The School Town of Munster A Snapshot of a Northwest Indiana School District

Community Overview Munster is a small town located in northwest Indiana, just east of Chicago, Illinois. It is home to approximately 21,511 people. Munster offers a cosmopolitan, suburban lifestyle complete with first class education, culture, shopping, healthcare, transportation, parks and recreation. The median household income is $70,231 and the median home value is $199,200.

School Town of Munster The School Town of Munster is made up of six facilities including three elementary schools (K-5), one middle school (6-8), one high school (9-12) and one central administration building.

Central Administration Superintendent: Mr. Richard Sopko Director of Instructional Programs and Assessment: Mrs. Maureen Stafford Director of Human Resources: Mrs. Sarah Castaneda Director of Computer Systems: Mr. Jarek Pozdzal Director of Transportation: Mrs. Karen Demitroulas Director of Maintenance: Mr. Hector Gonzalez Director of Food Services: Mrs. Paulette Libak

Munster High School Munster High School has a long history of educational achievement on both the state and national levels. In 2012, it was ranked 672 out of the nation’s top school in Newsweek. The administration is made up of the following positions: - Principal: Mr. Steve Tripenfeldas - Assistant Principal of Guidance: Dr. Phyllis Gilworth - Assistant Principal of Discipline: Mr. Michael Wells - Dean: Mr. Robert Snyder - Assistant Dean: Mr. Morgan Nolan - Athletic Director: Mr. Brian Clark

Munster High School There are 85 full time certified teachers for 1,607 students. The graduation rate is 96.1%. 5.1% of student get reduced lunches while 10.7% qualify for free lunches. The student body break down by ethnicity: White (67.5%) Hispanic (16.4%) Asian (7.2%) Black (5.5%) Multiracial (3.4%)

Munster High School Rather than taking part in the ISTEP, MHS students take End of Course Assessments (ECA).

Wilbur Wright Middle School The Middle School administration consists of: - Principal: Mr. Dave Knish - Assistant Principal: Mr. Tim Sopko - Dean: Mrs. Sara Stanzione-Emerson There are 48 full time certified teachers for 944 students. - 5.2% of the population qualifies for reduced lunch, while 13.2% receive free lunch. - The student body is made up of 65.3% white, 18.6% Hispanic, 7.5% Asian, 5.8% Black and 2.8% multiracial.

Wilbur Wright Middle School

Ernest R Elliot Elementary School Elliot Elementary School is run by principal, Mrs. Nicole Guernsey. There are 22 full time certified teachers and 421 students 8.3% of students get reduced lunch prices and 15.7% get free lunches. The student body is broken down into the following ethnicities: 70.3% White 20.2% Hispanic 2.4% Asian 3.8% Multiracial 3.1% Black 0.2% American Indian

Frank High Hammond Elementary School Frank Hammond Elementary School is run by principal, Mrs. Nancy Ellis. There are 31 full time certified teachers for 664 students. The student body is made up of 63.6% White, 15.4% Hispanic, 12.3% Asian, 5.6% Black, 2.9% Multiracial and 0.2% American Indian. 2.7% of the students qualify for reduced lunch prices, while 7.7% do not pay for lunches.

James B Eads Elementary School Eads Elementary School is run by principal, Mrs. Linda Bevil. There are 26 full time certified teachers and 535 students. 8.7% are eligible for reduced priced lunches and 18.8% receive free meals. The student population can be broken down into the following ethnicities: 60.7% White 20.9% Hispanic 9.3% Black 4.8% Asian 4.3% Multiracial

Elementary ISTEP+ Results

School Board Trustees The School Board is made up for five members, who rotate the position of President yearly. The current members have been working together for six year and include the following Munster residents: President: Mrs. Paula Nellans Vice-President: Mr. John Friend Secretary: Mrs. Judith Florczak Member: Mrs. Mary York Member: Mrs. Carrie Wadas

General STM Information The School Town of Munster is just beginning its second year of a 1 to 1 initiative that allows students in grades 5-12 to have a laptop. Curriculum for Math and Science are done on the computers and have been recognized nationally for their accomplishments in utilizing the online programs. Social Studies departments will be test piloting an online curriculum this year. STM, like many other districts throughout the state has been struggling financially to keep out of the “red.” Teachers and administrators have sacrificed many things to keep the integrity of the program in the schools the best possible. The School Board recently voted not to call for a referendum this fall to assist with the financial crisis.

Sources of Statistics http://www.city-data.com/city/Munster-Indiana.html http://compass.doe.in.gov/search.aspx?q=school+town+of+munster http://www.munster.k12.in.us/