October 2016
USTANG EXPRESS
Corporation Monthly Newsletter for the School Town of Munster
Another Season of Change
As Hoosiers, we are very fortunate to experience a true change in every
season. We all know that when the months of September and October take
over our lives, we watch the leaves change into spectacular colors and then
fall to the ground. Then we get to rake them up!
Dr. Jeff Hendrix
Superintendent
In this issue:

Merit Scholars

Elementary
News

School Bus
Drivers
needed

Corporation
Contact
information
Schools are also harbingers for change. These institutions over the years have had to
adapt to changes in the way that they educate students, communicate with parents and
work with the local community and the government. These changes that have to be made
can be very hard to accept. Change challenges are perception of what is normal and
acceptable, until we decide to accept and adapt to that change so that it becomes the new
“normal”.
In the School Town of Munster, we have been challenged with a changing financial
landscape and a daunting task of trying to find ways to maintain and upgrade our school
facilities. One piece (maintaining and upgrading facilities) cannot take place without the
other piece (finding the means to pay for those facility upgrades). This month, the School
Town of Munster has been holding public meetings to share information on our financial
situation in terms of where we are, where we have been and where we need to go. We
have provided information on the needs of all of our educational facilities. These meetings
have been open to the public. The school board and the administration have prepared
presentations with two quality companies, Umbaugh & Associates (CPA firm) and
Performance Services (specializing in school facility maintenance, energy savings and
upgrades). The purpose is to educate our community on the many challenges that we
have overcome, but also to point out the new challenges ahead.
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Another Season of Change cont…
The School Town of Munster will hold one more public meeting on October 17, 2016 at the Munster High
School Auditorium. It will begin at 7:00 PM. I invite you to attend and learn more about our schools. I
would also like for you to regularly attend our School Town of Munster board meetings. I think that you
be given the opportunity to learn more about our successful programs and our successful students. We
are a great school system. We will continue to work to keep it at the top!
Enjoy the beauty of our Autumn!
Dr. Jeff Hendrix
Super Chat with Dr. Jeff Hendrix
Super Chat with Dr. Jeff Hendrix is a monthly podcast program for the School Town of Munster
hosted on the corporation website at http://www.munster.us. The program is designed to provide
corporation and school information on events, issues and information that is pertinent to the School Town
of Munster community. Topics for this monthly program will range from finance/budgeting, academic
programs, curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices to student organizations, extracurricular
activities and sports. The program this month will feature Dr. Jeff Hendrix, sharing information about our
Finances and Facilities. The show is hosted by Gary Puckett, a national talk show host and writer. To
access the show from the STM website, the listener must click onto the FlyPod logo, where the listener
will be redirected to the podcast page and player. There is also a comment section on the FlyPod page
for community feedback. We look forward to our community’s responses and ideas for future shows.
School Bus Drivers Wanted
The School Town of Munster is gladly accepting applications for the position of School Bus Driver. A
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred, but we will train. Please visit our website at
www.munster.us . Employment opportunities can be found by clicking on the Departments tab, then
Human Resources
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Accreditation Preparation
School Town of Munster will be preparing for a Fall 2017 accreditation visit through AdvancEd during the
2016-17 school year. Parents can anticipate receiving requests for survey participation. This is a
required component of the accreditation process. We anticipate that surveys will be completed by the
end of the first semester. Updates will be provided through the Mustang Express as well as online.
High Ability Update
Students in grades K, 2, 5 and 8 are screened yearly to determine possible high ability placement.
Additionally, students who are new to the district are also screened to assure that they are appropriately
placed.
Below is the schedule for high ability identification for the 2016-17 school year:
High Ability Identification Schedule 2016-2017
January 18, 2017
InView testing, Grade 8.
January 17-27, 2017 CogAT testing in kindergarten classes; InView testing in grades 2 and 5.
March 24, 2017
High Ability assessment information and preliminary placement determinations for
grades K, 2, 5, 8 and students new to the district will be mailed home to parents.
This mailing will include the Scales for Identifying Gifted Students (SIGS) for
students who score within the Standard Error of Measure (SEM Window).
