parents` paragraphs - the East Porter County School Corporation

PARENTS’ PARAGRAPHS
for KOUTS Elementary, Middle & Senior High Schools
Volume 50 Number 13
April 7, 2016
Elementary Grades K-5
Daily $2.25/Weekly $11.25
Visitors Lunch
$3.20
Middle/High School Grades 6-12
Daily $2.35/Weekly $11.75
(choice not available to elementary)
VISITORS: To reserve a lunch you must call the school by 9:00 a.m.
View School Lunch Menus at
www.eastporter.nutrislice.com
Calendar
Thursday
April 7
Friday
April 8
Saturday
April 9
Sunday
Monday
April 10
April 11
Tuesday
April 12
Wednesday April 13
Thursday
April 14
Friday
April 15
Saturday
April 16
Monday
April 18
Cap, Gown, and Announcement Distribution Before School & Lunch
4:30 PM
High School Track North White/North Judson H - CANCELLED
5:30 PM
Varsity Baseball East Chicago Central H - CANCELLED
All Day
English 11 Job Shadow
4:30 PM
JV Baseball @ Valparaiso High School
4:30 PM
Varsity Softball @ Knox
10:00 AM
Varsity Baseball Victory Christian H (Double Header)
10:00 AM
Boys Varsity Volleyball/JV Tourney @Noblesville
7:30 AM
Kouts Lions Club Pancake Breakfast until 12:00 PM
4:30 PM
Varsity Baseball North Judson H
4:45 PM
Varsity Softball North Judson H
7:00 PM
EPCSC School Board Meeting
4:30 PM
High School Track Morgan/Washington @ Morgan
4:30 PM
Varsity Baseball @ River Forest
4:30 PM
Varsity/JV Softball @ Victory Christian Academy
6:30 PM
German Trip Meeting—Secondary Cafeteria
8:25 AM
Late Start Wednesday – School Starts at 8:25 AM
7:00 PM
Spring Fling Concert—Kouts Singers & Jazz Band
$5 Admission
4:30 PM
High School Track Westville/Covenant Christian@Westville
4:30 PM
Varsity Softball North White H
6:00 PM
4-H Meeting in Cafeteria
6:30 PM
German Trip Meeting—Elementary Cafeteria
School is in Session.
4:30 PM
Varsity Baseball @ Boone Grove
4:30 PM
Varsity Softball @ Boone Grove
8:00 AM
Boys Varsity Volleyball Tournament @ Chesterton
10:00 AM
HS Track @ North White Invite
10:00 AM
Varsity Softball @ Culver Community
5:00 PM
Prom Grand March—Auditorium(prom goers must be here@ 4:15)
7:00 PM
Prom—Old Town Banquet Center
School is in Session.
GRADUATION THIS YEAR WILL BE FRIDAY JUNE 10.
BACCALAUREATE AT 6:30PM GRADUATION AT 7:00PM
National Honor Society Hosts 24th Annual Senior Citizen Social
On Saturday evening, the Kouts Chapter of the East Porter
County Honor Society hosted the Senior Citizen Social. Despite
inclement weather, the turnout was strong as 21 guests were in
attendance. The Honor Society members conducted many
rousing rounds of BINGO! and over 60 prizes were awarded.
The Honor Society members provided refreshments and
homemade baked goods as well. A special thank you is
extended to the Hebron Senior Center. Last spring, they pooled
their money and donated a new BINGO set complete with
spinner and balls. So this was the inaugural game for the new
set. Thanks to all the Honor Society members, it was well done
and great fun!!
From the Guidance Counselor
High School Summer Classes
Kouts High school will be partnering again with the Indiana Virtual Academy to offer summer school for High
School students. Registration is April 4 to June 3, with classes beginning on June 6. Students are allowed
to take up to two classes during the summer, but must have permission of the guidance counselor. Each
class will cost $45 (paid by May 13), but can be refunded if the student passes the class with at least a
grade of C. If you would like more information, please contact Mrs. Robinson at 766-2231, extension 2003
or email her at Celeste.Robinson@eastporter.k12.in.us.
