News from the Ridge
Shortridge High School News and Updates
May 22, 2022
Dear Friends,
It is always a little bittersweet at the end of the year. We celebrate and say goodbye to our beloved seniors and staff as they ready for the next steps in their lives, closing out the year while also looking towards the future, new students and faculty joining the Blue Devil team next year.
We are in the last week, the last couple of days, of the 2021-22 school year! As we look to closing out the final week, we are also looking to make plans for next year.
We are finalizing a couple school policy changes that we shared with our students last week. The most significant change is to our in-school cell phone policy. As we continue to see how social media and the many other distractions associated with ubiquitous access to personal cellular and internet devices have contributed to academic struggles, we have made changes to our rituals and routines that will limit cell phones in our classes and other essential learning times.
The new policy sets the expectation that students will have their cell phones put away and silenced during class. We are also reinstituting our student ID expectation that all students have an ID displayed on a lanyard at school and during any school-sponsored event.
We will continue to share with all stakeholders any changes and update our student handbook (posted here on our School Webpage). Here is the video we shared with the students last week outlining the Shortridge Cell Phone Policy for the 2022-23 school year.
Here is a link to last week's slide show from the Awards Ceremony! Also, review below the details for the Class of 2022 Commencement on May 24th.
Go Blue Devils!
Dennis Thomas
Principal
2021-2022 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
View the calendar online here.
Key Dates:
** be sure to note additional important dates in each section below.
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.
Attention parents and students:
Important Senior Dates and Information
May 18 – Senior Celebration - CMA
Take a look at the slide show from the Awards Ceremony!
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 (General Admission. First Come, First Served seating)
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.
Summer Opportunites still Open!
- Applications for the Youth Violence Prevention Fellowship are due June 10. This is a paid leadership opportunity for students.
- GripTape, offers youth 14–19 years old opportunities to pursue something they’re passionate about learning. ALL young people should have the support and resources to deepen their interests and chart their path to success. Summer Learning Challange application still open until May 31st. Apply at https://griptape.org/
- Explore making a career out of your love of sports! See info below and register here!
Consider Hosting an Exchange Student!
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.
- Ms. Huehls nees help with the professional clothing closet. Contact here by email at huehlsr@myips.org for details.
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:
- Summer Break is just a few days away! Check out this link for the best ways to make the most of this time for your brain and to be ready for a strong academic year to kick off in August.
- Check out DoSomething.org - This is a student lead organization that can help you get involved in comunity service at any level. You can even use your phone to do entire projects in some cases! There is also a chance to earn scholarships. Summer is a great time to engage in volunteer activities and start planning for your CAS or SL projects.
- 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
Student Services
Meet the Shortridge Student Service Team
Shortridge Future Center is Open this summer!
Through the IPS Future Centers, students are given the tools, skills, and support needed to successfully meet their 3E goals- Enrollment in a trade school, college or university; Enlistment in the military; Employment at a livable wage, or any combination of the 3Es - upon graduation.
Walk-in Hours: Tuesdays and Thursday, June 14 - July 21, 10am - 12noon. Enter Door 1 on the Northside of the building by the football field, go up the first set of stairs to Room 208.
Support also available by appointment May 31st - July 22nd in-person, virtual or by phone: Email Lori Armstrong at armstrlo@myips.org to schedule.
The following services are available this summer:
2022 Graduates: FAFSA Application assistance (due June 30th for Federal Funds), 21st Century Scholar account management and task completion assistance (due June 30th to collect or defer) , college enrollment task completion, college planning for winter start date, employment search assistance, computer access to do any of the tasks on your own.
2023 Graduates: Career Planning assistance, College Planning Assistance, employment search assistance, 21st Century Scholar account management task completion assistance, computer access to do any of these tasks on your own. Computer access to work on EE and TOK work.
2024 and 2025 Graduates: Career Planning assistance, College Planning Assistance, employment serach assistance, 21st Century Scholar account management and task completion assistance, computer access to do these tasks on your own.
AND MORE!!! Watch the SHS Instagram feed for more opportunities for technical support with research and writing and/or college planning and research.
College Funding Still Available!
ATTENTION! Some additional Indiana Funding has been made available and the Federal Funding Deadline is not until June30th. 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
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. Also, make sure your student has an account that is upgraded to "full" status.
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
SOCCER:
Boys & Girls Varsity Soccer
Begins June 7th
Tuesday, Thursday & Fridays, 5:00-6:30pm
All practices will take place @ Tabernacle Presbyterian Church - 418 E 34th Street, 46205
For Girls Varsity Soccer questions, please call or text Jason Katner @ (317) 507-2400
For Boys Varsity Soccer questions, please call or text Rory Priest @ (317) 965-1187
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
From the Staff of Shortridge High School -- Thank you to all who donated and volunteered for the Teacher Appreciation Week activites! The food and cards were such warm and wonderful treats!
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.