By CASSIE JENSEN Director of Marketing, PR and Grant Writing AKRON — As children prepare for school to start at Tippecanoe Valley, the corporation is also preparing activities to engage and excite them. One of the programs that is sure to do this is Akron Elementary’s new makerspace in its school library. The makerspace will …read more.

WARAW — To help families prepare their kindergarten student for the 2016/2017 school year, Kosciusko Community Hospital medical staff and support staff partnered with Warsaw Community Schools to hold the first annual Kindergarten Physical Night. Held at Pediatric Healthcare, students stopped at various stations to learn about dental hygiene and proper hand washing technique.  Vision …read more.

MENTONE — As fewer students grow up in an agricultural setting, it becomes increasingly important for children to learn at an early age where their food comes from. A greenhouse will soon be built on the Mentone Elementary School campus thanks to generous donations by the North Central Co-op and Niff-tone. The greenhouse will serve as …read more.

By DONNA BURROUGHS, EDS Superintendent, Triton Community School Corporation BOURBON — Third graders at Triton Elementary School learn that clues found in rocks tell us about the plants and animals that lived long ago. How can we learn about those creatures that are extinct? By finding fossils, of course. Fossils can tell us what once …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Scholarship Committee of the Indiana Retired Teachers Foundation is excited about an opportunity for upcoming juniors or seniors enrolled in an Education Program at any of Indiana’s universities and colleges to apply for a $2000 scholarship for the 2016 school year.

NORTH MANCHESTER — 6 p.m. Monday, March 7, parents, citizens, and public education advocates are invited to Manchester University for a viewing of the documentary Education, Inc., followed by a panel discussion in the Flory Auditorium in the Science Center on the North Manchester campus. The panel will be comprised of Manchester University Professor Mike …read more.

INDIANA — Indiana’s largest, free FAFSA filing event is less than four weeks away. Financial aid professionals will be volunteering at 42 sites in Indiana to help college-bound students and their families open the door to financial aid during College Goal Sunday. The event is set for 2 p.m. Feb. 21. The free program assists …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Thirteen grants totaling $9,609,702 were awarded to organizations and colleges to support programs that recruit, prepare, place and retain educators in schools with teacher shortages in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subject areas, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced today.

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Mike Pence today, Monday, Jan. 4, announced his legislative agenda for the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly, which commences tomorrow, Jan. 5. “Our 2016 legislative agenda puts jobs, roads, education, and health care at the forefront of this session of the Indiana General Assembly, right where they belong,” said Pence. …read more.

By EMILY DUNCAN Public Relations Director, Office of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s First Lady Karen Pence, along with female statewide elected officials, announced details for the 2016 Hoosier Heroines Essay Contest for students in the fifth through ninth grades. The annual competition was established to celebrate Women’s History Month, annually celebrated in …read more.

This week, numerous school corporation superintendents have spoken out over an age-old test utilized to not only measure elementary, middle school and early high school student’s growth and achievement, but to determine the effectiveness of a corporation’s teaching staff. The past few years have been incredibly rocky ones for CTB-McGraw Hill, the company responsible for …read more.

CHICAGO — Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann and Glenda Ritz, superintendent of public instruction, testified today before the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation organization. Their testimony expressed concerns about proposed guidelines for teachers of dual credit classes in Indiana’s high schools. These concerns were also expressed in the attached letter to HLC co-signed by the Lt. Governor, the superintendent, Teresa Lubbers, commissioner of higher education and Sarah O’Brien, vice-chair of the state board of education. Dual credit classes taken in high school earn college credits for those students.

INDIANAPOLIS — Registered nurse tops the Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s 2015 list of the regional Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs. The department says rankings are based on growth and opportunity measures designed to identify the most high-wage, high-demand jobs in the state.

WASHINGTON D.C – Universities and colleges in Indiana have received high marks according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of the nation’s top schools. Rating schools on up to 16 factors of academic excellence, the publication’s best colleges list the nation’s top schools in four categories, based on the types of degrees offered. …read more.

