Central Noble Community Schools

Central Noble Community School Corporation intends to submit a waiver request under the Indiana Ed-Flex Program. Waiver 2 seeks increased flexibility in paraprofessional requirements.

Under current State guidelines, paraprofessionals must meet certain educational and/or assessment requirements upon hiring to provide instructional support. While these standards are important, we believe in greater flexibility in hiring individuals who, while they may not meet all educational benchmarks, possess valuable experience and skills that can significantly contribute to student success. We propose to use this flexibility to allow paraprofessionals with practical experience, specialized training and other relevant competencies to work with students, especially in our district that faces challenges in hiring qualified support staff.

By obtaining this waiver, we anticipate that we will:

1. MAINTAIN SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS by employing paraprofessionals with relevant skills and experiences to provide specialized and targeted support to our at-risk students

2. IMPROVE STUDENT-ADULT RATIOS as we will maintain flexibility in hiring paraprofessionals to support our struggling students

3. RETAIN HIGH-QUALITY STAFF due to relaxed requirements and basing new hires on real-world experiences who are best suited for the position

4. EXPAND INTERVENTION OPPORTUNITIES with more paraprofessionals available in our schools being better equipped to provide timely interventions, improving overall student engagement, learning outcomes and reducing gaps in achievement 

Opportunities for Public Comment
We are committed to ensuring all stakeholders have an opportunity to review and provide input on this waiver request. Parents, educators and other interested parties are encouraged to share their thoughts regarding this proposal.

How to Comment:

1. In-Person Information Session
Monday, November 4, 2024 at 5:00-5:30p.m.
CN Admin Office Board Room, 200 E. Main St.
This will include a brief presentation of the waiver proposal and time for open comment from attendees.

2. Written Comment Written comments may be submitted via email to howardj@centralnoble.k12.in.us with Waiver Comment in the subject line or mailed to CNCSC Attn: Jamie Howard 200 E. Main St. Albion, IN 46701 No later than Monday, November 11, 2024

3. Online Feedback An online feedback form (https://forms.gle/61ppndboqfZCzbJVA)
The form will remain open through Monday, November 11, 2024.

All comments received from stakeholders will be carefully reviewed by our district leadership team and considered in the final version of the waiver application. A summary of comments received, as well as district responses to significant concerns or recommendations will be provided in a new blog entry after the November 11 deadline.

Additionally, any member of the public wishing to review the waiver application or the district’s responses to comments may do so by contacting Jamie Howard at howardj@centralnoble.k12.in.us . We encourage all members of the public to participate in this important process. Your feedback is valuable as we work to improve our educational services and support for all students.

Robby Morgan
Superintendent of Schools 

New to the 2024-2025 School Year, Central Noble will host a WELCOME BACK BASH on Tuesday, July 30 from 3:00-7:00pm at the Jr/Sr High (Enter at Door 1).  The WELCOME BACK BASH will replace the hustle and bustle at previous open houses with vendors and organizations available with information to support students and their families to start the new school year successfully.

With this event, Back to School Nights on August  7th (CN Primary, 430-6:30pm) and August 8th (CN Elementary & CN Jr/Sr High, 430-630pm) will be strictly for students to visit their classrooms and meet their teachers and principals.  There will be no additional tables to visit for information, like purchasing tees or asking transportation questions.  Please visit the WELCOME BACK BASH for all the information to be ready for the first student day on Friday, August 9.

CN Foodservice will serve FREE meals to children 18 & Under, June 3-26. Please visit one of 3 pick-up sites to get a FREE Breakfast & Lunch per child, Monday-Friday. 

CN Jr/Sr High-Door 19
11-11:30am

CN Primary-Main Entrance
11-11:30am

Merriam Christian Chapel
Main Parking Lot
11:45am-12:15pm

Please direct any questions to Mary Jessup, Foodservice Director at foodservice@centralnoble.k12.in.us or by calling 260-636-2175

We want to hear from YOU!

The Central Noble strategic planning initiative is underway, and as a first step in understanding the perspective of the community, we are launching an online survey about our schools and district.  

By participating in this survey, you have the opportunity to share your thoughts and perceptions that will help guide our continuous improvement efforts in the areas of communication, curriculum, safety, belonging, and more. All data collected from this survey is completely anonymous. 

As we plan for our future, your voice is incredibly important. We appreciate your participation!

The survey will remain open through May 3: https://tinyurl.com/CentralNobleS24

In addition to the survey, we are also hosting focus groups to gather your feedback. We would really love for you to attend! To sign up, RSVP here.

Before & After School care options are officially starting for families in January!  The KidsCare program will begin when students return to school after Winter Break.  If your family was previously signed up, on a wait list or you're interested now, please reach out to the Boys & Girls Club for additional information.  Please also note rates have been reduced for participation!