Textbook Rental is (Past) Due
Parents, if you’re unsure whether or not your child’s textbook rental/fees have been paid in full, please check
your Skyward account. Letters were sent in March for those with outstanding balances*; payment was due
in October 2015. All balances must be paid in full by June 1 , 2016 to avoid being sent to collection. If a twomonth payment plan is necessary, please contact Laura Tharp, treasurer, directly at 766-2231, extension
2005 or email at Laura.Tharp@eastporter.k12.in.us.
*As a reminder, even those families qualifying for free/reduced meals and textbook assistance are still
responsible for the balance not paid by the State.
Poms Fundraiser
2016-17 Poms squad will be selling the Laundry Detergent again. We will begin selling April 8th thru April
29. We have Tide, Gain and Downy Formulas in 5 gallons for $35. Dawn Dish soap in 5 gallons for $35.
New this year is Cascade Formula Pods (qty. 200) for $35, and Tide Formula Pod Pails for $40.00. New this
year there will be house, outdoor or leaf bags for $35. Please see one of the poms girls or contact Shelly
Dick
shelly.dick@eastporter.k12.in.us.
Kouts Baseball
The Kouts Varsity Baseball team is selling Nelson's Chicken! Chicken is $7 and Pitatoes are $3. Orders can
be placed with Coach Babcock (Email babcock.larry@gmail.com or call 242-9870) or forms located in the
high school office. Deadline to order is April 21st! Pickup will be April 29th 4:30-6PM.
Kouts Baseball is headed to the Minor Leagues! The Kouts Varsity Baseball team will be hosting the Morgan
Township Cherokees at the Gary Southshore Railcats Stadium on April 18 @ 4:30pm. Tickets are on sale
now in the office for $5. You must have a pre-purchased ticket for admission. Get yours now because there
is a limited supply only!
Student Council Sponsors “Homeless for a Night”
Attention high school students: On April 22-23, student council will be hosting an event to spread awareness for
homeless people in the Northwest Indiana area. High school students are invited to bring sleeping bags, blankets,
flashlights, etc. and camp out on the track for the night. In order to attend, you must bring in non-perishable food or
toiletries to be donated to Housing Opportunities in Valparaiso. Preferred donations include: spaghetti sauce, fruit
juice, cereal, jelly (grape or strawberry), applesauce, canned chicken or tuna, laundry soap, all-purpose cleaner, hand
soap, dish soap, garbage bags, and ziplock bags. We will be watching a movie and playing games on the soccer
field. But there's a catch -- the amount of items you bring determines the size box you will be sleeping in for the night.
Please contact Elizabeth Palmer or Ms. Calvert by Wednesday, April 20, 2016 if you have any questions. There will
be pizza, and you may bring snacks!
High School PE Classes Need Clean, Empty Milk Jugs
The high school PE classes will be doing a fundraiser in the spring to raise money for the Water Wells for
Africa project. Students will walk during their class times to help raise money for the water wells. They will
each carry two gallons of water during their walks. Please help us by sending in empty (clean) gallon milk
jugs. Thanks!
MS/HS Yearbooks Available
Did you forget to purchase a 2014-2015 yearbook last year? Then you are in luck! We have three 20142015 Kostang yearbooks available for purchase in the Secondary Office for $60.00 each.
You may also consider ordering a 2015-2016 Kostang yearbook on the school website. Simply go to
www.EastPorter.k12.in.us, select Kouts MS/HS under “Schools”, and select “Yearbook” under the Parent
Tab. The school order number is 3370 or you can search for “Kouts School”.
