NORTH CENTRAL PARKE NEWS

PHHS science teacher Susan Seitz and PHHS principal Bruce Patton

Parke Heritage High School biology teacher Susan Seitz has been awarded a $4,150 Envision Equity Grant from the NEA Foundation. The grant will fund her project, Environmental Literacy with STEM Integration, which gives students in Biology I the chance to tackle pressing environmental challenges through project-based learning.
The Envision Equity Grant program, offered by the NEA Foundation, supports K–12 educators who design projects advancing equity, cultural understanding, civic engagement, and real-world problem-solving. Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 and are awarded exclusively to NEA members for year-long classroom and community projects.
Seitz’s project will guide students through four hands-on, real-world projects throughout the school year. Each project is rooted in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), while also building the “4 Cs” of 21st-century learning—collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.
The first project will connect students with two community partners: the Parke Vermillion County Humane Society and the Vermillion County Soil and Water Conservation District. Together, they will explore the theme of “Clean Water and Safe Water,” focusing on the environmental and community impact of water quality.
Additional projects will expand into broader environmental challenges, including:
- Waste Management in the School – addressing how schools can reduce, reuse, and recycle more effectively.
- Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) – examining the science, ethics, and community impact of GMOs.
- Evolution of Invasive Species – studying how non-native species spread and affect Indiana ecosystems.
By integrating environmental literacy with STEM, the program aims to prepare students not only for academic success but also for active citizenship. Students will collaborate with local organizations, investigate authentic community issues, and design solutions that make a tangible difference.
“Real-world learning connects students to their community in powerful ways,” said Seitz. “This grant allows my students to take science beyond the classroom walls and develop skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.”
The NEA Foundation’s Envision Equity Grants have helped thousands of educators nationwide bring innovative, equity-centered projects to life. For Seitz and her students at Parke Heritage, the $4,150 award will spark a year of discovery, problem-solving, and meaningful community impact.

Parke Heritage Middle School launched its house family system with meetings held on Wednesday, August 27. Inspired by the Ron Clark Academy, this innovative approach aims to foster unity, friendship, and a strong sense of family among middle school students. The meetings involved student leaders explaining the house system, plans for the year, and fun activities.

The four houses are

🔵Reveur

🔴Amistad

🟢Isibindi

⚫Altruismo

By working together in their respective houses, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, engage in friendly competition, and support one another in academic and extracurricular pursuits. The house system transforms the middle school experience, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

NCPC staff members used the scheduled two-hour delay on Wednesday, August 27 to focus on professional development. During this time, they engaged in training sessions, collaborated with co-teachers, and completed essential training videos. This time provided an opportunity for teachers to discuss curriculum items and enhance their instructional strategies, which will benefit student learning and classroom effectiveness.

Students are BLOOMING at RES! 🌸

Rockville Elementary School is celebrating students selected for "Mrs. Bonomo's Blooming Bunch". Students are selected based on the “5️⃣ to Bloom” goals.

These areas include

🌺Growth Mindset

🌸Goal Setting

🌷Emotion Management

🪷Empathy and Kindness

💮Problem Solving

Students selected for Friday, August 29 are Jensen Dwyer, Baya Gutierrez, Sarennah Armstrong, Rhett Noerenberg, Easton Farrow, Baker Clapp, Atayven Cotten, Bianca Maddox, Adiline Love, Kennedy Firestone, Gatlen Halfhill, Bryson Joy, Maggie Mauntel, Havik Roemer, Rilynn Ryan, Jessa Gooch, Harper Mace, Landry Clapp, Shira Lawson, Charlotte Larson, Makenzie Mace, Parker Kellems, Emily Stone, Emilie Gregg, Zoey McComb, Kenna Spurr, and Blaine Thornton.

Let’s Grow Together! 💐

School picture days are coming soon!

Picture days are:

Parke Heritage High School- Wednesday, September 3

Rockville Elementary School- Thursday, September 25

Parents are encouraged to order online at the Pettit website

School codes are
Rockville Elementary- NCRES

Parke Heritage High School- NCPHHS

Students will still need to bring an order envelope on picture day even if you order online. For those who want to order using the paper forms, checks need to be made out to Pettit Photo.

Order forms are being sent home with students.

A big thank you to all of our ✨ teachers, instructional assistants, students and families ✨ for your hard work on the IREAD-3 assessments!
NCP Schools is proud of this accomplishment!

Parke Heritage High School students are nominated by staff members to receive the Wolf Award. Basis for this award include integrity, responsibility, communication, collaboration, reliability, creativity, 21st Century skills, accountability, and good character.

Tim Presley (left)- “I am incredibly proud of what I've seen from Tim so far this year in geometry. He is focused on learning, works hard every day, and is not afraid to ask for help when needed.”

