INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation is getting ready to welcome students back from summer break. District leaders say they are looking forward to some changes as they continue to see growth.

Superintendent Dr. Jack Parker joined WISH-TV live for Daybreak’s Morning Bell, Wednesday morning.

Parker told News 8’s Britney Noble that the district has seen steady growth.

“We’ve been growing a little over 100 students for a handful of years or so,” Parker said. “This year we’re going to grow at least 250. That’s likely going to be our new trend for a bit.”

This year, the district opened a new school — Fortville Elementary. It also reconfigured its buildings into four levels: Elementary (K-4), intermediate (5 and 6), middle (7 and 8) and high school.

According to Parker, it will cause changes to schedules and bus routes. He says it’s part of the plan to handle the increase in enrollment.

“We collaborated with our community a few years ago to develop a future growth plan,” Parker said. “We’re seeing the fruition of that…that’s pretty exciting. A lot of teachers and staff are moving among five different buildings to get ready for the school year.”

The superintendent also took note of the district’s emphasis on STEM subjects. Teachers are certified at all grade levels.

Parker says its programs utilize project-based learning, like a “walk on water” assignment for middle school students.

He adds hi staff wants to ensure students feel like they have a community at school

“Our schools are developing plans to make sure that every child is connected with something,” Parker said. “Whether it be a program, an affinity group, a sport, a teacher. So we’re really leaning into that because we feel that’s important.”

The district is also enhancing its preschool program, introducing a new program for children from birth to three years old, aimed at supporting staff members’ families.

Students at Mt. Vernon Community Schools go back to school on Aug. 6.

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