Jazz lovers, mark your calendars! The LPHS Jazz Bands present their 34th Annual Jazz Fest on Friday, May 2nd at 7:00 PM in the LPHS Performing Arts Center. This exciting evening of exceptional music features renowned artists Sharel Cassity, Eric Jacobson, Lara Driscoll, Kirby Fellis, Clark Sommers, and Dana Hall. Adult tickets are $10, while students get in free! Come experience an unforgettable night of jazz performances showcasing both celebrated musicians and talented student performers. See you there!

La Porte Community School Corporation

Don't Miss the Beat! LPHS Jazz Bands' 34th Annual Jazz Fest Arrives May 2nd

The La Porte Educational Development Foundation would like to invite you to the [_Evening With the Stars_](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JXCDOu6odWJpDGFN5PS6LkLev7SfJHUG/view?usp=sharing) Staff Recognition Event on May 15, 2025. If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to confirm your attendance by submitting your RSVP at your earliest convenience.

As a reminder, please note that RSVPs are only being accepted through the [event website](https://events.blackbirdrsvp.com/lpeveningwiththestars). **All staff and their guests are required to RSVP by May 1 to secure their spot.** This is a required step to ensure an accurate headcount for catering.

[**Please RSVP by**](https://events.blackbirdrsvp.com/lpeveningwiththestars) **May 1, 2025.** 

Your prompt response will enable us to make the necessary arrangements, and we truly appreciate your cooperation.

Join Us for an Evening With the Stars Staff Recognition Event on May 15, 2025

Alice in Wonderland Jr. opens at the Kesling Campus Auditorium on Friday, April 11th, and the cast and crew cannot wait to share this show with you. Make plans to see these talented and hard-working Slicers!

Get your tickets [HERE](https://golpslicers.com/Events)!

> **SHOWTIMES:**

> Friday, April 11 @ 7:30 PM

> Saturday, April 12 @ 4:00 PM

> Sunday, April 13 @ 2:00 PM

Alice in Wonderland Jr. Opens at the Kesling Campus Auditorium

Attention former students who received special education services through the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative between 2018 and 2019: Please review the notice regarding the upcoming destruction of special education records. If you wish to obtain your records before they are destroyed on July 1, 2025, you must submit a request by June 15, 2025. These records may contain important information for future educational accommodations, disability documentation, or personal records. Don't miss this opportunity to secure your information before it's permanently removed. [Please read the full notice on the Special Education web page here](https://www.lpcsc.k12.in.us/en-us/special-education-cdf3bd4f).

Special Education Records Destruction Notice

### 🎙️NEW PODCAST EPISODE!

Step inside LPCSC early childhood learning with Little Learners Principal Becky Jeffers and Preschool Teacher Jeannette Raymond to discover the district's research-based curriculum, inclusion practices, and plans for a new Early Childhood Center. Learn how this center will expand opportunities for La Porte's youngest learners through full-day programs, transitional kindergarten, and greater access for working families.

Inside Early Childhood Learning

**Kindergarten Round-Up**

**Date:** February 19, 2025

**Location:** Elementary School Buildings ([See Information](https://www.canva.com/design/DAGedl5w0jM/ZO0EbieeZAu8ZHf29MBBQg/view?utm_content=DAGedl5w0jM\&utm_campaign=designshare\&utm_medium=link2\&utm_source=uniquelinks\&utlId=h19e18da5c9))

**Required Documents for Kindergarten Enrollment:**

*   Birth Certificate

*   Proof of Residency *(one of the following: Utility Bill, Mortgage Statement, Lease Agreement)*

*   Immunization Records

**Process**

The kindergarten round-up process will be the same as in previous years, with in-person registration at the elementary schools.

Kindergarten Registration

🎙️ NEW PODCAST! 

"Inside LaPorte Schools" launches with a special two-part series exploring the Kesling Campus. Join Dr. Wood as she sits down with Principal Bill Wilmsen, Counselor Melissa Mrozinski, and Teacher Laurie Scroggin to discuss the evolution and opportunities of our 5-8 campus model. From initial challenges to current successes, get the inside scoop on what makes Kesling unique .[Listen here!](https://www.lpcsc.k12.in.us/en-us/inside-la-porte-schools-district-podcast-d90fd1b9)

Inside La Porte Schools Podcast

South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative is hosting open interviews for Special Education Classroom Aide positions this February. The interviews will occur at the LPCSC ESC Building on the Boston campus, 1000 Harrison Street.

