News Blog

The Warren Central High School Color Guard will be holding auditions for this coming summer and fall on Monday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 22.  All girls currently in grades 8-11 are welcome.  No experience is required.  The try-out will take place at the high school Warrior Dome (by the football stadium) from 6pm to 8:30pm.  If you have any questions, then please contact Mr. Meckes at emeckes@warren.k12.in.us or 532-6271.

Greg Graham, WCHS head varsity boys' basketball coach, has been selected by the Indiana All-Star "Classic" to coach an All-Star team in the 2012 Indiana Class Basketball All-Star "Classic" on June 16, 2012, in the historic New Castle High School Field House.  Congratulations, Coach Graham!

 

A few select students participated in a pilot after school reading program at Stonybrook Intermediate Academy. Those students worked on reading skills while helping to socialize a guest dog. Indianapolis Animal Care and Control partnered with the school to help form this unique program. Similar program across the country have helped to improve reading scores by using this format of program. Fifth grade student, DeShawn Mills-Batey said, “I like the program because the dogs wouldn’t have to stay in a cage the whole time and they could get read to.”

As students continue in the program, they will do more than just read. In the next few weeks, students will organize a service project to help provide disposable cat toys to Indianapolis Animal Care and Control. Students are really enjoying this program.  Sixth grade student Tyler McKinnon said, “I enjoyed it (the program) because I’ve never read to a dog before. It was an experience.”

Jeffery Kirkpatrick, a senior at WCHS, was the winner of an art contest sponsored by Mayor Greg Ballard.  Jeff’s original drawing was entitled “Rest in Peace” and was chosen as the top entry in the contest that contained artwork from Marion County students in grades 1- 12.  Jeff was awarded a trophy and a monetary prize for his work at a ceremony held at the Artsgarden in the Circle Center Mall on April 19^th.   Congratulations, Jeff!

At the April 18, 2012 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Dena Cushenberry was named the Superintendent of MSD Warren Township effective July 1, 2012.  Dr. Cushenberry currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent for PreK-6.  Dr. Peggy Hinckley, current Superintendent, will retire as of June 30th.



 

We are proud to announce the following student placed in the top three at the Indiana State SkillsUSA competition.  We had four state champs!!

Kayla Schutt 1^st  Health Careers                   State Champ!
Brianna Bowman 1^st Dental Assisting             State Champ!
Joshua Garretson 1^st Computer Networking    State Champ!
Queshala Irby 1^st Commercial Baking             State Champ!
Megan McKenna and Ryan Stav 2^nd  Web Design
Brittany Stoops 3^rd Health Careers

Also, Ricky French and Kellsei Woolslayer were elected as state officers!!!!!
The state champs and the state officer will continue on to compete at Nationals in June.

The Warren Early Childhood Center is hosting its third annual Art Gala on Friday, April 27th from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Early Childhood Center located at 1401 N Mitthoeffer Rd to raise money for the Tuition Support Fund.  This event showcases the many ways young children communicate what they have learned through visual arts.  There will be a gallery of children’s artwork, a silent auction, and refreshments.

Early childhood education gives young children a head start in life and their education.  Studies have shown that children who attend preschool are significantly more likely to graduate from high school, obtain employment and become married than those that do not attend a preschool.  A preschool education not only helps students get off to a great educational start, it can truly change a life. 

Currently there is no state funding for preschool in the state of Indiana.  Families must pay tuition to attend preschool through programs such as ours.   The Warren Early Childhood Center has a tuition support program to help aid families that might not be able to afford to send their child to preschool.

If you are interested in learning more about our program or how you can help with our tuition support fund, please stop in at 1401 N. Mitthoeffer Rd, Indianapolis, or contact our Director, Mrs. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski at #869-4754.

WCHS graduation is held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.  At this time, we are unable to finalize our graduation date due to the Pacers’ playoff schedule.  Listed below are the options.  Please continue to check the website for up-to-date information.

1^st Choice – June 6, 7:00 p.m.

2^nd Choice – June 5, 7:00 p.m.

3^rd Choice – June 4, 7:00 p.m.

Grassy Creek Elementary in the Metropolitan District of Warren Township is celebrating 50 years of educating children.  Grassy Creek Elementary will open its doors on Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for the current and former families, staff, alumni, and community to celebrate. 

In September of 1961, Grassy Creek Elementary, located at 10330 East Prospect Street, became the new home for Cumberland Elementary students.  Five principals have managed the halls in the 50 years that Grassy Creek has been open.  Over the years, more than 20,000 students have been educated by the excellent staff members that Grassy Creek has employed.  Memory books will be on display and refreshments will be served.  Students will be presenting “50 Years of Putting Children First” beginning at 7:00 in the first gymnasium in Warren Township, the Grassy Creek gymnasium.  

Please join the current principal, Mrs. Judy Miller, and her staff celebrate on May 17.  Bring with you your memories of Washington D.C. field trips, working in the garden club, musical performances, and see many of your former teachers.  It will be a great evening for the Warren Community.

WCHS Drama presents Romeo and Juliet April 18-21 at 7:00 pm in the PAC.  "Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene…"  It's Capulet vs. Montague in Shakespeare's story of young love and family rivalry.  Join us for this hip, modernized adaptation of the classic tale, featuring video projections, powerful music, and more!  All seats $8; no staff discount; children 5 & under admitted free and do not need a ticket. Tickets at www.warrenpac.org or call the box office at 532.6280.  (Please note that this production contains strobe lights and smoke/fog/haze.)

Warren Central High School/Walker Career Center senior, Evann Smith, earned top honors in the state in the recent Indiana Association of School Broadcasters (IASB) video competition. Smith was recognized as the best news anchor among high school students in Indiana at the yearly event sponsored by IASB held on the campus of the University of Indianapolis. After two rounds of judging, including a final round in which six finalists had to deliver a short newscast live before a panel of professional judges, Evann was announced as the winner. It was her second time making it to the final round and the first as the top finisher. For the past two years, Smith has been one of the main anchors and producers for Warren Central’s daily newscast, Warren Live.
Josh Koch competed in the IASB radio division.  He placed third in football play-by-play.  For his entry, he had to submit five consecutive unedited minutes of live play-by-play.  Josh is a second year Radio student who covers play by play for a variety of sports for WEDM 91.1, Warren Central/Walker Career Center.
In addition to the competition portion of the day, students in the Radio and Video production programs were able to attend two professional development seminars on a variety of broadcasting topics. The presentations were made by professionals in the broadcasting or related fields.

 

The Electronic and Computer Technology program at Walker Career Center was recently honored by receiving the Indiana Career and Technical Education Award for Excellence.  The WCC Electronic and Computer Technology Program was one of the secondary programs selected from numerous nominations around the state of Indiana. All nominations were reviewed and rated by a selection committee made up of volunteers representing business, industry, state agencies and education.   Programs are evaluated on a number of criteria which includes program design, resource utilization and program outcomes.