We are excited to offer a NEW online spirit wear store for CN Families & Community members to enjoy all year long!  Use the link below to order items of your choice throughout the school year and support Central Noble!!

https://cn-2023.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Want to see some specific items?  Let us know what you want by emailing: howardj@centralnoble.k12.in.us

Thanks and happy shopping CN!

CNCSC is pleased to announce that due to new Indiana State Law, we will no longer be collecting Textbook or Technology/Device fees.

However, families should be aware that courses such as Dual Credit and A/P for higher education, Band Equipment Rental and option Technology Insurance may still have fees assessed.

Central Noble is please to announce a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County to offer the Kids Care program beginning with the new school year. Kids Care offers before and after school care for students grades K-6 beginning at 5:30am and after school until 5:30pm.

If your family is interested in participating in the program, please check out the information in the Cat Tracks newsletter by clicking here.

Thank you!

CN Families,

The newest edition of the Cat Tracks newsletter is now live and full of information for you to begin the new school year.  Click Here to check out the school calendar, learn back to school night times and other important information to prepare.

CN Families,

Due to a water main break in Albion, all students in grades 3 through 12 will be released at noon today, Tuesday, May 23.  Students will be dismissed and bussed home per their normal afternoon schedules.

As this only effects our Albion Campus, CN Primary students will be dismissed as normal later this afternoon.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

CN Families,

As part of the 1003 Flexibility Waiver, Central Noble will be allowed to have the February 23rd closure due to power and internet outages waived as a make up day.  Students will NOT be required to make up this day of school.

Additionally, the Central Noble Primary required makeup days for the Virtual Day closures on January 26th and March 10th will be made up in person on Thursday, May 25th and Friday, May 26th.  More information on transportation and the schedules for those 2 days will be sent home with your student and/or communicated by Mr. Targgart.

The last day for students in Grades 3-12 will be Tuesday, May 23rd with Graduation on Friday, June 2nd as originally scheduled.

Central Noble Community Schools will host it's annual Wellness Meeting Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 330pm in the Jr/Sr High Schol Cafeteria.  At this meeting the committee will review current policy.  Staff, students, parents and administration are welcome to attend.

The October Regular Session Board meeting has been moved from October 17 to October 10.  This meeting will still be held at Central Office at 5:00 p.m.

The latest edition of the Cat Tracks newsletter is now available.  As a reminder, this is an online only publication and is not available for print at our offices.  

Click the link below to view the newsletter for information on Open House, Orientations and more!!

https://www.smore.com/0164z

The Central Noble Board of Trustees, along with a nine-member interview team, have selected Mr. Robby Morgan as the new Superintendent of Central Noble Community School Corporation.

Mr. Morgan earned an EdS in School Administration from Indiana State University and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Indiana University.  His undergraduate work was done at Trine University.  He began his teaching career for West Noble Community School Corporation at Ligonier Elementary where he taught 4th Grade for 9 years.  Mr. Morgan spent 3 years as a TOSA/Assistant Principal for Goshen Community Schools and one year as a Middle School Assistant Principal for Prairie Heights Middle School.  Most recently he has served as the Principal at Central Noble Primary School for the past 6 years.

Mr. Morgan stated "I am excited to get a chance to serve the students and entire Central Noble community in a new leadership role.  I look forward to building upon and improving the great things Mr. Gaff brought to the Corporation and couldn't be happier to work with the amazing Central Noble staff members that care so much for the students at CN."

"We are very excited to have Mr. Morgan as the next Superintendent.  He will continue to build on the great things we have going at Central Noble.  With his leadership and the great staff we have, Central Noble Schools will continue to be the excellent school it is," stated Eric Custer, Board President.

The Central Noble Board of Trustees are looking to approve the finalized contract at their June regular session meeting.

Hello 5th Grade Parents & Guardians!

In an effort to provide a supportive transition from the elementary building to junior high, the CN Elementary staff would like for you to complete a short survey. Please check your email, CN Social Media or the CN Elementary web page for a link to the survey.

This information will help drive the planning and presentation topics for our upcoming parent night on March 24th (more information to come).

We appreciate your input!

https://forms.gle/3ztWnxjejh1kHdSc8

Superintendent Gaff announces lifting COVID restrictions throughout CN Schools.

Effective immediately, Central Noble Schools will no longer be contact tracing or quarantining students due to COVID exposures.  Students who test positive for COVID will be isolated at home for 5 days and will be allowed to return to school on day 6 if symptoms have improved and the student is fever free for 24 hours.  All other COVID-specific control measures within the school buidling will be discontinued.  If it is the desire of the parent, students will be allowed to wear a mask within the school setting.  These changes will help to keep students in the classroom and allow district staff to provide the necessary supports.

