News from the Ridge
Shortridge High School News and Updates
May 1st, 2022
Dear Friends,
With a little over three weeks left of the 2021-22 school year, we have much to be grateful for and folks to celebrate! The last few weeks have been busy at the Ridge... and we continue to focus on finishing the year strong.
I especially want to lift up our teachers this week. Over the last year, they have worked so hard to provide exceptional learning opportunities, find new ways to instruct, build relationships, and work with our students as they manage the many barriers place in front of us these last couple of years.
This week is Teacher Appreciation week. I ask that you reach out to your teachers and share with them how grateful you are for their work, resilience, and passions. Send an email, a note, and ask your kids to do the same. Every day, our teachers greet their students at the door, saying good morning, asking how they are doing, and following up when they have a bad day or need extra help. We at Shortridge are truly blessed with a gifted faculty. Let them know you notice and care. Your affirmation means the world to our teachers.
Also, continue to reaffirm the importance of finishing strong with your student regardless of whether they struggle, strive, or both; reiterate the importance of finishing this year strong. If they have questions, reach out to their teachers and work with their peers to prepare and review for that final project or summative assessment.
I hope you were able to attend the Musical, Once on This Island, this weekend. It is such a wonderful gift to reconvene as a whole school and celebrate the arts as a community. This musical production epitomized the why we do what we do at Shortridge, with the visual arts, choir, theater arts, and productions teams coming together to produce a professional performance.
I also want to acknowledge again the continued difficulty all the schools are having around Yellow Bus transportation. You should have received communication from the district about accessing IndyGo bus passes. Shortridge is on the Redline with a bus stop right in front of the school. We can provide a free bus pass if you are interested in making this shift. Reach out to your student's counselor, and they can help with the process. Here is a link to IndyGo's route planner: www.indygo.net/plan-your-trip/
Please take the time to review the details embedded in the newsletter below... all helping us stay focused and celebrate these last three weeks.
- Testing schedule
- MYP Art Show
- Senior Schedule
- Orchestra Trip
- Need for new PTSA Leadership
- Assembly of Latino Students to discuss college readiness programs
Below you will find updates, celebrations, and important information from the Ridge.
Go Blue Devils!
Dennis Thomas
Principal
IB Learner Profile
For the month of May, we are focusing on the IB Learner Profile attribute of Open - Minded!
Those who are open-minded understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Learn more about living this month's learner profile attribute in the May edition of the Feel Good Wednesday Newsletter.
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) learner profile describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. They imply a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others, and the world around them.
2021-2022 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
View the calendar online here.
Key Dates:
- April 28th - May 20th - Formal IB Exam
May 2nd-May 6th - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5th - MYP Art Exhibition
May 11th - Indiana Latino Institue College Coaching Program Presentation in ATL
May 20th - CAS/SL Deadline
May 24th - Last Day of Classes
** be sure to note additional important dates in each section below.
Important Senior Dates
May 13 – Final grades entered for Seniors
May 12 & 13 - Textbook and Computer Return
9:00am to 11:00am
Media Center
May 18 – Senior Celebration - CMA
9:00am to 12:00pm
9:00am to 9:30am – Important Announcements
9:30 - Awards Ceremony
10:15 to 12:00
Ticket pick-up
Senior Yard Sign Pick-up
To receive your graduation tickets and yard sign you must:
Complete all graduation requirements
All credits earned
Employability Skills (Bucket 2) documentation received/verified
Post-Secondary Readiness (Bucket 3) requirement complete.
Complete IPS Graduation Survey at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6v7G52t-IMpTjKXvdRW6XL2eUaNPNLx-CO-OWzIiNGEwsmw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Have your computer returned.
Have your textbooks returned
Textbook student list can be found here
This will tell you what needs to be returned
Each graduate will receive 6 tickets
Graduates can receive (while supplies last) 2 additional tickets by
Uploading Enrollment, Enlistment, Employment verification here or submitting a written post-secondary plan to Mrs. Harris - harria@myips.org
May 24 – Graduation Rehearsal and Graduation – Clowes Hall – Butler University
Graduation Rehearsal (Mandatory)
10:30am - Arrival at Clowes Hall
11:00am to 1:00pm – Rehearsal
Graduation Ceremony
5:45pm – Arrival at Clowes Hall
7:00pm to 8:30pm – Graduation Ceremony
You are required to provide your own transportation to and from graduation rehearsal.
If this will be a challenge for you, please see Mrs. Harris or Miss Miller.
BOSS Camp Deadline Extended to May 9th!
Indiana Latino Institute Provides College Coaching program
- On May 11 during ATL, we will have a meeting for Latino students with the Indiana Latino Institute about their College Coaching Program. Students can learn more and apply for one-on-one college coaching at indianalatinoinstitute.org.
