commUnitY oUtreach For many families still reeling from the economic downturn, back-to-school expenses simply cannot be squeezed into an already overtaxed budget. News 4U caught up with a couple of organizations that provide school supplies and more to area children. Forest Hills Baptist Church Annual Back to School Outreach August 7, 2011: 2:00-4:00 p.m. Helfrich Park Middle School 2603 W. Maryland St. • Evansville, IN (812) 422-6243 for more information “We work year-round to collect donations, apply for funding and recruit volunteers to put on this annual event and it is worth every minute! Once you experience the blessing of seeing the look on a child’s face the moment they pick out a backpack, get their school supplies, pick out clothes and shoes and get a haircut, yours’ is the life that is changed forever,” says Karen Daniels, Program Coordinator. Eligibility • K-12 • Child and parent must be present Offerings • Backpacks, grade specific school supplies, gently used clothing, new underwear and socks and free haircuts • Clothing bank open year round Abundant Life Community Church Back to School Outreach August 6, 2011: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Ground Zero Student Center 7333 Sharon Rd. • Newburgh, IN (812) 853-3437 for more information Pastor Kevin Kappler tells News 4U, “We aim to fill in the gap for Warrick County children needing school supplies. Without the support of the community, this outreach would not be possible.” Eligibility • Warrick County K-12 • Child and Adult must be present Offerings • Backpacks and school supplies while supplies last • Warrick County Police Department on hand for Child ID Program
8 | August 2011
• www.News4UOnline.com
Brings Excitement Back to School
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s the first day of school rapidly approaches and summer vacation draws to a close, one begins to sense excitement in the air. Although excitement may not typically be the descriptive word chosen by most students to describe the beginning of the school year, the opportunities available to EVSC students may just change that perception.
Dr. David Smith, recently named Superintendent for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, has a passion for education, a clear vision of expectation and the drive to ensure that EVSC students are educated and prepared to become the leaders of tomorrow. Dr. Smith is an Evansville native, former EVSC student and graduate of Reitz High School. He holds a Doctorate of Education in Leadership from Oakland City University, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music education from the University of Evansville, and a degree in Secondary Administration and Supervision and an Education Specialist degree from Indiana State University. Dr. Smith began his tenure with the EVSC more than 29 years ago and has served both inside and outside the classroom as a teacher, band director, principal and, most recently, as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Business Affairs. He also played a key role in helping develop the financial planning process for the EVSC Strategic Plan, which continues to successfully move forward. Asked about his new role, Dr. Smith stated, “I would like to thank the
community for their overwhelming support. This is a wonderful, yet humbling experience and I am proud to be able to serve this great community.” News 4U had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Smith and Chief Communications Officer, Marsha Jackson, to discuss the changes, advancements and opportunities offered to children enrolled in the EVSC. The EVSC offers a variety of new and continuing educational programs including:
New North High School and Junior High School
The new North Junior High School will begin August 10, 2011 for all 7th and 8th grade students. North High School students are slated to begin attending the new high school in January of 2012.