LT Inside Out - May 2017

MAY 2017

A Message from the Superintendent Dear Lawrence Faculty & Community Members, As I sat at our Annual Top 30 Academic Excellence Dinner for our Lawrence Central and Lawrence North students, I realized the significant work it takes at every level of our organization to support some of the top students in the state. Here are a few facts about the Class of 2017:  Thirty-four seniors marched in the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade; Follow Dr. Smith on Twitter  Four National Merit Finalists – Emily Vollmer (LC), Alan Jiang (LC), Justin Powless (LC), & Emmy O’Leary (LN) ;  A Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholar – Alexa Knoderer (LN).  Thirty NCAA college commitments  An acceptance and commitment to attend Harvard University (Alan Jiang – LC)  Indiana Career & Technical Education Award for Excellence Recipient (MaiLan Brown – LN/MCIT)  First Place Winner in the Indiana Skills USA Competition (Aaron Jones – LC/MCIT)  Nine HOSA Future Health Professionals seniors attending McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology advanced to the International Competition in Orlando. From LC: Emily Vollmer and Emily Perez.

From LN: Alexa Knoderer, Abby Wischmann, Samantha Bradshaw, & Carlee Cole.

Not only do we celebrate the students at our Top 30 Programs, but each senior selects a teacher to honor.

The words written by the students to their teacher elicit both laughter and tears. Teachers, we must remember your significant contributions to our community. Teachers do make a difference. Please be sure to celebrate and thank the teachers honored by the Class of 2017.

The MSD of Lawrence Township has again been recognized nationally by the NAMM Foundation as a 2017 Best Community for Music Education! The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. NAMM, or National Association of Music Merchants, celebrates and promotes the intrinsic value of music education. Read more.

A District of Destination MSD of Lawrence Township

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

Honored Alumni The entire community must celebrate the significant achievements of our alumni. At this year’s Top 30 Banquet, we also hosted four Honored Alumni. From Lawrence Central, Ms. Jasmine French (Class of 1997) and Mr. Wallace (“Ace”) Yakey (Class of 1971). Ms. French is an associate in Ice Miller’s Employee Benefits Group and founded J FRENCH, a personal branding consulting firm. Mr. Yakey began his career at the Lilly Endowment as Program Director, later becoming the Vice President for Community Development. Before joining the Endowment, he was president of the Indianapolis Economic Development Corporation.

Mr. Wallace (Ace) Yankey, center, is pictured with Mr. Rocky Valadez, Lawrence Central Principal and Dr. Shawn Smith, Superintendent

Ms. Jasmine French, center, is pictured with Mr. Rocky Valadez, Lawrence Central Principal and Dr. Shawn Smith, Superintendent

From Lawrence North, Dr. Christine Montross (Class of 1991) and Mr. David Lawrence (Class of 1986). Dr. Montross is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. Mr. Lawrence is the President and CEO of the Arts Council of Indianapolis, serving as the chief arts advocate for the arts and cultural community of Indianapolis.

Dr. Christine Montross was not able to attend but was present via video.

Mr. David Lawrence is pictured with Dr. Shawn Smith, Superintendent

Congratulations to all of our sixth grade basketball teams on a fun and competitive basketball season. The season culminated with the Final Four facing off in the Lawrence Central High School gymnasium, where the Lady Pilots of Skiles Test Elementary took on the Lady Bobcats of Crestview Elementary. Immediately following, the boys teams faced off as the Amy Beverland Stars took on the Sunnyside Trailblazers. Final scores were 20-17 Skiles Test Lady Pilots and 36-28 Sunnyside Trailblazers.

Skiles Test Lady Pilots

Crestview Lady Bobcats

Amy Beverland Stars

Sunnyside Trainblazers

6th Grade Girls Champions—Crestview Lady Bobcats

6th Grade Boys Champions—Sunnyside Trailblazers

Blue Ribbon Facilities Plan Our Blue Ribbon Facilities Plan continues! The scope of work has reached $127M, with no increased taxation to district residents. As neighboring districts have sought referendums to support and supplement their operational budgets, the MSD of Lawrence Township has maintained a strong fiscal outlook. Work has wrapped up at the McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology, as well as with our stadium end zone facilities at Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools. Student, Jimmeshia Jones from LC shared with the Cub Reporter about the new end zones, “I think it’s going to benefit all upcoming (spring) sports a lot because now there is more space for each team, and it will improve the look of the school and overall athletic program.” Stadiums will be ready for the Fall 2017 football season with ribbon cuttings scheduled for late August. Construction continues at Mary Castle Elementary, with work shifting to the main office area and expansion of the cafeteria this summer. Also beginning in summer of 2017 is extensive work at Indian Creek, Skiles Test and Harrison Hill Elementary Schools, exterior athletic upgrades to Belzer Middle School, and a full renovation of the Lawrence Central auditorium.

