Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School

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Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
Bulldog Bulletin
   TGNS FAMILY NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

 "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE
  OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS
                    PLACE"

A NOTE FROM MR. PIPPIN, EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
Dear Families,

Just like that, the first quarter of the school year has concluded!
We have really enjoyed having all students in person and know
the quality of learning experiences is much better this way!

I am looking forward to our first PIT Day of the year on October 7,
2021. I encourage you to schedule your conference with your
child's teacher. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with your child's teacher about
their progress and review their report cards.

Wishing each of you a happy and healthy fall season!

Best,
Mr. Pippin

2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR
CALENDAR
Please make note of TGNS school year calendar, August 2, 2021-
May 2022. The calendar for the 2021-2022 school year can be
found here or by clicking the calendar icon.

                         SEPTEMBER THEME
Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
OCTOBER THEME
Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
SEPTEMBER                OCTOBER                          NOVEMBER
Thursday, September 27   Friday, October 1:               Thursday, November 4
    Day 6                                                     Food Group
                              School Custodian
Thursday, September 30        Appreciation Day            Friday, November 5
    Mobile Dentist            6th Grade Balloon Release       Day 6
    Picture Day!              for Bullying Prevention
                              Month                       Wednesday, November 10
                                                              Parent Cafe
                         Thursday, October 5
                              Day 12                      Saturday, November 13
                                                              World Kindness Day
                         Thursday, October 7
                              Food Group                  Monday, November 15
                              PIT Day #1 - E-LEARNING         Day 12
                              DAY FOR STUDENTS
                                                          Thursday, November 18
                         Friday, October 8                    Food Group
                              Professional
                              Development Day - E-        Thursday, November 18
                              LEARNING DAY FOR                Picture Day Retakes
                              STUDENTS
                                                          Tuesday, November 23
                         October 11-15                        Day 6
                              Fall Break - NO SCHOOL
                                                          November 24 -26
                         Saturday, October 16                 Thanksgiving Break
                              Men's Tour Event

                         Monday, October 18
                              National Boss’s Day

                         October 18-22
                              Spirit Week

                         Wednesday, October 20
                              Day 6
                              Unity Day

                         Thursday, October 21
                              Food Group
Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
Wednesday, October 27
                              Parent Café
                              Daystar Kindergarten Fair

                         Thursday, October 28
                              Day 12

                         Friday, October 29
                              Classroom Halloween
                              Celebrations

TGNS PICTURE DAY IS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER
30!
     Purchase forms will be sent home with students in their backpacks.
Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
TGNS FALL CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS
Each TGNS Classroom will have their own Fall Party on Friday, October 29! We are asking
parents to donate the following to their child's classroom if you are able:

    Store-bought BAGGED candy
    Store-bought Treats (cookies, cupcakes, etc.) - Please no homemade!
    Non-Food Treats (pencils, stickers, toys, etc.)
    Store-bought INDIVIDUAL drinks (juice boxes) - No Soda

COSTUMES: We are allowing all students to wear costumes to school on Friday, October 29.
Please follow the guidelines below:

    No Weapons of any kind (swords, knives, guns, etc.)
    Students must come dressed in their costume, we will not allow anyone to change.

                                 SCHOOL HOURS (7:05AM
                                 -2:30PM)
                                 We need your student at school every day and on time.
                                 Our doors open at 7:05 and students need to be here by 7:30.
                                 This gives students 25 minutes to eat breakfast and settle in.
                                 Academics start first thing in the morning; if students are late
                                 at all, they are missing important information.

                                 Student Dismissal and Pick Up
                                      School is dismissed at 2:30pm.
                                      Students must be picked up by 3:00pm.
                                      School police will be contacted if students are not picked
                                      up.

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS
REMINDER! ALL students, staff, and visitors will be required to
wear a mask at all times. PLEASE send your child to school with
a mask every day. We have limited supplies of replacement
masks.

Click the picture to review our full list of protocols.

                                 2021-2022 STUDENT
                                 HANDBOOK
Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
Please take time to review our new Student Handbook.
                                Physical copies can be picked up in the school's front office.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE REMINDER
Please be advised school uniforms are required as part of the
dress code. If you are uncertain of this dress code, please click
the Dress Code picture to review the entire policy.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help
children catch up. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and
themselves. Start building this habit in grade school so they learn right away that going to
school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high
school, college, and at work.
WHAT'S FOR LUNCH?
                                Curious what is available each day for your child for breakfast
                                and lunch? Click the image to review the IPS Food Service
                                menus.

