TSC Newsletters

Elementary Schools

Bethany Ditto Battle Ground, First Grade
Carmen Trapp Burnett Creek, Third Grade
Staci Elam Cole, Kindergarten
Brandy Cain Dayton, Special Education
Sarah Ferguson Hershey, Fourth Grade
Andrea Bornino Klondike, PE/Health
Claire Miller Mayflower Mill, Fourth Grade
Jill Stanis Mintonye, Fourth Grade
Jessica Hiatt Wea Ridge, Title 1
Joanne Sprunger Woodland, Second Grade
Kelly Garrett Wyandotte, Second/Third Grade High Ability

Middle Schools

Chad Dunwoody Battle Ground, Social Studies
Drew Rhoda East Tipp, Band
Jason Caudill Klondike, Band
Scott Schulz Southwestern, Mathematics
Leslie Skaggs Wainwright, Special Education
Samantha Snowberger Wea Ridge, Special Education

High Schools

Diane Beaudoin Harrison, Science
Elizabeth Boener McCutcheon, Special Education12

Retirees

The TSC family salutes our retiring staff members. We appreciate the dedicated service and commitment of our retiring staff members. Watch a special video honoring them.

Nominate your favorite teacher for a Golden Apple Award

Nominate an educator who has made a positive impact on your student by May 1.

Klondike students explore career possibilities at inaugural fair

Seventh grader Landon Walker didn’t waste any time. As soon as he stepped into the first car eer fair in the gym of
Klondike Middle School, he headed straight for the Purdue School of Aviation and Transportation Technology table.

“I chose the Purdue aviation station because I really like planes and have always been interested in how they work,”
Landon says.

He listened closely as presenters explained Purdue’s aviation program and the steps students take to become pilots.
He was surprised by how many jobs are related to aviation.

Landon and his classmates rotated through more than 30 stations featuring local businesses and organizations. School counselors and Junior
Achievement organized the event to help students explore potential career paths. Hands-on demonstrations, interactive activities and
colorful displays gave students a firsthand look at careers ranging from cybersecurity to construction.

 

Across the gym, another student was making discoveries of her own. Fifth grader Ja’Zelle Sanders was deep in conversation at the Valley
Oaks Health booth. She has wanted to become a psychiatrist for years, inspired by her aunt.

“I fell in love with it,” Ja’Zelle says. “I like working with kids and helping people no matter what they are dealing with.”

Psychiatry has long been one of her top career aspirations, along with being a veterinarian, realtor and being an Olympic track runner —
but the career fair opened her eyes to other possibilities.

“Cosmetology surprised me,” she says. “I love brushing, washing and braiding hair and doing makeup.”

Ja’Zelle learned that some salons have their own schools, allowing students to work alongside professionals while earning certifications. She also asked presenters about their favorite experiences, most challenging days and the youngest and oldest clients they have served.

For Ja’Zelle and many other students, the career fair didn’t replace their dreams — it expanded them.

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On the line: Inside GLCA's Criminal Justice Program

“Keep your arms at your sides,” instructs Rachel Burgeson, guiding her classmate who is standing heel-to-toe on a strip of blue tape that runs across the classroom floor at the Greater Lafayette Career Academy (GLCA). The McCutcheon High School junior takes on the role of a police officer, carefully leading her classmate through each step of the walk-and-turn portion of a practice field sobriety test. She watches her classmate’s movements and checks for understanding.

“The officer needs to know exactly what to say because if they say something wrong or forget something then it could result in the case getting thrown out,” she says. Understanding due process matters to Rachel because she hopes to be a lawyer someday.

As Rachel and her classmates go through the simulation, their instructor, retired police officer Keene Red Elk, observes. He says lessons like the field sobriety test give students a realistic look at police work and help them understand the precision required in criminal justice.

More than 80 students are enrolled in GLCA’s Criminal Justice Program. The combination of classroom learning and hands-on exercises gives students a chance to experience the realities of police work in a controlled environment.

For Harrison High School senior Lyla Schoon the program reinforces her goal to pursue a career in law enforcement. “I want to be a police officer and work my way up to detective,” she says. “I like helping people and solving puzzles.”

