Clinton Central administrators highlighted new early learning options, rising test scores and upgraded athletic facilities during a recent appearance on WILO and Boone 102.7 FM’s “Party Line” program.
Early Learning, Roundup Dates Set
Elementary Principal Aubree Akard said the district’s “Little Bulldogs” preschool and “early kindergarten” programs are designed to give the youngest students a strong start before entering kindergarten. Little Bulldogs serves children who are three years old by August 1 and offers both half-day and full-day options, including breakfast and lunch, with access to free and reduced-price meals. “We are level three Paths to QUALITY as well, so we have a planned curriculum for those kiddos and it’s really just designed for our youngest learners,” Akard said.
Early kindergarten focuses on academic, social and emotional readiness for students the year before they enter kindergarten. Akard noted that students work on simple addition, letter sounds, early sight words and attend weekly specials such as art, music, library, physical education and “Bulldog Builders,” a creativity and problem‑solving block. “We’ve really just seen [students] shine…we’re really, really excited,” she said of the early kindergarten program.
Clinton Central’s Early Learning Roundup is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, followed by Kindergarten Roundup on Thursday, April 2. Families can sign up online at clintoncentral.org using the “Roundup” button on the home page or call the elementary office at 765‑249‑2244 for assistance.
Testing Pressures and Strong Scores
Akard said kindergarten expectations have changed significantly in the last decade, with most students now leaving kindergarten already reading. She described a wide range of readiness levels among incoming students, from children who have never been in any preschool setting to those already writing full sentences, and emphasized the need for teachers to differentiate instruction.
The principal also addressed state testing requirements, including the IREAD exam in second and third grades. “Nowadays IREAD is given in second grade and in third grade and it’s a test that they have to pass as a third grader or they are retained,” she said, noting limited exceptions for some special education students. Last year was the first year some second graders were required to attend summer school if they did not pass or were considered at risk of not passing as third graders.
Despite the pressure, reported encouraging early results. She said recent second- and third‑grade scores are “the highest IREAD scores that I have seen in my time here,” crediting both students and teachers for adapting the testing process with small-group and one‑on‑one testing environments to give students “the best chance to succeed.”
High School: Safety Drill, AI and Pathways
High School Principal Jason Lake outlined a busy stretch after spring break, including a mock disaster drill scheduled for the afternoon of April 24. He said community members should expect to see multiple law enforcement agencies, EMS and possibly a medical helicopter on campus that day and not be alarmed. The high school will also host prom, a senior trip, and senior awards as the year winds down.
Lake said the biggest changes in secondary education have been the influence of social media, cell phones and now artificial intelligence. “I don’t think the kids have really changed but our circumstances have changed, our world has changed,” he said, adding that educators focus on teaching students both the dangers and benefits of social media. On AI, Lake said the district is working to use the technology constructively, noting that Assistant Superintendent Dr. McIntire has a doctorate in AI and that high school English teacher Mrs. Kreiling has “accepted AI and has run with it” as a tool to plan lessons and give students specific feedback on their writing.
The principal also discussed evolving diploma options and work‑based learning. Indiana is moving toward diploma “seals” and more emphasis on employability skills, he said, with students able to earn dual credit, take career and technical education courses and in some cases work part of the day while attending classes the rest of the day. Lake said there is even a possibility dual‑credit coursework could begin as early as eighth grade for some students, although off‑campus college classes typically remain limited to juniors and seniors who can drive.
Athletics: New Entrance, Future Projects and Spring Sports
Athletic Director Nick Burlingame said Clinton Central recently unveiled a new athletic entrance, gym floor, concession stand and weight room, upgrades that drew praise as the school hosted the boys basketball sectional. “We were able to have a lot of different schools, a lot of different fans come and check out the new gym,” he said, adding that many visiting fans encouraged the school to continue hosting major events.
Burlingame said he expects the school board to formally announce a new head football coach at its next meeting, following the tenure of former coach Chris Finley. He also highlighted the district’s longstanding swimming program, crediting head coach Ken Jones and staff for 27 years of leadership and noting a conference championship for the girls team and continued success on the boys side.
Looking ahead, Burlingame said outdoor facilities are a priority, with a new batting cage planned near the softball field and a “wish list” that includes improvements to the football field, track and baseball complex. He expressed optimism about spring sports, citing new baseball coach Nolan Buckner and standout athletes such as pitcher Dillon Heaton in baseball, distance runners like Spencer Dunn and Carter Cline in track, and a successful boys golf program under new coach Logan Whiteman. “We’re just looking forward to watching them compete…and for us to be able to get outside,” he said.
At the end of the segment, hosts also praised the Clinton Central band and director Mr. Duke, relaying comments from community members who said recent performances made basketball games “like being at a college game” and drew strong reviews at the IHSAA contest.
How to Register
Families interested in Early Learning Roundup or Kindergarten Roundup can visit clintoncentral.org and click the Roundup button on the left side of the home page to complete an online form, or call the elementary office at 765‑249‑2244.
