WCCS is excited to welcome Bekah Longenbaugh, our new 5th Grade Teacher at Northern Heights Elementary! She's not new to WCCS, she taught last year as part of our Student-Teacher Residency program.
Bekah is a Columbia City native and a Grace College graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She brings a love for learning, strong relationships, and a heart for helping students grow. At home, she enjoys life with her husband, Brooks, and their dog, Max. She’s also a big fan of Gone With the Wind, Pillars of the Earth, and anything historical fiction.
Her advice for students this year is simple and meaningful:
“Before anything else, be kind.”
And if you ever need a treat idea, Bekah loves iced coffee and anything chocolate!
We’re thrilled to have her at Northern Heights Elementary!
Specific school event details can be found on our website from wccsonline.com.
Also, don't forget to check the WCCS App for even more details and your back-to-school necessities like supply lists, handbooks, and more!
Welcome Katie Reed, our new 5th Grade Teacher at Little Turtle Elementary!
Katie is a Columbia City native and a Western Governors University graduate. She enjoys hiking, camping, and gardening, and is a big fan of anything written by Frieda McFadden.
Her advice for students this year is simple and powerful:
“You don't know the amazing things you're capable of unless you try. Believe in yourself, learn from mistakes, and be kind to one another.”
For snacks, Katie prefers salty treats like pistachios or chips and salsa.
We’re thrilled to have her at Little Turtle Elementary!
These conversations offer a first look at the values and practices that shape our district. As the year progresses, teachers will dive deeper into each area and become fully immersed in the WCCS culture of care, collaboration and excellence at their specific buildings.
Welcome to the Eagle family! We are excited for all you’ll bring to our students and families!
You’ll be a part of the newly designed CTE Facility, helping some of our CTE programs run smoothly, assisting in the clinic when needed, and keeping our office operations running with confidence. If you’re proficient in Microsoft/Google Suite, communicate clearly, multitask with ease, and enjoy being the person others can count on, we want you on our team.
Step into a role where your skills matter, your presence makes an impact, and your work supports the future of Whitley County students.
Apply now: https://app.hirenimble.com/jobview/114347
Emma F.-fashion construction, gold medal
Amira S.-job interview-Silver medal
Isis C. and Emily W.-sustainability challenge-silver medal
Abraham W. and Dylan G.-promote and publicize-bronze medal.
Congratulations, students and advisor, Alissa Roberts! We know so much work and dedication goes into these experiences!
Beginning July 1, Indiana mandates the new Bell-to-Bell Law, which WCCS will implement in August.
Remember, there will be no personal devices allowed during school hours. They must be powered off, stored away and not accessible by students.
Please call your student(s)' school office for notices and communication regarding your child.
Thank you for helping WCCS maintain a distraction-free and connected environment.
Board members, Chad Moore and Jill Western, and Board candidate Mark Daniel toured the CTE Facility today.
Planned to open this fall, we are grateful for those members who gave of their time to ask questions, engage in the building process, and support the educational opportunities of our students.
CCHS seniors have many opportunities to explore careers of interest. Students in the Criminal Justice Capstone were able to rotate through career exploration experiences with the Whitley County Sheriff's Department, Columbia City Police Department, Community Corrections, in addition to area security placements and local attorneys. We are grateful for the community support of student experiences.
Today, students learned about concrete construction and made door stops and small flower pots. They also built a small birdhouse with lumber and will paint them before camp ends.
Thank you, sponsors: Morsches Builders Mart, Brooks Construction and FCI!
Who's joining the event? We'll see you there!
Held annually, the ceremony includes the presentation of colors, guest speakers and an official ceremony for the graduates.
Blake Forrester, EMT Instructor, and Zach Rumsyre, Fire Instructor, were joined by Jennifer Reiff, CTE Director, and Kyle Francis, Captain CCFD, for the event.
Fire I:
Caden B.
Peyton K.
Braden P.
