LT Inside Out 3-2018

Dear Lawrence Township Faculty & Community Members:

MARCH 2018

As you may be aware, the MSD of Lawrence Township is a busy place. Currently, we have multiple initiatives in place, all driven by our Strategic Plan, guiding us on our Journey to Excellence. If you have not done so, I encourage you to review our plan and see how we are developing today’s learners in to tomorrow’s leaders.

Great News in Facilities Improvements Our Blue Ribbon Facilities work continues, with the Board of Education approving the renovations of both Amy Beverland and Sunnyside Elementary to start in 2019.

Follow Dr. Smith on Twitter Work continues at Indian Creek Elementary (IC), Skiles Test Elementary (ST), and Harrison Hill Elementary (HH), and will be completed in the fall of 2018.

At both Lawrence Central (LC) and Lawrence North (LN) High Schools, complete renovations of both auditoriums are underway with anticipated completion this summer. Also approved by the Board of Education is the construction of two new softball stadiums at both high schools to be completed by spring of 2019.

Renderings of both auditoriums can be viewed below:

Lawrence Central High School

Lawrence North High School

While renovations are complete at Mary Castle Elementary, part of the renovation cost included the installation of a stop light at the campus entrance on 82nd Street. While the MSD of Lawrence Township will fund the project, upon completion, the light will be turned over to the Department of Public Works of Indianapolis. The district will have access to control the light on school days in both the morning and afternoon. Installation of this light will occur this summer.

The District of Destination MSD of Lawrence Township

Lawrence Education and Community Center Dr. Shawn A. Smith, Superintendent 6501 Sunnyside Road Indianapolis, IN 46236 317-423-8200 Visit us on the web at www.LTschools.org

(Dr. Smith’s Message Continued)

The Blue Ribbon Facility Plan came to fruition four years ago, as the district reviewed and analyzed both the current state of its facilities, as well as its growth. The MSD of Lawrence Township has grown by over 1,200 students in the past four years. This growth warranted a Building Capacity Study, led by Assistant Superintendents, Dr. Steve Goeglein and Dr. Kathy Rieke.

Building Capacity Study As a result of the input from an eighteen-month Building Capacity Study on alleviating the enrollment at the elementary school level, the Board of Education and I have come to the decision to build two Sixth Grade Academies, one at each middle school location. The district will study the option to build two sixth grade buildings.

It will take a few years to work through the planning, financing and construction of Sixth Grade Academies, making the anticipated opening scheduled for the fall of 2022. This means that we would anticipate the first group of students to occupy the new facilities to be the students who are currently in first grade, barring any delays.

High School Feasibility Study The High School Feasibility Study, conducted by Fanning & Howey Associations, assessed every foot of both high schools, investigating the following:  Education Adequacy  Interior spaces  Safety & Security  Building Shell and Systems,  Site & Circulation A final report with recommendations were submitted to the superintendent and Board of Education for review. The complete report can be accessed here.

Student Safety As demonstrated above, and as is always the case with any construction project and in our day-to-day operations, safety and security are the top priority. The MSD of Lawrence Township works diligently with public safety and security professionals to ensure the safety of all students and staff in our buildings. Part of that work includes constant monitoring and review of practices and procedures to strengthen our safety plans. This work is spearheaded by Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Rodger Smith, and Coordinator of Safety & Security, Officer Jim Parish. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your building principal or these district leaders with any questions you may have about this important topic.

(Dr. Smith’s Message Continued)

Student Achievement While exciting things are happening on the exterior of our buildings, they are also happening inside in the realm of Student Achievement! We continue our work around student achievement, raising the level of instruction rigor, and shifting the workload from the teacher to the student. Recently, Director of Curriculum, Instructional Programs, and Professional Development, Mr. Troy Knoderer, presented an update to the Board of Education on the state of student achievement Mid-Year, as well as an update on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Be sure to view the presenting by following this link.

New Innovations On top of these many areas of focus, work also continues in the arena of innovation! Immediately coming to mind is the expansion of our immersion program. Serving the district for twenty plus years, the Forest Glen Elementary Immersion program is a national leader in bilingual education, progresses through Fall Creek Valley Middle School and Lawrence North High School. While keeping their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) focus, Skiles Test will be adding Immersion in Kindergarten and Grade One. Unique to the Skiles Test expansion is the blending of the immersion program with the current state-accredited STEM program. Not only will students receive core instruction in Spanish, but they will continue existing STEM programming, including the engineering design process, robotics, coding, and environmental science.

The plan is for the program at Skiles Test to progress to Belzer Middle School and Lawrence Central High School.

As you have read above, there is much to be proud of in Lawrence Township. Our work is intentional, guided by our Strategic Plan, and responsible to the wants and needs of our stakeholders. I encourage you to stay informed, become involved, and join us on our Journey to Excellence!

