March 2026 TCSC Newsletter

Out of the Blue Tipton Community School Corporation Newsletter March 6, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tipton Community School Corporation Reunification Drill Planned for March As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, Tipton Community School Corporation will conduct a student reunification drill during the month of March to help ensure we are prepared in the event of an emergency. This drill will involve a small group of students from each school, along with selected staff, who will practice the procedures we would use if students ever needed to be safely reunited with their families following an emergency situation. Exercises like this help us make sure our processes are clear, organized, and focused on student safety. As part of the drill, participating students will be evacuated from their school using Tipton Community School Corporation transportation and taken to a designated reunification area where the reunification process will take place. Local law enforcement and other community safety partners will participate in the drill to help ensure our procedures are well-coordinated and effective. Working together allows us to strengthen communication and improve our response in the event of a real emergency. Parents of selected students will receive a permission slip asking for approval for their child to participate. Only students with signed permission will take part in the drill. As part of the exercise, parents or guardians of participating students will be asked to pick up their child at the reunification area. This allows us to practice the full reunification process and ensure it works smoothly for families and staff. For safety reasons: The exact date and location of the drill will not be shared publicly in advance. Information will be shared shortly before the drill begins. Only parents and guardians of participating students will be contacted. A ParentSquare announcement will be sent to parents and guardians at the conclusion of the drill. Students who are not participating will remain in school and follow their normal daily schedule. Practicing reunification procedures is an important part of school safety planning. We appreciate the cooperation of participating families as we work to make sure Tipton Community School Corporation remains prepared to respond effectively in any situation. If you have questions, please contact the Tipton Community School Corporation Administrative Office.   Student Leadership Takes Center Stage in the Tipton Pep Band The Tipton Pep Band has long been known for its energy, spirit, and unmistakable Blue Devil pride—but at the center of that sound is something even more powerful: student leadership that drives the entire program. For decades, the Pep Band has grown into a space where students don’t just perform; they lead, mentor, and shape the experience for their peers. Each year, a core group of student leaders step forward to guide rehearsals, model musicianship, and set the tone for what it means to represent Tipton in a positive way. They choose the music that helps the band stay relevant and connected to the community. The student leaders also work to try new ideas, like including a rock band into their normal pre-game routine. Their influence, however, reaches far beyond the notes on the page.  The student leaders take responsibility for connecting and communicating with their peers outside of the band as well. They coordinate between the Blue Crew, Cheer Team, and Band to make the game experience even more fun. They also work with the adults who run the announcements and video boards to create a strong “home court” advantage for our Blue Devils. “Their decisions and efforts are often in the background and done so well that most don’t realize how amazing it is that students are able to lead a band like this,” said Lisa Wallyn, THS Band Director. Months before the season starts, the leaders are planning what music to play. They take the lead in connecting the groups that are present for basketball games.  Senior Cayden Osbon has been the drum major of the marching band and student conductor for two years. The cheer coaches have commended him for doing an excellent job communicating with the cheer team to make sure the band and cheerleaders work together. The cheerleaders now request songs through the student leaders for their dances. They’ve also created cheers and lifts that coordinate with the band’s songs. This level of cooperation is exceptional in high schools and is rarely seen even at a collegiate level. “I love being able to show support for the basketball team through the pep band,” said Cayden. “It has been one of my favorite things to do throughout high school, and being able to get a group like ours together to play during the basketball season means a lot to me.” Senior conductor Cady Martin shared, "Being a student leader in the band has been my dream since freshman year. As a freshman I always wanted to be the upperclassman that underclassmen looked up to, and I wanted to conduct as well! Conducting and being a student leader has brought