Emma R.
Gavin S.
Fire II:
Kenner H.
Lacy L.
Jade N.
Jacob R.
Jaxon R.
Mattie M.
EMT:
Steven B.
Hailey C.
Elias D.
Kenner H.
Lacy L.
Brooklyn N.
Jacob R.
Jaxon R.
Amira S.
Help us congratulate the dedication of these students as they gear up to serve us locally!
A special thank you to instructor Mr. Jeff Lewis, and every local and regional EMS and fire team who helped students learn in any capacity!
The CTE instructor role places you at the intersection of industry and education, and gives you the chance to influence local workforce development. The role includes planning and delivering lessons, supervising student use of equipment, maintaining records, assigning and grading assignments, and collaborating with parents, staff, and our community.
All CTE Instructors report to the Principal at Columbia City High School. The Civil & Construction Trades Instructor teaches at the CTE Facility on Radio Road in conjunction with the CTE team and the Director of CTE.
Applications are due July 15 through https://app.hirenimble.com/jobview/110075
If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
Please know you can still use STOPit to connect to the Crisis Text Line and local resources during the summer.
Dear WCCS Families,
We want to share important information for next school year that will impact all students in our state. Beginning July 1, a new Indiana law will require all school districts to have an official policy prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during the instructional school day. Board policy 5136 was presented to our Board of Trustees at the May 4 Work Session and adopted at the Monday, May 18 Board Meeting.
Starting with the new school year in August, our policy states that devices must be powered off, stored away, and inaccessible to students throughout the school day. This will apply to all personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smart watches, earbuds/headphones, and any other electronic device that can connect to the internet or send messages. This only applies to personal devices and will not apply to the school-issued device that students use during their classes.
Under the current law, Indiana schools allow limited use of wireless devices, and our students, with the encouragement of their families, have done a great job adjusting the past two years. In fact, many students have shared that they are able to engage in more meaningful conversations with their friends and teachers during class without the distraction of personal devices.
We are working closely with our building administrators to ensure the new policy is implemented consistently across all of our schools. More specific details and reminders on daily expectations will be communicated from your school prior to the new school year.
Your support is greatly appreciated in talking with your student about this upcoming change as a result of the new state law. We are confident our students will adapt to the new expectation and make positive choices, allowing for more personal connections with friends and a distraction-free school environment to focus on learning.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership.
Seth Slater, WCCS Interim Superintendent
Dr. Trent Lehman, WCCS Incoming Superintendent
Today, WCCS staff and families had the joy of recognizing two incredible leaders in our school community:
Gina Johnson, Teacher of the Year
Brian Bills, Staff Member of the Year
Gina and Brian embody what it means to serve with heart, excellence and unwavering dedication to our students. Their impact is felt daily in our classrooms, hallways and throughout the district.
This fall, the community will have the chance to celebrate them once more during a special presentation with City Automall at our first home football game in August. We can’t wait to honor their outstanding work in front of the whole WCCS family.
Help us congratulate Gina and Brian on this well‑deserved recognition!
Our staff received multiple requests to add this item to next year’s menu, and students made their opinions clear! Junior Ben Strack shared, “They gave out sample egg rolls — best breakfast ever! Everyone else agrees!”
We heard you loud and clear, and we’re excited to bring them back next year — along with some additional new menu items! 👏
As we continue strengthening Career & Technical Education opportunities for today’s students, we are celebrating alumni who are in CTE industries! Whether you took one class or completed an entire pathway, your experience matters.
If you’re a CCHS graduate who participated in any CTE program (Agriculture, Construction Trades, Health Sciences, Business, Welding, Criminal Justice,, Education Professions, Engineering or another pathway), comment below with a photo of the work you're doing now and what you're proud of!
Your story helps future and current students see what’s possible and shows our community the real impact of hands‑on, future‑focused learning.
Drop us a comment and help us bridge the gap for our CTE Campaign by donating today!
