RedHawk Tales

March 27: Title I Spring Revision Meeting, 1:00 in the media center

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

March 27: Buffalo Wild Wings Dine to Donate (all day!)

April 9: Science Fair

April 10: 4th Grade Field Trip to the Indiana State Museum

April 13- May 8: ILEARN Window

April 17: Earth Day Celebration

April 22: PTA Meeting, Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30pm in the Sidener Cafeteria

April 28: 5th Grade Field Trip to Camptown

April 28: 3rd Grade Field Trip to Skateland

April 29: Battle of the Books Championship (at Sidener)

Redhawk Families,

As we continue through the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the strength of our school community and the growth we continue to see in our students each day. Their engagement, resilience, and commitment to learning are truly something to celebrate.

I am also proud to share that our students have successfully completed IREAD-3 testing, a major milestone for our third graders. We are grateful for their hard work and for the support our families provided during this important time.

As a reminder, we will have our PIT Day tomorrow, and we look forward to connecting with families to discuss student progress and next steps.

Looking ahead, we are also preparing for the upcoming ILEARN testing window, which begins April 13. This is another important opportunity for students to demonstrate all that they have learned this year. We appreciate your continued support in ensuring students are well-rested, present, and ready to do their best.

As we begin preparing for the upcoming school year, I also want to acknowledge that there are changes ahead. While change can sometimes feel uncertain, please know that every decision is made with students at the forefront. Our focus will always remain on ensuring that students have access to high-quality instruction, meaningful experiences, and a supportive environment where they can thrive.

I am confident in our ability to navigate these transitions together. Our staff remains deeply committed to our students, and our community continues to show what it means to partner in support of children. When we remain grounded in what is best for students, we position ourselves for continued success.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we move through the day-to-day work of school and prepare for what’s ahead. It is truly an honor to serve your most precious gifts each and every day.

With sunshine in mind,
Dr. Milanda Penn

Friday, March 27 is Parent Teacher Conferences, formerly called PIT (Parents in Touch) Day. This is an asynchronous day of learning for students.

The district's Spring Student Progress Conferences is a wonderful opportunity to discuss your child's progress, celebrate their successes, and set goals for the next school year. We look forward to connecting with each of you to share how your child is growing both academically and socially. Reach out to your child's teacher to set up a time to connect with them. Unified Arts teachers will also be available to speak with families.

Students will be expected to complete all work assigned by their teachers during this asynchronous learning day. Reach out to your child's teacher with any questions or concerns.

Buffalo Wild Wings at Glendale is supporting our school by hosting a Dine to Donate on March 27th. Stop by for lunch or dinner (before or after parent conferences) or to enjoy some March Madness basketball. Just tell them you are there for Sidener!

We are proud to announce that Sidener's Teacher of the Year award goes to Mr. Gorski! This honor recognizes not only outstanding teaching, but also a deep commitment to student success, creativity in the classroom, and a lasting positive impact on our school community. We are so lucky to have him! Congratulations, Mr. Gorski!

Mark your calendars now! Our students will be taking ILEARN during the weeks of April 13-May 8. Most testing will be done in the mornings, so please do not schedule any doctor appointments during that time.

Congratulations to all of our Redhawks Robotics Teams, with a special shout out to Team 65967E, who won the IPS Mix and Match Invitational Scrimmage on March 7! You can stop by and admire the trophy in the front office!

We are excited to show the district what Sidener can do at our final competition next Saturday!

Go Redhawks!

We have several students participating in the Archery tournament this weekend. Best of luck to all of them! Thanks to Mr. Ruble for getting our students prepared.

Chess Club meets weekly for students to practice strategy, play friendly games, and improve their skills. All experience levels are welcome! Cost is $102. Chess Club meets on Thursdays at 8:15, from March 12th-May 21st. Sign up here...http://www.learningthroughgames.com/sidener-chess-signups/

If your child is interested in keeping their chess skills sharp, sign them up for a summer camp. Information is included using the following link...

https://www.learningthroughgames.com/center-for-inquiry-school-70-early-summer-chess-camp/

The Butler University Men’s Soccer program is hosting their Butler Soccer Summer Camp, which will give young players the chance to train on Butler’s campus with the coaching staff and experience what it’s like to be part of a Division I soccer environment! It is open to anyone who loves soccer no matter their skills. The camp focuses on skill development, fun competition, and creating a memorable experience for players who love the game.

Indianapolis Public Library

Practice Your Language Skills

Join our conversation circles and practice your English, Spanish, French, or Haitian Creole skills in a comfortable, welcoming place. Register here.