 

Scott Black, Warren Central High School teacher, has recently published a children's book, Bob's Booger.

Chartwells Hosts Chefs 2 Schools Junior Chef Competition At MSD Warren Township (IN) With Special Guest Chef Cary Neff

Indianapolis, IN, March 8, 2012 – Culinary students at Warren Central High School, Indianapolis, IN, cooked up a storm on Wednesday’s First Annual Junior Chef competition. Sponsored by Chartwells School Dining Services, the foodservice provider for MSD Warren Township (IN), the students were honored to be supervised by Chef Cary Neff, Vice President, Corporate Culinary Services, Morrison Management Specialists, which provides food, nutrition and dining services to the healthcare and senior living industries. The three finalists, Brittany Maxy, Christal Evans and Ariante Echols, winners of an Interview process, were observed by Chef Neff on their preparation, sanitation skills, organization and presentation. 

All three finalists are students of Threshold Restaurant, Warren’s onsite culinary arts program located inside the Walker Career Center on the high school campus. Threshold was named one of the "Hot 100" Secondary Culinary Programs in the United States for the 2010-2011 school year, under the guidance of Warren alumni and current instructor Carol Rice.

The competition was filmed by students from Warren’s onsite TV Studio department and broadcast in every cafeteria in the school. Chef Neff and Chartwells Regional Executive Chef Jennifer Brower visited each cooking station, providing helpful hints and ample praise to the student chefs and their student sous chefs as they cooked recipes from his cookbook. The competition gave the students valuable lessons in leadership and following direction, all while demonstrating a positive influence and teamwork. “These are the skills they will carry with them through their life,” said Neff, “No one does it alone, there’s always a team working with you, giving you the key to success.”

The dishes were completed in one hour and the Executive Chef tasting panel judged the student chefs on final dish taste, presentation and overall culinary skills, including knife skills, organization, sanitation, teamwork, preparation and timing. The competition was tight but in the end, Echols was pronounced the proud winner, receiving a personalized apron, professional chef’s knives, a cookbook written and signed by Neff and a $500 scholarship to the school of her choice.  Echols thanked her mother, who taught her how to cook, Threshold instructor Rice and her youth minister for supporting her as well as the other Threshold students.

Threshold students prepared samples for distribution to fellow students during all three lunch periods.  Neff was very impressed, not only with the students’ skills, but with the foodservice operation as a whole. He noted, with its diverse variety of food stations, “This is not the school cafeteria I’m used to seeing, and these are more than just lunch ladies – they are chefs themselves,” referring to Chartwells’ foodservice employees. “It’s real cool to be a chef!” he said.

Chartwells’ Chefs 2 Schools leverages the First Lady’s concept that chefs have a unique ability to deliver healthy nutrition messages in a fun and appealing way to children by creating healthy dishes that taste good. Their National Nutrition Month campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. By combining these two powerful programs, Chartwells hopes to instill positive change in children’s nutritional awareness.

“We are very honored to have the support of Superintendent Dr. Peggy Hinckley of our program, and to have Chef Neff at this special event to show students that there are many simple changes that can be made to support healthy eating efforts,” said Victoria Davis, Chartwells Resident District Manager. “This competition with Chef Neff, along with our National Nutrition Month and Chefs 2 Schools activities will help students to become more conscious about what they are eating.”

About Chartwells School Dining Services
Chartwells, a division of Charlotte, NC-based Compass Group provides dining services for over 550 public school districts and private schools, comprising over 6,000 separate elementary, middle and high schools nationwide.  For more information about Chartwells School Dining Services, visit www.eatlearnlive.com.

About Chef Cary Neff, Vice President, Corporate Culinary Services, Morrison Management Specialists
Chef Cary Neff is charged with redefining and reinventing the food experience in over 900 hospitals and senior living communities across the country.  His internationally acclaimed New York Times best-selling cookbook “Conscious Cuisine®” revolutionized healthy cooking. The book focuses on his “savoring the moment” philosophy with healthful recipes that are delicious, elegant and easy to prepare. Neff is a highly sought-after guest chef, cooking instructor, lecturer and television/radio personality who has appeared on national programs such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and the “Today” show, and has been profiled in The New York Times and Bon Appétit. He was trained in classical French cooking at Chicago’s Washburne Trade School, is the founder and president of the consulting company, Culinary Innovations, and partnered with Morrison to create Flavors 450. This concept was the recipient of “Best New Concept 2009” that helped redefine foods served in hospitals and senior living communities.

During two weekends in February, students from Walker Career Center have competed in regional contests.  SkillsUSA is a student organization for those students enrolled in Career and Technical Education classes and promotes skill and leadership development.  The regional competitions were held at various sites around Indianapolis.  Students at Walker Career Center displayed great skill and those placing in the top three to five for their competition will advance to the state competition held at Walker Career Center in April.  The following students placed in their regional competition.

Grassy Creek’s clothing sale held Saturday was a success for the Grassy Creek Playground Fund.  Dalton Edwards, first grader at Grassy Creek, has special grandparents to him, and to Grassy Creek.  R.J. and Judy Smith collect gently used clothing and have sales throughout the year for the community.  This time they were gracious enough to hold a sale at Grassy Creek.  The proceeds, totaling $567.00, was donated to the Grassy Creek Playground Fund.  Parents and students were ready to start shopping at 8:30 Saturday morning.  Members of the Grassy Creek staff took turns working the event by either setting up, packing up, or working the event.  Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are going to donate the clothing not sold to the tornado relief effort in southern Indiana.

            The clothing sale is not the only drive Grassy Creek is having to raise money for the new playground.  “Pennies for the Playground” is going on now through the middle of March.  Students are asked to bring in whatever spare change they find around the house.  The competition has been a success!  Each week the money is counted and the class with the most donated gets a special treat.  Ms. Baidinger’s first grade class was the first to win.  Miss Farley’s Kindergarten class has won the past two weeks in a row.  The entire school has raised $1000.18 in just three weeks.  “Pennies for the Playground will continue until March 16th.

            Grassy Creek still needs $4000.00 for the new playground.  Remember, the entire Warren Community will be able to use this beautiful new playground.  If you would like to donate to the Grassy Creek Playground Fund, please stop by the school at 10330 East Prospect Street between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

We live in a very fast paced world, where people rush from one place to another, trying to fit as much into their busy schedule as possible: school, work, ball practice, dance, grocery shopping, and another dinner at the local drive-thru. Then they are on the way home for a funfilled evening of homework, housework, baths and bed. Being so busy, do people really take a look around them and see others struggling; do they see others in need of a helping hand? The children, teachers, and families at Lowell Elementary School decided the world needs more kindness. For the past two months, The Lowell family worked hard to raise money for Lowell’s annual Kindness and Justice Challenge. Their hope was that their small acts of kindness would inspire another person to partake in other acts of kindness, helping others in need.

