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Message Year in Review
WHAT’S INSIDENORTHFIELD EXPANSION .......... 3-4BRIDGE PROGRAM .................. 5-6SOUTHWOOD PROMO VIDEO ...... 7-8NORTHFIELD WRESTLING ......... 9-10COLLEGE CREDITS ................. 11-12SOUTHWOOD TRANSFERS ....... 13-14SHARP CREEK ROBOTICS ........ 15-16CONNECTION OPPORTUNITIES .. 17-18GRADUATES ....................... 19-20LEADERSHIP TRANSITION ....... 21-22MSDWC.ORGTable ofTable ofEach year, we are honored to share with our communitythe great things happening within the MetropolitanSchool District of Wabash County. We invite you toexplore just a few of those stories and successesthroughout this magazine.Be sure to check out the additional content, which canbe accessed by scanning the QR codes with yoursmartphone.Inspiring a community of learnersto discover and achieve theirpassion and potential.
If we haven’t met, let us introduce you to our schools!Grades 3 - 6Grades 3 - 6Sharp CreekSharp CreekElementaryElementaryWabash CountyIt doesn’t matter whereyou live; our traditionalschools have openenrollment and welcomenew students throughoutthe year!22Age 3 - Grade 2Age 3 - Grade 2Metro NorthMetro NorthElementaryElementaryGrades 7 - 12Grades 7 - 12NorthfieldNorthfieldJr/Sr HighJr/Sr HighGrades 7 - 12Grades 7 - 12White’sWhite’sJr/Sr HighJr/Sr HighGrades 6 - 12Grades 6 - 12SouthwoodSouthwoodJr/Sr HighJr/Sr HighAge 3 - Grade 5Age 3 - Grade 5SouthwoodSouthwoodElementaryElementary
Our northern schools are undergoing a big and exciting shift. Due to theOur northern schools are undergoing a big and exciting shift. Due to theextensive renovations needed at Sharp Creek Elementary, it was decided toextensive renovations needed at Sharp Creek Elementary, it was decided totear the building down and build an elementary wing onto Northfield Jr/Srtear the building down and build an elementary wing onto Northfield Jr/SrHigh. This new addition will be Northfield Elementary and will houseHigh. This new addition will be Northfield Elementary and will housestudents in grades 3-5. Students in grade 6 will join Northfield Junior High.students in grades 3-5. Students in grade 6 will join Northfield Junior High.The project is now one year into the two-year timeline and is on scheduleThe project is now one year into the two-year timeline and is on scheduleto open at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. This year has broughtto open at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. This year has broughtexcitement to the north campus as the building has progressed.excitement to the north campus as the building has progressed.FRONT ENTRANCE RENDERINGFRONT ENTRANCE RENDERING33The new elementary addition will be two stories withaudio reinforcement in classrooms. The entrance willgo through the main office offering the best design forschool security.A new activity center will also be added, which will beutilized by both the elementary and jr/sr high schoolstudents. This gymnasium space will feature threecourts, walking track, and wrestling room. It will beused for student activities, PE classes, extracurricularactivities and various competitions.The addition is being added to the northwest side ofNorthfield and includes roughly 62,000 square feet ofnew building, with an additional 10,000 square feet ofparking lot and outdoor elements. It will feature 16new classrooms, main office, student commons,STEM/robotics room, intense interventions classroom,and nurse station.
MAY 2025 PROGRESSMAY 2025 PROGRESSSTUDENT COMMONS RENDERINGSTUDENT COMMONS RENDERING44Northfield is not the only MSDWCbuilding receiving a facelift. Next on theto-do list is Metro North Elementary. Agymnasium expansion will provide theschool with a separate gym and cafeteriaspace. Construction will begin in theSummer of 2025.Preliminary discussions are also takingplace for additions and renovations toSouthwood Jr/Sr High and SouthwoodElementary.
