House District 94 update for the week of 11/1
I had the opportunity to attend a tour of Meredith Nicholson Elementary School with some of my fellow Indianapolis lawmakers. We got to observe teachers as they taught students how to read. It was interesting to see how English is being taught to students who speak another language as their first language. As the legislature constantly moves the goal post on educators, I know keeping up with the different teaching standards is not always easy. Thank you, Indianapolis Public Schools, for providing an update on the work you do.
Make a voting plan today!
Election day is this Tuesday! Voting is one of the most important actions you can take to ensure that your voice is heard and you are represented in our democracy. I encourage you to make a plan for how you are going to cast your ballot on or before Nov. 5.
Early voting is open now in select locations. To check your registration status, see a list of candidates on the ballot, find information about early voting or find polling locations near you, visit indianavoters.gov.
Check out this video from the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus debunking some common myths about voting.
Second Draft of the High School Diploma Proposal
Many of you have closely followed the Indiana Department of Education’s (IDOE) effort to redesign our high school diplomas. In August, I proudly testified on behalf of our community about my many concerns regarding the GPS and GPS Plus diploma proposal. The initial diploma proposal was the most extreme change to our educational system that I have seen during my time in the General Assembly.
After months of waiting, the official second draft diploma proposal has been published. The overall second draft is unchanged, including the base diploma, the six optional “readiness seals,” and the work-based learning requirements.
I hoped the official document would answer some of our remaining questions. Sadly, many of our concerns about academic rigor, costs, staff and external employment are still unaddressed. Now that the official proposal is posted, the public comment period has started. If you would like to submit a comment on the second draft, click here to submit your feedback!
There will also be a public hearing on the diploma proposal on Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. ET in the Indiana Government Center South (302 W. Washington Street, Conference Room B, Indianapolis, Indiana). I encourage parents, students, educators and stakeholders to share their thoughts and opinions on the proposal.
For more information on the second draft, you can read a news article at this link. As always, please contact my office at h94@iga.in.gov with any questions or concerns.
Youth Gun Violence Reduction Strategic Marketing Workshop
On Nov. 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Marion County Public Health Department is holding a marketing workshop focused on reducing youth gun violence. The event will take place at Martin University Hardin Gathertorium, 2186 Sherman Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46218. Please register for the event here.
This workshop will debut the Community Resource Directory, designed to connect parents, caretakers, and youth with essential support services, including mental health and healthcare resources, mentoring programs, conflict resolution, and engaging activities such as sports, STEM programs, and the arts. The goal is to promote stability and enhance the overall quality of life for our community. Dinner will be provided for all family members.
MCPHD will also announce the winner of the Youth Logo Art Competition for the “Disarm Hate, Arm Love” initiative. This competition showcases the powerful and creative works of young artists focused on themes of gun violence prevention and reduction.
Homebuyers Workshop
On Saturday, Nov. 16, Central Indiana Realtist Association is holding a homebuyers workshop. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at True Liberation Ministries (7061 Twin Oaks Drive). Child care and lunch will be provided.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about building generational wealth through homeownership. This workshop will help you understand credit and personal finance, as well as how to obtain a mortgage and protect your investment.
IU Indianapolis Ignite
On Friday, Nov. 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Indiana University Indianapolis is hosting their last open house Ignite event. Ignite is a half-day event designed to help future students get fired up about IU Indianapolis! Fuel your curiosity with academic sessions all about IU Indy. Discover the majors, programs, and student organizations that will set your future ablaze.
Have burning questions? Our Q&A sessions will cover everything you need to know before coming to IU Indy, such as financial aid and scholarships, tutoring, housing, meal plans, and more! This event is perfect for transfer students and high school juniors and seniors and their parents/guardians.
CenterWell November Events
I want to share with you all the November events calendar for CenterWell Senior Care on Lafayette Road. See below for a list of fun events for the whole family.
