SWSC News February 27th, 2026

• Friday, 3/6 (Away)-SECTIONALS @ 7:30 PM

👈 SEE SECTIONAL BRACKET FOR MORE DETAILS

• Saturday, 2/28 (Away)-Linton @ 8:00 AM
• Saturday, 3/21 (Away)- Indiana State Tournament Bullseye and 3D at the Indiana State Fairgrounds

• Saturday, 2/28 (Away) Big Cat Wrestling Invitational-Mt. Vernon (Time TBD)
• Monday, 3/2 (Home) vs. N. Knox/Otter Creek @ 5:30 PM
• Thursday, 3/5 (Home) vs. Washington/North Central @ 5:30 PM
• Saturday, 3/7 (Away) WIC-Edgewood @ 10:00 AM

• Saturday, 2/28 (Home)-Tournament @ 9:00 AM

State Solo & Ensemble was an incredible success for our Sullivan High School vocalists last weekend! Our students represented the Golden Arrows with talent, professionalism, and pride and the results were outstanding.

A Historic Achievement

A very special congratulations to Lori Alumbaugh, who achieved the remarkable accomplishment of earning Gold at both District and State Solo & Ensemble all four years of high school!

This is an extraordinary honor that reflects years of dedication, discipline, and vocal excellence. Lori’s photo will be proudly displayed outside the auditorium, a lasting tribute to her hard work and legacy in our music program. We could not be more proud!

Soloist Results

Please help us congratulate these talented students:

• Addison Hunt – Gold with Distinction

• Avery Muncie – Gold

• Dakota Callison – Gold

• Danny Williams – Gold

• Ebony Watkins – Silver

• Ezra Porter – Gold

• Gabi Ranard – Gold

• Jonas Ridgway – Gold

• Koen Dixon – Gold

• Logan Chastain – Silver

• Lori Alumbaugh – Gold

• Tegan McCammon – Silver

Ensemble Results

Small Ensemble – Gold

• Danny Williams

• Ezra Porter

• Elorah Porter

• Jonas Ridgway

• Paisley Drake

• Tegan McCammon

Large Ensemble – Gold

• All Golden Arrow Singers

We are so proud of the dedication, preparation, and heart our students brought to the stage. Their performances are a reflection of countless hours of rehearsal and the strength of our Sullivan High School music program. If you see these students, please congratulate them on an amazing State Solo & Ensemble performance!

Wednesday evening SHS proudly celebrated their Advanced Placement students who successfully passed their AP exams during the 2024–2025 school year with a special dinner held in their honor.

The evening was about more than just test scores — it was about commitment, perseverance, and the pursuit of academic excellence. These students challenged themselves with college-level coursework, demonstrated resilience, and rose to meet high expectations. We could not be more proud of their hard work and dedication.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our outstanding AP teachers who prepared, supported, and inspired these students every step of the way. Their expertise and commitment to student success make opportunities like this possible.

Congratulations to our AP scholars and their exceptional teachers! Your hard work continues to raise the bar at Sullivan High School.

There is no greater recognition for someone committed to advancing the Science of Reading and transforming literacy outcomes than being named a Reading League Champion. We are incredibly proud to celebrate Jackie Ridge, Reading Specialist at Sullivan Elementary School, for being honored as the 2026 Science of Reading Champion Award Finalist by The Reading League Indiana.

This prestigious recognition reflects Jackie’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that every child learns to read through evidence-aligned instruction rooted in the Science of Reading. Her leadership, expertise, and commitment to structured literacy practices have made a lasting impact on students, teachers, and families across our school community.

The Reading League is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction. Grounded in more than 50 years of interdisciplinary research known as the Science of Reading, The Reading League works to improve literacy outcomes for ALL students.

Through professional learning, educator support, and public awareness initiatives, The Reading League empowers teachers and leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement structured literacy and research-based instructional practices. Their mission is simple but powerful:
All children can learn to read, and all teachers can learn to teach them.

Being recognized as a Science of Reading Champion places Jackie among a distinguished group of educators who are leading transformative literacy work across Indiana and beyond. Jackie’s passion for literacy is evident in her daily work with students and staff. She has consistently championed evidence-based practices, supported teachers in strengthening instruction, and worked tirelessly to improve reading outcomes for our learners. Congratulations, Jackie, on this incredible honor!

Welcome to The Reading League Science of Reading Hall of Fame, a truly well-earned achievement.

Join us as we honor the life and legacy of Angie Melchert at this year’s memorial scholarship fundraiser.

