Home Blog Page 3091

Find Your Indiana School’s 2019 Federal Accountability Rating

0
Find your Indiana School’s 2019 Federal Accountability Rating

By Emma Kate Fittes FOR CHALKBEAT, INDIANA

Most of Indiana’s more than 1,800 schools are considered to be meeting or approaching the state’s expectations, according to 2019 federal ratings released Friday.

Few schools — just 87 — rose to “exceeding expectations.” Around 200, or 11%, were not considered to be meeting standards and scored in the lowest category.

The 2019 federal ratings offer the first gauge of how schools performed last year while state A-F grades remain tied up by a potential hold harmless exemption to protect schools from low test scores in the first year of the new ILEARN exam.

The state adopted this second measure in 2017 to comply with new federal requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act without changing state grades. Schools are scored based on whether they are on track to meet the state’s long-term goals in seven different areas: test scores, growth scores, attendance rates, graduation rates, the percentage of students who earn honors diplomas, gaps in passing rates among student groups, and progress for English-language learners.

 

This is the first year schools were put into categories. In 2018, they were given federal A-F grades, but the Indiana Department of Education altered its approach after the practice was criticized for being confusing.

Find your school’s 2019 federal rating in our searchable database below.

 

STATE OF EVANSVILLE REPORT

0

STATE OF EVANSVILLE REPORT

Unless you love the place you live, you can never be an agent in its transformation. Do you love Evansville? Listening is the first act of love each of us can do for our city. What are the needs and dreams of our city? What holds us back?

The purpose of the State of E Report is to coalesce and communicate our city’s most pressing needs so that individuals like you can leverage it to solve those needs.

While there are many needs worth addressing, we intend this report to highlight the ones that have an exponential effect on the flourishing of every person.

In 2019, we set out to establish a preview of what we hope will become a trusted guide in subsequent years for navigating our community’s needs and dreams. We hope you’ll read it, digest it, pull people together, and act on it.

https://13312edd-0fbc-42bb-81d2-c3e7e303ffed.filesusr.com/ugd/5eb270_786977cdd63146eda52244969c00cadf.pdf

 FOOTNOTES:

FULL AND FUTURE REPORTS

Thank you for reading through this brief summary of our pilot report for 2019. We hope exploring a highlight of these five issues leads you to a better understanding of our city and a clearer focus on where to invest your time, talent, and resources. Future reports will also help you discern how you can make those investments.

You Can Download The Free Full Report At

www.forevansville.org/stateofe.

ABOUT FOR EVANSVILLE

We are a social entrepreneurial organization committed to cultivating collaboration between the Church and the City around the city’s needs and dreams that align with the mission of Jesus Christ.

We want to see Evansville be a city where every person: Experience love and give love prioritizes the holistic well-being of all people and has work that prioritizes the holistic well-being of all people and has work that provides community value and individual purpose.

That kind of city is for everyone.

In order to build a trusted resource of synthesized, actionable data and insight for our community, we are looking to coordinate and collaborate with local research experts for the 2020 State of E Report (i.e. foundations, consultants, and businesses).

If you or your organization would like to help us improve, support, and verify future reports, please contact us at info@forevansville.org.

Citywide flourishing happens when every person in the city flourishes. We pursue the flourishing of every person by bringing people together to solve our city’s most pressing needs.

We do that by convening church and community leaders, cultivating the mindsets and language necessary for transformative impact, and storytelling about the way things are and the way things could be.

We believe there is an enormous amount of opportunity for people of different backgrounds and perspectives to work together toward common passions.

page4image3611844864

page4image3611844864 page4image3611845232
page4image3611844864

COMMISSIONER HATFIELD ENDORSE MUSGRAVE AND SHOULDERS FOR RE-ELECTION

0

COMMISSIONER HATFIELD ENDORSE MUSGRAVE AND SHOULDERS FOR RE-ELECTION

As a Vanderburgh County Commissioner, I find myself managing a host of different issues, most totally unrelated to each other: such as zonings, drainage, roads, health insurance, board appointments, public safety, etc.

I believe citizens want a commissioner who will handle each issue in a manner that is best for the community as a whole. I believe citizens want a commissioner who is not led by “group think” or politics. The community needs commissioners who gather as much information as possible before making a decision.

In the one year that I have served as Vanderburgh County Commissioner, I have had the pleasure of serving with two individuals who possess these qualities.

It is for these reasons that I am pleased to endorse both, Ben Shoulders and Cheryl Musgrave, for re-election as Vanderburgh County Commissioner in 2020.

EPA At 50: Progress For A Stronger Future

0

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its 50th anniversary theme, “EPA at 50: Progress for a Stronger Future.”

“For fifty years, EPA employees and our many partners have worked together to fulfill the agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment. Today, Americans enjoy cleaner land, air and water than ever before,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “I look forward to celebrating the agency’s accomplishments throughout the year, and I hope that we can inspire the next generation of environmental leaders to continue building on our progress for the next 50 years.”