Interview sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, February 4th, from 12:00 - 3:00 PM and Thursday, February 6th, from 8:00 - 11:00 AM. The corporation seeks candidates for various grade levels and program types, offering competitive hourly compensation between $12-$14.

These positions represent rewarding opportunities to make a difference in special education. Interested candidates can attend either session, but no appointment is necessary.

For additional information, contact LPCSC at (219) 324-3287 or visit lpcsc.k12.in.us.

Special Education Open Interviews

District News

Mrs. Lebo and Mrs. Mendez are holding Say Yes to the Dress at LPHS until May 3.

Say Yes to the Dress is an event that allows students to choose a dress, accessories, and shoes for free for the upcoming Prom.

This event has been led by Mrs. Lebo since 2017, but it was initially started 14 years ago by former board member Amy Jackson.

Say Yes to the Dress has returned to LPHS for 14 years because it positively impacts everyone at LPHS and helps provide Slicers with items they may not be able to afford.

“Say Yes to the Dress is expected to continue annually due to its positive impact on students at LPHS and the community. Over the last 14 years, it has developed a significant following among students. The idea of providing students with free formal dresses for Prom is a positive opportunity for many students,” Lebo said.

Donations from individuals, local businesses, and bridal shops provide all of the dresses, accessories, and shoes. 

The prom will take place at the Civic Auditorium at 7 p.m. on May 3. The tickets cost $ and they are available in the front office

Any students interested in a dress, accessories, or shoes from the collection, visit (AR-1) or (AR-2). For any further questions, contact mlebo@lpcsc.k12.in.us.&#x20;

Haley Fengya

Say Yes to the Dress

\*Photo Credit Lindsey Cooper

The LPHS Performing Arts will present Mean Girls: The Musical based on the 2004 film of the same name in the LPHS auditorium on March 14 and 15. 

According to Wikipedia, Mean Girls is a rock musical about Cady Heron, a high school student, who transferred to a public school after being homeschooled in Africa all her life. The musical displays the struggles of a social hierarchy and the choice of popularity or loyalty.

The cast and crew have been rehearsing for the musical since January. 

The play will be funny and comical but also display some real-world issues that kids deal with now.

“People should see this show because of the incredibly talented people in the cast!  It also has a great message that is very topical today,” director and LPHS teacher Timothy Hanson said.

There will be four showings of the musical: a preview on March 13 at 6 p.m., opening night on March 14 at 6 p.m., and the final shows will be on March 15 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.1Tickets will be $10 at the door. 

For any further questions, email <thanson@lpcsc.k12.in.us> or [shanson@lpcsc.k12.in.us.](mailto:shanson@lpcsc.k12.in.us)

[](mailto:shanson@lpcsc.k12.in.us)The cast for Mean Girls is:

1\.  Damian - Nick Oss
2\.  Janis - Ellie Hopper
3\.  Cady Heron - Cami Ruiz
4\.  Regina George - Molly Cooper
5\.  Gretchen - Layna Hannon
6\.  Karen - Halyn Pumroy
7\.  Aaron Samuels - Andy Hayes
8\.  Kevin G. - Keith Berrier
9\.  Ms. Norbury - Emily Hunt
10\. Mrs. George - Kairah Ohime
11\. Mr. Duvall, Martin J. - Christian McGuire
12\. Mrs. Heron - Hannah Delaney
13\. Mr. Heron, Tyler K. - Felix Goff
14\. Sonja Acquino - Elise Eldridge
15\. Taylor Wedell - Nev Nelson
16\.  Rachel Hamilton - Karsyn Klein
17\.  Mr. Buck, Jason W., Glenn C.,  Marymount 3 - Orion McNew
18\.  Mathlete Moderator - Alora Moss
19\.  Dawn Schweitzer - Anaya Cunningham
20\.  French Teacher, Caroline K. - Kirstyn Mosier
21\.  Coach Carr, Christian, Marymount 2 - Damion McCrudden
22\.  Teary Girl  - Bailey Emerick

Slicer Performing Arts to present Mean Girls

The LPHS Student Council will host a Staff vs. Senior basketball game in the main gym to raise money for Riley Children's Hospital on March 11 at 7 p.m.