                                As always, breakfast and lunch are free for all students. This
                                year we are excited to announce a daily vegetarian/vegan
                                option for lunch.

SCHOOL MESSENGER
Parents/Guardians can take advantage of the text messaging
service to receive important school-based and district news. It is
really simple to just follow three easy steps:

    Text 67587
    Send Text
    Reply Yes or Y to receive messages

You can also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying "Stop" to any of the
messages.
What is the Bulldogs of the Month program?

Every month each teacher will select one student from their class
to be the BULLDOG of the Month! The teacher will decide what
student has shown positive behavior, academic effort, and good
attendance. Those students are acknowledged for their
achievement and exemplifying the TGNS Core Values. See below
for our September 2021 Bulldogs of the Month:

Developmental PK
    Moore – Kyra Nixon

Kindergarten
    Matterson – Liam Vallecio
    Waugh – Amar Morris
    Bussberg – Marlei Kelley

First Grade
    Perkins – Ailyn Nava
    Schlegel – Emely Lara Rodriguez
    Sheldon – Rayne Peoples
    B. Johnson – Odyssey Muir

Second Grade
    Beaman – Carolina Ramirez
    Fields – Franklin Ortega-Ortiz
    Carlstrom – Maria Casiano Quezada
    Monts – Daisy Martinez Leyva

Third Grade
    McKiernan-Allen – Samantha Hernandez Avila
    Farmer – Amalia Ramirez Orozco
    Adams – Jessie Peterson
    Hedge – Khayden Harris
Fourth Grade
     McMickle – Demerius Frierson
     Diaz – Sa'Nia Thomas
     Hanley – Grevil Hernandez Ramos
     Frazier – Osiris De Leon Garcia

Fifth Grade
     Pauley – Maryori Cardona
     Markiewicz – Serefinah Corney
     Waterman – Berenice Rebollo-Estrada
     Heminger-Ferguson – Chris Zambrano-Jimenez

Sixth Grade
     Jones – David Garcia
     Trebing – Adriana Lopez
     T. Wagner – Arkeelah Washington

Life Skills
     L. Wagner – Edinson Cardona Baltazar
     Crockett – Nitsa Lopez-Santos
INTERMEDIATE LIFE SKILLS TEACHER:
                                MS. CROCKETT

This school year marks Camille Crockett’s 2nd year teaching at Thomas Gregg. She shares it
is her first teaching position since graduating from college. Ms. Crockett was understandably
nervous starting her teaching career amidst the height of a global pandemic. She adds, “it was
an interesting experience, to say the least. My colleagues were very supportive, and I had (and
still have) a fantastic teaching partner”! Camille has learned many things while teaching at
TGNS at which she believes can’t be learned anywhere else. It is an exciting opportunity to
help students grow into what they want to be. For this reason, she is eager for her journey of
teaching and what the future holds for students.

Ms. Crockett shares her favorite part about working at TGNS?
“My favorite part about working at TGNS is the students that come into my room and their
eagerness to learn. I also have a very supportive teaching partner who has helped me become
the best teacher for myself and my students. I am very grateful for all the support that I have
received from my colleagues. I would not have wanted to start my first year of teaching at any
other school”.

Most rewarding thing about being an educator or working in a school setting?
“I believe that the most rewarding thing about being an educator is watching your students
create goals for themselves, work hard for those goals, and seeing them achieve their goals.
This year, my students have been talking about what their own, personal, daily goal is. After
stating their goal, they think about what steps they need to take in order to achieve it. This is
something that we are going to continue working on this year. I am excited to continue to
watch them grow”.
Ms. Crockett shares her favorite success story.
“My favorite success story so far was being able to build meaningful relationships with my
students virtually so that when I finally got to meet them in person, we already had a
relationship and bond! I was nervous starting out virtual because I feared it would make it
difficult to build a relationship with my students and that it would make it hard for them to
come into my room and want to learn from me, but it turned out to be the opposite! I was very
lucky to have the amazing students that I have now who love learning and were very open to
their new teacher!”

Educational Background: Camille graduated from IUPUI in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in
Elementary Education and a special concentration in Special Education - Mild Intervention.
She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Special Education and working towards her certificate
in Intense Intervention.

