RedHawk Tales

February 16: No School in observance of Presidents' Day

February 17-No In-Person School/Asynchronous Learning Day for students, Staff PD

March 5: Spring Music Concert at Broad Ripple Middle School (mark your calendars now!)

March 16-20: Spring Break

March 25: School Smiles Dentist

March 27: Parent Teacher Conferences/Asynchronous Learning Day for students

April 9: Science Fair

Dear Sidener Families,

I want to begin by sincerely thanking you for your continued trust and support. It is a privilege to serve your children each day, and we are grateful for your partnership as we navigate the day-to-day operations of school together. Please know that we will continue to follow district-wide safety protocols to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff.

We have also been thrilled to see all the beautiful Valentine’s Day celebrations taking place throughout the building. It has been wonderful to witness the joy, kindness, and sense of community that makes Sidener such a special place.

As a reminder, students will not report to the building on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday will be an asynchronous learning day, and students will have assignments to complete; however, they will not meet with their teachers online.

Thank you again for your continued partnership and for entrusting us with your most precious gifts.

Warm regards,

Dr. Milanda Penn

Did someone say BOOK FAIR?! Our upcoming book fair is a wonderful opportunity to inspire a love of reading while supporting our school. Click the link below for information about setting up an e-wallet and more!...

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/sideneracademyhighability

In 2025, we raised $4,012. Our goal for this fair is $4,200. We can reach this goal! Your support of our book fair puts books in our students' hands and helps create welcoming reading corners in every classroom. Thank you to Ms. Bunch for putting in all the hard work to provide this opportunity for our school! If you have any questions, please reach out to bunchdebra@myips.org.

Second, Third, and Fourth Grade students will be pausing their art projects to participate in the Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Ms. Fillenwarth will be sending home forms that will act as a permission slip for your child to participate. The forms need to be returned no later than Feb 16th. If your student in another grade would like to participate, you can find the information below.

Indiana Junior Duck Stamp Contest | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The basic requirements for the Junior Duck Stamp contest are for students to make an original, 9" x 12" drawing of a native species of duck, goose, or swan in an appropriate habitat. Indiana students must submit their work to the Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area by March 15 to be considered for the contest. No writing of any kind may appear on the front of the drawing and borders are not permitted. An official entry form must be attached to the back of the drawing. Only one entry can be made per student and the work must be done entirely by the student entering the contest. The Spanish entry form can be found here.

Students in grades 4-5 are learning the fundamentals of archery as part of our physical education curriculum. Under close supervision, students practice proper safety procedures, stance, aiming, and focus while building coordination, strength, and self-confidence. Archery also encourages patience, discipline, and goal-setting, making it a fun and engaging way for students to develop both physical and mental skills. All equipment is age-appropriate, and safety is emphasized at every lesson.

We still have a few spots open! If you haven't signed up yet and you are interested, reach out to Mrs. Mundell (mundellm@myips.org) or Mr. Ruble (rublep@myips.org).

The moment you step inside Adrenaline Fun Park, the energy is unmistakable. Music hums through the air, laughter echoes off the walls, and movement is everywhere. It’s a place where gravity feels optional and excitement is built into every corner. From wall-to-wall trampolines to daring obstacle courses, the park invites everyone—kids, teens, and adults alike—to jump in, take risks, and play without limits.

Dates for program: Feb 25 March 4th 11th 25th April 1st 8th

Times: 6-7pm

Bus transportation will not be provided. Parents/Guardians are expected to provide transportation to and from Adrenaline Park and stay on the premises during the activity time.

IPS Solo and Ensemble Event

The annual IPS Solo and Ensemble Event is sponsored by ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) and is a non-competitive opportunity for students to showcase a prepared piece of music in front of a judge to receive constructive feedback and a rating (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Participation). Students may choose to prepare a solo or an ensemble (3+ musicians) piece.

Who: Any student who would like to perform a solo on piano, violin, viola, cello, or any band instrument.

Deadline to register: Friday, March 6th

Event date: Wednesday, March 25th during the school day; bus transportation will be provided

Location: Thomas Carr Howe Middle School

Requirements: Participating students must currently take or have taken lessons on their instrument within the last 24 months. On the day of the event, musicians must have a copy of the music for themselves and the original copy with measure numbers marked for the judge.

Contact Ms. Schafer (schafers@myips.org) to sign your student up for the IPS Solo and Ensemble Event. Please let her know if your student will need an accompanist for their solo, how long they have been playing, and what current grade of music they are working on (if known).

Who: All students in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades

What: Sidener Academy Spring Concert, entitled “Carnival of Animals” which is a modern twist of a beloved, humorous musical suite by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns.

Where: Broad Ripple High School Auditorium; 1115 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220

When: Thursday, March 5th @ 6:30pm (call time is 6:15pm, Modern Band Club call time is 6pm for sound check)

Attire: Students are encouraged to channel their inner animal and wear prints, patterns, designs, and attire inspired by animals!

The expectation is for all students to attend. Students should arrive at Broad Ripple no later than 6:15 pm on Thursday, March 5th. Modern Band Club students should arrive at 6pm as they will perform first and need to warm-up/set up.

