Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is gearing up for the 2013-2014 school year and is excited for what this year will bring.
“I know kids who are excited too and can’t wait for school to start,” said Patricia Payne, director of the IPS Office of Multicultural Education.
Amidst declining enrollments, John Althardt, director of school and community relations at IPS said that preliminary enrollment data shows that IPS will hold steady in terms of the number of students attending IPS compared to last year. They see this as a positive sign.
IPS is also excited about a new, innovative school model that’s getting national attention. Frederick Douglass School #19 has been designated as a “Super School” where students will be involved in a unique curriculum that combines movement with learning.
“Students will be sitting on yoga balls or walking a balance beam while doing their multiplication tables. It’s all based on research that says the more you stimulate the brain, the more children learn. We see this as an exciting addition to the many choices we offer in the district,” said Althardt.
Full day classes begin Aug. 5. To ensure students are prepared, IPS has communicated on district as well as grassroots levels with parents on the importance of kids starting off the school year right by attending the first day of instruction.
One thing that can deter students from attending the first day of school is not having their immunization records up to date. Parents can get immunization records from their health care provider or visit MyVaxIndiana.in.gov.
According to state health officials, this school year all students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade will be required to have a record documenting two valid doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or documented history of chickenpox disease.
“We experienced multiple outbreaks of chickenpox around the state during the last school year,” said Indiana State Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Joan Duwve, M.D. “This new requirement will help stop the spread of this preventable disease and keep kids healthy and in school.”
Students must also come to school on day one ready to learn, prepared to be well behaved and show respect to adults and one another. IPS is promising that children who don’t will be held accountable for their actions, especially bullies.
To promote more positive behavior, IPS students are encouraged to take advantage of sports and extracurricular activities such as the robotics team, the marching band or the chess team.
Teachers are also gearing up for the upcoming school year. They’ve been setting up their classrooms and have had trainings, meetings with district officials and special sessions with new teachers. Schools were also asked to create a strategic plan to ensure a strong school start.
IPS’ demographics include about 54 percent African-American, 20 percent Hispanic and 23 percent white. Due to the minority majority, teachers participated in a special cultural competency conference.
“Instead of talking about academic gaps, we discussed opportunity gaps,” explained Payne, who, in her 52nd year at IPS, got her start as a 2nd grade teacher. “Teachers need to be ready to welcome students and their parents with open arms. We also have to put more emphasis on the genius children bring with them to the classroom instead of the poverty.”
Teachers will also have additional trainings throughout the year on various topics.
Due to IPS’ struggles, such as unsatisfactory drop out rates, all eyes will be on the district to see if this will be the year IPS has notable victories, particularly in reducing underperforming schools and increasing test scores.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Peggy Hinkley, former superintendent for Warren Township, reviewed those schools, met with their principals, and identified support systems to assist underachieving schools such as additional personnel, increased funds, adopting working models within the district or increased partnerships with community organizations.
Like many schools, IPS also had budget shortfalls. The system assures the public that any financial issues have as little impact on classroom instruction as possible. They’ve undergone a district-wide review of operations, looked at maximizing personnel and made cuts where necessary.
The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce is also lending its expertise in district changes and will offer suggestions to the school board later in the fall.
All eyes are certainly going to be on the district’s new superintendent Lewis Ferebee to see how he will lead the system.
Hinckley has served as interim leader during an extensive search for someone to fill the superintendent position permanently. IPS Board of School Commissioners selected Ferebee in July over two candidates. He is now charged with spearheading Central Indiana’s largest and most academically diverse school system.
Ferebee, former chief of staff for Durham Public Schools in North Carolina, replaces Dr. Eugene White, who retired in April.
Althardt said IPS is confident in Ferebee due to his background. He has experience in crippling the impact of poverty on academic achievement; turning around struggling schools; and reducing drop out rates. Some of his career highlights also include increasing math rates and writing grants garnering millions of dollars.
“There’s great enthusiasm and anticipation with the arrival of Dr. Ferebee as our new superintendent. He is going to be great for our district,” said Althardt.
IPS staff is ready to roll out the red carpet and welcome students, yet many believe student success is directly related to parent involvement.
“It starts with what goes into the mind of these children at home. There’s a conflict between the home culture and school culture. Teachers and parents are going to have to work together,” said Payne.
Parents are asked to bring their children to school on the first day if they are able and meet teachers. They are also being charged with making sure their child is at the correct bus stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time. To ensure promptness, make sure kids get a good night’s rest and adequate breakfast in the morning.
“Parents who have walkers, take the time to walk the path with them so students know where it’s safest to cross. Let them know not to take any shortcuts and not to talk to strangers. If they are approached by a stranger, report it immediately,” said Althardt.
IPS knows its struggles yet claim they are diligently working to address their issues. They are also touting their victories and ready for the upcoming school year.
“They keep trying to make IPS go away, but that’s not going to happen. There’s always going to be students and families who need what the traditional school has to offer. IPS offers so many things charter schools can’t even touch. What more do you need?,” said Payne.
For more information, call John Althardt at (317) 226-4649. For transportation questions, call (317) 226-4500. For school assignment questions, call (317) 226-4415.
For immunization information, contact the Indiana State Department of Health at (317) 233-1325 or visit State.in.us/isdh.
