Despite weather obstacles for some holiday programs and activities, Northeastern Wayne Schools leaders said many events had gone well, and excitement is building for the new year.

Northeastern Elementary’s evening Christmas program for grades K-2 was originally scheduled for Dec. 16, when school was canceled. NES quickly pivoted to a school-day Dec. 18 assembly. Older elementary students were the audience, and families could watch a livestream or recording through Facebook.

Northeastern High School band’s concert likely will be rescheduled for Jan. 9.

Northeastern Student of the Month Huxley Dixon, Early Learning Center

Some programs did occur on schedule, including Northeastern Middle School’s choir and band concert, Northeastern Early Learning Center’s program, and NES’ Breakfast with Santa, which was well attended.

Board President Shawntel Baker asked if next year’s events could be in early December to allow for rescheduling if needed to avoid disappointments for families and students.

Superintendent Jennifer O’Brien said schools hadn’t faced December snow days in recent years, but that idea would be considered.

Games, class parties and other festivities were to take place throughout the district before school closed Dec. 19 for the break.

Policies

Four policies moved from first reading to approval regarding bullying, attendance, released time for religious instruction and teachers’ supplemental payments.

Northeastern Students of the Month Emma Moore, elementary

The bullying policy reduces the time for schools to report possible incidents to both families, to by the end of the next instructional day.

The religious instruction policy now says elementary students can leave for no more than 2 hours per week, and for secondary students, not for more time than equivalent to one elective course per week.

The attendance policy will excuse up to six days for participation in national or Indiana FFA activities or 4-H clubs with prior approval.

The superintendent can offer supplemental payments to teachers when doing so is in students’ best interest.

In other business

Northeastern Student of the Month Aaron Roberts, middle school
  • NES Principal Tierney Stevenson noted interest in creating a choir for second grade and older to perform at Veterans Day, graduation and other programs. The activity could serve as a feeder program for music in older grades.
  • New curriculum has arrived for the Early Learning Center. It was mostly funded by a high-quality curriculum grant. After the break, teachers will begin discussing materials in their professional learning communities before adding it to their instruction.
  • Williamsburg Lions Club is interested in offering a poster contest. Stevenson is hopeful that a youth service Leo Club could be created later.
  • The board approved an updated contract with AJ Sickmann and Boston Bever Forrest Cross & Sickmann law firm.

Personnel

Northeastern Student of the Month Lily Sharp, high school
  • New hires: Eva Bogue, NHS agriculture teacher; Isiah Peters, NES substitute teacher for a maternity leave; Shelly Black, NES teacher (temporary); Matt Tucker, NMS interim assistant dean
  • Extracurricular sponsors: Helen Lennon, NMS Drama Club volunteer; Jordyn Davis, wrestling volunteer
  • Departure: Carrie Mastriano, NMS special education teacher
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A version of this article appeared in the December 24 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.

Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.