March 2026

Website: wccsonline.com/isms
Location: 1692 South State Road 9, Columbia City, IN, USA
Phone: + 260-244-5148
Twitter: @ismstwitter

ISMS Start Time: - 8:15 A.M.

Car Rider Dismissal - 3:10 P.M.

Bus Rider Dismissal - 3:15 P.M

School Calendar 25/26

School Calendar 26/27

Car Rider Procedures

School Schedule

2 hr and 3 hr Delay Schedule

**Reminder: Changes to your transportation plans must be made before 1:00 so we can ensure safety for students**

Important Dates:

March 10th and 11th- 6th Grade Bowling Incentive 

March 13th, end of the third quarter

March 16th - Flex Waiver Day-Staff Only

March 20th-7th Grade Field Trip to Chicago

May 8th- 6th Grade Field Trip

May 20th Band and Choir Concert

May 22nd- 8th Grade Fair Oaks

March 23rd-27th- Drug Free Whitley County Presentations

March 30th-April 3rd Spring Break

May 25th-Memorial Day

 

If you are planning to go on Vacation, a vacation form must be filled out. These days will go towards your ten excused days for the year.  

The form must be filled out by the parent, student, and teacher prior to leaving. Please return the form to your grade level office or the front desk.

Vacation Form

Handbook Information

Understanding Attendance

Volunteer Form

If you are chosen to participate in a field trip for your student(s), you must have a background check on file. Please send a copy of your driver's license to process the form. Please email all background forms to blakecn@wccsonline.com (Carly Blake). If you have completed a background form for another school, another form is not required, as you are good for the district for the 25/26 school year.

Sports Physical

Kroger Community Rewards

We are currently participating in the Kroger Community Rewards program. This program comes at NO COST TO YOU. A percentage of every purchase you make with your Kroger Rewards card raises points for Indian Springs Middle School. Points earn dollars for our school and support student activities. The following are examples of different programs: event scholarships, honors breakfast, field trips, guest speakers, activity class projects, 5K, and our newly implemented ISMS insufficiently funded lunch account program (limit per account). Please support Indian Springs Middle School's student body by signing up for the Kroger Community Rewards program below.

Kroger Community Rewards

Our organization is Indian Springs Middle School and our organization number is KG733.

School Gifts

Per the WCCS ISMS handbook, student gifts for birthdays and holidays should not be delivered to the school. Families are encouraged to find a time outside of the school day to deliver gifts. Thank you! 

Attendance

If a student is absent from school due to illness, a note from a guardian must be submitted within 24 hours of the student's return for the absence to be considered excused. After a student has used their allotted ten days of absence, a doctor's note will be required for the remainder of the school year to excuse any further absences.

Please ensure that you always submit your student's attendance or call the school to inform us if he or she will be out for the day. Both doctor's notes and guardian notes must be turned in within 24 hours of the return date. Please note that emails will not be accepted.

Please ensure that your student brings a doctor's note if they are returning to school after an appointment. If you do not provide a doctor's note following the appointment, your student will be marked as an unexcused tardy instead of an excused medical tardy. Additional information can be found in the ISMS Handbook.

ISMS Handbook

Skyward

Please keep your phone number, email, emergency contacts (someone other than parent/guardians), and emergency dismissal plan updated. This information is a necessity for us to contact you. The number one form of communication is by email, so please make sure it is up to date.

Transportation Changes

Please contact the office with any transportation changes by 1 PM to ensure we can get your children to their destination. If you need to arrange an early pickup, please call ahead of time, as this allows us to provide your student with a pass. Thank you!

 

April Newsletter

6th Grade Newsletter 

6th Grade April Overview: A Busy Month Ahead!

Sixth-grade students have a packed schedule starting right after Spring Break.

English Language Arts (ELA)

Argumentative Essay Unit: Students will wrap up their study of argumentative essays by focusing on constructing strong arguments, supporting reasons with solid evidence (facts, expert quotes, statistics), and refuting opposing viewpoints.