2015 Honor Roll 2016
Quarter 3
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Straight "A"
Straight "A"
Straight "A"
Maia Obrochta
Kaitlynn Ready
Jillian Spano
Joe Vick
Hunter Wood
Daniel Heinold
Cassidy Paulk
Kaitlyn Reasoner
Zoe Sherer
Emily Alvarez
Ruthanne Fischer
Kendon Gudeman
Alex Gurekovich
Morgan Kobza
Kyle Kristoff
Olivia Kropp
Ashly Miller
Blake Williamson
Malachi Wittmer
Distinguished Honors
Distinguished Honors
Distinguished Honors
Elyse Bagnall
Connor Croff
Olivia Hanlon
Lyndsey Kobza
Samuel Kratz
Brielle Lobody
Elaine Malone
Baleigh McLain
Rebekah Boswell
Breanna Carlson
Cole Deardorff
Taylor Dedic
Lorelei Dzomba
Kaylynn Gregory
Anna Hershberger
Matthew Higbie
Hunter Kneifel
Jonathan Kneifel
Parker Kneifel
Abigail Maier
Lily Nuest
Taylor Satoski
Ireland Smith
Mackenzie Tenzera
Jadyn Evans
Margaret Fischer
Caleb Ketchmark
Jacob Kwiatkowski
John MacDonald
Brendan Ready
Ciersten Schneider
Kassydi Stefanelli
Kennedi Sternberg
Mattison Wescher
High Honors
High Honors
High Honors
Faith Birky
Jessica Degeneffe
Cody Fulk
Caleb Hajek
Kayla Lockett
Araeliana Roberts
Emma Roney
Mark Smolios
Cole Spagna
Dakota Zeiters
Madysen Collins
Amelia Cowsert
Hayden Crook
Victoria Farmer
Jonathan Hackett
Alaina Hussung
Hayden Landfadt
Evette Maglish
Makenzie Martin
Mercedes Morris
Miranda Ballesteros
Kaylee Clindaniel
Mikayla Klemp
Olivia LaPrad
Stephanie Leka
McKenna Palmer
Isaak Sickles
2015 Honor Roll 2016
Quarter 3
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Honors
Honors
Honors
Kortney Blood
Stepahanie Boone
Chloe Brown
Lliam Buss
Madelyn Fickle
Corinne Gunn
Roman Jancich
Aaron Ketchmark
Emily Melendez
Kendrah Miller
Cassidy Mills
Abigail O'Donnell
Andrew Palmer
Madylin Peterson
Kaylee Poole
Karly Pullins
Gabriella Robertson
Laney Rosich
Kollin Rushmore
Annabelle Semento
Jackson VanVuren
Shelby Whitler
Carter Williamson
Owen Winters
Matthew Adcock
Sydney Aviles
David Biggs
Madison Cadwell
Stephen Dunne
Kendall Harrington
Luke Higgins
Lillian Houts
William Magura
Abigail Meyer
James Meyer
Isabella Semento
Kylie Tomasko
Haleigh Wright
Cameron Cooper
Katherine Davis
Katherine Filipas
Emma McDonald
Justin Meyer
Logan Moore
Angelica Ortiz
Makenzie Riffett
Sean Serrano
Mallory Simpson
Dalton Winquist
2015 Honor Roll 2016
Quarter 3
Freshman
Straight "A"
Tong Mei Anweiler
Sarah Bochnicka
Peyton Clinkenbeard
Ian Garavalia
Broc Kneifel
Olivia Konchar
Allison Melendez
Cole Vick
Sophomore
Straight "A"
Jayson Heinold
Grace Higbie
Sadie Leatherman
Brooklynn MacDonald
Dillan Matthes
Cheyenne Wray
Distinguished Honors
(3.67 GPA or Higher)
Lauren Aguirre
Grayce Beach
Annika Ehrlich
Elizabeth Keneson
Hannah Krueger
Kyle Mergenthaler
Joseph Oar
Distinguished Honors
(3.67 GPA or Higher)
Meagan Farmer
Amanda Gardin
Sydnee Hill
Tristan Lane
High Honors
(3.5-3.66 GPA)
Anna Birky
Serena Birmingham
Lauren Drang
Kaitlyn Hussung
McKenna Magura
Leah Witt
High Honors
(3.5-3.66 GPA)
Alexis Baldner
Lukas Mergenthaler
Mitchell Sech
Honors
(3.0-3.49 GPA)
Blake Benson
Riley Cavinder
Steven Clair
Claire Cochran
Zachary Collins
Ethan Fickle
Hannah Goff
Briana Harper
Holly Kuebler
Julia LaPrad
Morgan Mills
Makenzie Ward
Johnathan Wehner
Hunter Yager
Honors
(3.0-3.49 GPA)
Truitt Anweiler
Ryleigh Cadwell
Kyler Gudeman
Kim Hodge
Kyer Kneifel
Hannah Maier
Emily Martin
Makayla Martin
Nolan Miller
Lauren Royter
Drew Saulsgiver
Isaac Serles
Madyson Wigley
Matthew Woodbury
2015 Honor Roll 2016
Quarter 3
Juniors
Straight "A"
Emmalee Deardurff
Elizabeth Palmer
Amber Rardin
Distinguished Honors
(3.67 GPA or Higher)
Grace Birmingham
