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Kokomo Twilight School |
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During its March 5th meeting, the Kokomo-Center Board of School Trustees approved a recommendation from Superintendent Jeff Hauswald to expand Kokomo-Center’s current alternative educational programs for 2012-2013 by creating an evening educational program – the Kokomo Twilight School - at Kokomo High School.
Superintendent Hauswald explained in his recommendation that as the corporation continues to explore areas of greatest need, it became apparent that a need exists for additional alternative education options.
“In many instances, alternative education is about more options for students, who need more flexible learning opportunities to meet the growing pressures of home, school, work, and life,” Mr. Hauswald’s recommendation stated, but added, “A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach misses a vast majority of our diverse population.”
According to Superintendent Hauswald the Kokomo Twilight School provides options, not just in curricular offerings and approaches, but also in the time of day. Mr. Hauswald explained that the Kokomo Twilight School would be open from approximately 3 to 8 pm Tuesday through Thursday, as well as Saturday from approximately 9 am to 3 pm. He noted that Transportation would be provided to and from the Twilight School.
Kokomo High School Principal Rick Hagenow applauded the School Board and the Superintendent for creating an additional pathway for student success.
“Hope is a powerful word and that is exactly what several students will be given by the Kokomo Twilight School,” Mr. Hagenow, who is a former principal at the McKinley Alternative School, said. “Many of our students are victims of life circumstances, and we feel this program creates opportunities for some of our most challenged students. The Kokomo Twilight School offers yet another path to high school graduation and a successful life.”
Superintendent Hauswald explained that in addition to the flexible schedule, the Kokomo Twilight School would help students with college and work transition through the following opportunities:
• Work readiness classes
• Career internships
• Independent study
• Distance and virtual education classes
• Extended learning time and support
• Alternative credit options
• Tutoring
Students enrolled in the Kokomo Twilight School are not expected to attend classes every day nor every hour of each school day; but rather, this program will adapt to each student’s academic needs.
“Students will work with teachers and administrators to establish a flexible schedule that best meets their individual learning and work/career preparation needs,” Superintendent Hauswald explained. “During the 2011-2012 school year, we have begun working initially with businesses who would like to partner with the Kokomo Twilight School. All students, regardless of where they live, will be given the opportunity to attend the Kokomo Twilight School, and may apply for an interview online at www.kokomoschools.com .
Superintendent Hauswald also noted that students who attend Kokomo High School during the day will have the opportunity to utilize the Kokomo Twilight School for additional assistance and as a resource. This includes the use of personal laptops for 2012-2013 freshmen as part of their 1-to-1 technology initiative.
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March is Preschool Awareness Month at Kokomo-Center |
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The Elwood Haynes Community Preschool is a response to requests by parents in the Kokomo area community. Kokomo-Center Schools has expanded family options for quality preschool education in Howard County by opening the Elwood Haynes Community Preschool.
Two preschool classrooms opened this semester at Elwood Haynes Elementary (910 S. Cooper St.), and the Elwood Haynes Community Preschool is expanding in August 2012. A quality preschool makes a difference in preparing children to be successful in kindergarten. Preschool education builds a foundation for a lifetime of success.
We hope you will join us for preschool next school year. Enrollment for the Elwood Haynes Community Preschool closes April 30th, or when capacity is reached. Call (765) 454-7050 to register or schedule a visit.
The local Kokomo-Center Head Start program at the Darrough Chapel Early Learning Center (900 S. Goyer Road) has been recognized by Federal officials as one of the best in the nation. Head Start is a Federal comprehensive preschool serving qualified families in Howard, Miami, and Tipton counties.
Register today for the Elwood Haynes Community Preschool or the Head Start program at Darrough Chapel Early Learning Center by completing the preschool application/survey online by clicking the Preschool / Head Start details button on the Kokomo-Center Homepage at www.kokomoschools.com Details and prices for the Elwood Haynes Community Preschool, as well as enrollment dates for Head Start in Howard County are included on the preschool application /survey. |
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Excitement building at the Wallace School of Integrated Arts |
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| Kokomo-Center Superintendent Jeff Hauswald, left, and Sycamore Elementary Principal Charley Hinkle sat down with a group of Kokomo High School Fine Arts students at Wallace Elementary School to discuss arts instruction at the future Wallace School of Integrated Arts. |
Superintendent Jeff Hauswald shows off the new stage area being constructed by the Kokomo Area Career Center Building Trades class for the Wallace School of Integrated Arts, which will open in August 2012. |
Superintendent Jeff Hauswald met this week with a group of Fine Arts students from Kokomo High School to hear their ideas concerning arts instruction in Kokomo-Center Schools. Superintendent Hauswald and Sycamore Principal Charley Hinkle, who has served as the administrative lead for the new program, asked the students to share their ideas in anticipation of the opening of the Wallace School of Integrated Arts in August 2012.
The KHS students were given a tour of Wallace Elementary School and were impressed with the renovations taking place and were excited to hear about plans for a dance and rhythm classroom, as well as a new stage area being constructed by Kokomo Area Career Center Building Trades class of instructor Dave Peters.
