MSD OF DECATUR TOWNSHIP

Dear Decatur Township Families,

As we begin the month of September, we are Decatur Proud of the strong start all schools have had this year. Visiting classrooms across the district, I see students and teachers hard at work, collaborating with each other to remove barriers and embrace all opportunities. It is clear that we are doing the work to achieve excellence in learning!

A vital part of our culture here in Decatur Township is the “E + R = O” mindset. This simple equation or framework allows you to be intentional about the way you think, make decisions, and act. The key to producing outcomes is not the events or circumstances you encounter, but how you choose to respond. Consistently managing one’s response will, over time, result in better outcomes for oneself and others. All schools are encouraging this mindset for both students and staff. Ask your child how this mindset applies to their choices each day.

At the August School Board Meeting, we announced that the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs at Blue Academy, Gold Academy, Stephen Decatur, Valley Mills, and West Newton have been named 2021-2022 Project Lead the Way Launch Distinguished Schools. I encourage you to read more about this outstanding national recognition below. Congratulations to all of our STEAM teachers!

Please mark your calendars that October 5th is Parent Teacher Conference Day, district-wide, and there will be no school. Conferences are an ideal time to build the school-home relationship and communicate for student success. Look for information from your child’s school to schedule your conference, coming soon.

Together we are Decatur Proud!

Dr. Prusiecki

Superintendent

MSD of Decatur Township

Tobacco, E-Cigarette, & Vaping Diversion Program

Decatur Township School Police Department, (DTSPD), in collaboration with the Drug Free Coalition, is excited to offer a new diversion program for students found to be in possession of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and or vaping devices. DTSPD has also partnered with our local courts in an effort to minimize the use of these products and devices on our campuses. Our students, if found with the aforementioned items, would be in violation of Indiana Code 35-46-1-10.5, Minor in Possession of a Tobacco Product or an Electronic Cigarette or 7.1-5-12-8 Smoking in a Prohibited Area. Each of these would be met with an Indiana citation, also known as a “Uniform Traffic Ticket,” (UTT). When submitted to the courts, the cost of the ticket for this violation is $170.50. This is an actual ticket and will affect your license or the ability to obtain one if left unpaid.

Our objective however, is not to create financial hardship, but to have an opportunity to educate students and families on the dangers of vaping and tobacco products. Twice per month, DTSPD officers will present a 1-hour class for students who have opted to accept the terms of the diversion program. The cost of the class for a student attending alone is $75.00. If a student attends the class with a parent or guardian, the class is discounted at a cost of $25.00. Upon the completion of the class, the UTT, or citation, will not be referred to the courts, and there will be no record of the violation. A student may only participate in the program once per school year, and only twice throughout their entire school career.

Recognizing our Project Lead The Way Launch Distinguished Schools

At the School Board Meeting on August 22, 2022, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Stephanie Hofer, announced that Blue Academy, Gold Academy, Stephen Decatur Elementary, Valley Mills Elementary, and West Newton Elementary have been named 2021-2022 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Launch Distinguished Schools. These schools are among the 282 PLTW Launch programs across the country to receive recognition this year. The Distinguished program recognition celebrates schools committed to helping students own their education by increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in PLTW programs. These schools empower their students to unlock their potential by developing the in-demand, real-world knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Here in MSD of Decatur Township, implementation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) classes in all elementary schools has provided an avenue for PLTW implementation to thrive. Dr. Hofer recognized Rebecca Bersani, Lead STEAM Teacher, for leading and mentoring her colleagues through PLTW implementation. Also recognized at the board meeting were STEAM teachers Shawn Powers (Blue Academy/West Newton), Helen Harris (Stephen Decatur), Andy Riester (Gold Academy), Carla Monical (Valley Mills), and Ryan Stroud (West Newton). It was noted that Lynwood Elementary also is home to a new STEAM class with teacher, Derick Cale, for this current school year. We are Decatur Proud of the engagement and learning our STEAM Teachers facilitate with students each day!

MSD Decatur Township Hosts Dr. Jenner, IN Secretary of Education

On August 24, 2022, a press conference was held at the Blue and Gold Academies in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education and The Mind Trust. A new opportunity to support students was announced by Dr. Katie Jenner, IN Secretary of Education, called “Indiana Learns,” which will provide funding for tutoring for students in 4th and 5th grades who qualify. MSD of Decatur Township has chosen to match funds to maximize the extended day opportunities in ELA and Math. “In MSD of Decatur Township, we strongly believe that investing resources into increased instructional opportunities for students will equal greater academic achievement,” said Dr. Matt Prusiecki, Superintendent of MSD of Decatur Township. “We are Decatur Proud to partner with the IDOE and The Mind Trust to give our students the strong foundation they need in reading and math, so that they can truly become tomorrow ready. With our district matching grant funds, Decatur students will have the resources necessary in support of their continued learning as an extension to the school day.”

For more information, visit https://www.indianalearns.org/