WCCS is going on a 2 hour delay for Thursday, August 13 due to dense fog in several areas in our district.
Welcome back, Eagles!
A rainy first day doesn't dampen the "first day feeling" in our buildings!
From new friends, navigating new grade levels, pushing boundaries and remaining persistent and everything in between, it has been a great day!
A rainy first day doesn't dampen the "first day feeling" in our buildings!
From new friends, navigating new grade levels, pushing boundaries and remaining persistent and everything in between, it has been a great day!
As WCCS kicks off a new school year tomorrow, we’re asking our entire community to help keep our roads safe for students, families and bus drivers. Whether you’re dropping off, picking up or simply driving through town, your attention makes a difference.
School Traffic Reminders
- Slow down in all school zones
- Stay patient during drop‑off and pick‑up. Extra minutes mean extra safety.
- Follow staff directions at each building; they’re there to keep traffic flowing and students protected.
- Avoid distractions: phones down, eyes up, especially near crosswalks and parking lots.
Bus Safety Best Practices
- Never pass a stopped school bus when the stop arm is out.
- Leave extra space when following a bus; they make frequent stops.
- Watch for students crossing the road to board or exit.
- Teach your children to wait for the bus to stop completely, use handrails and stay seated while the bus is moving.
- Be predictable. Sudden lane changes or speeding near buses put everyone at risk.
Our bus drivers and staff work hard to make every day safe. With your help, we can ensure students arrive ready to learn and return home safely.
School Traffic Reminders
- Slow down in all school zones
- Stay patient during drop‑off and pick‑up. Extra minutes mean extra safety.
- Follow staff directions at each building; they’re there to keep traffic flowing and students protected.
- Avoid distractions: phones down, eyes up, especially near crosswalks and parking lots.
Bus Safety Best Practices
- Never pass a stopped school bus when the stop arm is out.
- Leave extra space when following a bus; they make frequent stops.
- Watch for students crossing the road to board or exit.
- Teach your children to wait for the bus to stop completely, use handrails and stay seated while the bus is moving.
- Be predictable. Sudden lane changes or speeding near buses put everyone at risk.
Our bus drivers and staff work hard to make every day safe. With your help, we can ensure students arrive ready to learn and return home safely.
Whitley County Consolidated Schools is proud to celebrate our students' IREAD-3 scores!
The 2026 IREAD-3 results are in and WCCS students reached our highest district performance in the past six years: 93.8% proficient!
That continues a strong upward trend for our students:
2021: 87.2%
2022: 83.2%
2023: 86.0%
2024: 87.9%
2025: 92.4%
2026: 93.8%
During the past five years, WCCS has grown 6.6 percentage points, and we have continued to outperform the Indiana state average each year. In 2026, WCCS finished 5.9 points above the state average of 87.9%.
There is also plenty to celebrate across our elementary schools. Little Turtle grew by 8%, reaching 93.4% proficiency, while two schools met and exceeded the state's 95% benchmark: Mary Raber reached 97.3%, and Northern Heights reached 97.5%.
These results represent years of intentional literacy instruction, hard work from our teachers and staff, support from families, and, most importantly, the effort of our students.
93.8% proficient. Our highest performance yet. And we’re still growing!
The 2026 IREAD-3 results are in and WCCS students reached our highest district performance in the past six years: 93.8% proficient!
That continues a strong upward trend for our students:
2021: 87.2%
2022: 83.2%
2023: 86.0%
2024: 87.9%
2025: 92.4%
2026: 93.8%
During the past five years, WCCS has grown 6.6 percentage points, and we have continued to outperform the Indiana state average each year. In 2026, WCCS finished 5.9 points above the state average of 87.9%.
There is also plenty to celebrate across our elementary schools. Little Turtle grew by 8%, reaching 93.4% proficiency, while two schools met and exceeded the state's 95% benchmark: Mary Raber reached 97.3%, and Northern Heights reached 97.5%.
These results represent years of intentional literacy instruction, hard work from our teachers and staff, support from families, and, most importantly, the effort of our students.
93.8% proficient. Our highest performance yet. And we’re still growing!
Help us welcome Matthew Stemmer, our new Columbia City High School Social Studies Teacher!
Matthew is originally from Byesville, Ohio, a small town in Southeast Ohio, and now lives in Bluffton, Indiana. He holds a Bachelor’s in Adolescent to Young Adult Education from Bowling Green State University and is currently working toward his Master’s in History from BGSU as well. At home, he enjoys life with his fiancée, Chelsea, and their pets.
He loves the Star Wars Thrawn series by Timothy Zahn and often dives into history books; especially those exploring the American frontier and the Crusades.
His advice for students this year is thoughtful and encouraging:
“Never be afraid to ask a question when it comes to mind! Very often what makes a question ‘bad’ is only timing.”
He enjoys Biscoff cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
We’re thrilled to have him at WCCS!
Matthew is originally from Byesville, Ohio, a small town in Southeast Ohio, and now lives in Bluffton, Indiana. He holds a Bachelor’s in Adolescent to Young Adult Education from Bowling Green State University and is currently working toward his Master’s in History from BGSU as well. At home, he enjoys life with his fiancée, Chelsea, and their pets.
He loves the Star Wars Thrawn series by Timothy Zahn and often dives into history books; especially those exploring the American frontier and the Crusades.
His advice for students this year is thoughtful and encouraging:
“Never be afraid to ask a question when it comes to mind! Very often what makes a question ‘bad’ is only timing.”
He enjoys Biscoff cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
We’re thrilled to have him at WCCS!
WCCS is excited to welcome Anna Garmatz, our new SPED Teacher (4th Grade Resource) at Little Turtle Elementary!
