IPA Students Get Hands-on Learning About Hunger at Gleaners

Next year, Irvington Preparatory Academy will be integrating service learning into the school year as a key part of the character development of our students and their evolution as contributing members of society. In gearing up for that, IPA has, for the past several years, scheduled a Senior Day of Service. Last year, students assisted with landscaping the school campus and a number of them worked at a Habitat for Humanity site. This year, 20 seniors participated in a half-day of volunteer work at Gleaners Food Bank.

In less than four hours last Wednesday afternoon, April 24th, the students, along with Mrs. Brinsley, Mr. Ballard, Mrs. Berry, and Mrs. Campbell, unpacked more than 5,000 lbs. of donated food, checked expiration dates, and repackaged the food for distribution. When asked about how the students did, Mr. Ballard proudly emphasized, "They WORKED."

Before the IPA volunteers began their shift, they watched a video explaining the history of Gleaners and the current world hunger situation and how central Indiana residents are affected. For example, learning that nearly 50 million Americans -- one in six -- struggle with hunger and food insecurity was a real eye-opener for both students and staff.

"I thought it was a very positive experience for the kids, as well as for the staff members who took part," says Mrs. Brinsley, IPA Counselor. "It was good for the kids to get out and do something for others. I thoroughly enjoyed it." Senior James Arthur concurred, adding, "I thought it was fun. We should do this more often."

When students comprehend that the world is bigger than themselves and that they are all connected to the greater community and have an obligation to serve others, we know the volunteer experience was worth all the effort!

Mr. Ballard gives instructions to the IPA Senior volunteers at Gleaners Food Bank during the IPA Senior Day of Service on April 24, 2013. Giving her thumbs-up on how the day went is Abby Arthur, IPA Class of 2013.

This photo shows just a small portion of the huge Gleaners Food Bank warehouse, taken during the IPA Senior Day of Service.

Mrs. Aldrich Named Runner-up for Teacher's Treasures "Teacher of the Year" Award

On Wednesday, April 10, 2013, IPA Art Teacher Angi Aldrich was honored at the Teacher’s Treasures "Dream Big" Banquet held at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Ms. Aldrich was the runner-up for the Teacher of the Year award. IPA Director of Operations Deanna Pryor nominated Ms. Aldrich for the innovative ways she uses supplies collected from Teacher’s Treasures, a free supply store for teachers, in her art instruction. Her IPA Art students use everyday materials such as Styrofoam cups and pantyhose to create intriguing works of art. Congratulations to Ms. Aldrich!

IPA Art Teacher Angi Aldrich is shown with Indiana Department of Education Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz during the Teacher's Treasures "Dream Big Banquet" on April 10, 2013, at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

Jesse Terry Memorial Blood Drive Collects Record Number of Units

According to the Indiana Blood Center (IBC), the April 11 Jesse Terry Memorial Blood Drive was a record-setter for Irvington Community Schools! The IBC collected 38 units of blood during the fifth annual blood drive honoring Jesse’s life. An additional 14 donors wanted to give but were deferred, many due to iron deficiency, a typical cause for deferral. As well, Jesse’s mother, Rebecca Roberts, had three more donors give blood at other sites and their units were dedicated to Jesse’s blood drive, bringing the official total to 41 units.

We are grateful to all the donors who turned out for this very special annual event. And, we are especially proud of our IPA Ravens who participated, either as donors or in attempting to donate. Their spirit of community and giving of themselves is exactly what our schools are all about!

IPA Counselor Ms. Brinsley puts a smile on her face while donating blood during the fifth annual Jesse Terry Memorial Blood Drive at Irvington Preparatory Academy on Thursday, April 11, 2013.

Ms. Brinsley chats with Rebecca Roberts, Jesse's mother, during the blood drive.

IPA students give blood in the school gymnasium during the Jesse Terry Memorial Blood Drive.

Career Day Gives IPA Students Insight into the World of Work

Perhaps the single-most difficult challenge to high school teachers and administrators (and parents!) is to shed light on the world their students – especially seniors – are about to enter, and eventually inherit: the adult world of work. So as to help enlighten IPA students in this critical area of understanding, under the direction of Mrs. Pryor and assistance from Mr. Butler, Career Day 2013 took place on Thursday, April 4.

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