February Out of the Blue

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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

December 2025 Out of the Blue

Out of the Blue Tipton Community School Corporation Newsletter December 5, 2025   A Holiday Message from TCSC Superintendent Dr. Ryan Glaze As we enter this season of celebration and reflection, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each of you—our students, families, staff, and community partners. The holidays remind us of the importance of connection, gratitude, and hope, and I am deeply thankful for the spirit of unity that defines Tipton Community School Corporation. This semester has been filled with remarkable achievements, both in and out of the classroom. From academic growth to artistic performances, athletic accomplishments to acts of service, our students continue to inspire us with their creativity, resilience, and determination. Their success is made possible by the unwavering dedication of our teachers, staff, and families, who give their time, energy, and care to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. I am also grateful for the generosity shown through our food, toy, and clothing drives and holiday volunteer activities by our students and staff. These acts of service brighten the season for many families in our Blue Devil community and set a powerful example for our students—that this time of year is just as much about giving as it is about receiving. The holiday season is also a time to pause and recharge. I encourage each of you to enjoy traditions, create new memories, and spend time with loved ones. May this season bring you joy, peace, and renewal as we prepare to welcome the new year together. On behalf of the Board of Education and our entire leadership team, thank you for your continued support. It is an honor to serve this community, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the new year ahead. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a bright, hopeful New Year. #BlueFuture   TCSC Robotics Builds Skills, Friendships, and Futures   Robotics at Tipton Community School Corporation (TCSC) is sparking curiosity, teamwork, and innovation across all grade levels. From elementary students building their first robots to high schoolers engineering advanced machines, the program is preparing Blue Devils for future success in STEM fields. Robotics has grown from humble beginnings in technology education classes into a district-wide initiative supported by dedicated teachers, community partners, and local businesses. Today, the following educators serve as sponsors for the robotics program in their building: Mike Vittorio (THS), Glen Castor (TMS), and Nate Geiger (TES). The program first started in the middle school’s technology education classes; and progressed to competitions around the state thanks to strong community partnerships. TCSC, Stellantis, Tipton Ford, Encompass, IBEW873, Jim Dandy, and Dairy Queen have provided financial support, while the Tipton County Library introduced Ozobot projects to local schools. A joint venture with Tri-Central Schools and Stellantis created a Lego League team for 4th and 5th graders, giving younger students hands-on experience in robotics for two years which provided competitive challenges with other schools. At THS, robotics began as a classroom project and quickly expanded into a competition team. The first group—freshman girls practicing during advisory—entered a weekend competition, sparking a tradition that continues today. Currently, THS students in the Mechatronics take on roles as documenters, drivers, designers, builders, programmers, and strategists. They spend months preparing for competitions—fundraising, designing, building, testing, and programming their robots. At weekend events, they compete among teams from around the state, learning technical skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and problem-solving. Elementary robotics was introduced just last year. “Dr. Glaze [TCSC Superintendent] approached me about coaching the program, knowing it might be something I’d enjoy and be passionate about,” said Nate Geiger, TES Robotics program sponsor. “He encouraged me to connect with Mr. Vittorio at the high school to learn what was needed to get things started. From there, Mr. Vittorio provided all the necessary materials and guidance—I just needed to find the students who were interested in joining.” At the elementary level, Geiger emphasizes that robotics is about more than coding and building. “The main goals of our Robotics Club are to inspire curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving in our students,” he said. “I want them to see that robotics is not just about building and coding—it’s about learning how to think critically, collaborate with others, and persevere through challenges.” Picture From elementary to high school, TCSC students are designing, coding, and competing through the district’s robotics program — a hands-on initiative supported by educators and community partners to prepare future innovators. The program has grown from humble beginnings in middle school technology education classes into a district-wide initiative. TMS Robotics Competition Team members (l-r): Wyatt Strickland, Noah McCartney, Reid Hughes, Piper Hughes, and Harper Hancock. Courtesy photo. Robotics Continued..... “Teaching robotics is incredibly rewarding,” noted Glen Castor, TMS Robotics program sponsor. “Middle school students rise to challenge after challenge as they learn to program, design, assemble, and drive their VEX robots. What I enjoy most is giving kids the freedom to create—encouraging them not to follow rigid plans, but to build from imagination, explore ideas, and solve problems with designs that matter to them.” While Tipton teams continue to hone their knowledge and skills to advance to the state competition, they have earned recognition along the way. THS received the Energy Award, and TMS earned the Sportsmanship Award. One unforgettable moment came when the TMS team nearly qualified for state—only to lose power in their controller during the final event while holding second place! For Geiger, the most memorable moment was watching his elementary students transform during their first competition. “They went from feeling nervous at the start to not wanting it to end,” he recalled. “Seeing them grow in confidence, support one another, and truly come together as a team was incredible.” Beyond awards, robotics builds friendships, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose. Students consistently say they enjoy the experience and value working alongside friends.” For advisors like Vittorio, Castor, and Geiger, that growth and joy are the ultimate reward. “Robotics connects directly to classroom learning in STEM and computer science, while also preparing students for Industry 4.0 careers,” added Vittorio. “It’s inspiring to see them grow, enjoy, and learn through robotics, knowing those problem-solving skills will serve them well into adulthood.”    TCSC Spirit Wear (Click Here)   IMPORTANT DATES December 8 TMS/THS Choir Christmas Concert 7PM December 9 Monthly Board of Trustees Meeting 6:30PM December 10 TMS/THS Band Christmas Concert 7PM December 16 YO Family Night Concert 7PM December 19 Last Day of 2nd Grading Period/Semester 1 December 20-January 5- Winter Break TCSC 2025-2026 Calendar Access All TCSC Calendars at: https://www.tcsc.k12.in.us/calendar     Contact information If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: 765-675-2147 askthesuperintendent@tcsc.k12.in.us www.tcsc.k12.in.us https://www.facebook.com/tiptonschools https://x.com/@tiptonschools

Friday, Dec 05 2025