November Family Newsletter
Dear Adelante Families,
We’re writing to share an important update about school safety.
Over the past several months, we’ve engaged with numerous stakeholders — including staff, families, and safety professionals — to review how we can best protect our scholars and team. After thoughtful discussion and consideration, we made the decision to install OpenGate weapon-detection systems at our arrival entry and in the main office.
We know this was a challenging decision. Balancing our warm, welcoming culture with the realities of school safety isn’t easy. But after hearing from experts, local partners, and members of our community, we’re confident that this is the right step given today’s climate.
Our goal remains unchanged: to ensure every scholar feels safe, supported, and seen from the moment they arrive each morning.
What’s Changing
- Starting on Thursday, 11/6, and being rolled out over the next week, all scholars and visitors will pass through a new OpenGate detection system upon entering the building.
- The technology is discreet and fast — most people walk through without even noticing.
- This system is designed to detect weapons, not to disrupt learning or delay arrival.
Helping Arrival Run Smoothly
- To help arrival move as quickly as possible, please talk with your scholar about holding their Chromebook or iPad in their hand as they enter the building.
- These are the only items that cannot go through the system and must be carried separately.
- Everything else — backpacks, lunchboxes, coats — can go through normally.
- Having devices in hand will keep lines moving efficiently and help our mornings stay calm and positive.
Why We’re Doing This
- School safety continues to be a priority across the country.
- After reviewing our safety procedures and exploring multiple options, this technology offered the best combination of effectiveness, efficiency, and privacy.
- We remain committed to keeping our school welcoming, not intimidating.
What Families Can Expect
- Arrival procedures and entry doors will remain the same.
- Our team will guide scholars through calmly and efficiently — typically without any delay.
- You may see new equipment near the entrance and in the main office starting next week.
- Visitors will continue to check in at the main office as usual.
Privacy & Dignity
- OpenGate does not use facial recognition and does not record or store images.
- The system only detects potential threats in real time.
- We have carefully reviewed the vendor’s privacy standards and procedures to ensure this technology aligns with our values.
Our Commitment
This update is one part of our ongoing investment in the safety and well-being of every Adelante scholar. We are also continuing to strengthen our mental health supports, arrival and dismissal procedures, and staff training to ensure our safety culture is proactive, not reactive.
Learn More
We will host a short family info session and demonstration. You’ll have a chance to see how the technology works, ask questions, and hear from our operations team about how we’re keeping arrival smooth and welcoming.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Every decision we make — especially the hard ones — comes back to our shared commitment to scholar safety and peace of mind for families.
Warmly,
Jordan Habayeb Darin Mercer
Chief Operating Officer Safety & Attendance Officer
Adelante Schools Adelante Schools
October in Pictures
Happening this Month
Upcoming Events
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<Sport> MS Cheerleading Tryouts
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<Field Trip> Conner Prairie (2nd)
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<FYI> Oct. Birthday Celebrations
<Sport> Cheerleading Clinics K-3
<Field Trip> Marian University - 3rd Grade
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<Field Trip> Indy Zoo (1st Grade)
<Field Trip> Newfields - 8th Grade
<Important> Gingerbread House Contest Begins
6pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs. Global Prep @ Global Prep
6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Game vs. Phalen 103 @ Emma Donnan
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7pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs Enlace @ Northwest Middle School
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6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Game vs.KIPP @ Emma Donnan
7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs.KIPP @ Emma Donnan
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<Sport> Cheerleading Clinics K-3
<Event> October Perfect Attendance Celebration
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6pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs Cold Spring @ Northwest Middle School
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<Important> Veteran's Day
<Important> Veteran's Day
6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Game vs. Enlace @ Emma Donnan
7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs. Enlace @ Emma Donnan
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6pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs Monarca @ Emma Donnan
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<Field Trip> Indiana State Museum - 5th Grade
<Important> World Kindness Day
6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Game vs.Herron Prep @ Emma Donnan
7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs.Herron Prep @ Emma Donnan
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7pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs PATH 67 @ Emma Donnan
