My Pittsboro Neighbors, Pittsboro, IN (2026)

09/03/2026

Throwback Thursday 🏈❤️💙

Throwback to those Friday nights when the whole town seemed to come together under the lights! 🏈✨

There’s just something special about Tri-West football—the excitement leading up to kickoff, friends and family filling the stands, cheering on your classmates, the unmistakable sound of the cowbell 🔔, and all the catching up and socializing that happens between plays.

For generations, Friday night football has been more than just a game. It’s been a tradition—a place where memories are made, friendships grow, and our small town comes together to support its kids.

Whether you played on the field, cheered from the stands, worked the concessions, or simply showed up to enjoy the atmosphere, Tri-West football has always been a staple of our community.

Here’s to the Friday nights we remember, the traditions we carry on, and the memories still waiting to be made. 🏈💙

Let’s Go Bruins! 🐾

08/31/2026

🍎 PITTSBORO TEACHER OF THE PRESENT: SHAWNA ADES 🍎

This week, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Shawna Ades, a Developmental Preschool teacher at Pittsboro Primary School!

Shawna is in her fourth year at Pittsboro Primary and her 13th year in education, with a career focused on early childhood. She has taught general education, inclusion, and developmental preschool, working with children ages 3–5 with a wide range of strengths and needs.

When asked what she loves most about teaching, Shawna shared that it’s the little moments of growth-watching a child learn a new skill, gain confidence, or accomplish something they once thought was difficult. For her, preschool is about so much more than academics. It’s about building confidence, independence, relationships, and a love of learning. 🥰📚

Shawna describes her teaching style as nurturing, hands-on, and individualized. She understands that preschool can be a child’s first experience being away from home for an extended period of time, and she wants both her students AND their families to feel safe, supported, cared for, and confident while they’re at school.

But perhaps the most meaningful part of Shawna’s story is what inspired her to become a teacher. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, she originally planned to become an audiologist. Then she had the opportunity to work with a very special student who changed the direction of her life.

That student inspired Shawna to pursue special education and ultimately become the teacher she is today. Even more special? She is still in touch with him, and he is now preparing to head off to college to pursue a teaching career of his own. ❤️ What a beautiful full-circle moment!

Shawna is also a true member of the Pittsboro community. She grew up in Pittsboro, attended Pittsboro Elementary and Tri-West Middle School, and always knew it was the community where she wanted to raise her own family. Today, she and her husband Derek are raising their three children here while Shawna continues to serve the community she loves.

When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find Shawna spending time with her family, supporting her children’s sports and theatre activities, traveling, cooking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors

Shawna, thank you for pouring so much love, patience, and dedication into our youngest learners and for helping them take those very first steps in their educational journey. Pittsboro is lucky to have you! 🍎

👏 Please join us in thanking Shawna Ades for being our Pittsboro Teacher of the Present this week!

08/27/2026

🍎 TEACHER OF THE PAST: JULIE WILES 📚

For 26 years, Julie Wiles was a beloved teacher at Pittsboro Elementary School, spending 25 of those years teaching 3rd grade and one year teaching 4th grade. But Julie’s connection to PES goes far beyond her teaching career—it truly runs through her family and her heart. ❤️

Julie shared that one of her favorite PES traditions was the Scholastic Book Fair. She loved watching her students discover new books and seeing which titles they were most excited about. She also loved science and made learning hands-on and memorable through her classroom science center and the annual building and erupting of model volcanoes. 🌋🔬

And who could forget the classroom guinea pigs? 🐹 Many of Julie’s students probably have fond memories of those furry classroom pets—along with the highly coveted Jolly Ranchers and Blow Pops that students had to earn!

But perhaps one of Julie’s greatest accomplishments at PES was starting the Elementary Robotics Program during the later years of her teaching career. Under her leadership and with the incredible support of parents and teacher volunteers, the team advanced to the Indiana State Robotics Competition at Lucas Oil Stadium several years in a row and even made it to the World Championship one year! 🤖🏆
Today, that robotics program has continued to grow and now includes Tri-West Middle School and High School.