Paid Leadership Opportunity open now to June 10th
- Applications for the Youth Violence Prevention Fellowship are due June 10. This is a paid leadership opportunity for students.
Service Learning
- The CAS/SL deadline for juniors is May 20. By that date, they should have 8 complete experiences with reflections and evidence as well as a complete project. They should regularly check the Service Opportunities document in Schoology for ideas.
- Students can get CAS/SL experiences by helping to produce World Changing 101. They can contact Ms. Schantz at schantzm@myips.org to get involved.
- Editors are needed for the yearbook for next school year. Students interested in getting involved should email Mrs. Burke at burkekristina@myips.org. They can earn class credit and valuable writing/leadership experience.
Weekends and upcoming days off of school 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. Check out these amazing Service Opportunities
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TRho-tmQZGydkCx5gdCO-HekB4kvmKnaBwDfdgPrYko/edit?usp=sharing
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):
Just a few quick notes/updates for grades 9 and 10:
- Thanks so much to the students who engaged in our Earth Day service activities last week and to the Green Devils for planning them. Be sure to complete your reflections in the Q4 Service as Action reflection forms on Schoology! Also, if you're interested in participating in the Green Devils club next year, talk with Ms. Hutchinson in Room 233.
- Final projects and exams are coming up in many of your MYP Courses. Be sure to get plenty of rest and pace yourselves on the long-term projects. You won't be able to complete them all to your best ability at the last minute and on minimal sleep! Take care of yourself as we close out the year together.
- As some of you are likely aware, this will be Mr. Merle's last year at Shortridge as he moves closer to family in Des Moines, Iowa. If you'd like to keep in touch, please send an e-mail to merleg@myips.org so he can pass along contact details. The role of MYP Coordinator will be taken over by the capable hands of Ms. Chloe Richardson and we fully expect her to take the MYP Program at Shortridge to the next level!
Career-Related Program (CP) and Diploma Program (DP) - 11th & 12th:
Seniors: Formal IB Submissions
Formal IB Exams: April 28 - May 20 These exams are scheduled by the IB for specific dates and times. Please make sure you don't schedule appointments during your exam time. If you miss the exam, you won't be able to make it up and forfeit the ability to earn the IB diploma/certificate or university credit. Here is the SHS May 2022 Exam Schedule. Please print and post to your refrigerator.
The district has experienced significant disruption to yellow bus transportation recently including the instance where no SHS buses ran on April 15th. With IB exams underway, we want to encourage you to make backup transportation plans so your student does not miss an IB exam. There are NO IB EXAM MAKEUPS. If a student misses an IB exam, they will be designated as a "non-submission" by the IB. This jeopardizes their IB Diploma, IB Certificate, and/or college credit. Please call the school for IndyGo day passes if IndyGo can serve as your backup plan.
Juniors: IAs and EE/RP rollout
Juniors have completed their TOK exhibition and History IA. The science IAs are well underway with a final deadline of May 15th. English classes are working on components of the HLE in class with a final deadline of May 18. Here is the Class of 2023 IA Calendar for both you and your student to keep track of IB assessments. Remember, students must be on track with IB assessments to be registered for IB exams.
Juniors met with their supervisors this week to work on the outline for their Extended Essay (EE) or Reflective Project (RP). At this point your student should have a solid research question, an annotated bibliography of 5 sources, and a working outline. Students will write their first draft between May and August. They are expected to have 1,500 words by August 15. Here is the Cohort 2023: EE/RP Timeline for you and your student. The EE and RP are part of the DP core and CP core and can satisfy the Indiana Bucket 2 requirement for graduation.
Grades, IB assessments, EE/RP progress, and service determine eligibility for formal IB exam registration. This is why it is important for students to keep up with their EE/RP and service requirements. See the documents below to understand eligibility for IB exam registration and to understand the requirements for earning the IB Diploma (DP) or the IB Certificate (CP).
Agreements & Eligibility for the IB Diploma (DP)
Agreements & Eligibility for the IB Certificate (CP)
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/DP Coordinator: Jessica Carlson, carlsonjr@myips.org
Visual and Performing Arts
Advanced Orchestra St. Louis Trip
This year, Shortridge High School’s advanced orchestra traveled to St. Louis to compete in WorldStrides national competition against music groups from seven other states. Our advanced orchestra comprises three cellos, one bass, three violas, and seven violins. This year, we had six freshmen out of a fourteen-person orchestra. Some of our members had not been on a trip of this scope before, so this was a big deal for our students, especially after being on lockdown with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The orchestra traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, from Indianapolis, Indiana, on Thursday, April 21st, 2022. After the four-hour trip, the orchestra arrived at Webster College for a Master Class with Dr. Paul Davis. The orchestra practiced all three of their pieces for about 2 hours. They were given tips on bow control, dynamics, and musicality. The Master Class was very beneficial to both the students and Ms. Sieler.