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6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Game vs. Liberty Grove @ Emma Donnan
7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs.Herron Prep @ Emma Donnan<Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs. Enlace @ Emma Donnan
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<Grades> Q2 Progress Reports
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<Important> Education Support Professionals Day
<FYI> Fall Club Showcase
<Important> Education Support Professionals Day
6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball vs. Edison @ Emma Donnan
7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball vs. Edison @ Emma Donnan
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<FYI> Nov. Birthday Celebrations
<Event> Gobble Gathering
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<Remote Learning Day - Synchronous>
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<Remote Learning Day - Asynchronous>
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<No School> Thanksgiving
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<No School> Thanksgiving
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<No School> Thanksgiving
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<FYI> Penguin Holiday Shop
7pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs Global Prep @ Northwest Middle School
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6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball vs. PATH School @ PATH School
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6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball vs. Global Prep @ Emma Donnan
7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball vs. Global Prep @ Emma Donnan
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<Field Trip> UINDY (2nd)
<Event> November Perfect Attendance Celebration
<Event> November Perfect Attendance Celebration
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Gobble Gathering
We are excited to invite families to attend our annual Gobbling Gathering on Friday, November 21st during your child’s lunch period. A delicious fall meal will be served for you to enjoy with your student. To ensure we can accommodate everyone, each student is limited to 2 guests. Please use the link below to reserve your seat! Registration closes on Thursday, November 14.
Onward to High School: Helping 8th Graders Plan for the Future
Our 8th graders participated in a High School Fair on October 29. We hosted over 10 area high schools to share information about their programs and help students explore potential career pathways and the best school options for them.
Following the event, scholars were able to indicate which high schools they are most interested in learning more about. Later in November, they will visit one of these schools for High School Shadow Day, giving them the chance to see the programs in action and put what they learned into a visual, real-world context.
As a reminder, the Enroll Indy Round 1 window opens on November 5. Scholars are more likely to get their first-choice school when they complete their application during Round 1. If you need assistance with the Enroll Indy process, please reach out to our Recruitment and Enrollment Coordinator, Mr. Breedlove.
December Events
Penguin Holiday Shop - 12/1/25- 12/5/25
Our students will have the chance to shop for the holidays for their family and friends at our Penguin Holiday Shop. We provide over 100 unique gifts, with prices starting as low as $.25 and reaching up to $12 each. This month, each student will receive a letter detailing the shop and a budget envelope for their gift list. They must return the envelope to school on their designated shopping day. Homeroom teachers will communicate the specific shopping days for their classrooms.
Winter Create and Celebrate Family Event - 12/11/25
Join us for a delightful evening of crafting and celebrating the winter holidays! We’ll have winter-themed crafts, delicious hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and a special visit from the BIG guy himself. We hope you’ll join us for some winter fun from 5:30 - 7:00 PM on December 11th!
Support During SNAP Benefit Challenges
We understand that this may be a challenging time for families who receive SNAP benefits. Please know that we are here to support you in any way we can.
Below are some resources available to help:
- Sign up for meals through our Take it to Go Program
- Use Community Compass to locate food resources
- Students are provided breakfast and lunch everyday at school.
- Visit our food box located at Door 1 next to the benches.
If you need help connecting with any of these resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are committed to supporting every family in our community.
Holiday Assistance Update
Our Holiday Assistance Registration is now closed. We are excited to share that over 120 families will be sponsored this holiday season! Families will be notified later this month regarding their sponsorship status.
It is critical that families complete any required information related to Holiday Assistance in a timely manner so we can share accurate details with sponsors.
Holiday Assistance pick-up will take place on December 15th and 16th. Each family will receive their sponsored items, a bag to fill in our Holiday Shop, and a bag of non-perishable food items.
Updates/Reminders
After-School Clubs
Our first session of clubs is almost over! All clubs will conclude during the week of November 17.
