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October 29th, 2014

10/29/2014

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By Dr. Thomas Little
Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools

Our school district provides a wealth of experiences for children far beyond the four walls of the traditional classroom. 


One of these experiences – and sure to create lifetime memories – is our fall camping program for fifth-graders.  
Pupils attend a three-day camp at either Bradford Woods, Camp Allendale or the YMCA Flat Rock River Camp. This is a rich experience for our students, many of whom are camping for the first time. Support is provided for children with special needs and medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes.


The camp provides hands-on activities facilitated by the classroom teacher and staff members employed by the camp. Children participate in canoeing, archery, fishing, hiking, creative expression and arts and crafts. In addition, they learn about survival skills, how to build a camp fire and how to make s’mores. Ecosystem studies include a study of pollution, microbiology, forestry and wildlife conservation and bring textbook theory to real-life experiences. 


This year Homecroft Elementary participated in the bald eagle habitat curriculum at Bradford Woods. The program also features games that many of us grew up on, like capture the flag. There is also time set aside for journal writing and sharing reflections.


“One of my favorite elements of the Bradford Woods curriculum is the family-style meals,” said Homecroft Principal Jody Matthews. “Students are taught responsibility by not taking more than they are going to eat, and if they take the last of the food, they get more for the rest of the table.” 


Camp isn’t just for fifth-graders. High schoolers from Perry Meridian and Southport who are members of the leadership team LOTS (Leadership Opportunity Through Service) attended training to be counselors at the camps. Our staff developers are also actively involved at camp and assist students in writing reports and creating presentations using Chromebooks.


“Camp teaches kids to use their other intelligences,” said Rosa Parks-Edison Elementary Principal David Henriott. “The focus on nature, observations and how humans and nature directly impact each other is a one-of-a-kind experience! Camp always provides kids opportunities to be themselves and brings out the personalities we don’t get to see on a regular basis. It’s a unique way to see students in a whole different light.”


We are fortunate in Perry Township to have many dedicated staff members who sacrifice time away from family to provide these important and unique experiences for our students. We express our gratitude to the staff and volunteers who serve as positive role models for our children inside and beyond the walls of the classroom.  

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October 22nd, 2014

10/22/2014

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By Dr. Thomas Little
Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools

The Southside has always been known as a great place to live and raise a family. Our reputation continues to be strong. 


The enrollment in your school district increased by more than 250 students to 15,000-plus this year, the most in history. We have closely monitored our growth, and all indicators tell us that this growth will continue. 


We have installed 26 classroom trailers around the district to accommodate our increased enrollment, and we will be renting at least five more for the 2015-16 school year. In five years there could be more than 50 classroom trailers at our elementary schools and four at each middle school. Temporary classrooms are located at the following elementary schools:


• Two at Mary Bryan and Southport.
• Four at Lincoln, Clinton Young, Homecroft and Glenns Valley.
• Six at Burkhart.


We all realize that these classrooms are only an intermediate fix. Classroom space is a major issue that ultimately affects everyone in the township, and we have turned to the community for its guidance. 
The Perry Community Advisory Panel was formed to provide that kind of input. The panel features high school students, parents, current and former teachers, administrators, support staff, business owners, clergy, real estate agents and retirees. The group was instrumental in providing direction as we addressed the district’s financial shortfalls in the past. 


On Sept. 29 the panel met at Homecroft Elementary for an update on the work since the referendums were passed in 2011. More than 40 member attendees were engaged and focused on meeting the needs of children in our community. Our capacity needs for classroom space were addressed. The group visited one of the four temporary classrooms at the school, where Principal Jody Matthews and fourth- grade teacher Mrs. Shoup discussed the challenges of teaching in that kind of environment. 


Another challenge discussed is the open concept classroom design at Winchester Village Elementary. The model from the 1970s does not provide secure classroom walls or doors that close and lock.  
The panel also met Oct. 8 at Southport High to discuss financial and project funding, tax impacts and facility options. 


Bottom line: Everyone agreed that we need to find a permanent solution to our increased enrollment while adding walls and doors to classrooms at Winchester Village.


