Battelle Elementary showcases reading program, therapy initiatives and student projects at school board meeting

Battelle Elementary teachers, staff and students presented the school’s academic and extracurricular highlights during the School City of Mishawaka board meeting on Feb. 5, describing improved attendance and behavior along with new programs intended to support early reading and student engagement.

Principal Mr. Wood told the board the school has focused on academics, attendance and behavior and reported that behavioral referrals and suspensions are “down by 50%” compared with the same point last year, attendance had improved from roughly 65% to about 85%, and reading and math growth had increased “12%, 10%” year over year.

Angie Kuharski, an interventionist at Battelle, described the school’s implementation of the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) foundation program. “This program is both evidence based and research based, and it aligns directly with the science of reading,” Kuharski said, adding that two staff members (Kathy Triola and Blanca Villalobos) work in small groups to implement UFLI and that the program will expand to K–1 teachers in 2025–26. Kuharski told the board the program has been extended to the school’s exceptional learners department and said it is one element of a broader, individualized approach to instruction at Battelle.

School resource officer Timothy Watson described a recognition program he created called the “Bob Squad,” in which students who are “recognized for excellence or caught doing good deeds” receive certificates and invites to an end-of-semester event. Watson said the program aims to build trusting relationships between students and the school’s SRO and to connect students who report concerns to counselors when needed.

Student council members and advisers described recent projects. Sixth-grader Dominic recounted organizing winter crafts and visiting Bell Tower Nursing Home to distribute those crafts and sing with residents. Fourth-grader Bella said the council is planning a spring dance for fourth–sixth graders on April 25 and a schoolwide fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in April; the council also proposed building a free little library by the school’s front doors.

Robotics coach and gym teacher Nathan Spencer reported competition results: teams placed as high as fourth of 41 teams at a January event, and other teams placed seventh and fourteenth at a recent competition. Spencer said the school’s teams are currently ranked in the state and noted that many robotics participants are in fourth grade, meaning they will be experienced in coming years.

Liz Brown, president of the school’s MPG parent group, summarized fundraising and community events including a candy-guessing contest and fundraisers such as concessions, trunk-or-treat (the “Boo Bash”) and a game night; she cited proceeds used to support teachers and student activities.

Why it matters: Battelle’s report showed measurable gains in attendance, behavior and academic growth and outlined programs aimed at early literacy, student well-being and extracurricular engagement — information the board uses to assess district-level programming and resource allocation.

The presentations concluded with a thank you from the district to Battelle for hosting the board meeting.