Munster High School | 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321
Hall of fame Issue
Crier
issue 1 | volume 52 | aug. 18, 2017
INSIDE LOOK introduction to new staff | page 2-3 alumni hall of fame | page 4
UPCOMING hall of fame ceremony | today solar eclipse | monday summer reading tests | aug. 28, 30
Change of course
Multiple policy updates accompany the beginning of the new school year New message:
Administration works to centralize student data through Powerschool. related stories in blue
Money matters Acorn, new payment system Allows parents to pay class fees with credit card, master card, visa or e-check in the parent portal of Powerschool Pro.
Reporting by Ian Brundige, Mimi Brody and Joe Bermudez Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Section Chief
Attendance
Beginning this year, a student’s eighth absence will result in a Saturday detention, and a ninth will be an in-school suspension. A tenth could result in an out of school suspension, but parents can still pay by cash or check the administration’s suspension diversion poliin school with the bookkeeper If students are in certain foreign language, AP or cy could result in community service. This can upperclassman Math or English courses, chances be avoided by documentation verifying the leare they can receive college credit for—free. gitimacy absences. The Higher Learning Commission mandated “Our parents overwhelmingly said this is a teachers teaching dual-credit courses must have good thing because they’re the ones trying to a particular qualifications, including a Master’s get their kids to school,” Mr. Morgan Nolan, AsDegree, by 2020. Purdue University Northwest, the For years, MHS has required teachers sistant Principal, said. “They think this is going previous dual-credit provider, then accelerated the to administer a final exam in their classto help at home to get them there because their deadline to 2018, therefore not providing credit for es, according Principal Mike Wells, and kid doesn’t want to get a Saturday detention.” classes taught by any teacher that does not meet many of those evaluations are given with Along with the parents, students like Maty these requirements. Fortunately, students are still Scantrons. The double-sided blue and Nelson, senior, are also in favor of the policy able to get dual-credit for classes through Ivy Tech with half slips of paper all MHS students change. Community College without paying anything. are familiar with. However by the end of “I think (the new attendance policy) is fair be“While we still have a few course offerings from this year they may not be needed anycause if you are missing that many days you Purdue Northwest, we have switched to Ivy-tech. more. should have a doctor’s note,” Maty said. “I think All of the classes that were available previously are “I don’t know if you know this, but each your 8th absence is grounds for disciplinary still available through Ivy Tech or Purdue NorthScantron is eight cents,” Mr. Wells said. actions because there should be a reason for west,” Mrs. Jennifer Dettlo, Spanish teacher, “(The school is) spending close to $8,000 a you to miss said. “The most significant change though is year just on Scantrons where it didn’t rethat much whereas Purdue Northwest received fundally do what we needed it to do.” school.” ing from the federal government to offer Mastery Manager, through its exam Considerthese classes they still charged students to login, is the solution administration has Blackboard ing this is the take the course, Ivy-tech is charging nothing found to reduce this use of funds. A number of teachers are testing first year this so all dual credit courses are now free.” While students enjoyed a break, MHS Blackboard, as an alternative to policy will Benefits of enrolling in dual-credit offerteachers gathered in the resource room Moodle for class organization be active, it ings through Ivy-tech, according to Mrs. Detand auditorium yesterday afternoon is to be seen tlo, are that you can knock out college classlearning the funtions of the Mastery Manwhether or not this attendance policy will rees, without paying hefty college costs. ager software. main, according to Mr. Michael Gordon, social “If you take full advantage of this, you can save “(Mastery Manager) allows the teachers studies teacher, said. near—I would guess—$10,000 in basic credit requireto look at the data more closely through “I like that we are doing something,” Mr. Gorments. Also if you are taking a class simultaneously the item analysis and then import the don said. “We’re going to have to see how it in high school or college, you grades into Powerworks and study it then decide whether or not can knock out some basics school, once the grades the new policy is a step up from the old one. which frees up your college are online or through But it is certainly, potentially a step in the right time to focus on courses that the Kodak scanner,” Mr. direction. We’ll have to watch to see how it gets are more difficult to enroll in, Moodle and Powerschool Pro Wells said. implemented.” or provide you to opportunity Both websites experienced to take courses of interest,” Mrs. redesigns over the summer Dettlo said.
