Every Panther, Every Day - Connected | Challenged | Celebrated
May 20, 2026
REMINDER LAST DAY TOMORROW and Early Release
As a reminder, due to the high school final exam schedule and to ensure efficient transportation operations, we will be implementing adjusted early release times for middle and high school students on the last student day, tomorrow May 21.
High School: 2-hour early release at 1:25 PM
Middle School: 1-hour early release at 3:25 PM
Elementary school dismissal time will remain the same per the regular elementary schedule. For middle school and high school, regular morning start times will remain the same, with dismissal occurring earlier than the regular school day. We encourage parents and guardians to plan accordingly and make necessary transportation arrangements.
We Grow Panthers Spotlight
The Social Studies Department at North Central High School is proud to have completed the 20th annual Living History Day (LHD) program. LHD pairs veteran volunteers from various wars, conflicts, and services with all of our sophomore US History students. Veterans are given a space to set up uniforms, maps, memorabilia, books, letters, and pictures they may want to share with the students. Students participate in two rotations with veterans and can self-select which they’d like to meet. Veterans have 20 minutes to share their stories in an informal setting, with students asking questions along the way. North Central students have consistently said this is their favorite day of the school year. We are proud that this annual event regularly includes over 50 veterans, representing a variety of experiences and services.
Graduation Parade
As reported in our last ParentSquare, North Central High School seniors recently boarded school buses in their caps and gowns and visited their former Elementary and Middle Schools, walking through the halls in a “Panther Parade.”
This second annual celebration is an opportunity for our NCHS graduates to reflect on their PK-12 journey, acknowledging their growth and achievements, whether they've been with Washington Township Schools for all or part of that path. It also allows our younger students to see what’s possible for their future.
Enjoy these photos and video from the day!
Referendum Update
Promise, Progress, & Renewal
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.
On May 5th, Panthers had a presence at the polls for the purpose of greeting voters on election day and reminding the community about kindergarten registration and all of the amazing things happening in Washington Township. WE GROW PANTHERS, and we can’t wait to meet our newest and youngest learners …. North Central Class of 2039.
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.
Summer Safety
Below and attached are two resources created by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) for students, parents and guardians ahead of summer break.
Here, you will find a YouTube link to a short video message from Chief Terry speaking directly to students about current curfew laws and tips on staying safe while enjoying summer break.
Also attached is a formal letter from Chief Terry to parents and guardians outlining our shared responsibility in community safety and guidance on current curfew laws and monitoring kids’ activities this summer.
Refund or Fund Transfer Request for Graduating Seniors
Graduating seniors or students leaving the district who have a balance on their school meal account may request a refund, transfer money to a sibling or donate to the Lunch Donation Fund by completing the Refund Request Form. Once the form is received and processed by the Child Nutrition office a check will be mailed to the name and address provided on the form. Refunds may take up to 4 weeks to process.
IMPORTANT: Please log onto www.mypaymentsplus.com and disable any automatic repayment feature you may have set up on the account. Your credit card WILL be charged if automatic repayment is NOT disabled.
Join Us for Summer Meals
Everyone welcome (Age 18 and Younger)
(All meals must be eaten on site)
Nora Elementary – Open to the Public
1000 East 91st St, Indianapolis, 46240
(Covered Area Outside, Front of school)
May 28 - July 17 ~ Monday–Friday (No meals on 6/19 or 7/3)
Breakfast: 8:30 – 8:45 am Lunch: 12:00 - 12:30 pm
Willow Lake Elementary – Open to the Public
7535 Harcourt Road, Indianapolis, 46260
(Front of School)
June 1 - July 17 ~ Monday–Friday (No meals on 6/19 or 7/3)
Lunch Only: 12:15 - 12:45 pm
The Aura
3035 West 39th Street, Indianapolis, 46228
(At the Park off 39th Street)
June 1 - July 17 ~ Monday–Friday (No meals on 6/19 or 7/3)
Lunch Only: 12:00 - 12:30 pm
Woodlake Apartments
7401 Merganser Drive, Indianapolis, 46260
(Outside Clubhouse)
June 1- July 17 ~ Monday – Friday (No meals on 6/19 or 7/3)
Lunch Only: 12:45 - 1:15 pm
Estates at Crystal Bay
7136 Crystal Bay Drive, Indianapolis, 46260
(Parking Lot next to Main Office)
June 1 - July 17 ~ Monday–Friday (No meals on 6/19 or 7/3)
Lunch Only: 1:00 - 1:30 pm
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Transportation
Bus Transportation Status Form
Do NOT complete this form if:
Your student was on a bus roster at the end of the 25-26 school year (check bus status in Skyward through June 30, 2026)
Your student is new or a kindergartner from the Early Learning Center
Your student requires accommodations (must go through the Teacher of Record)
Complete this form if:
Your student was NOT on a bus roster the last day of the 25-26 school year and will need regular transportation for the 26-27 school year (check bus status in Skyward through June 30, 2026)
Your student was on a bus roster and does NOT want transportation for the 26-27 School year
You are requesting an alternate bus location (must be updated every school year)
Key Notes:
Students may have one AM and one PM location within the school’s boundary
Businesses will NOT be allowed as a stop unless it is an approved daycare
Students may be removed from the bus roster after 10 consecutive days of not riding
Please refer to the Transportation Guidelines on the district website
Deadline:
Submit the Bus Transportation Status Form by July 20, 2026, to ensure transportation for August 6, 2026. Any changes after July 20, 2026 will need to be made through your school of attendance.