me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow!" The Pep Band is one of Tipton’s most visible student groups, energizing crowds and bringing the school community together towards the common goal of school spirit. The leadership of Cady, Cayden, and junior Connor Clouser within the band ensures that every performance is more than music—it’s a celebration of teamwork, pride in our school, and a defining spirit that reflects the excellence of Tipton’s music programs. Kindergarten Roundup February Board Briefs TCSC Board Briefs: February 10, 2026  Tipton Community School Corporation Board Briefs is designed to share highlights from the most recent School Board of Trustees monthly meeting. Official minutes of each Board meeting are posted on the district website and are available for public viewing. The next scheduled meeting of the Board of School Trustees is March 10, 2026. School board meetings are conducted from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the TCSC Board Room at the Administrative Offices and are open to the public. Blue Future Awards TCSC Superintendent Dr. Ryan Glaze presented this month’s Blue Future awards to: Tipton Elementary School: Ashley Nightenhelser for her exceptional care, engaging instruction, and meaningful impact she brings to her students. Tipton Middle School: Layla Maus, Hope Walker, Sophia Leyva, PJ Flint, and Alyvia Gunn (ISSMA Gold Rating - Ensemble), Gabby Henry (ISSMA Gold Rating - Soloist), Hope Walker (ISSMA Gold Rating - Soloist), PJ Flint (ISSMA Gold Rating - Soloist), Sophia Leyva (ISSMA Gold Rating - Soloist), and Dean Biedermann (Selected for IN State Honors Choir). Tipton High School: Emersyn Adkins (IHSAA Girls State Wrestling Back-to-Back Qualifier), YO's (Ensemble-State Solo and Ensemble Qualifier), Olivia Henderson (Soloist -State Solo and Ensemble Qualifier), Jocelyn Erwin (Soloist receiving Gold Rating), and Kadence Stout (Soloist receiving Gold Rating). Superintendent Report Dr. Glaze updated the Board on the steady progress the district is making on major facility projects. The reroofing work has reached an important milestone with the top level of the auditorium now complete, and crews are moving to the Band and Choir areas this week. Despite some weather‑related delays, the project remains on schedule. Pool deck improvements are set to begin the week of March 23, including draining the pool, removing the existing deck, completing warranty painting in the shallow end, and installing new starting blocks. Looking ahead, the Board will take up several action items this spring, including mowing bid approvals, the March 26 snow make‑up day, and the annual retirement incentive in March, followed by approval of TMS/THS ELA curricular materials in April. Associate Superintendent Report Associate Superintendent Scott Jaworski provided an update on the district’s winter and spring assessment cycle, noting that ILEARN Checkpoint #2, WIDA ACCESS, CogAT, IREAD‑3, and the SAT all offer important data to guide instruction, interventions, enrichment, and long‑term planning. Students in grades 3–8 recently completed ILEARN Checkpoint #2, with elementary students performing exceptionally well—especially in math, where all grades scored more than 20 points above the state average. Middle school results were mixed but encouraging, with strong math performance in grades 6 and 7 and notable improvement in 8th‑grade ELA. Areas for growth were identified in 6th‑ and 7th‑grade ELA and 8th‑grade math and building leaders will use the February 9 professional development day to analyze results and implement targeted supports. Because each Checkpoint assesses different standards, comparisons between checkpoints are not meaningful, and this is the district’s first year using the system. Jaworski also reviewed the district’s weather‑related decision‑making process, emphasizing that delays, eLearning days, and closures are based on multiple safety factors—including forecasts, road conditions, transportation input, visibility, and building readiness—evaluated late at night and again early in the morning. He thanked students, staff, and families for their flexibility during recent severe weather. Finally, he shared progress on aligning student handbooks across all three buildings to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with board policy and state and federal requirements. A common districtwide structure has been developed, and principals are now updating their building‑specific handbooks within that framework. Remaining academic and conduct sections will be completed next, followed by cross‑building review and stakeholder feedback before final drafts are brought to the Board. Director of Technology Report Steven Gingerich reported steady progress on several infrastructure upgrades this month. Working alongside Roeing Corporation and Huston Tech, the team completed the network restructuring required to integrate the new PA system across all buildings, including creating a new VLAN and migrating portions of the district’s switch infrastructure. Equipment for the Corporation Office has been ordered, with installation scheduled. The