Dual-Credit
Mastery Manager
Pilot test
Website updates
news 03
Mrs. Stanish’s ASL classes last year
How do you feel about coming back? “I was here doing the same
stuff, but it was on a temporary contract. It feels good and I am happy to be here for a second year. Things were kind of in the air during the summer, but I am very happy I am back, and here officially.”
Mrs. Olimpia Tienstra Student Service aid
What brought you to MHS? “We
Science
excited to have my own classroom and start at the beginning of the year and start fresh with everyone on the first day of school.
Mrs. Lisa Wilson Student Service aid College: Purdue West Lafayette Previous work experience: Previous business owner
How do you feel about being at Munster? “I graduated from here in
Previous work experience: Ad-
ministrator at River Forest
What’s your favorite part about working at MHS? “Well so far, for
the week, I have been here, everything has been a pleasure, everyone is very helpful, supportive, and they’re all friendly. The students have been nice. It has all just been a great and positive experience.”
Mrs. Valerie Zemaitis
photo by: Kess Vaitkus
Ms. Nicole Storck College: Purdue University Previous work experience: Seven years; Morton
What was it like preparing for your first day at Munster? “It
was stressful. I didn’t know what to expect, the policies here are much different than my other school, so it was a hard transition. But also I was nervous because the caliber or quality of kids here are much different than what I had at my other school, so I was worried. Most of the time I
Assistant Principal College: Indiana University in Bloomington; Purdue University; Ball State University Previous work experience: 28 years; WWMS
Mrs. Taylor Bryan ( sub for Ebert) College: Purdue University Previous work experience: One
year Gary Roosevelt High School; One year Thea Bowman Leadership Academy What brought you to MHS? “First of all, I always admired what they were doing here at MHS always admired. MHS was always the epitome of what the typical school in Northwest Indiana should be.”
What are you looking forward to about your new position? “I am
really looking forward to sharing all this interesting information that is not book knowledge, but real world science knowledge. I am so geeked up about sharing that information because I have been on the other side, I have actually been a scientist in a lab. That’s a part you don’t hear about or know about unless you actually work in that area.” think, ‘The kids here are probably smarter than me,’ so my teaching needs to be my A-game even more so, I need to bring it up.”
What has surprised you about Munster? “I think the kids have
more than everything. Overall their preparedness for a class, just walking in on the first day they already knew a lot of the stuff I was talking about or lessons and labs I was planning on doing. And overall behavior, so much calmer and quieter. But that was also the first day at 7:35 in the morning.”
Chemistry, Honors Chemistry
ting to know the awesome kids here, getting to see what opportunities they are taking advantage of and watching to see how they are going to leave their mark in the school and in the world.”
Mrs. Kim Beach
Joining the staff this year, Mrs. Beach with work as a supervisor for the Westlake program
photo by: Robert Young
I grew up in a community very similar to Munster so I felt like I knew what I was going to expect from here. So no surprises yet, but I think that is a good thing.”
What are you looking forward to about your new position? “I
don’t think there is one thing I am looking forward to other than it being my first year teaching and having my own classroom for the first time.”
Mr. Andrew Martin College: Purdue University and Purdue Northwest
Previous work experience: 23 years of teaching
What are you looking forward to about your new position? “When I went back to school for
engineering, I was tutoring some high school students in math. I enjoyed working with them and decided I wanted to become a teacher.”
