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Lollipops and love: Indianapolis east side school uses rewards to keep kids on track

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Lollipops and love: Indianapolis east side school uses rewards to keep kids on track


INDIANAPOLIS — It’s no secret that today’s youth face a lot of challenges that often spill into the classroom, and staff at Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School are rolling in rewards to keep students on the right track on Indianapolis’ East Side.

Lollipops and love: Indianapolis east side school uses rewards to keep kids on track

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The sounds of cheering echoed through the halls and classrooms as the Bow Wow Behavior Cart — filled each month with different prizes and treats — made its rounds. Janice Jenkins, the school’s dean of culture, started the initiative to encourage students to follow the school’s core values: take care of yourself, take care of each other and take care of the building.

“If you did not receive any referrals in the month of September you get lolly pops and love,” Jenkins said.

The cart is part of a broader effort to create safety and support for students who are coping with trauma and other hardships.

“Today’s society is just stacked up against us. We have a lot of trauma-based children in our school. We want them to have a sense of safety and love, however they can get it,” she said.

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Students who go a month without behavior referrals earn rewards and recognition. Each class also chooses a Bulldog of the Month; that student’s photo is posted in the halls and the child receives a special party.

Kevin Brown, a fifth-grade student, said the program is about consistency. “It’s not just one day you should be good. It’s every day you should be good.”

Leo Caldwell, a fifth-grade student, said he’s noticed changes among classmates. “I’ve seen people change like them, not getting mad, them not having an attitude, then not getting write-ups as much as they used to.”

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Jenkins said staff frequently fill roles beyond educators, stepping in as surrogate parents, health-care navigators and mental health supporters when students need it.

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“People take things for granted and assume that everyone’s parents the same. That all of our children receive everything. But we want to make sure we can do what we can do. Give them love when we can, give them hugs. We have to be the parents, the doctors, the healthcare providers. We try to meet their needs,” she said.

When students don’t earn rewards, Jenkins believes the program encourages students to keep trying. “If you did not get one this time, there’s always next month.”

School staff hope the small gestures — lollipops, recognition and a sense of belonging — will steer students toward brighter futures.

“We need a good fix and our children need every opportunity to be good,” Jenkins said. “They’re much more than their mistakes. I want everyone to understand we don’t have bad children and good children. We have children who make bad mistakes and children who make good choices.”





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Indianapolis, IN

Man arrested for gun and drug possession in downtown Indianapolis

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Man arrested for gun and drug possession in downtown Indianapolis


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers arrested a man Tuesday for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and possession of marijuana according to an Thursday IMPD Downtown District Facebook post.

Police pulled over 33-year-old Malcolm Murray at the intersection if East Ohio Street and North Delaware Street because Murray did not have a license.

Police asked Murray if he had any weapons in his car and he told the officers no.

Police asked Murray to leave the car and Murray put down a crossbody bag that he was wearing.

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Narcotics detection K-9 Bruce identified narcotics odor in the car. Police searched the car and found a handgun and marijuana inside the crossbody bag.

Police say that Murray tried to blame the female passenger saying, “Ain’t that your gun.”

Police arrested Murray for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and possession of marijuana.



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Downtown fitness center 4th annual ‘Pump it for Parkinson’s’ fundraiser

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Downtown fitness center 4th annual ‘Pump it for Parkinson’s’ fundraiser


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The National Institute for Fitness and Sport hosted its fourth “Pump it for Parkinson’s” on Thursday. It’s a step-a-thon style event with more than 500 locations participating.

Organizers set a goal of hitting 50 million nationally this year. Last year, the fundraiser hit 33 million steps. Locally, NIFS hopes to reach 2 million steps.

The annual fundraiser is part of the nonprofit’s efforts for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which falls in April.

This year, the group partnered with White River State Park and put up signage for people to track their steps to submit.

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President Emily Davenport says exercise has proven to be key in managing Parkinson’s symptoms.