Paisley Hartman (right)- “Paisley stayed after to clean up trash left after the Senior Sunrise event.”

• FALL HOMECOMING: Parke Heritage High School will hold its Fall Homecoming on Friday, September 19 during the football game with Seeger. Selected by their class for Homecoming Royalty are seniors- Brooke Lough, Hallie Miller, Jessica Montgomery, Alex Patton, Emma Patton, Kailey Seay, Henry Busenbark, Justin Cooper, Lucas Rhoads, Hayden Vandivier, Marshal Vincent, and Nate Woodard; juniors- Ella Norman and Karter Vanderheyden; sophomores- Khloe Llewellyn and Timothy Presley; and freshmen- Braylynn Capps and Bryce Branson.

• SENIORS: The Parke County Community Foundation Lilly Endowment Scholarship is now open. Applications are due Monday, September 15. The Lilly Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900.00 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any Indiana public or private college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Click on their webpage for more information and to apply: Scholarships

• POPSICLES ON THE PLAYGROUND: Rockville Elementary School students are invited to bring their grandparents for an evening on the playground on Tuesday, September 9 from 5:00- 6:30 p.m. on the RES playground. Enjoy popsicles and games together. Please enter this event at the Shadeland Ave. gate.

• RES PTO: The Rockville Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will be meeting on Tuesday, September 2 after dismissal (approximately 3:25). All RES parents and guardians are invited to attend this meeting. The PTO plans fun activities for students throughout the year.

• WOLF WATCH: If you're in need of after school care, RES and TRES have care available until 5:00 p.m. The care program provides homework help, play time, and activities. Contact Stacey Bettis at RES or Kate Medlin at TRES for more information.

• PHMS YEARBOOKS: There is still a limited number of copies of the 2025 Parke Heritage Middle School yearbook for sale. There are a limited number of copies available for sale at $35. See Mrs. Harbison in the library to purchase a copy.

• SATURDAY SHOWCASE: The NCP Saturday Showcase is an opportunity for students to be recognized for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the school community. If you would like to nominate a student, please complete this form. Saturday Showcase

• STAFF SHOUT OUT: Would you like to recognize an outstanding NCP teacher, instructional assistant, support staff member or bus driver? Make your nomination on the Nomination Form Those nominated will be featured on the NCP Facebook page.

• WATER BOTTLES: Water bottles need to be sent daily. Plastic reusable bottles are best so that they can be refilled easily. Also, please send plain WATER ONLY. No juices, gatorades, caffeinated or carbonated drinks please.

• ATHLETIC SCHEDULES: Printable athletic schedules can be found on the NCP webpage: Schedules. Athletic schedules may be constantly changing. To stay updated, download the Event Link app or go to their website at https://eventlink.com/ Parents can subscribe to daily emails that are sent out daily to remind you of upcoming events.

• SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION: Seniors: Several scholarships are available to PHHS seniors. Be sure and check the due dates as some are due soon. These scholarships can be found on the PHHS Scholarship page.

• COLLEGE VISITS:

• A representative from Purdue University will be at Parke Heritage on Wednesday, September 10 at 11: 35. Students need to meet in the counseling lounge if you would like to talk with them. This is a great time to learn more about the admissions process and ask questions 1:1.

• There will be an IU representative at Parke Heritage on Monday, September 8 at 11:35. Students need to meet in the counselor's lounge if you would like to visit with her.

Monday, September 1

Labor day- no school

Tuesday, September 2

Girls golf at Attica- 4:30 p.m.

Boys tennis at South Vermillion- 5:00 p.m.

JV football at Fountain Central- 6:00 p.m.

Volleyball hosts Fountain Central- 6:00 p.m.

MS boys tennis at Northridge- 5:00 p.m.

RES PTO meeting- 3:25 p.m.

TRES trash bag forms and money due

Wednesday, September 3

Seventh and eighth grade volleyball hosts North Putnam- 6:00 p.m.

PHHS school portrait day

Thursday, September 4

Cross country at North Vermillion- canceled

Boys tennis hosts Seeger- 5:00 p.m.

Volleyball at Seeger- 6:00 p.m.

MS football at Riverton Parke - 6:00 p.m.

Sixth grade volleyball at Attica- canceled

Friday, September 5

Football at South Vermillion- 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 6

Cross country THSB Invite at Lavern Gibson- 8:30 a.m.

Email: webmaster@ncp.k12.in.us
Website: www.ncp.k12.in.us
Location: 602 Howard Avenue, Rockville, IN 47872
Phone: 765-569-4190
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northcentralparke/
Twitter: @NCPSchoolCorp