When asked what she hopes her students remember most, Julie said she hopes they remember how much she cared about them. She truly wanted to make a difference in their lives and make learning fun and memorable.

And Pittsboro Elementary wasn't just a workplace for Julie—it was home. Her parents, Julie herself, and her children all attended Pittsboro Elementary. As Julie put it:
“These are my people. I’m here for them.” ❤️

Now retired, Julie enjoys spending time with friends and family—and especially her one-year-old granddaughter! 👶💕

Julie, thank you for 26 years of caring, teaching, encouraging, and making a difference in the lives of so many Pittsboro students. We are so grateful for the memories and the legacy you left behind at PES! 🍎📚

Pittsboro Neighbors, did you have Mrs. Wiles as a teacher? What do you remember about her classroom? Share your memories in the comments! 👇

08/24/2026

🌟 TEACHER OF THE PRESENT: MEGHAN WOLFE 🍎

This week, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Meghan Wolfe, a dedicated educator who is making a difference at Pittsboro Elementary School!

👩‍🏫 Meghan has been working in education for 20 years, including time in several roles outside of the traditional classroom. She is currently teaching 3rd–5th Grade Essential Skills and is in her 5th year at Pittsboro Elementary School. This is her second year teaching Essential Skills at PES.

When asked what she loves most about being a teacher, Meghan’s answer says so much about the heart she brings to her classroom:

❤️ “Building relationships with my students and their families.”

Her role in the Essential Skills classroom gives her the opportunity to work with many of the same students for multiple years. She loves getting to know their families, building those relationships, and most importantly, watching her students grow.

One message Meghan wants every one of her students to know is:

✨ “You belong and have an important place in our community! Also, you can do hard things!”

Meghan says many of her proudest moments come from watching her students shine without compromising who they are.
She is especially proud of the inclusive environment at Pittsboro Elementary and the efforts of the staff to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate and feel like they belong. From talent shows and music programs to field trips and everyday classroom activities, Meghan loves seeing her students share their unique skills and gifts alongside their peers. 💙

📚 Favorite book: Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

🎆 Favorite Pittsboro tradition: The Wolfe family LOVES the 4th of July festivities!

Meghan, thank you for the compassion, encouragement, and sense of belonging you bring to your students and their families. Pittsboro is so fortunate to have teachers who recognize that every child has something special to contribute—and who make sure they have the opportunity to shine! 🌟

Help us give Meghan a big Pittsboro THANK YOU for all she does for our students! 👏🍎

08/21/2026

**New Listing in Pittsboro**

📍 7360 N County Road 150 E, Pittsboro

-3 beds
-2 baths
-1.39 acres
-Sunroom
-Detached and attached garage
-2 storage sheds

We love this home and think you will too! It even has an above ground pool!

Call or email Sold It Realty Group
[email protected]
317-373-1782

08/20/2026

📚 TEACHER OF THE PAST: MARJ EMMERT 📚

This week, we are honored to spotlight a teacher who spent many years helping Tri-West students discover the power of words, literature, and storytelling—Marj Emmert! ❤️

Marj taught for 25 years overall, including 19 years at Tri-West, where she taught junior English and freshman English and served as the yearbook advisor for seven years. She also coached the language and literature portion of the Academic Decathlon team and shared her talents outside the classroom as co-director and/or music coach for Tri-West productions of Beauty and the Beast, Singing in the Rain, Grease, and The Music Man. 🎭🎶

When asked about her favorite part of teaching, Marj didn't hesitate: acting out sections of The Odyssey and Romeo and Juliet. As one of her former students, I remember her bringing those classic stories to life for her students!

