Dear SWSC Community,

It is hard to believe this is the end of the third grading period already! We were really lucky again this winter and missed most of the harsh weather. March is sometimes unpredictable, but we still have two eLearning days if needed so I feel good about our position in regard to weather-related school cancellations.

A lot of exciting educational initiatives are happening at the Southwest School Corporation. In our elementary schools, we are reinforcing our commitment to literacy through the implementation of the Science of Reading. Our teaching staff have invested their time and energy into training on these techniques to improve the reading levels of our students. I am extremely proud of their commitment. We also received the IDOE Literacy Cadre grant that allows for dedicated reading coaches in each of our elementary schools. Our reading coaches are Cindra Hiatt, Carlisle and Brandy Gentry, Sullivan. Each grade level is also using personalized interventions, ensuring every student receives the support they need.

We recently concluded our Read Across America Week at Carlisle and Sullivan Elementary School. The students participated in many fun activities and were treated to many guest readers. It’s always a great week!

In our middle schools we are exploring STEM education led by Dr. Chad LeDune, our STEM Coach. Dr. LeDune is working with teachers in all subject areas to incorporate the STEM process in their subject areas. This dedicated focus aims to nurture the curiosity and innovation of our students, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The SWSC archery club advanced to the state finals at all three levels: elementary, middle, and high school. They will be competing in the state finals on Saturday, March 9 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. We are proud of their individual and team successes!

The Future Chef Competition was held at Sullivan High School on Thursday, March 7. We had 10 awesome students and recipes. It was really great to see the excitement in our students' faces that participated.

Spring Break begins Friday, March 22 and runs through Friday, March 29. School resumes on Monday, April 1. Enjoy your Spring Break!

Reminder SWSC will be closed on April 8, 2024 the day of the solar eclipse. All after school events are postponed on this date as well including athletic practices.

The fourth nine weeks will be a busy one. When we return from Spring Break in April we will be doing state ILEARN testing in grades 3-8.

Thank you to all students, teachers, staff, parents, and community members for your extraordinary support of our schools.

Remember…We are the best, we are Southwest!

Stitz

The SHS boys' basketball team finished sectionals as the Paoli Sectional Champs! This is the basketball team's third sectional title in four years! They will be playing for a regional title at 4 pm Saturday, March 9 at the Hatchet House in Washington. The team will be playing Brownstown Central, which is currently ranked #1 in 2A. Tickets are $10 and cash will be accepted at the door. It looks to be a tough game but we know that our Arrows have it in them to come out on top! Come support our Arrows as the 6th man (cheer section). Good luck and bring home the regional trophy!

It has been another great season for the SWSC archers! In last month's state qualifier tournament,

Sullivan Elementary School, Sullivan Middle School, and Sullivan High School archery teams recorded team scores that advanced them to the Indiana State Archery Championships.

SES enters the state tournament ranked 11th in Bullseye (round target) and 11th in 3D (three-dimensional targets shaped like animals). SMS enters the state tournament ranked 4th in Bullseye and 4th in 3D while SHS enters ranked 12th in Bullseye and 11th in 3D. Carlisle students that earned individual spots include: Logan Chastain, Bailey Williams, and Brantley McKinley. Archers ranking in the top 10 Bullseye individually going into the state include:

• Sophia Lambert (SMS) - #1 middle school girls
• Logan Chastain (CMS) - #3 middle school boys
• Jove LeDune (SMS) - #6 middle school boys
• Emery Whitkanack - #7 middle school boys

A total of 86 students will be representing the SWSC at the state tournament. Good luck to all!

The Indiana State Archery Tournament is Saturday, March 9 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Entrance fee is $10 with grades 3 and under Free. Parking is $10. You can follow along on the day's progress and results on the NASP website.

On March 2, Sullivan High School's National History Honor Society (NHHS) competed in the regional National History Day competition at Indiana State University. NHHS had 13 club members competing, representing 8 entries of a documentary, essays, and exhibitions. All of the NHHS competitor projects placed in the top four in each category, which guaranteed their projects moved onto the state competition. This is the third year in a row that the NHHS has advanced to the state competition. A big CONGRATS to these students for all their hard work and keeping the state-bound tradition going!

Carlisle Elementary School celebrated Read Across America Day with students and teachers dressing up as their favorite characters. Throughout the day, they engaged in various activities and preparations leading up to the event, including dress-up days the week before. The celebration highlighted the joy of reading and sparked creativity among the students. Special guest, Susan Fowler, was a hit with the young and old(er)!

The Carlisle Science Bowl competed on January 26 and placed 8th in the state with a team score average of 95% on the three tests taken on Indiana 8th grade standards on the biology of plants. Individual testers were Caden Hamilton, Jaci Graham, Addison Bedwell, and Carolynn Hayes. This year's competition included an experiment on the effect of various salt concentrations on the germination of seeds, the ability to calculate data from the experiment, identifying plant and animal cell parts, and the process of photosynthesis. We are extraordinarily proud of our team, composed of only 4th graders. Congratulations to the team and their coaches, Mrs. Monroe and Mrs. Beller!

