TSC News Post

Tippecanoe School Corporation received five grants totaling more than $47,000 from the SIA Foundation. The funding will help schools expand learning opportunities, strengthen student support services and provide new equipment across the district.

The SIA Foundation awarded grants to Southwestern Middle School, Greater Lafayette Career Academy, Woodland Elementary School, TSC's special education transition program and Battle Ground Middle School.

Southwestern Middle School

Southwestern Middle School received $15,399.05 to install a multi-sport net system in the gymnasium.

The net system will allow staff to divide the gym into multiple activity areas and offer sports such as pickleball, tennis and badminton at the same time. The project will increase student participation, improve safety and allow teachers to better serve students of all skill levels.

Teacher Beth Crum says the current gym setup limits space and engagement for students.

"The net system will allow more students to be active at the same time, reduce overcrowding and increase supervision," Crum says.

Greater Lafayette Career Academy

Greater Lafayette Career Academy (GLCA) received $13,874 for commercial-grade metrology tools through its "Industry Readiness Through Precision Measurement" project.

The grant will provide a complete class set of professional-quality measurement tools used in advanced manufacturing, automotive and motorsports industries. Students will use the same calibrated equipment found in professional workplaces, helping them develop technical skills and gain experience with industry standards before entering the workforce.

More than 150 students will benefit from the equipment each year. The tools will strengthen industry-ready training, support dual credit coursework and industry certifications, and enhance work-based learning opportunities that connect students directly to Indiana employers.

"Precision measurement is a critical skill in our automotive, manufacturing and motorsports programs," teacher Hayley Tragesser says. "This equipment will allow students to work with the same calibrated tools used by industry professionals while developing the technical skills needed for success in high-demand careers."

Woodland Elementary School

Woodland Elementary School teacher Anne Peters received an $8,395 grant for a book vending machine that will encourage reading and celebrate student achievement.

As part of a schoolwide literacy initiative, students will set reading goals, write book reviews and earn tokens when they reach their goals. They can then use those tokens to select and keep a book from the vending machine.

The initiative will build excitement around reading while encouraging students to spend more time with books. Teachers will also model lifelong reading habits by sharing the books they are currently reading with students.

"The book vending machine becomes more than a reward system — it becomes a celebration of reading," Peters says. "As students meet their goals and earn books, they'll build home libraries one book at a time."

Tippecanoe School Corporation Special Education Transition Program

TSC received $6,051.94 to expand its student-run business through the special education transition program.

The grant will fund laptop computers, multicolor 3D printers and business supplies. Students will design, produce and sell products while building skills in technology, customer service and business operations. The equipment will allow the program to expand its product offerings and provide additional hands-on learning opportunities.

Transition Coordinator Tonya Grim says the program will use the equipment to expand student learning and business opportunities.

"These items will allow our student-run business to provide better service and give students a variety of skills through the process," Grim says.

Battle Ground Middle School

Battle Ground Middle School received $3,930.31 to create a sensory room for students receiving special education services.

The sensory room will help students regulate sensory input, improve emotional control and support physical development. Staff will equip the space with sensory swings, therapy mats, balance equipment, sensory seating and calming tools. The room will also support occupational and physical therapy services while helping students build self-regulation skills and improve access to learning.

Jessica Orlando says the school serves a diverse population of learners who benefit from individualized instruction and therapeutic supports.

"A sensory room will provide a dedicated space designed to help students regulate sensory input, improve emotional control and support physical development," Orlando says.