News from the Ridge
Shortridge High School News and Updates
January 17th, 2022 (updated 19th)
Below is an intro and invite from CFI 70's, one of our peer IB schools.
You are invited to join CFI 70's Parents for Equity meeting this coming Wednesday, January 19, from 7-8 p.m. Joining us will be Shaneka Pedersen and Stephannie Bailey, who are both board members with the IPS Education Foundation. We will be discussing their current priorities for the IPS foundation, past initiatives that exemplify the foundation's role in promoting equity and how parents can help in their efforts or advocate for specific initiatives designed to promote equity.
The zoom link follows:
https://iu.zoom.us/j/86785652047?pwd=TW5ZK0JzODd2WXlGZnJTekd0MWhKZz09
Additionally, mark your calendar for January 26 (7-8 p. m. using the same zoom link above) when we will begin a series of discussions on the podcast: Talking While Black, which was featured on This American Life. We are advertising this in advance so that you might have an opportunity to listen to the podcast prior to our discussion. All parents are welcome, even if you have not previously participated in the equity group discussions.
The link to the podcast follows:
https://www.thisamericanlife.org/758/talking-while-black
As we close in on the first deadline for Choice Application, I want to include links to Shortridge's Enrollment page and info about Enroll Indy Applications.
January 31 closes the first round. Share our Enrollment page to learn more about Shortridge. Shortridge High School information for prospective families can be found on our website: myips.org/shortridge --> Enroll.
January 17th, 2022
Dear Friends,
I hope all have enjoyed the extended holiday!
Thank you for being so supportive last week as we were forced to shift to virtual learning. If you have questions about accessing our online resources or accessing your student's classes and grades, please visit our technology resource page: https://myips.org/shortridge/powerschool-access/. Students also can message their teachers via email (login to Clever > Outlook) or directly via Schoology to ask for help or clarify any work.
With the rise of COVID-related illness, we continue to focus on the importance of staying safe and healthy. We know how crucial in-person instruction is to your student's success. Following these safety protocols will help us stay in school, so please continue to stress following our safety and wellness protocols with your student.
Here is the link to the Annual IPS Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
With the amazing performances by IPS students (including the Blue Devils dancers and choir performance) and moving speeches by DePauw University President Dr. Lori White others, this is a program for everyone!
We are starting the second week of FAFSA Blitz - Through March 4th more details about FAFSA are below. Our goal is to have all seniors complete the FAFSA this year and work with their counselor and the Future center in planning for their next steps after graduation.
COVID-19 Protocols
Full details, including information on our mask requirement, changes to athletic games and attendance, and updated CDC guidance for K-12 schools, including isolations and quarantines, can always be found HERE.
Below you will find updates, celebrations, and important information from the Ridge.
Go Blue Devils!
Dennis Thomas
Principal
Additional Updates
Here is a link to the most recent Shortridge Updates and Important Information.
Due to the increased Covid-19 cases the Diploma Program Senior art show has been postponed until Spring 2022. An announcement will be made as soon as a date has been determined.
ACADEMICS
After School Tutoring:
Shortridge Math and English teachers are available after school in room 175 Monday thru Thursday. Come in to get support or work on homework.
Middle Years Program (MYP) Students (9th & 10th):
MLK Day and President's Day are great opportunities to do service- help a neighbor with their lawn, clean up your neighborhood, or write and mail an advocacy letter for your favorite cause. Please encourage your student to go to their "Class of..." course in Schoology and find the "Service Resources" link where they can log and reflect on their service!
MYP Personal Project Update (Grade 10): Phase 2 of the Personal Project is underway. Ask your child why the chose their project and what they hope to accomplish. The upcoming breaks for MLK Day and President's Day are a great times to work on Personal Project. If you're behind, don't worry! It's not too late to complete a great project. Reach out to Mr. Merle on Schoology if you're feeling stuck and want some extra support!
Career-Related Program (CP) and Diploma Program (DP) - 11th & 12th
Juniors: Service Project Proposal
Ask your junior about their service project proposal. They should be writing their proposal in the Service Home Base assignment in their Schoology Class of 2023 course. In our ATL (advisory) teachers have been conferencing with students to ask these three questions:
1. Have you completed your service proposal?
2. Did you state your objectives as a SMART goal?
3. Did you answer the guiding questions in the Service Home Base?
The Indiana Department of Education is requiring all students from the Class of '23 and beyond to demonstrate employability skills to earn an Indiana diploma. Employability skills can be demonstrated through either project based learning, service based learning or work based learning. All three IB programs- MYP, CP and DP -have a service learning component, making this new IDOE requirement a piece of cake for Shortridge students.
