By Dr. Thomas Little
Superintendent of Perry Township Schools

The Southside is a unique slice of Americana that contains all the ingredients for a wonderful place to call home. This community truly cares about one another and would do anything for someone in need. We truly look out for our friends, family and neighbors.  Regardless of the changes that occur, we have managed to hold on to those small-town values in the midst of a progressive and growing community.

I recently had the good fortune to attend two events that highlighted these values and are steeped in tradition that unites a community for no other purposes than fellowship and to renew old friendships. These traditions are the glue that holds community spirit together.

Several weeks ago the president of the Homecroft Town Council, Mrs. Kyle Jones, was kind enough to invite me to the Homecroft National Night Out at Southport Presbyterian Church, where a picnic was held. 
Homecroft and Perry Township police officers played games with the children, who had the opportunity to informally interact with the officers while gaining an understanding that these individuals are there for their protection. The barbecue was fantastic, but more importantly, the fellowship was delightful. 

Most recently, the Hill Valley Homeowners Association and its president, Charles Eldridge, invited me to their annual picnic at German Park. 

Our school board and administrative team have been studying the issues raised by a muddy athletic field at Perry Meridian High School, one that cannot be used the majority of the time because its condition. It’s often off limits to physical education classes, the band and sports teams. Perry Meridian has never held a football game at home in its 43 years of existence.

When our school board and administrative team began considering the possibility of repairing the drainage system and converting the field into a stadium, people were concerned. They understood it would entail adding lighting, bleachers, rest rooms and locker rooms. The people in that subdivision were concerned about the impact to their homes.

I am thankful for the invitation to attend this picnic. Two school administrators and I were able to answer questions and clarify misinformation. This time on a Friday evening was well spent. The kind words and expressions of gratitude were much appreciated. I have found the key to a positive working relationship is just taking the time to sit down with someone, break bread and share accurate information.  

I enjoy taking the time and getting to know the people who I rarely have an opportunity to visit and chat with. People are surprised when we remind them that about 75 percent of our residents no longer have children in school. The perception that they have of their schools develops through conversations with their neighbors or via news articles, the Internet or television.  

If you belong to an organization that meets on a regular basis and would like more information about Perry Township Schools, we would be happy to attend.

By Dr. Thomas Little
Superintendent of Perry Township Schools 

I hated to get shots in my arm while growing up. Even today, I just look the other way and close my eyes when I’m about to get one. However, we all realize that immunizations are important to protect the health of our students. 

Close monitoring of vaccination records protects everyone in our community from diseases. When 95 percent of the population is fully inoculated, this reaches a safe threshold of immunity. With contagious diseases such as pertussis, measles, mumps and the chicken pox, the more individuals who are immunized, the smaller the likelihood of an infectious disease outbreak.

Clearly, immunizations are an important requirement for all of our students. Inoculations help assure children the rewards of not only a healthy life but also increased school attendance rates, which ultimately leads to improved academic skills.  

Outbreaks such as the measles and whooping cough still occur. However, making sure children stay up-to-date with vaccinations is the best way to protect your communities and schools from outbreaks, which can cause unnecessary illnesses and loss of valuable instructional time.  

Parents are required to submit shot records upon enrolling their children. Our secretarial staff then provides copies to the clinic staff. This increases our compliance rate, which is reported annually to the Indiana Department of Education.

There are new requirements this year: booster shots for children entering kindergarten or sixth or 12th grade. Students who still need the required immunizations are encouraged to make an appointment at their doctor’s office or with the Marion County Public Health Department. 

The department provides free vaccinations for people who qualify and a flat fee of $10 for all others. There are walk-in and appointment-only hours at 505 E. National Ave., 783-2474, and 2532 E. Stop 11 Road, 883-3165
On Monday, Aug. 17, students who are not current with their vaccinations will be excluded from attending school. This is in accordance with Indiana state law.

The health of our children is important in Perry Township. The district has policies and procedures in place not only for immunizations but also for the use of medications at school, self-administered medications, accidents that may occur and medical emergencies. EpiPens (adult and junior) are stocked in all clinics for cases of suspected anaphylactic reaction.

In the elementary schools a form must be completed by staff anytime a student is sent to the clinic for unscheduled reasons. The form promotes the safety of our students by documenting the visit and monitoring for possible health issues. It is important to know who is being evaluated for medical reasons and why. 

Nurses and clinic assistants complete clinical documentation by computer in Skyward, the district’s student management system. This process tracks the work completed and may help discover undiagnosed conditions by tracking patterns of students visiting the clinic. All schools have clinics that are staffed and under the direction of registered nurse Esther Moeller.

In summary, healthy kids are happier kids, and happier kids tend to do better in school.
Thanks to our families who ensure their children are current with their immunizations.

By Dr. Thomas Little 
Superintendent of Perry Township Schools

Growing and improving describe Perry Township Schools. In addition to our focus on academics, we are looking forward to several construction projects.  

In 2011 this community supported the repair and replacement of leaking roofs and swimming pools, 50-year-old boilers and ancient science labs. Classrooms were added at both high schools to accommodate student growth.

Now, thanks to the continued support and trust from our community through a positive vote in May on the referendums, the district will be able to build additional classrooms to handle increased enrollment. Over the next two years we will replace trailers with real classrooms, expand cafeterias, address entrance and exit areas at many of our schools and make Winchester Village Elementary a traditional classroom experience.  

Renovation of Winchester will begin this month. The 18-month project will transform the open concept school to one with 30 classrooms that have walls and doors that lock; security will no longer be an issue.

Planning for the kindergarten centers at Jeremiah Gray-Edison, Homecroft, MacArthur and Rosa Parks-Edison elementary schools is underway. The staff, under the leadership of Vickie Carpenter, is visiting similar settings and developing classroom space that will reflect the needs of our students. The bidding process will take place in January, with construction beginning in the spring.  

Music classrooms are scheduled to be built at Southport Middle School, and they will replace the trailers being used to support band and orchestra classes. Students are expected to be playing their instruments in this structure in the 2016-17 school year. 

You may track the progress of our construction at http://websites.msdpt.k12.in.us/securingourfuture/.
On behalf of our entire staff, we look forward to a productive school year. As always, we are grateful to our students, families, staff and community for their support and involvement in our schools.