Dear Indy,
Today’s lead story comes from K-12 education reporter Carley Lanich, who has an update on the state’s plan to overhaul high school education. Here’s how it begins:
Aaron Burkhart, an Indianapolis high school band director, knows his classes teach more than music.
He thinks of the student he had for seven years between middle and high school who struggled in reading and math but kept coming to school because of the opportunity to participate in jazz and marching band.
Or the other student who secured their desired spot in a college program after Burkhart made a positive recommendation.
“One of my great privileges as a high school band director is the opportunity I have to build positive, professional relationships with my students,” Burkhart told state officials this week. “It is through these relationships developed over years that I have had the most impact as an educator.”
But, as Indiana officials increasingly set their sights on increased workforce exposure, it’s these types of experiences that Burkhart and other educators fear could be on the chopping block as state education officials discuss sweeping changes to Indiana’s high school diplomas.
The goals of the proposed changes are to create flexibility for students to pursue and earn credit for work or internship opportunities outside of school. But Burkhart and other educators worry that the state’s thirst for more trained workers will create scheduling challenges and come at the cost of elective classes that schools would no longer be required to offer.
Continue reading the article here.
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In other news
- Before heading to the 58th Indy Strawberry Festival next week, read this week’s Culture Journal from one of the volunteers, Shannon Joyce. She offers us a behind-the-scenes on how more than 15,000 strawberry shortcakes are baked.
- City officials are running two surveys right now to help determine the future of housing and economic development — and one includes questions about affordable housing. Learn more here.
- Financial aid counselors from IU Indianapolis and Ivy Tech will be ready to help you with FAFSA questions during events on Ivy Tech’s campus on Monday, June 10 and Friday, June 14. Get the details here.
What’s going on around the city
- Tonight, June 7: City Natives Gallery, 1044 S. Shelby St., is the starting point for a three-day celebration of Indianapolis murals and street art. At 5 p.m., gallery guests can find a collection of murals and works from Indianapolis artists. At 6 p.m., artists will begin a mural on the side of the Murphy Building, where City Natives Gallery is housed. Free.
- Tomorrow, June 8: Indiana Humanities hosts a “Campfire” event at Skiles Test Nature Park, 6828 Fall Creek Road. Led by Lauren Day, participants will walk through the park, hear short stories written by nature writers and work on a writing exercise, which concludes with a discussion around a campfire. $30
- Tomorrow, June 8: Aspiring documentary filmmakers and photographers can take a free course on using natural light for photos and video. Photographer Rick Gerrity will lead the course, presented by Roberts Camera at 220 E. St. Clair St.
— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
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What else we’re reading today
- WISH: AES Indiana, the power company that’s provided inaccurate bills to Indy residents for several months, is being summoned to state utility regulators this month. Regulators want to know when the issues will be resolved.
- Indy Maven: This Father’s Day gift guide contains a bunch of ideas with Indiana connections.
- WFYI: Indiana’s yearslong efforts to improve mental health treatment took a significant step forward after the federal government approved Indiana’s application to move to a more comprehensive model.
Reporter’s Notebook
In high school and college, my dad and I would catch up over loaded tater tots and chili dogs at my hometown’s rootbeer stand. This year, he’s coming to Indy to visit me, and we’re celebrating Father’s Day with my first time visiting the Mug-n-Bun.
I’m blessed to have my dad, step dad and grandpa as father figures in my life — plenty of sources for hugs, slightly-embellished stories of glory days and fatherly advice.
Last week, I found myself sitting on the ground at a gas station, tire pressure gauge in hand. I called my dad, and asked, “Am I doing this right?”
After filling up my tires, I sat in the parking lot for 45 minutes. He told me about his upcoming trip, I showed him my new car and he shared advice about my first year of work after graduation. I learned a lot about tires, and got life tips, too.
Our talk got me thinking about all the lessons I’ve learned from the men in my life, and how much wisdom you would all have to share. We would love to hear the best advice you’ve gotten from the fatherly figures in your life.
Send me the best dad-vice in 100 words or so, and add a photo. My email is sophie.young@mirrorindy.org.
— Sophie Young, service reporter
Have a question or suggestion for our reporters? Contact them here.
Reflections
You may have seen a typo in the arts section of yesterday’s newsletter. The correct Instagram handle is @queercirclecity.
Oops.
See you next week.
Ryan
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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