I-LEARN Test Prep: Please encourage your students to apply the writing skills they’ve learned this year to the ELA I-LEARN Test!

Language Arts/Literature: Students will continue to study prefixes and suffixes in vocabulary. They will transition from their non-fiction unit to poetry.

Reading Logs: Students are working toward a goal of reading 40 books by the end of the year and will continue to log their weekly reading.

Reading Project: A final reading project is due near the end of April.

Science

Careers in Science: Students will conclude their exploration of different science careers, such as Marine Biologists, Astronomers, and Climatologists.

Impact of Science on Flight: The class will begin investigating how science has influenced flight in preparation for the upcoming Air Force Museum Trip.

Outdoor Action: Be sure to ask your student about upcoming outdoor action days in Science, including activities like pulling Garlic Mustard plants to help the environment!

Math

Ratios, Rates, and Proportions: Students will be exploring these concepts, which will lead to graphing functions.

Advanced Math: Advanced students will experiment with probability and examine more complicated equations and inequalities.

Social Studies

Latin American Research: Students will wrap up their research on a chosen Latin American country with a project choice as their final assessment.

Canada and the United States: The class will then begin learning about the geography, history, and cultures of Canada and the United States, focusing on why Canada is truly "Our Northern Neighbor," both geographically and as an ally.

In April, students will be learning about World Wars I and II in preparation for our field trip to the National Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH.   Students are always excited and are anticipating this unit!

 

April Newsletter 

7th Grade Newsletter

7th Grade April Overview: A Fun Month Ahead!

Language Arts

Writing/Grammar: Students will engage in brief units focusing on subject-verb agreement and sentence structure (simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex). They will practice creating fluent sentences to demonstrate their grasp of these concepts. Vocabulary development continues as an ongoing focus. In late April, students will begin their "Unique Animal" project, which will include a review of research skills and finding credible sources.

Literature/Reading: The focus remains on improving reading comprehension and vocabulary. We will work on skill-building through comprehension and critical thinking activities, often using various short stories. Meaningful class discussions will be encouraged, primarily through Socratic Seminars. To ensure continued growth, students are expected to complete 20-30 minutes of reading homework each night. Happy reading!

Math

7th Grade: Students are currently covering probability, slope, inequalities, and statistics.

8th Grade: In addition to the topics above, 8th-grade students are also learning about the line of best fit and interpreting graphs.

Social Studies

This month, students will conclude their study of Asia before moving on to the islands of the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand. Following this, the focus will shift to Africa. Students will explore the continent's diverse physical features and analyze how these features impact the people who live there.

Science

7th Grade: After Spring Break, 7th graders will dedicate April to exploring cells, the smallest living parts of life. We will cover how cells make up our bodies, the different types of cells, and the microscopic parts within them (organelles). Students will learn to name and describe the function of several organelles. The unit will conclude with an Edible Cell Lab, where students will practice labeling cell parts before getting to eat their homework!

8th Grade Newsletter

8th Grade April Overview: A Great Month Ahead! 

Language Arts/Intro to Communications

Students will take the ILearn summative assessment after Spring Break.

We will be focusing on movie and podcast reviews before beginning work on the 8th-grade transition speeches. Two students will be selected to read their speeches at the ceremony on the last day of school.

The final unit of the year will explore the impact of technology and communication.

Language Arts/Literature

In the 4th quarter, the literature class will study short stories from the Science Fiction genre, specifically focusing on works by Ray Bradbury and Daniel Keyes.

We will conclude the year with a biographical analysis unit on Margot Lee Shetterly's Hidden Figures.

Reminder: We continue to encourage students to read for twenty minutes per day on their own.

Math

Pre-Algebra: Students will transition to geometry problems, including finding the volume of cylinders, cones, spheres, and prisms.

Algebra: The focus will be on graphing quadratic functions. Since these are often challenging topics for 8th graders, we encourage students to seek extra help as needed.

