My name is Ric Frataccia. I live in Fishers, Indiana with my wife, Luba, and our two boys, Aidan (11) and Ryder (6). I am the oldest of Dr. E. Ric Frataccia and Mrs. Kaye Frataccia’s two sons.
During Doc’s time as Assistant Superintendent and later Superintendent at Portage Township Schools I had the pleasure to work with him as both a member of the community and later as school attorney. He was an inspirational, once in a generation leader. I have never met a more competent person in education. However, what inspired you most about him was his passion for children and their learning. It drove everything he did – everything. It was why he woke up in the morning. It was his why.
For Dawn Tasher, there are few moments sweeter than watching a child understand a new concept. As the owner of Montessori Academy of Valparaiso, Tasher feels honored to see these moments in the young children that attend the school.
With snow everywhere to be found then it is time for some winter fun to be had! Stay warm and enjoy some great events this weekend like the exhilarating First Skate at Central Park Plaza's Ice Rink to Benefit the Valpo Parks Foundation, tasty La Pour Brew & Wine Fest at La Porte Civic Auditorium, colorful Opportunity Enterprise's ARTability 2018 at Valparaiso University, classic "The Sound of Music" at Chesterton High School, and more. Check out our 10 Fun Things to Do in Northwest Indiana for November 16th - 18th!
Now almost 10 years ago we started this crazy mission, and the cliff notes version has been a story made up of one part innovation, two parts madness, three doses of perseverance, and a relentless response to the question of what good news do you have to share.
Teacher Spotlight: Daniel Jeffers
Daniel Jeffers, La Porte High School teacher, has become a friendly face throughout the hallways. Through his time teaching several subjects, on top of coaching Cross Country and basketball, it is rare to find a LPHS student who has not heard of Mr. Jeffers.
“No matter what we’re doing, his class is always fun to be in. His goofy personality makes it easier to be engaged in his lessons,” Grace Miller, senior, said.
Jeffers has taught U.S. History, World History, World Geography, Current Events, Government, and Psychology classes throughout the past 18 years. After developing a love for Social Studies in middle school, and having a few inspiring teachers along the way, Jeffers knew he wanted to teach.
“It just seemed natural to want to teach and share my passion...
Staff Update: Ms. Hunsley Has Joined the Kouts Staff!
As the school year progresses, new and exciting changes accompany our path towards the holidays. Joining the East Porter County family is Miss Stephanie Hunsley, a young teacher taking over various Kouts’ math classes. Her expertise covers Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry, Probability, Statistics and AP Statistics. Going on her fifth year of teaching, she is excited to join Kouts High School team.
Ms. Hunsley shared experiences covering her current class and students, as well as at her previous school.
As a teacher at Valparaiso High School, she always expected her students to put forth an honest effort and ask for help and still does. She continues to engage with her students as often as possible as a way for students to better understand her...
What's Coming Up? The Road to State for Spell Bowl
The River Forest academic team has always had a good reputation, being one of the few teams from a low-income community with consistent overall scores year after year. Though they have never been able to bring home the spell bowl state championship, this year had a golden opportunity to change school history.
On October 29, 2018 the academic team traveled to Lowell High School to compete in the Indiana Academic Spell Bowl Area competition where they received a score of 69. This crowned them area champions for the first time in school history. The next day the IASP released the statewide results that revealed which schools will advance to the upcoming state competition at Purdue University. The combined team score not only won their division but also...
“I want people to feel like we’re worthy of having that kind of quality here,” said Julia Huisman, founder of HERE magazine, “For so long we’ve been told otherwise.”
Here are some great ways to enjoy fall this weekend so stay warm and have some fun! There is memorable fun to be had the weekend like the wonderful Snowfest Arts & Crafts Show at Boone Grove High School, heartwarming Lakeshore Paws: Pets for Vets, challenging Rittenhouse Village Presents Vera Bradley Bingo, musical La Porte County Symphony Orchestra Opening Night Concert, and more. Check out our 10 Fun Things to Do in Northwest Indiana for November 9th - 11th!