April 7, 2017
Deadline for SIGS to be returned to child’s school.
accepted.
April 10-13, 2017
Elementary and Middle School placement letters for students scoring within the
SEM window sent to parents.
April 13, 2017
Honors requests determination meeting at Munster High School for students
currently in grades 9, 10 and 11.
April 18-28, 2017
Elementary and Middle School appeal submissions due. No late submissions will
be accepted.
No late submissions will be
Munster High School determination notification letters mailed to parents.
determinations are final.
.
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
All
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High Ability Identification Schedule 2016-2017 cont.
May 1-12, 2017
Elementary and Middle School Placement committees review and rule on appeals.
May 15-19, 2017
Parents notified of appeal status. All appeals are final.
See www.munster.us < Academics < High Ability for additional information regarding the high ability program.
Kindergarten Readiness Resources
School Town of Munster has posted information regarding kindergarten readiness skills, early math
concepts, fine motor skills, letter sounds/letter recognition, print concepts and sight words for parents with
students anticipating going to kindergarten in the fall of 2017. This information may be accessed at
www.munster.us < Academics < Kindergarten.
Upcoming Assessment Windows
ISTAR, Part 1
Accuplacer, Part 1
PSAT (Grades 8, 9, 10 & 11)
October 3-November 4, 2016
October 3-November 23, 2016
October 19, 2016
A complete Assessment calendar can be located at www.munster.us < Assessment.
Substitute Teachers Wanted
School Town of Munster is looking for qualified substitute teachers for the 2016-2017 school year. To
complete an application, please go to www.munster.us, select Departments, then Human Resources,
Employment Opportunities, View Our Open Positions, Substitute and in the upper right corner click on
‘Apply.’ Applicants must have 60 college hours (transcript verified) and/or a state issued substitute
certificate.
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Munster Police Department News
MUNSTER POLICE SEEKING DONATIONS - ANNUAL "COPS & KIDS" HOLIDAY PROGRAM
The Munster Police Department and the Munster Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #147 are currently seeking
monetary donations towards their annual "Cops & Kids" holiday shopping program for children in
need. Each year, Munster Police officers volunteer to take pre-selected children shopping with funds
donated by area residents, businesses and community organizations. Last year, over fifty (50) children who
might not have received anything during the holidays were able to shop for toys, clothing, or other items
thanks to the generosity of others.
If you would like to make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to the Town of Munster
(memo: Cops & Kids) and mail them to the Munster Police Department, c/o Officer James Ghrist,
1001 Ridge Road, Munster, IN 46321. Donations will be collected through Friday, November
18th. For more information, please contact Officer Ghrist at 219-836-6639 or [email protected]. Thank
you in advance for your generosity this holiday season.
REFLECTIVE TRICK-OR-TREATING BAGS AVAILABLE FOR KIDS
In an effort to promote visibility for some area children this Halloween, the Choice Community Council of
Munster has purchased several hundred reflective Halloween trick-or-treating bags that will be available for
pick-up at the town’s public elementary schools or at the Records window of the Munster Police Department
(during regular business hours) beginning Monday, October 10th and until they are all picked up. To pick
up your child’s reflective trick-or-treating bag, please visit the main office of your child’s school or the police
department’s Records window and pick up the bag from the front counter. The secretaries will be notified
once the bags have run out, so if you are interested please pick up your bag as soon as possible after
October 10th.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS - (Use Pumpkin jpeg)
The Munster Police Department encourages parents to share the following safety tips with their children as
Halloween approaches:


Only trick-or-treat at well-lit homes, and in familiar neighborhoods.
Tell children not to accept or eat anything that isn't commercially-wrapped, and check all of their candy
before you allow them to consume it.

Make sure that masks fit securely and that they allow for adequate vision and ventilation. Wear wellfitting costumes and shoes to avoid trips and falls.


Add reflective tape to your child's costume or bag to make them more visible.
Warn your children not to run across streets and not to go into anyone's homes. Always cross at well-lit
intersections, and be on guard for oncoming vehicles.

Make sure that your children are trick-or-treating in groups, that they stay together, and that an adult
chaperone accompanies them. Make a plan with your children so that they know what to do in the event
that you are accidentally separated or if they get lost.