Social Studies

Following Spring Break, we will wrap up the Westward Expansion in Art project with a gallery walk for students to view their peers' work. Parents are invited to view the artwork on Wednesday, March 26, from 3:45 pm to 5:30 pm in the project area at ISMS.

The next major unit will cover the study of slavery in America as the primary cause of the Civil War, emphasizing the dehumanizing nature of life under slavery.

We will examine how the controversy over slavery intensified as the nation expanded into new territories.

The unit will also include an in-depth look at the abolitionist movement, the use of the Underground Railroad to aid escapes, and how differing views on states’ rights, cultural differences, and economies contributed to the tensions between the North and South.

Science

AgScience (starting in April): Students will begin studying Food Science, focusing on the six classes of nutrients.

Activities will include learning to read food labels, defining common food buzzwords, and creating posters to compare the calorie or fat content of meals from favorite restaurants.

The quarter will conclude with the Food Product Development Project, where students will design a new flavor of Clif Bar tailored to a specific demographic.

 

Mr. Swain is an exceptionally dedicated and enthusiastic 6th-grade math teacher, a vital member of the team on the "Star" side of the middle school. He brings an undeniable passion and energy for teaching mathematics into his classroom every single day, striving to make complex concepts accessible and engaging for his students. The calm and supportive environment he fosters is often reflected in his favorite color, blue, which mirrors the sense of tranquility and genuine warmth he consistently exudes.

Beyond his responsibilities in the classroom, Mr. Swain is deeply committed to the student body through his coaching endeavors. He currently coaches the middle school soccer team, where he instills lessons in teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Furthermore, demonstrating his commitment to the entire district's athletic program, he generously assists with the high school soccer team whenever his busy teaching and coaching schedule permits.

When he is not focused on education or athletics, Mr. Swain enjoys a well-deserved break, often indulging in his favorite cuisine: Italian food. His commitment extends to his personal life, where he cherishes spending quality time with his wife, who shares his professional vocation as she is also a dedicated teacher. To unwind and maintain an active lifestyle, one of his favorite pastimes is playing golf.

Mr. Loeffler is a well-regarded 8th-grade Social Studies teacher, and he is a proud member of the Eagle Side teaching team. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Loeffler is a man of simple, yet specific, tastes. His favorite food is, without a doubt, a classic, hearty lasagna. This dish holds such a special place in his heart that he has made it an annual birthday tradition, requesting it every single year for his celebratory meal.His preferences extend to color as well; his enduring favorite is a deep, resonant blue. This affinity for blue is not a recent development, but rather a long-standing fixture in his life, dating all the way back to the 1980s.

In his free time, Mr. Loeffler pursues a passion for international cuisine, specifically enjoying the process of experimenting with different curry styles sourced from various corners of the world. The culinary endeavor has become a full-fledged hobby, resulting in a spice cabinet that has grown to impressive proportions. It now closely resembles a small, bustling international market, stocked with exotic blends and individual spices from countless regions. Despite his wide-ranging experimentation, Mr. Loeffler is still on a determined quest to achieve perfection—to get at least one of his chosen curry recipes exactly right.

This pursuit of culinary excellence is not a solo effort. His family forms an ever-present, and sometimes unsolicited, review panel. They consistently provide him with honest (and often quite candid) critiques of his cooking, regardless of whether he asks for their feedback or not. Their reviews serve as both a motivation and a barometer for his progress toward that perfect bowl of curry.

 

Mrs. Cummings works at the 7th Eagle writing/ literature teacher. With a true, infectious passion for language, grammar, and the art of storytelling, Mrs. Cummings inspires her students daily. She challenges them to look beyond the surface of a text, encouraging them to explore the vast, imaginative, and complex worlds contained within books. Through her engaging curriculum, she successfully cultivates a lifelong love of reading, transforming what could be a mere requirement into a joyous exploration. Her students consistently demonstrate a marked improvement in their comprehension, critical thinking, and, most importantly, their ability to articulate their own thoughts and narratives effectively.

