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Each day we teach our students the importance of civic education.

In September, our North Central High School seniors got hands-on experience with the voting process during a mock election hosted by the Marion County Election Board. Students practiced using voting equipment, learned what to expect at the polls, and had the opportunity to register to vote. #WeGrowPanthers

As a follow-up to information shared in May regarding school funding, the School Board approved a resolution at its June 10 meeting, authorizing the District to place a school funding referendum renewal question on the ballot for the November 3 election.

The operating referendum renewal is an important matter that will impact the future funding of Washington Township schools. We encourage all families and community members to review the facts and stay informed as additional information becomes available.

Resources, including the approved resolution and answers to frequently asked questions about school funding, property taxes, and the potential impact on our schools, are available on the District website.

Community members are encouraged to stay informed by attending School Board meetings and following updates through the District website and official social media channels.

Board Meeting Resolution Approval Audio Link

The Board of Education of the MSD of Washington Township (the "School Corporation") adopted resolutions on June 10, 2026 regarding the following referendum question:

“Shall M.S.D. of Washington Township continue to increase property taxes paid to the school corporation for no more than eight (8) years for the purpose of repealing the existing referendum fund tax rate and replacing the existing referendum fund tax rate with a new rate that will provide funding for retaining teachers and staffing for improved student safety, increased student support services, as well as expanded academic programming in alignment with the new diploma requirements by imposing a property tax rate that does not exceed $0.25 and results in a maximum annual amount that does not exceed $24,000,000? If this operating referendum public question is NOT approved by the voters, for a median residence of $300,000, the property's annual property tax bill would decrease by $351 per year. If this operating referendum public question is approved by the voters, it would be a renewal of the most recent operating referendum public question passed in 2020 with a property tax rate of $0.25.”

Congratulations to the North Central Panthers Bocce Ball Unified Sports 2026 State Champs! We are so proud of this team who came together to work hard and represent North Central on the road to the championship! Way to go Panthers!

Through Unified Bocce Ball, Unified Bowling and IHSAA-sanctioned Unified Track & Field, students with and without intellectual disabilities compete side by side while building friendships, teamwork, confidence, and a true sense of belonging. More than 50 student-athletes and partners represent North Central across these programs, demonstrating tremendous sportsmanship, determination, and Panther Pride. 

Beyond the results, Unified Sports continue to remind us what being a Panther is all about: everyone has a role, everyone has a place, and everyone has an opportunity to shine. Together, we are Growing Panthers!

The Education Capstone course is bringing “Growing Panthers” to life by giving our high school students the opportunity to learn and serve in our own Washington Township elementary and middle schools. Throughout this course, aspiring educators work alongside experienced teachers as cadet teachers, gaining hands-on experience while building relationships with younger Panthers. Students support classrooms through special education experiences, small-group literacy instruction, and other opportunities that allow them to see effective teaching in action.  Their culminating projects include hands-on participation in a school-wide community engagement event and the creation of a professional portfolio. 

By learning from Washington Township educators and working directly with Washington Township students, our Capstone students are beginning to see themselves on the other side of the classroom. The hope is that these experiences inspire our Panthers to pursue careers in education—and perhaps one day return to Washington Township as teachers themselves. We aren’t just preparing future educators; we’re Growing Panthers who may someday help grow the next generation.

Second graders at Crooked Creek have been hard at work learning about the writing process! Students are learning that writing is an important way to communicate their ideas. Writers pick an idea and plan out their thoughts, then write, revise, edit, and publish. Students are also taking ownership of their writing by moving through the writing process at their own pace and tracking their progress on the classroom writing process board. We are so proud of their growth in just one month of school!

With athletic practices impacted from the flood that happened in our in our community earlier this semester, the North Central Girls Golf and Freshman Football teams turned an unexpected change in schedule into an opportunity to serve.