department also finalized a Windows Server licensing audit for the Streamline print servers. In the primary server room, replacement battery modules have been ordered for the core APC backup system, as the existing units (installed around 2016) are now significantly depleted. To ensure uninterrupted operations, core services have been temporarily shifted to backup APC units until the new modules are installed by the IT team with minimal downtime. Director of Food Service Report Adam Proulx shared that hiring is underway to fill open positions, with the team expecting to be fully staffed within the next two weeks. Substitute workers remain a need, as there are currently no substitutes available. Several small but important equipment issues required repair orders and maintenance visits this month, but all service calls have now been completed. A recent change in state regulations allows schools to once again offer whole (plain) milk instead of the previously required reduced‑fat option. Prairie Farms is increasing production to meet upcoming order needs. Athletic Director Report Colin Quin reported that January was an exceptionally busy month for Tipton Athletics, and we extend heartfelt thanks to our custodial team—both morning and night crews—as well as Dan, Eric, and Mark, whose quick responses to snow removal, salting, scoreboard fixes, and even locating breaker boxes kept events running seamlessly. Several facility and equipment upgrades are also underway: coaches secured a new pitching machine for softball, a new wrestling mat is scheduled for purchase in September, Swimming and Diving recently received a new diving board with updated starting blocks on the way, and quotes have been gathered for resurfacing floors in the Inferno, Aux Gym, and middle school. Wind screens for the baseball field are currently being bid, with artwork still in development.  Our athletes continue to shine, with two female wrestlers closing out strong seasons—Analeigh Hood as a regional qualifier and Emersyn Adkins finishing an impressive fourth in the state. On January 31, our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys’ basketball teams all capped their seasons with championship wins. Six male wrestlers have advanced to regionals, Swimming and Diving completed girls’ sectionals on February 5 and will compete in boys’ sectionals on February 19, and Cheer continues to bring energy and excellence to every event. Looking ahead, an all‑coaches meeting is planned for later this month to determine spring parent meeting plans and begin shaping summer schedules. Under New Business, the Board granted permission to advertise for mowing bids for the 2026 and 2027 mowing seasons, with bid approval scheduled for the March meeting. The Board also approved the annual cancellation of outstanding checks that have remained unpaid for more than two years, as required by IC 5‑11‑10.5‑2.   Find Your Sound: Join Tipton Band & Choir! Attention 5th grade students and families! Over the next ten days, students will be learning about our amazing Tipton Bands and Choirs. All students are invited to participate in Band or Choir as 6th graders, which are classes during the school day. No experience necessary. Students who want to learn how to play an instrument should plan to attend Band Sign-up Night on Tuesday, March 17 at 6 p.m. in the Tipton Elementary School cafeteria. During Sign-up Night, 5th grade students will learn more about being part of the Blue Devil Band. Paige’s Music of Indy will also be on hand to help parents rent or purchase instruments. If you already have an instrument, bring it with you and come order a music book and supplies. Students who are interested in singing in the Choir will receive an enrollment paper at school. Simply turn that paper in to your teacher to sign up for the TMS Choir. That’s all you need to do.  “Tipton’s award-winning bands and choirs have a long tradition of excellence. Our programs give students something to be proud of. Band and Choir members build character, camaraderie, and valuable life skills,” said Rob Shaver, TMS Band Director. “Plus, it’s just plain fun to make great music together!” For more information about Band or Choir, contact Mr. Shaver at rshaver@tcsc.k12.in.us.   2026 Mattress Fundraiser and Indoor Market Set It’s that time of year again — mattress season! If you or someone you know needs a new mattress, the band has you covered. This year, Tipton and Tri‑Central bands are teaming up to host the annual Mattress Fundraiser and Indoor Market. Along with a full showroom of quality mattresses, we’re also hosting an indoor market featuring 20 local vendors and a food truck. There’s plenty to explore, so stop by the Aux Gym on Sunday, March 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and check it all out!   Important Calendar Events March 8: Daylight Saving Time Begins March 10: Monthly Board Meeting March 13: End of Third 9 Weeks March 26: Snow Make-up Day (School IN Session) March 27: Spring Break Begins  

Friday, Mar 06 2026

February Out of the Blue

Good Evening Blue Nation, Click the link to read this month's Out of the Blue Newsletter.