Fun Fact: Ms. Crockett was born and raised in Tennessee until the age of 8 years old. She
played the cello for four years and played in a youth philharmonic orchestra for a few months.
Camille originally went to college for pre-med and was concentrating on genetics but found
out that she felt the most joy working with and teaching children. “I decided to switch majors
during my second year of college. I continue to have a strong interest in science and the
medical field but decided to follow my passion for working with children”.

Hobbies/ Interest: In her free time, Ms. Crockett enjoys watching anime and playing video
games. She loves being on the lake and enjoying camping with family. Besides she likes to
hike, ride jet skis, and really just do anything that has to do with nature and being outdoors. “If
I could go on vacation anywhere, I would choose to go camping in the mountains or to a
different country, like Ireland! I enjoy learning new things and find that I am continuing to learn
from my students every day”.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PRIMARY LIFE
 SKILLS TEACHER: LAUREN WAGNER (MS.
                                                 W)

The 2021-2022 school year will be the 10th year of teaching for Lauren Wagner. Ms. Wagner
has spent all 10 wonderful years at Thomas Gregg in which she has been teaching before
TGNS became an innovation school. The staying power is accredited to her love for the
school/community. Ms. W. adds, “I have not been able to even think about going anywhere
else!”

Ms. Wagner shares her favorite part about working at TGNS?
“I love my Life Skills team; my partner in crime teacher Camille Crockett is the greatest team
member I could ask for! The community environment of the building is very encouraging and
inspiring. I really enjoy being involved with the neighborhood and community outside of the
school building as well; it's important for students to have a "whole village" approach to
learning. I like how everyone is involved in and committed to the learning and overall well-
being of our students”.

Most rewarding thing about being an educator or working in a school setting?
“This is a hard question to answer because I don't think I can narrow it down to just one thing.
I love being able to work with students and watch them make huge steps of progress over
years with them in my classroom. Nothing makes my heart more happy than when I see my
students practicing what I have been teaching them! I also love to see my students included
with their friends and being filled with joy”!

Ms. Wagner shares her favorite success story.
“My favorite success stories are always with my students who start in my room as
Kindergarteners, sometimes not able to fully communicate, and by the time they leave my
room in 3rd grade, they are able to use a communication device or communicate verbally! I
also similarly love when students have physical limitations that they are able to work on and
learn to improve or overcome. I had a student who started with me by using a wheelchair to
get around, and by the time they moved onto the next classroom, they were walking
independently”!

Educational Background:
Ms. W. holds a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Purdue University and a Master's
Degree in Special Education from Ball State University.

Fun Fact: In high Ms. Wagner was in an all girl's show choir and played the smallest bass drum
on the marching band drumline.

Hobbies/Favorite Food: Hobbies include any sort of crafting/artsy activity (crochet, cross-
stitch, watercolor, tie-dye, sewing) and CrossFit. You can always find her at the gym after
school! Favorite foods are wood-fired pizza, Mexican cuisine, and sweets. “I have been to
Nicaragua 3 times but not necessarily for vacation; my goal is to hike around Yellowstone this
year”!

                 MS. PAULEY’S 5TH GRADE

Ms. Pauley’s 5th grade class engaged in outdoor learning during Day 6. The topic: "What is
Science?" Students learned about science as a process having the opportunity to observe the
natural world around them. They were asked to make claims and support their claims with
evidence. Student's really enjoyed the day and learned so much about using their 5 senses to
observe!

                   THANK YOU TGNS STAFF
Compliments of the Admin team, Thomas Gregg staff enjoyed a special surprise. To show
appreciation for all their hard work, a sweet bar was provided filled with all the favorite
goodies.

Thank you TGNS staff for going above and beyond to ensure students and families have the
best learning environment!
Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are right around the corner!

