Inside this issue:
- NCMS Grand Opening
- HCCF Teacher Excellence Award
- Senior Exits
- Retirees Spotlight
- New Corporation Logo
- Exchange Students
- Spring Sports
- Graduation Highlights
- Special Olympics, Florida
- Contact information & Corporation website
What do you think about the new secure entrance and reception? -- "We already have the most incredibly warm and welcoming Mrs. Sizemore at our entrance to greet people, so we are very excited to add the secure entrance and updated look on the reception area. At any school, it is essential that we provide an environment where parents, students, and community members feel welcome and safe. These new updates will enhance our ability to do both.
After sharing spaces for so long, how will you decorate your new office? --"Admittedly, I am not the best at prioritizing decorating my personal space, but I prefer to blame it on the transitional state we have been in the past two years. Those excuses will be gone now, so I look forward to decorating my new office space with the essentials of family photos, fake plants, and any other suggestions my wife provides."
We didn't get to see the new conference room on the tour. What will it be like? -- "This might be in the running for the most important update in my opinion. Our previous meeting space felt a bit more cramped, and it was in an odd area connected to the principal’s office. This new meeting room will be a wonderful space for individuals to feel comfortable and focused on the most important goal, supporting student success. We will use this space for annual case conferences, 504 meetings, varying parent meetings, and administrative team meetings."
Middle School Grand Opening: Tours and Treats
HCCF Teacher Excellence Award
The New Castle Choral Department’s Director Matthew Hurst was surprised at Friday’s Spring Sing with a visit from the Henry County Community Foundation. A literal show-stopping moment, HCCF’s Executive Director Jennifer Fox, Dr. Matt Shoemaker, Adam McDaniel and Middle School Choir Director, Mrs. Alyssa Poticha, pulled Hurst on stage to honor him with a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, the Henry County Community Foundation’s Teacher Excellence Award.
The certificate reads, In recognition of your commitment to inspire students to reach for difficult and lofty goals, the respect you’ve earned of students, parents, and peers through sustained effort, and the likelihood of enduring beneficial effects on the students with which you have worked.
Jennifer Fox spoke excitedly, “It’s the perspective of the Foundation, and myself, to honor and recognize our teachers; theirs is the most important job. They are influencing the next generation, and educating our future workforce. They are our neighbors. It is our duty to honor someone who goes above and beyond in service to the community!”
An anonymous nominator submitted “Everyone can’t be a star, but when you have a teacher and music director, like Mr. Hurst, everyone can be somebody. That has a ripple effect for a better community and society.”
Amber Estelle, HCCF’s Communication and Donor Engagement Manager, explained “those who fund the award deflect any of the spotlight for themselves, and choose to continue with their anonymity.” Speaking on their behalf, she said, “‘The big thing is for the teacher to have the recognition and the reward. They work hard and get very little pay. It’s a tough job. They deserve a reward to use in any way they feel like they need to, as well as recognition, because they don’t get enough of that!’” Mr. Hurst is the fifteenth recipient of the Foundation’s prestigious award.
Co-Director, Alyssa Poticha, shared, “Matthew is one of the most committed teachers I’ve ever met. His passion, purpose and dedication to this program and his students is unlike any other. It’s been an honor to learn and work with him for the past four years. He is most deserving of this award, and we at the New Castle Music Department are so proud of him and his accomplishments.”
During intermission, Matthew came out to hug his wife, who was proudly watching from the second row. “What a night! I have watched this man devote himself to his students for the last 12 years. Not because he wanted to be the best, not because he wanted any kind of accolade, because he wanted his students to know they are valued and capable and worthy. But tonight we were blown away by a surprise that comes once in a lifetime if you are lucky.”
New Castle Administration encourages its teaching staff to inspire their own students to pursue education as a career. The idea of “Grow Your Own” recruits students for future employment, targeting those who already know the culture and school mission. Teachers plant seeds in elementary, when leadership emerges, by saying, “You would make an amazing teacher someday!” New Castle teachers continue to nurture the seeds throughout middle and high school, and watch the cycle repeat as their students come back after college to serve.
