Staff
As students scramble to meet deadlines to maintain their grades in the midst of the third quarter, many are daydreaming of summer break. For staff though, a break from school doesn’t mean the hard work can stop. Mrs. Dutko, a teacher of a few years at Kouts, has traded some of her work duties for other responsibilities, as she has taken some much-needed time off to tend to her family's’ new edition - a baby! Thankfully, Mr Gold, a teacher of around 15 years, has agreed to fill in. Mr. Gold is a fun, hardworking teacher who has taken responsibility for Mrs. Dutko’s classes, including social studies classes and sociology. Mr Gold has worked in a variety of different schools including Hammond High, George Rogers Clark, and Lake Ridge Middle School. As students, we are excited to experience Mr. Gold’s teaching and hope he feels welcome at Kouts High School!
Student
All students seek relaxation among their hectic lives due to the amount of time and energy dedicated to school work. Most students in the Northwest Indiana region haven't had to wait long for their well-deserved breaks, with the staff canceling nearly a week of school and calling several sporadic 2-hour delays for east Porter County. In January, the Midwest reach frigid temperatures, blistering winds, and air dry enough to make you choke, forcing residents to stay within the comfort of their own homes. Some of these areas received several inches of snow, large patches of black ice, and temperatures far below freezing. While we did receive double digits, it wasn't what most were looking for, with temperatures reaching well below -20 degrees.
Many reported losing traction on the roads during these conditions and some cars wouldn’t even start in general. Fortunately, the weather made a drastic change while entering the first week of February, with the temperature falling between 30 and 50 degrees. East Porter students are grateful for the change and hope the warm weather stays for a while.
Upcoming Events
High school is a crucial time in an individual’s life that most will remember many years after their graduation date. For many students, middle school was also a huge part of their growth, and the transitional period is an amazing place to learn about their interests and skills. This is where students can really get a feel for what they may want to pursue in high school, and even when they enter the workforce later in life. Many students experiment in the arts and sports, and activities like spell bowl, choir, basketball, and soccer. Drama Club is known for its outspoken and tight-knit reputation, where students of all ages are able to have fun with their peers and superiors while learning valuable life lessons. It is important for a growing middle school student to be supported lovingly by friends and family, and the community.
The Kouts Drama Department’s middle school section will be hosting “Snow Angel,” a play for all to see! Three showings will take place: 5 p.m., Feb. 28; and 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on March 1. It will be held in the school’s auditorium, with doors opening 45 minutes before start times. Tickets $5 a person. We hope to see you there!
What’s Happening
Academics are stressed to the max while in high school, with parents, peers, and teachers pushing students to do their best on their homework assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects. While GPAs and SAT scores are the focal points for most educational careers, sports play a large role in many others’ lives as well. For several Kouts students, the 2018-2019 Kouts Mustangs Basketball Team has been a huge achievement among their education.
On January 24 the boys brought home the keg, winning the PCC Tournament against Washington Township! Although the game was a close score of 78-75, the Mustangs pulled through with the help of their amazing coach, Mr.Duzan, and the pep block and other performing groups. The coaches, as well as all Kouts students and staff, expressed their gratitude and pride in Kouts and made sure to make it known that the team was appreciated.
We are all collectively excited to see where the rest of the season leads the team’s members, and we wish you luck as you move forward with their athletic careers.