If you anticipate your family will need financial assistance during the holiday season, please
reach out to our Student Services staff as soon as possible by calling the school at 317-226-
4215 or contacting the individuals below directly:

Sheila Mays, Social Worker - sheila@thomasgregg.org
DJ Graham, Community School Coordinator - dgraham@jbncenters.org
Alvaro Borrero, Family Navigator - aborrero@jbncenters.org

We cannot guarantee assistance, but will do our best to connect your family to available
resources.
COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR INDIANA
HOUSEHOLDS

 IndyAMP COVID-19 Refinance Program: Apply at https://www.indyamp.org/. For more
 information please click here, call 317.932.3777, or email info@indyamp.org

 Coronavirus Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention Guide: https://www.in.gov/ihcda/4464.htm

 Rental Assistance outside of Marion County: Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA)
 program at www.indianahousingnow.org (materials in English and Spanish)

 IndyRent Assistance (within Marion County): https://indyrent.org/

 Sign up to get your COVID vaccination if you are 12+ years old:
 https://vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov/en-US/

THOMAS GREGG FOOD GROUP PROGRAM

              NEED FOOD ASSISTANCE?
If you would like to sign up for the Food Group Program you will be required to be present
from 12:30pm -2:00pm to help set up, unload, sort, and distribute groceries. Currently, we have
several slots available. Please read the above flyer for parent expectations of the program.

Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm
Date: Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
Location: Thomas Gregg Gymnasium

Upcoming Dates:

    10/7/21
    10/21/21
    11/4/21
    11/18/21
    12/2/21
    12/16/21

If interested contact :
Mr. DJ: 317-624-2781
dgraham@jbncenters.org

Mr. Alvaro: 317-762-3924
aborrero@jbncenters org
FOOD                               URBAN                           COMMUNITY
RESOURCES IN                       LEAGUE                          COMPASS
THE                                DRIVE-THRU                      Community Compass connects
                                                                   Indianapolis residents to
COMMUNITY                          FOOD GIVE -                     critical food resources and
John Boner Center                  AWAY                            nutrition assistance. The
     Food Distribution (Every                                      Community Compass contains
                                        Date: Every Tuesday
     Monday -Friday )                                              a finder for such resources as
                                        Time: 10:00am
     Time: 1:00-3:00pm                                             food pantries, Supplement
                                        Address:777 Indiana Ave.
     Address:2236 E. 10th                                          Nutrition Assistance Program
                                        Location: Indpls Urban
     Street                                                        (SNAP) and Women, Infants,
                                        League
     Location: Door#2                                              and Children (WIC) retailers and
                                                                   clinics, hot meal sites, farmers’
                                   *No ID required. For more
Westminster                                                        markets, and other food related
                                   information call 317-693-7603
     Food Distribution                                             events, and more.
     Time: Every Mon/Thurs.
     9:00am-12:00pm
     Every 2nd & 4th Saturday
     (Feb.13,27,Mar.13,27)
     Senior Day: Every 3rd Wed
     9::00am-12:00pm
     (Feb,17,March 27)
     Address:2325 E. New York
     Street

Service boundaries are as
follows:
North: 10th Street
South: Southeastern Blvd
East: Rural Street
West: Pine Street/I-65/I-70

Note: Those who live outside
this area will be served once
and redirected to other pantries
closer to your place of
residence.

Brookside School #54
Food Pantry open to the
     public
     Date: Scheduled for 2nd
     Wednesday of every
     month
     Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm
     Address: 3150 E. 10th
     Street

Indianapolis First Free
Methodist Church
     Food Pantry open to the
     public
     Address: 1215 Tecumseh
     St Indianapolis, IN 46201
     Hours: 10:00 – 11:30 am

(Please note these hours have
changed due to the COVID-19
pandemic). This pantry is
typically open Mondays 10:00
am – 1:30 pm, but has changed
these hours until further
notice).

Linwood Christian Church
     Address: 4424 E Michigan
     St
     Hours: Wednesdays 10
     am – 12 pm
     Phone: 317-357-8771
     Requirements: Must show
     proof of address. Must
     live in the following
     boundaries: North: E. 21st
     St, South: E. Washington
     St, East: N. Emerson Ave,
     and West: N. Rural

Shepherd Community Center
     Address: 4107 E
     Washington St
     Phone: 317-375-0203

Crossroads AME Church (just
added September)
     Time: Every Saturday from
     11:30am -1:30pm
     Address: 4602 N. College
     Phone: 317-515-6414
MARION COUNTY ENERGY ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM
About the Program
The Marion County Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial
assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating
season. This 2021-2022 program will include assistance with electric, heating, and water
(when funding is available).

The John Boner Neighborhood Center and many community organizations within Marion
County are collaborating to deliver the 2021-2022 Marion County Energy Assistance Program.

