Valpo schools to explore Mastery Connect

VALPARAISO | The Valparaiso Community School Board gave verbal approval Monday to a tool said to help teachers better meet individual student learning needs.

Middle school teacher charged with taking money from colleagues' classrooms

VALPARAISO | A longtime middle school science teacher was arrested Thursday on charges he took small amounts of cash from the desks of other teachers at the school.

EDITORIAL: Say no to drugs, but yes to screening

The Valparaiso Community Schools board is right to consider random drug testing for students who park at school or participate in extracurricular activities. Some other districts already have this plan in place.

Valpo Schools consider random drug testing

VALPARAISO | Random drug testing for high school students involved in extracurricular activities or those who have school parking permits could begin in the fall if the Valparaiso Community Schools Board approves a proposal presented Tuesday.

Schools, police across region handling social media-fueled rumors

Last week's shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School and the notion that the world could end Friday has fueled rumors across the region and nation, many of them targeting schools. Police said three teens were arrested Wednesday and Thursday after making threats.

Valparaiso Schools reaffirms Berta as leader

VALPARAISO | Valparaiso School Board President Mark Maassel began Tuesday night’s meeting with a moment of silence to remember the lives lost in Newtown, Conn.

Local districts review security measures

School districts across Northwest Indiana are reassessing their security plans in the wake of the massacre of 26 children and adults Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

New leaders of Valpo schools dealing fiscal challenges

VALPARAISO | It's been a tough couple of years for the Valparaiso Community School Corp. The school's general fund took a hit as a result of state funding formula inequities and cuts at the state level.

Mike Berta

Berta, Doane to guide Valparaiso schools through rebuilding

VALPARAISO | After one month and six days of retirement, former Portage schools chief Mike Berta will be back on the job Tuesday as interim superintendent of the Valparaiso Community Schools.

Schools hear improvements in workers' comp claims

PORTAGE | Ten months after switching to a self insurance plan for workers' compensation claims and initiating a safety committee to improve awareness and training, claims regarding workers hurt on the job have dropped dramatically.

Board considers admission for children of nonresident employees

PORTAGE | On the surface, it may seem simple.

Portage schools bid farewell to Berta

PORTAGE | Portage Township Schools Superintendent Mike Berta returned Sunday to where he began his 40-year career in education.

Porter County Red Ribbon student winners lauded

VALPARAISO | It was a difficult story for Michaela Raffin to write, but if the essay she penned could help one person, it was worth it.

Coleman named resource officer for two Portage middle schools

PORTAGE | Greg Coleman is coming off the streets and into the hallways.

Portage schools approve full-day kindergarten

PORTAGE | Portage Township Schools will offer next year's kindergarten class as a full-day experience.

City, schools working on second resource officer

PORTAGE | City and Portage Township Schools officials are working to bring a second school resource officer to the district.

Frataccia named Portage Twp. Schools superintendent

PORTAGE | E. Ric Frataccia, Portage Township Schools' associate superintendent, will steer the district as the interim superintendent.

Porter County schools strive for excellence

As school districts across the county struggle with issues ranging from funding to bullying, officials don't want to forget all the good things happening in schools and the progress students, teacher and staff are making to improve education across the region.

BILL MASTERSON JR.: One Region, One Vision initiative continues to grow

As we now move into our fifth year of providing an annual progress edition, the One Region, One Vision initiative has continued to evolve from the modest challenge to a movement being embraced on so many levels by many different people and organizations.