All families should prepare to stay for the entire duration of the concert out of respect for all students who have worked diligently for several months. Students will sit with their families when not performing and come up on stage for their portion of the show.

PARKING: Park in the large parking lot off Compton Street. There will be volunteers and signs pointing you in the direction to the auditorium.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Are you able to assist with concessions, moving instruments, or guiding families to the correct area? Or maybe you want to help with set up/tear down of decorations and instruments? Set-up will be on the day prior to the performance (Wednesday, March 4th) to ensure ample amount of time. Scan the QR code or visit this website to see jobs/time slots available! Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094BA9A923A3F5CE9-61469238-sidener

If you have any questions regarding the concert, attendance requirement, attire, or alike, please reach out to Miss Schafer (schafers@myips.org).

Señora Carney's Spanish classes had fiestas this week to celebrate the Hispanic tradition of Carnaval. This holiday is similar to Mardi Gras. Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who brought in traditional foods and drinks and volunteered their time to help with the fiestas.

Families are invited to the George Washington High School's Annual Family Night. GWHS men's basketball team is hosting Anderson High School with a JV tipoff at 6pm followed by Varsity at 7:30. Come see a basketball game and learn more about GWHS.

Get ready to explore, experiment, and discover! Our Science Fair is just around the corner and will showcase the creativity and curiosity of our students in grades 3-5. 4th and 5th Grade students will present projects that will be judged, while our 3rd Grade students will participate in a non-judged experience. So start thinking about your projects now!

School Smiles on-site Dental Care is returning to Sidener on March 25th, 2026! The in-school clinic begins at 11:30 am and will provide cleaning and other services to students with completed registration forms. Flyers were sent home with students this week. Please see flyers for further information and use the QR Code to sign your student up for dental care or visit www.schoolsmiles.com/student-signup

• Please pick up player in the front of the building.
• For away games, you will need to provide transportation to the game.
• For home games, players will stay after school.

Wed., February 18th Away Game at 6:00 at Charles Fairbanks 105

ROUND 1 Tournament Address: 8620 Montery Rd. 46226

ROUND 2 Tournament (IF WIN ON 18th) Thursday, February 19th

Away Game at 7:00 at Brookside 54, Address: 3150 E. 10th St. 46201,

Tuesday, February 24th Practice until 5:00 (IF WIN ON 19th)

ROUND 3 Tournament (IF WIN ON 19th), Wednesday, February 25th

Away Game at 7:00 at CFI 84, Address: 440 E. 57th St. 46220

Thursday, February 26th Practice until 5:00 (IF WIN ON 25th)

Tuesday, March 3rd Practice until 5:00 (IF WIN ON 25th)

ROUND 4 Tournament (IF WIN ON 25th) Wednesday, March 4th

Away Game at 6:00 at Longfellow, Address: 510 Laurel St. 46203

Thursday, March 5th Practice until 5:00 (IF WIN ON 4th)

ROUND 5 Tournament (IF WIN ON 4th), Monday, March 9th

Away Game at 6:00 at Longfellow, Address: 510 Laurel St. 46203

The Winter Contingency Plan has been developed to provide winter sheltering options for people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis during winter. Please share these links with your families:

https://www.chipindy.org/winter-contingency/

Warming Shelter Locations

In December, our PTA president, Laura Alford resigned from the Sidener PTA board. Per our non-profit bylaws (available here), our vice president, Anh Nguyun, immediately became our president. At our following executive board meeting, the Sidener PTA officers elected Ashley Rice to serve as our Vice President. Ashley has been our recording secretary and has offered to continue helping in this role until a new secretary is named. Likewise, Carolyn Svirsky continues as our acting treasurer until a new treasurer can be named. We are in need of volunteers to serve as treasurer and recording secretary. Please contact the Sidener Academy PTA at info@sideneracademypta.org if you are interested in helping. Both positions only require a few hours a month and you'll be supporting our Sidener Academy PTA mission to support each child.

Kroger's Community Rewards

To participate, Sign up here, search for SIDENER ACADEMY PTA, and click Enroll. Then, Kroger gives back to Sidener each time you shop using your Kroger rewards card--it's just that easy!

Box Tops for Education
Use the Box Tops app to scan your store receipt, and earn cash for Sidener! Sign up here by searching for Sidener Academy-School 59.

Staples Rewards

Need school or office supplies? Shop at Staples! Download the Staples app to enroll or link your existing rewards account to Sidener. Staples then gives 5% back to Sidener with every purchase. Sign up here

Scripps

Need to purchase gift cards? Shop through Raise Right (Scripps) to earn money for Sidener! Enrollment Code: FA5B7A34652L5 Shop here

Make a tax deductible Donation to support Sidener community events, teacher requests and other needs throughout the year. Sidener Academy PTA is a nonprofit organization, and all funds support our students and school community. Donate here

Laura Rain Alford, President, president@sideneracademypta.org

Anh Nguyen, Vice President, vicepresident@sideneracademypta.org

Carolyn Svirsky-Interim Treasurer, treasurer@sideneracademypta.org

Ashley Rice-Recording Secretary, secretary@sideneracademypta.org

Becky Schwantes-An, Communications Secretary, info@sideneracademypta.org