NESC Newsletter- APRIL
AN INNOVATIVE EDUCATION FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
Meet Mr. Erich Lieser!
About Me:
I am originally from Oak Forest, Illinois, which is a south suburb of Chicago. I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2018 where I played football and was the editor of the newspaper. I met my wife in college, we have been married since 2019, and we just had our first child back in July. I also still serve in the Army National Guard as a Field Artillery Officer, which is why I was away from August through February.
Previous Experience:
I taught English Language Arts in the past before becoming a physical education and history teacher here at NCHS.
Love of the Job
I especially love the students here at NCHS.
I Am Most Excited For
I am excited for the upcoming P.E. kickball tournament.
Favorite Book & TV Series:
My favorite book is The Great Gatsby and my favorite TV series is Seinfeld.
Hobbies & Interests:
I enjoy being outside. I like to hike, swim, play sports, and barbecue with my family. My most favorite thing ever is getting to sleep in on Saturday mornings and playing fetch with my dog, Rudy, who is a Goldendoodle.
NC Band News
Attention 6th Grader Families!
Attention 6th Grade families!
Below you will find the link to sign up for Instrument Testing Night on Thursday, April 20th. The event, which is for any current 6th grade student interested in joining band in 7th grade, will take place in the music room at North Central from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. On this night, students are invited to come and test a number of different instruments to figure out which one suits them the best. This is also an opportunity for families to come talk to our Paige's Music representative about renting/buying an instrument for their student. Please see the information below to get signed up!
We're using SignUp (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming SignUps. Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp: https://signup.com/go/vKeNFxP
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.
***Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact NC's 7-12 Band and Choir Director, Miss Katie Case, @ casek@nesc.k12.in.us.
Northeast North Elementary
Dr. Seuss Day!
Dr. Seuss was on the loose on March 2! Students dressed up as their favorite book characters. Oobleck was made, and lots of reading happened. We loved celebrating Theodor Geisel’s birthday by enjoying cupcakes from our librarian, Mrs. Brewer.
Preparing for IREAD
Sixth graders showed love and encouragement to our second and third graders as they prepared to take the IREAD test in March. Students made cards for each student. IREAD is the mandatory state reading test that all third graders must pass in order to move forward to fourth grade. Last year and this year second graders took the test.
“By taking the test a year early, teachers are able to make adjustments to instruction and interventions to ensure that all third graders are better prepared for the test in grade three,” stated Mrs. Lewis. “We know what to focus on!”
Learning to read is the focus in grades K-2. The focus shifts to reading to learn in grades 3-12.
Shake Your Shamrock Dance!
Our St Patrick’s Day Shake Your Shamrock dance was a blast! We enjoyed time with friends. Everyone got a chance to get the wiggles out. Thank you to all the parents that sent in money for the Beta Club Concession Stand. It was a great fundraiser. Congratulations to Gabe Fowler who was the best Irish Jigger at Northeast North!
Leprechaun Traps!
Kindergarten students created leprechaun traps to try to catch the sneaky fellows. They lured them with rainbows and pots of gold. But… disappointedly, the kindergartners did not capture any! The leprechauns left glitter everywhere and footprints. Some leprechauns left treats- but no gold! It was a fun St. Patrick’s Day at Northeast North Elementary.
Severe Weather Week
Students at Northeast North took part in the statewide tornado drill on Tuesday March 14. March 12-17 was severe weather week across Indiana. Students learned about what a watch and warning means during storms. Students also learned about preparing emergency kits with food and water supplies enough for 3 days in case of power outages. “Northeast students and their families should have safe zones to go to in their homes in case of severe weather,” said Mrs Horn, fourth grade teacher. Be sure you have a plan for weather emergencies.
Northeast East Elementary
AR Program Reward
The Northeast East Elementary School students had a thrilling and well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication to the Accelerated Reader program. Students were given a specific point goal to reach every nine weeks, and those who reached their target had the opportunity to travel to Indiana State University to use the recreational center's pool. A total of 121 students were able to earn the necessary points to take part in this exciting experience. This reward was an excellent way to encourage and motivate students to read more and improve their reading skills while having fun at the same time. The students must have felt proud of their achievement and enjoyed the opportunity to relax and unwind in the pool after all their hard work.
St. Patrick's Day- Leprechaun Visit!
On St. Patrick's Day, the Kindergarten students at Northeast East Elementary were in for a surprise when a mischievous Leprechaun made his way through their classroom. The Leprechaun left behind pieces of gold, which the students were instructed to pick up and hold onto until later in the day. But that wasn't all - the students also discovered some suspicious green footprints all around the room, including on the tables and even in the kindergarten toilet! It seemed the Leprechaun had left his mark everywhere he went. The students were further surprised to find a mysterious, green round object on their teacher's desk, which turned out to be a tasty treat that made them all feel like they might turn green themselves. In the end, the Kindergarten students were delighted to receive some magic Leprechaun juice, a St. Patrick's Day cookie, and some very green candy as a reward for their participation in the Leprechaun's shenanigans. It was a memorable St. Patrick's Day for everyone involved!
