November 13, 2025
Good afternoon, WCCS families!
As this week has made quite clear, the winter weather season is upon us and with that in mind, we want to briefly outline our priorities when making school delay and closing decisions. This email also includes some information about Synchronous Learning, which we will implement, beginning December 1, for school closings due to weather.
We recognize that weather conditions in Northeast Indiana can be variable and there are many things to take into account when weather hits or when conditions rapidly change. While there are no concrete rules for making decisions about school delays or closures, the following guidelines reflect our beliefs:
Safety First: The safety of students guides all decisions regarding delays or closures.
Keeping Schools Open: Whenever possible, we aim to keep schools open to provide educational services, supervision, and essential resources such as breakfast and lunch.
Parental Responsibility: We trust that parents will dress their children appropriately for the weather conditions when sending them to school.
Respecting Decisions: WCCS respects each parent's choice regarding their child's attendance during extreme weather. If parents decide to keep their child at home, they must inform the school. The absence will be recorded according to Indiana code, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work.
As an administrative team, we track weather several days in advance, when possible, in order to make the best decision regarding our students, schools, and general safety. We consult with local emergency preparedness officials and local weather services to inform our decisions. We have multiple team members out early checking roads and potential trouble areas throughout our district. We make sure our buses can safely transport our students to and from school and that our buildings are fully accessible. Altogether, we consider student safety, transportation, facilities, food services, and after school activities, and, as a team, we make a decision that best aligns with the current and forecasted conditions.
Information regarding school delay and closing guidelines can be found on the main WCCS website under the “Closings and Delays” tab.
Starting December 1, 2025, WCCS will begin using Synchronous Learning on days when weather requires that we close school, similar to neighboring districts and those across Indiana. On these days, students will meet with their teachers live through Google Meet, which is a change from past eLearning days when students worked on their own. Teachers have already been practicing this format with students to help them get ready.
Synchronous Learning helps students stay on track with their learning and reduces the need for make-up days later in the year. It also gives students valuable experience using a mix of in-person and online learning tools.
Also provided on our website and linked through the Delays and Closings page, you can find additional Synchronous Learning guidance.
If you have questions regarding synchronous learning or how it might impact your family, please review the linked website pages or contact your child’s school.
Thank you,
WCCS Administration
Thank you to our Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology partners for joining us for our quarterly breakfast meeting at Columbia City High School! It was a great morning of conversation and collaboration as teachers and community partners work together to improve student experiences!
Did you know CCHS has 138 students exploring careers through intentional internships this semester?
Thank you community partners!
In the near future, we will be reaching out to you and your children (grades 3 - 12) with a brief stakeholder satisfaction survey. As always, you have the option to opt your child out of participating in this anonymous survey. The only identifying information collected will be the child's school and grade level.
Questions to be included in the survey are:
1) Which of the following best matches your role at WCCS - Student; Parent/family member/caregiver; Teacher; School staff; School Leadership; or District staff
2) Which school do you attend? (Schools are listed and each student selects one)
3) What grade are you in? (Grade levels 3 - 12 are listed and each student selects one)
4) Overall, how much do you feel like you belong at your school? Answer selections are Do not belong at all; Belong a little bit; Somewhat belong; Belong quite a bit; or Completely belong
5) On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest, how likely are you to recommend your school to a friend or family member? Numbers 0 - 10 are listed, student chooses one.
6) Which of the following best describes you? (optional) American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian or Asian American; Black or African American; Hispanic or Latinx; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; White; Multiracial or Biracial; Prefer not to answer; A race or ethnicity not listed here (please specify).
Please notify your child's school if you wish to opt your child out of completing this survey.
Thank you.
Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) is committed to keeping families informed about valuable community opportunities for school-aged children! All flyers and announcements that have been shared with and approved by WCCS are posted in a designated area within each school building.
Additionally, WCCS maintains a dedicated webpage where these opportunities are regularly uploaded for easy access. All posted documents are also available in the WCCS app!
If your child occasionally forgets to bring flyers home—or if you'd just prefer to check them yourself—you can view everything directly online here:
Stay informed, stay involved! #WCCS
WCCS & WCTA Master Contract for Certified Teachers - Tentative Agreement
A public meeting will be held on October 6, 2025, in compliance with I.C. 20-29-6-19 to discuss the tentative agreement. Electronic participation from the governing body and the public is not permitted.
Representing WCCS were Board Members Jill Western, Dave Smith, Mary Ann Schaefer, Chad Moore, and Tom Rentschler, alongside Superintendent Dr. Laura McDermott and Assistant Superintendent Seth Slater. Their attendance reflects WCCS’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence, innovation and strong governance.