Angie Melchert Scholarship Dinner

Angie was a devoted mother, wife, and friend. Help us honor her memory by offering scholarships to local high school students whose lives have been impacted by cancer.

• Date: March 8th
• Location: Sullivan County 4-H Grounds
• Time: 1pm-4pm

Native American Taco Dinner

(Includes drink & dessert)

• Adults: $6

• Children (3–12): $4

• Children under 3: Free

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction, with items available for bidding throughout the evening.

Volunteers Needed!
If you’re willing to help, please sign up here:

All proceeds will go toward the Angie Melchert Memorial Scholarship Fund. Thank you for supporting local students and helping us continue Angie’s legacy of love and generosity.

Calling all girls in Grades K–8 who are interested in softball! Join the Sullivan High School Lady Arrows Softball Team for a fun and skill-building clinic while supporting the SHS Softball program.

• WHO: Any girl in Grades K–8
• WHAT: Softball Clinic – fielding, batting, base running, and pitching/catching fundamentals
• WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Sullivan Middle School Softball Field

(If weather is not ideal, camp will move indoors to the SHS Student Activities Center.)

Cost: $30.00

Forms must be turned in to your school by Wednesday, March 18 to receive your camp shirt the day of the clinic. Registrations received after March 18 will have shirts delivered to your school at a later date.

Please make checks payable to SHS Softball.

Come learn from your Lady Arrows, build your skills, and have a great day at the ballpark!

The Sullivan County Civic Foundation and Southwest School Corporation have partnered to bring former NFL player and literacy advocate Deon Butler to Sullivan!

Deon will share his powerful personal journey of struggling with reading, later discovering he has dyslexia, and how that experience shaped his life both on and off the field. His message of perseverance, self-advocacy, and hope is one you won’t want to miss.

Join us for the community event where Deon will speak, sign autographs, take photos, and give away prizes. This is a wonderful opportunity for students, families, educators, and community members to come together around the importance of literacy and supporting every learner. We hope to see you there!

Both Carlisle Elementary and Sullivan Elementary School are excited to host Kindergarten Round-Up for students entering kindergarten next school year. This special event allows families to complete enrollment paperwork, receive important information, and give incoming kindergarteners a brief readiness screener.

Our goal is to help every child begin kindergarten feeling confident, prepared, and excited to learn. Kindergarten is where friendships begin, curiosity grows, and lifelong learning takes root. We cannot wait to meet our newest students and welcome them into the Southwest School Corporation family.

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone and we are here to make it a smooth, exciting experience for both students and parents!

📅 Monday, April 6 – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📅 Tuesday, April 7 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sign up for a time slot for Sullivan Kindergarten Round-Up here.

📅 Monday, April 6
🕒 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Sign up for a time slot for Carlisle Kindergarten Round-Up here.

• Who Takes It?
  • English Learners (ELs) in Grades K-12.
• Purpose:
  • Assesses English language proficiency in four areas:
    • Listening
    • Speaking
    • Reading
    • Writing
  • Helps determine whether EL students need continued language support services.
• Test Format:
  • WIDA ACCESS for ELLs: Annual online or paper-based test.
  • Kindergarten WIDA ACCESS: Paper-based assessment for young learners.
  • Alternate ACCESS for ELs: Available for EL students with significant disabilities.
• Scoring & Implications:
  • Scores range from 1.0 (Entering) to 6.0 (Reaching) in each language domain.
  • A composite score of 4.8+ is needed to exit EL support programs.
  • Schools use scores to modify instruction and support services for EL students.

• Who Takes It?
  • All Grade 2 and 3 students in Indiana.
• Purpose:
  • Measures foundational reading skills to ensure students meet proficiency before advancing to Grade 4.
  • Identifies students needing additional reading interventions.
• Test Format:
  • Online
  • Assessments include phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
• Scoring & Implications:
  • Students receive a Pass or Did Not Pass score.
  • Students who do not pass may receive additional reading instruction and must retake the test in order to be promoted to the 4th grade.
  • Some students may qualify for exemptions, such as those with IEPs, English Learners (ELs), or retention waivers.
  • Students with exemptions must take the assessment until they pass or reach 7th grade.