Click here for the latest images of the proposed updates to Harrison Hill Elementary, Belzer Middle School, and Lawrence Central High School presented at the April 10 th Board of Education Work Session.

Harrison Hill Elementary

Indian Creek Elementary

Skiles Test Elementary

Dr. Shawn Smith and LAA principal, Mr. Ron Davie, were recognized at the 2017 Center for Leadership Development (CLD) Annual Minority Achiever Awards at the Indiana Convention Center. Dr. Smith won in the category of Achievement in Education, K-12. The Center for Leadership Development is a non-profit organization that fosters the advancement of minority youth in Central Indiana as future professional, business and community leaders by providing experiences that encourage personal development and educational attainment.

McKenzie HOSA Brings Home Top Honors Congratulations to 9 HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) competitors in the state competition who will now advance to the International competition this June in Orlando, Florida. Emily Vollmer (LC '17) won the Biomedical Laboratory Science skills event and Emily Perez (LC '17) placed 3rd. Jillian Eisenhut and Angelina Soto (LN '18) won the Medical Innovations Advancement with their project on Nanotechnology as a combined diagnostic & treatment for cancer. Alexa Harris (LN '20) won the Physical Therapy skills event. The team of Alexa Knoderer, Abby Wischmann, Samantha Bradshaw, Carlee Cole (all LN '17), and Emily Vollmer (LC '17) won the Public Service Announcement event with their "Emergency Preparedness Plan" video. The Top Ten (5th) in Public Service Announcement video production are Salwa Almetwali, Natalie Beyfuss, Maya Broddus, and Ashley Major (all LN '19). Visit the HOSA website to learn more.

Profiles in Excellence This month, our Profiles of Excellence have an artistic focus. It’s a privilege to highlight the contributions of McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology Interactive Media instructor and Adobe Certified Expert, Mr. Eddie Mathews and Lawrence North Visual Arts Department Chair, Mr. Brian Atkinson.

Eddie Mathews: A graduate of Goshen High School in Goshen, Indiana, Mr. Mathews worked in Alaska and operated a small recording studio before earning his B.S. in English Education from Indiana University. Eddie has been teaching at McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology since 1998 and created "Digital Media" in 2000. The first of its kind in Indiana, the program blended graphic design, digital video, audio, 3D, and media studies. Many refinements and advances in technology have combined to make "Interactive Media" (IM) what it is today. Weighted grades, college credit, and Adobe Photoshop ACA certifications are all available to students of IM. Currently, Eddie is the only high school teacher in Indiana to hold an Adobe Certified Expert certification in Photoshop.

A two-time winner of the Lilly Creativity Fellowship, Mr. Mathews has traveled to Rwanda twice and been named Honored Educator several times during his career. His most recent grant awarded him the opportunity to record a jazz/rock project called “Liquid Brick: North American Mammal.” His students have won Indiana state SkillsUSA titles, won video competitions, and created many professional projects for outside clients. Several IM students have gone on to find great success in the industry, with former students in Hollywood, Chicago, and New York working in video production, video gaming and software design, and related fields.

Mr. Mathews has a wife and three kids, one of whom is currently an IM student.

Brian Atkinson: Brian Atkinson completed his undergraduate work at IUPUI/Herron School of Art and completed a Master’s in Building Administration at the University of Indianapolis (iLead). He is finishing his 23rd year of teaching at Lawrence North High School where he has also been the department chair for the past 11 years.

Although he was hired to teach traditional studio art classes, he has taught graphic design exclusively for the past 12 years. In addition to teaching, Brian is an active, working artist. He paints, draws and regularly creates graphic artwork for Lawrence North, LT and private clients and companies. Recently, Brian created a seal of Bilingual Proficiency that will by used by the Indiana DOE. Sincerely,

Dr. Shawn A. Smith Superintendent

Congratulations to Mr. Travis Owens, social Studies teacher at Fall Creek Valley Middle School on selection as the Indiana Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW 11th District Teacher of the Year! The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics — for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment — can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

Congratulations to Mr. Dave Shafer, STEM teacher at Skiles Test Elementary School on receipt of a TechPoint Foundation for Youth EnablINg STEM grant!

TechPoint Foundation for Youth is committed to inspiring our state's underserved K-12 students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Awarding of grants is based on classroom innovation, the enhancement of existing curriculum, and implementation of hands-on, inquiry based STEM programming. This grant program provides teachers with funding opportunities ranging from $75-$500 to use on classroom equipment and supplies, with an emphasis on programs that are sustainable beyond the grant period.

Congratulations to all of our winners at the district science fair this year! Students are pictured below with Dr. Smith from left to right: First place – Kristopher Chong and Maisy Tippner, Oaklandon, “What’s In Your Soil?”