The field sobriety test may be a simulation, but Red Elk says the judgment and care that students show during the exercise reflect attributes they will need on the job. And when they leave his class, he hopes they remember when they step into the criminal justice profession, they are leaders.

“Learn to lead from your heart and knowledge and not from ego, and the world will be a better place.” -Keene Red Elk

Cloudy with a chance of coding at Battle Ground Elementary

“SOS. Get inside,” flashes in red across a tiny LED screen, programmed by fifth grader Dahlia Marshall and her classmates at Battle Ground Elementary School. The handheld device she’s holding is a micro:bit, a pocket-sized, programmable computer that introduces students to coding. These fifth graders are among the youngest students in the state to explore microelectronics, laying early groundwork for future careers in technology.

Teacher Diane Lehman challenges students to design severe weather warning systems tied to themes from a novel they recently read. Dahlia’s group programmed their micro:bit to display the alert and play a siren sound, then added music to help calm, rather than scare
people.

“We wanted to make it less scary, so people don’t go into full panic mode,” Dahlia explains.

She says coding is exciting and tricky at the same time.

“It was fun to learn how to program them. It’s like playing a game. I also learned that you have to work well together.” -Dahlia Marshall

Lehman and several other TSC educators completed a Purdue University program this summer through SCALE K–12, which helps teachers design lessons that blend microelectronics, creativity and real-world problem solving.

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Full court physics at Burnett Creek Elementary

With both hands on the basketball, third grader Emma Smith launches a pass across the gym floor to her partner. “Thirty-one milliseconds!” another teammate calls out, eyes on the stopwatch. Emma grins. That’s nearly half the time of her first, gentler pass. Around her, students in Hannah Dunbar’s high ability class at Burnett Creek Elementary are discovering that the more force you put on an object, the faster it moves. It’s science in motion, where Newton’s Second Law isn’t something to memorize from a textbook, it’s something students can put into play.

The basketball experiment is part of a six-week unit on forces and motion made possible by a grant from the Lafayette Breakfast Optimist Club. The collaboration between Dunbar and physical education teacher David Schultheiss brings together science, literacy and physical education.

Students work in groups of four — one passes, one catches, one keeps time and one records. Gentle passes: 72 to 84 milliseconds. High-force passes: 31 to 40 milliseconds.

“With low force, the ball was slower,” Emma explains. “Higher force means pushing it harder, so it went faster.” As a soccer player, she’s already thinking about the field.
“Kicking the ball hard makes it go farther.”

Classmate Lewis Nielsen noticed something he didn’t expect. “It was difficult to get consistent times because people have different strengths,” he says. “What was
stronger force to one person was different than another. That was a variable.”

It’s exactly the kind of critical thinking the unit is designed to foster. As a baseball player, Lewis sees the principle when bat meets ball.

“The harder you swing, the farther the ball goes. This activity has been really fun.” -Lewis Nielsen

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East Tipp Middle students get a grip on astronautical engineering

As Purdue University prepares for its 2027 suborbital spaceflight with Virgin Galactic, the mission will test the limits of technology and spacesuit design. Thanks to the Purdue Women in Engineering program, students at East Tipp Middle School gained insight into one of the most challenging parts of a spacesuit — the gloves.

As part of the 2025 Engineering Day activities at East Tipp, students were tasked with building a 3D cube using plastic connector straws and joints while wearing oven mitts to simulate the restricted movement of astronauts’ gloves. This exercise highlighted the complexities astronauts face in performing even simple tasks in space.

“It was hard because you could barely grab things. It helped me understand how tired astronauts would be after doing a simple task.” -Evelyn Fassnacht

Following the cube-construction challenge, students worked in pairs to design their own prototype gloves using materials like pipe cleaners, aluminum foil, straws, tape and scissors. Their goal was to create gloves that could protect astronauts’ hands while offering greater range of motion.

Student Lauren Chism explains that Evelyn traced her hand on cardstock, cut it out, and tried to staple the pieces together. “It kind of broke, so I think that glove wouldn’t really work in space,” she admits with a laugh. “If the temperatures are minus 280 degrees Fahrenheit, we can’t have any holes in them.”