Throughout the conference, our team engaged with statewide peers on topics ranging from legislative updates and student achievement strategies to community engagement and future-ready learning environments. These insights will help inform and strengthen our local efforts to serve students, families, and the broader Whitley County community.
We thank our leadership team for their dedication to continuous learning and for representing WCCS with professionalism and purpose.
Columbia City High School hosts the annual parade on Friday with athletic teams and clubs from CCHS and ISMS, and our Columbia City public service departments.
The parade will begin at 4:15 p.m. from Eagle Park (former High School property), out west to 9 and around the Courthouse Square.
Gates open for the Homecoming game approximately 5:15 p.m. with kickoff for the Eagles at 7 p.m.
Mr. Slater had a conversation about math and science (size, scale, and distance) while reading the book "Your Place in the Universe" along with reflections on time and momentary concerns in the larger scheme of all that surrounds us.
Thank you, Mr. Slater!
#Read #Schools #WCCSEagles
POSTPONED // You're invited! Join Whitley County Consolidated Administration and School Board members for conversations and coffee during our Espresso Exchange at BrewHa!
An open-house format designed to foster connection and communication with families and the community if you have questions, ideas or just want to say 'hello', we welcome you to stop by, grab a cup of coffee and chat with us.
Everyone is welcome. No RSVP needed.
These will be routine opportunities if you can't join us this time!
Sept. 26, 2025, from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
Today, CCHS Principal led a conversation about student connection.
On behalf of the Columbia City High School Girls Basketball Program, we would like to invite girls grades K-6 to our Fall Youth Basketball League. This league is focused on fundamentals and teaching
Lady Eagle offenses and defensive concepts.
For players in grades K–2, ALL youth league sessions will be 75 minutes in length and consist of fundamental skills, drill work, competitions, and game situations.
For players in grades 3–6, the FIRST youth league sessions will be 75 minutes in length and consist of fundamental skills and drill work. Basic offenses and defense will be implemented. The next three sessions will be a combination of practice and one game. The remaining dates of league play for grades 3–6, will consist of two games per day for each team. The exception to the above game formats will be on Saturday, October 11; a single elimination tournament will be held on this date.
Youth league teams for grades 3 - 6 will be finalized on Saturday, Sept 27. Youth League game schedules (grades 3–6 only), will be posted on the Girls Basketball page of the CCHS athletics site.
More information and sign up on wccsonline.com.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and we want to remind all students that we are better together. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, help is available. Reach out to the Crisis Line by dialing 988 and use STOPit, an online anonymous reporting system to make reports and alert school administration to issues or concerns.
Here you're valued, supported and cared for. We believe and know you can achieve anything! We believe in YOU. We have resources available on our Student Safety page at wccsonline.com/page/student-safety. Follow our SROs, too!
wccsonline.com/page/stopit
There’s a special kind of magic in the air today, the kind that fills the hallways with laughter and classrooms with the buzz of new beginnings.
Whether you're a kindergartner walking through our doors for the very first time or a senior stepping into your final year, today marks the start of a journey filled with growth, discovery, and possibility. Our teachers, staff and administrators have been working hard to make sure this year is full of meaningful moments and lasting memories.
Here’s to a year of learning! Welcome back, Eagles!
#WCCSFirstDay #BackToSchool #WCCSProud
As we kick off a new school year tomorrow morning, WCCS reminds everyone that safety is our top priority.
Students Riding the Bus
* Be at your stop at least 5 minutes early
* Stand at least 10 feet away from the road until the bus comes to a complete stop
* Wait for your driver’s signal before crossing the road
* Stay seated, keep aisles clear, use indoor voices and use the seatbelts, if they are on your bus
Student Drivers:
* Leave extra time in the mornings, bus stops may slow traffic
* Watch for buses making frequent stops and students crossing unexpectedly
* Never pass a bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. It’s the law
Our Community
* Slow down in school zones and neighborhoods
* Always stop for a school bus loading or unloading students from either direction, unless on a divided highway
* Stay alert, children may cross the street from any direction
* Be patient. Some drivers are driving to school for the first time or parents could be learning a new drop off routine if their child is starting at a new school
Together, we can make 2025–2026 a safe and successful year for every WCCS student!
#SchoolBusSafety #EaglePride
Bekah is a resident teacher with Mrs. Eberly at Little Turtle Elementary! She is a graduate of CCHS and is pursuing her degree from Grace College!
#WCCSEagles
Megan is a resident teacher with Mrs. Grable at Coesse Elementary! Megan is a graduate of CCHS and is pursuing her degree from Purdue Fort Wayne!
#WCCSEagles