Looking back through the records, Estelle was excited to share that in 2007, Judy Hubbard, was the first teacher to ever receive the award; she was Mr. Hurst’s Choral Director! Hubbard passed her watering can over to Hurst in 2012, but she still helps nurture the department as the school’s pianist and Friends of Bundy Chairman.
Finishing Spring Sing, the Choral Department’s largest concert week of the year, Hurst finally got to take in his special moment. “I am honored and deeply humbled by the Community Foundation’s choice. I push my students daily to be better individual singers, and together, be a better choir than the day before. It’s truly about the growth. The kids grow in confidence, grow in musical successes, and in turn, the program grows. But it’s the little daily victories that give me the most joy. Perhaps someday, one of my own students will earn this award as well!”
SENIOR EXIT INTERVIEWS
Senior Exit Interviews will be required for all graduates by the State of Indiana for the ‘22-’23 school year, but NCHS is pursuing graduation pathways early! On March 9th, most of the Corporation had an e-learning day, but on that Wednesday, 194 seniors came into the school, stood in front of community members and teaching staff panels, and gave 15 minute presentations explaining how they would demonstrate success post graduation. To satisfy Graduation Pathways, seniors must “fill” three buckets: 1) Indiana Diplomas Designation, 2) Employability Skills, and 3) Post Secondary Ready Competence. The Senior Exit Interview helped students fill their second bucket. These twelfth graders proved they were employable through their participation in five possible areas of experience: Vocational Program at the Career Center Extracurricular activities: Sports, the Trojan Marching Band, or the Red Hot Blues Show Choir Keeping a job outside of school Eastern Indiana WORKS’ JAG Program Community Service through class projects. After explaining their “Bucket 2” experience, the Seniors filled out a “Senior Exit Packet” for the Indiana Department of Workforce, and shared the future steps they were pursuing after graduation. Anyssa Hall had no intention of being part of the New Castle Career Center; she wanted to glide through her senior year with ease, playing volleyball, basketball and running track. Her friends pushed her to join, so she filled out the application the last day it was due… Fast forward nine months, and Anyssa’s life has changed forever. Being part of the Knightstown WKPW radio crew forcefully propelled her into a new direction, and now she’s choosing between three colleges to continue track, and study sports broadcasting! Graduating with Ivy Tech credits already behind her, Anyssa feels bittersweet about leaving NCHS. “The staff knows my name,” she reported to Principal Amman, “It’s hard to leave this perfectly-sized community. And, I’m going to miss playing volleyball in the Fieldhouse.” Rickie Curnutt proved himself employable, as he already landed a full-time job with Ketter North America (Plastics) in Anderson after graduation! In his interview, Rickie shared how he had been employed at Flying J since 2020, and moved up into maintenance by fixing the pumps and doing the undesirable jobs no one else wanted. Curnutt stated, “I also took the Manufacturing class in the Career Center where I learned how to create plastic molds.” Using big hand gestures, Rickie described how he programmed the class computers to create a plastic wizard and mold a checker set. “It was like a lightbulb turned on in my head, and everything made sense.” Rickie, your graduation pathway is looking bright!
HONORED RETIREES
Sherri Knoblock graduated in 1984 and went right to work for New Castle Schools. Starting in basement of the 7th Grade Building, Sherri taught through all the Special Education Inclusion Law changes, streamlining into Life Skills. She said, "Great assistants, the Special Ed Office, and Building Administration who believed in the kids made the program possible." Her first day of retirement, she cleaned out her garage! She can travel anytime now, and will become more involved with her two grandsons in Texas. She can't wait to take water aerobics, substitute, take walks, and nap at her leisure. Thank you, Sherri, for 38 beautiful years!
Cindy Mackey served as NC’s Educational Diagnostician for 18 years, and loved working with students and school staff. Her favorite thing to do was close case conferences, as multiple educated opinions worked to help a child grow. She might work part time in the fall. In retirement, she's looking forward to catching up on reading newspapers with her cat on her lap! Cindy will be the Matron of Honor for her best friend’s Haitian wedding this summer. Thank you, Cindy, for loving our students, and serving with your whole heart!
