Decatur Central High School is taking an exciting step toward becoming an Early College High School, with its first cohort of 27 freshmen beginning the program this school year. 

Early College gives students the opportunity to earn their high school diploma while completing the Indiana College Core and up to two years of transferable college credit. DCHS is working toward Early College certification in March 2027, with Ivy Tech Community College serving as its higher education partner. 

Students in the inaugural cohort are already getting started. In Ms. Swanson’s Ivy Tech Career Explorations class, pictured here, students are interpreting and discussing their Myers-Briggs personality assessment results to learn more about their strengths and possible career paths.

“The Career Explorations class through Ivy Tech is a great way for them to get to know themselves better and more options for their futures,” Ms. Swanson said.

Through the partnership, Ivy Tech helps credential DCHS dual credit teachers and participates on the Early College leadership team. Ivy Tech representative also serves as a college connection coach, helping students prepare for a successful transition from high school to college.  

The program is designed to provide strong academic support, particularly in reading and writing, while creating an affordable pathway to college. By completing the 30-credit Indiana College Core in high school, students can save thousands of dollars in future tuition costs. Students who go on to earn an associate degree while still in high school can enter college even further ahead, providing more flexibility for internships and potentially allowing them to enter the workforce sooner.

“This program is about creating opportunities for our students and removing barriers that can sometimes make college feel out of reach,” said DCHS Principal Tom Wachnicki. “By providing students with the support they need to be successful while giving them the opportunity to earn college credit at no cost to their families, we are helping them build confidence, save money, and graduate from Decatur Central with a meaningful head start on their future.”

As DCHS works toward certification, the Early College team is also focused on expanding college visits and building business and community partnerships that will support and inspire students.

For these 27 freshmen, the journey is just beginning, but they are already building the skills, confidence, and college credits that can open doors for their futures.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(October 2, 2026) – INDIANAPOLIS – The Decatur Township Drug Free Coalition and MSD of Decatur Township are partnering to implement RESET, a new student education and intervention program designed to address nicotine and THC-related incidents through a coordinated approach that combines disciplinary accountability with education, early intervention, family engagement, and support.

RESET was developed in response to a shared concern about youth substance use and a recognized need to address not only individual incidents, but also the behaviors and circumstances behind them. Students who violate school rules related to nicotine or THC will continue to receive appropriate disciplinary consequences. RESET adds an intervention component intended to help students understand the impact of their choices, address potential patterns of substance use, and reduce the likelihood of future incidents.

RESET stands for “Responsibility, Education, Support, Empowerment and Transformation.” Its goal is to promote student health and safety while helping students take responsibility for their choices, learn about nicotine and THC, connect with appropriate resources, and develop skills that support healthier decision-making.

“RESET reflects our commitment to both accountability and student well-being,” said Dr. Scott Collins, Superintendent of MSD of Decatur Township. “By combining clear expectations with education and support, we can help students make healthier choices, overcome challenges, and build the skills they need to thrive, in school and in life.”

Rather than using a one-size-fits-all intervention, RESET uses a tiered approach based on the circumstances and a student's assessed level of risk. Depending on individual needs, interventions may include substance-use education, cessation resources, family resources, student support services, and follow-up. These interventions work alongside the district's established disciplinary processes and expectations.

“As a prevention coalition, our ultimate goal is to prevent young people from ever beginning to use substances. But we also recognize the reality that some students are already using nicotine and/or THC, and for some, that use may become a pattern or even a dependency,” said Kelly Ivey, Director of the Decatur Township Drug Free Coalition. “We’ve learned that punitive measures alone are not enough to change behavior. Accountability is important, but it must be paired with education, early intervention and meaningful support. RESET allows us to look beyond the violation to better understand what may be driving a student’s substance use, involve parents and caregivers in the process, and connect families with resources that meet their individual needs. We want students to understand that while there are consequences for their choices, there are also people who genuinely care about them and want to help them make lasting changes.”

Through RESET, the Decatur Township Drug Free Coalition and MSD of Decatur Township are working toward a shared goal: holding students accountable for their actions while also providing education, resources, and support that can help create positive and lasting change.

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About Decatur Township Drug-Free Coalition

The Decatur Township Drug Free Coalition exists to prevent and reduce substance use among youth in Decatur Township by strengthening the family unit through a collaboration of community resources. The vision is to be a safe community of people who are educated on drug abuse, abstain from drugs, offer support for people who are addicted to drugs, and are actively involved in community efforts. The Coalition seeks to help through prevention, recovery, public safety, and community engagement. Learn more at https://www.drugfreedecatur.org/

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 CONTACTS:

Kelly Ivey, Coalition Director

Decatur Township Drug Free Coalition

kivey@drugfreedecatur.org

Emily LeMay, Director of Student & Family Engagement 

MSD Decatur Township

elemay@decaturproud.org

317-856-5265

Decatur Township families are invited to a Family Resource Fair on October 27 from 5–7 p.m. at Stephen Decatur Elementary School. This free community event will connect families with local organizations offering resources related to health and wellness, mental health, family support, employment and job opportunities, substance prevention and recovery, and more. Free children’s coats and free haircuts will also be available. All Decatur Township families are welcome to attend and learn more about resources available to support their families today and in the future.