BELZER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Belzer envisions, in partnership with the school’s community, meeting both the academic and affective needs of the early adolescent. Each student will be given opportunities to develop academic talents through a variety of challenging learning experiences. Students’ social and emotional growth is fostered and encouraged within a safe and supportive environment. Adults within the Belzer community will model expected behaviors through positive attitudes, self-discipline, and lifelong learning.

Belzer Middle School serves students in grades seven and eight. The rigorous curriculum includes Pre-Advanced Placement coursework in all core areas, high school credit classes, as well as a wide variety of student-led service learning activities to build character and serve our community.

Teachers take pride in a building-wide focus on literacy, and students log their reading hours and monitor their own progress. The Belzer staff takes great pride in both meeting students at their individual level, and taking them to new heights.

Belzer is one of nine certified STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) schools in the state. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum is offered to students in both 7th and 8th grade, and is taught by two full-time PLTW certified teachers.

Bilingual Latin American Studies (BLAS) classes exist for native Spanish speakers who are either English language learners or students who are already proficient in English. The program incorporates cultural appreciation, language, and real-world advocacy for students, eventually preparing them to earn the Indiana Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation from high school.

All grade levels utilize a Core Curriculum based on Indiana State Standards, taught in all Lawrence Township Schools. The Readers and Writers Workshop approach is used in Language Arts, Balanced Math, Science, Social Studies, and Social Skills & Community Building.

• Belzer has gained national attention for its Honor Bound Program. Honor Bound identifies academically capable young men of color, and puts support systems and relevant cultural experiences in place, to increase students’ self-esteem and positively impact their academic achievement moving into high school

• The Girl Power Program focuses on positive identity development for young women

• Recognized by the state of Indiana as a STEM certified school

• With award-winning performing arts, Belzer boasts over four hundred students participating in band and over two hundred in choir. Belzer consistently receives gold ratings at ISSMA contests and receives top honors at state and national competitions

• The athletic department provides 25 different competitive teams that serve nearly 500 student-athletes and includes opportunities for 6th grade students currently enrolled in district elementary schools. Belzer is a founding member of the Interscholastic Conference, securing 13 different invitational championships over the past three years

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7555 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226317.964.6200 • Andrew Harsha, Principalbelzer.ltschools.org

www.LTschools.org

Academics and Accomplishments

Welcome to the MSD of Lawrence Township, where our excellence is directly connected to the outstanding programs and resources made available to students. We are very proud to have an award winning staff who take great pride and passion in teaching and supporting all students.

Dr. Shawn Smith, Superintendent

Welcome to our school community!

The Lawrence Township School Board works collaboratively with our Superintendent to provide the best education to all the students in our district. We take pride in our academic programs, extracurricular activities and clean safe buildings. Our goal is to ensure our students graduate with the skills to succeed in any college or career. We are grateful to serve the citizens of Lawrence Township and for their continued support of our children and schools.

Reginald McGregor, School Board President

Diversity StatementOne Welcoming Community, Many Voices. MSD of

Lawrence Township students and staff are diverse in interests, talents, backgrounds, and goals. The many

voices weave the rich fabric known as the school community and facilitate robust discussions, greater knowledge, and mutual respect. Every student has a place to belong as well as the freedom to be unique.

Mission: Through innovation and dedication, we educate all students through

graduation.

Vision: The district of destination where excellence empowers (drives) everyone to

reach their full potential.

Total Schools21Early Learning

CentersElementary

SchoolsMiddleSchools

HighSchools

Technical Center

Alternative Setting High School

4 11 2 2 1 1

Our Schools

Our Students

Our Graduates

16,162Total number

of students

4,910 High School

2,481 Middle School

8,771 Pre-K & Elementary

95.1% Attendance Rate (2016-2017)

1034Total 2017graduates

2017 Graduation Rate Lawrence Township92%

College AttendanceRate75%

Metropolitan School District ofLawrence Township

6501 Sunnyside RoadIndianapolis, IN 46236317.423.8200 Phone

317.543.3534 Faxwww.LTschools.org