Anna is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and holds an undergraduate degree from Taylor University along with a Master’s Degree from Roosevelt University. She brings compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to helping every student feel supported and capable. At home, she enjoys life with her husband and their three dogs.
Her favorite book list is too long to choose from!
Her advice for students this year is:
“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” - C.S. Lewis
Anna loves coffee, ice cream, lemon curd or jam, cheese, popcorn, and Skor candy bars.
We’re thrilled to have her at Little Turtle Elementary!
Anna is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and holds an undergraduate degree from Taylor University along with a Master’s Degree from Roosevelt University. She brings compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to helping every student feel supported and capable. At home, she enjoys life with her husband and their three dogs.
Her favorite book list is too long to choose from!
Her advice for students this year is:
“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” - C.S. Lewis
Anna loves coffee, ice cream, lemon curd or jam, cheese, popcorn, and Skor candy bars.
We’re thrilled to have her at Little Turtle Elementary!
WCCS is excited to welcome Brooke Lickey, our new 2nd Grade Teacher at Little Turtle Elementary!
Brooke is a Columbia City native and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education. Her family, parents Brent and Kim, sister Brayden, and her Great Dane Louie , are a huge source of support, and she’s grateful to have them nearby as she begins her teaching career.
Her favorite book is The Big Friendly Giant (BFG), a perfect fit for someone who believes in imagination, courage and kindness.
Her advice for students this year is empowering and full of heart:
“Be brave enough to try, even when something feels hard. Mistakes help us learn, and every time you take a risk, you grow a little more.”
And if you ever need a snack idea Brooke loves any kind of chip and Sour Patch Kids.
We’re thrilled to have her at Little Turtle Elementary!
Brooke is a Columbia City native and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education. Her family, parents Brent and Kim, sister Brayden, and her Great Dane Louie , are a huge source of support, and she’s grateful to have them nearby as she begins her teaching career.
Her favorite book is The Big Friendly Giant (BFG), a perfect fit for someone who believes in imagination, courage and kindness.
Her advice for students this year is empowering and full of heart:
“Be brave enough to try, even when something feels hard. Mistakes help us learn, and every time you take a risk, you grow a little more.”
And if you ever need a snack idea Brooke loves any kind of chip and Sour Patch Kids.
We’re thrilled to have her at Little Turtle Elementary!
Help us welcome Kristin Bonecutter, who will be joining the team at Little Turtle Elementary as an EAGLE teacher.
Kristin comes to us from Manistee, Michigan, and is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. At home, she enjoys life with her husband, Jason, and their daughter, Evelyn. She’s also a fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Her advice for students this year is inspiring and full of belief:
“Never let anyone underestimate what you can achieve. Every student deserves to be challenged, encouraged, and allowed to shine. I can't wait to see all that you'll accomplish this year!”
She loves sushi and Twizzlers.
We’re thrilled to have her at Little Turtle Elementary!
Kristin comes to us from Manistee, Michigan, and is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. At home, she enjoys life with her husband, Jason, and their daughter, Evelyn. She’s also a fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Her advice for students this year is inspiring and full of belief:
“Never let anyone underestimate what you can achieve. Every student deserves to be challenged, encouraged, and allowed to shine. I can't wait to see all that you'll accomplish this year!”
She loves sushi and Twizzlers.
We’re thrilled to have her at Little Turtle Elementary!
WCCS is excited to welcome Emily Harrold, as a 4th Grade Teacher at Northern Heights! Emily has also been in the district as a student-resident teacher and isn't entirely new here!
She is a Columbia City native and a Purdue University West Lafayette graduate.
She brings a warm, encouraging presence to the classroom and a passion for helping students grow at their own pace. At home, she enjoys life with her husband, Quentin, and their cat, Benny. She also loves The Notebook.
Her advice for students this year is thoughtful and reassuring:
Always do your best! It won't look the same every day and that is okay.”
Emily loves chips and salsa and peanut butter M&Ms.
We’re thrilled to have her at Northern Heights!
She is a Columbia City native and a Purdue University West Lafayette graduate.
She brings a warm, encouraging presence to the classroom and a passion for helping students grow at their own pace. At home, she enjoys life with her husband, Quentin, and their cat, Benny. She also loves The Notebook.
Her advice for students this year is thoughtful and reassuring:
Always do your best! It won't look the same every day and that is okay.”
Emily loves chips and salsa and peanut butter M&Ms.
We’re thrilled to have her at Northern Heights!
WCCS Families,
WCCS has upgraded our phone systems. The cutover happens today, starting around 11 a.m. and continuing through 1 p.m. During this time, outside phone calls to school buildings may not be received.
If you call during this time frame and we do not answer, please call back after 1 p.m., and we'll be happy to assist.
WCCS has upgraded our phone systems. The cutover happens today, starting around 11 a.m. and continuing through 1 p.m. During this time, outside phone calls to school buildings may not be received.
If you call during this time frame and we do not answer, please call back after 1 p.m., and we'll be happy to assist.
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!
Mark Your Calendars for these important Back-to-School Nights!
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!
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!
Whitley County Consolidated Schools is excited to introduce our newest eagles!
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!
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!
Our newest educators spent the day engaging in introductory conversations around student safety, student experiences, technology tools, our teacher evaluation framework, and more.
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!
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!
CCHS Career & Technical Education is looking for a compassionate, organized, and student‑focused Office/Nurse Assistant. If you’re someone who loves supporting students, collaborating with staff, and creating a welcoming space for families, this role is your chance to shine.
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
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
FCCLA results from Nationals in Washington, D.C.!
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!
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.
Please note: The School Board of Trustees Work Session for July 6 is cancelled. The next school board meeting is on July 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the WCCS Central Office.
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.