 Talk with your children about stranger-danger, and encourage them to report anything suspicious to an
adult immediately. Parents and chaperones are encouraged to bring their cell phone and a flashlight and to
also report suspicious activity immediately in the neighborhoods by calling 911.
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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YOU’RE INVITED
Please join us for a series of meetings
the future of our Munster
Find out more about our
and
finances.
All meetings will be held at
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday,
Frank H. Hammond Elementary
Monday, October
Wilbur Wright Middle
Monday, October
Munster High
For more
and to let us know
you plan to attend, please
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Eads Elementary School
EADS ELEMENTARY FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR
On Tuesday, September 27th, Eads Elementary hosted its second Family Health and Wellness Fair,
which focused on physical wellness and nutrition. The evening was organized by the school Wellness
Committee and led by Mrs. Dwars, school nurse, and Mrs. Hansen, teacher.
The Eads School community was invited to attend the Health and Wellness Fair, which featured 23
exhibits from local and regional partners. Some popular exhibits included: Whole Foods Milk Tasting,
Healthy Snack Taste Testing and Voting, Smoothie King smoothie samples, Taekwondo lessons and
warm-up running activities took place in the gym. Officer Ghrist presented family safety information to
all who attended. The Eads Wellness Committee displayed ‘What is Blood Made Of” and students got
to run their hands through red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Elite Ambulance parked in
back of the school and let students visit inside of their ambulance and learn about EMT’s jobs. The
Red Cross was also present and collected blood at our Blood Drive. Jewel Osco, Dr. Lynn Karr,
Dr. Hodges, Carmine Vision Care, the Concussion Clinic and the Stroke Clinic were some of the local
businesses that provided information to our families.
Students were given a taste test where they were excited to learn that Sweet Potato Chips were the
favorite among all those that attended!!
Dr. Lynn Karr demonstrated how to
properly brush teeth.
Whole Foods Milk Tasting
Almond Milk, Soy Milk, and Healthy Snacks
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Eads Elementary School
Elite Ambulance Tour
What is Blood Made of?
Monthly School Assembly to celebrate our Famous Hoosier and Life Skill.
84 Students were recognized for earning their Honesty Brag Tag
September Famous Hoosier- Abraham Lincoln
Life Skill of the Month- Honesty
Mrs. Linda Bevil
Principal, Eads Elementary School
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Elliott Elementary School
Elliott Happenings……..
Elliott’s bookroom is up and running!! Our PTO recently purchased a Leveled Bookroom for our
school. Our Bookroom consists of sets of books organized in bins according to Guided Reading
Levels. The books are already leveled and multiple copies of each book are available for teacher
check out. This is a wonderful resource for our school. Students will have the opportunity to
read books from a variety of text types, themes, genres, topics, and content areas at their
reading level.
Engineering for Kids came to help our fifth graders run experiments. Students created sun prints
through a unique chemical process using UV radiation from the sun to create images on special
cyanotype or ‘blue printing’ paper. They also experimented with vertical chromatography or ‘color
writing’ learning about the separation of substances and mixtures through filtration. Lastly,
students worked with polymers to create bouncy balls by manipulating molecules to respond to
different conditions.
Ms. Nicole Guernsey
Elliott Elementary Principal
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Frank Hammond Elementary Notes
FHH - October, 2016
Second grade classes visited the apple orchard and learned about pollination. Part of the apple
tree’s life cycle depends on bees. They tasted apple cider and got to pick their own bags of
apples, which they later made into apple crisp! That’s the full circle life cycle of an apple!
Fourth grade classes took on a STEM challenge! Students worked in pairs to see who
could build the highest water tower using only 3 sheets of paper. With planning and
collaboration, the pairs experimented with various rolls and folds to make their very own
water towers.
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Frank Hammond Elementary Notes cont.
Although the rain dampened the Homecoming Parade, it didn’t dampen the school spirit at FHH!
FHH students showed their school spirit by wearing their Munster gear to school!
Go Mustangs!