By the end of the session, students walked away with a new respect for astronauts and a deeper understanding of the engineering challenges involved in space exploration.

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‘Snow much’ fun at Wyandotte Elementary

While the weather outside was frightful, the learning inside Katelynn Pritts’ second grade classroom was delightful. On a snowy December morning, students at Wyandotte Elementary School walked into a winter wonderland filled with hanging snowflakes, STEM challenges and hands-on fun.

The classroom transformation is one way that Pritts helps each student grow and stay engaged, immersing them in activities like building igloos from sugar cubes.

“The goal is for them to understand the structure of a building — the base and the foundation,” Pritts says. “But they also learn that it takes time and error. Mistakes happen, and that helps them grow to be innovative and try new ways to solve a problem.”

Students worked in teams to design and construct their own igloos, each with a unique approach.

At one table, second grader Natalja Tapia laughs as she points out her group’s creation. “Table five, we built an igloo in a square by accident,” she says.

At another table, William Snyder recalls a teammate’s suggestion that led to a breakthrough. “We should use part of the box as the roof,” he says. “I said, ‘That’s brilliant; that’s brilliant.’”

Pritts encourages students throughout the activity, stopping to admire their work and cheer on their ideas. “Oh, look how cute that is. You guys worked so hard. I love your idea,” she tells the group. For Pritts, the day is about more than academics.

“I hope this day creates lasting memories for them and they can see that learning inschool is fun. It’s as magical as a winter wonderland.” -Katelynn Pritts

Pursuing excellence in every game

TSC offers nearly 30 athletic programs across all seasons, from basketball and soccer to golf and unified sports. The lineup continues to grow
reflecting our commitment to expand opportunities for all athletes.

Harrison High School boys volleyball digs into year two

Before the match starts, the Harrison Boys Volleyball Team forms a tight circle, chanting and rocking lower and lower. Suddenly, their libero, the defensive
specialist who anchors the back row, leaps into the center and the whole group explodes with a shout.

It’s loud. It’s chaotic. And it’s only year two.

As boys volleyball continues its second season as an IHSAA-sanctioned sport, seniors like Antonio Figueras already see how far the Raiders have come and
how much bigger the program will get.

"Volleyball is easy to learn, but difficult to master,” Antonio says. “There’s always another level.”

Antonio remembers when boys volleyball was an emerging sport and crowds were small. Now the student section is louder and the roster is growing. He
has taken on a new role too, shifting from libero to learning the setter position this spring.

The team’s growth isn’t just in numbers — it’s in the impact players have on one another.

Senior Emerson Mohr first joined because of Antonio’s passion for the sport. Now he plays outside hitter and thrives on the trust that comes from six athletes relying on each other on every point. His favorite moment came last season when he jumped above blockers and hammered home a middle ball off a one-handed set.

“Knowing your teammates always have your back is really reassuring,” Emerson says. Coach Kristie Hostetler says this is only the beginning for the boys volleyball program. Some upper-classmen are looking forward to college volleyball, while the younger athletes are ready to follow their lead.

“Start strong, stay strong,” Hostetler tells her players at every match. It’s a motto they plan to carry into every match this year and beyond.

“Boys volleyball challenged me in new ways and connected me with teammates who feel like brothers. The sport pushed me to grow mentally and helped me build friendships I’ll remember long after high school. I’m grateful for the chance to be part of something that brings out the best in all of us.”
— Jack Smith, Junior, McCutcheon High School

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McCutcheon High School scores big in inaugural girls flag football season

Clang! Clang! Clang! The sharp sound of a cowbell echoed throughout Ellison Stadium as members of the McCutcheon High School Girls Flag Football team laughed and cheered in celebration of their win over Harrison High School.

“This victory is so important to me and my team,” says senior running back Emma Wykoff. “It’s the first win over Harrison in the history of flag football. We captured the cowbell traveling trophy and have started a legacy that I hope will continue for many years.”

This season marked the first official year for Tippecanoe School Corporation schools to field girls flag football teams, with both McCutcheon and Harrison taking the field. The sport is now officially recognized by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) as an emerging sport. With funding from the Indianapolis Colts and their community partners, schools across Indiana are launching teams and building momentum toward the participation levels needed for the sport to become fully sanctioned.

