The Hornet Weekly Update

Important dates and events for the week ahead. You can also check out our daily, weekly, and monthly events on our school website calendar!

📆 This Week:

• Monday, October 5th:
• Hispanic Heritage Week: Show Your Colors! / Muestra tus colores!
• Girls Volleyball Tournament @ Harshman MS 6:00 PM
• Boys Basketball Tryouts, 4:15-6:15 PM
• Tuesday, October 6th:
• Hispanic Heritage Week: Soccer & Sports / Futbol y deportes
• Boys Basketball Tryouts, 4:15-6:15 PM
• Girls Futsal Tryouts, 4:15-6:15 PM
• Wednesday, October 7th:
• Hispanic Heritage Week: Cowboy Day / Dia del Vaquero
• Boys Basketball Tryouts, 4:15-6:15 PM
• Girls Volleyball Tournament @ Harshman MS TBD
• PTA Meeting in Media Center, 6:30 PM
• Thursday, October 8th:
• Hispanic Heritage Week: Hispanic Heroes / Heroes hispano(a)s
• 7th Grade (1/3rd) College Visit to Marian University, 9:30-1:15 PM
• Girls Futsal Tryouts, 4:15-6:15 PM
• Friday, October 9th:
• Hispanic Heritage Week: Fiesta of Cultures / Fiesta de las Culturas
• 8th Grade College Visit to IU Indy, 9:30-3:00 PM

• Fall Break: October 12-16, 2026
• Student Progress Conferences: Friday, October 23, 2026, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Student Asynchronous Learning)

• Tuesday, October 27th: 7th Grade College Visit to Marian University (1/3rd of the students)
• Thursday, October 29th: 7th Grade College Visit to Marian University (1/3rd of the students)
• Monday, November 23rd: 6th Grade College Visit to Purdue University, Indy

We’re excited to celebrate the final week of Hispanic Heritage Month with a Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week! Students and staff are invited to join in the fun each day by participating in our Spirit Week daily themes:

• Monday, October 5th– Show Your Colors! / Muestra tus colores!: Wear the flag of Latin American country of the colors of the flag.
• Tuesday, October 6th – Soccer & Sports / Futbol y deportes: Wear your favorite team shirt – soccer or any sport.
• Wednesday, October 7th – Cowboy Day / Dia del Vaquero: Wear your cowboy gear –hats, boots, jeans, etc.
• Thursday, October 8th – Hispanic Heroes / Heroes hispano(a)s: Dress like or wear a graphic tee of a famous Hispanic figure.
• Friday, October 9th – Fiesta of Cultures / Fiesta de las Culturas: Traditional attire embroidered tops, or bright festive colors.

• To Join: https://www.givebacks.com/causes/inpta-12711528
• BAND App Group: https://band.us/n/aba5035cJeY4e
• Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Dq1LRNX6/

Behind every great school day is a team of passionate, dedicated individuals working hard for our students. Each week, we’re excited to shine a light on one of our amazing staff members so you can learn a bit more about the people who make our Hornet community so special. This week, we are proud to feature our Behavior Adjustment Facilitator, Anthony Bigby!

• How many years have you worked in education? 11 years
• What inspired you to become an educator? Desire to mentor young people and have a positive impact on their lives.
• What is your favorite part of working with middle school students? Helping them regulate the emotions of becoming young men and women.
• What is one goal that you have for your students this year? To gain at least one positive trait to carry with them.
• What is one piece of advice you often give your students? Take a moment to think before you react.
• If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Australia
• What is your favorite hobby or activity outside of school? Sports. I coach many of our student-athletes.
• What is your favorite book, movie, television show, or song? Movie – Remember the Titans
• Who is someone you admire and why? Barack Obama – his leadership, composure, and compassion.
• What is your favorite inspirational quote or motto? "Education is the wings on which dreams fly."
• What else would you like our school community know about you? I am a huge Notre Dame football fan.

This month, our students are focusing on being Thinkers—analytical, open-minded, and thoughtful problem solvers who evaluate information and make well-reasoned decisions.

In their classes, students will strengthen ATL Research skills by interpreting data and evaluating sources, and Thinking skills by analyzing information and making connections. These skills are connected to important Employability Skills, including Decision Making and Problem Solving.

Families may notice students:

• Asking deeper questions
• Analyzing information and data
• Exploring different perspectives
• Making thoughtful decisions

Because these skills transcend individual classes and content areas, students will see the same habits of thinking reinforced throughout the school day. Our goal is for students to recognize that being a Thinker isn't just something they do in one class—it’s a skill they can use everywhere.

Thank you for supporting our Hornets as we continue building the skills students need for success in school, future careers, and life!

As we see a rise in students being dropped off and picked up from school, please adhere to the following drop-off and pick-up procedures. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in citations issued by the IPS Police.

For Everyone’s Safety, Please Follow These Norms:

• AM DROP-OFF: Have students ready to be dropped off when you arrive. When you wait for the entry bell, this creates a back log of vehicles onto Bancroft Avenue. Staff will ask you to release your child and move your vehicle if you are idling.
• Drop off and pick up students between the designated area (look for the signage & cones). The drop-off and pick area begins at the "Please pull forward" signage, and continues through the coned area. Students will not be permitted to leave this area during dismissal.
• Remain in a single file line on Bancroft Ave. DO NOT pass other vehicles in the car rider line.
• Please continue to pull forward as space becomes available in front of your vehicle.
• Drive slowly - keep an eye out for other students.
• Have your student exit the vehicle using the car door closest to the curb/sidewalk as soon as you pull up.
• Follow the directives of the school staff.
• DO NOT use any of the parking lots.

Thank you for your support in keeping all of our students safe during arrival and dismissal.

