Observer Extras
The links below will help to make the Observer even more useful to you and your family and friends
"Archive" gives you access to about one year of past issues of the Observer. You can catch up on something you missed or check on the details of a previous meeting.
"Forward" lets you email the current issue of the Observer to anyone you'd like to share it with. Just click on "forward" and enter the email address.
|
The Franklin County Observer is a free email news service. At the Observer, we focus our coverage on events and meetings in Franklin County.
Our volunteer staff writers are all Franklin County residents who are committed to factual, impartial news reporting. To subscribe to the Observer, just click on this link and enter your email address.
|
The Observer will also help spread the word about events sponsored by community groups and non-profit organizations. You can email the Observer a brief announcement and we will try to publish it on a timely basis. You can help us spread the word too! Just click the "Forward email" button below and send this message to the people you think should be reading the Observer.
|
|
|
|
Franklin County Schools Begin August 7
|
The Only Constant in Life is Change
As we prepare for another new school year, I am reminded of the old adage, "The only constant in life is change". All indications are that the 2013-14 school year will certainly be one chock-full of change. Students will notice changes in faculty and staff. Teachers will notice changes in resources and curriculum. Parents and community members will notice changes in facilities security protocols.
When students return to the classrooms they will be greeted by several new faces. For the 2013-14 school year twelve new teachers and three new administrators have been hired. This change in faculty and staff is the result of 15 retirements at the conclusion of the 2012-13 school year. These 15 individuals account for a total of 515 years of service to the families of Franklin County. When you see these retirees out in the community, be sure to thank them for their dedication and contributions. On the other hand, when you meet one of our new staff members, please extend a greeting and welcome them to our community.
When teachers return to their classrooms they may notice changes in technology. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, all buildings will have wireless Internet access. In addition, all occupied K-12 classrooms have been outfitted with a Pole Vault system and/or other forms of interactive technology. All FCHS freshmen and sophomores will receive a Chromebook for use at home and at school. In grades K-6 a new reading program will be implemented and eleven new dual credit courses have been added to the curriculum at Franklin County High School.
When parents and visitors enter the school buildings they will immediately notice the change in the entry ways. The main entrances have been remodeled over the summer months to direct visitors into the office area. Once in the office area all visitors shall be required to sign in, asked to show identification, and issued a visitor's badge before gaining access to the rest of the school building. Additionally capital improvements have been made to the varsity football and baseball fields.
What has remained constant is our responsibility to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students are exposed to curriculum, programs, and activities which will prepare them for a successful and happy future.
Yours in Education, Dr. Debbie Howell
|
Franklin County High School
Parent/Student Orientation - August 1
On Thursday, August 1, at 6:30pm there will be a parent/student orientation of the Google Chromebook in the FCHS auditorium. All Franklin County High School freshmen and sophomores will be loaned a Google Chromebook while attending FCHS during the 2013-2014 school year. Parents and students will learn about the benefits of the Chromebook over a tablet and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Submitted by
Toby Witt, EdTech Director, FCCSC
|
Brookville Elementary Registration
Ice Cream Social/Meet the Teacher Night
Brookville Elementary School registration will be on:
Tuesday, July 30, 2013 from 8:00am-3:00pm
Wednesday, July 31, 2013 from 8:00am-6:00pm
Thursday, August 1, 2013 from 8:00am-3:00pm
The Ice Cream Social, a time for parents to bring their children and their supplies to school, will be on Monday, August 5, 2013 from 6:00-7:30pm.
Submitted by
Mike Biltz, Principal
|
BMS Registration
"Meet the Teacher Night"
Brookville Middle School will be holding registration on Tuesday, July 30th, and Wednesday, July 31st, from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Registration will be from 8:00am to 6:00pm on Thursday, August 1st.