When the school day concludes, Mrs. Cummings's personal life continues to reflect her professional devotion. Her favorite pastime is, perhaps entirely predictably, getting completely lost in the pages of a carefully chosen book. This personal love for literature is a source of continuous enrichment and deep relaxation, allowing her to recharge her creative and intellectual energies. Beyond her literary pursuits, she maintains a steadfast commitment to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She makes conscious choices about her well-being, specifically preferring to eat a wide variety of healthy options, mirroring the sense of discipline and balance she applies to all aspects of her professional and personal life. This dedication to health underscores her belief in the importance of maintaining an equilibrium necessary for sustained performance and personal happiness.

Above all other pursuits, Mrs. Cummings holds her family as her highest priority and greatest joy. Time spent with her loved ones is the cornerstone of her personal happiness, with many of their most treasured moments revolving around memorable vacations. These intentional opportunities for travel, exploration, and meaningful connection are essential for her, serving as vital periods of rest, renewal, and the creation of cherished, lasting memories that energize her for the school year.

Mr. Garrison is a dedicated and highly valued 8th-grade Resource teacher, playing a crucial role in the academic and emotional well-being of his students. He understands that the transition through middle school, coupled with academic pressures, can be overwhelming for some learners. Consequently, when students face moments of stress or feel unable to cope with their schoolwork demands, Mr. Garrison is the constant, supportive presence ready to step in. His primary goal is to provide tailored assistance, employing various strategies to help students navigate their assignments, develop essential study skills, and ultimately guide them toward academic success and self-confidence.

His commitment to his students goes far beyond simple instruction. Mr. Garrison possesses an extraordinary attention to detail, which allows him to quickly identify individual learning obstacles and adjust his teaching methods accordingly. Furthermore, his genuine love and compassion for his students do not go unnoticed by the school community, his colleagues, or the students themselves, fostering a warm and encouraging learning environment.

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Garrison is also a vital part of the school's athletic community as a devoted football coach. He channels the same dedication he shows in the classroom onto the field, working tirelessly to mentor young athletes. His coaching philosophy centers on more than just game strategy; he focuses on character development, teamwork, and instilling the discipline necessary to prepare these young men for the higher demands of high school sports and life beyond.

In his personal time, Mr. Garrison maintains a healthy balance. He is known to enjoy a simple, classic snack: peanut butter and celery. When he is not dedicating his energy to teaching or coaching, his preferred way to unwind is by diving into a great book. Spending quality time with his family is also a top priority, allowing him to recharge and remain the supportive and effective educator and coach that his school relies upon.

Mrs. Stanley, a truly dedicated physical education teacher who brings passion and enthusiasm to the gymnasium every day. Her commitment extends beyond the school bell, as her favorite things to do in her spare time revolve around athletic pursuits and quiet contemplation. She loves to play sports herself, enjoys attending her daughter's various sporting events to cheer her on, and finds great enjoyment in reading. A self-proclaimed bibliophile, Mrs. Stanley truly savors a great book, often using it as a way to unwind after a busy day of teaching and coaching. When it comes to comfort food, her absolute favorite is a hearty pan of lasagna, and she has a distinct preference for the calming and vibrant color teal.

In addition to her role as a P.E. teacher, Mrs. Stanley also serves as a highly successful volleyball coach. Her coaching acumen has been demonstrated across multiple school districts, leading several of her teams to significant success and memorable victories during her tenures at both Columbia City High School and Warsaw High School. Her dedication to fostering teamwork, discipline, and skill development has made her a respected figure in the local high school sports community.

 

Mrs. Coons is a highly dedicated and valued member of the instructional team, serving as a 6th-grade Writing and Literature teacher on the Eagle Side. She brings a deep passion for literacy and creative expression to her classroom every day, inspiring her students to explore the world through words.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Coons has a variety of interests that showcase her vibrant personality. Her favorite color is a cheerful pink, and she has a particular fondness for the delicious Tex-Mex comfort of queso.