Senior Ellah Anderson made history of her own by scoring the team’s first touchdown in its opening game against Jefferson High School. “I ran to the end zone and managed to catch the ball despite three opponents surrounding me,” Ellah recalled. “I looked up at my parents while we were getting ready for the next play. All my siblings and grandparents were there too, yelling and cheering for me. It was extra special.”

The Lady Mavs ended the season with five wins and one loss, but for Ellah and Emma, flag football has been about more than wins and touchdowns — it’s about growth, teamwork and opportunity.

“There’s a position for every skill set,” Emma says. “It gives women the opportunity to competitively play a sport they’ve watched their whole lives, breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated game.”

Players, coaches and fans are eager to keep the momentum going. And when McCutcheon and Harrison meet again they’ll be fighting for possession of the cowbell — a symbol of friendly rivalry and pride that’s sure to keep clanging for seasons to come.

“Flag football has brought girls together from different sports backgrounds, and next year will be even better. I’ve learned to be a leader, made new friends and can’t wait to see what our team does next season.”
— Hannah Wright, junior, Harrison High School State finalists | 8–5

Wea Ridge Elementary discovers how teamwork drives success

“You have three minutes, starting in 3, 2, 1!” With that, a group of 10 fifth graders from Wea Ridge Elementary School race to build as many LEGO cars as they can inside the IN-MaC Design and Innovation Studio at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA). Each student plays a role in the
assembly line, adding different parts, like headlights and steering wheels. Student Rhea Jenkins is the designated inspector at the end of the line.

Rhea examines all the cars to ensure every piece is in its proper place, then flips them upside down to double-check their construction. “Oops, the windshield fell off,” she says. That car is marked in need of repair.

In the middle of the assembly line, classmate Mason Lapato installs the front and back seats into each LEGO car.

“It is like a conveyor belt; we did our job over and over,” says Mason. “It really shows the importance of teamwork. If someone doesn’t keep pace, it throws off the whole assembly line.”

The activity is one of several that the students took part in during their visit, which also included a tour of the area where real cars are assembled.

“Our goal is to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders,” says Kayla Cunningham, tour coordinator for the Subaru Educational Experience. “When students get to step into a real manufacturing environment, it opens their eyes to new possibilities for their future.”

When time runs out on the third and final round of the LEGO car assembly line, Rhea counts the cars that passed inspection: “Twenty-two—we made 22!” shouts Rhea. That’s double the number from the first round, demonstrating how practice and teamwork make a difference.

“It shows the work of an engineer is hard work. You can’t rush it. But when you work together, you get better every round.” -Rhea Jenkins

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From soil to stream, Cole and Mintonye Elementary students are on a nature quest

“Oh, oh, I got one!” cries out Braxton Fielder from Mintonye Elementary School as he reels in a baby bass from the pond at the Cole Elementary Outdoor Education Center. With a wide grin, he watches as Indiana Department of Natural Resources officer Matt Tholen takes the fish off the hook and demonstrates how to hold it just like the pros do on television.

It was one of many exciting moments during the third annual Nature Quest Field Day, a hands-on outdoor learning event for students from Cole and Mintonye elementary schools. Water Quality Educator Monica Christopher says the event brings together environmental experts from across Indiana to lead engaging, 25-minute sessions on topics ranging from freshwater mussels and bird watching to soil science and plant DNA: “It’s all designed to spark curiosity and help students build a deeper appreciation for the natural world.”

Students also explored the world of birds using binoculars to spot decoys hidden in nearby trees and bushes. In another session, Purdue University soil science educator Sherry Fulk-Bringman demonstrated how different types of soil retain water, explained erosion and helped students understand the relationship between soil and water health. 

“I want them to be more conservation-minded,” Fulk-Bringman says. “They’re the future of protecting our environment.”

At another station, Brant Fisher from Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area shared a collection of mussel shells and explained the important role mussels play in keeping rivers clean and ecosystems balanced.