Teachers will be available to meet students and parents at the Brookville Middle School "Meet the Teacher Night" on Wednesday, July 31st. Teachers will be available in their classrooms from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Submitted by
Chris Bundy, Principal
|
Get Ready for Back to School
Franklin County High School Expands Dual Credit Opportunities
Franklin County High School continues to increase dual credit opportunities for students. Through an agreement with Ivy Tech and the Advance Placement College Board, the following courses enable a student to earn college credit and high school credit through our Dual Credit Program:
Business Technology,
Information Communication and Technology
Personal Finance
Business and Personal Law
Principles of Marketing
Principles of Business Management
Advanced English/ Language Arts
AP Biology and AP Chemistry
AP Microeconomics
AP Government
AP United States History
AP European History
AP World History
AP Human Geography
AP Psychology
AP Statistics
AP Calculus
AP Spanish
A student may receive college credit upon receiving a passing grade and/or a specific score on the advanced placement exam. Additionally, "Take a Course on Us" through IVY Tech at Richmond or Connersville enables seniors to take one college course at no cost except the cost of textbooks, other materials, and transportation. These courses are subject to adequate enrollment and approval of the College Board.
These courses are designed to enhance the educational opportunities for all students and to enable students to meet the graduation requirements for the Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma.
Franklin County High School Continues
MCATZ Mentoring Program
Once again, freshmen entering Franklin County High School this fall will have an MCATZ mentor to assist them with the transition from middle school to high school. Over 120 Franklin County High School juniors and seniors have received training on becoming a MCATZ. Several studies show that freshmen, who participate in a program of this type, have a better success rate in high school academics, extra-curricular activities, and fewer discipline referrals.
Each mentor is responsible for 2 to 3 freshmen. This allows the program to provide closer mentoring with more availability to make contact consistent. The MCATZ will assist with freshman orientation and meet with their freshmen throughout the school year. They will discuss a variety of topics with the students such as class scheduling, final exam testing, how to properly study, monthly homework organization, extra-curricular activities and any other concerns the freshmen may have about the school.
Each mentor typically makes contact with their freshmen at least 3 times a month and are expected to encourage and mentor each of their freshmen. The MCATZ "Kick-Off" will begin with freshmen orientation scheduled for Thursday, August 1, from 9:00am - 2:00pm at FCHS. This program is operated at NO COST to the freshmen, but by donations received from local businesses and parents.
Submitted by
Kent Grider, Principal
|
Laurel School Registration & Open House
2013-2014 REGISTRATION
Tuesday, July 30: 8:30-2:00
Wednesday, July 31: 11:30-5:00
Thursday, August 1: 8:30-2:00
Friday, August 2: 8:30-2:00
ICE CREAM SOCIAL & OPEN HOUSE:
Thursday, August 8th
Ice Cream Social 5:15pm - 6:30pm
Open House 6:00pm - 7:00pm
FAMILY FUN
Mrs. Alta Profitt, Parent Coordinator, and Laurel School are looking forward to another successful year of parent involvement.
I believe that many Laurel parents reading this article were involved in at least one family fun event at Laurel School last year. Events included conferences, family movie nights, craft and cooking days and more! The number of parents involved throughout the year was amazing! The importance of parental involvement is not limited to early school years. When parents are involved in at least one school activity, students are more likely to achieve more.
We are going to kick off our year with an ICE CREAM SOCIAL!! Who doesn't enjoy talking with family and friends while eating ice cream?
Laurel School's Ice Cream Social will be held in conjunction with our Open House, on Thursday, August 8th. This is a great opportunity to enjoy your family while also letting you child know the importance of their education.
We look forward to seeing you there to kick off the 2013-2014 school year!
Laurel School Welcomes New Teachers
Laurel School is thrilled to announce and welcome two new teachers to our staff for the 2013-2014 school year!
Mrs. Tamara "Tammy" Drudy will be joining our staff as a third grade teacher. Tammy resides in Liberty, Indiana. She is married to David Drudy and they have two grown children. Tammy brings excitement and twelve years of teaching experience to Laurel School.
Tammy has achieved numerous awards while teaching. Some of her accolades include:
Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program Grant Recipient
Disney Teacher of the Year Nominee
Indiana State Reading Association Future Outstanding Reading Teacher
Indiana Association of College for Teacher Education Outstanding Future Educator
Indiana University East Distinguished Student in Elementary Education
As well as several other awards.
Tammy is excited to be a part of Laurel School and Franklin County Community School Corporation, and we are fortunate to have Tammy as part of our team.
Mrs. Carol Blake will be teaching sixth grade at Laurel School. Carol is certainly not a new face to Laurel School, but is now a certified teacher who is joining our teaching staff! Carol has been a paraprofessional at Laurel School for several years. She currently resides in Laurel and is married to Randy Blake. They have two grown children who attended Laurel School.
