Miller's Monthly Newsletter: Education town hall, Early Childhood Summit, voter registration, and free flu shots
EDUCATION TOWN HALL
On Sept. 10, I held a joint town hall with House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) regarding the proposed changes to Indiana’s high school diplomas. The town hall allowed us to hear directly from our constituents about their hopes and concerns regarding the future of high school education in Indiana.
I am grateful to everyone who came out to offer their feedback. I would also like to thank Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) School Board Vice President Noah Smith and FWCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel for lending their expertise as panelists.
Here are our takeaways from the town hall:
Fort Wayne is lucky to have such a forward-thinking school district in FWCS, which has already been building high-value experiential learning into its pre-K through grade 12 curriculum for years now in the form of daytrips to local businesses and on-site trade training. Its 3DE Junior Achievement program has helped immensely with this. We are concerned, however, for the school districts around Indiana that have not had the capacity to work toward education-business partnerships previously.
If we could describe your priorities for the redesign in two words, they would be "flexibility" and "balance." The state cannot prioritize work-based experiences at the cost of advanced coursework in math and science that equips students with critical-thinking skills for life. At the same time, students who have a clear vision for their career and education should be given the opportunity to pursue that. Finally, concerns remain regarding school counselor workloads, transportation to and from job sites and student safety at businesses.
On Sept. 11, the SBOE met but did not share specifics as to when Hoosiers can expect the second draft high school diploma redesign rule to be published, even though the rule must be finalized by Dec. 31. Notably, while the diploma was discussed briefly at the meeting, no significant additional details were provided.
To make sure we land this proposal in a good place before the Dec. 31 deadline, we are calling on the SBOE and IDOE to release the second draft rule ASAP and conduct another 30-day public comment period before the November election. We cannot let this result in rash decision-making in November and December as the Holcomb administration is phasing out.
It's clear more open, public discussion needs to happen here; our children's futures depend on it.
HUNT INSTITUTE’S EARLY CHILDHOOD SUMMIT
From Wednesday, Sept. 4 - Friday, Sept. 6, I attended the Early Childhood Leadership Summit in Las Vegas hosted by the Hunt Institute. I attended with a delegation from early childhood advocates and agencies from Indiana, including the FSSA, Early Learning Indiana and the Commission on Improving the Status of Children.
The annual bipartisan Summit allows legislators nationwide to meet to discuss the importance of investing in early childhood systems that support children and families. I am excited to bring what I learned from this event to the legislature and help Hoosier families.
HELPING SOLVE CONSTITUANT ISSUES
One of the best parts of the work I do as State Representative is getting to help solve constituent concerns on issues affecting District 82. This May, Summit City Climbing Co., Fort Wayne's first bouldering gym, was forced to delay its grand opening when the Department of Homeland Security designated the building's plan as a place for children, which includes additional safety requirements, which, due to the nature of their business, the gym couldn’t make.
For months, Summit City Climbing Co. pushed back on this designation with an addendum stating that the gym is not a space made for children and should not be beholden to child-specific safety requirements. When they didn’t get any answers from the Department of Homeland Security, the gym owners contacted me for assistance on the matter. In turn, I reached back out to the Department, and within a matter of days, the gym received the state release they needed to move forward.
I am certain that Summit City Climbing Co. will be an excellent addition to our community, and I am excited to see them move one step closer to opening their doors. As a state legislator, it is my duty to represent my constituents and find ways to help them in everyday life. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any concerns you may have.
FREE FLU CLINICS
With cold and flu season right around the corner, now is the best time to give your immune system a boost and get vaccinated. Parkview Physicians Group is offering flu shot clinics throughout northeast Indiana for ages six months and older. Clinics will also carry high-dose vaccines recommended for ages 65 and older. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-PPG-TODAY (877-774-8632). Walk-ins will also be accepted.
On Oct. 3, Meridian Health Services will host Flu-Lapalooza, an annual event providing free flu shots to those ages six months and older. You do not need to be a current Meridian patient to receive a shot. Participants at each location can enter into a drawing to win a $50 grocery gift card.
Additionally, Purdue University Fort Wayne students can receive a free flu shot at the Student Flu Shot Clinic on Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Cole Clubhouse. Students are asked to reserve an appointment online by Oct. 4. Bring a photo ID and health insurance card if insured with you on the day of your flu shot.
REGISTER TO VOTE
The 2024 General Election is right around the corner, so now is the best time to make sure you’re registered to vote! This year, the General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and the deadline to register in Indiana is Monday, Oct. 7.
Early voting will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 8 and will run through Monday, Nov. 4. To find an early voting location nearest you, click here.
To check your voting status or register to vote, visit IndianaVoters.com. You can also register to vote in person at your local county clerk's office.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Hobnobben Film Festival - Oct. 3 until Oct. 6
Cinema Center (437 E. Berry St. #1, Fort Wayne, IN 46802)
Catch an assortment of diverse films from voices typically excluded on the big screen.
Octoberfest Celebration of Brats, Beers, and Bavarian Music - Oct. 5 from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (1636 St. Mary's Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46808)
Celebrate Octoberfest at Trinity on St. Mary's with Fortlandia Brewing!
Día de los Muertos 2024 - Oct. 12 until Dec. 1, 2024
Fort Wayne Museum of Art (311 East Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802)
This community-centered exhibition celebrates the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The exhibition is open weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Dec. 1.
Fright Night 2024 - Oct. 19 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Downtown Fort Wayne (900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, IN 46802)
The 15th annual Fright Night returns to Fort Wayne! Come dressed in your best zombie costume and enjoy various activities throughout Downtown Fort Wayne.