“So, the mussel is buried in the stream,” Fisher explained to students. “They suck water in and then spit it out, filtering it through gills to clean out the plankton — tiny plants and animals.” Students eagerly answered questions and tried to match mussel shells into pairs. The insect world also captivated students.

“I learned how dragonflies can see all the way around, and their eyes are like a bunch of little eyes.” -Rawlie Lewis

“We made a dragonfly,” adds classmate Kinsley Culbreth. “On each side, one of the wings is shorter and one is longer.”

When it’s time to move stations, Braxton reluctantly gives up his fishing pole, still watching the pond as if one more cast might land an even bigger catch. It’s a moment that captures the goal of Nature Quest: reeling students into the wonders of the outdoors and sparking a lasting appreciation for the environment.

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Canvas, cookies and connections at Wainwright Middle

For sixth grader Eleanor Huffer, Family Fun Night was the perfect opportunity to show her parents everything she loves about what she’s learning at Wainwright Middle School — from her cookie-decorating skills to her classroom projects — all while sharing a night of fun and laughter.

The evening of February 12 began with dinner and music from the sixth grade choir and jazz band, as families gathered in the cafeteria to catch up with teachers, friends and neighbors. Eleanor eagerly led her parents from one activity to another, starting with cookie decorating. Her FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) Club had baked the cookies and helped set up the station. Next, it was off to a lively round of “Are You Smarter Than a Sixth Grader?”

“We were excited for that one because my husband and I love trivia nights, says Eleanor’s mother, Sara.

Elsewhere in the school, families tried their hand at bingo, putt-putt and other activities. In the painting session, art teacher Andrew Moody donned a Bob Ross wig and guided families step by step as they painted snowflakes, with students and parents watching their canvases come to life side by side.

Eleanor also walked her parents through her classroom, pointing out projects displayed on the walls and sharing the stories behind her work.

“Everyone seemed happy to be there. And it was nice for Eleanor to see her parents and neighbors supporting the school. It helps build social skills when kids see adults interacting in a positive way,” says Huffer.

Family Fun Night is held every three years, giving each student the chance to experience it once during middle school. With nearly 500 people in attendance — well above the school’s enrollment of 329 — it was clear the Wainwright community was all in. It was exactly the kind of night the Huffer family described: school and family being better together.

Blitz Block boosts reading at Mayflower Mill Elementary

“Summer break is a time to be with family, pursue your hobbies and enjoy nice weather,” reads Tramaya Shaffer, a fifth grader at Mayflower Mill Elementary School. Tramaya and four other students are going over a lesson called “The Summer Dilemma,” with teacher Paige Manns, during Blitz Block, a new schoolwide literacy initiative to strengthen reading at every grade level.

This school year, Mayflower Mill redesigned its schedule to add a dedicated 30-minute Blitz Block for every grade. During this time, the entire staff leads small groups that focus on either remediation or acceleration. About 15 groups run at a time throughout the day, giving every student instruction targeted for their specific reading goals.

Grade-level teams regularly review student data and design lessons that zero in on essential reading skills such as phonics, fluency and comprehension. The consistent structure ensures students practice exactly what will help them grow.

By the fourth time Tramaya reads the summer dilemma story, she is reading it faster and with more confidence. “It’s fun and it’s more helpful to work in smaller groups,” she says. “I feel more comfortable asking questions.”

Tramaya’s favorite stories so far have been “A Way to Pay” and “The Sale” because the characters work together across both stories to meet their goal of selling items to earn money for summer camp — just like her group is working together to meet their reading goals, one story at a time.

“Blitz Block ensures every child receives high-quality reading instruction every day; and it brings the entire staff together around one shared goal: helping students become confident, capable readers. The collaborative structure makes reading growth a true schoolwide effort.” -Paige Manns

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Pencils, paper, and pen pals at Woodland Elementary

Woodland Elementary School kindergartner Briell White can hardly sit still as she anticipates writing her first letter to her pen pal at Wea Ridge Elementary School. Pencil in hand, she watches closely as her teacher demonstrates how to write the letter on the board.

"Write your buddy’s name and then be sure to add a comma,” guides teacher Lisa Merryman.