What was it like preparing for your first day at Munster? “It
was very hectic. I felt like a first year teacher again. I was very nervous. However, when I was in front of my classes, it was very enjoyable. My students made me feel very welcome.”
photo by: Robert Young
Meet the new teachers, staff at MHS
Reporting by Ian S. Brundige, Mimi Brody, Erianna Sims, Alex Kojich, Gavin Hamilton, Joe Bermudez, Carey Scott, Mercedez Williams
With over 16 new faculty members—either teaching in classrooms, working in administration or supervising the halls—there are number of new faces in the school for students to know. “We’re happy to have all the new people that
photo by: Megan Szymanski
Mrs. Crystal Blaton College: Eastern Kentucky University; Union College Previous work experience: 12
years; Johnson Central High School (KY), Randall K. Cooper High School (KY), Frank Lloyd High School (WI)
Other than teaching in the classroom how are you looking forward to getting involved in MHS? “I’d really like to watch the
Fresh faces
were hired here at the high school,” Mr. Mike Wells, principal said. “I think they’re going to do an outstanding job, a lot of them come with experiences from other school districts. I feel very fortunate to have people that we’ve hired on staff.” West
extracurricular activities and I’d really like to get to know the students outside of the classroom. So I’m excited to go and watch all of those things. Obviously I have a background in pep club, and I have a background in coaching soccer. Soccer is handled, I think Ms. Pflum has got that under control, but I wouldn’t mind getting involved with some of this school spirit.”
Lake
photo by: Megan Szymanski
Staff
Art Mrs. Jennifer Johnson College: Trinity Christian
College
Previous work experience:
One year Crete-Monee; Six years Portage; One year Cook County School District 130
Why did you want to become a teacher? “One of my very
photo by: Lauren Kozy
College: Purdue University What are you looking forward to about your new position?
“My one wish for the students is for them to always do their best work because it does matter both for a grade and for their personal development. I have done this long enough that I have seen some of my former students do exceptional things with their lives. Mr. Pete Fatouros, guidance counselor, was one of my students when I first began teaching. He is just one example.”
What was it like preparing for your first day at Munster? “It
Mr. Patrick Spohr
Previous work experience: none What has surprised you about Munster? “Honestly nothing.
child development, prep for college and careers, interrelationships
Social Studies
Mr. Louis Zeherelis ( sub for Nolan)
What are you looking forward to about your new position? “Get-
Taught P.E.. throughout the school district, now he is teach first hour P.E. at MHS. He is also the boys tennis coach
Principles of marketing
has been really grueling trying to get ready for MHS. Technology is really used here a lot which is good but can be intimidating. The first few days have gone okay, but it is hard learning 150+ names of students and all of the faculty as well.”
Ms. Kristen Szafasz
Modern World History, Sociology
Athletic Director
just kind of got sick of the back and forth and the quotas and the pressure and everything. So someone said that I would be a good teacher so I went to school, did it, and I liked it so. I like dealing with the kids, I like working with people, I like helping them learn what I know. “
Ceramics 1
What are you looking forward to about your new position? “I’m
Mr. Ira Zimmer
Why did you want to become a teacher? “I was in sales and I
“I would try a little harder. I would definitely look at scholarships because college isn’t cheap and get as many scholarships as you can and then once you get into college one piece of advice I wish I knew: internships, get internships, get experience before you even get out of school. It’s gonna mean a whole lot when you get out there in the workforce and you don’t have it.”
AP biology, Zoology, Anatomy
Ms. Jill Wichert
Study Hall Supervisor College: Aurora University Previous work experience: Taught Mrs. Kathleen Laporte’s classes last year, summer school this summer.
1986, so I have a lot of respect for the school and I want to give back to the school.”
Eight years; Lowell High School
see-Martin
photo by: Moira Glowacki
Anatomy, Biology, Biomedical Science
moved to Munster five years ago, so my kids have been going to Munster schools but mostly for the scheduling. I wanted to be on the same schedule as my kids, same days off, same vacations, and I don’t have a long commute.”
Previous work experience:
College: University of Tene-
Previous work experience: 6
years at MHS, 2 years at Crown Point,
How was your first day at MHS?
“The first day was great, it was different coming from different schools, the class periods went by super fast, I didn’t really know any of the kids, but it was exciting. I love the small school atmosphere, it’s been great so far, and I think that I will be here, hopefully, for a long time.
What are you looking forward to about your new position? “One
of the things I am looking forward to is that I get to go back to teaching World History, and this year I am going to take what I learned in Crown Point and bring some things from there that I really thought would be great here, and I’m also teaching sociology which is different.”
first jobs in high school was at a daycare and I got to do arts and crafts. That was when I was fifteen years old, so I’d been doing it since I was fifteen. When it came time for me to pick colleges and a major and I’d already been doing it for like three years, it just seemed like a natural flow.”