Friday, Feb 06 2026

January 2026 TCSC Newsletter

Out of the Blue Tipton Community School Corporation Newsletter January 9, 2026   TCF Scholarships Spotlight Academic Excellence at THS Congratulations to THS seniors Josie Butler, Lilian Cloud, Grant Day, Brogan Foerg, Alyssa Hoover, and Noah Walker for earning prestigious scholarships awarded through the Tipton Community Foundation. These honors reflect exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service. These recognitions include one of Tipton County’s highest academic honors as well as one of its most competitive local scholarship programs. Lilian Cloud has been awarded the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship (LECS) for Tipton County. This highly competitive scholarship provides full tuition and is a tremendous recognition of her academic excellence, leadership, and service. She plans to pursue a degree in her chosen field beginning next fall. Josie, Grant, Brogan, Alyssa, and Noah were named Myerly Scholars, representing five of the six Tipton County students selected for the Class of 2026. This distinction reflects their outstanding academic achievement and commitment to future success. Josie has been accepted with distinction to the University of Indianapolis and received early assurance into the Master of Science in Athletic Training program. Grant plans to attend Butler University to major in marketing with a minor in psychology. Brogan intends to pursue mechanical engineering/flight technology at either Purdue University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Alyssa plans to double major in social work/human services and developmental sciences at Purdue, IU Bloomington, or St. Mary’s, followed by a master’s degree in social work. Her goal is to serve children in a healthcare setting within the local community. Noah plans to attend a small private institution to earn degrees in elementary education and special education. The Tipton Community Foundation (TCF) administers the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and offers more than 60 additional opportunities through its endowment funds. The 2026 scholarship application cycle opens January 1, 2026, and applications are due by 4 p.m. on March 1, 2026. More information is available at www.tiptoncf.org/scholarships. Lillian Cloud Josie Butler Grant Day Brogan Foerg Allyssa Hoover Noah Walker   Celebrating National Mentoring Month: The Power of Mentorship at TCSC Blue Devil Kickoff January is National Mentoring Month - a time to recognize the profound impact mentors have on students’ lives. At Tipton Community School Corporation, mentoring is more than guidance; it’s about building relationships that inspire confidence, foster resilience, and open doors to new opportunities. The impact of mentors can be seen and felt throughout campus.    At Tipton High School for example, peer mentoring takes center stage through Blue Devil Kickoff (BDKO), a program led for several years by Carrie Capshaw (THS Guidance Department) and teacher Kim Warner. Their shared mission is simple but powerful: helping incoming freshmen and new students feel confident, connected, and ready for their first day of high school. Each year, approximately 25 high school mentors volunteer their time to welcome the newest Blue Devils. These mentors plan and lead a variety of activities designed to ease the transition to high school. They guide students through the building, help them locate and open lockers, facilitate icebreakers and team‑building activities, and walk them through their schedules so the first day feels less overwhelming and more exciting. This year, Capshaw and Warner expanded the program beyond the kickoff event. For the first time, BDKO mentors visited freshman advisories once a week to lead short, focused conversations on topics relevant to early high school success. These included reflections on the first week of school, athletic eligibility, ways to get involved in clubs and activities, goal setting, and accessing academic and mental health support. Capshaw and Warner see peer mentoring as a powerful way for students to take their leadership skills to a new level and oftentimes the mentors get just as much if not more out of the experience than the mentees. “Students often get just as much, if not more, out of mentoring than the freshmen they’re supporting,” Capshaw pointed out. “The experience strengthens confidence, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility, all while creating a more welcoming school culture.” Sixth Grade Mentoring The 6th Grade Mentoring Program at Tipton Middle School is another example of mentoring in action. The program is a collaborative effort between the Tipton Boys & Girls Club and Tipton Community School Corporation — a partnership rooted in connection, consistency, and the belief that every child benefits from having a trusted older role model. Ben Waterman, Director of Teen Services at the Tipton Boys & Girls Club, helps lead this important initiative. Waterman supports teens across both Tri-Central and Tipton Community School Corporations, continuing the legacy established by his predecessor, Ken Ehman. Ehman laid the groundwork by building strong partnerships with the schools and creating pathways that connected teens with meaningful resources. Ehman revitalized the program post-COVID, and Waterman was able to pick it up and carry that vision forward, expanding and strengthening the program in both size and impact. The mentoring program began at TMS before COVID-19, originally centered on one-on-one or small-group interactions. Waterman deeply believes that every student can benefit from having an older, caring presence in their life. When the pandemic paused the program, it created an unexpected opportunity: a stronger, more structured, and more intentional program when it started back up. Waterman, who once participated in the program under Ehman’s leadership, now oversees it. Under his direction, the program has grown into a well-organized, high-engagement initiative. Each month — on the second Friday during lunch — high school juniors and seniors meet with groups of sixth graders for conversation, games, and guided lessons focused on navigating life’s challenges. Monthly themes help anchor the discussions: November centered on gratitude, December on generosity, and future months will explore various leadership skills such as learning from mistakes which was a topic a few months ago. Today, the program runs like a well-oiled machine. High school mentors go through an interview and selection process, onboarding, and safety training. Each mentor is paired with a group of five to seven sixth graders, with boys mentoring boys and girls mentoring girls. The structure is simple but powerful: shared lunch, guided discussion questions, and activities designed to build trust and connection. 