Beginning October 1, TGNS families that would like to apply for energy assistance can receive
help with their application directly at TGNS through our JBNC Family Navigator, Alvaro
Borrero. To contact Alvaro, please call the school at 317-226-4215 or email him directly at
aborrero@jbncenters.org.

To learn more about Eligibility, Click Here.

YOGA: TODDLER AND ME
Description: The 3rd Friday of every month yoga is offered to
caregivers and their little ones, ages 0 – 5. This is an opportunity
for healthy, playful activities you can enjoy with your little ones.
We know that as a caregiver for little ones it can be difficult to
find time to build community and socialize. This is perfect, no-
stress event to socialize with others in the same stage of life as
you. *Yoga mats will be provided. All you need to bring is yourself
and your little one.

    Date: October 15
    Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
    Location: Union Apartments
    Address: 2407 E. Michigan St.
JAZZERCISE: TODDLER AND ME
Description: The 4th Friday of every month join us for Jazzercise
for caregivers and their little ones, ages 0 – 5. This is an
opportunity for healthy, playful activities you can enjoy with your
little ones. We know that as a caregiver for little ones it can be
difficult to find time to build community and socialize. This is a
perfect, no-stress event to socialize with others in the same
stage of life as you. Come and get your DANCE on! *Yoga mats
and other exercise items will be provided. All you need to bring is
yourself and your little one.

    Date: Friday, October 22
    Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
    Location: Union Apartments
    Address: 2407 E. Michigan St.

You have been invited to join us for the upcoming Parent Café.

    Date: Wednesday, October 27th
    Schedule: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
    Theme: "TAMING THE MONSTER"
    RSVP Deadline: Monday, October 25th
    RSVP Link: https://jbncenters.formstack.com/forms/parent_caf_registration
    Zoom Link: Once you RSVP, you can expect a follow-up email including the zoom link
    information.

Description: Parent Cafe gives parents a chance to come together, listen, talk, build
friendships, & support each other around the five protective factors. Those protective factors
are listed below:

    Resilience
    Relationships
    Knowledge
    Support
    Communication

Gift Card:
Each family will receive a gift card to enjoy for attending. (included in the RSVP link).

Attendance Requirement:
If you cannot stay online for at least the first hour we ask that you plan to attend the next
Parent Café on Wednesday, November 10th. The link will be shared at a later time.

LOCAL AUTHORS WORKSHOP
Each month a local author will host a writing workshop for youth
ages 6-18. Attendance is free, and registration is a phone call
away. Participants will receive a journal, coloring pencils, writing
pencils, flash drive, and a tote bag.

    Location: East Washington Branch Library
    Date/Time: Call the East Washington Branch Library for more
    information on scheduling
    Address: 2822 E. Washington St. Indpls, IN 46201
    Phone: 317-275-4360
Some Library programs may require registration via phone call or in person. Currently all in-
person program attendees are required to wear a face covering if over 2 years old.

       THE CREEK CHURCH ADOPT A TGNS
                               STAFF MEMBER
In efforts to show appreciation for educators, members of The
Creek Church congregation have chosen to support by adopting a
TGNS staff person. Throughout the year teachers/staff
memebers can expect special gifts and encouraging messages.
Prior to the beginning of the school year, each staff member was
asked to complete a questionnaire to help with the process (i.e.,
relevant classroom needs, favorite snacks, books, and choice of
foods, etc). Mr. Evans (SEL Teacher) and Ms. Watterson (Kindergarten Teacher) were the first
to receive their gifts.

Thank you, Creek Church, for taking the initiative to celebrate TGNS staff in such a special
way!

                          DINE WITH A DOCTOR

Thomas Gregg, in partnership with John Boner Centers hosted a COVID-19 Vaccination Info
Session for Families. The event was geared towards TGNS and Brookside 54 families with
students 12years old (12yrs old or older by November 1st). Students in this age group are now
eligible to take the vaccine. Physicians Carrie Leathers, MD, and Lilian Manzano, CMA, were
present to answer questions and share information on COVID-19 vaccinations for youth.
Participants enjoyed dinner and students (12yrs old) are eligible for a $75 Kroger gift card
incentive with proof of vaccine card.

