District News & Highlights

August 18, 2025

Celebrating our 2025 IREAD-3 Performance

We are #DecaturProud to share our district IREAD-3 performance from the spring and summer of 2025! Decatur Township 3rd grade students across all of our elementary schools achieved an overall pass rate of 83.5%—a 7.8 percentage point increase from 2024 results, and well above the state’s average growth of 5%. Three schools—Blue Academy, West Newton, and Decatur High Ability Academy—surpassed the 90% passing rate milestone.

This significant progress reflects a combination of districtwide initiatives, including the work of the Literacy Cadre, the implementation of Science of Reading–aligned instruction, and the delivery of targeted interventions.

teacher with a few students at a table; IREAD performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jennifer Pearson, Director of Elementary Education, emphasized that the growth is the result of a shared commitment across the district: “This remarkable growth is a direct reflection of the intentionality and dedication of our teachers, support staff, and administrators, as well as the perseverance of our students. By working together and committing to evidence-based literacy practices, we are seeing the impact in meaningful ways. We are #DecaturProud of this achievement and the collective effort it represents in preparing our students for lifelong success.”

Superintendent Dr. Scott Collins echoed this pride, noting the broader impact of the district’s literacy efforts: “We are incredibly proud of the progress our students have made in reading this year. These improved scores reflect the hard work of our teachers, staff, and administrators. Our commitment to literacy remains at the heart of our mission, and this growth shows that our efforts are making a real difference.”

Looking ahead, Decatur Township remains focused on its long-term literacy goals, with the vision that all students will be reading proficiently by the end of 3rd grade.

August 18, 2025

Labor Day Recess: No School September 1st-2nd, 2025

Labor Day Recess is coming up soon! All Decatur Township Schools will be closed on Monday, September 1st and Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025. Classes will resume on Wednesday, September 3rd.
Please click here to view the 2025-2026 school year calendar.

Labor Day Recess; no school Sept 1-2 2025

 

August 11, 2025

Decatur Township Athletics and Damar Health Services Announce Community Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Decatur Township Athletics and Damar Health Services Announce Community Partnership

Indianapolis, IN – Decatur Township Athletics and Damar Health Services are proud to announce a new partnership aimed at strengthening community ties and fostering school spirit. The collaboration, effective immediately, will provide all Decatur Township students with free admission to every Decatur Township athletic event. DC Navy and Gold

This initiative is designed to encourage a greater sense of community and support for student athletes across all grade levels. Under the new agreement, students will gain free entry to all regular season home games and events, with the following stipulations:

  • Elementary and Middle School Students: Must be accompanied by a paying adult for entry.
  • Middle School and High School Students: Must present a valid student ID to receive free admission.

This partnership is a testament to both organizations' shared commitment to the youth of Decatur Township, providing an accessible way for students and families to engage with and celebrate their school's athletic programs. 

“Decatur Township Athletics is extremely excited for the partnership with Damar Health Services to provide admission to all of our students to attend athletic events during the 2025-26 school year.  We look forward to continued celebration of education-based athletic competition with our all of our community members,” Justin Dixson, Director of Operations, MSD of Decatur Township

“We’re honored to partner with Decatur Township Athletics to assist students in engaging in meaningful school experiences. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to the health and well-being of the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. By helping students access these community events, we’re not just supporting school pride—we’re investing in connection, belonging, and the overall strength of Decatur Township.” Dr. Jenny Peters, Chief Strategy Officer

About Decatur Township Athletics: Decatur Township Athletics is dedicated to providing a competitive and educational environment for student-athletes. Our mission is to promote respect, teamwork, and excellence through education-based athletics, while building a strong foundation of community support.

About Damar Health Services: Damar Health Services provides innovative and compassionate primary healthcare in communities of greatest need, offering accessible, high-quality services to individuals and families regardless of income or insurance status. With a focus on whole-person care, Damar Health Services delivers a full range of offerings including primary and pediatric care, behavioral health, women’s health, chronic disease management, an on-site pharmacy, and community-based health education.

Media Contact: Emily LeMay, MSD of Decatur Township, elemay@decaturproud.org

Damar Heatlh Services Clinic information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Scott Collins

Superintendent

Mr. Chris Gearlds

Assistant Superintendent

District Calendar

SEP
1

Labor Day Recess (No School)

Start: Sep 1, 2025 End: Sep 3, 2025

Multi-Day Event

No School Monday 9/1 or Tuesday 9/2/2025

OCT
1

No School: Wednesday 10/1/2025

OCT
20

Fall Recess (No School)

Start: Oct 20, 2025 End: Oct 24, 2025

Multi-Day Event

No School 10/20-10/24/2025

Additional resources

Provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.