MSD OF DECATUR TOWNSHIP

DISTRICT NEWSLETTER - BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION - JULY 2023

MSD OF DECATUR TOWNSHIP DISTRICT NEWSLETTER - BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION - JULY 2023

DISTRICT NEWSLETTER - MAY 2025

A MESSAGE FROM DR. SCOTT COLLINS

Decatur Township Families,


As we have moved into the month of May, the 2024–2025 school year is drawing to a close. I want to take a moment to reflect on the many achievements of our school community and extend congratulations to staff and students.


First and foremost, I want to offer congratulations to the Class of 2025! As we finish the last month of school, I hope you can take time to reflect on your educational journey. Whether you're heading off to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, or exploring other opportunities, we are so proud of you as you enter this next season of life as a young adult. I would encourage you to reflect back on those teachers and staff members who had the most significant impact in your educational journey and my hope is that you can find an opportunity to thank them for investing in your lives.


A special commendation goes to our Co-Valedictorians - Fatima Gbenro, Sophia Long, and Tait Owens, as well as our Salutatorian - Jahzara Wright, who have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, commitment, and character. Your achievements reflect not only your own determination but also the support of your families, teachers, and peers. We celebrate you and look forward to seeing the great things you will accomplish. You can learn more about these outstanding students at this Link.


We are also honored to recognize our Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Nominees, as well as our Retiring Staff Members who have served, with dedication, the students of Decatur Township. These outstanding individuals exemplify the values of our district—respect, teamwork, and excellence. Their dedication to our students and schools is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for the positive impact they make each and every day.

As I reflect on the last 10 months of the 2024-25 school year, we have experienced many successes in the MSD of Decatur Township. I am Decatur Proud to serve as the superintendent of schools as we work together to provide our students the best educational opportunities possible! To our entire school community—students, families, educators, and staff—thank you for your continued partnership and support. Let’s finish the year strong and look ahead to a bright future.


With warm regards and deep appreciation,


 Dr. Scott Collins

Decatur Central High School is proud to announce the top academic achievers for the Class of 2025:

Congratulations to Co-Valedictorians Fatima Gbenro, Sophia Long, and Tait Owens!

Congratulations to Salutatorian Jahzara Wright!


Read more about these outstanding students, including their accomplishments and future plans at https://bit.ly/4lEXD3J

APRIL TOMORROW READY AWARDS

Congratulations to Cassie Underhill, 1st Grade Teacher at Valley Mills Elementary, who was recognized as a “Tomorrow Ready” Award Winner for going above and beyond each day to provide rigorous instruction to students with kindness and fun!

Congratulations to Kim Torres, Treasurer at Lynwood Elementary, who was recognized as a “Tomorrow Ready” Award Winner for going above and beyond each day to support students, staff, and families!

APRIL SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITIONS

Our DMS 8th grade treble choir was awarded a Gold Rating at the ISSMA Organizational Contest in the Group IV level. To achieve this award, the students worked on three challenging choral pieces for nine weeks - one in Portuguese, one ballad, and one up-beat piece with body percussion. Each judge gave the 8th grade treble choir marks high enough to award them a Gold Rating. We are Decatur Proud of our DMS 8th grade treble choir for your hard work, dedication, and success. Congratulations!

The Decatur Middle School 8th grade wrestling team was recognized by the School Board for their incredible success. We are Decatur Proud to have 3 Individual Mid-State Conference Champions! Congratulations!

The Destination Imagination Team from Decatur High Ability competed in an improvisational challenge at their competition in Ohio, earning 1st place and an opportunity to compete at the Global Finals! They were recognized by the School Board. Congratulations!

Our DMS 8th grade band had a fantastic performance at the Indiana State School Music Association Organizational Contest, receiving a GOLD rating. In addition, the students received the “With Distinction” evaluation. This is given to less than 10% of the ensembles that participate in this event each year. Commitment to extra rehearsals after school, combined with a desire to grow, develop, and execute, allowed our students the opportunity to perform to their potential.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

MSD Decatur Township: Highlights from April 2025

Substitute Teaching Information:

Menus

Check out this school year's menu! Don't forget that breakfast & lunch are free for all students! Join us for some delicious, nutritious meals!

Purchases and Account Info

Check out our lunch portal! You can monitor purchases, add funds, and much more!


Reminder: For the 2024-2025 school year, breakfast and lunch will be provided to all students at no charge. Families can load funds through the Linq Connect app for any "extras" students may want to purchase.

Register here: https://linqconnect.com/WPME5A

Click here for detailed instructions on how to register!

MSD of Decatur Township Child Nutrition Department

5275 Kentucky Ave., Indianapolis IN 46221

317-856-5265

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Setting up your Stopfinder Account:


The Stopfinder app can help track the GPS location of your child's bus. If you need a new email invitation to join, please contact the Transportation Department at 317-856-8060.

Stopfinder can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.

Here are other resources to assist you in setting up the Stopfinder app, once you receive the invitation email:

Video: How to set up and use your Stopfinder Account

We would like to highlight that once you set up your account, you will also need to create GeoAlerts for your student, which will notify you when the bus has arrived in or departed from any location on your student’s route, including their assigned bus stop and school. Please view the following linked video, which explains how to set up these GeoAlerts:

Video: How to Set Up GeoAlerts (Notifications of bus arrival/departure)


Decatur Township Transportation Department
​317-856-8060

STAY CONNECTED

ParentSquare

ParentSquare is the official communication platform of the MSD of Decatur Township.

Visit https://www.parentsquare.com or download the ParentSquare app to get started:

Connect to Skyward here or download the Skyward App:

Textbooks

K-12 Curriculum - No Fees

Per state legislation, Indiana families will not be charged textbook fees. Parents and students will continue to be responsible for any lost or damaged educational material, including but not limited to, lost textbooks, lost or damaged iPad and related components, library books, cafeteria fees, extracurricular activities, fundraising, and NSF check fees.

MSD of Decatur Township
decaturproud.org