The Kindness and Justice Kick-off was introduced in January, during a convocation in which students learned about the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the legacy he left for others. Students were encouraged to engage in kind and just acts during the Kindness and Justice Challenge. These acts were documented on chain links, and each classroom formed a kindness paper chain. During the Challenge, students also brought money for the Penny War and paid for special hat, slipper, bubblegum, and stuffed animal days.

All proceeds from these fundraising activities were donated to Riley Hospital and the Warren Early Childhood Center. On Friday, February 24, 2012, the entire student body gathered to share the results of the Challenge. A total of more than $3,600.00 was raised for these two charities. Lowell Students, staff and families made a difference in the lives of sick children at Riley Hospital by collecting over $1,600.00. Thanks to their generosity, three and four year old children at the Warren Early Childhood Center will have tuition for a great start next year in preschool, with the help of the $2,000.00 which Lowell donated.

In addition to these school wide activities, kindergarten students also had a Read-a-Thon where they raised extra money for these charities. Select first grade and second grade students, as part of the Kids Care program also visited a nursing home to share fun and gifts with elderly friends. Many students in grades K-4 also wrote letters to Veterans during Valentine’s Day.  Lowell students demonstrated in a big way that acts of Kindness and Justice are good for the giver as well as the receiver. On the day of the convocation, the classes formed a huge Kindness chain from the individual chains earned by each class. The chain wrapped around the gym. As their hearts were filled with pride, celebrating the outcomes from this event, students promised to continue to spread acts of kindness for the rest of their lives. Lowell is committed to making the world a better place, taking the time to lend a hand to others.
 

Members of the Warren Central High School Honors Band were selected to perform in the Butler University All-Star Band.  This experience, held on the Butler campus, is an excellent opportunity for students to meet gifted peers, rehearse and perform quality music, attend masterclasses and clinics with Butler faculty artists, and perform in concert at magnificent Clowes Memorial Hall.

Congratulations to: Alex Fisher (trumpet), Jeremy Haines (euphonium), Keifer Valencia (clarinet), Kynan Valencia (euphonium), Will Wilcher (timpani), and Darwin Ybarra (trumpet).
 

Congratulations to the 2012 Varsity Boys Swim Team for a 3rd place team finish at Sectionals!  The following swimmers finished 1st in their events to advance to the State Swimming Preliminaries at the IUPUI Natatorium on Friday, February 24, at 6 pm:

200 yd. IM  1:57.77
Conner Finnigan (JR) 

100 yd. Freestyle  48.67
Josh Garmon (JR) 

200 yd. Freestyle Relay  1:29.07
Gabe Amezcua (SR)
Patrick Jones (SR)
Conner Finnigan (JR)
Josh Garmon (JR)

100 yd. Breaststroke  59:57
Conner Finnigan (JR)

2012 Spring Intersession will be held from March 26-30, 2012, at Brookview Elementary School for grades 3-6.  Students must be registered.  Transportation is provided both ways.  School begins at 8:15am and dismisses at 11:45am.
 

Last Sunday marked the end of the 24th annual Model United Nations of the University of Chicago (MUNUC). This year thousands of high school students gathered to recreate the legislative and decision making process of the various branches of the United Nations and other similar intergovernmental bodies.  These simulations have provided opportunities for delegates from diverse backgrounds to cooperate and collaborate in their various committees. This year MUNUC hosted over 2,300 high school students from over 100 schools, 17 states and 7 countries across 4 continents. MUNUC is widely regarded and one of the largest and most prestigious high school conferences in the world.

Warren Central sent a delegation of 29 students, representing India, the Peoples Commissar for Justice for the Soviet Republic and the Minister of Money for the Ethiopian DERG. These 29 students did an outstanding job of representing not only their respective governments but also Warren Central.  Of the 29 students, MUNUC recognized eight Warren Central students for their hard work and oratorical skill. The eight students recognized are Natalie Verhines, Rachel Daugherty, Adrian Wolanski, Hayden Wiesinger, Jenna Stoffel, Jeremiah Mickey, Jacob Bullock and Darby Mulligan. To put this in perspective, Warren Central represented seventeen committees and our school received recognition in 5 of those 17 committees. If there was an award for outstanding school, Warren Central performed well enough to have been awarded this honor.  The students are sponsored by Social Studies teacher Nick Salemi and Amy Moeller.

Warren Township and Chartwells, the district's food service provider, are giving back to the community!  Chartwells has recently begun donating perishable food to Second Helpings.  Due to a change in the law, schools are now able to donate milk, vegetables and other food to local food pantries.  On Fridays, perishable food and milk that can't be used in Warren schools the following week is donated.  Second Helpings re-prepares it into nutritious meals and distributes those meals to over 60 social service organizations that feed hungry people.  Victoria Davis, Chartwells Regional District Manager, and Chef Frank Lee see first hand the good work done at Second Helpings.  Ms. Davis is a weekly volunteer at Second Helpings and Chef Frank works with their Culinary Program to help train those in need with job skills in the culinary field.  Davis stated, "I have wanted to implement this program since I came to Warren Township.  I feel it is important not to throw away food that can be reused by any organization."
 

"A seismic rehearsal: Indiana students participate in Great Central U.S. ShakeOut"
Indianapolis Star article (2/8/12)
Brookview students are featured in the article.  Access article/photo gallery>>>
 

Jennifer Rogers, Creston Intermediate Academy teacher, was selected by the Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee to be one of the recipients of the Super Bowl Indiana Teacher of the Year based on her leadership, dedication, and effort shown as a teacher.  She will be honored at a special ceremony on Saturday, February 4 at Martin University.  She will participate in a host of Super Bowl activities following the ceremony in downtown Indianapolis.

Jennifer was a participant of the Super Learning in a Super City© program.  Super Learning in a Super State (SLSS) is an official Indiana Host Committee sanctioned youth outreach program. Super Learning is a pre-packaged academic outreach program for grades kindergarten through grade 12, that promotes literacy, health and fitness, environmental awareness, community service, character education and interdisciplinary learning through showcasing the Super Bowl's host community, its region and its people.

One of the goals of this program is to provide an opportunity for all kids to participate in the Super Bowl at some level. This program accomplishes this in a fun way that gets the entire community involved in the spirit of the Super Bowl.  A few of the activities involved the students performing a reader theatre to welcome visitors into our city.  In addition they collected, graphed, and analyzed data of the Super Bowl history. Furthermore, students learned how to read the roman numerals of past and current Super Bowl, as well as create logos for next year Super Bowl.  The program incorporated the Indiana State Standards into each activity and utilized ISTEP methodology throughout. The students completed the program with a mini Super Bowl celebration in honor of this event.

Wonderful news Liberty Park students and families!  The school was selected to receive a 2011 Lowe’s for Education Grant in the amount of $5000!  Lowes’ grants are specifically reserved for school improvement projects.  The specific grant that was written was for our courtyard in the middle of the school.  We will use this money to create an area that can be used for more instructional purposes.