Paws to Read

Multiple locations

Read to a registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories! This program is perfect for beginning or reluctant readers ages 6-11 who want to practice their skills and build reading confidence. Sign up for a 15-minute session to get started. Register here.

CAFE Indy

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE) invites you to join us for two powerful community conversations focused on awareness, understanding, and support.

Lunch & Learn

Monday, April 6, 2026

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Speaker: Rachel Deaton Director of Training & Legislation, Autism Society of Indiana

Topic: Understanding Autism & Neurodiversity

This session will focus on increasing awareness and understanding developmental differences.

Community Training
Thursday, April 23, 2026
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

In Collaboration With: Easterseals Crossroads & Black Autism Support Society (BASS)

Topic: Supporting Families & Autism Acceptance in Our Community

This evening session will center on real conversations, resources, and ways to better support individuals and families impacted by autism.

Location: CAFE | 8902 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN
Free & open to the community (Registration required)
Teens and adults are welcome

Please register in advance and feel free to share with your network.

Register on Eventbrite: here

Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana (DYFI)

We have program opportunities available for students with Type 1 diabetes and their families. The Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana (DYFI) is offering several no‑cost events and summer camp options this year.

Upcoming Programs

• Free Family Advocacy Event at Carmel Lions Club: March 17

• Free Family Outreach at Combat Ops Fort Wayne: April 19

• Family Camp: May 16–17

• More info at dyfi.org

• Camp Until a Cure (Ages 7–15):

• Session 1: June 7–13

• Session 2: June 14–20

• Session 3: June 21–27

• Day Camp (Ages 4–7): June 15–19

• Financial Aid: DYFI offers financial support so families can participate regardless of cost barriers.

Registration and full details are available at www.DYFI.org, and families can also contact Emily Butera (Development Director) at emily@dyfi.org or 317‑695‑6485 for assistance.

UIndy

Event Details:

Date: April 18, 2026 (Gates will open at 11:00 AM)

Location: Key Stadium

Activities: There will be face painting, bounce house and inflatables, Grady II meet and greet (the first 125 kids, 12 and under, will receive an exclusive Grady t-shirt)

For more information and updates, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UIndyAthletics

Southside Saturday
Date: April 18
Location: Key Stadium, 3850 S State Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227

Price: Free
Activities: Face painting, bounce house and inflatables, Grady II meet and greet (the first 125 kids, 12 and under, will receive an exclusive Grady t-shirt), games led by student-athletes, live music, food trucks, Pre-Game Tailgate starting at 9:00 AM and Spring Football Game starting at 1:00 PM.

For more information and updates, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/794319032959405.

State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships

Kick off college basketball’s biggest weekend as 24 of the nation’s elite men’s and women’s college basketball players compete for slam dunk and 3-point shooting bragging rights!

Bring the whole family for an unforgettable, fan-friendly experience that puts you closer to the action and the excitement of college basketball’s biggest stage.

State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships
Friday, April 3, 2026 | 7:00 PM ET
Hinkle Fieldhouse
Televised on ESPN

Limited Time: Take $10 Off Per Ticket

Click "UNLOCK" and enter code SLAM05. Ends 3/31/26.
Buy Tickets Here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0500638CB09AA2C9?did=slam05

Upcoming Meetings: Mark your Calendar for our last PTA Meeting of the Year.

Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30pm in the School Cafeteria

The agenda will include a Title I update from Mrs. Mundell, nominations and elections for the 2026-2027 Sidener Academy PTA board and planning for Spring Fling, Teacher Appreciation Week and 5th Grade Promotion

Officer Nominations for 2026-27: The Sidener Academy PTA will need new officers for the 2026-2027 school year. Our Sidener students and mission need you to consider stepping up to help! The Sidener PTA is volunteer lead and cannot continue without the help of parents and caregivers to give a few hours each month to support our students and school.

The current PTA board will be holding information sessions about becoming a PTA officer on April 1 at 9:30am in person at Sidener Academy (following Donuts with Grown-ups) and online at 6:30pm over Google Meet. Please consider joining us to learn more about the various officer roles, the nomination process and get answers to your questions. Officers must be PTA members in good standing by March 15, so if you haven't yet joined the Sidener Academy PTA, please join here: my.cheddarup.com/c/2024-2025-pta-dues-copy

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

Anh Nguyen, President, president@sideneracademypta.org

Ashley Rice, Vice President, vicepresident@sideneracademypta.org and Recording Secretary, secretary@sideneracademypta.org

Carolyn Svirsky-Interim Treasurer, treasurer@sideneracademypta.org

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