IPS returns to class today - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Be aware - hundreds of buses will be on the roads this morning making stops and picking up school kids.  Also be on the look out for children walking, as about 4,000 IPS students walk to school every day. 

The last few days have been a busy time for students and teachers.  Melissa Moore, a 4th grade teacher at the Nicholson Performing Arts Academy on the north side, was preparing for students and getting her classroom ready for her 35 students this year.  She says it's important for kids to get up early today, have a good breakfast to be prepared for this first day back to school. And parents also need to be ready.

"Just be aware of what's going on in the classroom," she said. "And keep in contact with the teacher. E-mail or phone or however that needs to be, just so you can know what's going on and how best to support your child at home."

Moore plans to drop her first assignment on her class today. "One of the assignments I'm giving students on the first day is to write about their expectations for me," she revealed. "Because one of the first things you do in the classroom is set out your expectations for your new students in the class and I give them the chance to say what are their expectations for their teacher - what do they expect to get out of fourth grade this year?" 

If August 6th seems early for the start of school, it is.  For the second year in a row, all IPS schools will be on either a balanced or year-round calendar.  This shortens summer break and gives students longer fall and spring breaks. 

The idea is to keep kids fresh by making sure they don't forget what they've learned over long breaks. 

Getting more than 30,000 students to classes on time is a colossal undertaking.  High school students start classes at 7:30 a.m., so the buses will leave to pick them up and get them to their buildings on time. Middle and elementary don't start until between 8:45 and 9:15, so they wait until the high schoolers are dropped off before they'll be picked up.   

All IPS students must have required immunizations to attend classes.  What's required depends on the child's grade or age, so parents should be sure to check.  There is a grace period until September 17. After that date, any student without proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

While it might not be necessary this morning, all IPS buildings have air-conditioning - a first for Indianapolis Public Schools. Even the older buildings now have AC installed.