“When we started this initiative four years ago, our goal was to raise awareness on the benefits,” Davenport said. “It’s amazing what we’ve learned of how many people are touched by this disease, whether it’s the diagnosis for themself or a family member, a friend who has that diagnosis.”

Steps were completed on the track in the gym or on exercise machines. NIFS has worked with exercise equipment company NuStep since the event’s inception.

Sales Manager Shane Lehto says his coworkers make a day of the event every year at their Michigan headquarters.

“We also invite the public to come in,” Lehto said. “We’ve got several of our machines set up. We’ve got a big screen TV that’s got a track that they can race on.”

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Pump it for Parkinson’s complements the organization’s work in fitness for aging populations. It also runs “Bold Moves,” an exercise regimen for people living with the disease.

Alex Carpenter is an instructor at NIFS who leads some of those classes. He says it’s rewarding to see someone’s progress.

“Honestly, (it’s) the best part of my day,” Carpenter said. “Just seeing that positive interaction and hearing those things that they’re actually benefiting from this — I found through this that this is definitely my passion in life.”

Also new this year, the event includes a vendor fair featuring local resources.

“Hoop it for Parkinson’s” returns on Thursday alongside the step-a-thon portion of the event. It’s a special basketball game at 2 p.m. with people who have the disease.

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To submit steps to this year’s Pump it for Parkinson’s, visit the event’s website. Donations can also be made on the Parkinson’s Foundation website.



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Sunday, April 12, 2026 Business Highlights – Indianapolis Today

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Sunday, April 12, 2026 Business Highlights – Indianapolis Today


A refined, conceptual still life captures the essence of the diverse business topics covered in this episode of the BEO Show.Indianapolis Today

This episode of the BEO Show covers a variety of business topics, including the OWMBD Vendor of the Month, an update on the collapse of Saks Global, a new OMWBD certification management system, a look at the business of comedy with Sherri Shepherd, a salute to the female-owned design firm IDO, Inc., and tax and overtime tips from the Indiana CPA Society.

Why it matters

The BEO Show provides a comprehensive overview of important business news and trends impacting the Indianapolis and Indiana business community, covering topics ranging from minority-owned business development to the evolving retail landscape to the growing comedy industry.

The details

The episode features interviews with several business leaders and experts, including Jill Hall of ReproGraphix, Inc., William Stern of Cardiff, David Fredricks of OMWBD, comedian and talk show host Sherri Shepherd, and the principals of the female-owned design firm IDO, Inc. The topics discussed offer insights into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses of all sizes in the region.

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  • The BEO Show airs on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Jill Hall

Owner of ReproGraphix, Inc., a print and graphics company.

William Stern

CEO and Founder of Cardiff, a business consulting firm.

David Fredricks

Director of the Indianapolis Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD).

Sherri Shepherd

Talk show host and business woman.

Amanda J. Medlen

Principal and CEO of IDO, Inc., a female-owned design firm.

Lee A. Boyland

Principal and COO of IDO, Inc., a female-owned design firm.

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Jennifer Knotts

CFO of IDO, Inc., a female-owned design firm.

Courtney Kincaid

President of the Indiana CPA Society.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to support and empower minority and women-owned businesses in our community.”

— David Fredricks, Director, OMWBD

“The business of comedy is evolving, and comedians need to think strategically about building their brands and revenue streams.”

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— Sherri Shepherd, Talk Show Host, Business Woman

“As a female-owned firm, we are proud to design spaces that reflect the diversity and creativity of our community.”

— Amanda J. Medlen, Principal/CEO, IDO, Inc.

What’s next

Viewers can find more information about the topics covered in the episode on the websites and social media pages of the featured guests and organizations.

The takeaway

The BEO Show provides a valuable platform for showcasing the vibrant and diverse business community in Indianapolis and Indiana, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions that are shaping the region’s economic landscape.

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