Friday, Sept. 13 | The Columbia City Police have identified the source of the initial post. There is no threat to student safety.
There will be increased police presence today, however, we know the threat was not credible.
Thank you CC Police Department for your investigation and support of our student and staff safety.
Following yesterday's threat, Whitley County Consolidated Schools wants to thank our Whitley County Sheriff Department and Columbia City Police Department, along with the Indiana State Police, for their organized response and communication with our WCCS administration in resolving this incident. Our relationship with the police department stood up to the test of a threat, thank you.
Secondly, we know communication to our families can seem vague. Student and staff safety is our highest priority. We want to assure you we take all threats about our school and students very seriously and we act on them quickly. We share the details as soon as we can. Due to the nature of the threat, confidentiality has been upheld. WCCS is taking necessary disciplinary action for the student(s) involved.
Parents, please speak with your child(ren) about their role in school safety. It is crucial that if a student sees something, or hears something, they need to say something.
From the police, the investigation would have gone smoother if the initial social media post hadn’t been shared and re-routed so many times. When students know something, they should report the incident to either a staff member, police, or other authoritative figure, instead of sharing the post with their peers. This way authorities can begin the investigation and determine the severity and legitimacy of the threat.
Students can also use the anonymous tip line of STOPit via wccsonline.com/page/stopit or the mobile app. STOPit allows students and family members the power to help end harmful and inappropriate behavior they see online through social media, hear of incidents, and other means. STOPit can be used to report bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination, harassment, violence, threats, weapons, alcohol or drug-related issues, mental health struggles like suicidal ideations, or any other concerns.
This is a community that cares deeply for our students and their safety. We want you to know that while this incident did cause fear and concern, our systems worked the way they were supposed to and we saw clear evidence of our ongoing training and preparedness for crisis response.
As a reminder, official communication comes through the WCCS app (Whitley County Consolidated Schools in Google Play or App Store), Whitley County Consolidated Schools Facebook, WCCSonline.com, and email notifications, or as a phone call. Parents should verify their Skyward accounts are accurate. We know communication is a personal preference and continue to work to build transparent systems that work for all.
Please know that we will continue to build on what we learned yesterday and today, what went well and what can be improved.
Friday's Homecoming Spirit Day: Maroon & Gold Day -- GO EAGLES!
Thursday's Homecoming Spirit Day: Grunge vs. Glow
Wednesday's Homecoming Spirit Day: Country vs. Country Club
Eighth grade social studies classes worked to see if they could survive as a colonist in the New World. Families and merchants had to secure food, water clothing, and shelter as well pay their taxes to the Royal Governor and Tax Collector.
Tuesday's Homecoming Spirit Day: Crocs vs. Socks
Monday's Homecoming Spirit Day: PJ’s vs. Preppy
ISMS will be celebrating homecoming week with the following spirit days:
Today during NWEA Map testing, the fifth period 8th grade social studies classes paid a visit to Main Bowl for a little recreation. 🎳
Yesterday 6th Grade Scientists used the scientific method in their first lab. They determined if dish soap had an effect on the number of drops of water that would fit on a penny, be sure to check in with your student to see what they found out.
👏🏻 Congratulations to Mr. Olinske's homeroom this year's 8th grade tug-of-war champions! 👏🏻
Tomorrow, Friday, August 30, is the LAST day to order your 2024-25 for $30. This is the lowest price and will increase on Saturday.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/2095265/Indian-Springs-Middle-School/2025-Yearbook/2024072307151880056/CATALOG_SHOP/
Students who are interested in applying for Student Council can pick up application details in their grade level offices. Student Council is open to all students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. The deadline to apply is Monday, September 9th.
Remember, all WCCS students get FREE breakfast this year!
As part of a pilot program for the 2024/25 school year, each morning, WCCS students can join us for a nutritious breakfast free of charge. Breakfast is available after the morning bus drop-off.
Seventh grade student, Ty Pettigrew, made the August/September 2024 cover of the American Chianina Journal.
His heifer was selected Early Junior Heifer Calf Champion at the National Junior Heifer Show in Springfield, Missouri. His reaction to the judge says it all!
Congratulations, Ty! These shows host thousands of youth students from across the country!
If you have fun stories or hightlights to share, send an email to Kennedy Saggars. We'd love to promote your student success!
A WCCS Connection is coming to your mailbox soon!
Each quarter WCCS publishes a newsletter for our community to see some of our highlights and our updates.
View the latest issue: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2777/WCCS/4709892/WCCS_Connection_Summer_2024.pdf
What do you like most about the publication? What would you like to see? Let us know in the comments.
During last night's board meeting, our 2023-2024 Teachers of the Year and Exemplary Staff of the Year were recognized and awarded their plaques.
Teacher of the Year finalists were: Alissa Roberts, Columbia City High School; Amy Shearer, Indian Springs Middle School; and Erin Fudge, WCCS Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Fudge was named WCCS Teacher of the Year.
Jill Lickey, Tanya Yager and Steve Corbin were Exemplary Employee finalists. Steve Corbin was named WCCS Exemplary Employee of the Year and works in our transportation department.
Thank you, City Automall and Kasey Shirey for your partnership to award the finalists. The public presentation takes place this Friday during the home football game!
Also recognized and awarded was Bob Schneider (light blue shirt) who was recognized by EduStaff as the Substitute Teacher of the Year. Presenting his award was Blair Baumgartner, Indiana District Manager for EduStaff.
Thank you, WCCS teachers and staff for all you do!
#WCCSRelationshipBuilders #BetterTogether
We are once again introducing our new teachers! Welcome to WCCS!
#WCCSRelationshipBuilders #ExperienceWCCS
Welcome back, students! Today starts the 2024-25 school year and we are looking forward to all the great things you will accomplish.
