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Spring Mill Elementary School

It's a Great Day to be a Spring Mill Bulldog

District Updates

Posted Date: 08/28/26 (05:00 PM)


Logo for Washington Township Schools featuring a stylized 'W' and the text 'WE GROW PANTHERS'.

District Updates

Washington Township Schools

August 28, 2026

Superintendent Message

When flooding impacted our community recently, our Panthers didn’t hesitate to step in to help. From social workers and counselors, staff and student volunteers, city leaders, the community outpouring of donations, and the use of our Washington Township Schools Services Center as a Red Cross Disaster Relief Center, Panthers showed up.

I am incredibly grateful for the way our community supports one another.


This spirit of help and support is evident in our everyday operations, and I am proud that when the spotlight is turned on, those in the greater Indianapolis area can see why our Washington Township Panther community is special.

Thank you to all who jumped in to assist, and who are continuing to help families and residents navigate as community healing continues.
Four people stand in a gymnasium filled with donated clothing and supplies.
Volunteers in reflective vests organize donations of books, boxes, and supplies.
 

Back To School Supt. Message

Thank you to all who have attended Back to School Night at your school. If you missed Dr. Taylor's Back to School video message, please watch it below.
 

We Grow Panthers Spotlight

With athletic practices impacted from the recent flooding in our community, our 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.
A group of young people are gathered in a gymnasium, posing for a photo with boxes and supplies.
 

Community Opportunity Sunday

Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Taylor regarding the upcoming operating referendum renewal. #WeGrowPanthers #WhyWT
Invitation to a meeting on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 2 PM at Northwillow Clubhouse or via Zoom.
 

Panorama Survey Reminder

In mid-September we will be asking for your child’s feedback via two online surveys they will be completing at school. The survey window is September 14-25, and each survey should not take more than 10 minutes to complete.

Indiana statute requires the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and Washington Township Schools to provide parents and students notice of your rights. We are partnering with a third-party vendor to support us in administering the upcoming Fall 2026 survey. The content of the survey will ask students in grades 3-12 to reflect on their classroom and school experiences and their well-being related to school. We are asking that all of our students participate in the survey, as their feedback will provide invaluable insights into their experiences and how we can improve and adapt our district to their needs. Please note that if a student does not feel like they have enough information to answer a question they will be able to skip the item altogether.  

If you wish to review the survey materials, they are available on our website. If you have any questions about the survey administration, please do not hesitate to contact your school principal. And, if you would like your child to opt out of taking the surveys, please log in to Skyward, click on “Online Forms” and complete the Panorama Survey Form no later than September 7.
 

WTSF News & Highlights

The Washington Township Schools Foundation (WTSF) has been busy creating opportunities for students and celebrating the impact of our Panther community over the past several months. From Fox Hill Elementary's fifth graders launching grant-funded rockets and bringing STEM learning to life, to helping make Learning Under the Sun summer camp accessible for many campers through a Foundation partnership, WTSF continues to invest in enriching experiences for students of all ages.

Our Alumni Highlights shine a spotlight on Panthers who are making a difference in Indianapolis and beyond, showcasing the lasting impact of a Washington Township education and the strength of our connected school community. Meanwhile, many members of the North Central High School Class of 2026 are heading off to pursue their college dreams with support from scholarships funded through WTSF endowments. 

We invite you to read more about these stories and the many ways WTSF is supporting students, educators, and alumni by clicking this link.
 

Prioritize Attendance

Consistent routines can make a big difference in getting students to school on time, every day. Pack backpacks and lay out clothes the night before, and establish regular bedtimes to help reduce morning stress. When possible, schedule appointments and trips outside of the school day.

Small habits help build strong attendance, and attendance counts!
#WeGrowPanthers #WhyWT
 

WT Online Academy Is Still Accepting Applications

Washington Township Schools is still accepting applications for the Washington Township Online Academy for the Fall 2026 semester. We encourage our Washington Township families to share this opportunity with other prospective families who may be looking for a high-quality virtual learning option for their high school student. Visit our webpage to learn more.
 
Your goals. Your way. Your future. Applications being accepted for the 2026–27 school year.
 

Transportation Reminders

  • Each student will be allowed only one permanent pick-up address in AM and one permanent drop-off address in PM. All pick-up and drop-off locations must be within school boundaries.
  • Students must use their own assigned bus stop.
  • Students may not get on or off the bus at an earlier or later bus stop. 
  • Students may not cross major roads.
  • Students must be standing out on their bus stops at least ten (10) minutes prior to their scheduled pick up time. 
  • If your student does not ride the bus for 10 consecutive days, they will be removed from the bus route. Parents must contact their student’s school to complete a 5-day transportation request to resume service.
  • Bus drivers will not permit students to ride buses to which they are not assigned.
 
Note: All requested permanent transportation changes, additions, and deletions must be submitted to your student’s school. 

Time is needed to process the many applications and changes that the Transportation Department receives. Requests submitted from parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year may take longer to process due to back-to-school adjustments. Parents are responsible for transporting students until the transportation request has been received and processed (requests may take up to five (5) school days during the school year). If a request cannot be granted, you will be notified by your student’s school.
 

WTS is Hiring

Currently Accepting Applications for the Following Positions

Position:  Bus Drivers
Location:   Transportation
Calendar: 185 Days/School Year 
Hours:   Monday - Friday, 6.5 Hours per day average
Salary:   $27.00 per hour starting rate ($32,468 annually) - additional compensation given for college degree
Perks:    Sign On Bonus, Step Pay Increases, Paid Leave Days, Paid Holidays, Healthcare, Retirement       

Position:  Kindergarten Instructional Assistant 
Location:   Clearwater Elementary, Nora Elementary and Spring Mill Elementary
Calendar: 185 Days/School Year
Hours:   Monday - Friday, 6 Hours per day average
Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour - additional compensation given for college degree or teaching license
Perks:    Step Pay Increases, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Retirement

Position:  School Resource Officer (School Year)
Location:   District-wide
Calendar: 205 Days/School Year 
Hours:   Monday - Friday, Day Shift (Hours Vary)
Salary:   $29.00 per hour starting rate ($47,560 annually) - additional compensation given for college degree
Perks:    Step Pay Increases, Paid Leave Days, Paid Holidays, Healthcare, Retirement       
 

Sideline Store

Panther Spiritwear!
Get ready for the new school year and show your Panther Pride!
Visit the North Central Panthers Official Team Store to find apparel perfect for the field, the sidelines, and Panther Fridays across the district! 

You can also show your district spirit by shopping the Washington Township Schools Sideline Store for apparel that celebrates WTS spirit.

 

Promise, Progress, & Renewal

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

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

Register to Vote

Each day we teach our students the importance of civic education. The general election is November 3. Make sure to check your registration status, register to vote, or update your information by visiting www.IndianaVoters.com by the October 5 deadline. Register To Vote
A graphic with the text 'Register To Vote' centered on a white background, framed by rows of stars.
 
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