WCCS is excited to welcome Krissy Corbin, our new K–2 Mild Intervention Teacher at Little Turtle!
Krissy is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, and holds an M.Ed. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Krissy and her husband have been married for 24 years, and together they have three daughters, a college junior, a high school sophomore, and a seventh grader.
Her favorite book series is The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.
Her advice for students this year is encouraging and full of heart:
“Always do your best and don't let yesterday's mistakes define your today.”
And if you ever need a treat idea — Krissy loves Mexican food, Nerds Gummy Clusters, and Watermelon Sour Patch.
We’re thrilled to have her at WCCS! Welcome!
Krissy is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, and holds an M.Ed. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Krissy and her husband have been married for 24 years, and together they have three daughters, a college junior, a high school sophomore, and a seventh grader.
Her favorite book series is The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.
Her advice for students this year is encouraging and full of heart:
“Always do your best and don't let yesterday's mistakes define your today.”
And if you ever need a treat idea — Krissy loves Mexican food, Nerds Gummy Clusters, and Watermelon Sour Patch.
We’re thrilled to have her at WCCS! Welcome!
WCCS is excited to welcome back Lindsey Smith, our Dean of Students and Literacy Instructional Coach at Little Turtle! She's not new here, you may recognize Lindsey as a veteran teacher in the district, we are so glad she's back!
Lindsey is a lifelong resident of Columbia City and brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Indiana State University, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a High Ability concentration from Purdue University, and a Science of Reading Literacy Endorsement. Her commitment to strong instruction, student support and literacy growth shines through in everything she does.
Lindsey has been married to her husband Ryan for 22 years, and together they’ve built a life rooted in community and connection. They have two children, Reece, a freshman, and Ella, a junior at Columbia City High School. As a family, they love supporting their kids’ activities, spending time together, and staying active in the community they care so deeply about.
Her current favorite book is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.
Her advice for students this year is thoughtful and encouraging:
“Come to school each day with a positive attitude, be willing to learn from your mistakes, and never be afraid to ask for help. Growth happens when you challenge yourself, stay curious, and give your best effort every day.”
And if you ever need a treat idea — Lindsey loves Mexican food.
We’re thrilled to have her back at WCCS!
Lindsey is a lifelong resident of Columbia City and brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Indiana State University, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a High Ability concentration from Purdue University, and a Science of Reading Literacy Endorsement. Her commitment to strong instruction, student support and literacy growth shines through in everything she does.
Lindsey has been married to her husband Ryan for 22 years, and together they’ve built a life rooted in community and connection. They have two children, Reece, a freshman, and Ella, a junior at Columbia City High School. As a family, they love supporting their kids’ activities, spending time together, and staying active in the community they care so deeply about.
Her current favorite book is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.
Her advice for students this year is thoughtful and encouraging:
“Come to school each day with a positive attitude, be willing to learn from your mistakes, and never be afraid to ask for help. Growth happens when you challenge yourself, stay curious, and give your best effort every day.”
And if you ever need a treat idea — Lindsey loves Mexican food.
We’re thrilled to have her back at WCCS!
Give a warm welcome to Nichole Doehrmann, our new 5th Grade Resource Teacher at Little Turtle Elementary!
Nichole is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Indiana Tech along with her teaching license from IU. At home, she enjoys life with her husband Charles and their three children, Zayne, Layla, and Wyatt.
Her favorite movie series is Fast and Furious, a perfect match for her energetic, “you can do this” approach in the classroom.
Her advice for students this year is simple and uplifting:
“You are amazing.”
Nichole loves Italian food, Snickers, and Starburst.
We’re thrilled to have her at WCCS!
Nichole is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Indiana Tech along with her teaching license from IU. At home, she enjoys life with her husband Charles and their three children, Zayne, Layla, and Wyatt.
Her favorite movie series is Fast and Furious, a perfect match for her energetic, “you can do this” approach in the classroom.
Her advice for students this year is simple and uplifting:
“You are amazing.”
Nichole loves Italian food, Snickers, and Starburst.
We’re thrilled to have her at WCCS!
WCCS is excited to welcome Hailey Whiteleather back as a First Grade Teacher at Northern Heights Elementary! She was a resident student teacher last year and has her own classroom this year!
Hailey is from Columbia City and is a proud graduate of Purdue Fort Wayne. She brings warmth, patience, and a joyful energy to the classroom. Her family includes Tiffany, Jason, Devon, and Treyton, along with her pets: her cat Gary and dogs Flash and Tripp.
Her favorite movie is Mamma Mia, a perfect match for her upbeat, encouraging spirit.
Her advice for students this year is calming and reassuring:
“Take a deep breath. You do not have to be perfect, just do your best!”
Hailey loves Nerd Clusters.
We’re thrilled to have her at Northern Heights Elementary!
Hailey is from Columbia City and is a proud graduate of Purdue Fort Wayne. She brings warmth, patience, and a joyful energy to the classroom. Her family includes Tiffany, Jason, Devon, and Treyton, along with her pets: her cat Gary and dogs Flash and Tripp.
Her favorite movie is Mamma Mia, a perfect match for her upbeat, encouraging spirit.
Her advice for students this year is calming and reassuring:
“Take a deep breath. You do not have to be perfect, just do your best!”
Hailey loves Nerd Clusters.
We’re thrilled to have her at Northern Heights Elementary!
Help us welcome Linda Willard, our new Special Education Preschool Teacher at Mary Raber Montessori!
Linda was born and raised in Huntington and now lives in Fort Wayne. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Governors University and a Special Education (Mild Intervention) degree from the University of St. Francis. She brings warmth, patience, and a deep belief in every child’s ability to learn and grow.