WARSAW — Looking for something interesting and exciting to do this fall on Tuesday evenings? Do you enjoy working in the garden? How about volunteering? Do you want to help teach others about horticulture and grow beautiful gardens and plants?

GOSHEN — The Lifelong Learning Institute of Elkhart County provides short courses in many fields for active seniors. There are no tests or grades, and no previous studies or degrees are required.

This is the season of graduation parties. It is a great time to celebrate and support all the accomplishments of our graduates. This time of year has made me think of sharing some thoughts about college and education in general. Over the next couple of weeks I am going to discuss education, specifically getting a …read more.

A few local high schools recently received a nod from USNews.com. The website recently released a listing of top schools in Indiana based upon class sizes, testing scores and proficiency scores in both algebra and English. Though many schools in Kosciusko County such as Wawasee High School and Warsaw Community High School were unranked, schools …read more.

By STEPHANIE WILSON Indiana Commission for Higher Education The Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced all campuses of the state’s public colleges and universities have signed on to participate in a voluntary agreement that makes it easier for students in Indiana and nationwide to take online courses offered by colleges based outside their home states. …read more.

Dear Editor, I’ve read recent articles regarding the “brick and mortar” of our local schools and the millions to be spent in the “best interest of our kids.” Already our government has shown the audacity to spend billions of dollars for education, here and abroad. Yet there are some things money can’t buy. Our ability …read more.

By BECKY BROWER Communication Services, Syracuse Public Library A free laser show to celebrate reading through the summer is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the Wawasee Middle School gym. Young people that read books during the summer explore thoughts and ideas while developing a relationship with the act of reading. Joining together …read more.

By ANNE GREGORY Media Relations, Manchester University Manchester University has students from 24 states and 24 countries, and it is celebrating it’s multicultural tradition from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sunday, April 12, with the International Buffet, held at Haist Commons in the Jo Young Switzer Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for …read more.

By ANNE GREGORY Media Relations, Manchester University We’re often told that men and women are so different we might as well come from different planets. Dr. Michael Kimmel, a nationally acclaimed scholar and teacher, strips away those myths and suggests that women and men aren’t so different after all. He will speak this month at …read more.

  In a recent fundraising effort at Warsaw Community High School led by freshman student council members, WCHS students raised over $2,400 and over 3,000 food items for the Boomerang Backpack Program. The amount included a $1,500 donation from the yearbook and newspaper students in the publications department who donated a portion of their ad …read more.

By ANNE GREGORY Media Relations, Manchester University While others use calculators, Arthur Benjamin uses just his mind. And he almost always wins. His mesmerizing mental math skills will take the stage this month at Manchester University’s North Manchester campus. “Mathemagics” is 7 p.m. Monday, April 20, in the Jo Young Switzer Center, upper level. It …read more.

By KATY BERGER Communications Specialist, KREMC Are you looking for some help with your college tuition? Have you applied for the Kosciusko REMC John H. Anglin Scholarship? Kosciusko REMC awards six $1,000 scholarships to specially selected high school seniors, current college students, or current graduate students each year. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, …read more.

Purdue University President Mitch Daniels called on Congress to join a growing movement to reform higher education, making it more accessible and accountable to students, parents and taxpayers. Testifying on Tuesday, March 17 before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education & Workforce, Subcommittee on Higher Education & Workforce Training, Daniels discussed the challenges …read more.

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced yesterday that 12 Indiana colleges will receive a portion of $1.8 million to fund the development or expansion of programs that help more low-income students graduate from college. Specifically, the money will fund programs that support students who receive state financial aid for college through either the 21st …read more.

By CYNTHIA L. CATES Executive Director, Kosciusko Literacy Services Did you know that Warsaw has had two book burnings? Kosciusko Literacy Services will launch The Big Read featuring Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” on Monday, March 16, with “Censorship On Trial,” a panel that will explore the role of censorship and will tackle the topic “Should …read more.

Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) staff will host two public hearings regarding proposed changes to A-F Rules [a hearing in southern Indiana was held this morning]. The proposed change in the A-F model would factor the growth of all students into a school’s grade. The current model only factors growth if a minimum threshold …read more.

[weaver_youtube K_NPDy7xWQY rel=0] Kosciusko County Farm Bureau hosted an opportunity to meet and talk with state legislators and a county councilman Saturday morning. The meeting room at the Biomet Drive, Warsaw, location was standing room only. Topics focused around education and proposed legislation, misconceptions on who makes the rules for the State Department of Education, …read more.

By HILLARY CHERRY Press Secretary, State Senator Ryan Mishler’s Office A bill authored by State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) to reward Indiana’s best teachers and reduce red tape for schools passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development today by a 7-3 vote. Indiana schools spend only 57.5 percent of their budgets on student …read more.

By DONNA BURROUGHS, EdS Superintendent, Triton Community School Corporation Triton Elementary School held it’s annual Science Fair on Friday, Feb. 6. Students were judged by a Bethel College professor and Bethel education students. Triton Elementary Science Fair is for students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades. Science fair projects were required to be grounded in …read more.

By KARA BROOKS Office of Governor Mike Pence Governor Mike Pence signed Executive Order 15-04 to shorten the length of the 2015 ISTEP test, which will be administered in March. “Doubling the length of the 2015 ISTEP test is unacceptable and requires an immediate solution,” said Governor Pence. “As soon as I learned of this issue, I …read more.

By KARA BROOKS Office of Indiana Governor Mike Pence Governor Mike Pence is traveling to Washington, DC today where he will testify tomorrow in front of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce at a hearing titled, “Expanding Opportunity in America’s Schools and Workplaces.” You can watch Governor Pence testify live here at 10 …read more.

By CYNTHIA L. CATES Executive Director, Kosciusko Literacy Services 37 years have passed since the book burning in Warsaw and 41 years since John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” was banned in Syracuse. Focusing on government ordered book burnings, Ray Bradbury’s novel “Fahrenheit 451”, this year’s book selection for the community book read, was published …read more.

By MARY ANN LIENHART CROSS Extension Director, Purdue Extension Elkhart County With so many options in cookware, bake ware and appliances, how do you know which ones you spend your money on and which ones you should leave in the store? This program will cover information on pots and pans and the materials they are …read more.

[weaver_youtube B5pxWlDRpMg rel=0]   Senator Carlin Yoder and Representatives Dave Wolkins and Curtis Nisly participated in the first Third House Session hosted by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Friday morning. The three elected officials briefly spoke of activity during recent sessions and answered questions from the several dozen individuals in attendance. Wolkins stated there has …read more.

“Tonight, on the eve of our bicentennial year, I stand before you as your governor to proudly report that the state of our state has never been stronger,” said Gov. Mike Pence during his state of the state address Tuesday night. “Indiana is on a roll, and I’m not just talking about the Colts.” Pence …read more.

The Indiana State Teachers Association announced its legislative priorities on education issues for the 2015 session of the Indiana General Assembly at a news conference today. ISTA President Teresa Meredith outlined the Association’s plan to improve student learning and the practice of teaching. Meredith told reporters that ISTA supports ensuring that all public school students …read more.

By JIM BUSH Purdue University Purdue University’s Board of Trustees on Saturday, Dec. 20 approved a 0.1 percent weighted average reduction in room rates on the West Lafayette campus for the 2015-16 academic year, and board rates will remain flat. This marks the third consecutive year that overall rates have decreased. The board also approved …read more.

College isn’t cheap. There’s no doubt about that. And with the class of 2015 about to be up to their ears in college applications, the esteemed finance publisher Kiplinger has offered up its list of best college values in the nation. And a number of Hoosier schools made the list. “We salute this year’s top …read more.