In past years we have been unable to use this courtyard because of the geese that have taken over the area and been aggressive to all that try to use it.  We will seek to create an area that limits their desire to nest and congregate in this area.  A focus committee will also plan the other areas in the courtyard to make it inviting to classes for instruction.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett honored inspiring Hoosier teachers in a ceremony at the Statehouse on January 11, 2012. Of the seventy-eight teachers recognized, three of them were from Warren Central High School.  Congratulations to Tracey Bush, Jennifer Jensen and Dennis McNulty on this honor.
 

Congratulations to Warren Central High School English Department Chair, Rick Reed, who was recently awarded the Dick Ramey Above & Beyond Award which states “Indiana Academic Competition for Excellence by Indiana Association of School Principals – In recognition of outstanding effort in support of academic competitions for Indiana students.” This award is presented once a year to a person who has gone above and beyond for academic competitions. This is the highest achievement award given by the IASP.
 

Congratulations to our WCHS Class A Winter Guard for their First Place finish on Saturday at Greenfield Central!  Quite a strong performance for their first competition of the season! 
 

Lowell students are participating in the Kindness and Justice Challenge during the months of January and February.   Lowell students were asked to make a commitment to these same values through showing kindness to others, doing their personal best, and helping others in need.  During the challenge, students may choose to demonstrate these values in a variety of ways.  Penny Wars will be held to raise money for Early Childhood Center and Riley Hospital.  Several grade levels and special areas have selected other charitable causes to assist.  In addition, students “caught” performing acts of kindness here at school can earn a “link” in the chain of kindness for these acts.  Parents are invited and encouraged to join in with your child on any of these activities.  We will have a final convocation in a month to celebrate our students’ commitment to Kindness and Justice.    
 

Auditions for MSD Warren Township Kindergarten through 8th grade students will be Monday, January 30 at 4:30 p.m. in the Creston Middle School Auditorium, 10925 East Prospect. Cast rehearsals will be from 4:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. nightly through Friday, February 3. Saturday, February 4 will be the dress rehearsal. Two shows will be presented at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, February 4. Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from rehearsals. There will be adult supervision during the rehearsals.  Cast members must be at rehearsals. (That means no doctor appointments, dance lessons, ballgames,
etc. during those hours for one week in order for everyone to learn their parts and participate in the play.) We welcome all eligible MSD Warren Township students who are interested in auditioning
for a role.

Missoula Children’s Theatre is presented through a generous grant from the Warren Arts & Education
Foundation.
Questions contact:  Mary McKinley, Executive Director, Warren Arts & Education Foundation,
317-869-4383.



 

The Electronic and Computer Technology program at Walker Career Center has been selected to receive the Indiana Career and Technical Education Award for Excellence.  All award recipients will be recognized at a public ceremony on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 in the Indiana Government Center South.

The Awards for Excellence program is sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education.
 

Parent preview dates for the Human Growth and Development videos will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24th at Raymond Park Intermediate Academy School for Grade 5 and 6 parents, 8575 E. Raymond Street and on Wednesday, January 25th at Grassy Creek Elementary School for Grade 4 parents, 10330 E. Prospect Street at 6:30 p.m.

These videos will be shown to present fourth, fifth and sixth grade boys and girls, separately.  Discussion led by personnel from the Social Health Association of Indiana will follow the showing of the videos at both the adult previews and the pupil programs.  Parents are encouraged to attend one of the parent preview nights.

Fourth grade boys will see “Just Around the Corner for Boys” and fourth grade girls will see “Just Around the Corner for Girls”.  Fifth grade boys will see “We’re Growing Up”, and fifth grade girls will see “We’re Growing Up”.  Sixth grade boys will see ”A Baby is Born”, and sixth grade girls will see “A Baby is Born."

More information is available in each school's newsletter.
 

The Warren Central Athletics Department is pleased to announce the launch of a new school-wide initiative to stop bullying and hazing in the school and among the students. The “Take A Stand” program will commence on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 16, 2012 from noon until 3:00pm.
In addition to hearing from Elliot Hopkins, a national speaker on bullying and hazing issues from the National Federation of High Schools those attending will also hear a firsthand account of the tragic death of a former Warren Central student athlete whose life was claimed as a result of a hazing incident while at college.

Students in attendance will also participant in team-directed breakout sessions to develop a set of procedures and protocols for dealing with bullying and hazing and advancing a positive culture throughout Warren Central and the entire MSD of Warren Township. According to Athletic Director Marques Clayton it is “important that we set our young people up to take, not only the responsibility, but the lead role in establishing a genuine and effective anti-bullying and hazing culture throughout our sports programs and the school at large.” “That’s why this event is both crucial and timely.”

At the conclusion of the session students will be directed to sign an individual Anti-Bullying and Hazing Pledge. A picture will be taken of everyone who signs the pledge and those photos will become part of an ongoing campaign against bullying and hazing.

Although the Athletic Department has stepped up to sponsor the Take A Stand event, students from non-sports organizations, clubs, and groups are encouraged to participate. Teachers, sponsors and advisors are urged to encourage their students to attend this very important event.

 

The Spring/Summer Adult and Continuing Education brochure is now available.  Check it out for exciting course offerings.

Spring/Summer 2012>>>
 

As a parent or guardian of MSD Warren Township, you have online access to your student’s courses, grades, attendance, discipline and academic history. This is in real time information and can be viewed from any location as long as you have access to a computer and Internet Explorer. Please access the form below or contact your child's school.

Parent Portal Registration>>>
 

Congratulations to Coach John Hart on his selection today as the Defensive Line Coach/Defensive Coordinator for the East team in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix, on January 3, 2012!   The Semper Fidelis Bowl game will be televised on CBS Sports Network on January 3, 2012 at 4 pm (Mountain Standard Time.) 


 

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.  NSTA conferences offer the latest in science content, teaching strategy, and research to enhance and expand your professional growth.  The chemistry teachers, Sherri Nelson, Georgia Watson, Kylee List, Trent Bodine and Linda Monroe have been selected to present at the national NSTA meeting in Indianapolis on March 30. We will be presenting a  session titled Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Forensic Unit.   We are very excited to show case the outstanding science educator at WCHS at this national conference!!
 

Monday, February 20, 2012 will be the make-up day for November 28th.
 

The Creston 8th Grade Choir was selected as one of five finalists for the 6th – 8th grade division of the Christmas Choir Competition held by B105.7 Radio Station.  Voting started Monday of this week (11/28) and will be over by Friday of this week (12/2).  The choir receiving the most votes in each category will receive $1,000 and the chance to perform at one of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Yuletide performances.  The voting process takes less than 2 minutes and would be greatly appreciated by all of the Creston Choir students.  We are trying to purchase new 8th grade dresses for the choir.