Briell eagerly follows the directions, carefully adding a comma behind her pen pal’s name, Aaliyah, before looking up with a proud smile, ready for the next step.

In this classroom, students are learning that writing has a purpose and a real audience. With support from a grant from the Lafayette Breakfast Optimist Club, Merryman’s class became pen pals with a kindergarten class at Wea Ridge. The students began by exchanging get-to-know-you posters and will continue writing to one another throughout the school year, with plans to meet their pen pals in person before the year ends.

In her letter, Briell shares that she likes to swim and that her favorite animal is a kitten. She’s eager to learn more about Aaliyah, too. “I want to know what her favorite color is,” Briell says. “And I want her to know that I have two sisters.”

She also plans to write about her dream of going to Disneyland and hopes these letters will help her learn how to write to her grandma and grandpa someday.

“These letters are more than a writing activity. This gives students a chance to connect with new friends, share their stories and discover the joy of writing.” -Lisa Merryman

Tippecanoe Online Academy lets students learn in style

When Kayla Brooks steps behind a stylist chair at Christina & Company Education Center, the Tippecanoe Online Academy (TOA) student sees more than her client’s reflection — she sees her future. She chats easily with a returning client while trimming layers and catching up on family stories.

Kayla is one of more than 100 TOA students taking advantage of the online high school’s flexibility. The senior completes English and other required courses on her own schedule, giving her time to pursue cosmetology through the Greater Lafayette Career Academy (GLCA) and maintain a parttime job.

“Having local teachers and resources so close is great,” Kayla says. “They’re always there and easy to talk to.”

Kayla especially enjoys working with clients who now request her by name. One regular client loves to talk about butterflies and never leaves without a hug.

“I want to make people happy and express themselves with their beauty and to help them love themselves,” she says.

Balancing school and training hours can be challenging, but Kayla says TOA’s structure helps her stay on track.

“My teachers are flexible and aware of my situation,” she says. “I have until Sunday to complete my work, which helps me manage everything.”

After graduation, Kayla hopes to find a local salon where she can begin her career.

“You have to be self-motivated and use your time wisely,” she says. “But I get more time with family and friends. I get more sleep too.”

For Kayla, it all adds up to a clear path forward — one cut, color and conversation at a time.

 

Wea Ridge and Southwestern Middle Schools team up as bot buddies

Students crowd around practice tables in the Wea Ridge Middle School technology lab, adjusting code, tightening gears and cheering each other on as their robots navigate a series of missions. The room buzzes with energy. With the Lafayette regional competition just days away, featuring 29 teams, Wea Ridge is hosting a scrimmage with Southwestern Middle School, which is launching its first robotics team in years.

The challenge is to program the robot to complete a variety of tasks on a set course in just two and a half minutes, including picking up and delivering objects. Wea Ridge students guide their peers through what competition day feels like, giving the newcomers a chance to practice in a real-world setting.

For eighth grader Delilah Allbaugh, one of the team captains of the Robo Huskies team at Wea Ridge, robotics has been one of the most meaningful parts of middle school. She joined the team in sixth grade after friends encouraged her to join and quickly found a community that helped her grow. The innovation challenge is her favorite part of the competition because it gives her team an opportunity to share their ideas.

“It’s exciting and nerve-wracking. Our presentation is where we get to show who we really are.” -Delilah Allbaugh

Eighth grader Jaden Waltz, the other Wea Ridge team captain, writes much of the code that powers their robot. He enjoys the hands-on engineering and the rush of competition, even when a tiny misalignment can change everything. “Anything can go wrong if the robot is even a centimeter off,” he says. His three years on the team have sparked new interests in software engineering, automotive engineering and web development — careers he can now imagine pursuing.

For the Southwestern students, the scrimmage offers a chance to learn from experienced competitors and build confidence. Irene Gibbs, a seventh grader, first joined robotics in elementary school and was excited to return to it now that Southwestern restarted the program. She helps lead a group focused on surface-brushing and salvage-operation missions.

Her team spent weeks refining attachments and tightening code to make each move as efficient as possible. “We qualified and our presentations went well,” she says. “We had a few tasks fail in the first round, but I think it was just first-time jitters.” Irene says robotics has strengthened her skills in research, teamwork and leadership, and she hopes her future includes something in technology, math or science.

