LARWILL — Whitko Community Schools will host its board meeting Monday night, March 16, but is encouraging people interested to instead watch online. Superintendent Dr. Brandon Penrod and Board President Carrie Hoffman issued a statement regarding the meeting of the Board of School Trustees scheduled for Monday, March 16. The board meeting is scheduled to …read more.

WARSAW – Two more school districts – Tippecanoe Valley and Whitko – are ceasing classes out of concern for the coronavirus. Warsaw, Wawasee, Triton and Manchester school districts announced closure plans earlier Friday, March 13. Tippecanoe Valley outlined a details schedule for the next few weeks. The school district issued the following statement: Tippecanoe Valley …read more.

  The location for Whitko Career Academy in the former Whitko Middle School, Larwill. WCA is scheduled to open its doors to new students in the fall of 2020. Photo provided by Nathan Haywood and Whitko Community Schools. SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko Community Schools announced details on its Whitko Career Academy ahead of its inaugural …read more.

  SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko Community Schools announced its award of the largest Career Ladders Grant in Indiana. The school corporation accepted $468,250 in new funding approved by the Indiana State Board of Education, Feb 5, said a news release from Whitko Community Schools Effective July 2019, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation supporting career …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Two teachers from Whitko Community Schools joined the Indiana STEM Education Conference hosted at Purdue University’s School of Education, Wednesday, Jan.15. Teachers Brittany Hamm and Ashley Roberts were chosen specifically to present, said a news release from Whitko Community Schools.  For those new to STEM, the acronym stands for Science Technology Engineering …read more.

PIERCETON — Whitko School Board of Trustees granted permission for the purchase of three new buses in its meeting, Monday night, Dec. 16 at Pierceton Elementary School. The board approved the purchase of three buses through Kerlin Bus Sales in Silver Lake. One minibus and two 81-passenger buses will replace buses in the current fleet …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Students from Whitko’s 5th-grade classes at Pierceton Elementary and  Whitko Jr/Sr High School’s business class visited Junior Achievement’s BizTown and Finance Park on Friday, Dec. 6. Previous to 2019, Junior Achievement’s offices were located near Glenbrook Mall behind Kohl’s. After a recent campaign, they have a new location specifically designed to their …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Saturday, Nov. 16, three Whitko Lego Robotics teams traveled to Wawasee Middle School to participate in the Northern Indiana Wawasee First LEGO League Qualifying Tournament. This year the theme was City Shaper, said a news release from Whitko Community Schools. Teams chose and then solved a real-world problem in the Innovation Project. …read more.

WARSAW — Two local school corporations will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 19, as teachers support “Red for Ed” Day in Indianapolis. Warsaw Community Schools and Whitko Community Schools will both be closed. Thousands of Indiana teachers will be rallying at the Indiana Statehouse on Nov. 19 for changes to education. As of Tuesday, Nov. …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko Community Schools leaders hosted an informational meeting Oct. 15, at the Larwill Campus to announce a collaborative partnership resulting in the establishment of the Whitko Career Academy: Next Level Education, a learning center for local high school students and adults which promises to have a transformational impact on learning and career readiness …read more.

LARWILL — On Friday, Sept. 27, the Whitko Wildcats will come out full ROAR to work together within their local communities to clean up their schools and some of the community to which they belong. “We’ve wanted to do a service project day for our schools since last spring and now the timing is right,” …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko Community Schools has been contacted by Norfolk Southern railroad concerning the closure of all railroad crossings in South Whitley Thursday morning August 29, 2019. Norfolk Southern will attempt to get the State Street crossing open prior to school dismissing Thursday afternoon but will not guarantee it, according to a news release …read more.

