The Whitko Community Schools Board of Trustees conducted its meeting via Zoom, Monday, April 20. From top left: Whitko Community School Board of Trustees member Georgia Tenney, Special Education and Curriculum Director Ward Lamon, South Whitley Elementary School Principal Bryan Emmert and Superintendent Dr. Brandon Penrod. Middle left: Board President Carrie Hoffman, Board member Scott Werstler, Whitko Career Academy Consultant Roger Carr, Pierceton Elementary School and Principal Michelle Smith. Bottom left: Boardmember Matt Long and Whitko Jr./Sr. High School Principal Jake Everett.

By Kory Betts
InkFreeNews

LARWILL — The Whitko Community Schools Board of Trustees approved a statement defining participation for graduation requirements at Whitko Jr./Sr. High School, April 20.

The school board of trustees along with school administrators conducted business via Zoom.

The statement was brought before the board by Whitko Jr./Sr. High School Principal Jake Everett related to graduation requirements for seniors at WJSHS that are participating in distance learning amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The full graduation requirements were not discussed during the meeting.

The statement was read in full by Everett, “Whitko Jr./Sr. High School expects all students, including seniors, to engage in distance learning to the best of their ability,” he said.

“Final grades will be issued by Whitko Jr./Sr. High School at the conclusion of the academic year. Students have a responsibility to pursue a grade that reflects what they know or can do,” said Everett. “Whitko Jr./Sr. High School will continue to reach out to every student to check on their well-being and progress during distance learning,” he said as he concluded his statement.

The proposed statement was developed under the guidelines for flexibility on graduation requirements released on Thursday, April 2 by the Indiana Department of Education, Indiana State Board of Education and the office of Gov. Eric Holcomb.

All Whitko students have participated in distance learning since school buildings were closed to students in March due to the pandemic. According to Whitko Superintendent Dr. Brandon Penrod, most of the distance learning curriculum was developed within three days of the schools closing to students.

Penrod and leadership from other schools and departments within the corporation took time to praise the teachers and staff for going above and beyond during the national health crisis.

Other business included:

• Feed the Children donated miscellaneous food, school supplies and new books to assist to provide breakfast and lunch meals to Whitko students. The school corporation provided one book for every student enrolled in the meal delivery program. The total donation was valued at $2,148.54.
• On March 18, Whitko gave a surplus Clark tow motor to Whitley County Consolidated Schools.
• The school board passed a request for Whitko Career Academy Consultant Roger Carr to pursue information and bids related to the potential construction of a building dedicated to an agriculture program within the upcoming Whitko Career Academy.