Indianapolis, IN

Lead poisoning affecting literacy rates in Indianapolis

Published

1 year ago

January 11, 2024

Lead poisoning affecting literacy rates in Indianapolis

A new report by the Paramount Health Data Project shows that lead poisoning in Indianapolis schools is affecting children’s literacy rates.

For the last five years, the organization conducted a longitudinal study across three schools in Indianapolis – Ascent Collegiate School, Brilliant Central School and Catalyst School.

NAACP addresses lead poisoning, Testing students for elevated lead levels

Due to federal research guidelines, the three Indianapolis schools were given pseudonyms in the publicly released research. Named, the ABCs of Academic Health, the report shows an issue with school readiness due to lead.

“We recognized that the impact of lead in the water had drastic impacts for the Catalyst school. They were in the NAACP report several years ago, and they had devastating levels of lead in their building. So, I think the impact of lead on literacy rates in Indianapolis, we can’t separate those two issues,” said Dr. Addie Angelov, CEO and co-founder of Paramount Health Data Project.

“I think what is also important is that the number of African American males who are getting a daily medication in schools, remember these are K through eighth grades with kids under the age of 13, are shockingly high.”

Lead poisoning report for schools

Paramount Health Data Project is an Indiana-based nonprofit incubated out of an elementary school on the east side of Indianapolis.

The nonprofit completes research that correlates academic achievement with student health.

It completes reports for schools two to three times a year and publishes peer-reviewed research.

“In School 42, there was a kindergartner who was picking paint off a wall and was eating it. We found out that we could call the Marion County Health Department to come in and test the child because we didn’t know if the paint had lead in it,” said Garry Holland with the Greater Indianapolis NAACP.

The Indianapolis NAACP began testing all kindergarten and first-graders in the school in 2017. It also tested the soil on the playground.

“There wasn’t any lead there, but there was an indication of a pipe behind the wall that may have had lead in it. Then we asked for the water report,” said Holland.

The NAACP asked the Marion County Health Department to test 13 school districts for lead.
Lead in drinking water should not exceed 15 ppb (parts per billion), according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Lead testing water in schools

The American Pediatrics Society recommends that schools keep lead concentrations in water no greater than 1 ppb.

The health department found that daycares had 1,893 ppb coming out of water fountains: Lawrence Township had 2,743 ppb; Warren Township had 6,118 ppb; private schools had 8,630 ppb.

The lowest ppb other schools had was 73.65 ppb, with some districts and schools being in the hundreds.

“What that means is that some of these schools had straight poison water coming out of their faucets and sinks. We had a press conference with the mayor, a doctor and City-County Council,” said Holland.

“Lead poisoning causes comprehension problems, behavior issues, not being able to see the board and not being able to read. That was a factor in most urban schools. If the environment is toxic, then we needed legislation to combat that.”

Holland said Indianapolis, like many modern urban cities, suffers from a historic legacy of lead pollution.

Solutions to address lead in schools

House Bill 1138, proposed and passed in 2023, requires daycares, preschools and childcare facilities to test for lead by 2026.

New federal rules also require utility companies to test water at schools and daycares connected to public water systems starting in 2025.

“We also know that schools in Indiana have definitely struggled, especially in Indianapolis, to get school nurses, and they are not provided support with that endeavor because hospitals and medical professionals are paying top dollar for nurses right now,” said Angelov.

“So, we believe that telehealth with a certified nursing assistant option would be the most economical as well, making sure that schools could continue to provide health care even during the nurse shortage.”

At the end of the day, Angelov said healthier kids learn and perform better.

Coming out of COVID-19, she said they are seeing major issues with mental health, literacy and absenteeism for students.

Paramount’s research provides quantitative data to inform policy and support and obtain fiscal flexibility to provide school support.

“If we do not respond to these things, if we do not start helping schools navigate health issues, we are going to continue to see the same results we have right now,” said Angelov.
“The reality is, we have to do better, or we will continue to do the same things and expect different results.”

If parents or guardians are concerned that a child has been exposed to lead, they can request a blood test from a doctor or their local health department.

In Marion County, call the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (317) 221-2155.

Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at (317) 762-7853 or by email JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

Source link

Click to comment

Indianapolis, IN

Here’s which schools are closed or on a delay as extreme cold continues Tuesday

Published

58 minutes ago

January 20, 2025

Press Room

Here’s which schools are closed or on a delay as extreme cold continues Tuesday

This article will be updated.

Students throughout the region were scheduled for a three-day weekend in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, and time at home could continue into Tuesday as central Indiana undergoes an extreme cold snap.

Conditions will be treacherous for young ones heading out to school on foot, and buses may have a hard time navigating hardened ice on Indianapolis’ unplowed residential roads.