To vote: 
Go to www.b1057.com .  When the masthead changes to the Christmas Choir competition, click on the words VOTE NOW.  First you will have to register.  You will have to provide your name, a user ID, a password and an email address.  Within seconds, they will send the email address you provided a confirmation request.  Once you click on the confirmation request on your email, you can vote.  This whole process only takes about 2 minutes!  You are only allowed one vote per email address per division, so please be careful!  You can click on any of the choirs to see how we sound compared to them.  Once you vote, the site will say that your vote has been counted.  If you click on the choir logo, you can leave a comment for the choir members to see.
 

SME Education Foundation has selected Walker Career Center as one of six schools in the nation for community based approach to manufacturing education.  The Walker Career Center was selected based on their exemplary manufacturing curriculum which offers technology-based courses including Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) developed by Project Lead the Way (PLTW); skilled and dedicated instructors; engaged and active students; strong corporate and administrative support from the manufacturing community, and the involvement of members of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) including SME local chapters.

The SME Education Foundation has awarded the Walker Career Center $26,000 which includes $10,000 to update equipment, software, and/or professional development; $1,000 to support their further involvement in competitions tied to organizations such as SkillsUSA and/or FIRST Robotics; $10,000 to support scholarships, and $5,000 toward a new Gateway Academy, a technology-based summer day camp.

On November 9, sixteen Warren Central athletes played a major role in providing an awesome evening of reading fun at Liberty Park Elementary’s Family Literacy Night.  Under the direction of Coach John Hart and his wife Janet, the following football players participated in the ‘We Both Read’ station by inviting LP students to read books with them in the Gym.

Ms. Brenna Michels, Literacy Coach at Liberty Park had this to say about the event:  "It was amazing to watch the players interact with our students who were completely in awe of the ‘big kids.’  But, what was equally fun to witness was the way your student-athletes looked at our ‘little kids’.  I think the experience was magical for everyone involved.  Parents attending our event loved the way the program was represented to their children.  Coach and Janet Hart clearly do a fabulous job with the athletes and player respect for this couple is warmly apparent.  Thank you, so much, for sharing your student-athletes with us for this special event --- our growing readers will remember it always!"

You may purchase your very own copy of the Grassy Creek “Cooking at the Creek” Cookbook for only $10, with proceeds going to our Playground Equipment Fund. The recipes in the Cookbook were provided by Grassy Creek staff and parents. There are many delicious and time saving recipes. These Cookbooks will make great holiday gifts, and may be purchased in the school office.

Grassy Creek Elementary
10330 East Prospect
532-3100

Sharon Massey’s classroom at Stonybrook has joined Soldiers’ Angels which provide aid and comfort to the men and women who serve America in every branch of the Armed Forces, the wounded, veterans, military families, and families of the fallen. The Soldiers’ Angels mission states, “May no soldier go unloved. May no soldier walk alone. May no soldier be forgotten, until they all come home.” Through Soldiers’ Angels, Sharon Massey’s class has adopted an Airman stationed in Shindand, Afghanistan, committing to sending a card, letter, or craft each week, and a minimum of one care package a month for the length of our Airman’s deployment. This important service helps bring home a healthy hero – one who knows he is cared for and supported by others.

In turn this service assists our students in many areas of our curriculum. Some of these areas include English/Language Arts (i..e., selects a focus for writing, writes and edits simple sentences, capitalization, and punctuation), Social Skills (i.e., appreciates the perspective of others, communicates information, uses effective communication to interact with others), Community Access Skills (i.e., utilizes postal services), and Social Studies (i.e., civics/government and geography).

Our Airman has repeatedly expressed extreme gratitude for being adopted – and by a whole class no less. He has written weekly emails and letters explaining his life overseas. He has sent us over 100 pictures and even gave everyone in our class local currency called Afghani. A wonderful life-teaching experience for all.

An estimated 40 permanently and spectacularly decorated trees will be displayed during "It's Christmas Time Again," the 23rd annual TreeFest Nov. 18-22 at the Warren Performing Arts Center (WPAC) on the campus of Warren Central High School, 9500 E. 16th St.,Indianapolis.

"Extravagant and uniquely themed trees will have guests leaving the show with dozens of decorating ideas of their own," said Mary McKinley, executive director of the Warren Arts & Education Foundation. "The ambiance is bound to get you in the holiday spirit!"

TreeFest is presented by the Warren Arts & Education Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that funds grants for a wide variety of educational activities in Warren Township Schools. This special event has served as a traditional kick-off to the holiday season on the city's far eastside for two decades—although the event is enjoyed by holiday enthusiasts across the metro area, not just Warren Township.

For more information>>>

Congratulations! We are pleased to honor Liberty Park Elementary School with an Academic Achievement Award through the Distinguished Schools Grant Program under Title I, Section 1117 (b) School Support and Recognition of No Child Left Behind under CFDA #84010a.

The purpose of the Distinguished Schools program is to recognize and honor Title I schools that make adequately yearly progress two or more consecutive years, or make the greatest gains in closing the achievement gap. The program also identifies High Performing Title l schools, like Liberty Park Elementary School, as models of best practices for schools of similar demographics.

(Excerpt from a letter from the Indiana Department of Education)

The Arc of Indiana awarded Kevin Cannaday their 2011 Education Award on November 1 at their 2011 Conference. Mr. Cannaday is the Auto Collision Repair teacher at Walker Career Center. The Education Award recognizes individuals, schools or organizations that work to assure students with special needs receive a quality, inclusive education. It was noted that “Mr. Cannaday takes a personal interest in giving students with special needs a quality, inclusive education by recognizing their strengths and working around their limitations, while holding them accountable for learning and growing their skills like all the other students.”

In his nomination submittal, a parent noted, “Mr. Cannaday makes a positive impact on students with special needs by teaching them responsibility, holding them accountable for their work and encouraging them to be persistent until they reach their goals. But even beyond that, Mr. Cannaday has a positive impact by taking a personal interest in the life skills needs of his students, beyond the technical knowledge of the jobs they are learning.”
 

How can the arts help you prepare for college or career?  Check out this awesome video—produced by the Warren Performing Arts Center and starring WCHS Performing Arts Department students—for the answer! 

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Blue ribbons are the support ribbon for Prostate Cancer Awareness.  Male staff members will be raising money through growing mustaches for Prostate Cancer Research.  To donate or to participate with Liberty Park males, you can log on to:  http://mobro.co.Roblugo.



 

Warren Central High School Student Council is excited to announce the annual return of the Huddle Up Against Hunger- Canned Food Drive. The drive began  Monday, October 31, and will last for two weeks. Our goal this year is to collect 25,000 cans.  This food is delivered to families in Warren Township.
 

Warren Central junior student athlete, Conner Finnigan, has been named to 2011 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American Team. Conner received this prestigious recognition based on his excellent academic accomplishments, 3.7 GPA, and his outstanding swimming prowess on the state and national levels. This winter, Conner will look to become the first individual state swimming champion from Warren Central in over 25 years.

