, developing skills in confidence, trust, conflict resolution, communication, and teamwork. Students and teachers will participate in “Beyond Boundaries,” a team-building program in partnership with Porter-Stark Services in Valparaiso.

Lowell Middle School teachers Kaitlin Alton, Kirsten Gross, and Anna Batastini were awarded $350.00 for their project, “From Fidgety to Focused.” By facilitating a way to release physical energy during learning, the project will help students succeed in the general education setting. Fidget and sensory materials will help students remain focused on learning.

In addition to the above projects, the Foundation provides annual funding support for fifth grade study trips to the Challenger Learning Center, elementary and middle school robotics teams, Lowell Middle School and Lowell High School mentor programs, eighth grade class trip, Lowell High School dual credit scholarships, and Camp Invention.

According to Haberlin, “The Grant Committee enjoyed reviewing the applications that all highlighted wonderful projects to bring excellence and innovation into Tri-Creek classrooms and school buildings. Strong community support enables us to fund a variety of programs that will positively affect student learning.”

Gifts to TCEF in any amount are appreciated and can be made in the donor’s name or in the name of a loved one. Since the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are qualified to be tax deductible.

For more information about the Foundation, contact:
Mrs. Luan Brown, President
Tri-Creek Education Foundation, Inc.
19290 Cline Avenue
Lowell, Indiana 46356
219.750.1262
Email: tcef@tricreek.k12.in.us

Oak Hill Students Attract Special Guest

Halloween is usually a time for kids to dress up, wander the neighborhoods and figure out ways to get as much candy as they can possibly carry.

However, when Camden and Macie Chesner approached one particular house and saw an empty bowl sitting on the front porch, they did something big.

The Chesners took candy out of their own bags and put it in the bowl for other kids who came to the house after they left.

The homeowner took note. They watched the events unfold on their Ring camera.

And the video from that Ring camera was uploaded to the Lowell, Indiana community Facebook page, where a firefighter from the Hammond Fire Department who lives in Lowell just happened to see it. He took note and took it back to his union, Hammond Firefighters Local 556. And the North County firefighters wanted to do something to reward Camden and Macie for their generosity.

Read or listen to the entire Lowell Tribune article here.

Student Powered Journalism
LHS offers plenty of help for students who want to get their grades up
by Alyssa Andriese

Every student has been to the point where they need that extra step in the correct direction for help. They’re so close to getting the letter grade they want on their report card, but it’s just shy by a few percentages. They’re in luck at LHS, however, because our school provides several opportunities to help them achieve their goal and get the grade that they’re looking for. Help sessions, held every Wednesday, provide students with the time to see teachers for assistance. Perhaps the student was absent or simply didn’t understand a concept in whole group instruction. The Help session is perfect for them. To meet with a teacher during Help, simply ask the teacher for a pass prior to the day it’s needed. The Help session pass list comes out at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, so the request must be made by then. Unfortunately, sometimes Help sessions can be canceled for assemblies, but the administration is looking into ways to minimize that problem.

LHS’s National Honor Society also provides tutoring to anyone who needs it. Several tutors can be found in the media center on any given Wednesday, but NHS tutors are also embedded in the freshmen advisories.

Upperclassmen can find tutors there, as well. If a student doesn’t want to barge in on a freshmen advisory, they can visit NHS sponsor, Mr. Gianotti, in his room, and he will take them to the tutor.

LHS students also have two online resources that they can find on the Student Hub. The Post had an article in its 3rd issue as to how to find the Student Hub and what’s on it once a student does discover it. The Student Hub offers a District Tutoring list, which students sign up for and someone within the Tri-Creek School Corporation will assist them. That’s an invaluable resource. The other one is Online Tutoring resources. This isn’t a specific student or helper, but instead, it’s a collection of resources meant to make a student’s classwork easier to accomplish.