A new strategic alliance with Ivy Tech Corporate College, Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council has produced a new Next Generation Farming course, a 21-week, online course and comprehensive curriculum designed to serve as a foundation for a successful career in livestock, poultry and agricultural operations. Today’s farms require a combination of skilled …read more.

On Thursday, the state announced the awarding of $30 million to more than 1,300 schools to reward high-performing teachers in the first such distribution of teacher performance grants. But because the Wawasee Community School Corp. does not have its new teacher pay system in place, it was not eligible to receive any of the state funding. …read more.

By KARA BROOKS State of Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed Executive Order 14-11 to dissolve the Center for Education and Career Innovation, effective on or before Friday, Feb. 20. “We launched the Center for Education and Career Innovation to advance learning outcomes for Hoosier students and adult workers, and they have done that,” said Pence. …read more.

By KARA BROOKS Office Of Indiana Governor Pence At the Bingham Greenebaum Doll 2014 Legislative Conference this morning, Governor Mike Pence unveiled his education agenda for the upcoming legislative session which begins on Tuesday, Jan. 6. “For Indiana to continue to prosper, education must work for all of our students,” said Governor Pence. “To accomplish …read more.

By KARA BROOKS State of Indiana In its first distribution of teacher performance grants, the State of Indiana today awarded more than 1,300 schools with $30 million to reward thousands of high-performing teachers. Among schools in Kosciusko County receiving teacher performance grants are: Akron Elementary, Claypool Elementary, Edgewood Middle, Eisenhower Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, …read more.

By ALI CURTIS Communications and Media Relations Manager, Indiana Commission for Higher Education As Hoosier college students gather around the dinner table with their families this Thanksgiving, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education would like to suggest a dinner conversation topic: 15 to Finish. The commission is reminding full time college students who expect to …read more.

A new study by Indiana University School of Education researchers sheds new light on the pathways students take to STEM careers, finding that the route is rarely direct. (Photo Provided) The study “The Nature of Experiences Responsible for the Generation and Maintenance of Interest in STEM,” published in the journal Science Education, is authored by …read more.

Alex Coccia, a 2014 University of Notre Dame graduate, and Jacob Burnett, Wabash College class of 2015, have been selected to the American Rhodes Scholar Class of 2015. Burnett, Mishawaka, Ind., and Coccia, a Columbus, Ohio native, learned yesterday they were among 32 students in the nation to be named a Rhodes Scholar. The 32 winners …read more.

By BRANDY REINCKE Indiana Tech Indiana Tech’s Spring semester begins Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015, and we are looking forward to meeting with potential students that would like to move forward on their degrees now. Indiana Tech offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas such as business administration, accounting, information systems, industrial and manufacturing engineering …read more.

Over four years ago, Grace College set out to rethink higher education. The college was recognized by the Senate Higher Education Sub-Committee for being among the first in the nation to develop an accelerated three-year bachelor’s degree for all 65 majors, dubbed Reimagine. Now, four years later, its success is undeniable. Grace College has become …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — WGU Indiana’s enrollment has reached 4,122 students as it celebrates four years of educating Hoosiers. The milestone coincides with the university’s announcement of $400,000 in scholarships across its four colleges. “Our enrollment growth is a good indicator that busy adults are energized by a university model that works for them,” said chancellor of …read more.

The Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing has announced a new master’s degree in the rapidly expanding field of data science. The inaugural class of students will begin the program in January. The new degree program capitalizes on the existing breadth of research and study at the school, with courses coming from computer science, …read more.

Warsaw Community Education Association submitted a short survey regarding educational issues to the three candidates running for the Indiana House of Representatives, District 22. Education in Indiana is intrinsically tied to the politicians we elect to office. WCEA, the Warsaw teacher’s association, while not endorsing specific candidates, encourages the public to be as well informed …read more.

