Congratulations to the class of 2025!!!
Indiana law requires all public school corporations to follow a statutorily prescribed process for the termination of a teacher’s employment. Our federal constitution also provides due process and liberty interest procedures that public entities, such as school corporations, must observe when ending employment. Unlike the private sector, the public school employment termination process has several steps that are dependent upon the teacher’s specific requests. Generally, that process can take anywhere from five to forty-five days. At any time, a teacher may immediately resign from employment.
Earlier today, Middlebury Community Schools completed its investigation into circumstances surrounding a teacher’s social media post. After the conclusion of the school corporation’s interview, when informed the school corporation would be commencing the cancellation of contract, the teacher submitted her immediate resignation. The teacher is no longer employed by the school corporation.
Middlebury Community Schools owns policies that require teachers to refrain from using their position to promote partisan political views. This prohibition applies to all teachers, regardless of their political leanings, and to every partisan political message, regardless of its content. Our educators should not be advocating personal political views, either directly or indirectly, to our students during the school day or while supervising students at a school function.
Earlier this week, Middlebury Community Schools’ administration learned of a social media post made by a teacher while serving as a chaperone on a student trip to our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. In the posted photograph, the teacher is wearing a T-shirt possessing a partisan political message while supervising students. School administrators are actively investigating the situation. The student trip only returned to Middlebury on Wednesday, June 4, which unfortunately slowed the investigation process.
As with all personnel matters, the school corporation will not be commenting further while the investigation is pending.
David and Aaliyah Williams were recognized during the Middlebury Moment at the school board meeting yesterday. Here is what Dr. Snyder said about these students:
In 2022, David and Aaliyah Williams enrolled at Orchard View Elementary as first-grade students. At the time, they were transitioning to living with their uncle and aunt, Mike and Autumn Williams, who had just become their foster parents. They had experienced
significant trauma and spent considerable time without housing. As a result, both students faced challenges academically, socially, and emotionally.
At the time of their enrollment, the school team at Orchard View, including Mrs. Nay and Mrs. Palmer, collaborated with Mike and Autumn to develop an academic support plan tailored to the students’ needs. Early on, David displayed significantly challenging
behaviors, but the team at Orchard View committed to working together, with school and guardians, to build David’s trust, address undesirable behaviors, and eventually shift the focus to academics.
Aaliyah also struggled academically and socially, and the school plan for her provided support in both areas. In November 2023, Mike and Autumn officially adopted both children, giving them a permanent, loving home.
Throughout this journey, Mike and Autumn worked closely with Mrs. Nay, who made it her mission to ensure that David and Aaliyah were given every opportunity to succeed. Both students participated in small group sessions for literacy remediation and were also
provided extra math support. David developed a trusting relationship with Ms. Khing, who served as his paraprofessional. With her balance of compassion and high expectations, she provided the structure and encouragement he needed.
Now, as they finish third grade, both David and Aaliyah have had extraordinary school years with Mrs. Estep and Ms. Beers as their teachers. David has had zero office referrals, formed strong friendships, and genuinely enjoys school. Aaliyah has also flourished, gaining confidence and independence.
Both participated in the recent Market Day event, and in early March, Aaliyah reached another milestone- passing the IREAD literacy assessment on her first attempt!
Principal Kyle Martin said, “There may still be some ups and downs, but I have no doubt that David and Aaliyah will continue to grow and be successful. Their journey is a story of resilience, highlighting the power of teamwork and the unwavering support from
the awesome staff at Orchard View. Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without the love, dedication, and determination of Mike and Autumn Williams. This truly is a success story and demonstrates what’s possible when we pull together to
do what is best for kids!”
Congratulations to these two students. We are proud of you!
One of our favorite traditions on the last day of school is when the graduating seniors go back to visit the elementary school they attended. Young students line the halls to cheer for them as the seniors give high fives to the elementary students while in their caps and gowns. This is a fun time for everyone and means a lot to the seniors as well as the teachers who had guided them throughout their elementary years. Best of luck to the class of 2025!
Our transportation department wants to remind you that school is officially over for students this year. Have a great summer break!
Heritage Intermediate School students enjoyed their year-end tradition of having Kona Ice visit the school for a special treat!
Making connections...The Builder's Association of Elkhart County hosted its first Member Benefit Breakfast Series on May 21. Paul Johnson and Kaylin Hartman, Work Based Learning Coordinators at Northridge High School, were the guest speakers. Their presentation included the new diploma requirements as well as ways to employ high school workers through Work-based Learning. Patty Mosness and her Culinary students provided the breakfast items for the meeting. Thanks for representing Northridge to the community.
Mrs. Troyer's 3rd grade class at Middlebury Elementary School is hard at work! We hope you had a great Memorial Day and are ready for the last week of classes.
Mr. Sallee's third grade class at Middlebury Elementary School learns about recycling by creating a Litter Critter Zoo. Students take recyclable products and turn them into animals for sustainability and re-use. Way to go Middies!
Happy Memorial Day! We pause today to honor those who died while serving in the military. We are thankful for your ultimate sacrifice. You are not forgotten.
The Northridge Dance Team was honored at the school board meeting this past Tuesday. This group recently won a State championship in the AA Hip Hop category! They are also four time State champions over the past nine years. Congratulations dance team. What an accomplishment!
Congratulations to Mr. Scott Miller, Northridge Middle School assistant principal. Mr. Miller was recently named the Indiana Middle School Athletic Director of the Year. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication!!! MCS is better because of you!
MCS retirees were honored at the school board meeting last evening. We want to thank this dedicated group for their many years of service - 566 total years of experience!!!! Thank you and best wishes!!
Summer Meal Opportunities!
Summer is almost here! Here are some resources for those looking for free summer meal opportunities.
To Find a site near you, text "summer meals" or "verano" to (914) 342-7744 or call USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-Hambre
You can also click on the links below to search for sites near you. These sites are open to all children 18 years old and under. These meals are free!
• Searchable Meal Site Locator
• USDA Site Finder
Both Goshen Community Schools and Elkhart Community Schools have numerous sites throughout Elkhart County open and available throughout the summer.
Elkhart Community Schools Feeding Sites
Goshen Community Schools Feeding Sites (Goshen has not updated yet, so please check back soon)
Jefferson Elementary School will also be serving breakfast and a snack as a grab n go option June 2nd-19th, Monday-Thursday from 8:30-10:00. You will need to enter the building to receive meals.
York Elementary School first grade students are all smiles as they work and learn!
Middlebury Elementary School second grade students are hard at work! Happy Monday!
A special thank you to the Northridge High School Student Council. They organized an appreciation breakfast for our two school resource officers yesterday! Thank you to this group for always thinking of and serving others!
Are you interested in learning more about Middlebury Community Schools? Come find out why Scott Radeker chose Middlebury!
https://youtu.be/XzZxjMj25xY
Jefferson Elementary School students recently had a fun lesson where they had to use skills such as math, reading, and following directions in order to successfully make a cake. This is a great way to incorporate these skills with hands-on learning!