Marj hopes her former students remember how hard she worked to make classic literature come alive and to help them develop a deeper understanding of the English language. Most importantly, she wants students to understand just how much teachers care about their students. ❤️

And Marj certainly hasn't slowed down in retirement! She and her husband now live in central Florida, close to their three adult children—Jennifer, Adam, and Alison—and their three grandchildren. She is also in her ninth year with the Bach Festival Choir of Winter Park, an auditioned choir of 180 singers. 🎶

But perhaps most exciting of all, Marj is currently writing three books! ✍️

📖 Vignettes from an 80-Year Life
📖 My Book of Top Ten Lists
📖 Understanding the English Language — the first textbook in a planned three-part series

The textbook is dedicated to the Tri-West students who encouraged Marj to write her own textbook. While she isn't sure yet whether the books will ever be published, she says the bulk of the writing is complete. Time will tell!

Marj shared that she has an abundance of fond memories from her years at Tri-West, and we are so thankful she took the time to share some of them with us!

Thank you, Mrs. Emmert, for the countless hours you devoted to your students and for making classic literature something they could experience—not just read. ❤️📚

Tri-West alumni—do you remember Mrs. Emmert? What is your favorite memory from her classroom? Tell us in the comments! 👇

08/17/2026

🍎 School Staff of the Present: Alyssa Pugliese (Ward) 🍎

We’re excited to continue highlighting the wonderful people who make our local schools so special! Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Alyssa Pugliese (Ward), School Counselor for grades 6th-8th at Tri-West Middle School!

Alyssa is beginning her 16th year in education and her 9th year with North West Hendricks School Corporation. When she first joined the corporation in 2018, she split her time between Pittsboro Elementary and North Salem Elementary before moving to Tri-West Middle School in 2019.

For Alyssa, working in the North West Hendricks community is especially meaningful. She grew up here, graduated from Tri-West and now gets to work in the same building where her dad, Mr. Ward, spent many years as principal. She says she feels like she’s continuing the “family business!” ❤️

One of her favorite parts of the job has been reconnecting with people from her own childhood and now getting to meet and work with their children. She also loves the tradition of recognizing students and staff throughout the corporation and celebrating the greatness happening in our schools.

When asked what advice she would give her college-age self, Alyssa’s answer was simple: “Trust the timeline.” She spent five years at Indiana State University before discovering that school counseling was the path she wanted to pursue—and we’re certainly glad she did!

Alyssa has also been involved in coaching throughout her career, including 7th grade volleyball and Student Council at North Putnam Middle School and coaching track at Tri-West during the 2021-2022 school year.

Thank you, Alyssa, for serving the students and families of our community and for carrying on a special family tradition in the North West Hendricks schools! 💙
We’re so glad you’re part of our community!

08/13/2026

🍎 Teacher of the Past: Ron Ward

This Throwback Thursday we're honoring Ron Ward, whose remarkable 40-year career in education began at Pittsboro Junior High School as a 7th and 8th grade Social Studies and P.E. teacher. Over the years, he served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, assistant superintendent, and today continues to serve our community as a North West Hendricks School Board Member.

Ron spent 34 years as an administrator with North West Hendricks Schools, making him the longest-tenured administrator in the district's history. He also served 22 years as a building principal, including 13 years as Tri-West Jr./Sr. High School Principal, the longest tenure in that school's history. One of his favorite parts of his career was teaching Driver Education for 20 years, where he enjoyed building lasting relationships with students.

Throughout his career, Ron received numerous honors, including being named Indiana Middle School Principal of the Year, a three-time IASP District 8 Principal of the Year, a Jostens Renaissance National Hall of Fame Inductee, and a Tri-West High School Hall of Fame Inductee. His passion for school spirit also left a lasting legacy—he started the annual football season bonfire tradition that continues today.

His advice to students is simple: Get involved! Participate in school activities, make connections, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Today, Ron enjoys traveling with his wife, Debra, spending time with their three daughters and three grandchildren, and is on a quest to visit all 50 states. He’s over halfway there on his journey.

Thank you, Ron Ward, for your decades of leadership, dedication, and the incredible impact you've made on countless students, educators, co-workers and our community. Your legacy continues to inspire! ❤️🏫

Were you one of Mr. Ward’s students, co-workers, or friend? We’d love to hear your favorite memory or a lesson that Mr. Ward taught you in the comments!

