NESC NEWSLETTER- January 2026

NC staff and students participated in the annual door-decorating contest with originality, craftsmanship, and holiday spirit as the primary criteria. After a dozen anonymous voters cast their ballots, Mrs. McColl's and Mrs. Schultz's classes tied for 1st, and from 3rd-6th (in no order) were the doors decorated by the classes of Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Norris, and Mrs. Hill. Thanks and congrats to all who joined in the fun!

NESC teachers and staff spent time during their recent professional development day learning how to respond in situations that require non-combative de-escalation. Training was led by Chief Price and Jeff Gambill.

In the fall semester, the students in Mr. Ransford’s Advanced Manufacturing class completed the OSHA 10 Hour - General Industry training to earn their OSHA certification. The students received the same training that is used in industries across the country. The training covered many topics of safety in the workplace like Bloodborne Pathogens and Personal Protective Equipment to Avoiding Electrocution and Emergency Action Plans.

Mrs. Freeman's 8th grade science students were all assigned an element from the periodic table. They had to make an exhibit for a museum that would describe their element and be sure to include the atomic mass, atomic number, symbol, and element name. It also needed to have at least three facts about their element. This was the kickoff to their chemical bonding unit.

Click on the button below to view photos of this project.

On December 19th, students who met their Accelerated Reader goals were rewarded with a fun-filled AR party! They enjoyed Minute to Win It games, hands-on STEM activities, decorating Christmas cookies, and playing bingo. It was a great way to celebrate their hard work and love of reading!

NEEE staff was spoiled with a special Christmas luncheon provided by some of our recent retirees—Beth Hunt, Clair Wendel, and Pam McAnnally. The food was delicious, and we truly enjoyed spending time together and sharing a special lunch before heading into break.

Our students enjoyed a school-wide trip to Linton Cinemas to see Zootopia 2! They loved relaxing with popcorn, fruit snacks, and drinks during the movie, and a great time was had by all.

Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Ficklin both received grants for our school from the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. They are pictured below with Ramona Lennen, Area 8 Director.

The annual Hot Chocolate with Friends event has undergone some changes over the years. It remains one of my most cherished days. Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd-grade students gather for a festive Christmas celebration. Activities included crafting ornaments, painting a plate for Santa's cookies, playing reindeer games, and creating a countdown calendar. Our volunteers were instrumental in making this event a success. We extend our gratitude to Cliff and Theresa, Jodi, Janae, Amy, Brooke, Lynnzy, and Kimberly. Their contributions were invaluable.

4th-6th grade students tried their hand at tape art once again to celebrate the New Year! This time they used straws to create firework-like designs, transforming simple materials into exciting bursts of color. It was a fun and festive way to kick off the year in the art room!

The Northeast North 4/5 Beta Club braved the cold temperatures in early December to ring the bell for the Salvation Army’s annual fundraising. The funds that are raised each year helps sustain the projects they do all year long. The Salvation Army helps with utility assistance, disaster recovery and many other worthwhile causes daily. Betas are proud to give time to help our community.

In December, first grade had a fun and busy time getting ready for Christmas. The students worked hard to create their annual Christmas plate gifts for their parents, carefully decorating each one with love and creativity. They also enjoyed making gingerbread houses, using icing and candy to design colorful and festive creations. These activities helped everyone get into the holiday spirit while practicing teamwork and following directions.

The Sweet Sounds of Christmas was the theme for the show on December 10. The announcer for the evening was AnnMarie Orman. The sixth grade kicked off the show by singing Feliz Navidad and Jingle Bell Rock. A duet consisting of Zelia Smith and Kamelia Nelson sang "Snowman". Fifth graders sang the familiar tune, "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas". Norah Gilman, Abby Mahurin and Liliana Blades sang "Last Christmas". The Grinch played by Case Bays made an appearance with the fourth grade classes singing all about the mean one. Third grade student did sign language and sang to the ever popular "Silent Night" They also did a bell choir song. Our second graders took to the stage to do "Up on the Housetop." The first grade group got into the spirit with the song "Jingle Bells". The kindergarten group spelled and sang about the jolly elf himself, S-A-N-T-A. The show ended with the entire school gathering around the audience singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

The 5th-6th grade girls basketball home opener against South Knox took place on December 17. The teams are coached by Ryan and Hilary Gilman. The girls from both elementary schools will play most home games and practice at Northeast North this season. Home games at Farmersburg will be played on January 12 against Linton. The girls will play at NCHS on January 26th. On February 9th Carlisle will visit us on our home court. The fifth grade girls Tri-County Tournament will be played February 14th at NCHS. The final home game will be against Sullivan on February 18th. We invite family and friends to come out and watch the action on these days. Entrance to the game is five dollars for adults. All Northeast School Corporation students are free to get in. Concession stand will be available during the events. Come cheer on these Ladybirds!

Northeast North Elementary was the recipient of a grant from the Kiwanis Club. The grant monies will be used to support the counselor and teachers with social skills development for all students at the school. The grant dollars will be used to supply the school with cooperative games that can be shared during small groups or for indoor recreation during inclement weather. The games will offer strategies for student to help with resiliency. The games will also help teach skills of cooperation and good sportsmanship.

Thank you to all NESC staff and students who contributed to this newsletter!

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Thank you all for your continued support of the Northeast School Corporation!