Linda comes from a family of 11 children, eight brothers and two sisters. She is a proud mom to three adult children. Her son Jonathan lives in Ohio with his wife Amanda and Linda’s only grandchild, Adelaide. Her son Stephen lives in Spencerville with his husband Trey, and her daughter Lina lives with her along with Lina’s dog, Frankie.
Her favorite reads include the Bible and historical fiction, especially stories from WWII and the Holocaust.
Her advice for students this year is:
“Everyone can learn; we just all learn in different ways and speeds!”
And if you ever need a snack idea, Linda loves Nutella anything, pretzels, and Stauffer’s animal cookies.
We’re thrilled to have her at Mary Raber Montessori!
Linda was born and raised in Huntington and now lives in Fort Wayne. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Governors University and a Special Education (Mild Intervention) degree from the University of St. Francis. She brings warmth, patience, and a deep belief in every child’s ability to learn and grow.
Linda comes from a family of 11 children, eight brothers and two sisters. She is a proud mom to three adult children. Her son Jonathan lives in Ohio with his wife Amanda and Linda’s only grandchild, Adelaide. Her son Stephen lives in Spencerville with his husband Trey, and her daughter Lina lives with her along with Lina’s dog, Frankie.
Her favorite reads include the Bible and historical fiction, especially stories from WWII and the Holocaust.
Her advice for students this year is:
“Everyone can learn; we just all learn in different ways and speeds!”
And if you ever need a snack idea, Linda loves Nutella anything, pretzels, and Stauffer’s animal cookies.
We’re thrilled to have her at Mary Raber Montessori!
WCCS is excited to welcome Shane Barkley in his new role as our Civil Construction Trades Teacher for Career and Technical Education at Columbia City High School!
Shane is from Churubusco and holds an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Engineering and Construction Management.
He brings hands‑on expertise, real‑world experience, and a passion for helping students build skills that will serve them long after graduation. Shane has been married to his wife Starr for 12 years, and together they have two sons, two daughters‑in‑law, and four grandchildren he loves spending time with.
His favorite movie is Dead Poets Society.
His advice for students this year is powerful:
“The true measure of a person is how they act when no one else is watching.”
And if you ever need a treat idea, Shane enjoys Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
We’re excited to have him teaching CTE!
Shane is from Churubusco and holds an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Engineering and Construction Management.
He brings hands‑on expertise, real‑world experience, and a passion for helping students build skills that will serve them long after graduation. Shane has been married to his wife Starr for 12 years, and together they have two sons, two daughters‑in‑law, and four grandchildren he loves spending time with.
His favorite movie is Dead Poets Society.
His advice for students this year is powerful:
“The true measure of a person is how they act when no one else is watching.”
And if you ever need a treat idea, Shane enjoys Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
We’re excited to have him teaching CTE!
WCCS is excited to welcome Kirsten Norton, our new History Facilitator at Columbia City High School!
Kirsten is from Hudson, Indiana, and is a proud graduate of Manchester University. She brings curiosity, enthusiasm and a passion for helping students explore the past with confidence and creativity. Her support system includes her mother, Faith, and close friends Andrew, Celeste, Sabrina, Lily and Kendra.
Her favorite book is the Throne of Glass series.
Her advice for students this year is simple and empowering:
“Be curious and don't be afraid to ask questions!”
She loves pretzels.
We’re thrilled to have her at WCCS!
Kirsten is from Hudson, Indiana, and is a proud graduate of Manchester University. She brings curiosity, enthusiasm and a passion for helping students explore the past with confidence and creativity. Her support system includes her mother, Faith, and close friends Andrew, Celeste, Sabrina, Lily and Kendra.
Her favorite book is the Throne of Glass series.
Her advice for students this year is simple and empowering:
“Be curious and don't be afraid to ask questions!”
She loves pretzels.
We’re thrilled to have her at WCCS!
WCCS is excited to welcome Greg Mose, our new Social Studies Teacher at Indian Springs Middle School!
Greg lives in Fort Wayne, originally from Gladwin, Michigan, and is a graduate of Central Michigan University.
Greg enjoys diving into anything related to history or sports.
His advice for students this year is simple and meaningful:
“Do your best and help others.”
Greg enjoys Reese’s.
Greg lives in Fort Wayne, originally from Gladwin, Michigan, and is a graduate of Central Michigan University.
Greg enjoys diving into anything related to history or sports.
His advice for students this year is simple and meaningful:
“Do your best and help others.”
Greg enjoys Reese’s.
Two-Hour Delay and Closing Notifications - "It's in the App!"
When WCCS announces a two-hour delay, like we did this morning, be the first to know with the WCCS App.
From the app screen choose "more" on the far right and then the setting icon in the top right allows you to choose your child(ren)'s school.
Make sure you also have chosen "Whitley County Consolidated Schools," that's where the whole district content and notifications that impact the every school, like 2-hour delays, are posted.
Download the app in your favorite app store by searching "Whitley County Consolidated Schools" and find our eagle logo!
Also, make sure your phone settings are allowing notifications from the WCCS app to populate.
When WCCS announces a two-hour delay, like we did this morning, be the first to know with the WCCS App.
From the app screen choose "more" on the far right and then the setting icon in the top right allows you to choose your child(ren)'s school.
Make sure you also have chosen "Whitley County Consolidated Schools," that's where the whole district content and notifications that impact the every school, like 2-hour delays, are posted.
Download the app in your favorite app store by searching "Whitley County Consolidated Schools" and find our eagle logo!
Also, make sure your phone settings are allowing notifications from the WCCS app to populate.
School will be in session following the 2 hour delay today. The fog has lifted.
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.