Each year, USA Swimming recognizes its members who excel both in the classroom and in the pool. The Scholastic All-America Team is made up of high school student-athletes who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and who have achieved the required time standard in a single event.  To be eligible for this recognition, swimmers must have completed 10th, 11th or 12th grade and must be a USA Swimming member athlete. Eligible times must be swum by June 30, 2011 and the application completed by August 1. 
 

The Warren Central band program is proud to announce that band members Jacob Bullock, Leah McBride, and Jacob Wolfarth have been selected for the Indiana Bandmasters Association (IBA) All-District Band.  Students from throughout Indiana in grades nine through twelve are selected for this honor based on applications and band director recommendations.   The three students selected from Warren Central will spend the day rehearsing with the rest of ensemble on Saturday, November 12 followed by a performance on Sunday, November 13 at New Castle High School.  This performance will include a premiere of a brand new piece of music commissioned by the IBA.  The Warren Central band thanks these students for their positive representation of our band program and school.

Rob Lugo, principal of Liberty Park Elementary, has begun the process to qualify Liberty Park Elementary as one of two schools named as an Indiana Title I Distinguished School.  He has completed a lengthy interview process.  Next step is a site visit from the Indiana Department of Education.
 

Warren Central High School Counseling Services will be hosting two 8th grade parent meetings.  These meetings will be held on November 9th and 16th beginning at 6:30 pm.  The information presented at both meetings will be the same; therefore, you will only need to attend one meeting.  The meetings will be held in the East Cafeteria and should last approximately 1 hour.  Please enter the school through Door 1.  Discussion will be about preparation for high school, transcripts, dual credit, and AP classes.




 

Congratulations to both the boys and girls soccer teams for taking the title of 2011 Sectional Champions!
 

As a parent or guardian of a student attending a Warren school, you have online access to your child or children's courses, grades, attendance, discipline, and academic history.  This is real time information and can be viewed from any location as long as you have access to a computer and Internet Explorer.
You must obtain a username and password through your child's school in order to access your child's information.  Complete the registration form (link below) and return the form to your child's school.  After your information is verified, you will receive a username and password.

Registration form>>>
 

Already registered?
If you have a username and password, you may access the
Parent Portal 24 hours a day.

Congratulations to Amy Steiner, Lakeside Elementary, and Gregory Butler, Hawthorne Elementary, for being recognized by Office Max in their A Day Made Better program.  Office Max employees were on hand to surprise these teachers with boxes of goodies and an office chair.  Thanks Office Max!
 

After the September 30 football win over Carmel, WCHS varsity football just set a new MIC record of consecutive conference wins in a row…14!!

Every business sector has influential players, whether they are in the public eye or wield their influence behind the scenes. In the last of eight installments of Who’s Who, IBJ profiles leaders in education. More than 100 individuals were nominated, representing public and private schools, secondary and post-secondary education, educational think-tanks, legislators and other organizations active in the sphere. Selections were made by those within the sector using a peer-review process.   Dr. Peggy Hinckley, superintendent, was named to the October 2011 list of IBJ's Who's Who in Education.

View article>>>
 

Walker Career Center was recently visited by national PLTW (Project Lead the Way) and was named one of 6 schools in the nation as a PRIME: Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education site.  Thanks to SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), who partnered with PLTW, to name WCC a PRIME site.  We will be receiving $10,000!  The money and support (internships, scholarships, resources, and contacts) will be provided by SME.  Congratulations to Jim Hanson and Steve Rogers!



 

Dr. Peggy A. Hinckley, superintendent of the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township, was chosen by members of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents as the 2012 District V Superintendent of the Year.

Winners are chosen by other superintendents in their district who consider the qualifications and accomplishments of area colleagues and their ability to exert instructional leadership using limited resources.  One of the seven district winners will represent Indiana in the American Association of School Administrator’s National Superintendent of the Year program.

During Hinckley’s tenure as superintendent, all Warren Township schools made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in 2007 and 2010, in spite of a 70 percent poverty level.  When she became superintendent, the district had a declining student enrollment and a low cash balance.  The district has reduced its general fund budget by $6 million over the last ten years, but increased student achievement in eight years during the same time period.  When the budget could no longer support both a traditional and year-round option, the district successfully transitioned to a balanced calendar. The district also has closed two school elementary buildings and created special academies for students in fifth and sixth grades.

Hinckley has been superintendent of Metropolitan School District of Warren Township since 2001.  She previously served as superintendent of LaPorte Community School Corporation from 1989 to 2001 and Hobart Township Schools from 1984 to 1989.  

Hinckley graduated from Indiana University.  She earned her master’s degree from Purdue University, an Ed.S. from Indiana State University and an Ed.D. from Loyola University of Chicago.

District V Central includes: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion and Shelby counties and portions of Grant County.

...and we are wishing for a NEW playground by the end of the school year.  Please contact the school office at 317.532.3100 to make a donation.

 

A preschool education not only helps students get off to a great educational start; it can truly change their life.  Unfortunately, many families are unable to afford the tuition to attend the Warren Early Childhood Center.  To assist families with tuition, the Tuition Support Campaign was created.  Warren Township employees have made pledges to the fund and many of our schools are holding fundraisers to contribute to the campaign. The next step is to take the campaign to the community.

If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution, please contact the school office at 317.869.4750.  Thank you for making a difference!

On September 19, Warren Central High School students who are cast as leads for the WC production of Guys & Dolls were given a Master Class from Franc D’Ambrosio.  Franc is best known for portraying the Phantom in the longest running Phantom of the Opera on Broadway!  The students worked with him for nearly 2 hours this morning in the WPAC Auditorium and worked on some of their character’s songs for the musical.  Theatre students and choir students also attended to observe the class.  The master class was sponsored by the WPACs community outreach season.

Join Mr. Ryan Russell as he facilitates an open and guided informational series and dialogue on what parents can do to stomp out bullying and support their children and the schools they attend.  Please see the flyer below for more information.  Please RSVP to Mr. Russell, space is limited.

Flyer>>>

Lowell Elementary will be the site of a blood drive on Monday, October 3, 1:00-7:00 p.m. in the gym.  Please access the flyer for more information.

Blood Drive flyer>>>

Parents, do you know that you have online access to your student’s courses, grades, attendance, discipline, and academic history? This is real time information and can be viewed from any location as long as you have access to a computer and Internet Explorer. If you have not done so, you may obtain an application form for the Parent Portal from your child's school office.

