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Shoals Students Shine at Beta Convention
On Thursday night, the Shoals Community School Corporation board meeting agenda was filled
with updates on recent events and accolades.
Elementary School Principal Audrey Gibson said 37 students attended the Elementary Beta
Convention in Evansville, with at least 25 awards given to Shoals students at the time of the
board meeting. Gibson also extended her congratulations to elementary librarian Jennifer
Guinn, who received a $15,000 grant from Smithville Charitable Fund to be used for library
expenses.
On October 20, the Shoals Volunteer Fire Department visited the elementary school for a safety
and prevention program. The Jasper American Legion and Dubois County Choppers donated a
large amount of food items to include in Weekend bags for students in need. With Monday’s
winter temperatures in mind, teachers and staff reviewed alternate instruction plans for
inclement weather.
At the Middle School, Principal Carol Eubank’s report said that staff are working to pursue a
STEM endorsement for the school. On October 29, the entire 8 th grade class went to the Junior
Achievement JobSpark program in Evansville. There, students had time to explore various
career pathways. 70 Shoals middle schoolers participated in the Junior Beta Convention in
Evansville. Basketball began the first week in November, and hopes are high for the season.
The report from High School Principal Kindra Hovis showed some great successes and exciting
upcoming events. The class of 2025 had a graduation rate of 96%. On December 10,
administrators and teachers from Washington schools will tour the Shoals Ag facilities, as they
hope to begin a similar program in their district.
Last week, the drama department presented two live performances of The Trap, which was a
sequel to last year’s show. This spring’s show will be Beauty and the Beast. Students will be
traveling to the State High School Beta Competition on Friday and Saturday of this week. The
College and Career Fair will be held on November 21. 65 representatives of various colleges and
vocations will be in attendance.
The board approved a series of fundraisers, including the elementary student council’s candy
cane grams December 2-18. The culinary class will hold bake sales December 4-31, with
proceeds going to the family of a fifth-grade student. Winter Guard will host a Parent Night Out
on December 12, and the FFA will be selling Texas Roadhouse items November 17-December
18.
Early Rocks Preschool will hold a gingerbread house event on December 19 in the cafeteria, and
March 28 was approved as the date for prom. The district celebrated Red Ribbon Week in the
last week of October, concluding with a BMX bike show that was very popular among students.
In another district-wide event, veterans were honored at a November 11 program at the high
school. At the annual SPA craft show, there were over 750 visitors. Participating vendors
provided positive feedback, and another show is planned for the spring.
The district received some grant funds to work with a consultant to develop work-based
learning and align it with the college and career readiness courses. Discussions are continuing
about preschool-aged children, with the hope of collaborating with local organizations to meet
the needs of Martin County families. Data shows at least 50 children from 3-5 years old that are
not receiving any kind of early childhood learning.
For more information on these and other updates, visit www.shoals.k12.in.us
- Drew Hasselbring