📆 Monthly Activity Calendar: You can view our full schedule of weekly practices, game dates, and club meeting times on our official monthly calendar here: Monthly Activity Calendar

ℹ️ Sports & Clubs Contact Information: You can view our roster of club sponsors and athletic coaches here: Athletic/Club Contacts & Meeting Cadence

💡 Predictable Scheduling: To help families plan ahead—and to give students the chance to try a variety of activities without overlapping—we host practices and club meetings on consistent nights each week. You can view the weekly cadence here: Athletic/Club Contacts & Meeting Cadence

❓ Questions About Athletics: If you have questions about Athletics, please contact William Clay, Athletic Coordinator (clayw@myips.org), or Ted Isaacs, Assistant Athletic Coordinator (isaacst@myips.edu).

Scope of Policy

In response to Indiana Legislation and Senate Bill 78, Indianapolis Public Schools has adopted the following personal electronic device policy (linked below). For purposes of this policy, a personal electronic device means any portable wireless device capable of voice, messaging, or other data communication, including a cellular telephone, tablet computer, laptop computer, gaming device, or smartwatch connected to a cellular network, cell tower, or the Internet.

Prohibited Student Use

The use of personal electronic devices (PEDs; e.g., cell phones, headphones, earbuds, AirPods) is prohibited during the instructional day. All student PEDs must be off during the instructional day between 8:45 am and 4:00 pm, and stored in a secure location. All students are provided with a locker to store their personal items. Students are required by law to store their PEDs in their lockers.

Staff will follow the procedures below if a student fails to keep PEDs in their locker during the instructional period.

1st Offense:

• PED is confiscated and held in the front office for the remainder of the instructional day
• Student may pick up their PED at the end of the day
• Parent contact made

2nd Offense:

• PED is confiscated and held in the front office for parent/guardian pickup]
• Parent contact made

3rd Offense:

• PED is confiscated and held in the front office for parent/guardian pickup
• Parent contact made; conference scheduled
• Parent conference must be held to create a contract and release PED

If a student refuses to give the device to staff upon request, the behavior will be elevated to an administrator.

Disclaimer of District Responsibility for Devices

In accordance with Indiana Senate Bill 78, IPS and its employees are immune from civil liability for actions taken in good faith to enforce this policy. The school may take possession of a student’s personal technology device as part of enforcement of this policy. While reasonable care will be taken, the district assumes no responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal technology device brought onto school property or to school-related functions, including field trips.

If you have any questions about the expectations set forth, please contact Principal Bletzinger at 317-693-5560 or bletzingerj@myips.org.

At TCHMS, regular and timely attendance is a foundational building block for student success and a vibrant school culture. Middle school is a critical period where students build the independent habits they will carry for the rest of their lives. When a student arrives on time every morning, they kick off their day with a focused mind, connect with their peers during Advisory, and establish a rhythm that sets them up for long-term success.

Achieving excellent attendance is a team effort—we are truly all in this together.

🎯 Understanding the Numbers: The 94% Target

Our school performance is collectively held accountable to a state attendance rate target of 94%. While that might sound like a flexible percentage, the reality of the math is eye-opening:

• The Limit: A 94% attendance rate means a student can miss no more than 10 days across the entire school year. Please view the Student Attendance Overview for Families PDF linked below.

• The Impact: Every day a student is absent, they miss crucial learning experiences and valuable interactions with their teachers. Keep in mind that we operate on an A Day/B Day schedule. When a student misses a day, they may not have that day's classes again for two to three days!

• On-Time Matters: Attendance isn't just about missing full days; it's also about arriving on time. Doors open at 8:45 AM, giving students the critical time they need to visit their lockers, secure their electronic devices, and settle into their morning Advisory class by 9:00 AM. Arriving late can disrupt a student's morning momentum and cause them to miss key community announcements.

🤝 Held Accountable Together

Because our school's overall rating is tied to meeting this 94% threshold, every single day your child is at school on time helps our entire Hornet community shine. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in making morning routines a priority, scheduling appointments outside of school hours whenever possible, and reinforcing the value of dedication.

Let’s work together to ensure every student is present, punctual, and prepared to learn every day!

We understand that illnesses and emergencies happen, and our top priority is keeping our Hornet community safe, healthy, and supported. This digital form is designed to provide families with a quick and convenient way to notify our main office of a student absence. Please ensure all required fields are fully completed so we can update our records accurately.

Before you submit your report, please keep these important health and state guidelines in mind:

• Fever & Illness Policy: To prevent the spread of germs on campus, if your child has a fever, they must remain home until their symptoms have improved and they are completely fever-free for more than 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
• Excused Absences: Students who are kept home due to illness and are formally reported by their families via this form will be marked as excused.
• State Attendance Law: As a reminder, Indiana Law states that students may not miss more than 10 days of school within a single school year.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school healthy and ensuring we meet our attendance goals together!

Questions About Attendance?

If you have any questions or need to discuss your child’s attendance record, please do not hesitate to reach out directly to Assistant Principal Aaron Vest at vesta@myips.org.

Shepherd is a faith-based organization committed to serving the community. This year we are offering before and after school programs to support students and families at Howe.

Both programs provide a safe, engaging environment where students can connect, grow, and have fun. Activities include games, guest speakers, college/business visits and life mapping-a hands on approach to help students identify their interests, create life goals and explore future career paths.

Before and after school care programs will begin shortly after the school year begins. If you have any questions about the program or would like to enroll, please call the Shepherd Center at 317-375-0203.

Please help to give back to our school. The Kroger Rewards Program gives a percentage of your shopping back to the school you choose. Download the Kroger app and register your Kroger account – go to top left corner and tap on the person icon. Go to Payments & Resources, then select Community Rewards and click. Search T.C. Howe Middle School and select. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to Principal Bletzinger at 317-693-5560 or bletzingerj@myips.org.