LARWILL — Whitko School Corporation’s principals and department heads discussed the start of the school year and routines at the Whitko School Board meeting Monday, Aug. 19. During her report, Pierceton Elementary School Principal Michele Smith addressed board members about the school’s new arrival procedure. “Students enter the building at 7:45 a.m. and go either …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — During a special board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 8, the Whitko School Board approved the hiring of Jake Everett as the new Whitko Jr./Sr. High School principal. Everett previously worked at Manchester Community Schools for seven years in a variety of positions, including social studies teacher, basketball coach and digital learning coach. …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko will also host a back to school night at the junior-senior high school Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Beginning at 6 p.m., 7th graders will participate in junior high orientation in the main auditorium, while at 7 p.m., ninth grade orientation for senior high students will be hosted …read more.

  SOUTH WHITLEY — Even after ranking high in a national archery tournament, South Whitley Elementary School sixth-grader Cassidy Skinner is aiming to improve her skills and scores. Cassidy, daughter of Jeremy and Melissa Skinner, competed at the 2019 National Archery in the Schools Program Eastern Nationals in Louisville, Ky., on May 9 and 10. …read more.

PIERCETON — Michele Smith, chief academic officer for Marion Community Schools, was announced as Pierceton Elementary School’s new principal during the Whitko School Board meeting held Monday, May 20. Smith has worked as a chief academic officer for four years and also worked as a principal for four years. “I’m really excited to work for …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Congratulations were in order for the Whitko FFA last week as they hosted their annual dinner banquet and awards ceremony. During this celebration, it is also a time to recognize the hard work of the senior class, thank the current officers and welcome the newest officers to their posts. For the audience, …read more.

WHITKO — Whitko FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) students and family and consumer science teacher Amy Richards presented checks to B.A.B.E. of Whitley County and Whitley County Humane Society. Each check totaled $250. The funds raised were announced earlier in March as part of a larger campaign including a $500 scholarship to …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — The 2019 Fort Wayne Newspapers Design an Ad contest recently announced the contest’s winners. Over 2,000 students from 30 schools created ads designed to sell today’s top products and services. Thirty-six Whitko Jr./Sr. High School art students received the honor of “Advertisers Choice” finalist in the high school category out of 40 …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY – Phil Jensen was named the new Whitko football coach Thursday evening.

WHITLEY COUNTY — The month of March offered up major donations within the Whitko community amidst three highly successful fundraising campaigns: the school-wide mattress fundraiser, the annual Jarrod Day auction and celebration and an FCCLA fundraiser and scholarship. Altogether, $13,965.89 was raised in March with over 50 percent of the proceeds benefitting a Whitko family …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Ink Free News was recently contacted by an anonymous source regarding an alleged child abuse situation that reportedly occurred at Pierceton Elementary School. The source reported the incident to Ink Free News on March 19, the day after Whitko School Board’s meeting. During the school board meeting, Pierceton Elementary School Principal Mike …read more.

PIERCETON — Rain on March 14 may have been cause for a few umbrellas, but it certainly wasn’t able to dampen the camaraderie of the much anticipated Lunch and Learn hosted by Whitko Community Schools. Students from Whitko Jr./Sr. High School’s FFA chapter served pulled pork meals, and as a special treat, the secret family …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — The resignation of Pierceton Elementary School Principal Mike McClain was announced during the Whitko School Board meeting Monday, March 18. Dr. Brandon Penrod, Whitko School Corporation superintendent, read McClain’s letter of resignation to the board. His resignation will be effective June 30 of this year. “I would like to thank the Whitko …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Recent changes in Whitko Community Schools’ central office have paved the way for new staff including a new superintendent, new director of curriculum and special services, and new treasurer. Naturally, with that come new opportunities to build relationships within the community. As a result, Superintendent Dr. Brandon Penrod has been increasing his …read more.

The prospect of sub-freezing temperatures and debilitating winds have area schools taking action. The following are schedules for area schools over the next several days. Warsaw, Wawasee and Triton Warsaw Community Schools, Wawasee Community School Corporation and Triton School Corporation all announced on Tuesday, Jan. 29, that they will close their doors and not reopen …read more.