1,000Bridge program celebrates itsthRead student stories and explore more at66Sometimes, life brings obstacles that makethe traditional path to graduationchallenging. In these instances, the MSD ofWabash County Bridge program is there tohelp Indiana’s high schoolers find success.Established in 2014, this online-basedcredit recovery program has helped over1,000 students earn their diplomas.Around 14 full-time and part-time staffcomprise the Bridge administration andteaching team. While credit recoveryprograms are becoming more commonthroughout the state, the individualizedattention given to each student is adistinguishing feature of Bridge. Thesupportive, flexible, and personalizedlearning environment meets each studentwhere they are. The program also knowsits audience and is experienced at workingwith students with obstacles, whichinclude discipline or legal issues, teenparenthood, mental or physical healthchallenges, and more.“We believe deeply in the potential ofevery student, and it is both an honor anda profound responsibility to walkalongside them on their educationaljourney,” stated Bridge Director TonyaBoone. “Serving students who benefit fromBridge is not just important—it’s incrediblymeaningful and rewarding. Our staff isdriven by a shared passion andunwavering commitment to make adifference, celebrating every step ofgrowth and success as a powerfulreminder of why we do this work.”Bridge has served studentsfrom 74 Indiana counties!We believe deeply in the potential ofevery student, and it is both anhonor and a profound responsibilityto walk alongside them on theireducational journey.bridgetograduation.com
The more I filmed, the more and I got abouthaving my family be part of theSouthwood community.77Originally from Illinois, Chelsea and Jordan Epplive between two school districts and had todecide where to send their incomingkindergarten daughter for the 2024-25 schoolyear. They chose Southwood Elementary. Chelseanoted, “ We know many people who haveattended different schools in the area, and somany people spoke highly of Southwood.”But basing a decision on others’ experiences isquite different than experiencing it firsthand. Inthe fall of 2024, Chelsea started her ownvideography business, Epp Lodge Creative. Shewas hired by MSDWC to create a promotionalvideo for Southwood Elementary and SouthwoodJr/Sr High. Throughout the 2024-25 school year,Chelsea was given a behind-the-scenes view oftrue life within the Southwood schools.“Being invited to do this project is such an honorbecause I get to see the things that parentstypically don't see. I see the interactions in thehallways and the classrooms, and I truly see thecare that happens between staff and students. Asa mom with children in these schools, it's beensuch a blessing to witness firsthand.”“The more I filmed, the more energized andexcited I got about having my family be part ofthe Southwood community. What I see atSouthwood is opportunities.”When a local videographer followedSouthwood students for a year, shediscovered the beauty of the Knightcommunity..
Chelsea attended a plethora of Southwoodactivities for all age levels, including athletics,drama, choir, and much more. “I was consistentlyamazed at how the Southwood community comestogether, not only in the school, but outside of theschool to support one another.”“ I have also been so blessed to see the interactionbetween the high schoolers and the elementarystudents. The connection there is just so sweet.The elementary students look up to the highschoolers, and the high schoolers know thatthey're a leader and an example. Those arecherished moments because you want your kids tohave people to look up to.” “As people watch this video, I really hope they can see what I was able to see as I filmed this school year. I hope people can see the positive culture, the joy and the excitement that everyone has at Southwood.”“The precautions, the locked doors, and the securitymeasures are just top-notch. I really appreciate thatand I know my child is safe.”“You get to see the genuine joy the teachers have toteach their class, and you also see that reciprocated inthe students. They're eager to learn!”“ I love all of the extracurricular activities thatSouthwood provides for different ages from pre-K allthe way up to the seniors. You see the kids thriving inan environment that they enjoy. Such a wide varietyof extracurricular options are offered.” southwood.msdwc.org/iamaknight
