Over half of EVSC, state schools meet federal expectations in new rating system

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

Just over half of Indiana schools are meeting or exceeding federal academic expectations, while 11 percent are failing to hit that mark, according to new school ratings released by the state Friday.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Friday released the Federal 2018-2019 School Accountability Ratings. In the data, over 56 percent of high schools and 53 percent of elementary and middle schools received a rating of Meets Expectations or Exceeds Expectations.

EVSC: Low-income students will receive more access to advanced high school courses

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education

Harrison High School Principal Jeff Dierlam said the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. is looking to make "generational change" with the announcement of a partnership with Equal Opportunity Schools.

The partnership was announced during a Thursday press conference. EVSC received funding from national organizations and local donors to establish the partnership.

Movie Review: 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker'

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Film, Culture, Entertainment

Die hard fans of the intergalactic western understood the pressure going into “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” For many, the ninth and final film of the series would dictate the legacy of the beloved space opera. The movie would need to fully encapsulate the avidity and emotion from past films, while standing out on its own. And with director J.J. Abrams taking the reins again for the franchise-closer, his intentions were to do just that.

Sig student selected for Washington D.C. program, includes $10,000 scholarship

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

Eilidh MacLeod was overwhelmed with disbelief after receiving a call that she was one of two Indiana high school students selected to meet government officials in Washington D.C. and receive a $10,000 college scholarship.

Toy giveaway at EVSC's Daniel Wertz Elementary incites cheerful frenzy

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

Students at Daniel Wertz Elementary went into a joyful frenzy Friday afternoon as they impatiently waited during the school's JAKKS Pacific Pacer Toy Giveaway.

Nearly 300 children frantically formed a line as school administrators and Evansville Police Department officers began passing out gifts from the toy company, which ranged from stuffed Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson figures to miniature skateboards and doll sets.

Twice as many Evansville children get Christmas toys from Salvation Army this year

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Culture

Carolyne Burton was one of many parents able to provide Christmas for their children with support from The Salvation Army.

The community-based organization distributed toys to nearly 2,200 children Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the ToyTown Christmas drive, which was a 212 percent increase from last year.

UE student establishes panel series to push for cultural awareness in Evansville

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

Summer El-Khodary, a first generation immigrant student at the University of Evansville, said she's often felt segregated from other students attending the predominantly white institution.

The long-time Tri-State resident, El-Khodary said she has witnessed other minorities have similar experiences.

Debate over EVSC discrimination policy dissolves into shouting match at board meeting

January 07, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

Monday's school board meeting felt like a war zone as the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. board staff and community members engaged in a series of shouting matches during the nearly two-hour meeting.

Among the meeting's most intense altercations, EVSC Attorney Pat Shoulders and Tri-State Alliance (TSA) President Wally Paynter verbally sparred over issues concerning the school corporation's non-discrimination policy.