Julie Hunt has taught for 34 years for NCCSC, five at Wilbur, and 29 at Parker! She’s served under 7 principals. She and her new-husband of three years will be headed to Prairie Creek Reservoir for a summer of pontooning! She plans on subbing in the fall, at her leisure. Happy retirement, Julie!
Tawnya Armstrong worked for NC for 24 years, all at Eastwood. In her first year, she started as a cafeteria cook aid for a few months, then moved up to a first grade aide, then right into the clerk’s position. For the last 23 years she’s been the secretary, working under seven principals. Tawnya got to enjoy Eastwood’s new office space for her last two months of work. Her husband also retired last year, and the two plan to move to Birdstown, Tennessee to build their dream home on Dale Hollow Lake. It’s time to enjoy her grandkids!
Philadelphia transplant, Kathryn Hayes has spent her enitre 27 New Castle years teaching at Sunnyside, the last four serving as Head-Teacher! She plans on working again in the fall, maybe as a substitute or downtown at the library. This summer she will read vivaciously, help flip her son’s home, and crochet! She says she will miss the day-to-day interactions and singing with her students. Rest, Kathryn! We're so grateful for you.
Kelly Ruhl served as our NC art teacher for 35 years, in elementary, middle and her favorite, high school. A woman of many interests, she will be training her yearling horse Cocoa this summer, and continue designing custom equestrian clothes. Kelly is traveling to Maui this summer to visit her son, spending quality time with her parents, and plans to take some stained/glass blowing art classes with her friend, Katherine Shumaker!
Cathy Groce retired this past December, serving her final 4 years of teaching at NCMS, teaching Inclusion English, social studies, science and math. Kathy started her career with Center Grove for 4 years, and served Hagerstown for 28! She will miss the kid’s personalities, as they became like family working so closely together.
Katherine Shumaker worked as our NC Art teacher for 35 years (elementary, at the 7th grade building, HS, but mostly MS). She started in Ohio for 3 years, then moved to Greenfield for one year before transferring to NC. Her favorite piece she did with the school was a 30-student mural, still on the walls in courthouse, in 1987. For retirement, she will be renovating her 1876 Home, taking care of her 4 horses, and will finally become a full-time artist doing contracted jobs! She will also be taking art classes with her colleague, Kelly Ruhl.
Kathy Terrell, a newly married Ohio transplant, started working with the high school’s JTBPA, Job Training Partnership Act. She interviewed for a job after the course, and landed a job in the high school’s front office. A few months later, Kathy moved into a permanent role as secretary for the Career Center, and stayed for 38 years! She’s worked with 4 Directors, and has built relationships with thousands of students. But now she’s retired, and has “NO AGENDA!” She is an avid reader, hiker, lover of campgrounds -the lodges particularly, and kayaking. She says her days are going by so fast, because she is "not sitting behind a desk all day!" She walks everyday and feels healthier! Congratulations on your new freedoms!
Nikka Ogborne retired March 31st from NC Special Education after 31 1/2 years. She student taught at our 7th Grade Building, hired in directly after college graduation, and has worked at Wilbur, Parker, mainly GreenStreet, Carthage, and finished at Sunnyside & Eastwood. Besides teaching, she has tutored year round, and will continue now that she’s retired. She and her husband own Frosty’s Tree Farm in Hagerstown, and plants 300 trees a year. She will also display her & her husband’s talents at the Farmer’s Pike Festivals and other bazaars, selling galvanized pipe lamps, paintings and Christmas decorations. She met with one Sunnyside boy this summer and the first thing he said was, “Oh boy, I’ve missed you!” We will miss you too, Nikka.
