The end of every school year marks a turning point for Perry Township Schools and its students, and we look forward to what the future holds for the district and its scholars.
Last week we watched our graduates receive their diplomas at commencement ceremonies. Perry Meridian graduated 530 seniors, while the Southport senior class was 478 strong.
It is incredible to watch the children that we’ve known and encouraged for years as they begin their journey into adulthood. It is an honor to share this special moment. We wish them well as they move on to impressive universities like Notre Dame, Purdue, Indiana, Ball State, Butler and the University of Indianapolis, embark on exciting job opportunities, or enlist in our treasured armed services. Each one of these students has special gifts to offer the world.
The end of the year is also an important moment for underclassmen who will return to school after the summer break. There’s always something exciting about starting fresh, meeting new teachers and friends, and possibly trying new activities. The thrill of a clean slate can inspire everyone – young and old – to dream big and achieve greatness.
As a district we are looking forward to the future as well. In July we will open four new kindergarten academies, which are equipped to welcome 1,400 students. The academies at MacArthur, Homecroft, Jeremiah Gray and Rosa Parks will help our newest students become acclimated to classroom culture and routines before advancing to their home school.
We welcome all of the Perry community to visit our grand openings during the week of Aug. 14. Keep an eye on our website and social media for details. Our older students will also enjoy much-needed renovations in nearly every elementary school.
At the high school level we will celebrate the opening of Perry Meridian’s outdoor instructional and athletics facilities, which will be home to Skillman Family Field at Falcon Stadium. On July 18 the Falcons will play their first football game on their home turf.
Though we will always cherish the memories of watching the Cardinals and Falcons play at Perry Stadium, it will be special to watch the Falcons make a mark at their school. While Perry Meridian begins a new chapter, Southport will honor its field’s history by renaming it to Skillman Field at Cardinal Stadium on Sept. 22.
Because this is the end of the school year, our “Perry Perspective” column will take a brief break before returning in early August, after school is back in session.
What a time to be a Southsider! We hope to see you in the coming months as we celebrate our upcoming milestones.