Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is this week, May 4-8, 2026. The Decatur Township Educational Foundation will be at elementary schools one morning this week according to the schedule below, selling carnations for $2 each (cash/coins only). This is a great opportunity to thank a teacher with a small token of appreciation!

Gold Academy - Wednesday, May 6, 7:25am-7:55am
Blue Academy - Wednesday, May 6, 8:55am-9:20am
West Newton - Thursday, May 7,  7:20am-7:55am
Valley Mills - Thursday, May 7, 8:10am-8:45am
Stephen Decatur - Friday, May 8, 8:10am-8:40am
Lynwood/Liberty - Friday, May 8,  8:55am-9:40am

Proceeds from this sale go to the Decatur Township Educational Foundation to fund innovative classroom projects and programs.

(Indianapolis, May 1, 2026) The MSD of Decatur Township has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 27th year, the program continues to spotlight and celebrate school districts and individual schools across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.

The award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools—including public, private, charter and parochial institutions—have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.

“Music education plays a vital role in developing well-rounded learners and this recognition affirms our district’s commitment to providing those opportunities for every student. It is a direct reflection of our music staff and their creativity and commitment to excellence to inspire our students every day, both in and out of the classroom. They go beyond teaching music — they build confidence, foster collaboration, and create meaningful experiences that stay with students for a lifetime,” said Dr. Scott Collins, Superintendent. “We are incredibly proud that MSD of Decatur Township has been recognized by the NAMM Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. This honor reflects the dedication of our educators, the passion of our students, and the strong support from our families and community.  We are deeply grateful for the impact they make across the MSD of Decatur Township,” Collins further reflected.

Decatur Central Director of Bands, Mr. Chris Halstead, was instrumental in the application process for this recognition, and emphasized the positive impact of music education and educators in all of our schools: “Music education is essential to the holistic development of our students, reinforcing critical thinking, while fostering creativity, determination, and excellence.”

Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.

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About MSD Decatur Township

The MSD of Decatur Township is student invested, community connected. Decatur Township prioritizes student learning, safety and customer service, fostering a support system for our families. Located on the southwest side of Indianapolis, Decatur Township is proud to serve thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students and families. The district vision is Preparing Students to be Tomorrow Ready. Together, we are DECATUR PROUD! Learn more at www.decaturproud.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emily LeMay, Director of Student & Family Engagement 

MSD of Decatur Township

elemay@decaturproud.org 317-856-5265 

We invite members of the Decatur Township community to join us on May 4th at 5:30 pm or May 19th at 6:00 pm at the Administration Office for a presentation from Dr. Scott Collins, Superintendent, featuring a budget and referendum update, current financial challenges, and a referendum proposal for 2026. A video presentation will be shared after the second meeting.
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Dates/Times: May 4 (5:30 pm) and May 19 (6:00 pm)
Location: Administration Office Boardroom (5275 Kentucky Ave.)