August 2 District Newsletter

Out of the Blue Tipton Community School Corporation Newsletter August 2, 2026 From the Superintendent's Desk There is something special about the beginning of a new school year. It's the anxious excitement of walking into a new classroom for the first time. It's finding your friends in the lunchroom, meeting someone new at recess, joining a club or sport, and wondering what opportunities the year ahead may bring. For every student, a new school year offers a fresh start—a chance to discover a new interest, build confidence, overcome challenges, and grow. As I begin my first year as superintendent of TCSC, I feel much of that same excitement. I'm honored to serve a community that cares deeply about its students and schools. TCSC is filled with talented students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and community members who consistently step forward to help. A successful school year is built through thousands of small moments: a teacher offering encouragement, a bus driver greeting a student by name, a coach teaching perseverance, or a family asking about the school day. To our students, I encourage you to embrace the opportunities ahead. Try something new. Make a new friend. Join a club. Go out for a sport. Ask questions. Take on a challenge. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, because that's often where the greatest learning begins. To our families and community members, thank you for your trust and support. We are excited to welcome our students back and begin the 2026–2027 school year together. Here is to new friendships, new experiences, and a year filled with possibilities. Let’s make it a great year, Blue Devils! Blue Devil Spotlight: Transportation Director, Laurie Crawford Before the sun rises over Tipton County, the transportation work that shapes each student’s school day is already taking form. At the center of that effort is Laurie Crawford, Transportation Director for Tipton Community School Corporation — a role that blends logistics, leadership, and deep care for the students who step onto TCSC buses each day. As Transportation Director, Laurie brings 22 years of experience with the district, dedication, and a deep commitment to Tipton’s students and staff. Her leadership strengthens the entire district, and her impact reaches far beyond the bus lot — touching every building, every family, and every student who begins and ends their day on a TCSC bus. For many families, the school day begins with the familiar rhythm of getting ready and heading to the bus stop. For Laurie, now starting her second year in this role, that rhythm starts hours earlier. She oversees the complex system that moves hundreds of students across the district safely and efficiently — coordinating routes, supporting drivers, communicating with families, and responding to the unexpected with calm, steady leadership. Her work is often behind the scenes, but its impact is felt everywhere: in the smooth start of each school morning, in the trust families place in TCSC transportation, and in the steady confidence drivers feel under a leader who prioritizes safety and consistency. Tipton’s transportation team is known for its professionalism, reliability, and caring transportation staff. Laurie works closely with drivers, ensuring they have what they need to feel prepared to transport TCSC’s precious cargo to and from school. She builds relationships with families, helping them navigate schedules, changes, and challenges. “In fact,” said Laurie, “I could not make any of our transportation possible without the experienced, professional, and reliable bus drivers that Tipton has. They do their job well, efficiently and above all safely.” Mrs. Crawford’s role is more than coordinating buses — it’s coordinating people, moments, and the rhythm of the school day. It’s anticipating needs, solving problems quickly, and creating a transportation system that feels safe, welcoming, and dependable. Her work is a reminder that transportation is not simply a service; it’s a connection point between home and school, and one of the most important responsibilities in any district. Behind the Blue: Tipton Summer Academy This past week, TCSC staff came together for our two-day Summer Academy—an opportunity to learn, plan, collaborate, and prepare for the year ahead. While students are enjoying the final days of summer break, teachers and staff are already working behind the scenes to make sure our classrooms, programs, and support systems are ready to meet student needs. The annual Tipton Summer Academy is designed to give staff meaningful choices based on their roles and the students they serve. Sessions included student safety, CPR and crisis response, reading and writing instruction, support for multilingual learners, inclusive classroom practices, curriculum planning, assessment development, MTSS planning, school finance basics, and required safety training. Staff also had dedicated time to work with teammates, align lessons, review curriculum, and plan how they will support students throughout the year. Great teaching doesn't happen in isolation. It happens when staff share ideas, learn from one another, and work through challenges as a team. A classroom teacher may leave with a new reading strategy. A special education teacher and general education teacher may develop a better plan for supporting students together. A team may identify gaps in its curriculum or create a clearer process for helping students who need additional support. Participants gained new instructional strategies, refreshed important safety procedures, strengthened their understanding of student needs, and felt more prepared for the start of school. Many also said they appreciated having time to collaborate with colleagues before students return. The Tipton Summer Academy is one of the ways TCSC lives out our mission of working together for student success. By investing in our staff, we are also investing in our students. Every new strategy, stronger team connection, and thoughtful plan helps us create safer classrooms, better learning experiences, and more opportunities for every student to grow. By the Numbers: 160,678 TCSC served 160,678 meals last year alone, providing students with breakfast and lunch each school day. Our food service team does far more than prepare meals—they greet students with a smile, create a welcoming environment, and show tremendous care and commitment in everything they do. Their daily work helps ensure our students are nourished, supported, and ready to learn. Opportunities to Engage Volunteers play an important role in supporting our students, staff, and schools. From field trips and class parties to concession stands, staff appreciation events, fundraisers, and classroom support, there are many ways to get involved at TCSC. All volunteers must complete a background check before volunteering or serving as a chaperone. To begin the process, please complete this JotForm. Once your background check is submitted, contact your child’s school office, classroom teacher, coach, sponsor, PTO/TESO, or the athletic department to learn more about current volunteer opportunities. We appreciate your support and would love to have you involved! My Closet My Closet provides TCSC students in preschool through 12th grade with brand-new clothing and personal-care items at no cost. Students can choose from shoes, coats, shirts, pants, socks, undergarments, hygiene bags, haircut certificates, hats, and other essentials in a welcoming, private setting. Students may be referred by a family member, teacher, administrator, or staff member, and no one is required to qualify. The goal is simple: to make sure every student has access to clothing that fits, helps them feel confident, and allows them to focus on learning. My Closet is made possible entirely through the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, and community organizations. Every donation helps provide dignity, comfort, and confidence to a local student. Click the image to learn more. Project Blue Heart Project Blue Heart connects the generosity of our community with the needs of TCSC students and families. Through food, hygiene products, household essentials, school supplies, wish-list items, and support for student meals, the program provides help quietly and with dignity. The Blue Heart Pantry also offers year-round access to basic necessities for families experiencing hardship. Every donation, large or small, helps remind our students and families that they are seen, valued, and supported. Click the image to the right for more details and donate to a great cause. Give what you can. Love where you are. That’s the Tipton Way. Upcoming Events August 3 - TMS Rocks (9 am and Noon) August 4 Blue Devil Kickoff for THS Freshmen (9 am - Noon) Blue Devil Bash (4 pm - 7pm) August 5 - Staff Professional Development Day (No Students) August 6 - First Day of School August 11 - TCSC School Board Meeting (6:30pm) August 17-21 - Tipton County Safety Week TCSC Spirit Wear Store Ask the Superintendent If you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, please do not hesitate to reach out. I welcome your feedback and can be contacted by email at sjaworski@tcsc.k12.in.us.

