Out-of-the-Blue
April 12, 2024 Issue 17 Vol. 4
Thank you TCSC Assistant Principals
Last week was Assistant Principal Appreciation Week – a week dedicated to highlighting the important role our assistant principals (Tom Lyday (THS), Kelsey Alfrey (TMS), and Joel Larrison (TES) play in the success of our schools. They wear many hats and make powerful contributions to improving our schools and maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment for our students. They work in collaboration with our families, staff, and partners to ensure that all students are getting the high-quality education they deserve.
The Q & A segment below gives the community a glimpse of what we know about these dedicated administrators and why we are grateful that they have landed here. Their leadership and commitment to our community is valued and appreciated this week and every week.
Tom Lyday, Assistant Principal, Tipton High School
Q: Describe why you are a good fit for the role of AP in your building.
A: I am a strong fit for the role due to my diverse skill set, experience, and commitment to
fostering a positive learning environment. One of the best traits I bring to my role is my ability to
effectively communicate and collaborate with both students and staff. I prioritize open
communication channels, actively listen to concerns, and work collaboratively to find solutions
that benefit everyone involved.
Q: How are students and staff thriving under your leadership?
A: Under my leadership, students and staff are thriving due to a supportive and inclusive
environment. I prioritize implementing initiatives that address diverse student needs, and by
fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity. By providing resources and support, I empower
both students and staff to reach their full potential and achieve success. In this respect, we have
implemented policies that maximize student class time and limit consequences that pull
students out of the educational environment. We have also focused heavily on student
attendance this year and have seen positive results in our attendance data.
Q: What gets you excited to show up to work every day?
A: The opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students and contribute to their
academic and personal growth. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to
support our school community and knowing that I play a part in shaping the future of our
students is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What is one of your biggest challenges or accomplishments in your role?
A: Navigating complex situations involving student behavior and disciplinary actions while
balancing empathy and accountability. However, one of my proudest accomplishments is
successfully implementing restorative practices and proactive interventions that prioritize
relationship-building and conflict resolution, ultimately fostering a more positive and supportive
school culture.
Q: What is one thing you want people to know about you, the AP and you the person?
A: As the AP, it's important for people to know that I am not only dedicated to my role
professionally but also deeply invested in the wellbeing and success of each individual student
and staff member. I strive to lead with empathy, integrity, and a genuine passion for education,
and I am committed to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment where all members of
our school community can thrive.
Kelsey Alfrey, Assistant Principal, Tipton Middle School
Q: Describe why you are a good fit for the role of AP in your building.
A: First, my educational background equips me with a deep understanding of principles and instructional strategies. Having worked in various educational settings, I have gained invaluable insights into fostering student success and creating a supportive learning environment. My experience spans across different grade levels, allowing me to comprehend the developmental needs and challenges students face as they progress through their academic journey.
Q: What is one of the best skills, traits, or gifts you bring to your role?
A: One of the best skills, traits, or gifts I bring to my role is my genuine passion for building relationships and connections in the middle school setting. In my experience, fostering strong relationships with students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders is foundational to creating a supportive and thriving school community. I believe that when individuals feel valued, understood, and supported, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and successful.
Q: How are students and staff thriving under your leadership?
A: Under my leadership, students and staff thrive as I infuse excitement and fun into education. Through engaging lessons and a supportive environment, students discover joy in learning, while staff are inspired to innovate.
Q: What gets you excited to show up to work every day?
A: What I like best about my role is the opportunity to collaborate with the fantastic community that surrounds Tipton Schools. The support and involvement of parents, local businesses, and community members makes every day exciting as we work together to create enriching experiences and opportunities for our students. Their dedication to our school community inspires me and fuels my passion for education.
Q: What is one of your biggest challenges or accomplishments in your role?
A: One of my biggest challenges, but also accomplishments, in my role has been adjusting to the new environment of Tipton. Adapting to a different community, school culture, and set of expectations presented initial hurdles. However, through open communication, relationship-building, and a willingness to learn, I’ve successfully integrated into the Tipton community, fostering positive connections, and driving meaningful change within the school.