As a paraprofessional at Laurel, Carol helped implement many new ideas at all grade levels. She has so much to offer our students, our school and our community.
Because of Carol's knowledge in reading education, she has worked with small groups of students at both the elementary and Jr. High levels. She played an integral part in helping create and lead our Jr. High intervention program in the 2012-2013 school year.
Our staff, our parents, our community, and most of all, our students at Laurel School, are lucky to have these two wonderful ladies join our Laurel School Team!
Submitted by
Jill Brack, Principal
|
Mt. Carmel Elementary School
Registration & Open House
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration will take place at Mt. Carmel School on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - 8:00AM-3:00PM
Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - 8:00AM-3:00PM
Thursday, August 1, 2013 - 10:00AM-7:00PM
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH/OPEN HOUSE
APPLES will host a Back to School Bash/Open House night on August 6, 2013 from 5:00-7:00PM. Students will see their classrooms and have an opportunity to meet their teacher for the 2013-14 school year. Students are also encouraged to bring in their classroom supplies. There will be FOOD, FUN and GAMES for everyone to enjoy. Spirit Wear will also be available to order. Hope to see everyone there!
CHANGES AROUND MCS
There are a lot of new and exciting happenings at Mt. Carmel School. There are 4 new teachers who will join the Mt. Carmel Staff this fall; Ms. Krista Palfi (Kindergarten), Mrs. Wendy Reed (3rd Grade), Mrs. Camille Rosenberger (5th Grade) and Mrs. Beth Lake (Middle School English).
Ms. Heather Flaspohler will move from Kindergarten to 2nd Grade. Mt. Carmel has expanded its 2nd Grade from two to three classrooms.
Mrs. Jill Mackie has joined the staff as the new Administrative Assistant/Treasurer. Mrs. Mackie will replace Mrs. Patti Sauerland who has moved to Franklin County High School to replace Mrs. Connie Bruns who recently retired from her position as High School Treasurer.
Submitted by
Jim Dallio, Principal
|
Brookville Elementary School
Staff List 2013-14
Principal Michael A. Biltz
Secretary Rhonda Kerr
Asst. Sec. Rachel Hicks
Student Support: Shawna Jansing
Nurse Karen Anderson
Kindergarten
Valerie Benjamin
Janice Grider
Roberta Princell
Alison Wolber
First Grade
Regina Barker
Jessica Cates
Laura Galyen
Abby Ruwe
Tammy Sharp
Second Grade
Pam Bachus
Mary Jo Hensley
Karla Klenke
Heidi Reuss
Jessie Summey
Third Grade
Mark Blades
Jennifer Grimes
Justine Howe
Christina Lecher
Fourth Grade
Kerstin Bennett
Jean Goins
Laura Taylor
Andrew Young
Music Pat Smith
Art Mary Sorrells
Physical Ed. Jeff Siebert
Library Beth Wade
Reading Recovery/Response to Intervention
Robin Lee
Dana Buchholz
Special Education
Betsy Kirk
Nikki Holland
Derek Orschell
Ann Thackery
Angie Yeend
Computer Elaine Dorrel
Custodians
Andrew Howe
Barb Rubush
Sarah Rubush
Cafeteria Manager Joy Derenski
Submitted by
Mike Biltz, Principal