6th Grand Mentoring Continued The students themselves echo just how meaningful the experience can be. Senior Olivia Henderson, a THS mentor and Boys & Girls Club staff member, shared that she chose to mentor because she “wanted to help younger students grow in the place they are in their lives,” adding that being a mentor has shown her that “anyone can be a leader just by being a good role model.” She described moments when supporting students through big emotions felt especially rewarding and said mentoring has made her feel “so much closer to my school and community.” Senior Grant Day, who was once a sixth‑grade mentee himself, said he stepped into mentoring because of the impact it had on him years ago. “I will always remember being mentored,” he said, “and I wanted to be that same kind of role model.” Through the program, he’s discovered strengths he didn’t fully recognize before — “I’ve learned that I can speak well, be emotionally present, and get everyone involved. I want to give every kid a voice.” Grant believes the biggest difference he makes is through the example he sets each month, and mentoring has shown him that “every kid has something to say — you just have to be trustworthy enough to hear it.” While the impact isn’t always immediate, Waterman sees the difference, especially when younger students spot their mentors at school events or around town. “It’s a big deal to the sixth graders,” he said. “They look up to their mentors. That connection at school extends into the community.” These positive relationships, he added, help steer students away from harmful mindsets and behaviors by giving them something — and someone — to look forward to. One of Waterman’s favorite developments is seeing the program come full circle. “A cool thing we’re starting to see,” he shared, “is former sixth-grade participants signing up to be mentors as juniors and seniors. They tell us, ‘It was such a big thing for me. I want to be that for someone else.’” For Waterman, that’s the clearest sign of impact: students who were once guided are now stepping forward to guide others. As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, TCSC honors the individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and hearts to mentoring. Their commitment reminds us that every student deserves someone who believes in them, encourages them, and helps them grow with confidence. The Benefits of Mentoring (Pull out Box). The Annie E. Casey Foundation At the heart of it, mentoring helps meet the basic human need of letting young people know they matter and are not alone. Mentoring relationships promoted a strong sense of belonging in youth — an internal asset essential for healthy development, according to the 2023 MENTOR study. The emotional and practical support that mentors offer has also been linked to positive academic, personal and professional achievements. For example, the study reported:  [Mentored] youth who experienced adversity while growing up were more than twice as likely to volunteer in their community and hold a leadership position in a club or sports team. 74% of those who had a meaningful mentor say that person contributed significantly to their later success in life.  85% of young people with a mentor say this key relationship has helped them with issues related to school and their education.  58% percent of young people say their mentor has supported their mental health.  60% of those under 40 years old are still drawing advice from their childhood mentors. Photo caption: THS mentors Isaac Humrichous and Zack Ridgeway are pictured guiding a lesson for sixth‑grade boys through the 6th Grade Mentoring Program, a partnership between the Tipton Boys & Girls Club and Tipton Community School Corporation that strengthens relationships, skills, and student leadership. Photo caption: THS mentors Oliva Henderson and Ava Higginbotham are pictured leading a special lesson for TMS sixth‑grade girls as part of the 6th Grade Mentoring Program, a partnership between the Tipton Boys & Girls Club and Tipton Community School Corporation that builds confidence, connection, and leadership across grade levels. Courtesy photo.   Honoring Our School Board of Trustees During School Board Appreciation Month January is School Board Appreciation Month, and Tipton Community School Corporation is proud to celebrate and recognize the invaluable role our School Board of Trustees plays in guiding the district. TCSC is fortunate to have seven dedicated individuals serving as trustees: Robert Cochrane, II (Cicero Township), Jennifer Humrichous (City of Tipton), Andrea Campbell (Jefferson Township), Eric Underwood (City of Tipton), Tami Brown (City of Tipton), Kimberly Fague (Madison Township), and Beth Woelfert (Cicero Township). Their work is often behind the scenes, yet the impact of their decisions is felt every day in our classrooms, hallways, and extracurricular programs. These leaders carry the enormous responsibility of governing our school district and ensuring that every child has access to quality education and opportunities to thrive. Their influence shapes both the present and the future of Tipton Schools. Their actions guide the daily experiences of students and staff. Their vision charts the course for long-term success. Their commitment keeps our schools strong, innovative, and student-centered. Our school board members are more than policymakers—they are advocates for children, champions of public education, and partners in building a stronger community. They dedicate countless hours to listening, learning, and leading with the best interests of students at heart. This month, we invite our community to join us in expressing gratitude to these transformative trustees. Their diligence, wisdom, and unwavering commitment make Tipton Community School Corporation a place where excellence is nurtured and futures are built. The leadership of our School Board of Trustees is a cornerstone of our success, reminding us that strong schools build strong communities. Thank you. We appreciate you. #BlueFuture

Friday, Jan 09 2026