New Corporation LOGo
FOREIGN EXCHANGE students
First Contact: The Upchurch family stood at the Indianapolis Airport Terminal, holding a large sign with an Italian Flag and a giant letters spelling "Giacomo." Thanks to technology and video conferencing, the Upchurches and Benedetti families had already met, and shared multiple stories before the initial face-to-face meeting. Giacomo's mother, Cecilia, is an English teacher in Italy, and the communication barrier was very small, and the transition was smooth. Amy Upchurch, NC mother, said, "It's like he’s always been here; the boys joke and argue like brothers."
Biggest cultural challenge for Giacomo: "Americans go NON-STOP all the time." All three boys were involved in year-round swimming, Max was in baseball, Giacomo was in Open-Gym basketball (he loved Coach Cox). He was involved in every sport, every season, and exercised with the high school basketball team. There were so many events and practices. Giacomo, crowned the King at Winter Dance, says his school does not have dances, and the sports and clubs only meet for 3 days a week, for 45 minutes! In Italy, students choose a specialty high school, like math and science, so Giacomo wanted to take science AP classes in America! He chose AP Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Amy and Bill (father) were worried over the hours he poured over homework (translating from English to Italian and back) at the kitchen table. Giacomo assured them it was very natural for exchange students to spend so long studying. Mr. Doug Thompson, chemistry, was his favorite teacher, because he thoroughly explained and helped him translate. He also enjoyed Mr. Dick Hamilton's biology lessons and descriptions.
Every day life: Giacomo hung out with Max and Gus’ friends, and attended Young Life to learn about America's spiritual culture. Amy said, "He's a normal American kid!" He fell in love with (and sometimes hoarded) Reese's Peanut Butter Cups; in Italy, they are hard to find. He discovered Pop Tarts, Hostess' Mini Chocolate Donuts, and can eat an entire tenderloin from Park Restaurant! After basketball practice, Bill introduced Giacomo to Weenie World's Vanilla Coke, and it was like he was "a two year old with a sippy cup!" The Upchurches got to taste Italian cooking through Giacomo's family recipes. They have learned to make homemade pasta, sauce, and pizza dough. Learning about the laid-back Italian culture, Bill shared that he wished Americans would take lessons, “I Wish I was more like that--relaxed." Giacomo does miss the freedom to come and go when he pleases, not having driving privileges in America, and can't wait to get home to his Vespa scooter.
The Upchurches took multiple sight-seeing vacations this year to show Giacomo the United States. They went to Niagra Falls on fall break, took a day trip to Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and attended a Colts game. At Christmas they drove to see the Windy City of Chicago, and on Spring break they hailed Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. The Forign Exchange Program sent Giacomo to New York City, and he also got to experience the Indy 500 with Gus and Bill; all three share the love of Formula One racing! Giacomo said, “Being here was like being in an American Movie!”
Mr. Benedetti got to experience New Castle graduation, walking across the stage in full Trojan green regalia. The Upchurches also threw him a traditional Indiana Senior Open House! On June 18th, Giacomo flys home. His new friends will give formal and teary goodbyes. The family unit plans to reunite in the Summer of 2023, this time, on Italian soil.
Submitted Article by Kelly Plank:
We decided to become a host family after Payton came home from school last year seemingly excited about the possibility of having a Senior-Sister. We hosted some Chinese students when we lived in Greenfield for a short time, proving to us that we could do it!
Getting past the first couple of weeks was pretty easy for us. Everyone in our family connected on social media with just about everyone in Paula’s family before she arrived. We exchanged emails and pictures to know what to expect from one another. Expectations were set early for a better experience for all of us.
Paula speaks better English than most Americans. She is able to articulate what she needs or wants in a mature way; she is so smart, and fit in with our family so well. Communication was always easy for her, but one of the funniest things was watching Paula’s expressions while we were at Mt. Lawn Motor Speedway just one day after her arrival. She was so engrossed with trying to figure out exactly what people were saying and doing.
The most obvious cultural difference we notice is between America and Spain is the intensity of activities. From sports, to work, to driving, everything is much more competitive here. From what we can gather, Spain is much more laid back and relaxed. America could learn a thing or two about relaxing from Spain.
