Tri-Creek School Corporation

Working Together, Creating Well-Rounded Students

Collaboration and High Expectations Place a Rubber Stamp on Student Success

At the core of Tri-Creek’s philosophy is a powerful commitment encapsulated in its mission statement: Engaged to Learn, Equipped to Achieve, Empowered to Succeed. By connecting all stakeholders with relevant learning experiences, supplying them with meaningful knowledge and skills, and encouraging them to thrive, Tri-Creek is more than just an educational institution—it’s a catalyst for transformation.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Andy Anderson, Tri-Creek envisions a future where high achievement, continuous growth, equity, pride, and well-rounded experiences drive daily work and programming. The ambitious vision sets the bar high for the district and its students. The district strives to nurture leaders and lifelong learners ready to excel in a dynamic world.

The district’s Four Guiding Principles are intentionally integrated into daily operations. They include the paramount importance of a Safe and Positive  Environment, a commitment to Continuous Improvement, and an emphasis on Shared Responsibility among stakeholders coupled with a Focus on Solutions. These principles influence the educational curriculum and the institution’s broader culture.

STEAM Programming for Future Leaders

Kevin Deal, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, highlights the district’s well-rounded programming that includes robust STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs, which extend from the elementary level upwards. He explains, “The state of Indiana adopted computer science standards several years ago, and we were fortunate to bring STEM programming to our elementary level,” adding to an already-established art and music curriculum.  Through strategic partnerships and professional development initiatives, Tri-Creek ensures that every student, starting in kindergarten, receives exposure to STEAM concepts and skills, including music, physical education, art, library, and more.

A key component of Tri-Creek’s approach is the incorporation of STEAM rotations into the elementary curriculum. Deal elaborated, “With the standards and student needs, we wanted to ensure that all students at all grade levels had the inclusion of a STEAM rotation.” This intentional integration allows students to develop foundational skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, digital citizenship, and more, setting them on a trajectory for multiple future opportunities.

Looking to continue this programming into the middle school grades, the district eliminated the need for students to choose between STEM programming and fine arts, creating a surge in enrollment in band, choir, and visual arts programs resulting in a true STEAM environment. Additionally, joint experiences with professional groups, such as the Ball State University Singers and the South Shore Brass Band, showcase the district’s commitment to providing enriching experiences in the performing arts.

Trades, Healthcare, Education, and Technology

“At Lowell High School, we offer twelve different pathways,” Deal shares proudly. These pathways encompass various fields, including trades, healthcare, education, and technology. Tri-Creek’s investment in vocational education is exemplified by the state-of-the-art Red Devil Trades building, where students gain hands-on experience in precision machining, welding, construction trades, and automotive technology.

Initiatives like the construction trades program underscore the district’s emphasis on real-world experiences. The school district partners with local businessmen who provide a house lot and a concrete foundation, and Lowell High School students take the baton from there to build a home in a nearby subdivision. The process begins in August with the home sold on the active real estate market the following June. This is an example of real-world experiences, highlighting Tri-Creek’s commitment to bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application.

Moreover, Tri-Creek’s pathways extend beyond traditional trades to encompass high-demand fields such as healthcare. “We offer a health science pathway that includes biomedical studies and pre-nursing,” Deal explains. Through strategic alignment with industry needs and student interests, Tri-Creek ensures that its pathways prepare students for success and address future workforce demands.

Tri-Creek School Corporation’s comprehensive approach to education, from early childhood initiatives to high school pathways, demonstrates its commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to excel in an increasingly complex world. The district offers pathways designed to attract students and prepare them for success in various endeavors, including entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, or following a career in their chosen field.

School Infrastructure Enhancement Projects

Transitioning to infrastructure, the superintendent provided a comprehensive overview of ongoing upgrades and capital investments across all five campuses. From elementary schools receiving much-needed renovations to transforming Lowell Middle School into two distinct entities—an intermediate school for grades five and six and a middle school for grades seven and eight—the district’s commitment to modernizing its facilities is tangible.

