In the "happy news department," Miss Kohler (Kindergarten) got married this past weekend! Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Giek! Jefferson was well-represented at the joyous event.
(Photos provided by the bride.)
I am Ms. Heckaman (maternity-leave sub for Mrs. Jankowski), and I will be teaching Kindergarten. I am extremely passionate about teaching and providing hands-on experiences for my students. I obtained my Bachelor of Education in elementary education from IU in 2022. While at IU, I also had the opportunity to teach Saturday Science. Last year, I worked as the WIN ("What I Need") teacher, which was an amazing experience. My younger brother currently attends Washington as a 4th grader, and he is my main inspiration for teaching.
Legrand Better Communities partnered with their Operations Excellence Team, consisting of Renee Fuentes, Carmen Chapman, Devyn Clabaugh, Kim Hopson, Faith Gonzalez, and Amanda Graf to create 48 stocked, back-to-school backpacks for Jefferson kindergarten (24) and 1st grade (24) students.
Legrand Better Communities and the Kris Barone Memorial Fund were able to provide the funds needed to purchase the supplies. Mark Sproles, the lead committee chair for the Better Communities Initiative within Legrand, coordinated the purchase of the supplies, while Renee Fuentes led her team in the assembly of the backpacks. These were delivered to Jefferson by Wendy Cox.
Legrand Better Communities and their Operations Excellence Team are proud to be partners with Jefferson Elementary and to be able to help students succeed and to give back to the local community.
Thank you, Legrand Better Communities/Operation Excellence Team!
#WarsawInspires
Hello, my name is Isaac Merida! I am a first-year 6th grade teacher that just graduated from Grace College with my Elementary Education degree. I grew up in the small town of Martinsville, IN with my parents and younger brother. I graduated from a small private school with a class of nine to graduating with one of the biggest classes at Grace. This is the fourth job that I have had so far with the previous three being a clerk at a small bookstore, paraprofessional, and tutor. I got married to my beautiful wife, Charlene, on July 1st, 2023, and we recently moved to the Larwill, IN area. I’m so excited for the school year!
#WarsawInspires
Hello! My name is Mallory Hiatt, and I am from Rochester, Indiana. I graduated from Grace College, where I got my degree in Elementary and Special Education and a licensure in Intense Intervention. I come from a family of teachers and have had many teachers who have had an impact on my life, and I hope to do the same for my students.
I enjoy running, painting my nails, and spending time with my friends and family. I am so excited to join the Jefferson family and be a 3rd grade teacher! I look forward to this school year and to helping students grow as learners and reach their goals! Student relationships are the most rewarding part of teaching, and I am so excited to meet my students! Go, Spartans!
(Photo provided.)
#WarsawInspires
We want to help your student(s) start the new school year prepared!
#InspireWCS
Mr. Wall (our principal) and Mr. JR (our head custodian) checked on our Jefferson bees this morning, making sure the hive is still healthy and producing.
Photos provided by Mrs. Terpstra.
#InspireWCS #WCSJeffersonSTEM
Just a reminder that "Popsicles on the Playground" with Mr. Wall is TOMORROW, Friday the 26th from 10:00–11:00am. Please park on the back side of Jefferson and enter the playground through the double gate.
Mr. Wall would like to invite all Jefferson Spartans to "Popsicles on the Playground" this Friday, July 26th from 10–11am. This will be an informal, fun time for parents and students to play and hang out with our principal, Mr. Wall, while enjoying a cool treat.
We hope to see you there!
This summer, Mila Collier had a lemonade stand with the idea to make money to pay for school lunches for kids who need it. Mila, a 2nd grader at Jefferson STEM Elementary, raised $200 for students' lunches by selling lemonade and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, which is enough to cover 75 student lunches at Jefferson. Mila said, "I felt excited, because it helps those who need a lunch."
Mila has been doing a lemonade stand for the past three years to benefit various causes. Recipients of her past donations include the Animal Welfare League and the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.
We are proud of Mila's servant heart!
#ExperienceWCS
Here's Jefferson's Field Day , entitled "Ten Photos of HAPPINESS!"
Have a great summer, Spartans! We will miss you so much!
#ExperienceWCS #WCSLastDay
We're maybe just a tiny bit excited about Field Day tomorrow.
#ExperienceWCS #WCSLastDay
In total, $349.10 was raised for Riley Hospital for Children! Thank you, Jefferson Spartans!
#ExperienceWCS
Jefferson 1st-graders enjoy being hands-on scientists at Cherry Creek.
#ExperienceWCS #WCSJeffersonSTEM
Our 6th graders graduate this afternoon! Ample parking is available across the street at Winona Lake Grace Church.
Tomorrow, Wednesday the 22nd, is the final day to vote for the People's Choice from our Talent Show! Every cent equals a vote, and all proceeds go to Riley Hospital for Children.
Who will win the People's Choice? Stay tuned!
#ExperienceWCS
Kindergarten family and friends, there is extra parking available across the street at Winona Lake Grace Church, if you are planning to come to Kindergarten Graduation today.
Kindergarten students used "Bloxels" to create Mario game characters on their own. They had to figure out just how many of each color they needed, which colors they used more of, etc., in order to create and complete their characters.
#ExperienceWCS #WCSJeffersonSTEM
Because we can't get enough of this morning's Spartan Senior Breakfast, here are even more photos to enjoy!
#ExperienceWCS
Jefferson's Annual Senior Breakfast, an event that honors former Spartan 6th-graders, saw at least 29 students returning to our halls and cafeteria this morning. These "Forever Spartans" got to spend time with each other, as well as with many former teachers.
After a light breakfast, provided by our amazing PTO, the group donned their caps and gowns and took to the halls for a celebratory stroll, amidst the playing of "Pomp and Circumstance." Current Spartans lined the hallways to cheer for and be inspired by what these Forever Spartans have achieved.
Well done, Spartans. Well done! And all the best to whatever your next chapters hold for each of you.
#ExperienceWCS