The Carlisle 5th Grade Basketball Team won the Tri-County Tournament on Saturday, January 27 and was runner up in the Hutsonville Tournament on February 24. Congratulations to the boys and Coach Bean on a great season!

Brandy Gentry, our SES Literacy Cadre Coach, was one of the three Indiana educators honored for their work implementing evidence-aligned reading instruction by The Reading League of Indiana. Mrs. Gentry has spent countless hours studying and researching effective reading instruction that can move the literacy needle for all students. We are fortunate that she is now leading our teachers to advance literacy school-wide and changing lives in the process. Congratulations, Mrs. Gentry!

The Sullivan 5th grade boys basketball team won the Sullivan Tournament on January 6. The team finished the season with a record of 14 wins and 2 losses. The team was coached by Brent Kelley and Jon Bobbitt. Congratulations on a great season!

In January and February, the reality of going to high school gets even more real for students and parents. Our school counselors introduce students to their freshman options, potential pathways, and the different diploma tracks available. They also host parent nights to share this information with parents before their students actually take their next steps of choosing their freshman classes and graduation plan. All 8th graders will also be spending part of the day at SHS on Wednesday, May 8. They will be taking tours, eating lunch, and learning about all things high school.

To the Class of 2028, finish your 8th grade year strong and we can't wait to see all that you accomplish in high school!

On February 12, six SHS students traveled to Indianapolis and spent the day serving as Senate pages for Eric Bassler. From left to right: Ava Monroe, Makayla Hitt, Cacey Shorter, Carol Whitt, Carter Lee, and Kyler Callison.

On January 30, CMS 8th grader, Gracyn Souders, served as a Senate page with Senator Eric Bassler. She was the only student from Sullivan County to participate on this date. The pages took toured the statehouse and the house and senate chambers. Gracyn was able to attend a Senate session and distributed notes to senators. She said It was a great experience and is planning to do it again next year!

From 4-6 pm February 21, the Sullivan Civic Center was abuzz with laughter, a few tears, and profound reflections as our dedicated staff gathered to recharge and reconnect with their passion for shaping the lives of children through our schools.

The highlight of the event was the presence of a very special guest, Gerry Brooks. A renowned educator and motivational speaker, Gerry Brooks brought his unique blend of humor, compassion, and wisdom to the stage. With his engaging storytelling and relatable anecdotes, he had us all captivated from the moment he took the mic.

Throughout the evening, Gerry Brooks skillfully addressed the challenges and joys of working in the field of education, reminding us of the immense impact we have on the lives of our students and their families. He shared personal experiences that had us laughing uncontrollably one moment and wiping away tears the next. It was a rollercoaster of emotions that left a lasting impression on everyone present.

More importantly, Gerry Brooks helped us reconnect with our purpose. He reminded us why we chose this noble profession and reignited our passion for making a difference in the lives of children. In a time when the demands on educators can be overwhelming, it was a much-needed reminder of the importance of self-care and the power of a supportive community.

Congratulations to our Future Chef contestants and winner, Layla Hiatt! The theme for this year's contest was Favorite Recipe From Home or Family Recipe. Layla dazzled the judges with her recipe for Dutch Apple Chaffles. We appreciate Sodexo's leadership in this event and our guest judges!

Sullivan Middle School recently played host to an exciting day of interactive learning and entertainment, as the 8th annual Wabash Valley Stem Fest took place. Organized by the Purdue Sullivan County Extension, this year's event saw a remarkable increase in attendance, with over 60% more participants compared to last year. A total of 170 children took part in the Stem Fest, and when accounting for accompanying family members, the overall number of attendees exceeded 300.

The success of the Stem Fest was largely due to the contributions of dedicated individuals and organizations. Seven staff members from the SWSC -- Jay Phillips, Deanne Norris, Michelle Leonard, Laura Beller, Lucy Monroe, Alison Lane, and Jim Dotson -- led various sessions throughout the day. They were joined by 25 presenters from different parts of the state, creating a diverse and engaging program for the participants. The presenters led sessions that featured a wide range of hands-on activities, with a total of 65 interactive STEM activities. These activities provided valuable opportunities for the young attendees to engage with STEM concepts in a fun and educational manner.

One of the highlights of the event was the appearance of a special guest, Zeus, an 8-foot LED dancing robot. Zeus captivated the audience with its mesmerizing performance, adding an extra element of excitement to the already bustling day.