The Student Council has been holding the fundrasier game for years. LPHS continues to bring back the event because both the students and staff enjoy it, and it helps raise money for a good cause--Riley Children’s Hospital.

The fee to watch the game will be $3 in cash at the front door. For each ticket bought, a dollar of it will go to Riley Children’s Hospital. The rest will go toward the LPHS Student Council for future events.

Student Council will also be selling bracelets and temporary tattoos. The tattoos will be two for $1 and the bracelets will be one for $1. All of the proceeds earned from these will also go toward the Riley Children’s Hospital. Concessions will also be available during the game.

For any further questions, email Lowry at: alowry@lpcsc.k12.in.us

Staff vs student game

The Play for Jake Foundation is offering free preventative heart screenings for high school students in the small gym at LPHS on March 20 and 21. 

The heart screenings would not be possible without the Play for Jake and Zac Mago Foundation. 1The [Play For Jake](https://playforjake.org/) and [Zac Mago Foundation](https://zacmagofoundation.org/) travel to different areas to educate and spread awareness about how to protect teenage hearts and the dangers of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). They also hold events to raise funds for AEDs and heart screenings. 

During the screenings, each student will receive a weight and height measurement, blood pressure reading, electrocardiogram (ECG), and an echocardiogram (ECHO). 

By receiving a heart screening, students may be able to treat any heart conditions that they might have without even showing any symptoms. 

“I feel parents should register their child for a heart screening because it’s so important that they know the condition of their child’s heart. With Jake having no signs or symptoms of anything being wrong with his heart and passing every school and sports physical gave me a false sense of security,” founder of the Play for Jake Foundation Julie West said. 

Julie West’s son, Jake West, was a student at LPHS. Before passing, he was involved in many sports and school activities. Jake passed away during a football practice after going into cardiac arrest. He had a deadly underlying heart condition, but no one knew because there were no signs. 

Any students under the age of 18 must have parental permission and signatures to register for a heart screening. 

To register for a heart screening, use the link below:\
<https://preventativeheartscreening.as.me/schedule/4f4e569a/?calendarIds=11278390>

Play For Jake heart screenings

While there are many pathways offered at LPHS, one of the most popular ones offered is Culinary Arts. 

This pathway is directed toward students who wish to develop skills both in or out of the culinary industry such as sanitation, nutrition, and other essential life and career skills. The Culinary pathway consists of three classes: Principles of Culinary and Hospitality, Nutrition, and Culinary Arts. 

The first class in the Culinary pathway is Principles of Culinary and Hospitality. This pathway is designed to help students develop an understanding of the hospitality industry and the career opportunities that follow. They will also learn the basic fundamentals of food preparation such as sanitation, service procedures, and safety practices with equipment that are used in the food sevice industry. Students will have 20 food labs and a few projects on fruits, vegetables, herbs and seasonings, and dairy where there are no labs that go with them. They will also complete projects that involve learning about the Culinary/Hospitality industry where students can learn more about different careers in the industry.

The second class in the pathway is Nutrition. This class will teach students the characteristics, functions, and food sources of the major nutrient groups and how to maximize nutrient retention in food preparation and storage. This course will engage students in hands-on learning of nutritional concepts such as preparing nutrient-dense meals or examining nutritional needs of student-athletes. In Nutrition, students will make a nutrients, digestion, vitamins, and minerals board game and MyPlate.

The last course in this pathway is Culinary Arts. This pathway will teach students how to prepare the four major stocks, the five mother sauces (in addition to smaller sauces), and various soups. They will also learn classical cooking techniques and the fundamentals of baking science. These fundamentals are terminology, ingredients, weight and measures, and the proper use and care of equipment. 

The Culinary pathway will help students develop skills that will be extremely useful in the future whether they choose to go into food service after high school or not. 

“Students will explore career opportunities in the food service industry, gain knowledge about nutrition and healthy eating, participate in hands-on projects, and build teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. This pathway is perfect for students who love working with food, enjoy hands-on learning, and want to explore careers in the culinary and hospitality industries,” Principle of Culinary Arts and Nutrition teacher Emily Upp said.