Drawing attention to the significance of the upcoming overhaul of the high school’s athletic complex, including the addition of a natatorium, Superintendent Anderson underscores the district’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art facilities for students and the broader community. Including community-use spaces like the pool, tennis courts, and a revamped field house for community walking, cardio workouts, and cable weight training, reflects Tri-Creek’s philosophy of fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

Progressive School Safety Initiatives

Amidst the excitement of infrastructural enhancements, attention shifts to the paramount issue of security—a topic of utmost importance in today’s educational landscape. Anderson clarifies the district’s approach to security with proactive measures and strategic partnerships aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff.

Tri-Creek’s partnership with the Sandy Hook Promise, enabling anonymous reporting via the Say Something program, underscores the district’s dedication to fostering a culture of safety and vigilance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Additionally, implementing Nightlock® devices on classroom doors and granting the Lake County Sheriff’s Department access to video surveillance cameras showcases Tri-Creek’s proactive approach to addressing security concerns.

Anderson stresses the high priority placed on safety, encapsulating the district’s dedication to safeguarding its educational community. Tri-Creek School Corporation remains resolute in providing a secure and nurturing environment through technological advancements such as CrisisGo©, strategic collaborations, and comprehensive security measures.

Preschool Programs on Hold Pending Resource Acquisition

Mr. Deal helped to guide an exploratory team for early childhood education at Tri-Creek and provided insights to the district’s challenges and opportunities. “We are in a rural community that does not have the provision of many early childhood development programs,” he explains. While existing programs cater to a small population, the demand far exceeds the available resources.

However, amidst these challenges, there is optimism. Anderson noted, “The good news is we have a plan in place,” rooted in extensive research, family feedback, and collaboration with experts in early childhood development. Every plan aspect, from curriculum design to resource allocation, is crafted to ensure efficacy and impact. “Now it’s just finding the opportunity when the funding support is there for us.”

The commitment to providing every child with a strong foundation for success remains unwavering, reflecting Tri-Creek’s dedication to nurturing excellence and fostering growth at every stage of a student’s educational journey.

Celebrating Academic Achievements

Tri-Creek School Corporation is extremely proud of Lake Prairie Elementary’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School, mathematics accolades for performing in the Top 10% of all schools in the state at each of the three elementary schools, as well as schools in the district having 97.5% and 100% passing rates on Indiana’s IREAD-3 assessment.

The Lowell community takes immense “Red Devil Pride” in its football program, a cornerstone of community spirit. However, achievements extend beyond the gridiron, with students receiving state and regional championship rankings for swimming, robotics, wrestling, cross-country, art, and music competitions.

Vision Ahead: Navigating Forward

Looking ahead, the district is focused on literacy to enhance reading and writing proficiency from elementary through high school levels. The development of effective professional learning communities aims to elevate student achievement to new heights in not only literacy for reading and writing, but also for all academic core content areas. With multi-tiered systems of support for both academics and social-emotional well-being, fulfilling the mission of empowering students to succeed is kept at the forefront of all planning.

As Tri-Creek School Corporation charts its course for the future, the dedication of its educators, the passion of its students, and the community’s support stand as pillars of strength. With a commitment to excellence in academics, arts, and athletics, Tri-Creek continues to inspire and empower the next generation.

In Anderson’s words, “There is no reason we cannot become one of the top performing school districts in the state—for the sake of our students.” With vision, dedication, and collective effort, Tri-Creek School Corporation is ready to realize this ambitious goal and shape a brighter future for all.

AT A GLANCE

Tri-Creek School Corporation

What: Tri-Creek School Corporation’s STEAM programs, alongside community partnerships, infrastructure upgrades, and future vision, are geared towards empowering students for success and shaping a brighter future for the district.

Where: Tri-Creek School Corporation is located in Lowell, within Lake County, Indiana.

Website: https://www.tricreek.k12.in.us/