Dear Indy,
A lot of kids are missing school.
And what was already a challenge in many schools has gotten worse since the COVID-19 school closures.
But one eastside school is working to buck the trend.
Sankofa School of Success is partnering with a local nonprofit to track data on student behavior and absenteeism. An online platform also gives voice to students, who are sometimes otherwise hesitant to share why they’ve missed class.
“We’ve really tried to wrap around our families in providing them with the supports that they need,” said Laurie Hargrove, the assistant head of school at Sankofa. “Because if families are OK and home structures are OK that means our students are going to be OK.”
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In other news
- At a westside Boys and Girls Club, the kids were excited to help plant trees this month. “They help people breathe,” said Ma’kenzi Freeman, 9. “And, sometimes, they have delicious fruit that people can eat.” The plantings were part of Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Marion Superior Judge Mark Stoner, 69, will retire from the bench this year. Stoner faced a barrage of criticism from law enforcement and conservatives following his sentence of Elliahs Dorsey in the murder of IMPD Officer Breann Leath. But Stoner’s decision to retire came in February, when he did not request to be placed on the ballot for retention. “It is time to spend time with my grandkids, to travel, and to play and enjoy music and the arts,” Stoner told me this week.
- Lauren Rodriguez is leaving her job as deputy mayor of public health and safety to become president and CEO of RDOOR Housing Corporation, a nonprofit that provides affordable housing. Mayor Joe Hogsett has not appointed a replacement yet, a spokeswoman said.
- We previously told you about the concerns of Butler-Tarkington residents about the future of the historic School 86 building, which is owned by Butler University. On Monday, the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association passed a resolution calling on the university to work with preservation groups for potential reuse.
What’s going on around the city
- Tomorrow, May 16: Betty Rage Productions presents “Live at the Purple Lounge” at the Indy Fringe Basile Theater, 789 Spring St., at 7:30 p.m. Following the lives of five female comedians, the play explores the challenges the women face in the cutthroat world of standup comedy. Tickets are $22, and the play is recommended for audiences 17 years of age and older.
- Saturday, May 18: The Philippine Cultural Community Center, 4141 S. East St., hosts a Mango Market starting at noon. Hungry visitors can find desserts, drinks and dishes featuring the national fruit of the Philippines. Free.
- Sunday, May 19: The Stutz building, 1036 N. Capitol Ave., will host an open house from noon to 6 p.m. to offer visitors a chance to tour the historic building. Throughout the day, you can explore the building’s car museum, visit open artist studios, hear live music and browse through a mini market. Free.
— 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
- IndyStar: A four-part series from IndyStar/USA TODAY explores the previously unsolved crimes of a man who abducted and attacked three young girls in Indianapolis in 1975. The story details how the strength and persistence of survivors can be just as important to solving a case as any evidentiary tools or detective work.
- Indiana Capital Chronicle: Four preservation projects in Marion County received thousands of dollars in federal grants.
- Associated Press: Billions of dollars in opioid settlement funding are headed to state and local governments, but advocates are worried that leaders in small towns and big cities won’t spend the money in ways to address the opioid crisis.
Notes from our Documenters
On May 9, Documenter Shaamora Harden-Morris attended the Homes For All Coalition meeting.
Patricia Basile, an Indiana University professor, presented the Indy Housing Project, which provides resources and information to renters.
Basile’s research revealed that there are many challenges with Indiana tenants like no escrow options available, and no right to counsel. She also highlighted the increase in corporate landlords, who are empowered by the state legislature.
Andrew Bradley, Prosperity Indiana policy director, said, “Legislators need to hear from people with lived experience. It’s most effective to hear from the neighborhoods they represent. They need to hear it from the perspective of people living in their communities.”
Read more from Shaamora’s notes here.
— Ariana Beedie, community journalism director
Interested in being a Documenter? Here’s how.
Reflections
We’d love it if you’d stop by Mirror Indy’s office hours today from 12:30-2 p.m. at the AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd.
Tyler Fenwick, our labor and housing reporter, will join Community Journalism Director Ariana Beedie and Documenters Assignment Editor Sharlene Birdsong. They’ll be near the stage ready to chat about what’s on your mind!
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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