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Whittney Wood Gaines
Josh Burnett

Whittney Wood Gaines, a dedicated special education teacher at BCSC, has been honored with the 2025 Building Community Award from IU Columbus, recognizing her incredible contributions to promoting inclusivity and understanding in the community.

Whittney Wood Gaines, a dedicated special education teacher at BCSC, has been honored with the 2025 Building Community Award from IU Columbus, recognizing her incredible contributions to promoting inclusivity and understanding in the community.

Beyond her classroom responsibilities, Whittney has tirelessly worked to foster diversity and celebrate unity throughout Columbus. In 2022, she spearheaded the first Black History Month Columbus, bringing together organizations across the city to host over 50 events in February 2023. The celebration grew even stronger in 2024, with new participants joining and further establishing this meaningful tradition. Now, as she plans the third annual event, her collaborative leadership continues to inspire and engage the community.

Whittney's work reflects her unwavering dedication to breaking down barriers, building community understanding, and creating lasting opportunities to celebrate diversity. This prestigious award highlights her exceptional impact on both BCSC and Columbus. Congratulations, Whittney!

BCSC news
Josh Burnett

In Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC), we remain steadfast in our mission to provide a welcoming culture built on respect and trust for all. In recent weeks, immigration policy at the federal level has inspired reactions and emotions within our community and across the nation. It is important to understand that, by law, a child's immigration status (or that of their parents) does not affect their right to receive a public education. We remain committed to the core beliefs of celebrating diversity, building strong community partnerships, and cultivating civic-minded citizens.

To our parents and families, BCSC will continue to educate all of our students in a welcoming, safe environment. We do not collect or maintain any information about the immigration status of students or families. Policy 5540 acknowledges BCSC’s responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, but discourages legal interviews or interrogations on school property whenever possible. BCSC officials will request that the law enforcement agency contact the parent/guardian to interview the student at a time and location away from school. We will make every attempt to contact a parent or guardian if an immigration official requests to meet with your student at school.

To our students, we will remain focused on your education and meeting your physical, social, and psychological needs while at school. We will be diligent in communicating and reinforcing expectations for students to treat others with respect and dignity as members of our school community. We encourage students and families to report any concerns directly to a teacher or school administrator so they can be addressed promptly. 

To our community, we will continue to partner with other organizations and agencies to offer resources and support to families as needed.

Now more than ever, it is vital that we lead by example—treating one another with civility, listening with empathy, and modeling the respect and understanding we wish to instill in our students.

Patiño Honored as 2024 Distinguished Language Administrator
Josh Burnett

BCSC is thrilled to celebrate Greicy Patiño, Dual Language Instructional Coach at Clifty Creek Elementary, for being named the 2024 Walter Bartz Distinguished Language Administrator by the Indiana Foreign Language Teacher’s Association (IFLTA). This prestigious award recognizes Patiño’s remarkable efforts in expanding and strengthening dual language programs like the Legado Spanish Immersion Academy.

BCSC is thrilled to celebrate Greicy Patiño, Dual Language Instructional Coach at Clifty Creek Elementary, for being named the 2024 Walter Bartz Distinguished Language Administrator by the Indiana Foreign Language Teacher’s Association (IFLTA). This prestigious award recognizes Patiño’s remarkable efforts in expanding and strengthening dual language programs like the Legado Spanish Immersion Academy.

Patiño has played an instrumental role in the success of Legado, a program she helped launch seven years ago. Serving over 300 students from pre-K to sixth grade, Legado empowers students to become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural, preparing them for global opportunities.

Her deep connection to BCSC began long before her role as an educator. A graduate of Columbus North High School and a former student of CSA Fodrea and Central Middle School, Patiño understands firsthand the importance of language and cultural identity in education. As a bilingual Mexican-American, she brings her unique perspective and passion to the program, ensuring every student feels valued and supported.

Beyond her work with students, Patiño provides critical support to teachers and families, helping onboard new educators and facilitating professional learning communities. Her leadership has helped create a strong foundation for the program’s continued growth and success.

Reflecting on the award, Patiño said, “This recognition is not just for me but for the entire Legado program and the community of educators and families who make it possible. Together, we are building a lasting legacy for our students.”

BCSC congratulates Greicy Patiño on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her ongoing dedication to fostering cultural pride and academic excellence.