ANDERSON — Kevin Plew might not have been born to be superintendent of Indiana Christian Academy. It might just seem that way.
“This school opened 37 years ago and I was born three months after the school started,” Plew said. He attended and graduated from Indiana Christian, returned to teach there, and recently was named the school’s third administrator.
Walking the halls now as the school’s top official is “a little overwhelming,” he said. “It’s rewarding and exciting to think about.”
At the same time, Plew has a leg up, having been at the school as elementary supervisor last year.
“Ninety-five percent of the student body, I know their names and have talked with them personally.”
Plew replaces former administrator Bill Newton, who retired from the school after 23 years. It’s a time of transition, Plew said, with enrollment down slightly because of the economy and the school refocusing as it also enhances its classroom instruction.
“We’re really emphasizing this year our mission statement,” he said, “And that’s to love our students while challenging them academically in a Christian atmosphere.”
Meanwhile, every student in grades 1-12 will study Spanish this year and have computer classes. Each classroom will be equipped with Smart boards that can be used for video, PowerPoint presentations and other visual teaching aids.
“There’s a lot of changes we are trying to make in the next school year to make the school more exciting,” Plew said. A new committee will focus on student life, there will be a student-body council, and Plew said the school is looking into adding more field trips.
“I want our faculty to be more involved in students’ lives, I want students to enjoy being here and I want to create a sense of ownership in the school,” he said.
Plew said that with fewer students, there is more interaction between age groups at Indiana Christian, and a lower student-teacher ratio than in public schools.
“It gives us an opportunity for individual attention for students who are struggling, and for students who are excelling.”
Plew said one thing about Indiana Christian hasn’t changed.
“We want people who come through our doors to feel like family,” he said.
Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford@heraldbulletin.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
John P. Cleary
Discussion
Academy’s new leader a familiar face
- Local News
-
-
Anderson man dies at Monroe Reservoir; 3 others arrested
Memorial Day weekend took a tragic turn Saturday evening as an Anderson man visiting Monroe Reservoir died. Three other Anderson men were arrested later that day following the death of Matthew Hosier, 29.
-
Getting Together: Silence not golden for this library program
Certain rules govern almost all libraries: be quiet, don’t mar the pages and absolutely no food or drinks on the premises. But a small group of patrons wait until after hours, lock themselves in the back room of the Alexandria-Monroe Public Library, eat popcorn, drink soda and loudly scoff as they watch bad movies.
-
Veteran receiving Bronze Star 68 years late
An Army veteran will be awarded a Bronze Star on Memorial Day — 68 years after he was originally supposed to receive it.
-
Memorial Day activities set
For Memorial Day weekend, here’s a list of activities to participate in.
-
Arrest Log: May 28
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Saturday, based on Madison County Jail records. Charges are recommended by arresting officers, but are not final until the Madison County prosecutor reviews the case and files official charges.
- Conservation officers arrest Anderson boater on alcohol charge
-
What's Where: May 28
Local activities are scheduled Monday.
-
Handicapped murder convict alleges prison discrimination
Since October 2006, Donald Lock has been confined to a wheel chair because of a degenerative bone disease. He has spent time at correctional facilities throughout the state, but it wasn’t until he was transferred to Pendleton earlier this year that he said he felt his disability was ignored.
-
Arrest log: May 27
The following arrest log appears in the Sunday edition of The Herald Bulletin.
-
Parents at Little League say coach took money
Parents of the North Anderson Little League filed a complaint with police against a former coach who they say stole fundraiser money.
- More Local News Headlines
-