We will host a Club Showcase on Wednesday, November 20, from 3:00 PM – 3:40 PM and invite families to come see what your scholar has been learning this session. Even if your scholar did not participate in a club, you are welcome to join and learn more!
Additionally, we are offering a special one-week club for 4th–8th graders called Self Care: Intentional Steps for Your Mind, Body, and Emotions. This club focuses on reducing stress, supporting mental health, building coping skills, and encouraging mindfulness. It will take place from Monday, December 1 through Friday, December 5, from 2:30 PM – 3:40 PM.
Please sign up using the link below.
New Director of Culture
Our new Dean of Culture joined our team after fall break. In this role, Mr. Christopher Crowder works with students, staff, and families to encourage respectful behavior, build community, resolve conflicts, and promote school pride. His goal is to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and ready to thrive.
Mr. Crowder brings seven years of experience in education to our school.
Please read a message from him below.
"I’m passionate about building a welcoming and supportive community where students, staff, and families feel connected, valued, and empowered.
In my role, I focus on fostering collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to our school’s mission of excellence and equity. I’m excited to work alongside all of you to celebrate and strengthen the positive culture that makes our school such a special place."
Attendance
Students who achieved perfect attendance were rewarded with $20 Bears Bucks to spend in the Bears Bodega. The Bears Bodega is our school store where student can shop twice a month for school supplies, school swag, homework passes, in-school experiences and more.
As the cold weather approaches, it's important to note that attendance often declines significantly during this time, as seen last year. Please make every effort to ensure your students attend school consistently throughout the winter season. If your student is in need of hats, gloves or a coat, please complete our Assistance Form, located at the beginning of tis newsletter.
One last reminder, with Thanksgiving break on the horizon, we kindly ask you not to extend the break by allowing your student an extra day off at either end. These additional days can accumulate and detract from your student's learning experience. we will have a synchronous remote learning day on Monday, November 24 and an asynchronous remote learning day on Tuesday, November 25. Classes resume in-person on December 1st.
Athletics - Show Your School Spirit
We invite all of our families to come out and cheer on our students during the Boys Basketball, Futsal, and Cheerleading seasons!
Nothing shows school pride like stands full of fans supporting our teams — your energy makes a big difference!
Check our the calendar in our newsletter for dates, times and locations of games.
Essential Reminders for All Events:
- All students must be accompanied by an adult to attend.
- Students who are absent or suspended on the day of the event are not permitted to attend.
Want to Get Involved?
We’re looking for volunteers to serve as sporting event greeters and hallway monitors. If you’re interested, please reach out to Mr. Keys to sign up or learn more.
Let’s make this season safe, spirited, and unforgettable.
See you in the stands!
Emma Donnan's Parent Hub
Couldn’t make it to a school event? Misplaced the flyer from the Back to School Bash? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
We created the Parent Hub as a one-stop shop for all the important information our families need. If you missed a family event or lost a flyer, you can now access all the information digitally in one easy place.
Stay informed, stay connected—visit the Parent Hub today!
What's Happening?
Our objective is to keep you informed about the topics that teachers are focusing on in the classroom and how you can support their learning journey at home. Be sure to check our What's Happening section each month for the latest updates!
Visit our website for academic resources to support your scholar at home!
What's Happening in K-2?
Field Trip:
- November 4th, 1st grade will be going to the Zoo. Permission slips are on PowerSchool.
Recess:
- The weather is getting cooler. We will go outside unless the temperature with wind chill is below 32 degrees. Please be sure your scholar is coming with the appropriate outwear. If you need assistance with winter outerwear, please complete our assistance form.
Attendance/On Time/Early Release:
- K-2 is where scholars build their foundation in reading and math to be able to do harder skills. It is important that they are getting all parts of instruction daily which goes until 2:00. Attendance, being on time, and staying all day are crucial.
What's Happening in 3-5?
