October 2025 Newsletter

• Accolades for each of West Lafayette’s three schools;
• Homecoming and class reunions;
• WLCSC retiree’s gathering;
• A call to support the Backpack Program;
• Dedication event at the West Lafayette Elementary School Nature Center and more!
• Be sure to visit wlsef.org to learn about the many other exciting initiatives of your West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation!

WLCSC Schools Recognized Among Indiana’s Best

West Lafayette Community School Corporation continues to earn top recognition for academic excellence across multiple grade levels. In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, West Lafayette’s elementary, intermediate and junior high schools all earned distinction among the best in Indiana.

• West Lafayette Junior High earned a ranking of #9 in Indiana Middle Schools and was also named one of U.S. News Best Middle Schools, with an Overall Score of 98.34 out of 100. The recognition reflects strong academic performance, high achievement in math and reading, and a supportive learning environment for every student. Earlier this year, West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School was recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 – 2026 Best U.S. High Schools rankings as one of the top-performing schools in Indiana and across the country. U.S. News ranks West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School #295 nationally, #4 in Indiana, and #97 in STEM rankings nationally.
• West Lafayette Intermediate School was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as #12 in Indiana Middle Schools and also named one of U.S. News Best Middle Schools in America, highlighting its commitment to high academic standards and student growth. The school earned an Overall Score of 97.72 out of 100 and a Math Proficiency Rank of #10 (tie) statewide, reflecting the strong performance of students and staff who consistently go above and beyond in the classroom.
• West Lafayette Elementary School ranked #35 out of more than 1,700 elementary schools in Indiana, with an Overall Score of 96.46/100, recognizing excellence in teaching and learning at the foundational level.

Rankings are based on students’ proficiency in mathematics and reading as measured by state assessments, as well as how schools perform in the context of their socioeconomic demographics – honoring schools that succeed in educating all students.

These honors reflect the dedication of West Lafayette’s students, staff, and families – and the shared commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and community connection that define our schools.

Homecoming 2025: A Weekend to Remember

The West Lafayette Alumni Association hosted it’s fourth alumni tailgate on Friday night, September 26th at Cumberland Park. This festive evening included a delicious dinner provided by West Lafayette school’s food service department, a visit from The Sound of West Side Marching Band, and lots of school spirit!

Highlights from the weekend:

• Eight members of the Class of 1971 returned to West Lafayette for their first RDP Golf Outing. An alumni member shared, “The first ’71 RDP Cup is in the books. The Red Devil team beat the River Rat team 10 1/2 to 7 1/2”.
• The Class of 1975 returned for their 50th reunion celebration. Nearly 100 guests participated in activities throughout the weekend, including the tailgate, a tour of the Junior-Senior High School, and a reunion banquet. Class member Jody Wolford-Tucker even wore her father’s, Charles Wolford ’41, letterman sweater!
• Dozens of alumni participated in the Alumni Walk between the first and second quarters of the football game. This is the third year for this new tradition. Alumni line-up by decade and are greeted by football fans as they walk the track in front of the home stands. Alumni from the 1960s through the 2020s participated in the walk.

The Alumni Association is so grateful for the Red Devil Pride that extends throughout the decades. Plan now to join us for Homecoming on September 18, 2026.

WLCSC Retirees Gathering

The West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation hosted forty-three guests at this year’s retiree luncheon. Attendees enjoyed lunch at The Whittaker Inn, hearing updates from the Foundation and WLCSC superintendent, Dr. Shawn Greiner, and a BINGO-style game that took attendees down memory lane. This is the third time that the Foundation has hosted retirees and the group grows a bit each year. There are hundreds of years of service represented by those in attendance. Red Devil Pride runs deep with this group!

A very special thank you to Chase Newsom and Trent Johnson with MBNB Wealth Management Group/Merrill Lynch Wealth Management for sponsoring the luncheon. The Foundation is grateful to Merrill Lynch for supporting this event.

West Lafayette Backpack Program Needs Your Help

Due to the federal government shutdown, November SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits will not be distributed. This has prompted new families to enroll in the West Lafayette Backpack Program, more than doubling the number of households receiving food assistance in just 24 hours. And the number continues to climb.

During this time, the Red Devil  community is coming together to help make sure that no student goes without food. Additional volunteers have been added to help pack and distribute bags of food to West Lafayette school families who face food insecurity.

Children can’t learn when they’re hungry. Would you please consider a gift to the West Lafayette Backpack Program to help us meet the needs of our students? You can donate at the link below and write ‘Backpack’ in the comment box.

Thank you for showing your care for West Lafayette’s most vulnerable students.

Donate to West Lafayette’s Backpack Program

A Lasting Tribute at West Lafayette Elementary School

Colin Kippenbrock Outdoor Classroom in the West Lafayette Elementary School Nature Center.

The West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation recently hosted a special dedication ceremony at the new West Lafayette Elementary School Nature Center, honoring the memory of Colin Kippenbrock – a beloved parent, volunteer, and lunchroom supervisor whose kindness and commitment continue to inspire the school community.

Thanks to memorial contributions from Colin’s family and friends, along with the generosity of local businesses and volunteers, a beautiful new outdoor classroom pavilion now stands within the Nature Center. The pavilion offers students a shaded space to learn, read, and connect with nature — a fitting tribute to Colin’s spirit of care, curiosity, and community.

The district extends heartfelt thanks to all who made this project possible, including KJG Architecture, Dan Adams of SiteWorx, Matt Dodds and Mike Dunkle of Dunkle Custom Build, Von Tobel Home Improvement Store, and Bill and Katie Price, as well as the Kippenbrock family for inspiring such a meaningful addition to our schools.

This new space will carry forward Colin’s legacy and continue to enrich the learning experiences of West Lafayette students for generations to come.

Upcoming Events

• December 4, 2025  |  WLHS Career and Trades Expo
• February 2, 2026  |  WLSEF Scholarship Application Deadline
• March 27, 2026  |  Founder’s Day
• March 28, 2026  | Scarlet & Gray Dinner and Auction
• April 9-10, 2026  | Wall of Pride events

Keep in touch!

Planning a class reunion? Receive a job promotion? Win an award or receive recognition? Share your news with your alma mater! The West Lafayette Alumni Association would love to share your news in the Devil’s Advocate newsletter. Visit the West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation website and submit your update today!