The National Weather Service predicts a high temperature of only 7 degrees and with wind chill values dipping as low as -11 degrees.

On Friday, leadership from at least three area school districts notified parents that students should take home school-provided devices for the weekend in case classes move to an E-Learning day Tuesday.

There isn’t a specific temperature threshold that schools use to close during extreme cold, but guidelines issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration give districts administrators a point of reference.

If air temperatures are -10 degrees or colder at 6 a.m., schools may consider delaying their start time by two hours, according to the NOAA guidelines.

A two-hour delay would also be considered if wind chill brings temperatures below -19 degrees at 6 a.m. If wind chill remains at -19 degrees or cooler by 9 a.m., schools may close.

Schools also look at road conditions and risks to students’ health. The Indianapolis Public School’s general weather guidelines note that school will be delayed or canceled if conditions could lead to frostbite in 10 minutes or less. That’s not predicted to be the case Tuesday, though it will still be extremely cold, and experts recommend that all exposed skin is covered before heading outdoors.

Here is a list of what Central Indiana schools have announced as of Monday afternoon.

Avon Community School Corp.

No announcement.

Website: Avon Community School Corp.

Beech Grove City Schools

No announcement.

Website: Beech Grove City Schools

Bishop Chatard High School

No announcement.

Website: Bishop Chatard High School

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

No announcement.

Website: Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Brownsburg Community School Corp.

No announcement.

Website: Brownsburg Community School Corp.

Cardinal Ritter High School

No announcement.

Website: Cardinal Ritter High School

Carmel Clay Schools

Carmel Clay Schools will have a two-hour delay on Tuesday.

Website: Carmel Clay Schools

Cathedral High School

No announcement.

Website: Cathedral High School

Center Grove Community School Corp.

Center Grove Community School Corporation will open with a two-hour delay on Tuesday. There will be no morning preschool.

Website: Center Grove Community School Corp.

MSD Decatur Township Schools

No announcement.

Website: MSD Decatur Township Schools

Franklin Community Schools

Franklin Community Schools will operate with a two-hour delay on Tuesday.

Website: Franklin Community Schools

Franklin Township Community Schools

No announcement.

Website: Franklin Township Community Schools

Greenwood Community Schools

Greenwood Community Schools will open with a two hour delay on Tuesday.

Website: Greenwood Community Schools

Guerin Catholic High School

Guerin Catholic High School will operate with a two-hour delay on Tuesday. Zero period is cancelled. Mass will be offered at 9:45 a.m., and first period will begin at 10:30 a.m. Math League is moved to Thursday at 7:45 a.m.

Website: Guerin Catholic High School

Hamilton Southeastern Schools

Hamilton Southeastern will have a two hour delay on Tuesday. HSE Preschool and Academy morning classes are canceled.

Website: Hamilton Southeastern Schools

Heritage Christian School

No announcement.

Website: Heritage Christian School

Indianapolis Public Schools

No announcement.

Website: Indianapolis Public Schools

MSD Lawrence Township Schools

No announcement.

Website: MSD Lawrence Township Schools

Noblesville Schools

Noblesville Schools will open with a two-hour delay Tuesday.

Website: Noblesville Schools

Orchard School

No announcement.

Website: Orchard School

Park Tudor

No announcement.

Website: Park Tudor

Perry Township Schools

No announcement.

Website: Perry Township Schools

MSD Pike Township

No announcement.

Website: MSD Pike Township

Plainfield Community School Corp.

No announcement.

Website: Plainfield Community School Corp.

Roncalli High School

No announcement.

Website: Roncalli High School

Scecina Memorial High School

No announcement.

Website: Scecina Memorial High School

Speedway Schools

No announcement.

Website: Speedway Schools

St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School

No announcement.

Website: St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School

University High School

No announcement.

Website: University High School

MSD Washington Township Schools

No announcement.

Website: MSD Washington Township Schools

MSD Warren Township Schools

No announcement.

Website: MSD Warren Township Schools

MSD Wayne Township Schools

No announcement.

Website: MSD Wayne Township Schools

Westfield Washington Schools

Westfield Washington Schools will be on a two-hour delay Tuesday. TOTS, All Aboard and BAC will all open at 7:15 a.m., and Morning Developmental Preschool is canceled.

Website: Westfield Washington Schools

Zionsville Community Schools

Zionsville Community Schools will open with a two-hour delay on Tuesday.

Website: Zionsville Community Schools

Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy.

Source link

Indianapolis, IN

Foodies rejoice! Devour Indy Winterfest starts Monday

Published

9 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Press Room

Foodies rejoice! Devour Indy Winterfest starts Monday

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis foodies rejoice! Devour Indy Winterfest kicked off on Monday, offering all kinds of deals for all kinds of appetites.

The Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association puts on the event, once in the winter and again in the summer.

This edition of the bi-annual food festival features more than 150 restaurants that will serve special three-course meals. Organizers say more than a dozen new businesses are joining Devour this Winterfest, and they hope to offer Indy foodies an opportunity to explore the city’s “vibrant restaurant scene.”

In a press release on Monday, InRLA President & CEO Patrick Tamm says the festival wants to give a platform to restaurants across the city.

“Devour Indy is more than just a dining event; it’s a celebration of community and creativity within our restaurant industry,” Tamm said. “We’re proud to connect diners with these talented local chefs while fostering economic growth for our restaurants and hospitality partners.”

Earlier this month, the InRLA announced the AAA Hoosier Motor Club as the official sponsor of this year’s Winterfest. According to a separate press release, the partnership allows AAA members to get special perks.

Matt Goins, AAA’s president and CEO, says Devour goes hand in hand with their mission.

“AAA Hoosier Motor Club has a long-standing tradition of advocating for local businesses and enriching the lives of our members,” Goins said. “Partnering with Devour Indy is a natural extension of our commitment to the Central Indiana community, and we are excited to help highlight the incredible culinary talent our region has to offer.”

It’s not all about food, though. The Loft at Traders Point Creamery is the official cocktail of the 2025 edition of Devour Indy Winterfest. In total, seven drinks are being featured this Devour run.

To take part in Winterfest, simply go to one of the participating restaurants and ask for the Devour menu.

Winterfest runs from Monday until Feb. 2. For a full rundown of participating restaurants and their featured menus, visit the Devour Indy website.

Source link

Indianapolis, IN

Analyst Says Colts’ O-Line No Longer Elite

Published

16 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Press Room

Analyst Says Colts’ O-Line No Longer Elite

The Indianapolis Colts finished an unmemorable 2024 campaign with plenty of disappointment after missing the playoffs for a fourth straight year. While the defense looked rough under Gus Bradley, the offense wasn’t the greatest in year two of Shane Steichen.

While Indy finished 13th in the NFL in overall yards per game (334.8), they concluded in the bottom half in points per game at 17th (22.2). Many eyes were on quarterback Anthony Richardson’s performance, but the offensive line was the biggest constant with mainstays like guard Quenton Nelson, center Ryan Kelly, and tackle Braden Smith.

However, Pro Football Network‘s Ben Rolfe believes the Colts’ protection isn’t what it used to be, ranking the position group 15th in the NFL in their recent article ranking all 32 offensive lines.

The Indianapolis Colts’ OL is no longer the elite unit it once was. It still has some good players, but it lacks high-level talent across the board.
– Ben Rolfe | Pro Football Network
Advertisement

To Rolfe’s point on the aforementioned ‘mainstays,’ minus Nelson, Kelly (67.0) and Smith (66.2) didn’t post the best offensive grades from Pro Football Focus and might show signs of regression. However, to say the Colts’ offensive line lacks talent is a bit of a stretch.

Indianapolis took the third and fourth rounds of the 2024 NFL draft to select Matt Goncalves (third-rounder) and Tanor Bortolini (fourth-rounder). With multiple injuries on the line, both had opportunities to start and gather valuable NFL experience in the trenches.

What happens next for the Colts? Don’t miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

Goncalves saw 563 snaps at both tackle positions, while Bortolini logged 348 at center. While neither played out of this world in their rookie campaigns, they were solid in their starting roles and have bright futures.

Yes, the Colts can push backups who saw action and underwhelmed like guard Dalton Tucker or tackle Blake Freeland, but the Colts have young names developing into possible starter-level talents.

Tony Sparano Jr.’s unit protected quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Richardson well, allowing 32 sacks as a team, which was tied for the seventh-fewest in 2024. Flacco’s immobility did help account for 12 of the sacks, but overall, Indy did fine to shore up their field generals.

As for run-blocking, it all stands out in running back Jonathan Taylor’s metrics. The Pro Bowler accumulated 303 carries for 1,431 rushing yards (4.7 average) and 11 rushing scores. While it’s fair to say Taylor is an elite back, he can’t always generate four-plus yards a tote without a line that creates the lanes.

The Colts can always afford to add more skillsets to their offensive line unit. Given that the injury rate is guaranteed at the pro level, it’s smart to have capable players backing up the starters. Luckily for Indianapolis, quarterback Richardson avoids sacks well and can get out of the pocket effectively.

Look for the Colts to continue emphasizing adding depth to the offensive line. While free agency and the draft are ahead, so are difficult decisions for Chris Ballard and Co. on Kelly, Fries, and Smith. We’ll see who they let walk and possibly re-sign, for the 2025 campaign.

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.

Source link