We went to The Arch in the morning and then to the City Museum on Friday. The pods for the Arch are small, and they swayed like a boat in the water on the way up to the top of the Arch. The pod's tight space and uneasy movements made some of our students nervous, but the view at the top was amazing. We took lots of pictures of both St. Louis and Illinois on the other side of the river. The trip down from the top of the Arch was much smoother and more enjoyable.
The City Museum was full of tunnels and slides and places to climb. We had flashlights and knee pads so we could crawl around. The ten-story slide was really fun; even Ms. Sieler and Mr. Gundersen slid down the slide. Then we went back to the hotel to change into our dress blacks and went to our performance.
We did the standard warm-up and then performed on the stage for the three adjudicators. Christophar Becker, Barry Bernhardt (Dr.), Miami, and Linda Huck. We played the first two movements of the Carmen Suite by George Bizet/arr. Todd Parrish followed with Scottish Journey by Miriam Overholt, and then Arlington Sketched by Elliot Del Borgo. After the performance, Berry Bernhardt talked to the orchestra about their performances, specifically about dynamics and putting power into our performance to create contrast with other parts of the pieces. The orchestra then returned to the hotel room before walking towards Union Station for dinner.
When Saturday morning came, two mothers had driven to St. Louis to take six orchestra members back to Indianapolis for prom. The rest of the orchestra went to Six Flags for the day. We rode all kinds of rides and ate some food. We didn’t want to get sick on the rides. It was a great day of sun and fun! We went to the awards ceremony for our division in The Palace at Six Flags. The Awards ceremony was lively, with so many bands, orchestras, and choir students all in one place. We competed against ensembles from seven other states. Our orchestra received a solid silver medal placement for this competition.
Student Services
Meet the Shortridge Student Service Team
College Funding Still Available!
ATTENTION! Some additional Indiana Funding has been made available and the Federal Funding Deadline is not until June. If your student is heading on to post secondary education and you have not completed the FAFSA there is still time and benefit! Contact Lori Armstrong at armstrlo@myips.org.
If you are still working your way through the FAFSA and need assistance, you can call the
FAFSA Office at 1-800-433-3243.
They are open
M-F 8 am - 11 pm
and
Sat & Sun 11 am - 5pm
Juniors planning to apply to a 4 year college next year can get a jumpstart on understanding the process and writing essays by attending a College Application and/or Essay Workshop during ATL on select Wednesdays. Students can access the details and registration link in the Schoology message center.
Early College Awareness
Thank you to those families who attended the INvestEd Early College Awareness event last week. For those of you who missed it, check out this slide show for great information and suggested resources.
21st Century Scholars
Is your student a 21st Century Scholar? If so, check out the link below and click on the High School Scholars section for information about the requirements and other frequently asked questions.
World Changing 101
4th Annual Golf Scramble
The Shortridge Booster Club is a parent organization founded to promote sports at Shortridge by helping the athletic teams pay for practice equipment and apparel. We will be holding our 4th Annual Golf Scramble fundraiser on Sunday 12 June and we invite you to join us for a day of golfing fun to financially support athletics at Shortridge. Don’t want to play golf but would like to help? You or your business could be a hole or range sponsor or donate prizes for our raffle or volunteer at the event. Please see the attached flyer for all details and use this link: ShortridgeScrambleSignUp to sign up or sponsor us. For any questions about the Booster Club or to volunteer please reach out to one of us below, we’d love to have you.
Hope to see you on the course!
Thanks!
Shortridge Booster Club
Jim Langston 317-590-5687
Rhett Perkins 317-435-8547
Alison Perkins 317-242-9542
Hilari Vargo 317-931-9560
Athletics
COMMUNICATION:
Search “Shortridge Athletics” at the Apple Store or Google Play and download our all-encompassing app
TWITTER:
@Blue_Devils_SHS
ALL HEAD COACHES CONTACT INFO:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mIhCgUg-FEwDFJ0DfScDQcaVJjPf2NRPJAh5k1iWbEY/edit?usp=sharing
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES:
PHYSICAL NIGHT:
May 10th, 5:00-7:00 in the New Gym. Free physicals for all IPS students
CROSS COUNTRY:
You can still participate in XC even if you don’t attend summer conditioning but you should aim to attend at least 2x sessions per week over the summer
Athletes should come dressed ready to run/workout, with a water bottle
Training may include running, weight lifting, mobility/flexibility, etc
All student- athletes will need a physical before they start any conditioning/practice
- Mon - Thurs 8:30-10:30a @ Shortridge High School
· 6/6 - 6/12, 6/13 - 6/19, 6/20 - 6/26, 6/27 - 7/3
· No practice week of 7/4 (Moratorium)
· No practice week 7/11
· 7/18 - 7/24
- 7/25 - 7/31: practice shifts Mon-Thur 5-7p @ Shortridge HS
- Week of Aug 1 - practice shifts to in-season schedule
· Mon-Fri 4:15 - 6:15p, Saturdays 8:30-10:30a
All athletes and at least one (1) guardian need to join our team Band page using QR code.
