October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Perry Township Schools is proud to support the nationwide initiative.

Today our students and staff are wearing orange to observe National Unity Day to promote acceptance and inclusion among our schools and beyond. Throughout October, our Department of Student Services is hosting presentations and interactive exercises that support this cause.

Our instructors discuss what bullying is, advise students what to do if they’re being bullied and educate bystanders on what to do if they witness bullying. 

Perry Township Schools does not condone bullying behavior toward any student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties. It is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Bullying can be an isolating experience – not just for the kids involved – but for their parents, as well. We want the targets of bullying, their support system and bystanders to feel empowered to report it and safely take a stand. 

We also encourage students to report bullying or any disagreement in which they feel threatened by telling a school official or calling our safety hotline at 317-789-3905. 

Once a report is received by an administrator, teacher or other staff member, an investigation is initiated within one school day. Staff members will carefully gather information from parties on each side of the situation. 

Based on the outcome of the investigation, school leaders are able to determine the appropriate discipline or intervention based on the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support program. Our anti-bullying initiatives also seek to educate and counsel students who are the perpetrators of the aggressions.
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Perry Schools is committed to providing a safe, positive and nurturing environment for all students. Visit http://www.perryschools.org/for-students/bullying/ for more information about our bullying policy.

Perry Township Schools is proud to announce its most recent school letter grades, released by the Indiana Department of Education. 

Our students, teachers, support staff and administrators have worked hard to ensure that our students are growing in their achievement. Because of their intentional work to meet every student’s needs, we have earned nine A’s, five B’s and three C’s. Two of our elementary schools – Abraham Lincoln and Glenns Valley – increased from a C to an A within one year. 

Our district has grown to 16,299 students, and our poverty level is above 70 percent. We serve more than 4,800 English learner students who speak 73 languages.

Schools                                       Grade
Lincoln Elementary                         A
Clinton Young Elem.                       C
MacArthur Elem.                            A
Glenns Valley Elem.                        A
Burkhart Elem.                              A
Homecroft Elem.                            A
Jeremiah Gray Elem.                       B
Mary Bryan Elem.                           B
Rosa Parks Elem.                           A
Southport Elem.                             A
Wincester Village Elem.                    C
Perry Meridian Sixth Grade Academy  A
Southport Sixth Grade Academy        A
Perry Meridian Middle                      B
Southport Middle                            C
Perry Meridian High                         B
Southport High                              B

These grades are a combination of performance and growth on ISTEP for the elementary, sixth grade and middle schools. The performance makes up half of the letter grade, while the growth rate makes up the other half. The high schools’ letter grades are based on graduation rate (30 percent), growth (20 percent), college and career ready (30 percent) and performance (20 percent).

Our district has earned maximum levels of growth points for English language arts and math. These grades and high growth are the result of our teachers’ and staff’s focus on students. In professional development groups, teachers learn strategies to support students’ needs. Teachers and administrators use data to differentiate instruction for students and refine instructional strategies. Every educator in Perry Township is responsible for the success of our district.

Thank you for allowing us to provide excellent educational opportunities that prepare our students for success. 

Did you know that Perry Township Schools is among the top five fastest-growing school districts in Indiana? The district has grown to 16,299 students, and enrollment continues to rise steadily.
Perry Meridian Middle has approximately 1,185 students; in 2021-22 its projected enrollment will climb to 1,291. Southport Middle has about 1,135 students; in 2021-22 the projected enrollment will surge to approximately 1,328. 

Perry Meridian Sixth Grade Academy has 646 students, and 680 students are expected in 2021-22. 
The growth at Southport Sixth Grade Academy is expected to be even greater. Enrollment is approximately 560 students but is expected to increase to 682 in 2021-22.  

Approximately 455 additional students are estimated for Grades 6-8 by 2021-22.

In reviewing those numbers, we realize we will be over capacity in the academies and middle schools. The Board of Education is considering a plan to prepare for the future:   
• Perry Academy: eight additional classrooms.
• Perry Meridian Middle: 13 more classrooms and two Project Lead the Way labs.
• Southport Academy: eight additional classrooms.
• Southport Middle: 10 more classrooms, one Project Lead the Way lab and one comprehensive intervention program classroom.
Realistically, we must begin planning now for growth that is expected in the next four or five years. Generally, planning a project of this scale takes 24 months, while design and construction take approximately 14 months.

If approved, construction could begin as early as next summer, and the new classrooms could open for the 2019-20 school year. During this expansion our goal is to minimize disruption to our students. Construction crews will utilize summer vacation and other breaks to do the most intensive aspects of the project.  

We appreciate all of the support our community has given us throughout the years. It is important to communicate to our supporters that this project will be paid for with savings that remain from our existing construction fund, as well as rainy day funds. The school district will not propose a bond referendum, and taxes will not be increased as a result of this project.
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It is truly a privilege that families trust us to provide excellent educational opportunities that prepare students for success in the classroom and in life. We are committed to maintaining a safe and comfortable learning environment for all of our students, and we will keep our community informed as we continue to discuss all future improvements inside our schools.

​Congratulations to Homecroft Kindergarten Academy teacher Susan Thomas for being a finalist for a $100,000 grant from the Dream Big Teacher Challenge. Perry Township Schools is asking the Southside community to show its support by casting a vote for her.

Of 15 finalists nationwide, Ms. Thomas is the only teacher from Indiana. The grant would be such a blessing to our students. If she wins, Homecroft will divide the grant evenly between all four of Perry Township’s new kindergarten academies to purchase books and other literacy resources that students can use at school and at home. 

The academies have also set a goal to provide tools and host events for our English learners and their families to empower them to practice reading at home.

Numerous studies have shown that books in the home positively impact student achievement. It is our mission to provide level-appropriate reading materials to our diverse population – native English speakers and English learners. Our educators are committed to ensuring that all students are able to read on grade level because literacy directly impacts the welfare of the community. 

Students who are unable to read fail to grasp important concepts, score poorly on tests and often miss educational milestones. Reading lays the foundation for learning all other concepts and subjects. With the support of the grant, Ms. Thomas and our other kindergarten teachers will work to not only build students’ reading ability but also their confidence.

Voting ends Oct. 30, and daily voting is encouraged. Winners will be announced in December.

The voting process is simple:
• Visit https://www.farmers.com/thank-americas-teachers/vote-for-a-teacher/. 
• Click vote for $100,000 proposal and select on the name of Susan Thomas.
• Enter your email address when prompted.
• Check box to permit Thank America’s Teachers to send voting confirmation email.
• Click submit.
• Verify the vote by clicking the link in the confirmation email sent to the email address provided by the voter. 
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The challenge, sponsored by Thank America’s Teachers and Farmers Insurance, is designed to show appreciation for educators and give them the ability to make a big impact in their classrooms and community.