What are you looking forward to about your new position? .
“I think I would understand my teacher’s a little bit better. Sometimes they make weird choices and you don’t know why, but now as a teacher I can kind of see I’m trying to benefit the whole class. As a student, you kind of just focused on yourself.”
What was it like preparing for your first day at Munster? “I’m
definitely hoping to check out some plays and maybe stop at a sporting event. I’m trying to find exactly what some of my students are involved in. Then if they are, then I really want to get out there and see them.”
photo by: Kess Vaitkus
Mrs. Michele Kutemeier College: Indiana University North-
west; Purdue Calumet
Previous work experience: 11 years
Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperation; 8 years High School; 3 years at Merrillville; 15 years as Westlake assistant
Now that you have experienced school from a teacher’s perspective, what would have done differently as a student? “Interact
more with the student body, because I was the wallflower-y type.”
What is one thing that surprised you about Munster? “The best part about being here is that everyone has been helpful. I had a tech issue yesterday (the first day) and they were out within the hour to help. Everyone has been very welcoming and helpful very efficient and very inclusive. “
English 11, Es 9-10, Reading Strategies, Plato
Previous work experience: Taught
Ms. Carly Kveton ( sub for LaPorte)
Geometry, Algebra 1i, Algebra Lab
ASL Teacher
College: Hope college; Arizona State University; Trinity Christian College; Purdue Calumet
Now that you have experienced school from a teacher’s perspective what would have done differently as a student?
Math
Functional Language art, Functional Math, Recreation and Leisure
Ms. Hannah Fus
Mr. Brad Docter
FACS
Intro to Culinary arts 1 and 2, adult roles,
Business Prep for College and Carrees, Digital Applications
New administration and position changes
Algebra 2i, Algebra 2, Algebra 1i, Algebra lab
02 news
aug. 18, 2017
aug. 18, 2017
Ms. Marissa Clabaugh
photo by: Moira Glowacki
College: University of Iowa Previous work experience: 10 years K-12
Now that you have experienced school from a teacher’s perspective, what would have done differently as a student? “Knowing when
to ask questions when things are hard. Sometimes that can be a little bit intimidating and you can get a little bit anxious or nervous about asking questions, but as a teacher, we are here to support our students and that is my main objective. I will go above and beyond for my students. However, it is a team effort. You need to put forth effort, not everything will be handed to you. I will work hard for you if you work hard for.”
What was it like preparing for your first, first day at Munster? “Very
nerve wracking, but very exciting at the same time. Starting a new chapter is always a little intimidating, but I was excited to make that change, to be a Munster Mustang.”
04 alumni hall of fame aug. 14, 2017
Claim to fame Zal Bilimoria, ‘00 Venture Capitalist, cofounder of Refactor Capital
Did you know you wanted to be a Venture Capitalist in high school? “No, definitely not, that was definitely not on the radar. I graduated in 2000 and the markets were collapsing then; the dot com bubble had crashed. I didn’t even know I was going to be able to have a career in technology.”
Mara Candelaria Reardon, ‘82 Indiana District 12 Representative
What is advice you would give students today to be more successful later in life? “Generally, I have maybe one piece of advice and I think this applies for any profession or any kind of person. I feel like having incredible listening skills combined with patience, no matter what industry you are in, I think, is such a useful skill.”
Jim Dedelow, ‘80 Owner of WJOB
Linda Elman, ‘70-’98
retired MHS teacher
Do you have any regrets from high school? “I do wish I would have taken accounting. I just think everyone should, I took general business and it took me a long time to get organized with my finances. I also wish I would have gotten involved with Speech and Debate earlier in my high school career. If I had to say there was one thing I got out of high school that has helped me in radio it was Helen Engstrom and Mary Yorke coercing me onto the speech team. I loved it then, and I loved the immediacy of doing extemp, and now it is pretty much what I do every morning now is I just prep for a while and do extemp for three hours.” Subject: Spanish Years Taught: 28 If you could go back in time, what would you say to your freshman self?