Her teammate, sixth grader, Izzy Zook has been involved in robotics since second grade and joined the Southwestern team as a coder and presenter. The pressure of working at the competition table was the toughest part for her. “Because of the time limit and trying not to make mistakes, it can be stressful,” she says. But Izzy loved meeting new people and watching other teams compete.

Southwestern made an impressive return to robotics, with one team earning the Robot Design Award and another qualifying for the semi-state tournament in December at Vincennes University. The Robo Huskies from Wea Ridge also had a strong showing at regionals, earning the finalist award in core values, qualifying for the state championship in Indianapolis, and seeing coach Logan Staples receive the Coach/Mentor Award. It was an exciting finish to a season built on collaboration, mentorship and shared success.

Rising stars take the stage at Dayton Elementary

Third grader Nelson Fuentes says he felt butterflies as he and his cast members walked into the Dayton Elementary School gym where the entire student body and family and friends were waiting in the bleachers to see them perform “Shrek Jr.”

The musical began with the narrator setting the scene: “Once upon a time there was a little ogre named Shrek…” From there, the gym became a colorful storybook world, brought to life by a few well-placed set pieces and familiar characters like the Three Blind Mice and Pinocchio.

Portraying Peter Pan was nerve-wracking for Nelson at first. “There were so many people there,” he says. But once the music started, he was belting out the songs and no longer felt nervous.

The after-school production marked the culmination of about 10 weeks of rehearsals. Practices often continued at home, where Nelson and his sister, also part of the cast, rehearsed lines “while eating cookies and strawberries,” he says.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students as young as third grade to experience musical theater. They learn teamwork, creativity and confidence while bringing the story to life right here at school.” -Julie Baumann

Baumann says the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette and parents helped provide the costumes. Some outfits were a little tricky, like for Franklin Blaisdell, who played the Big Bad Wolf. “I was trying not to be embarrassed wearing a bonnet, dress and wolf ears,” he says. “But it was really fun, and I made some new friends.” Franklin and Nelson became close during rehearsals, sharing laughs and practicing together. The production concluded with Shrek proudly declaring, “I’m green. I’m mean. Get used to it!” The audience erupted in applause as the cast took a bow. “It makes you feel good when everyone claps and cheers,” Nelson says. “Next year, I want to be Lord Farquaad.”

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Hershey Elementary Ukulele Club hits all the right notes

The familiar opening chords of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” echo through the Hershey Elementary music room during an afterschool practice session as students gear up for the school’s Veterans Day
program. Eyes shift to the screen at the front of the classroom where simple chords flash: C, C, F, F. Little hands move into position as students follow along from their seats atop brightly colored plastic buckets. Led by music teacher Julie Baumann, the Ukulele Club meets once a week and has grown to nearly 30 students, filling the room with sound and excitement at each practice.

Fourth grader Austin Wynn is one of them. He says he joined the club because he wanted to try something new and he already loves making music on his piano keyboard at home. “It makes me think about being on the beach,” he says, smiling between practice songs.

He says learning the ukulele has been a fun challenge. With every rehearsal, confidence grows. The club plays a variety of music from classic rock to upbeat pop favorites. Austin’s top pick? “Best Day of My Life” by the band American Authors.

Austin says he hopes his musical journey continues long after elementary school. “Yes, I plan to join the East Tipp band,” he says. “I really enjoy music class with Mrs. Baumann because she lets us listen and play cool music!” By the time the final chord rings out in the practice session, students already ask what they’ll learn next. With this much energy, the ukulele has clearly struck the right note at Hershey Elementary.

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New Guitar Club strikes a chord at Battle Ground Middle School

Mastering an instrument doesn’t happen overnight, and students in the new Guitar Club at Battle Ground Middle School are discovering that progress comes one chord at a time.

Launched this school year, Guitar Club gives students a space to learn, practice and play music together. The group meets after school every other Monday focusing on foundational skills like chords, and strumming and timing, guided by science teacher Dylan Broshar.