The success of the Wabash Valley Stem Fest would not have been possible without the support of the event's partners and sponsors. The organizers extend their gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the day a resounding success. In particular, thank you to the Sullivan County Farm Bureau and Sodexo for generously ensuring that all participants had an enjoyable lunch.

The 8th annual Wabash Valley Stem Fest surpassed all expectations, leaving a positive impact on the attendees and reinforcing the importance of hands-on learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The event's continued growth and success promise an even brighter future for STEM education in Sullivan County and beyond.

Have you witnessed outstanding athletic achievements within the Southwest School Corporation? Do you know of deserving coaches or individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sports legacy of our community? It's time to celebrate their exceptional talent and dedication by submitting a nomination for the Southwest High Schools Alumni Association (SWHSAA) Athletic Hall of Fame!

The SWHSAA Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes the outstanding athletes, coaches, and special contributors who have made indelible marks on our sports community.

Here's why you should submit a nomination:

1️⃣ Honor the Legends: Pay tribute to the exceptional athletes and coaches who have made our community proud. Help us immortalize their achievements and acknowledge their lasting impact on our sports culture.

2️⃣ Inspire Future Generations: By recognizing our sports heroes, we motivate and inspire young athletes to strive for greatness. Your nomination can serve as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging the pursuit of athletic excellence and fostering a sense of pride in our community's sporting heritage.

3️⃣ Preserve Our Legacy: The Athletic Hall of Fame ensures that the remarkable stories and accomplishments of our athletes and coaches are preserved for future generations. By submitting a nomination, you contribute to the collective memory of our community and safeguard the legacy of our sports history.

4️⃣ Unite the Community: The nomination process brings our community together. It allows us to reminisce, share stories, and appreciate the incredible achievements of our sports heroes. By participating, you become an integral part of this unifying experience.

Submitting a nomination is easy! Simply click on the button below to access the nomination form. Provide detailed information about the nominee, including their achievements, accolades, and contributions to our athletic community.

But hurry! The nomination period closes on Friday, April 5 for your nominee to be considered for the 2024 SWHSAA Athletic Hall of Fame class. Don't miss this chance to honor the sports legends of the Southwest School Corporation.

Together, let's celebrate our sports heritage, inspire future generations, and preserve the legacy of excellence in the Southwest School Corporation. Submit your nomination for the SWHSAA Athletic Hall of Fame today!

🌟 The SWHSAA Athletic Hall of Fame: Where Legends Shine Forever! 🌟

Are you an SHS choirs alumni? Do you know someone who is? If so, we want YOU to join us at our Disney Sing-Along concert on Saturday, March 16th at 6:30 pm. We will have a rehearsal the evening before at 6:30 pm Friday, March 15th. Alumni members will join the Golden Arrow Singers, the Intermediate Choir, and the Sullivan Middle School choir in a Disney Medley as our big concert finale!

To join, email SHS teacher, Ms. Shunk, at tshunk@swest.k12.in.us or call 812-268-6301.

As everyone probably knows by now, we are in the PATH OF TOTALITY on April 8th. All SWSC schools will be closed on this day. Reserve a spot in our parking lots and support our schools, clubs, and athletic teams! Restrooms will be available onsite for patrons. Concessions will be available for cash-only purchase.

Carlisle Elementary Round-Up will be on Friday, April 12. Click the button below to sign up for a time slot. If none of the time slots work for you, please contact the Carlisle front office at 812-398-3851 to arrange an alternate day and time.

• Tuesday, April 9 - ACT testing for juniors who sign up and pay for the test
• Thursday, April 11 - ASVAB testing for core 40 sophomores and juniors and seniors who need it for a pathway
• April 17-May 19 ILearn Biology Testing Window
• Saturday, April 27 – SHS Prom
• AP Testing

1. Monday, May 6 - Chemistry @ 12:00 PM
2. Tuesday, May 7 - Stats @ 12:00 PM
3. Wednesday, May 8 - English Lit and Comp
4. Thursday, May 9 - AP Psychology @ 12:00 PM
5. Friday, May 10 - AP Euro & APUSH @ 8:00 AM
6. Friday, May 10 - AP Art Portfolio due by 8:00 PM
7. Monday, May 13 - Calculus @ 8:00 AM
8. Tuesday, May 14 - AP English Language and Comp @ 8:00 AM

• Monday, May 13 – Senior Rotary Awards Program @ 6:00 PM
• Saturday, May 25 – SHS Graduation – 11:00 am

• March 4-15 - IREAD Testing Window
• April 4-May 10 - ILEARN Testing Window
• Tuesday, April 30 @ 1pm - Spring Music Program

"May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door."

- Old Irish Blessing

(Teachers and Parents: Have your kiddos write their own! Click here)

Email: cstitzle@swest.k12.in.us
Website: www.swest.k12.in.us
Location: 1502 North Section Street, Sullivan, IN, USA
Phone: (812) 268-6311