KDO Programming:
- Third graders have been participating in KDO and learning all types of groovy moves! Florida will be showing their moves in a showcase for families on 11/20 at 9:45 AM.
- 2nd Grade will begin KDO in January!
Indiana State Museum Field Trip:
- 5th graders are attending the State Museum this month. Permission slips must be completed on Powerschool. Reminder to come into the main office if you have any PowerSchool Parent questions!
Recess:
- The weather is getting cooler. We will go outside unless the temperature with wind chill is below 32 degrees. Please be sure your scholar is coming with the appropriate outwear. If you need assistance with winter outerwear, please complete our assistance form.
What's Happening in 6-8?
Field Trip:
- Our 8th graders will going to Newfields on Tuesday, November 4th! Please reach out to your scholar's homeroom teacher.
High School Shadow Days:
- On November 17th and 19th, our 8th grade students will have the opportunity to visit high schools in the area as part of our High School Shadow days! Students will go in groups to a high school where they can ask questions and learn more about opportunities offered there. This is a great opportunity for scholars to see which high school might be the best fit for them. Permission slips are posted on Powerschool and must be completed by 11/10. Please reach out to Mr. Breedlove with any questions.
Uniforms:
- Reminder that our school policy states that students must wear a uniform shirt and appropriate pants every day. This also includes shoes with a closed toe and heel. As the weather gets colder, students may wear a sweater or sweatshirt under their school uniform. But, the outer layer must be school attire.
Community Resources
Our vibrant community offers an abundance of resources and a diverse array of events designed to engage and enrich the lives of our members. From educational workshops and networking opportunities to recreational activities and cultural celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.
Westminster Neighborhood Services
Register Here!Food Pantry
Monday - 9AM - 12PM
Tuesday - 6PM - 7PM
Thursday 9AM - 12PM
A current piece of mail is required.
Soup Kitchen
Monday - 10AM - 11:45AM
Thursday - 10AM - 11:45 AM
Westminster Boundaries
North: 70/65 corridor
South: Railroad track between Washington/Southeastern St.
West: Pine Street
East: Emerson St
Contact Information
2325 E New York Street Indianapolis, IN 46201
317-632-9785
November FREE Food Events
Learn MoreThe Office of Public Health and Safety is expanding its previously announced food outreach plans through the month of November.
November 8, 12 to 2 p.m.: Fountain Square Church of Christ | 1041 Spruce St., 46230
November 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Charity Cares | 959 N. Holmes Ave., 46222
November 15, 12 to 3 p.m.: Eclectic Souls VOICES Corp.| 9501 E. 36th Pl., 46235
November 19, 8:30 a.m.: Rock of the World, Salt of the Earth | 8833 Bel Air Dr., 46226
November 20, 4 to 6 p.m.: with Indy Peace | 1825 E. 25th St., 46218
November 24, 3 to 5 p.m.: Lawrence Park | 5301 N. Franklin Drive
November 25, 12 to 2:30 p.m.: Breeding Tabernacle CME | 3670 N. Leland Ave., 46218
November 26, 3 to 5 p.m.: Stanley Strader | 2850 Bethel Ave., 46203
Thanksgiving Meals
Trail and Treat RegistrationMozel Sanders Foundation
They provide 10,000 meals on Thanksgiving.
Call to reserve a meal. 317-636-7985
Southeast Community Services
924 Shelby Street
317-236-7400
November 24, 2025 - 11 AM - 1PM
Drive through service. First come, first
served basis.
Turkey Giveaway 2025
2345 Pagoda Drive, 317-680-6165
Provides a free Thanksgiving dinner box that includes a large frozen turkey, mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, bread, and dessert to those in need. Reservation preferred. Limited supplies may be available the day of the event.
November 24, 1pm-3pm
To reserve call or text with name. Available on first-come, first-served basis
2-1-1 Resources
Learn More2-1-1 can get you connected to many resources! Get connected by phone Monday - Friday offering English and Spanish communication.