As a second grader, Ella Gahl was theonly girl in a room of boys at a wrestlingclinic. The sport intrigued her, but shedefinitely felt out of place. ”My very first year, there were no girlsfor me to wrestle. I went 0-18 that year,and it stopped being fun. I told myparents I was done, but they keptpushing me, and the year after, I almostplaced at Boys’ State with a record of 18-5.”Over the next 10 years, Ella wouldcontinue to DREAM BIG and WORKHARD, and the success followed.As her high school career concludes, her list of accomplishments includes:In its inaugural year as an officialIHSAA sport, Northfield’s GirlsWrestling was set for successthrough the leadership oftrailblazing senior, Ella Gahl.4 Years of Top 5 State TournamentFinishes - 5 , 3 , 2 , 1th rd nd stState Mental Attitude Award Winner8 in National US Openth8 in Fargo National Tournamentth8-time Double Crown Off-Season2-time National Outstanding WrestlerDreaming Big &Dreaming Big &Working HardWorking Hard
1010Ella says the most significant contribution to hersuccess has been the support of her family andcoaches. “My coaches have definitely impactedme, not only in my wrestling, but also in who Iam as a person. Mindset is a really big part ofwrestling. I went from a shy, not confidentperson at all, and now I can walk in front of ahuge gym of people and do what I love most, andthat's because of them.”The sport has become a family affair for theGahls, as they all participate through coachingand wrestling. ”I am most proud of the familybond that has been created from it. It's made mybrother and me the closest that I've ever seensiblings before, and it's really given me a specialbond with my parents (pictured top and middle)too.”Although she started wrestling as the only girl inthe room, Ella’s high school career concludedwith a full girls' wrestling team. When asked howher wrestling journey contributed to the growthof the Northfield Girls’ Wrestling program, Ellastated, “ I think just being nice to people helped itgrow. We have a team that everyone wants to bearound because we encourage and uplift eachother.”Ella aspires to be a wrestling coach someday andpass the skills and life lessons wrestling hasgiven her to other girls. “In elementary school, Igot made fun of for being a girl wrestler becauseit was very not common, and I think I've provenat this point that it's worth it. A lot of people lookup to me for that, and I just want to show withmy actions that wrestling can teach you morethan just a sport.”Next year, Ella plans to attend ManchesterUniversity as a member of their second-yearWomen’s Wrestling team while potentiallypursuing a degree in the medical field.
1111NHS and SHS have a small-school student-to-school counselorratio, offering our students more personalized direction from ourcounselors as they get to know each student!SchoolSchoolCounselorsCounselorsMSDWCMSDWCNationalNationalAverageAverage1 : 2201 : 2201 : 3851 : 3851111For several years, MSDWC has offered students theopportunity to graduate with enough college creditsto cover their first year of college and more. But now,thanks to a partnership with Indiana UniversityKokomo, MSDWC offers a concise roadmap tocomplete a full year of college while in high school.The program is called the Indiana College Core (ICC).The ICC is a block of 30 credit hours of generaleducation college-level coursework that is guaranteedto transfer between Indiana public colleges anduniversities, along with some private institutions.The ICC serves as a gateway for students to fulfillhigh school graduation requirements whilesimultaneously earning IU credits. It is a double winthat brings huge benefits to our students!While the ICC is a fantastic packaged path to collegecredits for our college-bound graduates, MSDWC ispassionate about individualizing studentexperiences to fit each graduate’s needs. Our schoolcounselors offer unique, personalized plans for eachstudent’s future.MSDWC now partners with IndianaUniversity Kokomo to offer students aclear path to completing their first yearof college during high school.ICC courses are tuition-free, savingour students in later tuition costs.Tuition savings can beCompleting the ICC gives studentsflexibility in their college scheduleand even opens the door to graduatefrom college early.The flexibility in schedule can givestudents the chance to completeinternships, study abroad, or participatein extracurricular college activities.$39,000 or more!It’s never too early to plan for success!Students interested in the ICC should beginthose conversations in junior high withtheir school counselor......and we have great ones!StudentsStudentsBenefits to Our StudentsBenefits to Our Students
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of Saint Bernard’s outgoing students choseSouthwood for the 2025-26 school year!.1313...even though the majority of them live closer to other school districts.Thank you to new Southwood students Matthew Swetman, Ash Martin,Andrew Leach, Hudson Whiteman, Tony Cook, Laurel Darland, RhylanRiendeau, and Krishn Patel for their insights!