Girls Golf supported relief efforts with the American Red Cross and families at the WT Schools Services Center, while nearly 60 freshman football players helped move water and other essential supplies. What could have been simply a day without practice became an opportunity to demonstrate service, compassion and leadership.

That spirit of service continued well beyond those first days of the flooding. As community members began returning to their homes, Panthers once again showed up for their community. Throughout the weekend, members of the National Honor Society joined residents in Sherwood Village, while football and baseball players assisted Ravenswood residents with ongoing recovery efforts.

Willingness to give their time and energy is a source of tremendous pride for our entire Panther Nation—and a powerful reminder of the strength, compassion and community spirit that define North Central High School. Thank you to these student-athletes, student-leaders and their respective teachers, sponsors and coaches for answering the call. Your time, effort, and support were a demonstration of what it truly means to be a Panther—showing up for one another and for our community when it mattered most

As we shared in May, this school year brings changes to student technology & cell phone policy.

In Washington Township Schools, we aim to ensure students build the digital skills necessary for success while preserving meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and in-person connections, that are developmentally appropriate and essential to how students learn and grow.

In our classrooms, technology is to be used with clear purpose and intention to enhance learning, not replace it. We want students to think critically, stay engaged, and remain connected to their learning community while also developing the skills to use technology as a tool for innovation and problem-solving.

State expectations also require students to build digital proficiency at an early age, including foundational STEM standards in Kindergarten and First Grade, and digital assessments beginning in primary grades. As a result, students will engage with technology in developmentally appropriate ways that support both skill-building and academic growth.

We will continue to keep our families informed about how we are working toward the perfect balance between building skills with digital tools while also doing so in a developmentally appropriate manner.  

 Bell-to-Bell No CELL (All Students)

• New state law requires that personal wireless devices may not be used during the school day beginning July 1, 2026. This policy includes cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and all other internet-capable devices, including smart glasses.
• All personal wireless devices must be powered off and stored for the entire school day, including during lunch and passing periods. THIS WILL BE A CHANGE FOR NC STUDENTS! 
• Students who have medical or educational accommodations may have those addressed through a health plan, 504 plan, or IEP. Families will work with their school team to discuss the need for these types of accommodations.
• As with any significant change to policies and routines, we will need parental support to reinforce this expectation so educators can stay focused on teaching rather than managing devices. This includes setting a good example by not contacting students during the school day. Your child's school will communicate ways to assist you in conveying information to your child if needed during the school day. 
• Students who do not follow these expectations will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct. Specific guidelines outlined in our Student Handbooks will be released by schools with back-to-school communications.

At our May 13 Board of Education meeting, the School Board and community heard Dr. Taylor and district leadership report on the current status of our operating referendum, as well as recent legislative impact on school funding and eight-year budget forecasting. 

The 2026 Operating Referendum Renewal represents a critical investment in the future of our students, our schools, and our community. Recent legislative changes under SEA 1 will reduce our Operations Fund revenue through both decreased property tax collections and increased sharing with charter schools. At the same time, the cost of operating our schools continues to rise. Together, these financial pressures place our essential programs, services, and staffing at risk.

This referendum is not about expanding programs or constructing new buildings; it is about sticking to our commitments and continuing to see results as we preserve high-quality, comprehensive education for our students in strong schools within a supportive community for years to come.

Our district has worked strategically and responsibly to manage our finances. We have controlled costs, embedded energy efficiencies and savings throughout our construction projects, winning back-to-back AES Business Energy Efficiency Awards in 2023 and 2024 for the significant reduction in energy consumption, and made thoughtful, student-centered financial decisions. However, without the support of this referendum, we will be forced to make reductions that will impact staffing levels, mental health supports, and academic programming offered to our students.

We encourage every member of our community to stay informed. Explore the board presentation linked below, watch our board meetings, and ask questions. Your voice matters, and your vote in November will matter. 