|
|
Brookville Middle School Teaching Staff
Mrs. Adams - 6th Grade
Mrs. Biltz - 7th Grade
Mrs. Bolser - 6th Grade
Mr. Bryant - 8th Grade
Mrs. Feeback - 5th Grade
Mrs. Gesell - 5th and 6th Grade
Mrs. Grammen - 7th and 8th Grade
Mr. Grimes - 7th & 8th Grade
Mrs. Henke - 5th Grade
Mr. Johnson - Band
Mrs. Kaiser - Family and Consumer Science
Mrs. Klusmen - 7th and 8th Grade
Mr. Meyer - 5th Grade
Mrs. Mitchum - 5th, 6th 7th and 8th Grade
Mrs. Nafe - 7th and 8th Grade
Mrs. Noah - 7th Grade
Mr. Sherwood - 6th Grade
Mr. Siebert - 5th, 6th 7th and 8th Grade
Mrs. Simpkins - 7th and 8th Grade
Mrs. Smith - 5th, 6th 7th and 8th Grade
Mrs. Uchtmen - 5th and 6th Grade
Mrs. Wade - 6th Grade
Mr. Wilson - 7th and 8th Grade
Mrs. Yager - 7th and 8th Grade
Submitted by
Chris Bundy, Principal
|
2013-2014 Franklin County High School
Administration
Grider, Dr. Kent Principal
Angel, Steve Assistant Principal
Neuman, Joe Alternative School Director
Sacksteder, Todd Athletic Director
Kunkel, Amy Attendance Secretary
Pope, Kate Secretary
Hohman, Becky Secretary
Sauerland, Patti Secretary/Treasurer
Guidance Couselors
Christen, Nikki Guidance Counselor
Jackson, Lindsay Guidance Counselor
Watkins, Renee Guidance Counselor
Other Staff
Hamilton, Becky ISS Supervisor
Hawkins, Nancy Librarian
Munchel, Audrey Library Aide
Mc Pherson, Angie Nurse
Doll, Marilyn Prep Center Supervisor
Russell, Patty Resource Room Supervisor
Andrews, Curtis Special Ed. Aide
Downard, Roberta Special Ed. Aide
VanMeter, Lucinda Special Ed. Aide
Teachers
Schneider, Katie Teacher - Agriculture Education
Deaton, Pam
Teacher - Art
Thompson, RoAnn Teacher - Art
St. John, Cathi Teacher - Business
Slaven, Diana Teacher - Business
Holland, Brian Teacher - Business/Social Studies
Imbus, William Teacher - Engineering & Technology
Bischoff, Wendy Teacher - English
Bogue, Tina Teacher - English
Bryant, Heather Teacher - English
Chaddon, Beth Teacher - English
Hofer, Adam Teacher - English
Hudepohl, Lacey Teacher - English
Meiners, Jake Teacher - English
Corbin, Tammy Teacher - Family & Consumer Sciences
Kaiser, Beth Teacher - Family & Consumer Sciences
Froman, Beverly Teacher - Math
Lang, Kim Teacher - Math
Libecap, Dawn Teacher - Math
Moughler, Orry Teacher - Math
Volk, Sharon Teacher - Math
Wade, Bill Teacher - Math
Henson, Bynum Teacher - Music
Johnson, Jon Teacher - Music
Hensel, Geannie Teacher - Physical Education & Health
Sayne, Brice Teacher - Physical Education & Health
Wellman, Shane Teacher - Physical Education & Health
Andrews, Cindy Teacher - Science
Barricklow, Tim Teacher - Science
Gartenman, Dan Teacher - Science
Hoffman, Jessica Teacher - Science
Hoffman, Stephanie Teacher - Science
Spurlock, Mary Teacher - Science
Adams, Gus Teacher - Social Studies
Mersmann, Jeff Teacher - Social Studies
Schienbein, Tom Teacher - Social Studies
Stacy, Brad Teacher - Social Studies
Long, Rebecca Teacher - Spanish
Tincher, Colleen Teacher - Spanish
Bell, Jo Ellen Teacher - Special Ed.
House, Chad Teacher - Special Ed.
Runnebohm, Brandi Teacher - Special Ed.