Sincerely,

Dr. Shawn A. Smith Superintendent of Schools

As a result of the snow day on January 24th, the MSD of Lawrence Township will hold classes on March 22nd.

There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, March 23rd.

Spring Break is March 26-March 30.

The first day of class after Spring Break is Monday, April 2.

Click here to view the 2017-2018 school year calendar.

Academic Top 30 Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools are pleased to announce their Academic Top 30 for the graduating class of 2018.

Click here for the Lawrence Central Academic Top 30 Click here for the Lawrence North Academic Top 30 The Top 30 banquet will be held at the Lawrence Education and Community Center.

Lawrence Central: April 10 at 6:00 pm Lawrence North: April 11 at 6:00 pm

National Merit Finalists Announced It is with great pleasure that we announce that the MSD of Lawrence Township has three National Merit Finalists this year who have been selected to move on in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

The Lawrence Central representatives are Brianna McMonagle and Peter Chung .

The Lawrence North representative is Cameron Rostron.

Brianna McMonagle, LC

Peter Chung, LC

Cameron Rostron, LN

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and scholarships that is open to all U.S. high school students who meet the published entry requirements. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), a not-for-profit organization established in 1955 that operates without government assistance. Semifinalists named in each year’s Merit Scholarship competition show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Those who meet the requirements to advance to the Finalist level compete for National Merit Scholarships supported by independent sponsor organizations and by NMSC’s own funds. Currently, about half of the Finalists are chosen as award recipients and honored as Merit Scholar designees.

Lawrence Central High School Announces New Varsity Football Coach Lawrence Central High School is proud to welcome new Varsity Football Coach, Mr. John Rodenberg.

Rodenberg comes to LC from Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he served as the head coach between 2008-2017. In 2012 and 2013, he led the Moeller team to back-to-back Division I state championships, having appeared a total of eight times in the OHSAA Division I playoffs, Rodenberg has coached multiple students who have gone on to play for Division I, II, & III NCAA football teams.

Click here to read learn more.

Melinda Miller, Indian Creek, Receives Indiana Armstrong Teacher Educator Award nda Miller, Forest Glen, has been selected one of the recipients of the Indiana Armstrong Teacher Educator Award for 2018-2019. i prestigious award was inaugurated in 1997 to honor exemplary teachers throughout Indiana interested in working with teacher education students, faculty, and staff at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Armstrong Teacher Educators take an active role in shaping the next generation of teachers. For all recipients, that means traveling to Bloomington to participate in a panel discussion of current issues in education, as well as inviting IU students to their own classrooms to observe and learn. Some Armstrong winners also become Teachers-in-Residence and make regular trips to campus throughout the year to visit classes and collaborate with IU faculty on their curriculum, as well as conduct workshops on career development or related professional issues.

CIEE donates to Lawrence North PFO The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) made a generous charity donation of $1000 to the Lawrence North PFO this past holiday season. CIEE brings international high school students to the U.S. for cultural exchange programs at schools in all 50 states. Edwina MacDonald, Indiana state Regional Director for CIEE, nominated Lawrence North as a part of their annual giving program, and LN was randomly chosen.

Click here to learn about CIEE and their exchange students hosting opportunity.

From left to right: Lynne Burns; Edwina MacDonald, CIEE; Jean Miller, LN PFO President; Brett Crousore, LN Principal

Students in the Early Learning Centers practice for the next Olympics!

MSDLT Celebration Snapshot Celebration Snapshot for February 2018

Board of Education Recognitions—Celebrating Excellence Each month the Board of Education recognizes individuals and groups for outstanding achievement and for going “Above and Beyond.”

January 22, 2018 Board of Education meeting recognitions February 26, 2018 Board of Education meeting recognitions

Lawrence Live!

In this edition of Lawrence Live, Dr. Smith chats with students from Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools about their community service involvement, specifically their Dance Marathon, benefiting Riley Hospital for Kids. He also introduces us to Ms. Stephanie LaPlant, Director of Early Childhood Education and PK-3 curriculum. We invite you to listen in.

Video Recording by Communication Studies Students at Crestview Elementary. Editing by Mr. Randy Tomes, Communication Studies Teacher, Crestview Elementary.

Mr. Reginald McGregor Celebrated with National Award LT Schools Board of Education president, Mr. Reginald McGregor, was the recipient of the 2018 Lou Takacs Award from the Cooperative & Experiential Education Division (CEED) of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). This award began in 2003 and is presented annually to co-op employers who have made significant, honorable, and meritorious contributions to the promotion of the philosophy and practice of cooperative in engineering and technology.

