More tools coming to support IPS middle schoolers

INDIANAPOLIS (MIRROR INDY) — Middle school counseling efforts in Indianapolis Public Schools are getting a boost from Butler University.

The university recently awarded IPS $100,000 as a part of its Comprehensive School Health Initiative Grant program.

The district will use most of the grant money to support middle school counseling efforts with a broad reach as many sixth through eighth graders settle into a new school.

[Excitement grows for Broad Ripple school’s reopening]

This school year marks the first of the district’s middle school transition — a part of IPS’ broader Rebuilding Stronger campaign. While the district previously supported a variety of grade configurations in schools, IPS is returning to a uniform middle school model.

IPS’ seven middle schools will each benefit from the grant, district officials say. Schools include Arlington, Broad Ripple, Harshman, Longfellow, Northwest, T.C. Howe and William Penn.

[T.C. Howe’s return promises more than a school in Irvington]

The grant will help IPS enhance the curriculum used during students’ middle school advisory periods. It will also help send counselors and administrators to a professional development conference.

Mirror Indy reporter Carley Lanich covers early childhood and K-12 education. Contact her at carley.lanich@mirrorindy.org or follow her on X @carleylanich.