Up-to-date schedule will be communicated through BAND only:
TENNIS:
Camps run by our girls and boys head varsity coach John Keele
High school: https://afterschoolhq.com/IPSAthleticsPrograms/activity/ipssummertennisprogram-2
5th-8th: https://afterschoolhq.com/IPSAthleticsPrograms/activity/ipssummertennisprogram-1
1st-4th: https://afterschoolhq.com/IPSAthleticsPrograms/activity/ipssummertennisprogram-
They’re free for all IPS kids if incoming kids have siblings who also go to IPS schools.
BASEBALL:
Baseball is having a Summer Blue Devil Baseball Camp Team on Tuesdays & Thursdays in June (7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, 28th and 30th from 4p till dusk) at OptiPark Baseball Field.
All incoming freshmen, 8th graders feeders and current students are welcome!
It’s recommended for any student interested in playing spring baseball at Shortridge.
The 8 approved summer baseball days will included a double header each day and everyone is guaranteed on field playing time each day.
There will be a small fee to pay for baseballs, umpires, and field rental.
If interested please email coachjmcelroy@gmail.com and an invite will be sent.
BOYS BASKETBALL:
Summer Camp!
SHS Summer Camp Flyer 2022.pdf
May Calendar:
May Spring 2022 Shortridge Basketball Schedule.pdf
June Calendar:
June Summer 2022 Shortridge Basketball Schedule.pdf
VOLLEYBALL:
Volleyball conditioning will begin on June 20th. We will condition Monday through Thursday from 1-3.
Please check the calendar for updates.
FOOTBALL:
5/30-6/ Monday, Wednesday, Friday of every week up until 7/3-7/9
Weight room times 9am-12pm morning group, 4:00pm-6:30pm evening group.
There will be two sessions, students can choose which ever time works better for their schedule, there's 15 total workouts please try to make 75% of these workouts!
Will have drinks, plus snacks for athletes, encourage others to bring what they can
That following Monday after moratorium week 7/11 we will begin football practices:
Monday's-Thursday's 5:30pm-9pm, 7/11-7/15, 7/18-7/22,7/25-7/29 We will practice two Saturdays in the summer 7/23, 7/30
August 1st will be the start of our normal practice times throughout the season.
Which will be 4:15pm-6:15pm Monday-Friday Saturday meetings 10:00am-12:00pm
Next Semester!
E-sports and Cyber-Patriot will be coming to Shortridge High School next semester. For more information contact Coach Crane at craner@myips.org.
Our Booster Club is assisting us in a big fundraiser that will greatly benefit both of our basketball teams and help us get great athletes here in the future. We are trying to fundraise for two new shooting machines (pictured below). Something like this is a game-changer for our program. So the biggest help you can please give is to spread the word!
Dicks Sporting Goods is matching all initial donations. And then our Booster Club will be following up with an additional match up to $2k!
Student Videos:
PTSA
Hello all!
Happy almost end of the school year!
- Thank you to Cathy Nichols for volunteering to be Vice President and Kelly Agee for volunteering to be Secretary! We are still looking for volunteers for next year's President and Treasurer. If you are interested, please let me know so we can continue to build our PTSA and help our students and staff. If you know anyone, please let us know as we can't move forward without these very important positions being filled.
- Thank you to all of you who shared our fundraising link and donated yourself as we raised $850 to help with prom expenses! Ms. Ash wrote us a sweet note-"I want to express my sincere gratitude for raising the money for this year's school prom. The $850 will cover the remaining balance for our DJ and photo booth. With Appreciation, Kate Ash"
- We're still looking for donations and volunteers for Staff Appreciation Week-share with families that are not "official" PTSA members or who aren't part of the Facebook page.
- Staff Appreciation Week is next week and we want to show the staff some love! PTSA is providing breakfast on Monday and lunch on Friday.
- Monday, May 2, Breakfast: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4FA5A72FAA8-teacher1
- Jeb Bardon has so graciously agreed to provide staff with Subway sandwiches for lunch! So, we only need drinks, desserts, and chips for Friday, May 6, Lunch: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4CADAC2BA4FA7-teacher
- Senior, D'arcy Williams is leading the charge on the cards/notes from students/parents to give to each staff member to show how truly they are appreciated. THANK YOU, D'ARCY!
Have a great day!
Samantha Weinbrecht
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.