• Who Takes It?
  • All Grade 11 students as part of Indiana’s state assessment program.
• Purpose:
  • Serves as Indiana’s high school accountability assessment.
  • Assesses college and career readiness in math and English/language arts.
  • Can be used for college applications (accepted by many U.S. colleges).
• Test Format:
  • Administered in digital format (starting in 2024).
  • Two Sections:
    • Mathematics: Algebra I & II, data analysis, problem-solving.
    • Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW): Reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.
  • No science or social studies sections.
• Scoring & Implications:
  • Composite score range: 400-1600 (each section scored 200-800).
  • Passing scores: Indiana sets a minimum SAT benchmark for high school accountability.
  • If students do not meet proficiency, they may need additional coursework or remediation.
  • Colleges may use SAT scores for admissions, but some schools are test-optional.

• Who Takes It?
  • Grades 3-8 students for general state assessments.
  • High school students take subject-specific assessments.
• Purpose:
  • Measures proficiency in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Test Format:
  • Computer-adaptive test (questions adjust based on student responses).
  • Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and short answer questions.
  • Subject Areas:
    • Grades 3-8: English/language arts & math
    • Grades 4 & 6: Science
    • Grade 5: Social Studies
    • High School: Biology end-of-course assessment
• Scoring & Implications:
  • Four performance levels: Below Proficient, Approaching Proficient, Proficient, and Above Proficient.
  • Results help determine school performance ratings but do not affect student promotion.
  • High school ILEARN Biology is required but not tied to graduation requirements.

• Who Takes It?
  • Grades 3-8 students for general state assessments.
  • High school students take subject-specific assessments.
• Purpose:
  • Measures proficiency in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Test Format:
  • Computer-adaptive test (questions adjust based on student responses).
  • Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and short answer questions.
  • Subject Areas:
    • Grades 3-8: English/language arts & math
    • Grades 4 & 6: Science
    • Grade 5: Social Studies
    • High School: Biology end-of-course assessment; Optional U.S. Government
• Scoring & Implications:
  • Four performance levels: Below Proficient, Approaching Proficient, Proficient, and Above Proficient.
  • Results help determine school performance ratings but do not affect student promotion.
  • High school ILEARN Biology is required but not tied to graduation requirements.

• 2/28-Current and New NHS Students are reminded to pay their $10 dues by the end of February. Also, keep documenting your service hours. Seniors must have their service record completed by May 1st.
• 3/4-Juniors: Sign up in the library for a free SAT workshop on Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4. Be SAT ready for March 4th!
• 3/18-The NHS Induction has been rescheduled to Wed, March 18th at 6:30 pm in the SHS Auditorium. All current and new inductees are required to attend. Dress is business attire, friends and family are invited. There will be yearbook pictures taken after the induction ceremony.
• 4/18-Purdue Spring Buzzerthon (Quiz Bowl Team)
• All boys who are interested in participating in track this spring please sign up in SportsYou in the main office.
• If you are interested in trying out for Arrowettes there is a sign up sheet in the office.
• Any Sullivan HS athlete with a current physical is invited to weight lifting after school until 4:45pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. If there is enough interest more times may be added.
• Students interested in attending post prom! The tentative plan is a charter bus to Kings Island the day after prom. We will leave early in the morning and return that night. If you think you are interested in attending, please sign up in the main office. We need to get an exact number of students before we have a final price. Sign up does not mean you HAVE to attend at this point.
• After school tutoring will be on Tuesdays & Thursdays with math teacher Mr. O'Bryan in Room 101 and Thursdays with English teacher Mrs. Smith in the library. This tutoring is free and open to all students.
• All student athletes must have completed Final Forms to participate in athletics. Click on this link for directions on how to complete this process.

• 3/6-Yearbooks are now on sale for $16. Order forms are available in the office. All orders must be completed online by March 6.
• 3/16-3/19-Scholastic Book Fair. Volunteers can sign up here.
• Geography Bowl will meet every Tuesday from 3-3:45pm after school until competition on March 10th.

• Middle school girls Sullivan softball sign ups are in front of the office

• Arrowette Dance Team sign up’s are in front of the office

• Arrow Homework Hub: Tuesdays & Thursdays-3:00–4:00 PM. Open to all students who need homework assistance or a quiet workspace. Progress Reports will be sent home on February 6. They need to be signed and returned.

• All student athletes must have completed Final Forms to participate in athletics. Click on this link for directions on how to complete this process.

• 3/2-Dr. Seuss Day!

• 3/3- Spring Photos

• 3/16, 3/18, 3/19-Talent Show Practice on Gym Stage during specials.