The board of education is interested and actively listening to everyone. We welcome conversations with you about your thoughts on addressing the classroom space issue. We have a challenge to meet the needs of our prosperous, growing community. Together, we will arrive at solutions that will maintain the quality educational programs that Perry Township expects.
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October 15th, 2014

10/15/2014

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By Dr. Thomas Little
Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools

There is nothing more precious to us than our sons and daughters. The No. 1 priority in Perry Township is creating and maintaining a safe learning environment in our schools. This community supported the installation of secured entrances at all schools, security cameras throughout the buildings and expanded the presence of school police officers throughout the district.

 
In addition to responding to calls for service and assisting at events, the officers serve as mentors for students and provide in-school convocations on topics ranging from bullying to police dog searches. 
Many of you are familiar with the citywide Blue Pledge, Make Our Home a Safer Place campaign. Most of our schools have become actively involved in a variety of ways. The following are a few examples:
Winchester Village Elementary hosted a “thank a police officer day.” The idea behind this was for staff and students to show their appreciation and gratitude for law enforcement through a simple gesture: telling an officer thank you. 


Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Rick Hite and Cmdr. John Conley passed through the classrooms to rounds of applause and greetings. A large box of thank-you letters was presented to them, and a banner offering gratitude to law enforcement officials hangs in the school cafeteria. Children promised to report any suspicious activity.


 Mary Bryan Elementary pupils and staff also took the pledge. Township School Police Assistant Chief McGavock and Deputy Humble signed a banner to show their commitment.


At Glenns Valley Elementary, children are educated about school expectations. Officer Kim Kelsay addressed children about bully prevention and possible consequences for anyone who participates in such activities. An emphasis was placed on the need to act respectfully and responsibly at all times.


Southport 6th Grade Academy played a special role in the induction of IMPD’s latest recruiting class of 100 officers. Language arts pupils wrote the recruits letters and essays of encouragement for the job they are about to do. The children also made keepsake ornaments for the officers. 

 
A member of the women’s police auxiliary accepted the tokens of appreciation and said the officers value the gifts because they are representative of the community supporting them. “This gives them courage and strength as they face the challenges each new day brings,” she said. 


Whether at the district, city or state level, we are grateful for the work of our officers; we are thankful for our partnerships with them. 

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Oct. 1, 2014

10/1/2014

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By Dr. Thomas Little
Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools

The fourth annual Coach Hathaway’s Running South will be held Saturday at Perry Stadium and Southport High School’s gym, both at the corner of Shelby Street and Banta Road. 


Designed for toddlers to senior citizens, the day of wellness will feature a kiddy romp and a 1-mile run ($5 entry fee; $10 after Thursday), a 5K run ($10 students, $15 adults; add $5 after Thursday) and a 10K run ($10 students, $20 adults; add $5 after Thursday).  


The event brings a major focus on health to our faculty and student body. Not only do we have running clubs in our schools’ conditioning for the run, but our preschoolers have even been learning and practicing proper stretching techniques. 

 
Early registration may be completed at www.ptef.org. Proceeds will support the Perry Township Education Foundation in its mission to provide grants to teachers to develop creative instructional lessons. Since 1994 the foundation has awarded more than $1 million.

 
Tom Hathaway, who died April 22, 2012, ran 131 marathons, many half-marathons and countless other races. At 79 he was the oldest runner to finish the inaugural Running South. He accomplished the feat of running one marathon in each state, placing him into the prestigious 50 States Marathon Club. 
Hathaway taught and coached cross country and track at Perry Township Schools for 44 years, mostly at Southport High. He also coached at the University of Indianapolis and was an instructor for Ken Long & Associate’s training programs. 


The schedule of events:
• A health fair from 7:30-11 a.m. will feature about 50 booths and various demonstrations. Participants will include Cyber Blue and Cyber Cards robotics teams, American Red Cross bookmobile, Franciscan St. Francis, chiropractor Kevin Storm, Gentle Dentist, Baxter YMCA, Perry Senior Citizens Services, the Southport Lions Club and Not My Kid, a drug prevention program. 
• Registration and packet pickup for 5- and 10K events is from 7:30-8:30 a.m.; they start at 9 a.m.; packet pickup for 1-mile run is from 8:30-10 a.m.; it starts at 10:15 a.m.
 • Kiddie romp with mascots, 10:45 a.m.


In addition, information booths will be manned by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Kenny’s Academy, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Central Nine Career Center and Southern Plaza.


This is an exciting event for the community. I look forward to seeing you at our celebration.
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