We will continue to ask parents to monitor student health PRIOR to students returning to the school environment each day.  As was the practice prior to COVID, students who are ill shoudl remain home until fever free for 24 hours.  Parents are encouraged to contact the school office when their child is at home with an illness.

I am thankful to be at this point in the pandemic.  The last 2 years has been difficult for families, students, staff and the community.  The evolving situation and support of the school community has helped us reach this stage.  The diligent efforts of the parents, nurses, administrators, teachers and support staff have made this transition possible.

The Indiana Department of Health and the CDC have continued to revise the guidelines to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.  The updated research and medical data has allowed the requirements to evolve over the last 2 years.  Recent data has shown that many of the previous mitigation strategies are no longer necessary.  At this time, the negative impacts on students greatly outweights the benefits of the strategies.  We will continue to work collaboratively with the Noble County Department of Health and the Indiana Department of Health to monitor this ever-changing situation.  If you have questions about the changes outlines above, please contact the building or district administration.

Thank you for your continued support of Central Noble Community Schools.

Troy Gaff
Superintendent

Quarantine Update 9-2-2021

Thank you for a great start to the school year. It is essential that the school corporation and the community continue to work together to address the ever-changing needs of our students. Throughout the COVID pandemic, Central Noble has worked hard to continue to address the academic, physical and social needs of the students. Throughout the process we have continually looked to improve the quality and effectiveness of everything we do. The support of parents and the community has been critical in this process. Your continued support will help us progress toward the end of this pandemic.

Through the diligent efforts of the nursing staff, administrators, teachers, and support staff, we have been able to provide inperson instruction to our students. While quarantines are difficult for parents and families, they have helped to reduce the spread of COVID within the school environment. To maintain a mask optional environment, contact tracing and quarantines are mandated at this time. Please be reminded that this is not something that the school staff wants to do. Please treat the staff with respect and allow them to work with you to get the students back into the school setting as quickly as possible.

Central Noble continues to evaluate the guidance and recommendation of the state and local health department to determine if changes in current protocol need to be implemented. In a recent memo from the Indiana State Department of Health, Dr. Box authorized the use of clinically administered rapid antigen tests (BINAXNow) to determine quarantine and return to school. This change now allows families 3 options for early return. Early return is not an option for students with a COVID positive patient in their household.

**Day 8 Return (Rapid Test) – This option is available for students who are asymptomatic and do not live in the same household as a COVID positive patient. The BINAXNow antigen test must be administered on day 7 or after in a clinical setting such as a testing site, pharmacy, doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Home tests may not be used.

**Day 8 Return (PCR) – This option is available for all quarantined students that do not have a COVID Positive patient in the same household. The PCR test must be administered on day 5 or after. All symptomatic students will be required to receive a negative PCR test to return early.

We are looking forward to students and families returning to the building next week.  Staff has been working hard to create a learning environment that is designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the students and the community.  We have implemented many curricular and facility changes to help enhance the educational experiences of the students.  Class lists and schedules for students can be accessed through the PowerSchool portal.  If you are unable to access the parent portal in PowerSchool, please contact the office staff at your child’s school. 

As we return next week, we will be mask optional for staff and students while in the building.  Due to a federal mandate on public transportation, masks are required on the school bus.  The administration and school board will continue to monitor state and local levels, while evaluating guidance from the CDC, the State Department of Health and the Noble County Department of Health to help inform decision making as we begin the school year.  Central Noble will be contact tracing school exposures and quarantining students who are deemed close contacts.  Quarantine requirements will be similar to last school year.  The biggest change is that vaccinated staff and students (proof required) will not be required to quarantine.   Please be reminded that the department of health mandates quarantines.  If you receive a phone call about quarantines form the nursing or administrative staff, please remember that they are not doing it because they want to, they are doing it because they have to in order to keep kids healthy and in school.  If you would like additional information about the current status of the pandemic, quarantine requirements, vaccines, or symptoms of COVID-19, please go to the Indiana State Department of Health web site at the link below.

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2400.htm

If your child is ill, please keep them home.  It is important to keep school exposures to a minimum in order to continue in-person instruction.  If you have a question about whether or not your child should attend school, please keep them home and contact the school office during regular business hours.  Your support through this process appreciated.

Open houses are scheduled for Monday (JSHS - 4:30 to 6:30) and Tuesday (CN Elem and CN Primary – 4:30 to 6:30).  Please plan to make a visit to your child’s school.  Student devices will be distributed to students on the first day of school.  If you wish to purchase insurance on the device, you will be able to do so at the open house.  For families that are unable to attend the open house, there will be insurance paperwork sent home with students on Wednesday.  The insurance paperwork and payment will due back to the school by Friday, August 20.  If families need to make payment arrangements, please contact the school office.