GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Back to school, bike races, and band students bring La Porte together

What’s recently happened?

The 2026-2027 La Porte Community School Corporation has moved the first official day of school to Wednesday, August 19 due to recent weather related issues. Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 18, will be used as preparation days for staff members. These preparation days are crucial for not just weather, but policy changes as well.

The biggest change is the addition of YONDR pouches for fifth through 12th grade. These pouches will hold personal cell phones, and smartwatches, tablets, gaming devices, etc, will be banned the entire school day. It is stated that devices may not be used during class, lunch, passing periods, or any other part of the school day. Students will place these items in their assigned YONDR pouches or can choose to leave them at home or in their vehicle.

Exceptions are limited to documented medical needs, such as blood sugar monitoring, translation assistance, IEP/504 accommodations, or a declared emergency authorized by the superintendent.

The next change is to the La Porte High School (LPHS) bell schedule. The school day will no longer start at 7:45 a.m., but 7:39 a.m. This will allow for half days on one Wednesday each month.

As staff prepares for the new school year, there will be open house hours on Tuesday, August 18, for LPHS, La Porte Middle School, and La Porte Alternative Education/UNITY students. The open house will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To allow for a smooth start to the school year, students are encouraged to comply with all new policies and to find their classes on the open house day.

What’s coming up?

The annual Tour De La Porte is taking place Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, at Cummings Lodge. This event has three sections: running, walking, and cycling.

On Saturday, both running and walking events will take place. The half marathon begins at 6:45 a.m. and costs $60 to enter. This is then followed by the 5k run, which begins at 6:50 a.m. and costs $40. At the same time, the 5k walk begins and is $35 to participate. Finally, the family run/walk is $8 to participate and begins at 7:00 a.m.

On Sunday, the cycling events take place, and there are five miles to choose from. The cost of each cycling event is $60. At 6:30 a.m., the 100 mile and the 60 mile groups begin. Then at 7:30 a.m., the 40 mile group starts. Finally at 8:30 a.m., the 25 and 15 mile groups begin. The five mile group has no set start time.

Proceeds from Tour de La Porte support the YMCA’s mission to strengthen the community through programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. From swim lessons and youth programs to wellness initiatives and outreach, participation helps create access and opportunity for individuals and families across our county. In 2025, the event raised more than $64,000 to support programs that improve health, connection, and opportunity across La Porte County.

Community member spotlight:

Lillian Quadlin is a rising freshman at LPHS, and after making new friends and gaining experience, she’s excited for this new chapter in her life.

In middle school, Quadlin was a member of the Yearbook Club, Club Swim Team, and Concert Band as a percussionist.

Quadlin swam for the Turbos Swim Club throughout middle school, and she was primarily a distance swimmer. Her main stroke was backstroke, but she competed with every stroke.

“Swimming was a big part of my childhood. I learned a lot growing up on deck from how to control my breathing to how to make new friends,” Quadlin said. “I started swimming at 7, so I did end up getting burnt out from how demanding it was. I like to think about it as one thing ending, so that another part of my life can start.”

She has participated in Indiana State School Music Association’s Solo and Ensemble for multiple years with different ensembles, and each one has received a gold ranking. This past summer she joined the La Porte Marching Band (LPMB), and played bass drum in both the Fourth of July parade and their upcoming field show “Dragondance.”

“I really love the community I’ve found through marching band and the friends I’ve made through it. I find learning all the new music fun, and getting to hang out with everyone so often makes it really wonderful,” Quadlin said.

Quadlin hopes to continue marching and concert band throughout high school. She aims to continue being active in the performing arts while being social and making others happy. After high school, Quadlin hopes to attend Anderson University to become a therapist, so she can help others and make a difference in her community.