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The MSD of Decatur Township is proud to congratulate Lynwood, West Newton, and Valley Mills Elementary Schools on their recent designations from the Indiana Department of Education as Family Friendly Schools.
(June 10, 2025) – INDIANAPOLIS – The MSD of Decatur Township is proud to announce that the Indiana Department of Education has designated three of our elementary schools as “Family Friendly.” Lynwood Elementary and West Newton Elementary were designated as proficient, while Valley Mills Elementary was designated as progressing. Dr. Jennifer Pearson, Director of Elementary of Education shared, “We are incredibly proud of Lynwood, Valley Mills, and West Newton Elementary Schools for being recognized as ‘Family Friendly Schools’ by the Indiana Department of Education. This designation reflects the deep commitment of our educators and staff to building strong, supportive partnerships with families. When schools and families work together, students thrive—and this honor is a testament to that collaborative spirit.”
About Family Friendly School Designations
Just 45 Indiana schools were designated as “2025 Family Friendly Schools.” Michelle Clarke, director of Student, School, and Family Engagement stated in an IDOE memo, “These schools - which span across the state, and include public and non-public schools - are demonstrating excellence in engaging families in their children’s education.”
Introduced in 2015, the Family Friendly Schools designation highlights schools that actively engage families through strong school and community partnerships. It celebrates schools that create a welcoming environment for all families, maintain open and effective communication, and collaborate to support student achievement.
The schools voluntarily joined the IDOE process to be designated as “Family Friendly,” which included surveys, implementation of strategies, and school visitation. Our principals of each school shared their thoughts below:
Mr. Jay Lovell, Principal of Lynwood Elementary:
“Lynwood Elementary is very appreciative to have been awarded the Family Friendly Schools designation. Every day, the Lynwood community works so hard to support our families in every way possible. We are thrilled to have earned this designation and look forward to further supporting our families.”
Mr. Jack Birmingham, Principal of Valley Mills Elementary:
"We are extremely proud to be recognized as an Indiana Department of Education Family Friendly school, here at Valley Mills Elementary. It has been our goal to deliver trust, respect and fun to our students, staff and stakeholders over the past two years and this distinction only reinforces the value our families have in the education of our students. We are looking forward to building on the wonderful award developing even stronger ties to the Valley Mills families."
Mrs. Susan Strube, Principal of West Newton Elementary:
“West Newton is so proud of attaining the Indiana Department of Education's designation of being a Family Friendly School. This designation reflects how the staff and students of West Newton Elementary are champions for every child and family having a voice in our school community. We enjoy involving our students, families, and the greater West Newton community to share our strengths as a school while speaking up for every child. The wonderful teaching staff of West Newton looks forward to continuing collaboration with our community in order to improve instruction and learning for our students. A huge thank you to Amanda Burch who coordinated the efforts among students, staff, and our families while being persistent in her belief that this designation was achievable for West Newton Elementary School!”
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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.