LEARN MOREIt is EASY tomsdwc.org/enrollment/transfer1414Did you feel welcome when you started at SHS?YES! At the beginning of the school year, theteachers asked us questions that allowed themand our new classmates to get to know us. Itreally made us feel welcome and helped everyonelearn about us. Making friends was not hard.What advice do you have for othertransfer students?Be yourself! Don’t be stressed; thetransition is easy! We were nervous atfirst, but once we were here, we realizedthere wasn’t anything to worry about.When students finish their elementary yearsat Saint Bernard School, they must choosewhere to continue their education. This schoolyear, a large group of those students choseSouthwood Jr/Sr High School. At the end of theschool year, we sat down with a few of them tolearn about their experience at SHS.What aspects of SHS have you appreciated?We enjoy moving around to different classesthroughout the day, and there is a lot more to do.The lunch experience is great at Southwood. Welike the food and getting to sit with whoever wechoose. We are also around more kids our age,rather than a broad range of ages at the smallerelementary school. We enjoy being surrounded byour peers. Choosing what we wear each day isnice too!What things did you have to adapt to at SHS?We had to adjust to changing classes andknowing our schedules. Teachers are notconsistently reminding us what to do. There ismore personal responsibility. We had to learn thelayout of the building, but that did not take long.Of course, we had to meet new people, but theclass sizes are small enough that we now knoweveryone in our class, and it was easier than wethought it would be. At Southwood, religion is notbuilt into everything we do, but we stillhave faith-based opportunities like FCAand Campus Life. Students behavereally well here.
1515The Sharp CreekElementary Roboticsteam is taking on theworld—literally! Thisyear, theyaccumulatednumerous high-levelawards.out of 1,900 Indiana robotics teams!
Through robotics, students learn essential lifeskills such as problem solving, criticalthinking, communication, and innovation,along with STEM-specific skills likeengineering and coding.The Sharp Creek Robotics members know it isa big commitment, but they truly love it. Theyare proud of what they have accomplished,but focus more on the skills they havepersonally gained.“ Robotics relates to the stuff you do in real lifebecause when you fail, you can learn from itand go back and fix it,” stated team memberHudson Texeira. Aiden Lowery added, ”It also teachescommunication skills, because you have totalk with a bunch of new and different peopleand cooperate with them, even when you justmet them. It also teaches you to come out ofyour shell if you're a shy person.”As STEM skills and careersbecome even more valuablein our world, MSDWC willcontinue to empower ourstudents to develop theseskills for their future.VEX Robotics is a hands-on,student-led, competitive program wherestudents design, build, and code robots tocomplete challenges. It teaches STEM skillsthrough teamwork and competition using kitsand coding.While all MSDWC schools offer robotics teams,the Sharp Creek program has specificallygrown in success as Coaches Amber and KevinBretzman have cultivated a high-achievingatmosphere. Robotics is a nearly year-longcommitment, beginning in July and oftenconcluding in May. Students practicethroughout the week and sometimes onweekends, while competing locally andnationally.“When the kids experience the bigger stage -world, state, and signature events - it createsa passion in them,” stated Coach AmberBretzman. “They meet teams from around theworld and develop friendships. They get todrive with their role models that they see onYouTube, and it's inspiring to them. Thesuccess becomes self-motivating.”
Check out our current job openings and consider joining our team!Check out our current job openings and consider joining our team!WAYS toRegular EmploymentRegular EmploymentFlexible EmploymentFlexible EmploymentVolunteersVolunteersBus DriversCustodiansFood ServiceParaprofessionalsSpecial ServicesTeachersCoachesSubstitute Bus DriversSubstitute CustodiansSubstitute NursesSubstitute TeachersTutorsAthletic BoostersChaperonesCoachesExtracurricularsGuest SpeakersPTOIn our small community schools,adults play a vital role in shapingstudent success. Whether throughfull-time careers or simple acts ofvolunteerism, their presence createsopportunities that reach far beyondthe classroom.1717msdwc.org/employment/job-listingsmsdwc.org/employment/job-listingsThere are more ways to support our schools than we can list! Tell us your interestsor strenghts, and we will help you find a place to make an impact in our schools.Scan and complete our interest form to discover ways you cansupport our students and schools!