We approached the candidates for U.S. Representative for District 2 and asked them some questions. Below are responses from Republican incumbent Jackie Walorski and Democratic candidate Joe Bock. Libertarian candidate Jeff Petermann ended his run and dropped out of the Libertarian Party after the July 15 deadline to have his name removed from the Nov. …read more.

[weaver_youtube dFQZqTCpjFc rel=0] Learning doesn’t always happen in the classroom. The Center for Lakes and Streams has been teaching students in outdoor classrooms since 2008. On these field days – this year’s was held at Lucerne Park in Warsaw – staff from CLS and Grace College students set up learning stations to teach students from …read more.

Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) announced next week she will participate in a district-wide education tour where she will hear from education officials, community leaders, and students about ways to improve opportunities that will prepare northern Indiana students for a globally competitive workforce. Stops on the tour include: Wednesday, September 3, 2014: 8 a.m. ET – …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers today kicked off a statewide “15 to Finish” campaign that aims to boost college graduation rates by encouraging Hoosier students to take at least 15 credit hours each semester. Data show that students who complete 15 or more credits per semester are more likely to graduate …read more.

by Miriam Haag Junior Reporter If you are looking to help further a child’s education and love furniture, then Hither & Yon, a non-for-profit store in the Warsaw area is for you. “We sell home decor for many types of shoppers – whether you are searching for a unique piece of furniture or a fun …read more.

By Dana Owen, Adult Services Librarian Don’t forget the Adult and Teen Summer Reading Programs end on Friday, July 18. Pick up all prizes and tickets by 6 p.m. In the meantime, earn drawing tickets by attending the following events. “Drop In Zone” Wednesday, July 18. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 13-18 only. “Science-Gone-Wrong …read more.

George Robertson, president of KEDCo, presented the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission with an update on his Kosciusko Kickstart program at the commission’s meeting on Thursday, May 8. The commission was shown a mockup of the Kosciusko Kickstart website. “We hope, in 2-3 weeks, we will be able to launch the website and begin aggressive recruitment of …read more.

This spring, six teams of Grace College students participated in short-term cross-cultural trips to Fiji, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Paris/London, and Thailand/Cambodia. Each trip carried a unique approach to world travel, whether a historical tour, church ministry, full-culture immersion or disaster relief. Throughout the year, students on “GoEncounter teams” have the opportunity to take …read more.

The GOAL program at Grace College offers adult students the opportunity to complete a degree in management without interrupting their careers. With the on-campus degree completion program, students can complete their studies in as little as 16 months by attending classes one night a week and a few Saturdays. For those unable to commute, Grace …read more.

WARSAW – The Warsaw Adult Tiger Booster Club is issuing a reminder that any parties wishing to advertise in the upcoming all-sports program for Warsaw Community High School’s 2013-14 athletic season need to inquire by July 19. Questions regarding advertising in the program can be directed to WCHS Athletic Director Dave Anson (574) 267-3162 or …read more.

Kosciusko Lakes and Streams hosted four schools of fourth-graders today at Pike Lake for their biannual field day, “Our Lakes, Our Treasures.” Student volunteers from Grace College taught fourth-graders from Jefferson, Harrison, Milford and Warsaw Christian Schools about the importance of protecting the lakes and streams in Kosciusko County. “Anywhere they go, they’re going to …read more.

Students at Warsaw Community High School spent Thursday afternoon celebrating foreign cultures at the World Language Extravaganza as part of World Languages Week. They had refreshments and learned to make foods, dance and learned about fun things in new languages and cultures. Jacqueline Schram, professor of French at Grace College, who lived in France for …read more.

Grace College was recently selected by Indiana’s Department of Correction to head the state’s Adult Basic Education program in the northern region. As a part of their initiative to bring experience and leadership to the new team, the school has named Dennis Duncan Director of Prison Education. The position became a necessity as a team …read more.