Drew Horvath Honored by Indiana Bar Foundation The Indiana Bar Foundation (Foundation) honored a group of servant-leaders at its recognition dinner in December. The group of attorneys and judges includes those dedicated to the delivery of pro bono legal services, civic education, service to the legal profession and the public through community service. Among those honored was Lawrence Central teacher, Mr. Drew Horvath. Click here to read more.

Preschool Enrollment Preschool enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year is now underway. Please call the Office of Early Childhood Education at 317-423-8363 for information.

Early Entrance to Kindergarten According to policy set by the Indiana Department of Education, a child must be five years of age by August 1, of the year they enroll, to enter kindergarten. The MSD of Lawrence Township gives parents/ guardians the option of requesting early entrance to kindergarten if a child’s birthdate falls between August 2nd and October 31st of the year they enroll, but the Early Entrance Request Process must be followed.

If your child was born in 2013, and will be turning five years old between August 2 and October 31, 2018, and you want your child to attend kindergarten, you must request Early Entrance to Kindergarten Assessment for the 2018-2019 school year. Applications must be submitted no later than April 20th.

Click here for more information.

On My Way Pre-K Applications Now Available On My Way Pre-K applications are now available for the 2018-2019 school year.

Applications are accepted first come, first serve. On My Way Pre-K awards grants to 4-year-old children from low-income families so that they may have access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they enter kindergarten.

Families can apply online here.

Click here for more information about income guidelines.

6th Grade Track and Field Sixth graders are invited to join the Track and Field Team of the middle school they will attend next year. Shuttle bus service from elementary schools is provided to 6th graders participating in athletics.

Belzer call-out meeting Monday, March 5 from 4:00-4:45. Tryouts begin Monday, March 12 from 4:00-6:00.

Visit the Belzer Athletics Website for more details.

Fall Creek Valley Meet at the FCV Track for Conditioning/Tryouts on Monday, March 12 from 4:00-5:30.

Visit the Fall Creek Valley Athletics Website for more details.

You are invited! Coffee with the Superintendent

Stop by for an open and informal conversation with Superintendent, Dr. Shawn A. Smith, on the topics of your choosing.

Thursday, April 5th at 7:30 am at Bernie’s Place Restaurant, McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology, 7250 East 75th Street - Door #2 Spanish or ASL translation available upon request. Call 423-8375.

Dr. Smith Shares LT Schools Vision with the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce McKenzie Center for Innovation Technology was the host site for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Before Hours Breakfast. Dr. Smith and members of his leadership team were the featured speakers Click here to listen in and hear Dr. Smith’s message to the Chamber.

Northeast Indianapolis College Fair To Be Held At Lawrence North The annual Northeast Indianapolis College Fair will be held at Lawrence North High School, 7802 Hague Road, on Tuesday, March 13th at 6:30 pm in the Field House. Students and their families from Lawrence Township and surrounding schools are invited to attend to meet with college representatives from all over Indiana and the Midwest. The event is sanctioned by the Indiana Association for College Admission Counseling and there is no cost to attend.

Congratulations to the LC Bears and LN Wildcats who were awarded the Character Counts Award by the Indianapolis Kiwanis Club!

Counseling Departments Earn Top Recognition The Counseling Departments at both Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools have been recognized as a Gold Star Program by the State of Indiana and have been nationally recognized as a RAMP Program by the American School Counselors Association.

Supported Employment The Lawrence Township Supported Employment program is designed to employ exceptional learners at local businesses while providing training and job coach supports. The goal of the Supported Employment Program is to provide students a successful transition from the world of school to the world of work.

Throughout the program, students experience a variety of jobs in actual business environments during their high school years. As a result, upon graduation students leave high school with a strong foundation for employment. This year supported employment programs from Lawrence North and Lawrence Central merged together at McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology to better meet the employment needs of our exceptional learners.

Students volunteer their time at The Sharing Place, Ft. Ben YMCA, Lawrence Library, Habitat for Humanity, Commercial Foods, and Theatre at the Fort. They have logged over 1500 hours of volunteer work experiences through Work Based Learning so far this school year.

Our students have received over 650 hours of job shadowing work experience through local business partnerships. Businesses include Alibi’s, Porter’s Books and Bread, Subway, CVS, George’s Neighborhood Grill, Buona Pizza, Shadeland Flower Shop, Great Clips, Café Audrey, SubZero, The Villages, and McAlister's Deli.

Supported Employment Fast Facts:    

Eighty-two percent of Work Study students are currently employed on paid job sites.

Average number of work hours for students in paid employment sites is 18.5 hours per week.

Average number of volunteer hours for students in volunteer sites is 9.5 hours per week.

Students employed at 17 different area businesses. Businesses include AMC, TJ Maxx, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Lawrence Township After School Extension, Café Audrey, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, Hindle Bowl, and the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Stop in to say thanks to our LT Supported Employment partners today!