08/10/2026

🍎 Teacher of the present: ERICA WARREN 🍎
📚 Pittsboro Primary School

When we think about what makes Pittsboro such a special community, our teachers are certainly at the top of the list! Today, we’re excited to celebrate Erica Warren, a beloved teacher at Pittsboro Primary School who has dedicated her entire 21-year teaching career to Pittsboro!

Erica began her career teaching at Pittsboro Elementary and, when the new Primary building opened in 2010, made the move to Pittsboro Primary. She spent 7 years teaching 1st grade and is now in her 14th year teaching 2nd grade.

When asked what she loves most about teaching, Erica said, “I love that every day is different.” While there are certainly predictable parts of the school day, she loves the unexpected moments that make each day fun. Erica also treasures being around children and having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

One of her favorite Pittsboro traditions is all about full-circle moments.
At the end of the school year, Erica loves taking her 2nd graders on their final lap through the Primary building. She especially enjoys seeing the seniors return to walk their final lap at PPS in their caps and gowns—and getting hugs from former students along the way. And then there’s the tradition of waving the buses out of the parking lot on the last day of school.
For Erica, those moments represent so much more than the end of another school year. They are reminders of the lasting impact a teacher can have on a child’s life.
🎓 “Teaching brings so many full circle moments into my life.”

Erica also has some wonderful advice for parents who want to help their children succeed in school: Be present. Pay attention to information coming home from teachers and the school corporation, and do the little things that help set your child up for success. As Erica says, “All the little things add up to great success in the classroom.”

When Erica isn't in the classroom, you can probably find her outside in her herb, vegetable, and flower gardens. 🌻🥕🌿 Gardening is a family tradition passed down from her mother and grandmother, who were also teachers.
She says being in the garden is the perfect balance to teaching—it's quiet, it's outside, and it's a chance to recharge.

After 21 years of teaching in Pittsboro, Erica Warren has certainly become part of the fabric of this community. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and love for her students are a wonderful example of the teachers who make Pittsboro Primary School such a special place.

❤️ Thank you, Erica, for 21 years of pouring into the children of Pittsboro! We are so fortunate to have you!

Help us celebrate Erica in the comments and share a favorite memory if you—or your child—have had Mrs. Warren as a teacher! 🍎📚

08/06/2026

🍎 Pittsboro Teacher of the Past: Miss Brooks ❤️

For 39 years, Miss Brooks made a lasting impact on generations of students at Pittsboro Elementary, teaching 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. While she taught many subjects over the years, what she cherished most was watching her students learn.

"Seeing the smile on their faces when they finally figured out the answer was my favorite part of teaching," she shared. She also feels incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside so many wonderful teachers and principals throughout her career.

Miss Brooks especially loved teaching World History in 6th grade and Indiana History in 4th grade. She enjoyed bringing history to life through creative projects and watching her students discover fascinating stories from around the world and right here in Indiana.

When asked what advice she would give today's teachers, she offered this heartfelt reminder:
"Don't let all the outside issues affect how you relate to your students."

After retiring in May 2009, she celebrated by taking her very first cruise the very next week! Since then, she's enjoyed traveling and spending her free time reading, working crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles on her iPad.

Although she misses her fellow teachers, one of the greatest joys of retirement is running into former students. They still call her Miss Brooks, and even though she tells them, "I'm Linda now," they always smile and reply, "You'll always be Miss Brooks."

She also fondly remembers coaching Math Bowl and Spell Bowl, leading Young Hoosiers Club, and the many memorable field trips she shared with her students.

💙 Thank you, Miss Brooks, for nearly four decades of dedication, encouragement, and inspiration. Your kindness, passion for teaching, and love for your students have left a legacy that continues to live on in the Pittsboro community.

📚 Were you one of Miss Brooks' students? We'd love to hear your favorite memory in the comments!

Linda Brooks

My Pittsboro Neighbors

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