Inside La Porte Schools

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.