Despite the small number of attendees, Dr. Leathers did say that the discussion had was
productive and both families expressed that they are now motivated to get vaccinated. We are
happy about this and are hoping that talking to these families will have a positive impact on
others as they share their experience with members of the community.
If you missed this event and would like to take advantage of the $75 Kroger gift card the
offers will last until November 30th. To be eligible you will need the following:

    Be a Thomas Gregg or Brookside 54 student 12yrs old or older by November 1st

    Any student 12 years old and older, in accordance with current vaccine regulations, can
    submit documentation of full vaccination.

    Must be fully vaccinated

Full vaccination means either 1 dose of the Johnson & Johnson or 2 doses of the Pfizer or
Moderna vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine doses must be taken 21 days apart and the Moderna
vaccine doses must be taken 28 days apart, so keep this in mind if you are trying to meet the
deadline of November 30th for the vaccine incentive.

The gift card incentive will be offered only for student vaccinations, but we encourage the
other family members to get vaccinated as well.

Contact Mr. DJ for any questions or concerns. I will then make the connection for students to
receive their gift card. (Mr. DJ: 317-624--2781 or dgraham@jbncenters.org).

                          COMMUNITY CHAT
Beginning September, every month during Food Group, Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
will invite one partner to share resources from the community. This “Community Chat” (30-
minute development meetings for parents prior to our food delivery) will occur at the
beginning of Food Group from 12:30pm -1:00pm. The allowed time serves as a great
opportunity to share information from our roster of valuable community partners. Big Green
was present to share resources and inform parents about their organization.

During our Community Chat Laura Henderson (Program Manager /Big Green Indpls) provided
families with grow bags. Each grow bag included a 3-gallon salad garden to take home.
Parents had the option to choose from a selection of seeds to start their gardens. A three-
step of instruction was given on how to care for the salad garden:

    Step One: Location
    Step Two: Water
    Step Three: Harvest

In addition, Jeff and Gab from Westminster were present to share with families the many
services available to support families in the 46201 community. Information was also shared
with families about their annual Christmas Basket Program.

Thank you, Laura, and the Team at Big Green for providing grow bags and educating our
parents on gardening! Besides a thank you to Jeff Gabe and the Westminster team for
offering many supports and resources towards our families.

                 SMILE MOBILE VISITS TGNS

The Smile Mobile is a division of the Marion County Health Department that provides onsite
dental services. A total of nine students were served on September 16th. We are anticipating
more students who will also take advantage of the dental service offered on their return visit
on September 30th.

Thanks to our partners at MCHD for giving Thomas Gregg students this opportunity each year.

     THE CREEK MENTORS & CLASSROOM
                                  CHAMPIONS

The Creek Church provides volunteers for both its Creek Mentors and Classroom Champions
Program. A total of 20 volunteers are assigned to students and classrooms throughout the
week.

Creek Mentors – The mentoring program assists with students' social-emotional and
academic needs. Each with its own mentor. It is a great way for students to engage one-on-
one with a positive adult figure through its “Getting to know you activities”.
Classroom Champions - Classroom Champions serve in various ways as classroom helpers,
update bulletin boards, assist with guiding reading, and other tasks requested under the
direction of teachers.

Thank you Creek volunteers for the valued time and efforts you spend with each of our
students.

                            PARTNER PRAISE

LOOKING FOR A JOB?
Click the link to visit the website for current employment
opportunities.

DAYCARE/AFTERCARE
RESOURCES
If you are in need of resources for daycare, please see the
options below:

East 10th Children and Youth Center for aftercare program.
Contact Info: Emily Nauth
emily.nauth@east10th.org

Westminster for aftercare program as well.
Contact Info: Jamie Tedford
Jamie.tedford@westmin.org

Daystar for aftercare program
Contact Info: Lisa Bowling
daystarchildcare@daystar.org

All programs offer transportation from TGNS to their sites. If you any questions you will need
to email the provided contacts.

                     QUOTE OF THE MONTH

HELPFUL LINKS
TGNS Website
TGNS Staff Contact List 21-22
TGNS Student Handbook 21-22
TGNS Manuel del Estudiante 21-22
Indianapolis Public Schools
John Boner Neighborhood Centers
Questions?: Should you have any questions, please email info@thomasgregg.org or call the
school at 317-226-4215! We will be happy to assist you in any way we can.

                              STAY CONNECTED!
                                 Facebook         @thomasgregg15

                                   2302 E Michigan St, Indianapol…   ross@thomasgregg.org

                                   317-226-4215                      thomasgregg.org
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