Step inside La Porte Schools for an in-depth conversation about community transparency and engagement. This week on Inside La Porte Schools, we bring you real conversations about the district's innovative Slicer Ambassador Program, featuring insights and perspectives from two pilot participants who experienced this groundbreaking initiative firsthand.

Join Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood as she sits down with Mericka Beaty, Director of Community Corrections and generational La Porte alumni, and Craig Menne, local business owner and father of three Slicers, to discuss their experiences as founding members of the district's first-ever community ambassador program. This pilot initiative brought 12-15 community members behind the scenes for an unprecedented look at the operation behind La Porte Community School Corporation.

Explore how this innovative program addressed complex topics, including school finance and budget constraints, career and technical education, early childhood programming, and the development of the Kesling campus. Both participants share candid reflections on what surprised them most, from the complexity of school funding to the impressive scope of career pathways available to today's students.

Mericka and Craig discuss how the program shifted their perspectives on everything from tax referendums to the challenges of merging school cultures, while providing valuable feedback that helped shape district communications. They offer advice for future participants and explain why this transparency initiative represents a crucial bridge between the school district and the community it serves.

The conversation concludes with exciting news about the program's expansion, including details about the application process now open for the 2025-26 school year. Whether you're a parent, community member, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes in public education, this episode showcases the power of open dialogue and community engagement in building stronger schools.

Applications for the next Slicer Ambassador cohort are now available on the La Porte Community Schools website.

Step inside La Porte Schools for our final "Slicer Stories" conversation with three remarkable members of the Class of 2025. In this Inside La Porte Schools episode, we conclude our senior reflection series with Aiona Cornelio, Emily Hunt, and Charles Tonagel as they share powerful stories of growth, opportunity, and preparation for bright futures.

A first-generation college student, Aiona discusses her journey to Purdue University for accounting after exploring psychology through dual credit courses. Her story showcases how LPHS's free college programming allows students to discover their true passions without financial risk. Emily shares her path to Ball State University for communications, finding her calling through college visits and realizing how her performing arts background connects to her future career. Charles reflects on his transition from agriculture to nursing, earning his CNA certification and preparing for Olivet Nazarene University, where he'll continue running cross country while studying to become a nurse anesthetist.

All three seniors will graduate with significant college credits - Aiona and Charles both earning the Indiana College Core diploma, essentially completing their freshman year for free. They discuss the benefits and challenges of the new block scheduling, the importance of exploring different pathways, and how dual credit opportunities have set them up for success.

These conversations emphasize the transformative power of education, the value of staying open to new possibilities, and the incredible support system at LPHS. From first-generation college dreams to athletic scholarships to healthcare certifications, these stories demonstrate how La Porte Schools opens doors and creates opportunities for every student to thrive.

Step inside La Porte Schools for another inspiring conversation with three members of the Class of 2025. In this episode, we continue our "Slicer Stories" series with Logan Hay, Katie Bellah, and Kylee Bernth as they share their unique journeys and exciting plans.

Logan discusses his path into truck driving, following in his father's footsteps and sharing how hands-on experience and family mentorship shaped his career choice. Katie celebrates her full academic scholarship to Purdue University, where she'll study graphic design, building on her passion for digital art developed through LPHS's visual communications pathway. Kylee shares her journey to IU Bloomington's interior design program, inspired by her mother's business and nurtured through years of creative exploration.

These three seniors showcase the incredible diversity of post-graduation paths available to LPHS students - from skilled trades to creative fields to academic excellence. They reflect on the value of athletic participation in developing time management and leadership skills, emphasize the importance of exploring different pathways during high school, and share advice about staying open to change when initial plans don't feel right.

Their stories highlight how La Porte High School's comprehensive programming - from technical communications to art pathways to athletic opportunities - prepares students for success regardless of their chosen direction. Join us for this celebration of different talents, family influences, and the supportive community that helps every Slicer find their path.

Step inside La Porte Schools for another inspiring conversation with two members of the Class of 2025. In this episode of Inside La Porte Schools, we continue our "Slicer Stories" series with Drew Bush and Natalie Gartland as they share their high school journeys and future plans.

Drew, our class valedictorian, discusses his path to Notre Dame University, where he'll study political science and finance with aspirations for law school. He reflects on earning the prestigious AP Capstone diploma and how rigorous coursework like AP Research prepared him for college-level academics. Natalie shares her journey to IU Bloomington's nursing program, building on extensive healthcare certifications earned through LPHS's robust nursing pathway, including CNA and EKG certifications.

Both seniors emphasize the profound family atmosphere at La Porte High School, from teachers who invest countless hours in student success to administrators who create genuine connections. They share candid stories about overcoming academic failures, the power of dual credit opportunities, and how dedicated educators like Mr. Olson, Mr. Sherrick, and Ms. Hughes shaped their paths.

These conversations highlight the depth of preparation LPHS provides - from advanced coursework that challenges students to supportive relationships that sustain them through difficult moments. Drew and Natalie offer heartfelt advice about embracing failure as growth, finding your people, and making the most of the family you gain at La Porte High School.