Throughout 2020, EPA will commemorate the agency’s many achievements and continued progress, culminating in a 50th Anniversary celebration on Dec. 2, 2020. During the month of January, EPA will be highlighting the agency’s efforts to create a cleaner, healthier environment for all Americans. Since 1970, EPA has made significant progress in protecting the nation’s water, cleaning up our air and land, and safeguarding human health. Historic milestones include setting the nation’s air quality standards to protect human health, regulating the quality of public drinking water, creating the Superfund program to clean up hazardous waste sites, and protecting children from exposure to lead-based paint, to name a few.

EPA was established on Dec. 2, 1970, to consolidate into one agency a variety of federal environmental responsibilities including research, monitoring, standard setting, and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection while simultaneously safeguarding human health. The agency’s first administrator, the late William Ruckelshaus, took the oath of office on Dec. 4, 1970.

SIGMA EQUIPMENT EXPANDS THEIR SHOP SERVICES

0

(Evansville, IN) January 7, 2019 — SIGMA Equipment, in Evansville, Indiana, announced today the expansion to their reconditioning shop and shop services. 

The 10,000 square foot expansion includes multiple enhanced shop capabilities that will allow the SIGMA Equipment team to take on larger and more in-depth projects.

The New Shop Will Include:

28 new power stations equipped to handle up to 100 amps of service, in addition to the 30 power stations currently housed. The new stations can accommodate larger and more power-consuming equipment such as ovens, bakery mixers, and heat tunnels. 

The lathe, mill, and welders are also a new feature that gives SIGMA the opportunity to build and manufacture their own parts as needed for the equipment and projects they are servicing. 

Finally, the shop now boasts a new “SIGMA Red” epoxied floor that is not only a safety enhancement but will be used for additional branding and marketing efforts. 

Owner, Rob Palmer, said “In my mind, the new build-out is a continuation of our commitment to provide world-class reconditioning services to our existing and future customers.  We’ve built the largest reconditioning shop in North America committed to the processing and packaging industry.  We now have space to power-up and retool up to 50 units simultaneously.  It is a very exciting time for the SIGMA Team and we look forward to sharing our passion for machinery with our customers.” 

SIGMA has doubled its number of engineering projects over the last few years. As the number of projects has increased, so have the needs for the shop.

“Our Shop Services division has grown exponentially over the last year. We are excited about all the opportunities the new expansion will bring, not just for SIGMA, but for the community as well.” Shop Supervisor, Jim Dougan said. 

SIGMA Equipment will be expanding its offering of on-site technical start-up services to offer traveling service techs and integration services in addition to the currently offered power up videos and customized engineering projects. 

Through the creation of this new shop, SIGMA Equipment will be looking to hire 3-4 new shop technicians in the immediate future, with room for growth in the future. 

This expansion is one of many that SIGMA Equipment has been working on over the last 5 years. The most recent being the expansion of the Marketing and IT department’s workspace, completed in 2017. 

For interest in open positions, please select one of the links below: 

 HYPERLINK “mailto:kdus@sigmaequipment.com” kdus@sigmaequipment.com

Link to video: https://youtu.be/JGJcX0M7tQU 

TRADITIONAL REITZ MEMORIAL AND MATER DEL HIGH SCHOOLS LOTTERY RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

0
Evansville Catholic High Schools | Tradition Lottery Website

Prevent Lung Cancer: Test Your Home for Radon

0

This National Radon Action Month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages Americans around the country to test their homes for radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer. Make 2020 a healthier, safer new year by testing your home.

“Radon exposure is one of the most important public health issues affecting Americans today,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.  “Nearly 21,000 people die each year from lunch cancer caused by exposure to radon.  Each January, EPA recognizes National Radon Action Month by spreading awareness of prevention and mitigation methods that will save lives.  I encourage everyone to take time this January to test and prevent radon exposure in their home.”

EPA’s radon program began more than 30 years ago as the scientific and public health community began to understand the risks associated with indoor radon exposure. Since then, elevated radon levels have been fixed in approximately two million homes in the United States and millions more have been tested. In many states, radon testing has become a standard part of real estate transactions. However, EPA estimates that about seven million high-radon homes remain across the United States.

Testing is the only way to know if a home has an elevated level of radon. Affordable do-it-yourself radon test kits are available online and at most home improvement and hardware stores. You can also hire a qualified radon professional to test your home. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend taking action to fix your home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more.

Taking action to reduce your exposure to radon is a long-term investment in your families’ health and your home. The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. Most homes, however, can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs.

Wonder Where Your Tax Dollars Are Spent?

0

DOR Launches Campaign to Tell You Where Your Tax Dollars Are Spent

Ever wonder how the taxes paid to the State of Indiana are utilized? The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) is embarking on a communications campaign in collaboration with 12 other state agencies throughout 2020 to answer that question.

