Title
To honor and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Indianola Informal K-8 School, and to recognize the lasting impact the school has had on the students it serves
Body
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Columbus recognizes that the safety, wellbeing, and resilience of our community depend in no small part on the professionalism, readiness, and courage of the members of the Columbus Division of Fire; and
WHEREAS, in 1975, Indianola Elementary became the first designated alternative school in Columbus, Ohio, adopting a progressive, child-centered curriculum rooted in student discovery; and
WHEREAS, for fifty years, Indianola Informal K-8 School has served as a steward of student learning, autonomy, and academic excellence, enrolling students from every zip code in Columbus as a lottery school and building a diverse, citywide community of learners; and
WHEREAS, the school has cultivated a culture of enthusiasm for education by centering instruction around the individual interests and strengths of its students, growing generations of deep thinkers who wrestle with big ideas, uncover connections, and develop the tools to be advocates in the world; and
WHEREAS, Indianola Informal K-8 School is grounded in a shared commitment to community, family partnership, and student-centered learning through units of study that connect academics, the arts, and social justice; and
WHEREAS, the full integration of visual arts, dance, and music into its curriculum reflects the school's enduring commitment to interdisciplinary learning, demonstrated through partnerships with guest artists and writers, including children's book authors Aliki, Vera B. Williams, and Zetta Elliott, as well as residencies with local artist April Tsunami and Columbus poet Cynthia Amoah; and
WHEREAS, Indianola students have brought their artistry beyond the classroom, with vocal, instrumental, and percussion ensembles performing throughout Columbus, and students participating in The OhioDance Festival as part of Global Water Dance Columbus in 2023; and
WHEREAS, the school provides a comprehensive support system for all learners, including Gifted and Talented specialists, high-incidence resource rooms, full-time tutors, dedicated arts staff, and Multiple Disabilities units, ensuring every student has access to the resources they need to succeed; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Indianola Informal K-8 School, and recognize the lasting impact the school has had on the students it serves.