WARSAW — The graduation rates, or the percentage of high schools who end up in a cap and gown, were relegated to letter grads as seen on report cards, most area high schools would end up on the honor roll. On Wednesday, Jan. 2, the Indiana Department of Education published school statistics for 2018, which …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — All veterans are invited to attend the annual Veterans Day celebrations at Whitko Community Schools. Whitko will host programming at all three of its locations — Pierceton Elementary School, South Whitley Elementary School, and Whitko Jr.-Sr. High School. Students have been preparing for weeks, learning the significance of the American flag, what …read more.

LARWILL — Contentious issues in the southwestern Whitley County/southeastern Kosciusko County school corporation of Whitko Community Schools has fostered a larger than usual number of candidates for that school district’s school board. The field of six candidates, which includes one incumbent, are vying for two slots on a board, which has been challenged in recent …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Warsaw Community Schools Chief Financial Officer Dr. Brandon Penrod will soon put away his calculator in order to head up the Whitko Community Schools as its new superintendent, beginning next month. Penrod, 41, currently lives north of Fort Wayne and is married to Michelle with six sons. He is a 1995 graduate …read more.

PIERCETON — Summer break, for a teacher or a principal, has traditionally been known as a time for family, swimming, vacations, or maybe even working hard on a home improvement remodel. For Pierceton Elementary School Principal Mike McClain, this past summer was a chance to revisit one of his favorite passions, children’s fiction. McClain recently …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology, has recognized Whitko Community Schools as a Common Sense District. Whitko Community Schools has demonstrated its commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing its students to use the immense power …read more.

PIERCETON — Parents, faculty and staff gathered together on April 20 to celebrate students from Pierceton Elementary School’s fifth grade. Throughout the past school term, students have been actively participating in Drug Abuse Resistance Education, more commonly known as D.A.R.E. Three classrooms from Pierceton Elementary School received D.A.R.E. certifications. The students had been studying under …read more.

  WARSAW—Homer and Marcia Ousley spent their married lives together in the communities of Mentone and North Manchester. Homer served in the U.S. Army and then attended Purdue University where he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees. He put his education to good use, working as a farm manager for Creighton Brothers and operating his …read more.

LARWILL — Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology, has recognized Whitko Community Schools as a Common Sense Certified School: Digital Citizenship. Whitko’s Pierceton Elementary and South Whitley Elementary Schools have demonstrated their commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing their students …read more.

PIERCETON — Historical figures were brought to life during the annual biography museum held at Pierceton Elementary School on Monday, May 22. Third graders at PES were given the assignment to pick a historical figure to research and create an informative presentation on for the museum event. The annual event was a little different this …read more.

LARWILL — An anticipated school closing will not come to fruition for Whitko Community Schools, at least for the 2017-2018 school year. At the Whitko School Board meeting held Monday, March 20, the board decided to find another way to deal with their looming financial troubles rather than consolidating schools. The Whitko School Corporation has …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — The Indiana State School Music Association has released the local solo and ensemble contest results for Whitko Community Schools as follows: Silver Medal Winners for vocal solos: Colton Easterday Kiara Galloway Lizz Foutz Dreama Doggendorf Gold Medal Winners for vocal solos: Holly Hathaway Mahkinsey Myers Gold Medal Winners advancing to State Sydney Trump …read more.

PIERCETON — The Whitko Community Schools consideration of a closure of a local school has the community concerned. Some individuals in the community became concerned when they have heard that the school board had discussed consolidating or closing a school due to budget concerns. WCS Superintendent Steve Clason stated the board has been working on …read more.

PIERCETON — Whitko Community Schools will be holding four community meetings to discuss and share ideas for Whitko’s future. During the meetings, the schools plan to share the state of the schools, present the board’s possible opportunities to reach future goals and leave time for community input, comments and questions. The meetings will be held at …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY – Whitko has attained a special title, recently named a ‘Unified Champion School’.

LARWILL — Whitko Community Schools is one of 433 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 7th Annual AP District Honor Roll. To be included on the 7th Annual Honor Roll, Whitko had to, since 2014, increase the number of students participating in Advanced Placement or college level …read more.