• 3/17-Sports Awards Banquet 5pm

• 3/19- 3-5 grade career fair @ Sullivan Elementary

• 3/31-School Smiles will be coming to our School. Sign you child up at www.schoolsmiles.com/student-signup

• Middle school girls Sullivan softball sign ups are in front of the office.

• Arrowette Dance Team sign up’s are in front of the office

• Talent Show Sign Up’s will be in front of the office

• All student athletes must have completed Final Forms to participate in athletics. Click on this link for directions on how to complete this process.

• Access information about Title I on the Carlisle Elementary School website

• 3/10-Versiti Blood Drive
• 3/12-Spring Pictures
• 3/12-PTO meeting at 4:00 PM in the SES Library
• 3/13-Talent Show (5th Grade Only) @ 1:00pm
• 3/13-Sports/Club Pictures
• 3/20-Yearbook order deadline. Order your Sullivan Elementary School yearbook today at ybpay.lifetouch.com using Yearbook ID Code: 1284726 for $18.
• 4/1-The dentist is coming to our school on Wednesday, April 1st. Dental services include cleaning, fluoride, X-rays, sealants, restorative care, free dental supplies. Sign-up your child today: www.schoolsmiles.com/student-sighup
• 4/16-PTO Meeting at 4:00 PM in the SES Library
• We would like to introduce SES Dart Depot, a place where SES families can receive free clothing. You may request by calling the office at 812-268-3341 or email jwhitkanack@swest.k12.in.us Our Dart Depot is in need of hangers. If you would like to donate, you may bring them to the office.
• Homework helps will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school until 4:00pm. This is for students who need extra help with assigned homework. Teachers can also assign Homework helps if a student is missing several assignments. Students should promptly be picked up at Door #1 (Main entrance). Parents do not have to come into the building. Teacher will walk students out. If you would like your child to participate, you may contact your child’s teacher to get them signed up. If your student is staying you MUST put that in Pick-Up Patrol.
• All student athletes must have completed Final Forms to participate in athletics. Click on this link for directions on how to complete this process.
• Join the SES Title I Facebook group to stay up to date on what is happening in Title I at SES and access to helpful educational tools and resources for our children.
• Access information about Title I on the Sullivan Elementary School website.

• 3/5-Future Chefs National Challenge @ SHS
• 3/8-Daylight Savings Time Begins (turn clocks ahead one hour)
• 3/20-NO SCHOOL-Possible Make-Up Day
• 3/23-3/27-NO SCHOOL-Spring Break
• Baseball:Winter workouts for middle school baseball have started. We will have 2 workouts/wk in the SAC through Saturday, February 14th. They will be on Monday's from 5:30-7:00pm and on Saturday's from 12-2:00pm in the SAC. If you are unable to attend due to a conflicting winter sport, but are interested in trying out please contact Aaron Walters at 812-287-0753.
• Soccer: If you are interested in playing soccer in the Fall please contact Coach Harrison by email at: cobieharrison@swest.k12.in.us

• Football: Attention 6th and 7th graders interested in playing football next year: There will be a meeting after announcements in the multipurpose room. Coaches will share information about offseason workouts on February 12 and will hand out workout calendars.

• Incoming Freshman Football (2026–27)-Strength conditioning and speed training will take place Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays after school at the SHS gym/weight room until 4:45 PM. Enter through the south gym door. A current physical is required. No transportation is provided at this time

• You can still enroll in 4-H!! Go to v2.4honline.com to enroll/re-enroll in 4-H for the 2025-2026 program year. Choosing projects: Go to the Extension website to see a list of projects:

  www.extension.purdue.edu/sullivan. Scroll down and click on “4-H Information,” then click on

  Sullivan County 4-H projects. Pay online or cash or check at the Extension Office. Make checks payable to: Purdue University. Contact the Extension office staff for assistance, located at the Sullivan County 4-H Fairgrounds, at 812-268-4332 or sullivances@purdue.edu.

• IMPORTANT REMINDER: Parents must supervise children not yet in high school during athletic events. Once students enter the Athletic Complex, they may not leave unless accompanied by a parent or responsible adult - unaccompanied students who exit will not be allowed to re-enter. Students should not bring items to throw during games.

• If you would like your child to be considered for the Brown Baggers program please stop by your child's school office to fill out a form.

• Nutrislice is our Sodexo Food Service's digital solution for menu and nutrition needs. Nutrislice allows parents and students to access menus, ingredients, and allergens for all items served in their school cafeteria on a weekly basis through the web or app platforms. Click on the Nutrislice link to access your school's menu.