Schools in the area are either back in session already or will be in the next couple of weeks. The 2022-23 school year looks like, at least at the time of this writing, to be the first full “normal” year of schooling since the pandemic of 2020-21.
Currently, schools in the Indianapolis metro area have not issued mask mandates for students or staff, although schools are encouraging the use of masks for those who have compromised auto-immune systems or are otherwise uniquely vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. There is no mask mandate for school buses. Individual schools, however, may issue mask mandates if the new variants spread.
Backpack giveaways and more are slated to help students prepare for the coming school year. On Saturday, July 30, Grace Apostolic Church will hold its giveaway at the school, 649 E. 22nd St. from 19 a.m.-4 p.m. The Indianapolis Urban League will hold a block party and giveaway on Saturday, July 30 at 777 Indiana Ave. from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. that includes free haircuts and health screenings, food, and more. Westminster Neighborhood Services will have a back to school bash on Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with a free lunch served at 10:30 a.m. and a giveaway of supplies, backpacks, uniforms and more.
School buses will also be on the roads transporting children to and from school and after-school activities. Drivers are asked to be extra-alert and review the laws for stopping for school buses. Motorists must stop when a bus is stopped with flashing red lights and its stop arm is activated. Motorists must also stop if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus on a divided highway. If there is no barrier or division, motorists must stop in all directions. In 2019, the state passed tougher penalties for drivers who pass school buses with lights flashing and stop arms extended.
Motorists are encouraged to note before school starts the location of school zones, and law enforcement will be on patrol to ensure drivers maintain the lower speed limits in those zones. There are heavy penalties for speeding in school zones.
School Start Dates for Indianapolis Metro Area
Indianapolis Public Schools: Monday, August 1
Eastern Hancock County Schools: Wednesday, August 3
Warren Township Schools: Thursday, July 28
Beech Grove: Wednesday, July 27
Perry Township Schools: Wednesday, July 27
Scecina High School: Tuesday, August 9
Little Flower Catholic School: Wednesday, August 10
Holy Spirit Catholic School: Monday, August 8 half day, Tuesday, August 9 first full day
Our Lady of Lourdes: Wednsday, August 10