World Down Syndrome Day
Northeast East Elementary participated in World Down Syndrome Day by wearing mismatched socks to raise awareness and promote fun. The idea of wearing odd socks or lots of socks originated in 2013 to raise awareness and promote acceptance of individuals with Down Syndrome. The theme was created because chromosomes are shaped like socks and individuals with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome. Wearing mismatched socks is an effective representation of this concept, as the karyotype of DS chromosomes resembles a pair of mismatched socks. The activity was a success in promoting awareness and fostering an enjoyable environment for all participants. The theme of Wearing Odd Socks or Lots of Socks has gained popularity worldwide and continues to be an important aspect of World Down Syndrome Day.
North Central Jr/Sr High School
Elementary Music Tour
On March 23, the band students visited NEEE and NENE schools to play their instruments for the elementary students. The band students showed their North Central pride by playing the school pep song and more. NC senior Kayla Goldsworthy said, “We went to each school to show the students how we play our instruments to try and get them interested in joining band class whenever they are older. It was a fun experience for everyone involved!"
Ms. Katie Case, NC's band and choir director, has also announced the upcoming spring concert. All band and choir members will perform on Sunday, May 21st at 4PM in NC's North Gym! Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this exciting event!
7th Grade Learning Lab Trip
New and Emerging Automation and Technology (NEAT) provides hands-on opportunities for students to interact with technology. This experience can make some students aware of different trade skills or career paths they might enjoy. This program is for all ages. In 8th grade, students get more depth about their pathway in high school. Having 7th grade students attend this experience can help prepare them for their route in high school. Some of the experiences that the students get to have deal with Robotics, Computer Numerical Controlled (C.N.C.) Technology, and welding (all activities are grade selected). Each student receives the opportunity to make or manufacture something they can take home.
The C.T.E. area is a growing field to develop tomorrow's workforce. Having students attend the learning lab will provide them with a unique opportunity to learn and develop skills they use throughout their life. This program will help our students by letting them identify career interests, the right way to save or invest money, and many other additional skills. Our students will leave the learning lab and know more about life outside the school.
WISP Conference Field Trip
Many students went to the WISP Conference at ISU for a field trip to do many STEM activities along with learning more about it. Each student had 4 different workshops for them to complete in the morning, each having an activity to help you understand more about how things work. Mrs. Siscoe said, “This trip was for us to get exposure to different career possibilities in science and engineering career opportunities.” The day was filled with speakers, tours, and STEM activities that took place on the campus of Indiana State University. “I think by taking young ladies to an event like this, it gives our female students the opportunity to improve their understanding of STEM related fields, take campus tours, dive into some of the classes offered at ISU, and truly begin thinking about what they want to do after graduation.” - Jamie Huff
Science Fair
The science fair is a competition between many different experiments. This year the students spent an entire grading period preparing their information and boards, with the results revealing a variety of good and bad experiments. This year some of the winners include Brynley Grabbe, Fianna Stephens, and Alyssa Goodman!
Intramural Basketball Season Comes to an End
IBA is a great program for kids who want to play basketball but might be too busy to play all season long or maybe they want to play basketball without committing to a team and having to be so serious. Without the IBA sponsor, Mrs. Gilman, these games would not be possible.
On March 23, the IBA championship was held, and the winners of the white and green team played the teachers at the pep session before spring break. Mrs. Gilman said, “We had an amazing turnout for IBA this year that included many new faces to support our returning players. Every game was entertaining to watch - whether we were laughing at the on-court antics or marveling at the talent. Truthfully, the initial draft seemed like the teams would be pretty evenly matched, though the championship teams weren't entirely a surprise. As the sponsor, I was also excited to have amazing assistants to help run the games. I never had to worry about who was keeping score or keeping track of points. Having such fun-loving participants and dependable helpers really made IBA an amazing experience. I would highly encourage anyone interested to check it out next January!”
I Decide for Me
"It was our pleasure and privilege to present our Sexual Risk Avoidance Curriculum called "I Decide for Me" (IDFM) to Patty Horn's Middle School and High School Health classes! We are Becky Jackson, RN, Cory Deschamp and Cole Thompson, presenters from Pregnancy Choices in Linton, IN.
Our goal is to partner with parents, educators and communities to empower students with truth, facts, and medically accurate data so that they can make the healthiest lifestyle choices. IDFM is relevant to the times, age-appropriate (elementary, MS and HS specific curricula), evidence-based, and it meets Indiana's state standards for instruction regarding abstinence until marriage as the healthiest choice.
IDFM is presented with the help of PowerPoint, classroom activities and booklets, and focuses on how choices affect the Whole Person Circle-Emotional, Ethical, Physical, Mental and Social. Greene County Pregnancy Choices provides pregnancy testing, STI testing and treatment, peer counseling/mentoring, parenting classes/fatherhood classes and more. We are fully funded by the generous support of individuals, organizations and grants. We are pleased to have presented to students in NESC for many years!