In her spare time, Mrs. Coons is incredibly active and engaged in several fulfilling pursuits. She generously extends and volunteers her time with the "Honors Flight" organization, dedicating efforts to honoring veterans. Her love for the outdoors is evident in her passion for gardening. She also enjoys practical and creative domestic arts, including cooking and the specialized craft of stitching wool appliqué. Always eager to grow, Mrs. Coons continuously dedicates time to learning new hobbies, reflecting her lifelong commitment to personal development and discovery.

Mr. Richmond serves as the dedicated head teacher for the ECA program, a vital resource designed to foster student growth and provide comprehensive support. Under his guidance, ECA is committed to assisting students with a wide range of needs, from tackling challenging homework assignments to offering mentorship and emotional support. 

Beyond his professional life, Mr. Richmond is a man of simple pleasures and deep community ties. His favorite color is a vibrant red, a hue often associated with energy and passion—traits he brings to his work every day. When it comes to food, his ultimate indulgence is a savory California steak burrito.

Family time is paramount to Mr. Richmond. He cherishes moments spent with his loved ones, understanding that a strong family foundation is key to personal well-being. When the weather permits, he can often be found on the golf course, enjoying a relaxing round and the strategic challenge of the game.

An ardent enthusiast of all kinds of sports, Mr. Richmond recognizes the value of teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition. This passion often translates into his dedication to the community. He is a strong advocate for local initiatives and is always eager to lend his support to programs that benefit students and residents alike, underscoring his commitment to nurturing a thriving and supportive environment.

Mrs. Engelberth is an exceptional addition to the 8th-grade team, where she serves as a dedicated writing teacher. Her expertise and passion for both language and her students make her a highly valued member of the staff.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Engelberth has several interests that define her personality. Her favorite color is a deep, vibrant purple, a hue that often reflects her creative and thoughtful nature. She has a strong affinity for Indian culture, particularly the food, which she has loved for many years. This appreciation speaks to a broader curiosity about the world and different traditions.

In her spare time, Mrs. Engelberth maintains an active lifestyle. She enjoys working out regularly, often channeling her energy into running. She is an avid runner and has successfully completed marathons, demonstrating her commitment and perseverance. When she wants to unwind, she often turns to reading, finding both relaxation and new perspectives within the pages of a book. Most importantly, however, is the time she spends with her family. A devoted parent, she is a constant fixture at her children's sporting events, where she enthusiastically cheers them on, embodying the same support and encouragement she shows her students.

Mrs. Fageol has quickly become an invaluable member of the Indian Springs Middle School faculty, serving as the dedicated Resource teacher for both 7th and 8th grades. Her commitment to her students is evident in everything she does; she approaches her role with warmth, patience, and a genuine desire to see every student succeed. The entire team at Indian Springs feels incredibly fortunate to have her expertise and compassionate spirit.

A few insights into Mrs. Fageol’s personality reveal a sunny disposition that matches her favorite color, yellow. Like the sunshine, she brings brightness and energy to the classroom. Beyond her professional life, she has a deep appreciation for Mexican culture, including the cuisine, and is an enthusiastic fan of all things Mexican.

When she's not in the classroom, Mrs. Fageol's favorite activity is spending quality time with her family. They often seek out activities that allow them to be outdoors, embracing nature and fresh air. A favorite destination for the Fageol family is the local zoo, where they enjoy exploring and making lasting memories together.

In short, we are exceptionally lucky to have Mrs. Fageol here at Indian Springs Middle School, where her dedication, positive attitude, and engaging presence benefit both her students and the entire school community.

Mrs. Helton is a valued and dedicated member of the 7th-grade resource team, serving with commitment as a resource paraeducator. In this vital role, she works closely with the resource teacher in the 7th-grade office, providing essential support to help students achieve their individualized educational goals. Her passion for her work is evident; she approaches every task with enthusiasm and a willing spirit, making a positive impact on the students she serves.