Sunday, Aug 02 2026

July 19 District Newsletter

Out of the Blue Tipton Community School Corporation Newsletter July 19, 2026 From the Superintendent's Desk As we prepare to welcome staff and students back over the next couple of weeks, I've gained an even greater appreciation for the work that happens behind the scenes to keep our buildings, buses, grounds, and facilities ready for a new school year. One of my new responsibilities as superintendent is helping oversee the facilities and daily operations that support our students and staff each day. While that responsibility is new to me, it's familiar territory for the dedicated team members who take pride in this work year-round. Eric Johnson, Director of Facilities, and Mark Webster, corporation mechanic, put in countless hours keeping our buses well-maintained, our athletic facilities among the best in the region, and our grounds looking beautiful, even in the dog days of summer. Nita Everling, lead custodian, and her team are working diligently to make sure our hallways, classrooms, cafeterias, and restrooms are fresh, clean, and ready for a new year of learning and adventure. Dan Benefiel, Director of Building Maintenance, plays an essential role in maintaining our HVAC systems, boilers, electrical systems, and other critical infrastructure that keep our buildings operating safely and efficiently. It takes a great deal of work to keep a three-school campus, with sections more than 60 years old, not only operational, but something our community can be proud of. Our facilities, maintenance, transportation, and custodial teams go the extra mile (sometimes literally) to make sure TCSC is safe, functional, clean, and welcoming for everyone who walks through our doors. They put the pride in Blue Devil Pride. If you have the opportunity this year, please join me in thanking these team members for the countless hours they invest behind the scenes to make our facilities and grounds something truly special. Blue Devil Spotlight: School Resource Officer Jeff Stout Tipton Community School Corporation is proud to welcome Officer Jeff Stout as the district’s new School Resource Officer (SRO) for the 2026–27 school year. While the role is new to him, Officer Stout is anything but new to Tipton — he is a familiar, trusted presence whose deep roots in the community make this transition both natural and meaningful. A 2000 graduate of Tipton High School, Officer Stout brings deep community ties, 25 years of law‑enforcement experience, and long‑standing relationships with Tipton families — making him an exceptional fit for this important position. Born and raised in Tipton, Officer Stout’s path into public service began shortly after high school. After attending Vincennes University, he accepted an opportunity at the Hamilton County Jail at age 20. Over the next several years, he continued to advance in his career, serving at the Tipton County Jail before joining the Tipton Police Department. Following in the footsteps of his father, a former Police Chief and Detective, Officer Stout rose through the ranks as Sergeant, Assistant Chief, and ultimately Police Chief. His career reflects a lifetime of commitment to the safety, well‑being, and trust of the Tipton community. Beyond his law‑enforcement service, Officer Stout is deeply woven into the fabric of TCSC – as a former student, graduate, parent, and volunteer. He has coached football at multiple levels, beginning with the Tipton Youth Football League, then Tipton Middle School, and later at Tipton High School. His work with student‑athletes has given him meaningful connections with families across the district and a firsthand understanding of the needs, challenges, and strengths of Tipton’s youth. Officer Stout will play a vital role in shaping a safe, supportive, and connected school environment. He believes students should have someone they can trust with anything. Someone who is present, accessible, and genuinely invested in their well‑being. “I plan to be much more than a safety presence,” he said. “My goal is to be a mentor and role model, build positive relationships, and become a trusted adult students can turn to for guidance, support, and encouragement.” He is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continuing the close partnership between TCSC, families, and the Tipton Police Department. His long‑standing connections with Tipton families, his familiarity with the community, and his people‑centered approach make him uniquely equipped to serve in this role. On a personal note, Officer Stout enjoys the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, and is passionate about sports. Officer Stout and his wife, Lea, have three children: two daughters Gracie Jones and Callie Bieber, who graduated from Tipton High School, and a son, Jaxson, who is a freshman at THS. Families will have the opportunity to meet Officer Stout ahead of the new school year at the Blue Devil Bash on August 4. Behind the Blue: Tipton Summer Academy Each