Andrew Bochnicka
Gabrielle Conway
Olivia Cowsert
Nicole Fackelman
Hannah Fosburgh
Madeline Garcia
Chloe Koedyker
Samuel Kropp
Kylee Martin
Lauren Moser
Justin Pugliese
Gabrielle Rogers
Kyla Roney
Harlee Satoski
High Honors
(3.5-3.66 GPA)
Haley Gulley
Noah Miller
Anne Stewart
Brianca Sutton
Honors
(3.0-3.49 GPA)
Zach Bender
Francesca Bianchi
Andrew Blonn
Aaron Boswell
Stephen Carnell
Macie Carpenter
Erin Drang
Alex Garavalia
Ethan Ketchmark
Geri Lacher
Delilah Miranda
Makenna O'Dea
Tyler Ross
Alysan Wittmer
Seniors
Straight "A"
Cassidy Brunicon
Kelleen Cullison
Grant Hamstra
Kelley Hershberger
Douglas Satoski
Distinguished Honors
(3.67 GPA or Higher)
Jared Birky
Zachary Britton
Sarah Cieslak
Madison Clinton
Paige Gurley
Emma Leatherman
Alexis Neary
Karl Wehner
Lauren Yager
High Honors
(3.5-3.66 GPA)
Miranda Castle
Kaylyn Christy
Randy Deemer Morgan
Candice DeMarco
Mackenna Evans
Jaela Gudeman
Kaylee Heimberg
Lauren Keough
Honors
(3.0-3.49 GPA)
Torrey Bennett
Dylan Bruce
Kasey Cavinder
Chase Farmer
Joslyn Hemdal-Fiedler
Kurt Niehof
Kyley Pittman
Estela Reis
Caitlin Roe
Kailee Saulsgiver
Tiffany Tratar
Isabella Wireman
Chase Yarger
Elementary Echoes
Kouts Elementary School
Volume 9, Number 31
www.eastporter.k12.in.us/schools/kes
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Coming Soon . . .
The Spring Book Fair Is Coming Soon!
Apr. 12……………………………….Art Club—Gr. 4, 2:45 PM
Mark your calendar now for the Spring Book Fair which
will be held April 26-29. Each child will visit the fair with
his/her class and have an opportunity to purchase books.
We will also have a Family Night, online shopping, and an
opportunity to visit again on Grandparents Day. Use the
link below to preview the books and order online:
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/koutsschool
Apr. 12………………………STEAM Club—Gr. K-2, 2:45 PM
Apr. 13………………………………Student Council, 2:45 PM
Apr. 15, 18…………Make-up Days, SCHOOL IN SESSION
New PETT Board Officers Elected
At Tuesday’s meeting, the following 2016-2017 Board
Officers were elected:
President—Mary Nemeth; Vice
Kouts American Legion Donates Book
President—Dena Hancock; Secretary—Jenene Breitzke;
Several months ago, the fourth-grade students learned
Treasurer—Cami Krug; Fundraiser Coordinator—Laura
about the American flag through the Legion’s comic
Saldana; Room Parent Coordinators—Laci Earle, Kelly
Kaminskas,
and
Large—Beth
Cindy
Hamstra
Congratulations!
Rackouski;
and
and
Members-at-
Marianne
Ozahanics.
All new officers will attend the May
meeting, during which time the transition will take place.
book flag education program. In addition, one male and
one female student’s essay about what the flag means to
them was chosen to compete at the regional level. Each
also received a $50 cash award. Recently, the Legion
donated the book pictured below to our school’s library
for all to enjoy. Thank you, Kouts American Legion, for
National Autism Day Celebrated
We "lit up the classroom" in our many shades of blue on
your partnership with our school.
Friday, April 1st, to show our support for National Autism
Day! Mrs. Gant couldn't be prouder of her blessings!
Student Birthdays Recognized
We’d like to wish a very happy birthday to the following
students that celebrated their special day during the
week of April 4-10:
Kindergarten—Billy Miller; Second
Grade—Mason Gulab; Third Grade—Allie Daugerty and
Kaden Gorsuch; Fourth Grade—Alivia Carlson and Ava
McCullough; and Fifth Grade—Jonathon Bruno and
Pledge Leaders Recognized
Anyssa Heinold. We hope your day was extra special!
Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance this week and reading
announcements were the following students:
Lydia
Reasoner (5D), Drew Garrett (KD), James Crownover
(1D), Emma Burns (1E), and Sam Maxwell (2G).
Egg Cartons Needed
Art teacher Mr. Wright is in need of egg cartons for
class. If able, please send your donations to the school
office.
Make-up Days Reminder Given
School will be in session on Friday, April 15, and Monday,
April 18, to make up for the February snow days.
Elementary Echoes continue on the next page.
Elementary Echoes
Kouts Elementary School
Volume 9, Number 31
www.eastporter.k12.in.us/schools/kes
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Hoosier Family of Readers Offers Online
Grandparents Day Update Shared
Access to Free Books
Due to the overwhelming response for Grandparents
The Indiana Department of Education offers a fantastic
selection of over 4,000 free books for students’ and their
families’ reading pleasure. Please check out the link below
to get started:
Day, we have had to extend our original half day to a
full day in order to accommodate our guests. Below is
the schedule so that grandparents and “special older
adults” can plan accordingly.
http://www.doe.in.gov/hoosierreaders/myon-books.

8:00-9:00—Grade K

9:00-10:00—Grade 1

10:00-11:00—Grade 2

11:00-12:00—Grade 4

12:00-1:00—Grade 3

1:00-2:00—Grade 5
High Attendance Winners Announced
Title I Reading Counts Challenge for March
Ms. Roccia wishes to congratulate students who were
able to complete the 10 books or 100 pages of reading
during the month of March. Thank you, parents, for
helping with this accomplishment.
Grade 1: Mason Oldham, Aidan Miller, Gavet Oehlman,
Anna Overholt, and Treyton Swanson
Grade 2: Analysa Wert, Kole Juergens, Natalie Hoover,
Cailee Lemons, Anthony Hoover, Olivia Ozahanics, Madi
Thompson, Addie Phegley, Sam Maxwell, Connor
McFadden, and Sam McBride
Grade 3: Jacob Dillin, Morgan Prieto, Star Bartels, Kayla
Hoover, Tommy Conway, Aiden Brown, Zander Oehlman,
Sara Myers, Joseph James, Drew Kristoff, and Kenzi
Gronek
The next deadline is Friday, April 29. Spring forward into
good books!
Textbook Rental Is (Past) Due*
Parents, if you’re unsure whether or not your child’s
textbook rental/fees have been paid in full, please check
your Skyward account. Letters were sent in March for
those with outstanding balances*; payment was due in
October. All balances must be paid in full by June 1st to
avoid being sent to collection. If a two-month payment
plan is necessary, please contact Laura Tharp directly at
766-2231, ext. 2005. Thank you.
*As a reminder, even those families qualifying for
free/reduced meals and textbook assistance are still
responsible for the balance not paid by the State.
Congratulations
to
last
week’s
High
Attendance
winners: Kindergarten—Mrs. Owens; First Grade—Mrs.
Evans and Miss Werner (Tie); Second Grade—Mrs. Gant
and
Mrs.
Merrell
(Tie—100%);
Third
Grade—Mrs.
Klunder; Fourth Grade—Miss Hershberger and Mrs.
Miller (Tie); and Fifth Grade—Mrs. Dorgan (100%).
Congratulations to March’s High Attendance winner,
Mrs.
Dorgan’s
fifth-grade
class.
They’ll
enjoy
a
donut/juice breakfast tomorrow, courtesy of PETT.
Kindergarten Pre-registration Continues
Parents, if you missed Kindergarten Round-up, please
stop in the office Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
to pick up a registration packet. Please bring a copy of
your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and
three proofs of residency if your child does not have
older siblings at Kouts Schools.
Parents Invited to Lunch with Their Children
Parents, did you know that you’re able to lunch with
your children?
You may bring your own lunch or pre-
order a school lunch by calling 766-2231 by 9:00 AM. As
a friendly reminder, we ask that no fast food or soda be
brought into the cafeteria. Whether a nice surprise or
planned lunch, students absolutely love to eat with their
parents! Parents, we hope your schedule will allow an
occasional lunch with your child.