As far as test prep goes, nothing beats the Khan Academy. In fact, it’s been predicted that students who fail to use the Khan Academy to prepare them for the SAT will fall farther and farther behind those who do because Khantailors its test prep to the individual. Khan can help students with regular classes, especially in math and science, but they also have tutorials that cover standardized tests like the PSAT and the SAT. 2022 graduate Liam Collins completed the entire Khan Academy SAT test prep course, and he scored an outstanding 1510. He then went on to the University of Southern Indiana on a full ride scholarship solely based on his SAT score. Using Khan can equal cash money.

High school is tough, and LHS recognizes that different students need help with different things. Students should take advantage of the opportunities listed above.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
Please click here to read more articles written by Tri-Creek students for the Red Devil Post.
Lowell High School Red Devil Post Volume 1, Issue 3
Lowell Middle School The Red and Black Issue 1
Click HERE for ISSUE #1
Click HERE for ISSUE #2

STAFF RECOGNITION

SARA FOURNET, Lake Prairie Instructional Assistant Recognized on 10.27.22 for constantly taking initiative and helping students during any free opportunity--never stops helping a student. Sara is described as a huge team player, covering and filling in for others when needed and on short notice. The teacher and the students of her class are thankful for her work and feel lucky to have Mrs. Fournet as their instructional assistant.

JILL GARRISON, Three Creeks Instructional Assistant Recognized on 11-10-2022 for always willing to jump in and assist with whatever we need. She is always positive, always smiling, and is a great role model for our students. She is a true team player in every sense of the role and continues to be a bright spot at Three Creeks.

STACEY HEAMS, Safety and Security Coordinator Recognized on 11-10-2022 for her accomplishments this school year. She has been able to help us become a part of nationally recognized programs that are going to greatly improve the level of safety and security in the Tri-Creek school district. She inspires those around her to think outside the box and reach beyond their comfort zones.

RACHEL BONCELA, Lowell M.S. NISEC LD Teacher Recognized on 11-10-2022 for spending absurd amounts of time with the kids who constantly struggle. She is willing to help her kids achieve success, and she finds opportunities for her kids to shine on a regular basis. She doesn't give up on kids, and she tries to show them the empathy that they need to move forward.

RANDY BOGATHY, Lowell H.S. Law Enforcement Teacher Recognized on 11-10-2022 for volunteering six hours of his time over the course of two evenings to train several teacher assistants from Three Creeks Elementary School in CPR. The assistants all shared with their principal, Jon Nannenga, how much they appreciated Randy and his willingness to volunteer his time for them.

Do you have a positive story to tell about any of our staff members? If so, please go to the Staff Recognition link on our website to submit your testimony. You can also use the Staff Recognition page for easy reference to the specific days to really make the days special for specific people in our organization.

RED DEVIL ATHLETICS CALENDAR

Click here to access the Red Devils' athletic calendar!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT
TRI-CREEK SCHOOLS

Tri-Creek School Corporation is hiring for several positions.

6 Custodian positions available. Part-time and full-time. If you are willing to work, we are willing to hire! Full-time wages start at $14.50 per hour plus a rich benefits package.

Oak Hill Elementary Secretary / Bookkeeper. This organized, detail-oriented person will maintain school financial records, facilitate purchase orders, assign substitute teachers, answer phones, and provide outstanding customer service. Starting at $14.50/hour; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m; 205 days/year (2 weeks before and after the regular school year).

Grounds Foreman. Looking for an organized person to oversee all lawn care and crews for the school district, snow and ice removal, order supplies, keep work logs, and coordinate equipment repair. Starting at $16.50/hour; typically 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Substitute Teachers. $85.00/day and choose the days you want to work – what a deal!

Bus Drivers. We are looking for motivated individuals to serve school bus drivers and school bus assistants. School bus drivers start at $22.50/hr and school bus assistants start at $12.50/hr. The flexible schedule and work time work perfectly for parents of school age children. Come join our team! Here is a video of what others are saying about the reward of driving a bus: Bus Video

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