For seventh grader Ezra Lora, joining the club was a chance to try something completely new. “I had never played guitar before,” Ezra says. “The most exciting part of my guitar playing is when I got my blister, because that means my hands are toughening up and I can play faster.”

Seventh grader Kaden Mabbitt says the club has helped him grow as a musician.

Students are working toward performing a cover of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses by the end of the year. Each meeting builds toward that moment. For Kaden, the learning doesn’t stop there. He’s already
dreaming of someday playing the bass part of “Tom Sawyer” by Rush. For Ezra, Kaden and their classmates, Guitar Club is more than learning notes and chords. It’s about patience, persistence and the satisfaction that
comes from sticking with something long enough to hear improvement.

One student, one chord, one song at a time — that’s how excellence sounds.

 

Every dollar TSC receives goes directly toward supporting our 13,589 students. Here’s how we invest in their education.

Revenue Sources

56.12% State revenue is the largest funding source, almost entirely supporting the Education Fund.
31.88% Local property taxes are the primary drivers for the Operations and Debt Service Funds.
12.0% Other sources include bank taxes, excise taxes and miscellaneous internal revenues.

TSC tax rates

For year 2025, payable 2026:
Debt Service Fund .4947
Operations Fund .4026
Total Tax Rate .8973

School tax rates

Here’s how the TSC compares to other area school corporations for 2026 tax rates:
Tippecanoe School Corporation .8973
Lafayette School Corporation .8288
Revenue sources for 2026 West Lafayette School Corporation 1.2611

How your dollars are allocated

Education Fund $124.1 Million  
Covers instruction expenses like teacher salaries, benefits and classroom supplies

Operations Fund $50.9 Million  
Funds essential services including custodians, bus drivers, utilities and building maintenance

Debt Service Fund  $38.1 Million  
Dedicated to the repayment of school corporation debts

TSC Board of School Trustees

Our school board is made up of dedicated community members who guide and support TSC. Their leadership helps ensure students have the
resources, programs and opportunities they need to succeed.

Pictured left to right:
Connie Harper, Will Sondgerath (Vice
President), Holly Keckler (Secretary), Brad
Anderson, Julia Cummings (President), Josh
Loggins and Jacob Burton.

The TSC Board of School Trustees meeting schedule can be found at tscschools.com under About/Board of Trustees. Email: tscboardmembers@tscschools.com

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Indiana Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Scott Hanback was named Indiana Superintendent of the Year in recognition of his leadership and commitment to students and staff.

See how this recognition reflects the work happening across the corporation.

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Employee Milestones

TSC honors these staff members for their years of service to our students and corporation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 Year

Allyson Anthrop Hershey Elementary, Fourth Grade
Shaad Buss East Tipp Middle, Principal
Mary Clevenger Mintonye Elementary, Third Grade
Anita Davidson Transportation, Bus Driver
Christy Fraley Elston Administration Center, Asst. Superintendent
Scott Hanback Elston Administration Center, Superintendent
Lori Janssen Harrison, English
Cory Marshall Harrison, Principal
Lisa Merryman Woodland Elementary, Kindergarten
Kari Riley Frey Mintonye Elementary, Second Grade
Frederic Roop Wea Ridge Middle, Principal
Debra Smith Beckett Burnett Creek Elementary, Third Grade

40 Year

Linda Fields Hershey Elementary, Principal
Jerry Galema Harrison, Assistant Principal
Ann Hammons Harrison, English
Deborah Liggett Transportation, Bus Driver
Kimberley Pinto Burnett Creek Elementary, Second Grade

 

Calendar dates

2026-27 TSC School Calendar

Get TSC2Go

The TSC has a mobile app, TSC2Go, that provides a convenient option for patrons to stay informed of activities happening throughout the
TSC. The app is available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. TSC sends all school delays and closings through the app. Please visit
the TSC2Go information page on our website, tscschools.com, to get signed up.

TSC VIP passes

The TSC provides residents living within our attendance area, who are 62 and older, with complementary VIP passes to all TSC-sponsored events, except athletic tournaments. To request a pass, visit the Elston Administration Center, 20 Elston Road, Lafayette, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., weekdays, or call
765-474-2481 to make an appointment.