Second place – Cameron Freeman, Amy Beverland, “Big Ball Bounce” Third place – Matthew Fritz-Kent, Mary Castle, “Blown Away” Honorable mention – Seth LaRavia, Amy Beverland, “What Paper Towel Brand is the Best?”

Honorable mention – Alexandra Tauriainen, Amy Beverland, “What Type of Materials Block Wi-Fi the Best?”

Congratulations to three Lawrence Township principals (from left), Mrs. Nortey (MSD Lawrence ELC Mary Castle), Mrs. Barnes (Brook Park Elementary School), and Mrs. Sheets (Oaklandon Elementary School), on completion of the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute through Indiana State University!

Fall Creek Valley Middle School Gearcats Robotics finished in the top 50 of the 350 teams that competed in the WORLD VEX Robotics Competition!

The Forest Glen Dance Team, under the direction of teacher Karla Diuro, was invited to perform at the opening Indy Eleven soccer game.

MSDLT Celebration Snapshot Click here for the Celebration Snapshot for April 24, 2017

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.”

Click here for the April 24, 2017 Board of Education meeting recognitions

Lawrence Live!

In this edition of Lawrence Live, Dr. Smith talks to our four National Merit Finalists, Emma O'Leary, Lawrence North High School, Alan Jiang, Emily Vollmer, and Justin Powless, Lawrence Central high School. He also chats with our newest school board member, Mr. Shawn Denney. 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.

Sunnyside Elementary Partners with Purdue University Sunnyside Elementary is the first school in the state to participate in a Purdue University industrial design program to help students understand design and art. Purdue donated several 3-D printers to Sunnyside and associate professor Tong Jin Kim, who teaches industrial design at Purdue, provided students with a hands-on experience in 3-D printing to spur their career imagination. Learn more.

The first day of school for the 2017—2018 school year is Thursday, August 3. Students new to Lawrence Township schools can enroll at the Welcome Center, 6501 Sunnyside Road, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Click here to visit our Enrollment webpage for details and a complete list of documents necessary to enroll.

2017 - 2018 School Year Calendar 2018 - 2019 School Year Calendar

Returning Student Verification Process The Returning Student Verification Process (RSVP) will facilitate the transition to a paperless online registration through Skyward Family Access and is mandatory for all families. In order to complete this process, you must be able to log in to Skyward Family Access. If you do not have your Skyward Family Access account information, please visit your child’s school with a valid ID to obtain the information. This process must be completed for each student enrolled in the district and returning for the 2017-2018 school year, as all forms for registration are included. Please complete this required information no later than Friday, May 5th.

Instructions to complete RSVP

Arts for Lawrence The Arts for Lawrence Summer Art Camp is filling up, but they still have several scholarships to give away! The scholarships are for kids ages 6-12 who could benefit from a free week at Art Camp. The program includes both visual arts and performing arts based on the theme of the week.

Camp runs from 9:00 am—3:00 pm, includes lunch, and offers an option for extended day, drop off as early as 7:30am and pick up as late as 6pm. The camp discounts the extended day to scholarship kids for $10 per week.

Click here for more information and application forms.

In addition to Art Camp, there are a wide range of camps in the Lawrence community for all interests and ages. Click here to visit our Community Activity webpage, and check back often, as new events are posted frequently!

Speaking of community events, The Market at Hague Farmers Market opens for the season on Saturday, May 6th! The market is open on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon in the Lawrence North High School North parking lot 7800 Hague Rd. Visit their website for more information.

Computerized Admittance Process The MSD of Lawrence Township CAP (Computerized Admittance Process), for those residing within the MSD of Lawrence Township boundaries, opened on Saturday, April 1st and will remain open through Sunday, May 21.

Additional Information regarding the CAP process:  

 

April 1: CAP application opens for ALL current MSDLT families April 30: Deadline for submission of CAP applications to be consider for the 1 st run to take place midMay. This first run will ONLY be for kindergarteners applying to Forest Glen, and for 1st-graders applying to any/all schools. A separate run will take place for all other grade level placements (1–6) in Late-June.

May 21: CAP application closes at midnight.

Week of June 26: School placements finalized for the 2017-2018 school year. Families will receive e-mail notification regarding placement status on or before July 1.

Preschool Registration Registration for Preschool for the 2017 - 2018 school year is now open. Space is limited, so register early to reserve a spot!

Enrolling for Next School Year - 2017-2018 Preschool Enrollment Forms (Complete Information and Enrollment Packet) In addition to completing the forms above, families must also complete the district online registration process.

New Families-Click here to visit Skyward to create an account and begin the enrollment process.