If you have any questions regarding your student's IB program components, courses, or grades, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of the coordinators.
MYP Coordinator: Garret Merle, merleg@myips.org
CP Coordinator: Jessica Carlson, carlsonjr@myips.org
2021-2022 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
View the calendar online here.
Key Dates:
- Jan 17 - Martin Luther King Day
- Jan 18 - Professional Development Day
- Feb 21 - Presidents Day
- Feb 22 - Professional Development Day
- Mar 2 - Parents in Touch Day
- Mar 28- Apr 1 - Spring Break
- May 24- Student Last Day
Student Services
Meet the Shortridge Student Service Team
Virtual College Fairs
Multiple opportunities for all scholars to engage with a variety of colleges virtually through NACAC Virtual College Fairs. Click on this link to learn more and to register.
SAT/ACT Test Dates and Registration Links
Seniors who plan to take the SAT and/or ACT for college admission or scholarship eligibility should register for an upcoming test in August, September, or October. Please follow the links below for test dates, registration deadlines, and to register.
Fee Waivers
Fee Waivers are available for the SAT, ACT, and College Applications to those students who qualify. To request a fee waiver, students must complete the form linked below.
21st Century Scholars
Is your student a 21st Century Scholar? If so, check out the below link and click on the High School Scholars section for information about the requirements and other frequently asked questions.
FAFSA Blitz - Through March 4th
If your student is considering college or career school next year, they need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through March 4th, all Seniors who complete the FAFSA will receive a t-shirt to celebrate reaching that goal.
If your student is still your legal dependent, they likely need your help with family financial information. Touch base with them to see what they may need from you. Students can drop into the Future Center on Wednesdays during Advisory or make an appointment by contacting Lori Armstrong armstrlo@myips.org for help.
To get started or for more help, visit https://studentaid.gov/
World Changing 101
Athletics
With the news coming out that Shortridge will be virtual Thursday and Friday, Monday is MLK and Tuesday is a PD day, I wanted to clarify a couple of general items.
- Contests will continue as planned
- Buses to away events and back to Shortridge will still be provided unless otherwise noted by your coach.
- EC buses home are offered tonight, Wednesday 1/12
- EC buses will not run until students are back in the building, starting tomorrow until next Wednesday at the earliest
- Practices and conditioning are at the discretion of each coach. I will always support their decisions and your health and your child's health always comes first when it comes to everyone's plan.
Please be patient with your coaches because this is being thrown at them just now, so they will have to adjust.
Our athletics staff, the student-athletes, and the parents have been nothing short of phenomenal and I thank you for that. This is not easy.
Our spring sports will start conditioning soon, so please keep your eye out for softball, baseball, track & field, girls tennis, and boys golf notifications! If you want to reach out to a particular coach, you can find their info here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mIhCgUg-FEwDFJ0DfScDQcaVJjPf2NRPJAh5k1iWbEY/edit?usp=sharing
Upcoming Athletic Events:
- Alumni Recognition Basketball Game: Saturday, January 22nd
- Lunch at 11:30
- JV game vs Park Tudor at 1:00
- Varsity game at 2:30
- Free admission and t-shirt for alumni
- Please contact Marilyn Shank at mshank@shankpr.com if interested in joining
- Jan 18 Senior Swim Night vs International School of Indiana
- Jan 27 IPS Swim Championships
Please stay safe and I appreciate your patience as we continue to push forward.
- If interested in volunteering in the concessions or gate at any of our events, please see the following sign-up. Help is always very much appreciated! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e48a8ac28a6f85-fall
- Head Coach Contact List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mIhCgUg-FEwDFJ0DfScDQcaVJjPf2NRPJAh5k1iWbEY/edit?usp=sharing
- All Athletic Schedules: Download the Shortridge Athletics app from Google Play or the Apple Store. This is easily the best way to know the schedules and info.
- Most up to date Athletics announcements and news on Twitter: @Blue_Devils_SHS
- Band App: Invitation only communication for coaches, athletes, and parents
I am personally honored to work with your wonderful students in their athletics world. We are very excited for the upcoming year, and I look forward to seeing you all in the stands!
Go Blue Devils!
Sincerely,
Craig Huljak
Shortridge Athletic Director
PTSA
Join the PTSA! Your partnership and support are critical for our work at Shortridge!
Part of Indianapolis Public Schools, Shortridge High School educates students to think freely, demonstrate intellectual vitality, and address needs and realities greater than themselves.