And Mrs. Snyder has been providing some great entertainment for parents by sharing Music
Class photos and videos of the musical accomplishments of our students in Music Class!
Through a secret Facebook group, parents can see our students in action on drums and
recorders!
And we have more adventures coming in October! Second graders will be learning all about
Safety at the Tri-Town Safety Village. Primary grades will learn all about Fire Safety from the
Munster Fire Department.
Fifth graders will be embarking on an exciting trip to the Dunes Learning Center at Camp
Goodfellow to explore the natural and cultural history of the dunes, the interconnection of human
and natural environments and the rich biological diversity found in the southern Lake Michigan
region. The dunes, woods, streams, beaches and bogs of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
will become a living classroom for them, where abstract concepts become meaningful,
memorable and fun.
Mrs. Nancy Ellis
Principal, Frank H Hammond Elementary School
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Wilbur Wright Middle School
Anti-Bullying Efforts a Consistent Message at the Middle School
During the week of September 19 – 23, Wilbur Wright delivered anti-bullying instruction to all students
during the Mustang Resource Time. Each day of the week, a different aspect of bullying was presented to
students and then healthy discussion was led by the teachers. Adolescence can be a difficult time in the
lives of children and bullying problems can make it even more difficult. Students were provided with ways
to be a positive friend and bystander as well as strategies for reporting problems they may have witnessed
or of which they may have been a victim. School guidance counselors and administrators are always
ready to meet confidentially with students to address any concerns regarding bullying or other forms of
peer conflict. In the end, we hope that all students will treat each other with courtesy, dignity, and respect
at all times!
WWMS Football Team Approaching Undefeated Season
The boys football team at Wilbur Wright has had a tremendous season and with only one game left on the
schedule, they are currently undefeated. The high point of the season was a signature victory against
Merrillville with the Mustangs winning at home by a score of 42-14. The team has steadily improved all
season and is poised to cap off the undefeated season and take home the conference championship
trophy with a victory against traditional rival, Highland. Congratulations boys on a super season!
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Wilbur Wright Middle School
First School Dance of the Year a Big Success
The Wilbur Wright Dance Team hosted the annual back to school dance on September 23. All of the students that attended the dance had a great time. Many enjoyed dancing to the tunes played by the DJ and
others enjoyed the games and other fun activities available that evening. Everyone enjoyed a snack and
socializing with friends. A special thanks goes out to Coach Murphy, the dance team, and especially the
dance team parents who put great effort into creating a fun night for our students – thanks to all of you!
Photo credit: D. Fotopoulos
Dr. Andy Sargent
Principal, Wilbur Wright Middle School
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Munster High School News
Munster High School’s National Merit Semifinalists
The 2017 National Merit Semifinalists have been announced and Munster High School is proud to have
13 students chosen as semifinalists. These academically talented high school seniors have an
opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33
million that will be offered next spring. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain
Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit
Scholar title.
The MHS students chosen for this honor are: Tessa A. Bales, Ajeyo De, Anna M. Gambetta, David M.
Green, Madhuri Kesani, Matthew C. Kvasnica, Saveda Majety, Michael J. Marich, Nirav G. Patwari,
Adam G. Richter, Anna B. Whitney, Patrick Wu, and Jacob L. Yalowitz.
Six Munster High School students were selected as participants in the 2017 Indiana All-State
Choir. Freshman Mitch Walsh, sophomores Anu Arora and Kelly Collins, juniors Chloe Jancosek and
Robert Wente, and senior Elliott Fus were chosen from Area 1A (Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties)
to represent our region! The Indiana All-State Choir is the top honor choir in the state of Indiana. Sponsored by the Indiana Choral Directors Association (ICDA), high school singers from all
across Indiana are chosen based on their score from a live audition They will learn and memorize eight
challenging choral works which will be performed on January 2017 in Fort Wayne. This performance, in
conjunction with the Indiana Music Education Association (IMEA) Professional Development Conference, is the culmination of months of rehearsals. Both required group rehearsals at area high schools
and personal preparation is open to the general public.
In addition, two MHS students – sophomores Ben Peters and Lilly Therault – were selected as All-State
Choir alternates. Munster High School is incredibly proud of all singers who auditioned and pleased at
the great results our students had at the September auditions. Congratulations, Mustangs!
