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Every summer, Independence teachers are invited to participate in the Summer Grant Program, an initiative that supports professional development, innovation, and creative proposals that enhance our students’ learning experience. Two faculty members made the most of that opportunity this summer.

Middle School Science teacher Mrs. Rodriguez proposed the creation of a Bee Apiary on campus, a project designed to give students a hands-on way to study ecosystems, sustainability, and the vital role of pollinators.  

The initial short-term goals include forming an adult beekeeping team, selecting a build site near the retention pond, and installing two hives this spring that are equipped with protective gear and monitoring tools. Looking ahead, plans include forming a beekeepers club, developing a honey extraction process on campus, and hosting an annual honey extraction event featuring local experts, student involvement, and a honey tasting. The surrounding area will be landscaped with native, bee-friendly plants such as bee balm and milkweed, helping to support pollinators year-round. The Bee Apiary promises to be a sweet collaboration between students, faculty, and the wider Indy community.

Meanwhile, Ms. Biddle, Indy's Learning Specialist, English Teacher, and Director of Secondary School Placement, developed a comprehensive Learning Support plan designed to strengthen the social, emotional, and academic well-being of our middle school students. Included in this plan would be future sessions focused on topics such as study strategies, time management, executive functioning, test preparation, and classroom skills, through one-on-one, small group, or pop-up support during study halls.

Faculty are already using trackable forms to identify areas where students may benefit from extra support, while students are now taking an active role by self-selecting the skills they’d like to strengthen. Over time, the goal is for students to develop the confidence and independence to take full ownership of their learning.

These grants reflect Independence’s commitment to continuous growth, not just for students, but for the educators who inspire them every day.