Looks like Decatur Central is in the process of a MAJOR facelift...Lots of construction goin' on! After speaking with a few students, I found out that the high school is constructing a new state-of-the-art facility to house their five Small Learning Communities: The Edge, ICE, Choice, Quest & Inquiry, and the New Tech. When the students are in 8th grade, they get to choose which Small Learning Community they want to be in...Sounds to me like choosing a major in college! Here's the breakdown, as I understand it:

- The edge: communications and technology
- ICE: arts
- Choice: human interaction
- Q & I: science
- New Tech: computers

Pretty interesting stuff, huh!?
After learning all about the 5 Small Learning Communities, I went to visit DECA, which is a club that works to prepare marketing students for the business world. Several of Decatur Central’s students, qualified to compete at the Marriot on March 9-11 for the 2007 State Career Development Conference. Their chapter advisor Larry Brich has led this club for over 25 years, sending several students to nationals, including our their last year to Orlando, Florida! I wish them the best of luck this year!
I left Decatur Central's campus to catch up with the last group - the bowling club! I spent an hour with them at Western Bowl practicing and learning tricks of the trade. Many of the students in this club started bowling when they joined and MAAAAAN, they were good! They compete on weekends against other schools, so it's not all practice. Good luck in upcoming tournaments!
GO HAWKS!!

I have been looking forward to visiting New Castle for a while...we've tried to get them on the show back when we had Friday Fire Ups, but they were never receptive to the concept. I'm so glad they agreed to let us visit this time around! (Plus, I really wanted to see the biggest high school field house in the US!) Selfish, I know!
I started the morning off with a solid workout and am proud to say I got to play with the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP VOLLEYBALL TEAM!! I currently play volleyball twice a week with Circle City Athletics, so I wanted to know if I could hang. (Um, no, I couldn't.) HAHAHA! Hey, at least I got to see the field house AND play with the best of the best. These gals were so personable and great to talk to - in addition to rockin' the court. I had lots of fun with them.
Next, I moved outside to get to know the new Ecology Club. Of all the days to be outside...it was nasty! We walked around in the woods behind the high school and the students explained to me how they want to clean up the walking trail by getting rid of the invasive plants and picking up trash. They're also working with river watch to test the quality of the Blue River. Very cool club!
I ended the day by talking to different students and teachers about their annual Renaissance Rally. Get this - the day before spring break, the school holds a convocation where the teachers dress up in different characters and do skits and musical acts. They hand out awards to students for excellent attendance and academics. The teacher of the year award is also announced during the Renaissance Rally. The best part is - there is 98% attendance on this day! Happy Spring Break and GO TROJANS!

I knew a little about Perry Meridian before visiting because our Traffic Authority, Bill Remeika's, son goes there. I didn't get a chance to meet him - he's lucky this is the only way I'm embarrassing him! :)
This school really did have some unique programs (I'm not just sayin' that!) First of all, I learned about their Prom Fashion Show. It's a way for the seniors to come together as a class! They wear the latest fashions in tuxes as well as prom dresses to show students, staff and parents trends right before prom. The money raised goes to making post-prom affordable for everyone and to give away scholarships to their seniors at the end of the year! Don't miss it this year - March 18th and there are two shows!
Next, I headed over to a class where the students were participating in Fit Club. (F.I.T stands for Falcons In Training.) Did you know that 40% of high school students in Marion County are overweight?!?! Yeah, me neither! Well, this F.I.T. club is working to lower that percentage through monthly promotions, such as hand out water and apples, provide a healthy breakfast for students and lead exercises during class. One very wise student that I spoke with said, "We live happier, longer lives if we're healthy and if we can set an example in high school, it's good for elementary kids and everyone." Amen!
By this time, the students performing Perry Meridian's spring musical WEST SIDE STORY were warmed up and ready to show me a few numbers. I learned that over 100 students tried out and only 40 were accepted to be a part of this group. They looked and sounded fabulous! Break a leg!

I had quite a few people email me about visiting New Pal. They swore up and down that I'd love the school...well, they were right!
I started the day off visiting their brand new weight room. I spoke with two students who use that facility often and they told me about their favorite machines and why they think it puts them at an advantage over other schools to have such a nifty, new weight room. (Did I just say nifty?! haha.) We all had a good time chatting and lifting.
Next, I moved along to showcase NPBay, which is an online auction...similar to Ebay...but the students at New Palestine High School run it. All of the proceeds go to the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization. They selected this charity because of a former student, Amber Hoffman. She died in a car accident last fall and saved the lives of six different people by donating her organs.

Check out the items they have online NOW: www.newpal.k12.in.us/NPBAY2008/index.htm

Auction Rounds Begin and End Thursdays @ 9:00 a.m. and you must be able to pick up your item at New Palestine High School. Happy Bidding!
Lastly, I visited the Dragon's Den, New Pal's apparel store, to chat with some of the workers/ students about what they do. Through the entrepreneurship class, they completely run the store BY THEMSELVES. That includes marketing, design, finances, etc. It was amazing what these kids are doing!!! (I'd run the place into the ground after 1 week.) :) You can order apparel by calling 861-4417 (Ext. 234 or Ext. 291) or email at NPHSDRAGONSDEN@YAHOO.COM. GO DRAGONS!