year, as summer begins to wind down and the start of a new school year comes into focus, many of our teachers return to campus before students ever enter the classroom. One important example of that commitment is our Teacher Summer Academy. Held over two days at the end of July, the Teacher Summer Academy provides our certified staff with a variety of professional learning opportunities designed to strengthen teaching, support students, and prepare for the year ahead. Sessions include topics such as CPR certification, instructional best practices, behavior management, curriculum alignment, and many other areas connected to the daily work of serving students well. What makes this event especially meaningful is that our teachers choose to participate during their summer break. Over the past five years, attendance at the Summer Academy has grown to include more than 75% of our certified staff. That level of participation says a great deal about the dedication of our educators and the value they place on continued growth. Great schools are built by people who are committed to getting better, learning from one another, and doing what is best for students. The Teacher Summer Academy is one way that commitment shows up behind the scenes. Long before the first bell rings, our teachers are preparing, collaborating, and investing in the work that helps make Tipton Community School Corporation a great place for students to learn and grow. We are grateful for the professionalism and dedication of our teachers, not only during the school year, but also during the summer months when they continue to sharpen their skills and prepare for another successful year. By the Numbers: 462,111 Square Feet As I mentioned in the opening of this newsletter, our maintenance and custodial teams put in a tremendous amount of work to keep our schools not only functional, but clean, welcoming, and looking great for students, staff, and visitors. That is no small task. Across our three school buildings, TCSC maintains approximately 462,111 square feet of space! From classrooms and hallways to cafeterias, gyms, restrooms, offices, athletic areas, and everything in between, our team works behind the scenes every day to make sure our facilities reflect the pride we have in our schools. Keeping that much space ready for a new school year takes teamwork, attention to detail, and a lot of hard work. We are grateful for the people who help make our buildings and grounds something our entire community can be proud of. Opportunities to Engage Volunteers play an important role in supporting our students, staff, and schools. From field trips and class parties to concession stands, staff appreciation events, fundraisers, and classroom support, there are many ways to get involved at TCSC. All volunteers must complete a background check before volunteering or serving as a chaperone. To begin the process, please complete this JotForm. Once your background check is submitted, contact your child’s school office, classroom teacher, coach, sponsor, PTO/TESO, or the athletic department to learn more about current volunteer opportunities. We appreciate your support and would love to have you involved! Upcoming Events July 21 - School Board Meeting (TCSC Community Room, Door #3) Work Session @ 5:30 pm Regular Meeting @ 6:30 pm July 23 - Tipton County Back to School Event (Tipton County Fairgrounds) July 28 - TCSC Walk-in Registration (11 am - 7 pm) August 3 - TMS Rocks (9 am and Noon) August 4 Blue Devil Kickoff for THS Freshmen (9 am - Noon) Blue Devil Bash (4 pm - 7pm) August 5 - Staff Professional Development Day (No Students) August 6 - First Day of School TCSC Spirit Wear Store Ask the Superintendent If you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, please do not hesitate to reach out. I welcome your feedback and can be contacted by email at sjaworski@tcsc.k12.in.us.

Sunday, Jul 19 2026

TCSC Supply Lists

Dear TCSC Parents and Guardians, I hope you and your family are enjoying a wonderful summer!  As we prepare for another exciting school year, we're pleased to share that the  2026–2027 school supply lists are now available. You can access the lists by clicking the links below. Elementary Supply Lists Middle School Supply Lists High School Supply Lists Purchasing school supplies is an exciting part of preparing for a new school year and helps students begin the year feeling confident and ready to learn. We encourage families to shop over the coming weeks to take advantage of seasonal sales and ensure students have everything they need for a successful first day of school. We look forward to welcoming our students back on  Thursday, August 6 , for another outstanding year of learning, growth, and achievement. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Tipton Community School Corporation. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we'll see you soon! Sincerely, Dr. Ryan Glaze Assistant Superintendent Tipton Community School Corporation

Thursday, Jul 16 2026