The votes for the 2011 WRTV A-List for BEST Theater are in!  The Warren Performing Arts Center placed 5th out of 47 nominees (Last year we were in 9th place)!  We are listed as one of the Top 5 Theaters in Indianapolis!  It’s pretty amazing when you see who else is listed in the Top Five:
2011 Best Theaters
1)      Murat Theatre
2)      Clowes Memorial Hall
3)      Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
4)      Indiana Repertory Theatre
5)      Warren Performing Arts Center

Do you have a musical instrument gathering dust in the closet? Warren Arts and Education Foundation wants you to share the joy of music by donating a used instrument to a student in need.  Bring your instrument to: 10617 East Washington Street (Wal-Mart parking lot) on Saturday, October 8th between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  You will receive a receipt for your donation as well as provide a positive musical experience for a Warren Township student.  Contact Barbara Butz at 317.890.4500 or Mary McKinley at 317.869.4383 with any questions.
 

The Academy of Cosmetology at Walker Career Center will open on Tuesday, August 16, 2011.  Salon hours are from 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year and the second Saturday of the month from 8:30 am—2:00 pm. Services include cuts, styles, manicures, pedicures and many other services.  Don’t forget that Wednesday is Senior Citizen’s Day where senior women receive a free style and senior men a free cut.  Please call for an appointment at 532-5617 or walk in for great service every time.
 

The Sunday edition of the Indianapolis Star included an article about "Hovering isn't Healthy."  Access the link to read advice from Rob Lugo.>>>



 

Now in its fourth year, the RivalsHigh 100 is compiled by RivalsHigh senior analyst Dallas Jackson and ranks the top 100 high school football teams across the country based on observations, phone calls and email exchanges with coaches and the opinions of the Rivals.com high school and college publishers.

Follow this link to read about Warren Central>>>.
 

Hawthorne Elementary School has made Exemplary Progress status every year since the beginning of P.L. 221. Congratulations!

The GK-12 Urban Educators Program at IUPUI is a partnership between the IUPUI School of Science, the IU School of Medicine, the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and Indianapolis Township schools, and is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).  Warren Central High School teachers, Kylee List and Linda Monroe and AJ McAdams have been selected to be GK-12 teacher partners for the 4th year of the program.

As a review of the GK-12 program, Warren teachers will be paired with a research graduate student (M.S. or Ph.D.) from the IUPUI School of Medicine or School of Science.  This GK-12 fellow will dedicate 15 hours per week in the classroom with Warren teachers to bring  excitement of research into the science classroom.  GK-12 teams will develop age-appropriate, hands-on classroom activities that are broadly related to the fellow’s own area of graduate research, are related to the instructional goals of the teacher partner, and are linked to the Indiana Academic Standards. GK-12 Fellows  benefit by improving their leadership, communication, and teaching skills, and become more aware of the need for high-quality science  education at all levels, and Warren teachers and students will benefit as well by incorporating additional research and data collection in the classroom.   Several of the teacher partners have published articles in Science Scope or other related journals, and most have given presentations or posters of their work at the national GK-12 conference or HASTI. 

Science rocks!!

This is Grassy Creek Elementary's 50th Year!!

We are wishing for a NEW playground by the end of the school year.  Please contact the school office at 317.532.3100 to make a donation.

All 2011-12 Varsity game tickets are $5 and JV and Freshman game tickets are $4. 

You can save money by purchasing a 2011-12 All Sports Pass.
These passes are good for all regular season sporting events and prices are as follows:
Family Pass        $100
Adult Pass           $40
Student Pass      $3

We take cash and checks!

We also sell Varsity Letter winner pass for $20, however, so that we may verify letter winners, they are only available in the Athletic Office.

Students can take select high school courses for college credit.  Students can leave high school with a jump start on college credits at a lower cost!  Contact the counseling department at Warren Central High School for more information.


 

Ms. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski is the new Director of the Early Childhood Center.  She comes to Warren Township from the Indiana Department of Education. 


 

Warren Township schools will resume for the 2011-2012 school year on Monday, August 1.  Students will attend school for a full day.


 

Pleasant Run Elementary School in Warren Township was the site of Summer Servings, a summer food program designed to provide free breakfast and lunch to anyone 18 years old and younger. The program ran from June 6th through July 15th, Monday –Friday, and offered parents a way to ensure their children had a healthy breakfast and lunch during the summer months.

Summer Servings is Marion County’s branch of the Summer Food Service Program in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Education.  Warren Township’s Food Service Contract Administrator, Mason Gallmeyer states, “The Summer Food Service Program is a wonderful way to ensure that our students and community are continued to receive a nutritious meal throughout the summer months”.

Over 2,570 meals were served during the six weeks the program was in session.  Warren Township’s food service provider, Chartwells, prepared and served the meals. The staff enjoyed the daily interaction with the children, many who came every day.  Parents expressed their appreciation and the cafeteria walls were decorated with many thank you cards from the kids!

To make lunchtime fun, Kelli Servizzi, Stonybrook Intermediate Academy teacher, and her daughter, Jenna, volunteered their time to provide craft activities for the children three days a week.  Children made rock pets, snow globes, painted pictures, and created a design with beads.  With an age range of 2 years to high school, Kelli and Jenna planned their activities to appeal to kids of all ages.  

As her three children enjoyed a tasty lunch before heading to painting, one parent stated, “With medical bills, this has helped with the budget and it is good for the kids. This has been a blessing.” 

Due to such a success and need for the community, Warren Township plans to continue this program for years to come.
 

Information for bus stops for the 2011-2012 school year will be available online through VersaTrans on Tuesday, July 26.  Access VersaTrans through the Parents/Transportation tab found at the top of the home page.


 

Lou Anne Schwenn received the “Tom Paul Outstanding Director Award.”  Mrs. Schwenn has been immersed in career and technical education for the past sixteen years as counselor, assistant director and currently as the director.  As a member of the Indiana Association for Career and Technical Education, she was conference chairperson for two years, then moved through the leadership ranks as vice president, president and then past president.  Throughout this trying year of legislative changes, she served as President of IACTED.  Recently, she was asked to represent career and technical education under the leadership of Dr. Tony Bennett, Superintendent of Public Instruction, as a member of an advisory committee to the Indiana State Board of Education.  She exemplifies the characteristics of an “Outstanding Director.”

You will find school supply lists, registration information, immunization requirements, and textbook rental fee information for the 2011-2012 school year under the 2011-12 SY tab at the top of the home page.


 

Plans are underway to use Rosetta Stone to offer Spanish to students in the elementary and intermediate buildings. 


 

MSD Warren TWP Schools in Indianapolis, IN was recently honored as the Be-A-star Regional Account of the Year Winner by Chartwells School Dining Services.   The Regional Account of the Year is awarded to a district that exemplifies business excellence and goes above and beyond the call of duty in areas such as community service, financial performance, customer and client satisfaction, wellness, and diversity. Victoria Davis Resident District Manager, Chef Frank Lee, Sarah Parr, Kelley Deahl and Siobhan Carey Assistant Food Service Directors at MSD Warren TWP Schools, located in Chartwells’ Great Lakes Region, were recognized at an awards banquet in Lansing, Michigan on July 19th 2011.

