Teen pregnancy glamorized, critics say

Editor's note: This school year, The Times embarks on a project, the first of its kind in Northwest Indiana, to follow Calumet and Hammond high schools, which are on academic probation.

Scores attest to New Tech approach

CALUMET TOWNSHIP | Jasmine Jones recalls her freshman year at Calumet High School, when she was mostly bored and work seemed pretty easy. This school year has been light years away from last year with the introduction of project-based learning under the New Tech method.

Dream Act could open door to college, work in immigration reform

HAMMOND | For his protection, we're going to call him Mike. Mike is a junior at Hammond High School, a good student with a B+ grade point average who participates in numerous school and community activities.

The 'fresh start's' conclusion

Editor's note: This school year, The Times embarks on a project, the first of its kind in Northwest Indiana, to follow Calumet and Hammond high schools, which are on academic probation. Each Monday, The Times will publish an account.

Hammond High class tour of Alverno to spawn lab careers?

HAMMOND | Students in Jeff Hayden's microbiology class discovered a practical application for what they've learned in the classroom when they toured Alverno Clinical Laboratories in Hammond.

Trophies' neglect showcases Hammond High plight

HAMMOND | The long and illustrious history of Hammond High School, the sports trophies won by athletes like Roland Parrish or former coach Bernie Krueger, the academic awards and school memorabilia are buried in storage rooms instead of out on display.

Despite aging instruments, band marching on at Calumet High

CALUMET TWP. | Despite the school's probationary status and antiquated equipment, it's been a good year for Calumet High School's band.

School probation series

Editor's note: This school year, The Times embarks on a project, the first of its kind in Northwest Indiana, to follow Calumet and Hammond high schools, both of which are on academic probation. The Times will publish an account each Monday.

Hammond Area Career Center helps students plan for future

HAMMOND | A tour of the Hammond Area Career Center when he was in middle school imprinted itself on Savon Shields and inspired him to pursue a trade. Shields, a Hammond High School senior, is learning to be a welder from the ground up.

Consultants work to bring Lake Ridge Schools, community together

CALUMET TWP. | In addition to challenging classes and personal attention to all students, education consultants Linda Randolph and Rocharda Moore-Morris know the key to a successful school includes involved parents and community partnerships.

Goals helping twins persevere

HAMMOND | Two years ago, identical twin brothers Anthony and Andrew Short were freshmen at Hammond High School. They'd be the first to tell you it was a wild ride.

Calumet High energizes New Tech

CALUMET TWP. | A network coach from the California-based New Tech Network visited Calumet High School recently and had a lot to say about what he saw as he walked from classroom to classroom and met with teachers and administrators.

Volunteers involved in learning

HAMMOND | Through rain or snow, Brenda Muhammad leaves about 7:45 a.m. every weekday walking the five blocks to Hammond High School. She leaves several minutes after her daughter Dyamond, a 17-year-old senior. Muhammad heads directly to room 4, a tiny, windowless room attached to the first-f…

Some students wary of New Tech

CALUMET TWP. | Even as the Lake Ridge Community Schools board moves forward with plans to expand New Tech to the entire high school, including juniors and seniors next fall, not everyone is pleased.

TAP program to start at Hammond High

HAMMOND | While most local educators are against a merit pay system, that's exactly what's going to happen under the state's TAP program at Hammond High School.

7 Lake Ridge schools teachers still on probation

CALUMET TWP. | Seven teachers in Lake Ridge Community Schools remain on probation.

Taking laughter seriously

A group of Hammond High School students, some of whom are under pressure to make better grades, pass tests or get into a good college, enjoyed a good laugh last week to help relieve their stress when laughter therapist Tanaz Bamboat, of Munster, visited.

Taking laughter seriously

HAMMOND | Everyone knows you always feel better after a good laugh.

Calumet students track DNA clues

CALUMET TWP. | For some Calumet High School students, a presentation from representatives of the Center on Wrongful Convictions, Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, brought their project-based assignment on DNA to life.