Pinpointing one favorite family moment is hard. Helping Paula work towards goals was awesome for us as a family. Paula had a goal of getting her picture taken with as many state signs as possible. We took a lot of trips with Paula including Michigan and Tennessee. We drove to New York to spend her 16th birthday and Christmas in NYC. We then drove the coast down to Florida for the remainder of Christmas Break. Spring Break was spent in Hawaii which she said she would probably never have the opportunity to do in her lifetime. On our way home, we had a layover in San Francisco so we rented a car and saw the Golden Gate. All along the way, we took pictures of all the state signs we could find, a pretty cool goal and experience to share.
Anyone who knows Paula knows that she definitely has favorite foods. She loves nothing more than macaroni and cheese. She likes to rate all of the types of mac and cheese on a scale of 1 to 10. Of course, our family's homemade mac and cheese is a 10, and her favorite! Paula also ate Reese’s Puffs cereal for the entire duration of her stay! We continue to find pieces of cereal all over the house.
Paula is so proud of all of her accomplishments here in New Castle. She has maintained an A average while in school here. Paula moved out of her comfort zone and became a three sport athlete, playing volleyball, swimming, and track!
New Castle will always be special to Paula. She has made loads of friends and bonded with our culture. She feels more independent now then when she arrived. Our family has encouraged Paula to explore her options when it comes to university. College is much less expensive in Spain, and students live at home, but we would love to have her back in our home for college. She plans to study fashion wherever she may end up. Her desire is to attend college in America but she doesn’t know if it is financially responsible.
Paula is very special to us and always will be. We plan to visit either next summer or the following Fall Break. Her parents have already planned all the places we will visit together. Paula traveled home on May 31st to be with her family again in Barcelona. It is hard to know what impact an exchange student can have on your life. Ours has been nothing but positive and eye opening. We would recommend hosting an exchange student to any family. It has been a life changing experience for Paula but also the entire Plank family.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON HOW TO BECOME A HOST FAMILY, PLEASE CONTACT: Teresa Cook 765-686-1195, tcook@icesusa.org
SPRING SPORTS: Baseball, Softball, Track & Field, Girls Tennis, Boys Golf
NC Baseball men were the 2022 Sectional Champions! Won 3-2 over Guerin Catholic, also finishing 3rd in HHC, with a record of 13-5-1. Regionals were Saturday, June 4. Our Trojans smashed Wawasee 9 to 0, and for the final game, they defeated Bishop Dwenger 5-4.
Josh Cooper, senior dad and coach, said this year, the boys overcome uncertainty. The field wasn't finished and the weather did not cooperate during practices and games. Cooper's favorite thing about the season was watching them mature. "In the past as youth, how they teated their teammates dictated their play. Now they appreciate each others’ strengths and weaknesses, and they’ve learned to play as a team." Relationships have developed, and the boys truly bonded. Jokingly, Coach said, “I’ve gone into debt with all of them wanting to hang and eat out after every practice and game! Nah! They're really good young men; they all get along."
The battle concluded at Semi-State June 9th in Kokomo with a loss to the Andrean team. Thanks to the community and parents for making this a dream season!
Coach Abigail Renner completed her second year with the Lady Trojans, bringing them back into competitive standing in our tough conference. "This season, the other teams took notice. We're back!" Renner graduated NC in 2014, the last time the softball team went to semi-state. As Head-Coach, she is rebuilding the program from the ground up, weaving multigenerational activities from girls Little League and Middle School teams into relationship with the high school.
The team's mantra was "The Game Doesn't Know," meaning, no matter the circumstance, the outcome is not decided. Coach said, "'The Game Doesn't Know' if that team is (known for being) better than us. Play better!" She pushed each girl to change their mindsets, and the girls latched onto the vision.
Playing second-base, junior Presley Gibson observed her personal growth, "I had a few big hits at the beginning of the season, and it gave me a huge confidence boost!" Each individual accomplishment added to the team's advancement, and growing excitement mounted through 28 games.