Chartwells strives to recognize hourly and salaried associates and entire districts for achieving business excellence. The Be-A-star program started in 1997 as a method to build a foundation for growth and success.  The program also emphasizes the company’s most important ingredient: people.  Be-A-star has been widely embraced throughout Chartwells to the point that it has become the company’s primary recognition tool for promoting business excellence by providing great results everyday.
 

Warren Central High School Seniors were honored for all the hard work they have put in over the last four years at the annual Senior Honors Program. Students were honored by each academic department , as well as for scholarships offered to and accepted by them. Over one hundred senior students have been offered academic and athletic scholarships totaling more than one million dollars in award monies.
Senior Class President, Leanne Bassi was the recipient of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which will pay four years of tuition, books, and fees. She will be attending DePauw University. Meagan Gardner, will be attending IUPUI and studying Psychology after being awarded the Bepko Scholarship. Megan will receive four years of tuition, an apartment downtown on the canal as well as scholarship money towards a Master's Degree. A number of other seniors are receiving twenty-first century scholarships as well as awards from their individual colleges and universities.
Several Warren Central Athletes were also awarded scholarships for outstanding academic and athletic performance in their respective sports.

Edward Ward, Warren alumn (1994), is participating in the flyover before the Indy 500 and also as the lead car crosses the finish line. He will be flying an FA-18 Superhornet.

 

Congratulations, Michael Lyles! Michael is the 4th grade winner of a $1000.00 savings bond in the I Love to Read Challenge sponsored by the Governor, WISH TV, Meijer, TCU, The Children's Museum, and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Michael is a fourth grader in Mrs. Johnson's class at Eastridge Elementary School. To qualify for this prize, students needed to read and log their time during January and February. Grades 1-3 needed to read at least 1,200 minutes and grades 4-8 needed to read 2,500 minutes for the two months. Names of students meeting the requirements were submitted for one of the eight $1000.00 savings bonds to be given out, one per grade 1-8 from all the participating schools. Michael will be presented with his award at a ceremony hosted by Debby Knox and Eric Halvorson in May at the Children's Museum.

Jeans collected during the drive will be distributed by Aeropostale to local homeless shelters and then given to homeless teens. The drive partners with over 600 homeless shelters nation wide to distribute the jeans. Abbigail was looking for a way to serve her community, and located the Teens for Jeans information through the website Do Something.org, a website dedicated to helping teens locate and start service projects. She said, "I wanted to help teens that are less fortunate, and this was the perfect way to do it. So my mom and I set up a meeting with our principal, Mr. Tim Mankin, and talked to him about the project. He thought it was a great idea and let me get started."

Creston students collected jeans for almost two school weeks, but had four days off due to severe weather conditions. "I think we could have collected more if we had school during those days," says Turner. She adds, "I think it makes middle school students see that there are kids out there their own age that don't have anything. Homelessness is important to me because I've known people in my life who have been homeless, and I think it's important to get students involved with those who are less fortunate." Creston plans to participate again next year, and hopes for more donations.

Creston Intermediate Academy (CIA) out smarted teams from Southport Middle School, Westlane, and Eastwood to become the Marion County Champions! Academic Teams competed against other 6th grade students in Marion County in "Brain Game" type matches from November until mid-February. Five students at a time vie to answer questions against students from another school. The sponsor of CIA's team is Ms. Carolyn Terry.

Dawn Hritz, music teacher at Pleasant Run, Megan Utter, 2nd grade teacher at Eastridge, Stephanie Flannery, music teacher at Sunny Heights; and Mary Wynn, music teacher at Hawthorne, each received a Target Grant.

All 4th grade students at Pleasant Run Elementary will be going to Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University on February 9th, 2011 for the Cool Drumming: The Distinctive Rhythms of World Cultures Concert. The concert ties in with the 4th grade music unit on West African drumming. They will feel the beat of world percussion in this high-energy, interactive performance. Experience taiko drumming of Japan, West African djembe and samba batucada from Brazil. Then listen to the calypso, reggae and soca music of the Caribbean and everything from ragtime and jazz to rock and the urban rhythms of America. Students will have plenty of opportunities for audience participation as they move to the Chiapas marimba music from Mexico and the Afro-Cuban pulse of Latin America.

Ms.  Utter's second grade students will:,

• Visit the Post Office where they will prepare letters, tour the Post Office, and deliver their letters to be mailed.
• Visit the Warren Public Library to gain knowledge about the organization of a library, and will have a story read to them by the librarian.
• Tour the University of Indianapolis, explore the use of a map, and gain an understanding of college for their future educational goals.

Both Mary Wynn and Stephanie Flannery will use their grant money to take fourth grade students to the symphony.

Since launching the Target Field Trip Grants program in 2007, Target has awarded $9.76 million in grants, providing 1.2 million students in all 50 states with the opportunity to experience learning outside the classroom and enhance their studies in the arts, math, science and social studies.

As part of the program, each Target store will award three Target Field Trip Grants to K-12 schools nationwide-enabling one out of every 25 schools throughout the U.S. to send a classroom on a field trip. Each grant is valued up to $700.

Kim Anne Sohnle, Creston Middle School Literacy Coach, also received a MAC Grant from McDonald's Corporation.  Ms. Sohnle's grant, in the amount of $441.11, will be used to purchase kits of wiki sticks and teacher's guides.  These wiki sticks are a tool to make writing more hands-on.

Eighth grader, Madeline Cole said, "The holidays can be tough for servicemen overseas. It was nice to help out and let them know we're thinking of them." National Junior Honor Society sponsor, Mrs. Mary Graham supports this service project because, "It is important for our teens to realize the sacrifice that soldiers make for their country, and being away from home for the holidays is another part of their sacrifice." Creston Middle School continues to emphasize character education for all students, especially the importance of service projects. Mrs. Graham also states, "Encouraging our students to think of others is vital, and this is a great way to get them involved in caring for our soldiers."

We all can think back to that special teacher who took extra time with us; that teacher who believed we could do great things, even when we didn't; that teacher who inspired us to never settle for less than our very best. Now you can tell the story behind the memory. The Warren Township "Because of You" project gives you the opportunity to pay tribute to the district teachers who had a big impact in your development and eventual success as a student and as a person.  Tell us about the teacher who would not let you give up, who helped you clarify what you wanted to do with your life, or the teacher who went the extra mile to make sure you were prepared for your future.  Contact Jane Glover at 317.869.4346 or jglover@warren.k12.in.us for more information. 

Warren Central Fieldhouse open for area residents - The indoor track at the Warren Central Fieldhouse provides an opportunity to use walking as a way to achieve better health, develop a level of physical activity, help lower blood pressure, and reduce stress.  The fieldhouse , 9500 E. 16th St, Door #14, is open to all Warren Township residents, age 21 and older.  You must show a valid driver license with proof of address.  Please contact Randy Johnson at 869-4674 for more information and hours.