spacer
NEW NIESC Newsletter Logo

April 2026

Executive Director Notes

Spring Break Reflections and End‑of‑Year Encouragement
 
I hope you were or will be able to enjoy some time away during your spring break to relax, rest, and recharge.
 
As we move through the final months of the 2025–2026 school year, I know your days will be full — assessments, field experiences, planning for 2026–2027, and the inevitable “surprises” that come with being in a school district. Thank you for your steady leadership and dedication.
 
Keep doing the great work for your students, staff, and communities. If there’s anything the service center can do to support you during this busy season, please reach out.
 
Dr. Don Harman

Cooperative Purchasing

ODP
  • Integrated Security Systems
    • Coram
    • Blades
    • Tech Electronics
  • Copy Paper
    • CMP
 

Click below for the Cooperative Purchasing Newsletter to learn more!

Link Click GIF by Buzzstock
ECPA logo__black text
 
NIESC and NWIESC have joined with other Cooperative Purchasing Specialist in Indiana to bring you the best contracts.
 
The Educational Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (ECPA) is a collaborative alliance between eight Indiana education service centers dedicated to streamlining the purchasing process for member school districts. ECPA’s purchasing team actively works to remove barriers for schools, streamlining and simplifying the procurement process while ensuring full compliance with state and federal regulations. Through vetted contracts with leading vendors, ECPA enables districts to leverage collective buying power to secure high-quality goods and services at significantly reduced costs. 
 
 

Food Service

School Lunch Hero Day - School Nutrition Association

School Lunch Hero Day - May 1st

School Lunch Hero Day is officially coming up on May 1st! This annual celebration is a dedicated time to recognize the vital work of school food service professionals and the positive impact they have on students every day. From preparing nutritious meals to fostering a welcoming environment, these staff members play a key role in the heart of the school. Below, you’ll find a collection of free downloads and activity ideas from the School Nutrition Association to help you plan the perfect celebration!

faviconschoolnutrition.org

SLHD-Coloring-Sheets

Coloring Sheets

SLHD-cards-english

Printable Cards - English

SLHD-cards-Espanol

Printable Cards - Spanish

SLHD-ll-finish-the-story

Create your own comic book ending

Curriculum

Steve Baker Part 2
Register for the School Accountability Event Here

Technology Integration

The Crossroads of AI & Education Indiana Leadership Series (2)
Click Here for Details and Registration!

STEM Integration

Screenshot 2026-03-23 at 8
Digitarium SAve the date

School Counseling

Launching the 7th Grade Graduation Plan

 
 
To better support long-term student success, a new indicator has been added to the final Accountability Model for seventh graders. With the support of our school counselors, students can begin identifying their interests earlier, allowing them to confidently and intentionally select the high school pathway that fits them best and sets the stage for postsecondary success.
 
 
Indiana Code establishes the required elements of a graduation plan. Look for “more guidance to come” from the IDOE.
 
 
Check out this sample graduation plan from Learn More Indiana
 
 

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities

Register for our mailing list

NIESC Member Spotlight

Screenshot 2026-01-16 091727
Since beginning her tenure as Superintendent of Westview School Corporation on February 2, 2026, Dr. Jaime Carroll has dedicated her first month to immersing herself in the district’s unique culture. She defines Westview by its "legacy of excellence," noting that the community’s strength lies in its deep-rooted traditions paired with a vibrant willingness to innovate. To ensure she leads with a full understanding of these values, Dr. Carroll launched a district-wide Listen & Learn Tour. This initiative has allowed her to sit down with staff, students, and families to hear their personal experiences and hopes, ensuring that future decisions are built on a foundation of shared goals and mutual respect.
 
For Dr. Carroll, the most rewarding aspect of her role is the daily opportunity to build relationships and witness the "Warrior" community in action. Whether she is visiting classrooms, supporting teachers, or cheering on students from the sidelines, she is driven by the fulfillment of watching others grow. Her primary goal for the corporation is to create an environment where every student feels both supported and challenged. She envisions a future where every Westview graduate—regardless of whether they choose college, the military, or a career—steps into the world with the confidence, resilience, and purpose needed to thrive.
 
When she isn't busy shaping the future of Westview, Dr. Carroll finds her greatest joy in her family. Much like her role as Superintendent, her spare time is centered on being a dedicated supporter, whether she is cheering her children on at their various events or simply enjoying the everyday moments together.
facebook linkedin twitter

Visit Our Website  |  Newsletter Archives  

56535 Magnetic Drive Mishawaka, IN 46545 | (574)254-0111