John Edington, ‘60-’04 Retired MHS teacher
Donald Fesko, ‘90 President and CEO of Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana
“I would say take advantage of more extracurricular activities. I always was focused on my academic work, not a bad thing, and I did do some activities, but, especially when I got older, I should have participated in teenage things. I worked a job, 38 hours a week, my senior year, so I have more lecture and advice for myself as a senior.”
Will Glaros, ‘68 Founder of The Meyers Glaros Group.
David Russell, ‘70-’11
Retired MHS teacher
How do you think Munster has helped you to achieve success?
James Hamblin, ‘01 Senior editor at the Atlantic
“I think that being a part of a winning (football tradition), that we had at Munster High School helped in my life, preparation for college. And one of the most profound things was what I got from speech and debate because it taught me how to communicate, because if you can communicate you can accomplish just about anything. It’s a matter of selling what you’re selling, and I don’t mean that in a negative way.”
Subject: English, Photography Years Taught: 41 Are there any lessons you learned from your students while teaching? “Everyday, particular ones, I suppose a major lesson that I learned was that I needed to listen to what they really needed. Very frequently, I think as teachers we go in with an agenda and what the students need to learn sometimes isn’t what’s on your agenda, and I suppose that’s something that was a constant, something that I learned from them.”
BACKTALK 2017 MHS Hall of Fame discuss high school, life
What is advice you would give students today to be more successful later in life? “I think that school is the medicine of your life: if you don’t like it, just swallow it down like the medicine it is because it will carry you through life and (prepare you) for those opportunities that will come. The other thing that I would say is be kind to one another because you don’t know what anybody is going through and you don’t have to be friends with everybody, but you have to be kind to people. and you have to have consideration for other people because if for nothing else you never know when your paths are going to cross again there’s a lot of people that I didn’t really know very well in high school who have become some of my very best friends.” Subject: Biology Years Taught: 44 Do you think teaching changed you as a person? “I don’t know (if) I changed; I hope I changed teaching as a profession. It was not a diverse job, I hope that in my years that I made it easier for young people to make a decision to go that way. Rather than just something that you did.” What does it mean to you to be inducted into the Teacher Hall of Fame? “It means that somewhere along the line I must have done something that made a difference.” How do you think Munster has helped you to achieve success? “I appreciate the strong teachers that were there (at MHS), it seemed like most of them truly enjoyed teaching. There were a large number of talented and focused, driven students that kept setting the bar higher and higher for anybody that wanted to keep up as a high performing student. And then the clubs and activities were run by some great coaches and leaders, the kids that participated became good friends. It was just a great experience.” What is your proudest accomplishment or project you have worked on? “My family, our children.” How do you think Munster has helped you to achieve success? “I think Munster’s English department in particular did a great job at helping me to appreciate the language and to love to write. I think a lot of people, when they get a writing assignment they dread it or they get anxiety about it, but I always just got excited when I had a writing assignment to do, and I still do.”
What would you do to get inducted into the MHS Alumni Hall of Fame?
“I would make a fashion line to fundraise money for children who have cancer.” Genevieve Mrvan, freshman
“I would get really good grades or be a straight ‘A’ student, I guess, if that even gets you on the wall.” Yalissa Rubio, sophomore
“Work out for the rest of my life and become a professional wrestler and then beat John Cena.” Ben Peters, junior
“‘I’d be a world renowned surgeon and help people out and try to help as much as possible.” Stan Herrera, senior
Michelle Plantinga Oakley, ‘87 What has Michelle Plantinga Oakley done Wildlife Vet
after MHS? She attended University of Michigan and received a degree in Zoology. After this, she attended University of Prince Edward Island in Eastern Canada to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Since then, she has spent her time working as a wildlife veterinarian in Canada, Alaska, Norway, Sweden, France and Sri Lanka. Her work is featured on National Geographic Wild’s Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet and NBC’s Wilderness Vet.
“Win an Olympic gold medal...so I can be on the Frosted Flakes box.” Ms. Jill Wichert, study hall supervisor