Front Row: Kelly Collins, Chloe Jancosek, Anu Arora
Back Row: Mitch Walsh, Robert Wente, Elliott Fus
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
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Munster High School News cont. from page 13….
Congratulations to Mr. Michael Gordon. Recently, Mr. Gordon was selected to be a member of the
Harvard Teaching Advisory Council. This prestigious council focuses on teaching through case studies.
This method has been proven to be an excellent way of teaching civic skills necessary for democracy.
Sarah-Ann Lanman was recently honored by the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca
College in Ithaca, New York with the S’Park Media Mentor Award. After a nationwide search she
received this award that recognizes high school teachers and leaders of organizations dedicated to
igniting a passion for media and communications in all its form in high school students.
Ms. Lanman will be recognized at an award ceremony at Ithaca College in October. She will have the
opportunity to meet with past winners and fellow awardees, who are as dedicated as herself. They will
be able to share their experiences of the rewarding work of mentoring student in media related courses
and clubs. The Munster High School faculty is extremely proud of recipient, Sarah-Ann Lanman.
Thank you to Nina Arzumanian for organizing the beautification event at Munster High School on
September 24th. There were forty-seven volunteers who helped make the grounds of Munster High
School look good!
Thank you for your continued support of Munster High School!
Mike Wells
MHS Principal
TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW
before school lets out!
Munster Education Foundation can make your gift giving easier!
Give that special educator an apple!
Make a contribution to the Munster Education Foundation, and an individual
of your choice, affiliated with the Munster schools, will be honored.
He/she will receive a specially designed card, with your name,
special greetings, and a gold apple pin.
Complete the form below and send your check payable to:
Munster Education Foundation, P.O. Box 3046, Munster, IN 46321
All donors will receive an acknowledgement with receipt for a tax-deductible gift.
Forms and donations must be in the Foundation box by Friday, May 22
in order for honoree to receive gift before Summer Vacation.
________________________________________________________
Please submit one form per honoree
NAME of Person Being Honored _____________________________________________
School/Building/Bus # ____________________________________________________
Donor Name ______________________________________ Phone ___________________
(Name, as you want it to appear on gift card)
Address _______________________________________________________________________
Email Address ____________________________ Donation Amount Enclosed _______________
Include your special message on a separate piece of paper! It will be enclosed with the gift card &
apple pin.
Suggested donation: $15.00 or more
Vision
All School Town of Munster students have the skills necessary to participate successfully in a global society.
Mission
The School Town of Munster, in partnership with all stakeholders, implements equitable and challenging learning experiences that provide the foundation for independent and innovative thinking.
Beliefs
The success of our school system depends on the collaboration and commitment of all students,
parents, and staff to high quality standards, expectations and performances.
Addressing unique learning styles and needs enables all students to learn.
A safe and supportive learning environment enables continuous learning opportunities for all students and staff.
Students will solve real world problems through the development of creativity, critical thinking, and
communication skills.
The curriculum is aligned both horizontally and vertically with national, state and local standards
and includes a variety of assessment strategies that provide feedback about learning to students,
parents and staff.
Data is used to drive instructional practices and monitor program effectiveness.
Professional development is an integral part of our ongoing plan for continuous improvement in the
use of research based instructional practices.
Diversity enriches our school system through the recognition of various ideas, values and cultures.
Access to and utilization of current technology is necessary for success in an ever-changing world.
All stakeholders have a voice and the opportunity to participate in the educational process.
School Contact Information
Administration Offices:
219.836.9111
8616 Columbia Avenue, Munster, IN 46321
Munster High School Office:
219.836.3200
8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321
Wilbur Wright Middle School Office:
219.836.6260
8650 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321
James B. Eads Elementary School Office:
219.836.8635
8000 Jackson St., Munster, IN 46321
Ernest R. Elliott Elementary School Office:
219.838.5250
8718 White Oak Ave, Munster, IN 46321
Frank H. Hammond Elementary School Office:
1301 Fran Lin Pky, Munster, IN 46321
219.838.2060