Families that already have a Lawrence Township Skyward Username and need to enroll a new student for the 2016-2017 school year can enroll by clicking here to go to the skyward website and completing the enrollment online.

After School Extension (After School Child Care) After School Extension (After School Care) is now enrolling students in kindergarten through sixth grade. After School Extension is a safe and enriching child care environment offered at all of Lawrence Township's Early Learning Centers and Elementary Schools. Staff includes licensed teachers and outstanding high school interns.

Click here to enroll Click here to visit the After School Extension webpage and learn more.

Lawrence Township ECampus Summer School A select number of high school credit courses in English, Mathematics, PE/Health, Science, Social Studies, and World Language are available during summer school.

Click here to learn more or to sign up online.

Summer Camp The MSD of Lawrence Township, in partnership with the Benjamin Harrison YMCA is offering a variety of summer camp opportunities for children ages 3 through 15.

A variety of kid friendly activities will be provided at these summer programs that will run from May 30 – July 28, 2017.

LT Schools Pre-K Summer Camp for children age 3 through entering Kindergarten Early Learning Center at Amy Beverland, 11660 Fox Road Early Learning Center at Winding Ridge, 11845 East 46th Street Activities include: Ninjas, Legos, Water Play, Sports, Arts & Crafts, Music, Science, Technology, Books & Stories, Dramatic Play, Animals, and More!

Three Day Option (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) $105; Five Day Option $175 CCDF Accepted.

Click to email for additional information or call the Early Childhood Education Office at 423-8363.

Click here to register online.

YMCA Summer Camp for children ages 5 through 15 Amy Beverland Elementary, 11650 Fox Road Winding Ridge Elementary, 11825 East 46th Street Benjamin Harrison YMCA, 5736 Lee Road Traditional Camp will be held at all three locations. The Amy Beverland location will host Enrichment Camp that includes a variety of activities and crafts. The Winding Ridge location will host Sports Camp that includes a variety of sport related activities.

Fees vary depending on number of days attending and Y membership. CCDF accepted at the Winding Ridge and Benjamin Harrison YMCA locations.

Click here for additional information.

Click to email for additional information or call the YMCA Indy Day Camp Office at 484-9622.

Click here to register online.

Summer Sports Camps Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools offer a wide range of sports camps for both boys and girls from elementary age on up. Check out the Community Activities page of our website for all the details.

Lawrence Central Yearbooks Online Through a partnership with the Indianapolis Public Library, the Lawrence Central High School yearbooks from 1942 through 2006 are now available online. Click here to take a stroll down memory lane and peruse the collection.

For Wildcat alum, Lawrence North yearbooks will be processed this summer/fall.

This collection is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

Congratulations to Lawrence North baseball Coach Richard Winzenread on his 400th career win!

Lawrence Central Football Standout Cameron McGrone has offers from top schools around the country.

Read the article in the IndyStar.

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

The Board of Education will meet on May 8, 2017 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.

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 School Foundation News Honor An Educator As the school year draws to a close, are you looking for a way to let those special school employees know how much you appreciate them? The Lawrence Township School Foundation has the answer.

The Honor An Educator program is a great way to personally thank the teachers, administrators, coaches, bus drivers and staff members who have encouraged, influenced, and inspired your students to be the best they can be. When you make a gift to the Honor An Educator Fund, the Foundation sends the recipient a custom designed card with your special sentiment and notifies his/ her supervisor of the recognition. All proceeds benefit Foundation programs in Lawrence Township Schools that empower children to tap into their unlimited potential. Please submit your Honor An Educator forms

by May 15, 2017, so that the honored educators receive their cards before the end of the school year.

Click here for the online form.

EdEx is a FREE teachers’ store located at the Lawrence Education and Community Center and operated by the Lawrence Township School Foundation and we need your stuff! If your office or business has office or teaching supplies you no longer need why not donate them to EdEx? Call the Foundation office at 317-423-8300 or email us at LTSFoundation@msdlt.k12.in.us. We are happy to help you make arrangements for drop off or pick up. Thanks for supporting EdEx!

Geist Half Marathon is May 20 The Geist Half Marathon is an Indiana not-for-profit corporation organized to inspire health and wellness in the children living around Geist Reservoir. To date, the organization has provided $155,000 to Lawrence Township Schools. Help show our appreciation by signing up to volunteer or registering for the event.

Click here for additional information or to sign up to volunteer.

Click here to register to run.

“Fore the Kids” Golf Outing Register Today! The outing will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Old Oakland Golf Club. Entry fee includes green fees, cart rental, lunch, driving range practice, and dinner. The 18-hole round will be played as a Florida Scramble with a shotgun start.

Register Online 2017 Sponsorship Information 2017 Golf Flyer

The Lawrence Township Foundation is among the best in the nation!

Click here for more information!

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!

Follow us on Instagram!

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.