The pinnacle moment of the season was winning the first round of Sectionals, beating Jay County 7-2, a team that had crushed them earlier in the season! Advancing to the second game of sectionals, the girls played hard, but fell short to Guerin Catholic. We are so proud of these women!
Discus Coach, Jerry Ingalls, shared a memory of the season. "As the discus left Alaina Bowman's hand, it soared into the air and landed beyond the 100 foot line. It was a new seasonal best for her, earning an impressive second place finish at the Conference Championship competition (Tuesday, May 10). That wasn’t the only accomplishment of the day for the New Castle throwers. In the shot put, both girls who compose the entire New Castle throwers squad, Alaina Bowman and Laura Fischer, placed in 5th and 7th places, respectively. While those placements may not sound significant, they are because those placements not only score team points, but the girls’ distances represent the #2 and #3 all-time best ever New Castle sophomore shot put throws in the girl's track and field record book, records meticulously kept by Coach Ron Grimes for years. With these two talented girls making up the young squad of New Castle throwers, we have a big future ahead of us!"
Alaina Bowman competed in the Discus June 3rd at the State Track Meet (hosted by Indiana University), and finished in 22nd place. Andrew Fewell competed in the 800 Meter Run on Saturday, and placed 16th. Congratulations to both Alaina and Andrew for making it to the State Meet!
Our Girls are the 2022 Tennis Sectional Champions! A win this big hasn’t been done since 2012! Jennifer Kelsic, in her 5th year of coaching, declared the goal of season "a sectional win," and lead the girls to victory, beating Shenandoah 4-1 , then Tri-High 3-2!
We Played Franklin County in Regionals, but fell 1-4. Sophore Morley Blessinger advanced on to play in the Individual Tournament against a Centerville girl.
Coach Kelsic says, "With the new courts being completed for the fall, I can already see excitement building and mental motivation for the team!" The Girls have just started Summer Tennis. The first tournament was this past Saturday in Anderson. Keep at it, Ladies!
Congratulations to the Trojan Golf Team winning the Sectional Championship! Senior Derek Tabor was the medalist with a 70 (-2)! Senior Dillon Bergum was 2nd with a 73, and senior Matthew Gerth was fourth with a 77! Noah Gross had a 92, and Cole Wheeler scored a 91.
Coach Jaymen Nicolson said, “As great as they were on the course, they’re better young men off. They're the best young leaders I’ve ever coached. They acted as coaches to their peers, offered continual encouragement, and were very involved with each other as a team."
Regionals were held Thursday, June 9th at Yorktown Players Club. Tabor was the medalist at (-6). He and Bergum advanced to State Finals June 14 & 15, Tabor taking third place! John Harp, long-time sports announcer for NC Schools, encouraged the young men, "Enjoy the moment! Congratulations on your high school careers; your hard work and dedication have paid off --back-to-back state finals! You have the appreciation of our community for being such fine young men representing New Castle."
Both Derek Tabor and Dillon Bergum finished their high school careers as 3X All Conference players. Matthew Gerth was named to the 2022 Academic All State Golf Team; he was one of only 15 golfers named to this team! Congratulations, to all these fine men!
GRADUATION HIGHLIGHTS
Special Olympics, Orlando
Two of our Food Service Team Members flew to Orlando Florida June 6th to participate in the Special Olympics National Championship! Three gold medals were required to qualify. Only 6 competitors from Henry County were invited, and these two work for NCCSC!
Tori Butler (left) graduated from NC in 2014, and started working for NC in 2015. She will competed in the Track and Field 400 Meter, Running long Jump, and the Baton Relay.
Shelly Blattner (right) started working for NC in 2009. She placed 5th the 25 Backstroke, 4th in 50 Back, and is brought home a GOLD from the 200 Medley Relay!
Congratulations Shelly and Tori! Way to represent our corporation and state, ladies! We are so proud of you.
ELEMENTARY Photo FLASH
New Castle Community School Corporation
BUILDING BETTER FUTURES
Got questions? Call the Corporation Office at
(765) 521-7201
Credits:
New Castle Community School Corporation