Join us for this meaningful discussion, which will showcase academic excellence, personal growth, and the lasting bonds formed within our Slicer community.

Step inside La Porte Schools for inspiring conversations with three members of the Class of 2025. This episode on Inside La Porte Schools, we bring you real stories of growth, preparation, and bright futures as we sit down with Luke Cannon, Chase Moore, and Mason Kovalcin to discuss their high school journeys and next steps.

Luke shares his path to Purdue University's Mitch Daniels School of Business, where his passion for mathematics and finance will take center stage. Chase discusses his plans for Ball State University's media production program, building on his love for videography and camera work developed through LPHS's media classes. Mason reflects on his decision to serve in the United States Army, following in his family's footsteps of military service.

These three seniors offer genuine insights into how La Porte High School has prepared them for their diverse futures - from college academics to creative careers to military service. They share advice for incoming freshmen, reflect on the close-knit nature of their graduating class, and express gratitude to the teachers, coaches, and family members who supported their growth.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation that celebrates the unique paths our Slicers take and the foundation La Porte Schools provides for success in whatever direction life leads.

In this episode of Inside La Porte Schools, Superintendent Sandra Wood welcomes Principal Scott Upp from La Porte High School and Director of Career and Technical Education Jen Goss to discuss Indiana's new high school diploma requirements. The conversation explores how these changes will create more personalized educational paths for students through three new diploma seals: Enrollment (college-bound), Employment (workforce-ready), and Enlistment (military preparation). The discussion covers La Porte High School's extensive preparations for these changes, including their CTE pathways, 75+ dual credit opportunities, and innovative work-based learning programs that will give La Porte students advantages in whatever path they choose after graduation.

Chapters:

Introduction (0:00)

• Welcome to Inside La Porte Schools
• Introduction of guests: Scott Upp and Jen Goss

Overview of Diploma Changes (2:15)

• Indiana's shift from Core 40 to new diploma structure
• The concept of "Rethinking High School"
• Focus on personalization and flexibility

Key Curriculum Changes (5:30)

• New requirements (computer course, personal finance)
• Preparing for College and Careers (PCC) course
• Pathway options and exploration opportunities

Implementation Timeline (10:45)

• When changes take effect (Class of 2029)
• Transition plans for current students
• Four-year planning process

Understanding the Three Diploma Seals (14:00)

• Enrollment Seal (college-bound)
• Employment Seal (workforce-ready)
• Enlistment Seal (military preparation)

La Porte's Dual Credit Opportunities (19:30)

• 75+ dual credit options
• Indiana College Corps program
• Plans for "Slicer University"

Career and Technical Education Pathways (23:45)

• Overview of 20+ pathway options
• Principles, Concentrator A, and Concentrator B courses
• Industry credentials and work-based learning

Work-Based Learning Requirements (29:15)

• 150 hours for Employment Seal
• 650 hours for Employment Honors Plus
• How summer jobs count toward requirements

The Enlistment Seal Details (32:30)

• ASVAB requirements
• Criminal justice pathway
• Leadership and attendance components

La Porte's Readiness for Changes (35:15)

• Block scheduling advantages
• CTE program expansion
• Resources for parents and students

Conclusion and Resources (39:00)

• Where to find more information
• Ongoing updates as state requirements evolve
• Final thoughts

In this episode of Inside LaPorte Schools, Superintendent Sandra Wood discusses the evolution and future of early childhood education in the La Porte Community School Corporation with guests Mrs. Becky Jeffers, principal of Little Learners Preschool, and Mrs. Jeanette Raymond, a preschool teacher. They cover the history of the Little Learners program, the transition to a new Early Childhood Center set to open in the 2025-2026 school year, and the benefits of the High Scope Curriculum. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Preschool Virtual Roundup to gather community input for effective planning, potential inclusive preschool opportunities, and the logistics of childcare and transportation support for working families.

00:00 Welcome to Inside La Porte Schools

00:26 Introduction to Early Childhood Learning

01:29 History of Little Learners Preschool

03:51 Current Structure and Inclusion Programs

08:23 Future Plans: Early Childhood Center

13:02 High Scope Curriculum and Teaching Methods

21:48 Transitional Kindergarten and Additional Programs

25:47 Logistics and Accessibility

29:09 Next Steps and Community Involvement

39:29 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

Join Dr. Wood, Principal Bill Wilmsen, Counselor Melissa Mrozinski, and Teacher Laurie Scroggin as they explore the unique advantages of the Kesling Campus model. After addressing initial challenges in Part 1, this episode highlights how combining grades 5-8 creates special opportunities for student growth, specialized programming, and smoother transitions. Learn why this innovative approach may offer significant benefits for La Porte students.

This inaugural episode is the first of a two-part conversation that features a candid discussion between Principal Bill Wilmsen, School Counselor Melissa Mrozinski, and Fifth Grade Teacher Laurie Scroggin about the Kesling Campus and fifth-grade programming. It addresses community questions and showcases the evolution and improvements made over the past six years.