Following the tour and discussion group, the high school students ate lunch at Pizza Hut. Superintendent Hauswald noted that the excitement is building as elementary applicants are being screened this week for admittance into the Wallace School of Integrated Arts that will open in August 2012. |
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Arthur Anderson award special to KHS senior |
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When her new friends at Kokomo High School talked Glenda Hernandez into signing up for the TechnoKats robotics team as a freshman, she didn’t know there was a difference between a nail and a screw. Now, as a KHS senior and with help from an old friend, Glenda has moved another step closer to her goal of becoming an Electrical Engineer.
Recently, Glenda was selected as the first recipient of the Arthur L. Anderson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) award in competition with all seniors at the 24-team 2011 Indiana FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) CAGE robotics match. This award is special to Glenda because it honors long-time TechnoKats advisor Art Anderson, who was tragically killed this past summer.
Art and his wife Betty, who were considered the “grandparents of the TechnoKats”, were among those mentors who helped Glenda learn the difference between a nail and a screw.
“I knew Art well,” the Arthur Anderson award winner said with tears welling in her eyes. “Art was such an amazing mentor and a great person overall. Winning a scholarship honoring Art was special because Art was so special.”
“I remember going to Art with a mechanical question. Art gave me the history, then the details, and then he answered my question,” Ms. Hernandez continued. “Art knew everything, and he always had a smile for you.”
When Glenda was recognized for earning this award at the November meeting of the Kokomo-Center Board of School Trustee, it was a tearful occasion as she and other TechnoKats mentors remembered Art and his influence on their lives through his “Gracious Professionalism”. Representing the Anderson family at the Board presentation were current TechnoKats mentors, Art’s son Alan and his wife Carol.
Glenda explained in her award-winning scholarship essay that Art Anderson was her inspiration for transferring the notion of “Gracious Professionalism” outside of competitive robotics and into volunteerism.
“Through his big heart, Art gave back nationwide by volunteering at every FIRST regional and national competition,” Ms. Hernandez wrote in her essay.
The Indiana FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) State Historian gives back to her community at the Kokomo Mental Health Association (Power of Children Award nominee); at the Free Christmas Dinner (she served food, washed dishes, cleared tables, and cleaned the kitchen); and at a missionary trip (Spring Break 2011) in New Orleans (she helped repair homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina).
The New Orleans mission trip changed Ms. Hernandez.
“When I returned, I stopped going on unnecessary shopping sprees and began saving money so I could donate to nonprofit organizations,” Glenda explained. “I want to continue these philanthropic ways as an adult because I have seen the positive impact it can have on others.”
Ms. Hernandez plans to use the $1,000 Arthur L. Anderson Memorial Scholarship to attend Purdue University, where she plans to major in electrical engineering and marketing.
The marketing interest came through a paid internship with Andy Mark Inc.
“I felt so guilty asking my parents for money to go on field trips because they work so hard for their money,” Glenda explained. “Since I landed this job in August 2010, I have paid for all my trips (TechnoKats/FBLA) myself. I am so proud of that.
“Again, TechnoKats made that job opportunity possible because I wouldn’t have met Andy Baker (former TechnoKats sponsor from Delphi and now the Andy in Andy Mark Inc.) without the TechnoKats.”
Born in Honduras, Glenda’s family resided in New Jersey through her elementary and middle school years before moving to Kokomo before the start of Glenda’s freshman year at KHS. Glenda has excelled academically, ranking 13th among 428 seniors in the Class of 2012.
Because of her parents, Ms. Hernandez definitely feels she was raised “Honduran”.
“Since I was just a baby (2 years old) when we moved to the United States, I don’t remember Honduras but I was raised Honduran,” Glenda said. “I was not Americanized at all. I didn’t know how to use a shower until 6th grade. We used buckets to wash. I never ate meatloaf until 7th grade when I was at a friend’s house for dinner. My friend’s family talked me into trying it. I will simply say that meatloaf is a very American dish.”
Ms. Hernandez constantly is reminded of her culture since she speaks only Spanish at home with her parents every weekend. Glenda noted that she doesn’t see her parents too much during the week because of their work schedules and her job after school at Andy Mark Inc.
In addition to Andy Baker, Art Anderson was one of the TechnoKats mentors who encouraged Glenda to focus her energy on the areas she enjoyed, but to remember to explore other areas as well.
“Through FIRST robotics competition, I have been able to apply what I have learned from the TechnoKats mentors,” Glenda explained. “Each year, I worked on something different. Now, as a senior, I have an understanding of everything. My TechnoKats experiences have given me great confidence.”
Ben Diener, the Kokomo High School lead teacher sponsor for the TechnoKats, cited Glenda as a valuable and indispensable member of the team. “Glenda has an incredible ability to connect with people while making them feel welcome,” Diener said. “Glenda’s passion and fun-loving spirit will make her an interesting engineer.”
Ms. Hernandez’s advice for incoming freshmen is advice she received from her friend Art Anderson when she was a freshman.
“Everyone has potential. Try things. Until you try, you won’t know what you can do.” |
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Sycamore can drive |
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The Sycamore Elementary students conducted a school wide can collection which netted more than 400 canned food items. Classrooms then constructed “can-structures” with the donated cans. Mrs. Tera Pollard’s created this Seiberling Mansion while other classes constructed the Museum of Science and Industry and The Concert Hall. |
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