“When I decided to go back into the classroom this school year,I wasn’t sure what to expect because - news flash - teaching ishard! Fortunately, I have been pleasantly surprised by theauthentic positivity and support from the entire schoolcommunity, including administrators, parents, and especiallymy fellow teachers! Everyone here is committed to high-quality education and instilling real-life values into thestudents. I have truly enjoyed getting to know the studentsand establishing my place here. Every day matters here, and Iam proud to be part of a team that has goals that go beyond thewalls of the classroom.”Steady PayFull-time drivers receive a dailyrate and are paid all year.Extra IncomeField trips provide additionalearning opportunities for bothsubs and full-time drivers.Multiple RolesOpportunity to work in otherschool roles in addition todriving.Ideal for Parents & RetireesFollows the school calendar,aligning with kids’ schedules.On-Site TrainingConvenient, in-house trainingavailable with no upfront cost.Financial IncentivesTraining costs reimbursed andsign-on bonus available.New Staff Experience -Mrs. Jessica Jones 14 Years in Education, 1 Year at MSDWCstStarting PaySign-On Bonus$125/day$1,500ballm@msdwc.k12.in.us260-563-8050We will let you practicedriving a bus before youcommit to anything!
51%37%10%1%1% What’s Next?NorthfieldCollege or TradeSchoolWorkforceMilitaryUndecidedOther Where We’re Heading
Southwood70.4%28.6%1% What’s Next?CollegeWorkforceMilitary
This summer our school district will have a leadershiptransition. Mr. Mike Keaffaber will retire from thesuperintendent position, while Dr. Chris Kuhn willassume the role.Reflecting on my career, I am filled with gratitude forthe many blessings I have experienced. I wasfortunate to be raised in a Christian home wherevalues of faith, hard work, and service were deeplyinstilled. My hero and greatest role model, my dad,Bobb Keaffaber, was a band director/teacher andadministrator at Southwood. His example greatlyinfluenced my own path in education.When I first stepped into a classroom as a youngteacher, becoming a superintendent was not even onmy radar. I simply wanted to make a difference likemy dad did as a teacher. Teaching for ten years andserving as a principal for twenty more were incrediblegifts. Over time, thanks to the encouragement of someincredible mentors, the support of amazingcolleagues, and most importantly, the constant loveand understanding of my wife and family, oneopportunity led to another — and I found myselfblessed with a career that has given me more than Iever dreamed possible.I could fill pages with the moments that made this workso meaningful. But more than the events, it is therelationships I will miss most. The day-to-dayconversations, the problem-solving, the laughter, theteamwork — these are the things that have left apermanent mark on my heart.It is not easy to say goodbye to something you love, but itis easier knowing that MSD of Wabash County is in greathands under new leadership. Our future is bright, and itwill be exciting to see what is next for this incredibledistrict.Thank you for the support, encouragement, andmemories that will stay with me always. It has truly beenan honor to serve you as Superintendent.Looking back on my year as Assistant Superintendentand the nine years that followed as Superintendent, I amflooded with memories:Reading to classrooms full of eager young facesVisiting schools and seeing learning come to lifeDelivering meals alongside our staff during thetoughest days of COVID-19Cheering and encouraging our students in manyextracurriculars/programs, including statecompetitionsWelcoming staff each year with inspiring speakers onopening day and at professional development eventsWatching proud families celebrate at graduationsRecognizing the incredible people who make MSDWCso special at staff recognition eventsServing side-by-side with our community leaders andnonprofitsHighlighting the talents of our amazing staff throughStaff Spotlights, and celebrating our Teachers of theYear and Staff of the Year at school board meetingsSeeing new programs and improvements come to lifeThank You, MSD of Wabash County
As Always,and Be Nice! Dream Big, Work Hard,As MSDWC prepares for this leadership transition, Dr.Chris Kuhn looks forward to building on the strongfoundation laid by outgoing Superintendent MikeKeaffaber. With deep gratitude for the relationshipsand opportunities he has experienced throughout histenure, Dr. Kuhn is excited to continue fostering aculture of connection and collaboration. “I amcommitted to strengthening relationships with ourstaff, students, and community to ensure we providemeaningful opportunities and experiences for everystudent,” he shared. "I really want to see our tagline ofDream Big and Work Hard come alive and be aguiding force for our students to discover and achievetheir passion and potential".As he steps into the role of Superintendent on July 1,2025, Dr. Kuhn plans to dedicate his first year todeepening those relationships while developing goalsaligned with the district’s four strategic planpriorities: 1. Enhancing student achievement throughquality programs, 2. Attracting and retainingstudents and staff, 3. Ensuring fiscal responsibilityand stability, and 4. Maintaining safe and efficientlearning environments through facilities andtechnology improvements.