November 2020 News
2020 Beta State Convention Results
Monday, November 23, 2020
This year, Indiana Academy Beta members participated in a virtual State Convention that was held from October 23rd to November 9th. If a student or team places 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their respective category, they secure a spot in the National Convention that will be held in Orlando, Florida, in June of 2021.
1st Place 12th Grade Agriscience Testing – Kato Burgess
1st Place Marketing and Communications – Julie Pichonnat, Shivali Singireddy, and Kamarie Fuller-Davis
1st Place 11th Grade Math Testing – Wendy Pan
1st Place 12th Grade Math Testing – Shivali Singireddy
2nd Place Onsite Drawing Division II – Andrea Vandecar
2nd Place 11th Grade Science Testing – Kayley Gertz
1st Place 12th Grade Science Testing – Andrew Pilat
1st Place 12th Grade Spanish Testing – Aliza Baker
2nd Place Painting Division II – Shivali Singireddy
2nd Place Quiz Bowl – Duncan Hollandbeck, Aliza Baker, Andrew Pilat, and Matthieu Deibel
National Beta Club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. Its mission is to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students by recognizing and honoring high academic achievement, preparing young people for life and empowering them to be successful, developing the leaders of tomorrow, and demonstrating the motto “Let us lead by serving others.”
Beta holds annual state conventions in 18 states, both for Senior and Junior Beta divisions, and winners of these state events go on to compete on a national level. Activities range from academic contests to quiz bowls to talent competitions. Conventions give members the opportunity to interact, share project ideas and showcase their academic and leadership abilities.
Congratulations to these Academy students for their outstanding work!
Ms. Susie Cunningham, Students Receive Awards from NCWIT
Friday, November 13, 2020
2020 graduate Izzy Hildebrand and senior Shivali Singireddyhave received the 2020 Award for Aspirations in Computing for Indiana from the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT). In addition, Ms. Susie Cunningham received the 2020 Aspirations in Computing Educator Award for Indiana.
The Award for AiC honors 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education.
The AiC Educator Award identifies exemplary formal and informal educators who play a pivotal role in encouraging 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary to explore their interests in computing and technology. The award recognizes these educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing.
NCWIT is the only national non-profit focused on women’s participation in computing across the entire ecosystem, helping 1,400 organizations recruit, retain, and advance women from K-12 and higher education through industry and entrepreneurial careers by providing support, evidence, and action.
Congratulations to Izzy, Shivali, and Ms. Cunningham!
More information about NCWIT and the Aspirations in Computing Awards can be found at www.aspirations.org.
Indiana Academy Spring 2021 Calendar Update
Friday, November 6, 2020
November 6, 2020
Dear Indiana Academy Community,
Indiana Academy students, faculty, and staff have taken great care in following physical distancing guidelines, wearing masks, and taking appropriate steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19. These efforts and efficient contact tracing have allowed us to keep the residence hall open and many classes in-person throughout the fall semester. As we approach the end of the fall semester, we are officially making a change to the Spring 2021 calendar to help ensure the safety of all.
The spring semester start date of Monday, January 4th remains unchanged, but all Indiana Academy classes will be virtual for the first two weeks. Residential students will move into the residence hall on Sunday, January 17th. The holidays are a time of increased travel and family gatherings. With rising COVID-19 cases in Indiana, and across the nation, returning students to the residence hall immediately following the winter break increases the risk of COVID-19 spread. Before returning to the residence hall on January 17th, all students will be asked to quarantine for 14 days and complete a self-certification form, similar to the form completed in early August.
The extended breaks, including Spring Break, will remain in place as previously scheduled on the website calendar. Students will be asked to follow appropriate safety guidelines to return to the residence hall following each extended break. This is intended to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread and keep the residence hall a safe place for all students.
I understand you may have several questions. In the coming days, additional information will come from Dr. Jeff Smith, Director of Academic Affairs, and Mr. Paul Douglas, Director of Residential Affairs.
I thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate and adapt to changing COVID-19 conditions.
Sincerely,
Dain Kavars
He/Him/His (What is This?)
Interim Executive Director
Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
765-285-8126