Holiday Shop gives EVSC students chance to shop for family, friends

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Culture, Community, Education

Fifth-grader Lauren Brece and her friends did their best to curb their excitement as they sat outside Stringtown Elementary's Holiday Shop's doors.

But as they passed through the entrance, glancing around the room's extensive gift display, they couldn't help but convey their feelings of anticipation during the school's weeklong annual program. The event, put on by Parent-Teacher Association members, allows the kids to pick out gifts to give family and friends.

What does EVSC's non-discrimination policy cover? A closer look at the district’s approach.

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in LGBTQ, Community, Education

Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp.'s non-discrimination policy has been at the center of a recent controversy involving a School Board member.

A video released by Tri-State Alliance purports to show EVSC Board Member Ann Ennis appearing to make a transphobic statement toward LGBTQ activists after last week's board meeting. Ennis though said the comments were taken out of context.

Patchwork Central: Christmas Party provides gifts for local families ahead of holiday

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Culture, Art

Children impatiently hovered outside Patchwork Central to scour the center's sprawling gift display, with each carefully choosing items to give their families in time for the holiday season.

Cry me a river: EVSC board member accused of dismissing transgender suicide in viral video

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education, LGBTQ

A video of Evansville Vanderburgh County School Corp. Board Member Ann Ennis shouting at transgender advocates has grabbed national headlines with many calling for her removal from the board, but Ennis said it was taken out of context.

Warrick County educator selected as the state's top principal

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

A local principal was named Principal of the Year this past weekend receiving recognition for her work to better both her school and community.

Sharon Elementary School Principal Ashlee Bruggenschmidt was named the 2019 State Elementary Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) Sunday.

Fairlawn students participate in career-focused workshops at Ivy Tech, part of new program

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

As Fairlawn Elementary School students weaved through the halls of Ivy Tech Community College Friday, fifth-grader Julissa Fuqua was surprised by the day's activities.

Fuqua and nearly 70 of her classmates were split into groups and guided into four different classrooms, each filled with work stations.

Warrick County school celebrates after winning county's first Blue Ribbon Schools award

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

Loge Elementary Principal Lynne Pierce was shocked to see a gymnasium full of students and faculty all thanking her for the work she's done to ensure the school's recent recognition.

As Pierce's emotions began to surface, they applauded from their bleacher seats in honor of her daily efforts, which led to Loge becoming the first school in Warrick County history to receive the National Blue Ribbon School award.

Evansville awarded $1 million grant to help youth affected by substance abuse

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community, Culture

Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and other city officials announced Wednesday afternoon that Evansville was awarded a $1 million federal grant to help youth affected by opioid and substance abuse connect to local services.

Downtown Evansville's holiday decor going bigger this year

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community

Just one day after Evansville residents were busy with candy-filled pursuits and decked in their Halloween costumes, the downtown area was covered in Christmas decor.

Friday was the big day that Evansville's holiday decorations went up around downtown.

And the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District (EID) has vied to go even bigger this year, EID President Josh Armstrong said.

'Village of support:' EVSC celebrates 20 years of English as a Second Language program

January 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its English as a Second Language program — an initiative designed to improve the academic experiences of international students.

Sig students win 5th Annual Changemaker Challenge, securing full scholarship funding at UE

January 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

A group of Signature School students won the 5th Annual Changemaker Challenge Wednesday, with each team member securing full tuition scholarships to the University of Evansville.

Project Oasis, which includes students Graham Griffin, Ranny Badreddine, Futhallah Hamed and team coach José Mota, pitched the development of a mobile food store for people in low-income areas with no access to groceries.

EVSC hosts Olympic-style game days for special need students

January 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

Local students bear-crawled and tugged their way through a series of obstacle courses Tuesday during the district's Special Education Unified Game Days that continue Wednesday.

For weeks, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. middle and elementary students trained to participate in the Olympic-style program. The event included more than 200 students from 10 EVSC elementary schools competing on Central High School's track and football field.

USDA invests $4.2 million to renovate Boonville water utility system

January 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Culture

As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's $10 million investment in Indiana, the city of Boonville will receive more than $4.2 million to renovate the city's water utility system. .

The USDA announced a statewide initiative to improve Indiana's water and wastewater infrastructure Friday. The Warrick County seat will benefit from a $3,657,000 million loan and a $629,000 grant to improve the system for the Boonville Water Utility service area.

UE, students help reinstate local music program

January 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education, Music

Joshua Academy's music program was disbanded in 2017 due to a lack of funding but has been brought back to life with the help of students from the University of Evansville.

At the start of the academic year, a group of UE students started working with staff and students at the Evansville charter school to help reestablish their music program.

Remembering Bunny, Evansville's beloved elephant, two decades since she left the city

January 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Culture

It's been 20 years since Evansville's beloved attraction left the Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden — Sept. 29, 1999. The Asian elephant, affectionately named Bunny, was a mainstay at the zoo.

After being captured in Burma, Bunny arrived in Evansville in 1954. Over the next 45 years, she grew from her 4 foot and 450-pound-frame to a hulking 7,800-pound creature and was one of Mesker Park Zoo's biggest attractions.

EVSC board members dispute over secrecy and meeting litigations

January 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

Ann Ennis, a member of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. School Board, couldn't get answers to her questions about workman's compensation for EVSC staff during a regularly-scheduled board meeting on Sept. 9.

So Ennis — an elected official — filed for a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) with EVSC. After several days, the school corporation approved her request giving her access to the information. But she's still concerned about communication and transparency.