For more information about this pathway visit: <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tzzP0GV95fUZAIDWxfsvLX8aHGirYjlddMJNBDUfetE/edit?tab=t.0>

Culinary pathway proves to be student favorite

LPHS now offers a new Human Services pathway that started this school year.

These new courses replaced the Fashion Textiles and Design Pathway. This group of courses is directed towards students who are planning on pursuing a career in family and human needs but is available for all students. The Human Services pathway will consist of three classes: Principles of Human Sciences (HS), Understanding Diversity, and Relationships & Emotions. 

“Students should take this course if they are interested in working with the public after graduation,” teacher Lindsey Pritchard said. 

In the Principles of HS course, students will learn about the different jobs that relate to the pathway. Some of these are Consumer Services, Counseling and Mental Health, Early Childhood Development, Family and Community Services, Personal Care Services, Food and Nutrition, Fashion, and Home Interiors.  

In Cultural Diversity, students will learn to gain appreciation and understanding of the people around them who come from different backgrounds and ethnic groups.

Relationships & Emotions teaches students how to correctly navigate relationships on an emotional level through all stages of life.1In this pathway, students create several projects, including vacation budgeting, reading body language, conflict management, and mentorship. 

Students in the pathway are enjoying all that is to offer.

“The pathway has taught me a lot about the different jobs in human services. It also taught me things that affect people's emotions and thinking. It’s made me more aware of how I talk to people and react to things,” sophomore Amanda Garcia said.

For more information, visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tzzP0GV95fUZAIDWxfsvLX8aHGirYjlddMJNBDUfetE/edit?tab=t.0

Human services pathway

The LPHS Athletic Council raised $3,100 for Special Olympics in Indiana after it held its annual Trick or Treat on October 24. 

After years of holding this event, the athletic department has continued to make the event bigger and better each year. To date, they have raised tens of thousands of dollars for Special Olympics. 

“The event went very well. The Student Athletic Council was able to raise $3100 for Special Olympics Indiana. The turnout was fantastic and the clubs and athletic teams all did an outstanding job with their activities and interacting with the kids,” athletic director Steve Santana said. 

The Special Olympics has been giving students with disabilities the chance to participate in sporting events for decades. According to its website, Special Olympics uses sport as a catalyst for social change, exposing inequity and highlighting the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities to break down misperceptions and negative attitudes. 

During the trick or treat, many clubs and sports teams gave out candy and entertained the kids who attended with activities. The hallways and gyms were lined with endless opportunities for local kids to fill their candy bags to the brim. 

The event was planned and organized by 14 students from the Student Athletic Council, which has representatives from different Slicer athletic teams. The Student Athletic Council meets throughout the year and also attends leadership conferences and meets monthly with fellow DAC councils. 1Be on the lookout for next year’s event, which is sure to be another success.

Trick or Treat at LPHS

Fall Ball will be in the LPHS Cafeteria on November 9th from 7-10 p.m.

Before purchasing a ticket, each student who plans to attend Fall Ball must go to the front office with their student ID and get a permission slip from Miss Hartson. Once it is signed by the student and guardian, there will be a grade check to make sure students are eligible to attend. If they are in good academic standing (passing 75% of classes, no repetitive absences, and no suspensions), then students will receive a ticket.

Tickets for this dance will be sold starting October 21 up until November 1 for $20. Only 600 tickets are available.

This will be a semi-formal dance, so the dress code does not allow jeans, sweatpants, pajamas, or yoga pants. The theme of Fall Ball will be “Let’s GLOW Crazy.” If students have any questions or concerns about the dress code, they are encouraged to reach out to an LPHS administrator.

The Fall Ball is only for LPHS students. In order to get into the dance, Slicers must show an ID to confirm they are a student at LPHS. If any student needs to purchase a new ID, see Mrs. Staggers in Student Services. New IDs cost $3.

For any further questions, see Mrs. Lowry in room 4.16 or contact her at <alowry@lpcsc.k12.in.us> or Mrs. Brown in room 5.11 or at lbrown@lpcsc.k12.in.us.