Beyond her professional life, Mrs. Helton has a rich tapestry of personal interests. Her favorite color is a vibrant magenta, reflecting her appreciation for bright and expressive things. She is a true connoisseur of the arts and enjoys experiencing anything creative or "artsy." However, her absolute favorite artistic medium is watercolor painting. To balance her artistic pursuits, she also maintains a strong commitment to well-being through yoga, finding it a source of peace and physical strength. When it comes to culinary delights, Mrs. Helton's favorite food is the rich and savory taste of crab legs.

 Mrs. Shearer is a highly respected 8th-grade social studies teacher at Indian Springs Middle School. Known for her infectious enthusiasm and deep commitment to her students, she creates a dynamic and engaging learning environment in her classroom. Her favorite color, a rich Burgundy, hints at her strong, passionate personality, which shines through in all her interactions. Over the years, Mrs. Shearer has established herself as a truly invaluable member of the school community, serving as a tremendous role model for the countless students who pass through her doors.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Shearer is also a prominent figure in the school's athletic program, where she serves as the dedicated Varsity high school girls basketball coach for Columbia City. Whether she's discussing historical concepts or drawing up plays on the court, her leadership is evident. She seamlessly transitions between guiding young minds through complex social studies topics and mentoring her athletes to achieve their full potential. 

In her personal life, Mrs. Shearer holds a strong appreciation for simple, wholesome pleasures, particularly when it comes to food. Her favorite meals are those that are homemade, fresh, and sourced directly from a garden, emphasizing her commitment to health and natural living.

Coach Shearer consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty for all her students and athletes. Her dedication is not just about teaching a subject or coaching a sport; it's about fostering character, instilling discipline, and inspiring the next generation to be their best selves, both in their academic pursuits and their extracurricular activities. She is a foundational pillar of the Indian Springs community.

Mrs. Davison is a highly dedicated and valuable member of the staff at Indian Springs Middle School, where she serves as the 7th-Grade resource teacher. In this essential role, she pours her energy and expertise into teaching and developing her students, conscientiously preparing them with the necessary skills and confidence for the transition to the next grade level. Her commitment and effectiveness in the classroom are truly remarkable, making her an amazing asset to the school community.

When it comes to her personal preferences, Mrs. Davison has a wonderfully dynamic approach to color. She finds it impossible to commit to just one favorite, instead enjoying a range of hues that often reflect her current mood. Among the colors she particularly enjoys are the deep richness of purple, the vibrant warmth of orange, and the classic sophistication of black. Her choice simply "just depends on her mood."

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Davison has a clear favorite food: Pasta. Her free time is thoughtfully split between activities that connect her to nature and those that engage her mind. A significant portion of her spare time is spent with the animals on her farm, which she lovingly and diligently tends to. She takes deep personal care in managing her small farm. When she isn't caring for her animals, she is often engrossed in a good book, finding relaxation and enjoyment in reading.

For more active pursuits, she and her husband share a passion for the great outdoors. They can frequently be found together, hunting or fishing, making the most of their time spent outside enjoying nature's offerings.

 Mr. Olinske is an invaluable member of the Indian Springs Middle School faculty, serving as the dedicated 8th grade Agricultural Science teacher. His passion for the subject is evident, rooted in a deep love for the outdoors and a strong commitment to contributing positively to society.

Outside of his dynamic classroom, Mr. Olinske remains an active and engaged individual. He is an avid sports enthusiast, with a particular allegiance to Purdue University. He thoroughly enjoys watching any and all sports that the college fields, proudly supporting the Boilermakers.

When it comes to his personal tastes, Mr. Olinske favors the color green and has a clear preference for spicy cuisine. His favorite meals are centered around heat and flavor, with tacos and hot wings topping his list of enjoyable dishes.

While he is a regular fixture at agricultural competitions, in his classroom, and at various Indiana Springs Middle School student sporting events, his most cherished time is spent with his beloved family. He absolutely adores his wife and their child, and the family is currently celebrating the exciting anticipation of a new baby on the way. The entire Indian Springs community is fortunate to work alongside such an inspirational, dedicated, and well-rounded teacher.