WARSAW — With the new school year approaching, students are not the only ones getting ready to go back to class. This afternoon, Friday, July 29, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce welcomed new teachers from Warsaw, Wawasee, Whitko and Tippecanoe Valley schools. The lunch event, held at Creighton’s Crazy Egg Cafe, began with teachers giving an introduction and …read more.

PIERCETON — Whitko Schools announced the following information pertaining to the 2016-17 school year. The Whitko High School guidance counselors will be available 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, through Friday, Aug. 5, to make class schedule changes. New students can call (260) 723-5146 for an appointment. Students with last names beginning with A-M …read more.

PIERCETON — The Whitko School Board of Trustees will meet in special session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 in the superintendent’s office, located in the Whitko administration office. The purpose of this meeting will be changes in personnel. The next regular meeting of the Whitko School Board of Trustees will be 6:30 p.m. Monday, …read more.

PIERCETON — Pierceton Elementary School spent the week of May 2-6 celebrating School Lunch Hero Week. Before a child can learn, his or her belly must be full and for that reason, the school lunch staff is an important part of the school team. PES purchased the “Lunch Lady” book series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, …read more.

WARSAW — As graduation approaches, high school seniors throughout Kosciusko County are planning for their futures. For 45 of these students, getting to go through commencement is an accomplishment they may not have otherwise had the chance to enjoy. Tuesday afternoon, May 17, Gradway held its annual graduation ceremony and luncheon to celebrate this milestone in …read more.

By AMY CHRiSTOFFEL Administrative & Marketing Coordinator, Whitko Community School Corporation KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The Whitko Community School Corporation has named the students of the month of May. Lindsay Moseley is the Student of the month at Whitko High School. Moseley is truly the embodiment of what Whitko High School is all about. She is a …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY —Whitko Community School Corporation has announced the students of the month for March: Julian Sexton, Whitko High School, has a way of bringing out the best in people. He doesn’t judge a person before he gets to know them. He has a sense of humor and knows how to listen. He possesses a …read more.

WHITKO — Due to the Weather cancellation on Wednesday, Feb. 24 Whitko Community Schools will be in session on Friday, March 4.

Whitko Community Schools has announced that classes will be in session this Friday. Originally scheduled as a make-up day due to unprecedented weather-related school delays and closings, all Whitko Community Schools will report on May 16. The last student day of school is June 4.

Whitko Community Schools announces the finalized adjusted schedule due to inclement winter weather. Parents and students should note the following dates: Friday, April 18 – school will be in session on Good Friday Friday, May 16 – previously scheduled as a make-up day Additional days added include May 29-30 and June 2-4 Teacher Inservice will …read more.

Due to unprecedented weather-related school delays and closings, Whitko Community Schools will now be in session on the following dates: Friday, March 21 (previously scheduled as a make-up day) Friday, April 18 (school will be in session on Good Friday) Friday, May 16 (previously scheduled as a make-up day) Additional days added include May 29-30 …read more.

Due to unprecedented weather-related school delays and closings, Whitko Community Schools has announced the following changes in schedule: Make up dates will be Friday, Feb. 14, with students in attendance (teacher in-service is cancelled) and Monday, Feb. 17, with students in attendance (previously scheduled as a make-up day).

Whitko Community Schools will be in session on the following days to serve as make up days for those cancelled due to weather: Monday, Feb. 17 Friday, March 21 Friday, May 16 Thursday and Friday, May 29-30

School will be in session for all students of Whitko Community School Corporation on Monday, Jan. 20. This is a make-up day due to school being cancelled Jan. 8 because of inclement weather.

Whitko Community Schools announces their plans to move forward with the renovations at South Whitley Elementary School and the construction of a new Pierceton Elementary School. The Board of School Trustees held their 1028 Hearing on June 17 during their regular board meeting. The next step was to wait 30 days for any objections to the …read more.

Warsaw and Wawasee schools are currently offering online registration for students returning to school this fall while Tippecanoe Valley and Whitko school corporations announce registration days and times. Tippecanoe Valley Registration for any Tippecanoe Valley school will be held at each school from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 1-2. High school …read more.