Together, we grow Panthers. Link to Board Presentation Slide Deck |  Link to Board Presentation Audio File

Early in May the Social Studies Department at North Central High School completed the 20th annual Living History Day (LHD) program. LHD pairs veteran volunteers from various wars, conflicts, and services with sophomore US History students. Veterans set up uniforms, maps, memorability, books, letters, and pictures to share as students rotate to different stations to hear about the experiences and stories from the veterans. North Central students have consistently provided feedback that this is their favorite day of the school year, and we are proud that this annual event regularly includes over 50 veterans, representing a variety of experiences and services to our country. Thank you to our community’s veterans who spent time with our students at Living History Day 2026 and thank you to all those who have served.

It was great seeing so many friends, neighbors and community members out at the polls for the primary on May 5. Washington Township Schools was proud to have district representatives at several polling locations to promote Kindergarten registration and highlights from our academic year. Some of those highlights can be seen below as we continue to grow panthers in Washington Township.

For the second consecutive year, Adelyn Flessner, senior at North Central High School, claimed the state championship in diving, this time with an impressive 529.30 points—an improvement from her winning score of 441.80 last year.

In a feature by The Current North Side, Flessner reflected on the mindset shift that fueled her repeat victory. “I really worked on just being confident and knowing I belonged in the spot I was in,” she said. “Last year, I was really nervous. And this year, I was just having a lot of fun, and it was a great experience.”

Flessner’s approach—competing against herself while embracing the joy of the sport—has made her success look effortless, even as it reflects years of dedication and hard work.

Next season, you will find Flessner diving for the University of Iowa.
#WeGrowPanters

New Orleans, La. (April 1, 2026) - The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) announced today that Northview Middle School in Metropolitan School District of Washington Township, Indiana, is the recipient of the 2026 NIET Founder’s Award and its $50,000 grand prize. NIET Founder Lowell Milken surprised the school during the 2026 NIET National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Created by Lowell Milken in 2008, the Founder’s Award honors one school in the United States each year for exceptional implementation of NIET’s principles to build educator excellence and advance student success. Northview Middle School was just one of five schools nationwide selected as finalists for the $50,000 grand prize. Founder’s Award recipients are chosen by NIET based on several factors, including improving classroom instruction, creating high-quality professional learning focused on the real-time needs of teachers and students, and engaging teacher leaders and school leaders in building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

“We are pleased to present Northview Middle School with the 2026 NIET Founder’s Award,” said NIET Founder Lowell Milken. “Principal Thomas Hakim, Superintendent Dr. Sean Taylor, and staff and students have demonstrated outstanding academic gains by strengthening instruction and building a nurturing environment for all.”

With help from NIET best practices, Northview Middle School provides teachers with tailored professional learning and support that ultimately moves the needle for students. From 2023 to 2025, the percentage of Northview Middle School students scoring Proficient on state assessments increased 22 points in math and 11 points in English Language Arts (ELA). The proficiency rate statewide increased by only one point in math and decreased in ELA during the same time period. 

“Northview Middle School has made building the instructional skills of its staff the foundation of its focus on continuous improvement,” said NIET Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett. “Teachers are strengthening their instruction and refining practices to meet student needs across grades and subjects. As a result, students are thriving. Congratulations to the Northview Middle School team on this achievement.”

What Makes Northview Middle School Unique? 

Northview Middle School is located on the north side of Indianapolis, Indiana. The school educates approximately 1,000 students in grades sixth through eighth, with almost half qualifying for free/reduced-price lunch. Principal Hakim and his leadership team focus on strengthening instruction, building educator capacity, and creating a positive learning environment for teachers and students. 

Northview Middle School, in partnership with NIET, has refined the strategies and practices used by the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT). ILT members now field test and model instructional strategies for teachers in classrooms. This has transformed professional learning on campus as teachers see instructional strategies in action rather than hearing them described in a meeting. These “lab classrooms” help teachers feel more confident in using new instructional strategies to meet needs identified in student data, and are part of an ongoing coaching cycle between teachers and ILT members. 