Q: What is one thing you want people to know about you, the AP and you the person?
A: One thing I want people to know about me as the AP and as a person is that I am deeply committed to creating meaningful relationships both professionally and within the Tipton community. As an AP, I prioritize open communication, empathy, and collaboration to build trust and support student success. As a member of the Tipton community, I am dedicated to actively engaging with residents, parents, and local organizations to strengthen our bonds and foster a sense of belonging for all.
Joel Larrison, Assistant Principal, Tipton Elementary School
Q: Describe why you are a good fit for the role of AP in your building.
A: I love helping students and staff, learning, and growing.
Q: What is one of the best skills, traits, or gifts you bring to your role?
A: Building relationships. Using these relationships to help students and staff with everyday situations. Helping students learn and grow. Getting through to them when they face obstacles that seem insurmountable.
Q: How are students and staff thriving under your leadership?
A: I am able to meet students and staff where they are. Growing and learning together every day.
Q: What gets you excited to show up to work every day?
A: The students. It is the best part of the job. Seeing them learn and grow is why I pursued education in the first place.
Q: What is one of your biggest challenges or accomplishments in your role?
A: The biggest accomplishment is just being part of the TES family. Here we are working every day to make a difference in each and every student’s life. We are developing and implementing systems and structures, building relationships, and creating lifelong learners.
Q: What is one thing you want people to know about you, the AP and you the person?
A: I have a drive to always improve. I am approachable and always willing to help. I go into every situation seeking solutions and growing. I too, am a lifelong learner.
Check-out Our Video-Produced by our own Mr. Robertson and THS Publications Class
Click the image to see the video.
TCSC Invites Community to Invest in the Inferno
“The Inferno,” Tipton High School’s landmark gym, is undergoing a long-awaited renovation in
summer of 2024. The Friends of the Inferno group is leading the charge to raise funds through
sponsorships and donations to give the gymnasium a modern look and feel with new paint,
flooring, digital scoreboards, curtain, gym floor planks, and Blue Devil Hall of Fame section to
name a few.
The Inferno, home to Indiana’s only Blue Devils mascot, built in 1961, seats 3,500. It has served
as a symbol of local identity, the focus of hometown pride, and the backdrop for generations of
memories. The upgrades, expected to cost an estimated $450,000, will update the look and feel of the multi-use space with modern amenities and features to best serve players, students, spectators, and the community well into the future.
The Inferno doubles as an educational space by day and an event destination by night. It is a multi-purpose facility that is used as a large classroom, for sports practices, home games and
tournaments, graduation, school-sanctioned events, community gatherings, and as an
emergency shelter. It draws in an estimated 22,000 spectators each year. Beginning in 2024,
The Inferno will host all home boys’ and girls’ basketball games, home volleyball matches, and
IHSAA tournament contests.
All are invited to consider joining this exciting initiative through a number of available
sponsorships or donating toward this effort. Your investment is an investment in students,
faculty, and the community by providing students with a safe and healthy environment to learn
and grow while also serving as a valuable resource for the community.
“Having a modernized gymnasium instills a stronger sense of pride as our student athletes
continue to learn valuable life lessons through competition and sportsmanship,” said Kory
Fernung, THS Athletic Director. “One of our local business partners, Encompass Credit Union,
has taken the lead on this effort by sponsoring the main gym flooring which will be the new
Encompass Court at the Inferno!”
For more information on sponsorship and donor opportunities, contact us at
THSinferno@tcsc.k12.in.us or call Andrea Campbell at (317)385-0872 or Rob Cochrane at
(317)432-6429.
CAMPUS MAP
Calendar of Events
April 19-Kindergarten Round-Up
April 19-eLearning Day (Students Do Not Attend)
April 19-THS Prom
May 2-PreK Open House 5:30PM
May 28-Last Student Day
May 29-Last Teacher Day
June 1-Graduation
June 3-Summer School Begins