Whitko Community Schools

10/07/2026

It's WILDCAT WEDNESDAY!
This week's TOP CATS are Trevor Miller, the late-shift custodian at Whitko Junior Senior High School, and Allison Jackson, a school bus driver with a Pierceton Elementary School route!
Congratulations to this week's Top Cats.

10/02/2026

October Newsletter is out!

October Newsletter 2026 A Word From Our Superintendent Dear Whitko Families, It is hard to be...

10/01/2026

📢 We're Hiring!

Whitko Community Schools is seeking Custodial/Maintenance employees to support Whitko Jr./Sr. High School and Pierceton Elementary School.

Interested in joining the Whitko team? Learn more about the positions and apply through the link below!

🔗 https://www.applitrack.com/Whitko/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Custodial+%26+Maintenance

10/01/2026

👏 Congratulations to the following Whitko Community School Students of the Month for October 2026. 👏

⭐ Awtymn Garver ⭐ – Whitko JR/SR High School Student of the Month
Freshman Awtymn Garver was nominated by senior high teacher Jill Coulter-Smith, who said, “Awtymn always greets me and students in the hallway as she enters the classroom. She is the first to always be prepared by grabbing the materials needed for that class period. If she hears anything that is unkind said, she will redirect and correct the students while encouraging them to be kind.”

⭐ Makayla Cooley ⭐ – Whitko Career Academy Student of the Month
Freshman Makayla Cooley was nominated by Chris Neeley, the academy’s construction trades instructor. “Makayla is very deserving of Student of the Month because of the consistent effort and positive attitude she brings to class each day,” he said. “She shows up ready to learn, works hard on every project, and is not afraid to ask questions when she needs help, even if she thinks it might be an unnecessary question. No matter the task, she approaches it with a great attitude and a willingness to improve. Her consistency, effort, and positivity make her a great example for others in the shop.”

⭐ Levi Mathias ⭐ – South Whitley Elementary School Student of the Month
Levi was nominated by his fourth grade teacher, Ashley Beck, who said, “Levi is our Student of the Month because he consistently shows what it means to be a kind, caring, and responsible student. He always tries to do the right thing and sets a wonderful example for those around him. Levi works hard, gets his work done, and can always be counted on to treat others with kindness and respect. He is a sweet and thoughtful young man, and I am very proud to have him in my class.”

⭐ Cooper Stephens ⭐ – Pierceton Elementary School Student of the Month
Cooper was nominated by his second grade teacher Madison Moss, who said, “Cooper is a great role model in our classroom. He’s kind to his peers, always looking for ways to help, and constantly being a good example of our classroom expectations. He gives his best effort on his work, even when things are hard, and he’s always wanting to participate during our lessons. He comes in each morning with a positive attitude and ready to have a good day. Cooper is a great asset to our classroom.”

09/30/2026

It's WILDCAT WEDNESDAY and this week South Whitley Elementary School's awesome staff members teachers Krista Busz and Amanda Johnson (and Molly, of course); Title 1 assistant Alicia Sellers and cafeteria manager Sarah Bechtold are being honored with a Top Cat award.
Go Bulldogs!

09/25/2026

🏈 It’s Homecoming Game Day! 🏈

Join us TONIGHT, Friday, September 25, at 7 p.m. for the Whitko High School Homecoming football game! Come out, cheer on the Wildcats, and help us fill the stands with Wildcat Pride! 🐾

👑 Don’t miss the crowning of our Homecoming King, Queen, Prince, and Princess at halftime!

GO WILDCATS!

09/23/2026

It's WILDCAT WEDNESDAY and this week's TOP CAT honorees are Transportation Director Rhonda Snavley and Operations Administrative Assistant Robin Banacka; Pierceton Elementary School's front office staff treasurer Christi Rose, secretary Monda Pherigo and health clerk Monica Wagner; and PES teacher Tina Campbell.
Congratulations one and all!

09/22/2026

Last night’s Whitko School Board meeting included a special presentation from representatives of After School Central, who shared information about the free after-school programming available to middle school students. The presentation highlighted many of the activities, events, and opportunities students can enjoy through the program.

Additional highlights from the meeting include:
👏 September Students of the Month were recognized.
➡ SWES Principal Joel Holsopple shared outstanding student results from ILEARN and IREAD testing.
➡ WCA Director Chris Benedict provided updates on programming and upcoming events.
➡ WJHS Principal JD Maurer shared information about grade reports and testing processes.
➡ WSHS Principal Kathy Longenbaugh highlighted Homecoming Week and upcoming staff training.
➡ Director of Special Services Kari Walmer provided updates on programming and services.
➡ Director of Curriculum Faith Erexson highlighted this Friday’s all-staff professional development day, new teacher orientation, and curriculum updates.
➡ Athletic Director Drew Benedict recognized the girls golf, boys tennis, cheerleading, volleyball, and football teams. He also extended a special thank you to the Whitko Athletic Booster Club for purchasing a Game Ready compression therapy system.
➡ Director of Transportation Rhonda Snavley provided department updates and extended a special thank you to Chris Staley for towing services.
➡ Director of Operations Joe Jackson shared updates on roofing, parking lot, and carpet projects, along with personnel updates.
➡ Director of Technology Matt Buchanan highlighted the PowerSchool team.

🏈 Dr. Korus invited everyone to attend the Homecoming football game this Friday, September 25, at 7 p.m., where the Class of 1991 will be recognized.

Save the Date:
🎾 Tennis Senior Night — September 22
👑 WHS Homecoming — September 25
🏐 Volleyball Senior Night — October 8
🏈 Football Senior Night & Youth Program Recognition — October 9
🎃 PES Fall Festival Trunk-or-Treat — October 24

The evening also included a public hearing to review the 2027 Budget, 2027 Bus Replacement Plan, and 2027 Capital Projects Plan, as well as a second public hearing regarding a proposed bond project. Presentations were made by Whitko Business Manager Lynn Leininger and Municipal Advisor Mike Therber of Therber & Brock.

🎥 The meeting can be watched in its entirety here:

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09/21/2026

🗓️ Our next regular school board meeting will be held this evening, Monday, September 21, at 5:30 p.m. in the Whitko Career Academy lecture room.

Public hearings to discuss the 2027 Budget, the 2027 Bus Replacement Plan, and the 2027 Capital Projects Plan will also be held starting at 5 p.m. Learn more at https://whitko.org/

🖥️ Join us in person or watch the meetings live online: https://www.youtube.com//streams

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