Squire Wire
Sept 21, 2017
Founder Jim speaking to our students!
Q and A in the auditorium
Drake Bell closes the show!
The Bettis family
Principal's Corner and Good News
Wow!! Yesterday was an example of what can happen when everyone pulls together as a community. Though very hot, the High School Nation assembly was a great success! Our kids in the auditorium for the Q and A were exceptional. I want to give a shout out to Rodney Smith. The artists were late to the Q and A. They mistakenly went to the Girls' Prison. They said while driving around they were like, "man, this is a depressing school! It looks like a prison!" Well it was. So Rodney showed his teaching skills with over 600 kids. He had them laughing, thinking, and even had them pairing up and talking to each other! He kept them highly engaged while we waited on the artists. Once there, the artists were exceptional and our students asked great questions. After the Q and A, they even stayed around and spoke to many kids. I have shared a picture where Jim, who is the founder of High School Nation, was giving great advice to one of our students after the Q and A.
Then they invited art classes to come watch the set up process. We had a crew of 20 students who helped with the set up. And they gave our media students press passes for back stage access. Finally, as you can see by the pictures, our staff and students did an excellent job getting everyone into place for an amazingly fun day! Other than the heat (and one verbal squabble at the end of the day), we had no issues. We have learned that they didn't bring enough water so if we do this again, we will have extra. But we had a nurse on site, and plenty of ice, so as students got too hot, we were able to cool them off quickly.
Overall, I think this is exactly what we needed. We have come together in tragedy, and it was time for us to come together in joy and fun. I saw staff members having just as much fun as students yesterday! This events could not have happened without the trust I have in this staff to pull it off. From the leadership team, to the teachers, to the support staff who fielded early release calls and much more, to everyone involved, thank you. A very special thank you to our custodial staff. Yesterday was appreciation day for our custodial staff, and we gave them twice as much work!! They never complained; instead, they were happy to see the students having fun. This is an amazing place to work, and yesterday reminded me of that fact.
Thank you for everything you do!
Sandi
GOOD NEWS:
- As mentioned above, yesterday was appreciation day for Custodians, Maintenance, Mechanics, Grounds, Technology App Specialists, Tech Assistants, Production Printer, Security Officers, Attendance Officer. We delivered their gifts today. Please take a moment today and thank them!
- Congratulations to Anna Coyne as well as the Student Services Department and the CCR Team of Wendy Skibinski and Adam Pearish. After a hot and fun concert, they moved inside and hosted a successful college fair!! We had over 700 attendees visit over 100 colleges and universities. The representatives raved about how well spoken and thoughtful our Giants were during the fair.
- I have attached a picture of John and Wendy Bettis. They raised money through the Savannah Strong program to give the Wayne Township Education Foundation a check for 10,000 to start a scholarship in Savannah's name. This is such a wonderful gift. They are strong people and they have educated this state after experiencing the tragedy of losing Savannah. If you know someone who has a teenager (or anyone) driving an old car, let them know to get it checked! We know that Savannah died of carbon monoxide poisoning and not the car crash. Most states have regulations and the Bettis family is pushing Indiana in this direction. If you have a strong opinion, feel free to sign their petition. Thank you to everyone who helped make this scholarship opportunity a reality.
- Please do not forget that tomorrow is our second cross-content meeting. We purposely put these back to back so we do not lose momentum in the discussions.
- Speaking of momentum, let's keep up the great school spirit with a wonderful homecoming and college go week next week!! Let's decorate our doors, dress up and have a GREAT week next week! Go GIANTS!
- I am sorry Allison Kegley, but am going to embarrass you. I received this email and it was a reminder that we need to be sharing GREAT news with our parents and not just calling when something is wrong! Allison sent home a card that showed the student's work. This is a GREAT way to involve our parents. Thank you Allison!
"Dear Miss Kegley, I recently received this in the mail and it made my day….WEEK! Thank you for taking the time to send this out. As my children get older, ----- is my baby, I don’t always see their everyday achievements in life. I appreciate you!!!!"
- As we near the mid-term, please remember our grading non-negotiables. Grades should offer feedback and NOT "suck the life out of you." Grading practices need to be understandable, reasonable, and in line with the Ben Davis beliefs.
Home Events
College Go Week and Homecoming next week...Dress up days are:
Monday - Throwback Monday
Tuesday - Dress for your Career (also saying dress to impress)
Wednesday - College Day (Support / show pride for your favorite college)
Thursday - Hat Day
Friday - Purple Pride Day
Thursday, Sept 21: Boy's Soccer, Boys' Tennis, Choir Fall Dinner Show
Saturday, Sept 23: MIC Cross Country meet, Girls' Soccer
Monday, Sept 25: MIC Academic Banquet, Marion Co Soccer Tournament, Cash for College Night
Tuesday, Sept 26: Choir Fall Concert
Thursday, Sept 28: Boys' Tennis IHSAA Sectionals
Friday, Sept 29: College Application Day, Homecoming Football Game v Carmel
Saturday, Sept 30: Homecoming Dance
Ben Davis High School
Email: Sandra.squire@wayne.k12.in.us
Website: http://bdhs.wayne.k12.in.us/
Location: 1200 North Girls School Road, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Phone: 3179887000
Twitter: @bendavishs