LN Percussion Ensemble Brings Home Top Honors Congratulations to the LN Percussion Ensemble on an amazing performance--and a FIRST PLACE FINISH--at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. The ensemble includes: Jarak Gutierrez, Conrad Testin, Erin Hardman, Lorenzo Salomon and Garrett Swearingen.

Junior percussionist, Jarak Gutierrez was also selected to perform with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in the side by side concert on March 21st at 7pm at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

Dick Wolfsie Gets Robotic at McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology Every week Dick Wolfsie shares an interesting and exciting story that has a special connection to central Indiana. This time around Wolfsie took a visit to the MCKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology where he got an inside look at the robotics program.

Click here to follow Wolfsie along on his visit.

Students at Indian Creek Elementary took part in their annual Valley Forge Day.

“Light Their Future” Celebration is Friday, March 9th. Even if you are not attending, it doesn’t mean you can’t become part of the Mission by participating in the online auction. Beginning March 3 rd, visit www.msdltf.org to view and bidding on all the critical assets supplied by our generous community.

You make the MISSION POSSIBLE!

The Lawrence Township School Student Foundation is holding the annual, Prom Boutique. Students from Lawrence Central and Lawrence North may rent a dress, shoes, and accessories for free or purchase for $30. There will also be 50% off Coupons for Louie’s Tux Shop, while supplies last.

Start getting in shape now by registering for the 11th Annual Geist Half Marathon, May 19, 2018! A portion of the proceeds is donated to LTSF for the MSD of Lawrence Township Kids Up & Running Club.

Register here goo.gl/NU6bYv.

Save the Date—Fore the Kids” Golf Outing—Monday, June 4, 2018, 9:00 am shotgun start

Board of Education News Go to BoardDocs to access board meeting agendas and minutes.

The Board of Education will meet on March 12 at 5:30 pm at the Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Road.

Click here for a complete listing of Board of Education Meetings and Work Sessions.

Information from current and past School Board meetings can be found at our MSDLT public BoardDocs site below.

Audio Recordings from regular Board of Education meetings are available in BoardDocs, however, for easy access, they can also be found on their own webpage. From the School Board section of the website, just click on the link to Board Meeting Audio on the left side of the page.

Click here to access the Board Meeting Audio Recording webpage.

Food Service Join the food and nutrition department as we celebrate National School Breakfast Week, March 5-9.

Our breakfast menus will feature new items all week.

Click here for menus and nutrition information.

Bus Tracking App Lawrence Township Transportation is working with My Stop to provide GPS tracking information for our buses and give families more exact information about their child’s bus arrival.

My Stop can be utilized two different ways; via the My Stop website or via the app on your smartphone device.

Click here for instructions on how to download and set up the App for your student's bus stop.

Click here for instructions on how to use the My Stop website.

Congratulations to Belzer Middle School students Lamont Thornton & Aliyah Moore (not pictured) and Fall Creek Valley Middle School student Makiylah Brown on recognition by the Indiana Pacers as Abrams Academic Achievement Award Winners!

The Pacers, in partnership with Pacers team ophthalmologist Dr. John Abrams, present the Abrams Academic Achievement Award as part of the organization’s Pacers Cares program. The Abrams Academic Achievement Award was established to recognize area elementary and/or middle-school students for their academic and leadership performance in school.

The award-winning students received four game tickets, a pregame dinner and reception and were recognized during half-time at the Pacers/Atlanta game on February 23, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Each student also received a Laptop Computer, courtesy of Dr. Abrams, a Certificate of Academic Achievement and a Pacers VIP goodie bag.

For more MSDLT News: Be a Fan on Facebook, Follow Dr. Smith on Twitter Follow MSDLT on Twitter Follow MSDLT Human Resources on Twitter Stay in touch with LT School Foundation MSDLT Social Media Directory Check out our Blog!

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Watch Lawrence Live! On YouTube!

Check out the Community Opportunities and Information page on our website for a list of local cultural and civic events, scouting opportunities, academic opportunities, youth sports teams and camps, and music and performing arts classes.

The Lawrence Township Schools post this information as a community service. We do not necessarily endorse any of the programs, services, events listed. Bookmark this site and visit it often to get the latest news!

Visit our Community Opportunities and Information webpage to learn more.

LT Inside Out is our electronic newsletter designed to share information about our school district with parents, community members, and stakeholders.

Parents who have registered their email in Skyward will be included in our electronic mailing. We are working to build an email list of community members and friends of MSDLT. Interested parties can sign up by going to our homepage, https://www.LTschools.org. Click on List Serves on the right side of the screen and select LT Inside Out. Or click here to go directly to the listserve webpage.

Before printing this newsletter, please think green and conserve paper.