The support and coaching provided by ILT members have led to increased teacher retention at Northview Middle School, with the school achieving the lowest staff turnover rate in nearly a decade. The school is gaining a positive reputation in the district and across the region as a campus that values, supports, and elevates staff. Educators and families are choosing Northview Middle School, as indicated by the 22% increase in student enrollment last year. 

“Though the work is never done and constantly evolving, our results in recent years speak for themselves,” said Hakim. “Continuously increasing student achievement, coupled with record enrollment and family engagement, shows a school that is focused on the right work.” 

With NIET’s best practices in place, Northview Middle School increased student achievement across all tested subject areas and grades over the last two years. Not only did scores increase in math and ELA between 2023 and 2025, but the school has also seen an impressive 14 point increase in the percentage of students scoring Proficient on science state assessments. 

“I was convinced that partnering with NIET was the lever we needed to move our school, said Hakim. “Not only does our student achievement data continue to grow, but the interest of more and more staff members to become instructional leaders in the building has also grown. Being able to develop the instructional capacity of our staff is a home run.”

Northview Middle School was selected among five finalists throughout the U.S., with each receiving $10,000. The other finalists were Horizon Honors Elementary School (Horizon Honors Schools, Arizona); Marthaville Elementary & Junior High School (Natchitoches Parish School Board, Louisiana); Riverwalk Academy (South Carolina Public Charter School District, South Carolina); and Sorrento Primary School (Ascension Public Schools, Louisiana). 

#NIET2026.

About NIET

The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) is a national nonprofit based in Arizona that serves states and districts nationwide. For 25 years, NIET has partnered with schools, districts, states, and universities to build educator excellence and give all students the opportunity for success. NIET’s initiatives, including the TAP System, teacher and leader development, school improvement, rubric and observation systems, and educator preparation, have impacted more than 350,000 educators and 3.5 million students across the U.S.

We understand that the uncertainty around SNAP benefits will create challenges for many families and we want to offer support during this time. Here is a list of community supports that may benefit your family. Washington Township School Social Workers connect families to school and community resources. Please reach out to your school social worker if you have questions, need support or want to know how you can help. 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carmel and Center Grove Returning to MIC in 2026-27: Resetting the Standard of Excellence

INDIANAPOLIS – The Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) announced today that Carmel High School and Center Grove High School back into the conference beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

The MIC was formed in 1996-97 to provide a model for interscholastic excellence across academics, athletics, fine arts, and leadership. Nearly three decades later, the conference remains the winningest in Indiana, with the most state championships of any conference, a long history of nationally ranked teams, and facilities that rival the best in the country. MIC student-athletes also lead the state in earning opportunities at the next level, securing millions in academic and athletic scholarships each year.

Most recently, while competing with only six high schools—Ben Davis, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central, Pike, and Warren Central—MIC schools earned eight state titles across the past four academic years. Outside of Brownsburg, the MIC has also claimed every IHSAA 6A football championship. Collectively, member schools serve more than 100,000 students and represent the most diverse conference in the state, continuing to provide the very best in public education.

In a statement, Carmel administrators said, “Together, we can share expertise, expand leadership opportunities for students and staff, and build collaborative initiatives that benefit every community.” Center Grove administration added, “We believe in the power of a conference that reflects and uplifts the full range of student experiences—academic excellence, the arts, and collaboration among member schools.”
Following discussions throughout the 2024-25 school year and a formal request to rejoin, the two schools and the current MIC members reached an agreement to move forward together. With this decision, the MIC will again include eight high schools.

“The MIC has always been defined by strong competition and shared expectations,” the principals said in a joint statement. “This decision positions the conference to move forward with clarity and purpose as we enter our 30th year.”

The 2025-2026 school calendar has been updated to reflect an early release day for high school and middle school students on the final student day (May 21, 2026). The high school will release at 1:25 pm and the middle schools will release at 3:25 pm. The updated calendar can be found on the Calendar page.