Finch, Kevin Teacher - Special Ed. & Social Studies
Ritchie, Camden Teacher - Vocal Music
Technology
Gray, Patrick Technology Coordinator
Herbert, Derek Technology staff
Cafeteria
Barkley, Yvonne Cafeteria Manager
Anderson, Jen
Bishop, Janice
Crouch, April
Forthofer, Donna
Frasher, Susan
Harrison, Betty
Hertel, Glenna
Kuehn, Christi
McCoy, Missi
Sampson, Gayle
Scholl, Faye
Stang, Tina
Starcher, Frances
Sturgell, Sheila
Westerman, Kim
Wetzel, Brittany
Custodians
Ball, Lloyd
Boggs, Mickey
Boggs, Rose
Cook, Marguerite
Fay, Joe
Gilliam, Tina
Submitted by
Becky Hohman
|
Laurel School Staff 2013-2014
Office Staff:
Mrs. Jill Brack, Principal
Mrs. Pam Gutzwiller, Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Gwen Demkovich, School Nurse
Mrs. Beverly Shera, Secretary/Treasurer
Mrs. Cheryl Elmore, Part-time Assistant
Mrs. Linda Adams, Athletic Director
Elementary Teachers:
Mrs. Brandy Murray, Pre-School
Mrs. Joy Bishop, Kindergarten
Mrs. Kathy Stacy, Kindergarten
Mrs. Jean Baker, 1st grade
Mrs. Renee Hensley, 1st grade
Mrs. Jean Prifogle, 1st grade
Mrs. Shirley Fehl, 2nd grade
Mrs. Hannah Kolb, 2nd grade
Mrs. Tammy Drudy, 3rd grade
Mrs. Heather McCulloch, 3rd grade
Mrs. Stacey Nobbe, 3rd grade
Mrs. Carol Lucas, 4th grade
Mrs. Melissa Renforth, 4th grade
Mrs. Chelsea Stenger, 5th grade
Ms. Sally Smith, 5th grade
Mr. Rod Fuller, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th grade Challenge
Mrs. Tammy McIntyre, Special Education
Jr. High Teachers:
Mrs. Linda Adams, Computer
Mrs. Jenni Biltz, PE
Mrs. Carol Blake, Reading
Mr. Scott Carie, Science
Mrs. Barbara Dishman, Eng/History
Mrs. Misty Ferman, Math
Ms. Merle Gause, FACS
Mr. Rohit Menezes, Music
Mr. Mike Rathburn, Soc. St.
Mrs. Christy Sheehan, Special Education
Mrs. Mary Sorrells, Art
Mr. Steve Wewe, PE
Mr. Dave Willhelm, Ind. Arts
Librarians:
Mrs. Laura Frondorf
Mrs. Beth Caudill, Assistant
Interventionist:
Mrs. Theresa Calihan
Custodians:
Mr. Shane McPherson
Mrs. Sandy Hardin
Mrs. Beth Milbourn
Cafeteria: Mrs. Sara Koger, Manager
Submitted by
Jill Brack, Principal
|
2013-2014 MT. CARMEL STAFF
Elementary Teachers
Kindergarten
Kathy Back & Krista Palfi
1st Grade Linda Ball
Becky McLaughlin
Beth Newman
2nd Grade Wendy Ritzi
Paula Grubb
Heather Flaspohler
3rd Grade Jenny Meier
Chelsea Siedling
Wendy Reed
4th Grade Sue Huesing
Becky Meyer
5th Grade Karla Ariens
Camille Rosenberger
Middle School Teachers
Math Kelley Middendorf
Science Beth Brown
Social Studies Rusty Creek
English Beth Lake
Special Teachers
Librarian Laura Frondorf
Physical Ed. Doug Lakes
Physical Ed. Jenny Biltz
Music/Chorus/Band Kari Bartal
FACS Merle Gause - 1st Semester
Industrial Arts Dave Wilhelm - 2nd Semester
Art Molly Uchtman - 1st Semester
Computers Jenny Duritsch - Middle School
Office Staff
Principal Jim Dallio
Admin. Asst./Treasurer Jill Mackie
Admin. Asst./Cafeteria Sharon Wendel
Nurse Lori Kolb
Counselor Shawna Jansing
Athletic Director Kristen Dudley
Cafeteria Manager Liz Lane
Custodial Staff
Donnie Rubush, Joan Volk & Jennifer Anderson
Submitted by
Jim Dallio, Principal
|
Back to School Vaccinations
at the Health Department
The Franklin County Health Dept. is scheduling appointments to get your child up to date with all the required vaccines for the upcoming school year. To determine eligibility, schedule an appointment, or if you have any questions, please call the Health Department at 765-647-4322
Submitted by
Mary Burk
|
We hope you enjoyed this issue of the Franklin County Observer. We strive to provide you with accurate reporting of the news that is important to the Franklin County community. So send us your comments, and send us information about the news and events that you would like us to cover.
Also, check out the links below:
- You can go to the "Archive" to see past issues
- The "Forward email" link helps spread the word about the Observer
- The "Join Our Mailing List!" link sends the Observer directly to you.
Terry Duffy
The Franklin County Observer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
