Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools
Thanksgiving provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the blessings that we have been given. Perry Township is a special place filled with community members who care a great deal about the Southside. I am thankful to call Perry Township my home.
Our schools recently earned an A rating by the Indiana Department of Education. This rating of 4.0 is the highest rank a school district could receive. The achievement is the result of hard work and commitment of the staff, students, parents and community members. Strong schools reflect strong and vibrant communities.
The standard for this achievement is established at the board of education level. These seven individuals spend countless hours in meetings and at school events. We are thankful that they are willing to step forward and shoulder the responsibility of establishing policy and direction for the district.
We are thankful for the organizations that provide support to our schools. For example, the Greater Southside Business Alliance is composed of business owners who have invested not only their personal funds but blood, sweat, and tears into making their dream a reality. Alliance President Joan Miller, owner of 40 Minute Cleaners, and other business owners continually pool their resources to make the Southside even better.
We are thankful for Perry Meridian’s and Southport’s alumni associations, which continue to celebrate and relive fond memories at their reunions. I was simply amazed that several of our elementary schools celebrate with reunions. Homecroft Elementary recently held a celebration at their school, and my wife and I had the pleasure of attending the Edgewood Elementary reunion. The pride that the graduates have in their former school was so apparent.
We are thankful for the Perry Township Education Foundation, whose dedicated volunteers work hard to raise funds to support classroom teachers in their pursuit of creating instructional lessons that captivate a child’s interest and enhance the lesson.
We are thankful for our dedicated staff of nearly 1,900 that serves our 15,000 children every day of school. Your teaching staff is second to none and is the most dedicated group of professionals that I have worked with in my career.
Your leadership team maintains a laser focus on academic excellence; your transportation staff drives buses through ice and snow; your food service personnel provide warm breakfasts and lunches; your maintenance and custodial crews keep your buildings in good repair; and your secretaries and instructional aides provide that individual touch that only a warm heart and soul can provide. All of this is accomplished for the benefit of children.
We are thankful for the awards that staff and schools have received this year. For example:
• John Stebbe, a music teacher at Mary Bryan Elementary, received a $20,000 grant to replace an aging piano keyboard lab.
• Winchester Village was recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence.
• Our high schools were named to the fifth annual Advanced Placement honor roll.
We are thankful to the families who entrust us with the care of their most precious gift to educate.
Happy Thanksgiving!