While DOR administers all state taxes, determining where these funds go is a function of the Indiana Legislature. Once processed, funds collected on behalf of the state are made available to state agencies with the oversight of the State Budget Agency.

“This campaign is long overdue,” said DOR Commissioner Adam Krupp. “Taxes are complicated; explaining how state agencies utilize these funds to benefit Hoosiers on a personal level is a great way to connect DOR’s core functions to the various state-wide services provided.”

DOR will be highlighting a state agency each month throughout 2020 to showcase how the work each agency does is supported by state tax dollars, such as preparing children for kindergarten, preventing pollution of the state’s waterways and helping homeless veterans. The participating agencies include:

  • Department of Revenue (January)
  • Department of Natural Resources (February)
  • Family and Social Services Administration (March)
  • Department of Environmental Management (April)
  • Indiana State Police (May)
  • Department of Corrections (June)
  • Department of Education (July)
  • Indiana School for the Blind (August)
  • State Department of Health (September)
  • State Library (October)
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (November)
  • Department of Homeland Security (December)

DOR’s campaign will be promoted on the agency’s social media platforms, which can be found by searching @INRevenue on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Individuals can also follow the campaign by subscribing to DOR’s Tax Talk Blog at dor.in.gov/3877.htm.

Gov. Holcomb Names Richardson As Executive Director Of Indiana Office Of Energy Development

0

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced he has selected Jennifer Richardson to serve as the executive director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development.

“Jennifer brings the vision, collaboration, and experience that Indiana needs as it navigates the changing and evolving energy landscape across the nation,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Under her leadership, Indiana will remain competitive as we develop reliable, affordable energy solutions for Hoosiers.”

Richardson has worked as the director of energy policy, renewables and resilience in the Office of Energy Development since 2018, where she has overseen the development of sustainable programs with utility, private-sector and non-profit partners and served as a federal and state advisor on strategic and technical expertise on key energy policy.

Her work developing energy and fuel policies for the state has brought together stakeholders and leveraged private sector resources that help Indiana’s economy.

Previously, Richardson worked as a regional manager for state regulatory affairs and policy for Midcontinent Independent System Operator. She also worked for several years for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and had a 10-year career at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, including working as the director of federal and legislative policy.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development focuses on the development and implementation of comprehensive energy planning for the state that utilizes all of Indiana’s energy resources and supports a strong, dynamic, and growing economy and affordable energy for Hoosiers.

FOOTNOTE: Richardson’s new position was effective Dec. 30. 2019

UE Archaeology Alumni Study at University of Cambridge in the UK

0
U E

Two UE archaeology alumni, Kevin Kay (class of 2013) and Maggie Sullivan (class of 2019) are working toward advanced degrees at the University of Cambridge in England.

“Everyone in the Department of Archaeology and Art History is immensely proud of Kevin and Maggie,” said Alan Kaiser, PhD, chair of the Department of Archaeology and Art History. “While they were at UE, both proved themselves to be outstanding students. Kevin pursued his interest in archaeological theory in class projects and papers, raising questions and offering ideas that made even us professors stop and think. Maggie took advantage her time both with the Jezreel Expedition and at Harlaxton to explore and travel in order to gain first-hand knowledge about the Black Death. Each got the most out of the opportunities UE has to offer.”

Kay earned a BA in archaeology and classical studies and a minor in literature at UE in 2013 and an MPhil in archaeological research at the University of Cambridge in 2014. After a stint in CRM and potato delivery in the US, he was admitted into the PhD program at the University of Cambridge and will submit his doctoral thesis in early 2020. Kevin’s research focuses on the role of houses and intimate communities in politics in the Neolithic, especially at the site of Çatalhöyük in Turkey, where he has excavated since 2014.

Sullivan earned her BA in archaeology and gender and women’s studies from UE in 2019 and is currently studying for her MPhil in medieval archaeology at the University of Cambridge. Her research interests include everything archaeological about the Black Death, the foundation of military orders during the Crusades, and questions of identity in medieval and Renaissance Italy. Maggie spent one season at UE’s Jezreel Expedition in Israel and surveyed multiple sites around and on Lough Key in Co. Roscommon, Ireland.

The UE Department of Archaeology and Art History is one of the few stand-alone archaeology departments in the nation, and one of only a few to offer a BA in archaeology. Students in the department have countless hands-on opportunities to learn excavation and lab techniques, including at the only ongoing on-campus excavation in the nation called Tin City.

“Having one student admitted to a graduate program at University of Cambridge is something for an undergraduate university to celebrate,” said Kaiser. “Having two students studying there at the same time both from just one department within a university is quite exceptional. UE has one of the top archaeology programs in the nation, attracting students from around the country and even the world. The program provides them with both the practical and theoretical grounding they need to succeed in the field while simultaneously nurturing each student’s own specific passions. As Maggie and Kevin prove, UE archaeology majors can do anything!

1...3,0903,0913,092...7,312Page 3,091 of 7,312