For more information about Pregnancy Choices services, contact gcpchoices.org or call 812-847-4611. For more information about the curriculum visit ClarityCares.org and search for "I Decide for Me" under the 'Programs/Education' tab.
NC Basketball Players Honored
Six students from NCHS were selected for the SWIAC All-Conference team for winters sports. Jalyn Davidson, Shelby Seay, and Samantha Secrest were selected for the girl's team, and Wyatt Ison was named to the boy's team. Academic Honors went to Abby Wheaton and Joshua Roberts.
Also, Jalyn Davidson and Shelby Seay were named the 2022-23 Sullivan Daily Times Co-Players of the Year in girl's basketball, and Wyatt Ison was named the 2022-23 Sullivan Daily Times Player of the Year in boy's basketball!
Congratulations to all players and teams on your great seasons!
NC Softball Season Begins
On March 6th, the North Central girls' softball team had their first official practice. There are currently 19 members of the softball team, three of which are seniors, four juniors, four sophomore’s, and eight freshmen. The coaches include head coach Samantha Green, and assistant coaches Tony Seay, Anna Orsburn, and Dan Goldsworthy.
In regards to having 8 returning players, Coach Green said, “I have high expectations for everyday things like hustle, mindset, the drive to be better, and attitude. I expect those to be 100% every day. We have some amazing athletes on this team, and getting them to see their potential as an individual and team is important. Even on bad days, I still expect them to work hard. I expect this season to be a turning point for our team with the ultimate goal of a sectional title and beyond, but we will take each day one at a time.”
With a wealth of experience back on the diamond this year, the coaching staff will look to that to build toward success. "The keys for this team to be successful are leadership and accountability," said Coach Green. "I believe that if a team has good leadership and everyone holds each other accountable, a team can succeed beyond measure. Having set goals and working towards those goals as one unit and not as an individual athlete is key. Having a bond that is unbreakable is something special.”
NC Track Season is Here
Track season also began recently, and Coach Veronica Pattengale has a very positive outlook for her squad. "We have a lot of talented, hardworking kids who have really been giving us their dedication in preparation for this outdoor season as they hone in on their specific events and the mechanics of those events," said Coach P. "Our outdoor season is filled with a lot of hope after the performance of our upperclassman during our very small indoor season. James Thomas finished in the top 4 in finals for the Boys 60 meter dash, Katie Jones and Nora Ming placed top 10 for indoor shot put, and Kat Ison qualified for state in 60 meter hurdles."
Coach Pattengale believes that NC has several students with potential to advance beyond the sectional, with sights on a state finals appearance. "Based on the performance and dedication of our athletes, our expectations are very high," said Coach P.
2022-2023 Yearbook Order Info
Catching Up with the Cafeteria
We Care Closet
With the help of some very generous donors, NCHS hopes to be able to fulfill the needs of all of our students, no matter what those needs may be. Students can make a request by filling out a card from the bulletin board across from the main office, or they can fill out a Google form (https://forms.gle/BmymvCLTdNNaDhtL9). This information will be kept confidential, and the student may choose how they would like to receive the items they request. If a student has a need that is not listed, they may simply write it on the card or include it in the Google Form. Students may request items as often as they have a need. Once we get the request from the student, it should be filled within a couple days depending on inventory. Please do not be afraid to ask if you have a need - because we CARE!
-Ms. Liston
Principal, North Central Jr/Sr HS
NCHS Library Media Center
NCHS Library Media Center
Please check out the new NCHS Library Media Center website. You can stay up-to-date with new arrivals, magazine listings, podcast suggestions, and more! Just click on the button below!
Raising Readers- Tips for Parents
Every Kid Outdoors!
Hey 4th graders! See America’s natural wonders and historic sites for free!
Click on the button below for more information and how to register!
Kroger Community Rewards Program
Did you know if you shop at Kroger that your school can receive a monetary donation from Kroger? I have enrolled our school in the Kroger Community Rewards Program where NCHS can get money just from you using your card, and your fuel points will never be lost or messed with! It is a great opportunity for our school to start the student activity fund. Check out the information below to sign up for it. Thank you all!
To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:
Simply encourage your participants to visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into their Kroger account they can search for NORTH CENTRAL JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL either by name or TI975 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.
-Amber Young
NCHS Guidance Counselor
21st Century Scholarships
7th & 8th Grade Parents-- Click Below For Info on 21st Century Scholarships⤵️
Applications for 21st Century Scholarships are due by June!
Apply now so your child does not miss out!
NESC Athletic Schedules & Apparel
NESC Job Openings
Click on the button below for information on current NESC job openings⤵️
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to all NCHS Library Media students and NESC teachers/staff
who contributed to this month's newsletter! Thank you everyone!