August 2025 Newsletter

By now, the school year is well underway. Along the journey, you’ve likely already experienced moments of joy—and moments of challenge. At times you may have wondered, “Is anyone else facing this?” The answer is almost always, “Yes!”

That’s one of the core reasons INPEA exists: to promote engagement among non-public school leaders and educators. We believe that no one should have to walk this road alone.

This fall, our INPEC conference offers two incredible opportunities for leaders and educators to engage—not only with high-quality professional learning, but also with one another. With more than 2,000 registrations already, the excitement and energy are building!

While the conference is filled with sessions to expand your professional toolkit, the value goes beyond learning. It’s also about connection. Gathering with colleagues who share the same mission-driven vocation reminds us that we are part of a larger community—one that understands the joys and challenges of leading and serving in non-public schools.

I hope you’ll take advantage of this chance to renew your commitment, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen the network of brothers and sisters who walk alongside you in this important work.

I look forward to engaging with you at the conference!

James McNeany

INPEA Executive Director

If you are one of the 200+ schools that has already registered for INPEC, THANK YOU!

We will be sending out the conference program to all registrants next week and will also send detailed information to all registrants the week before the event and the week of the event.

If you have not yet registered your team for INPEC, what are you waiting for? INPEC is the only in-person professional development conference designed specifically for non-pub educators. INPEC is just three short weeks away - we hope to see you there!

Our conference planning committee put together a robust program of nearly 100 sessions centered around nine learning strands. There are so many interesting sessions and speakers scheduled—it will be hard to choose which sessions to attend so you will want to bring a team with you, if you are able.

Can you pick just one session to go to on Thursday, September 18 at 10:30 a.m.? Here’s what’s scheduled:

A Crash Course in How AI is Revolutionizing Special Education
Big Ideas to Math Concepts: A Progression
Brain Basics: How to Regain a Calm and Focused Mindset in Time of Big Emotions
Engaging the Disengagement Dilemma
Glimmers of Hope for the Use of AI with English Learners
Google with Elementary Students
IDOE Assessment Literacy and Updates
Implementing Evidence-Based Mathematics Instruction: Ensuring Outcomes for ALL Students
Implementing Standards Based Grading
Loose Parts in the Primary Classrooms
Music: UNITE!
Science of Reading Implementation: Indiana's Priorities of Early Literacy
Setting a Standard: How to Craft a Coherent Policy Around Artificial Intelligence and Deliver Professional Development to Your Faculty
The Art of Political Persuasion: An Insider's Perspective on How to Become Your Own Best Advocate for Education with Elected Officials
The Road to Positive Personal Climate and Culture
The Three P’s: Phonological Awareness, Phonemic Awareness, and Phonics – Building a Strong Foundation for Reading
Transforming Lesson Plans: Empowering Teachers for Greater Impact
What's the IDEA? And How It Can Help You Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners

Or what about Friday, September 19 at 12:30 p.m.? Here’s what’s scheduled:

A Journey through Language, Literacy, and So Much More!
AI-Powered Learning: Transforming Math & Science Instruction
Books to Builds: STEM Activities to Compliment Your Favorite Read-Alouds
Building Your Scientifically-Based ELA Block
Compassion Fatigue
Creating a Culture that Values Knowledge in the Elementary Classroom
Effective Strategies for Supporting All Students in Math Class: Practical Tips for Engaging ELs and Beyond
Empowering General Education Classrooms for Multilingual Learners
Evidenced Aligned Practices for Written Expression
Seeing Through New Lenses: Unlocking Strengths Through Connection
Sparking Involvement: Cultivating Confidence (confianza), Connection (conexión) and Community (comunidad) with Latino Families
The 4 Most Important Words Ever Spoken about Mathematics
The Forgotten Pillar: Cultivating Oral Language for English Learners
Unlock the Preschool Writer and Reader Inside!
Walking In Their Shoes: Experience Dyslexia First-Hand
Windows and Mirrors: Knowledge-Building in a Culturally Responsive Classroom
World Languages: UNITE!

Can you pick just one from each sectional to attend? And these are just two examples! Regardless of the role you play at your school or the length of your tenure, INPEC will have something for you!

Hotels

For information about conference hotels and assistance with booking multiple rooms, please download this document. The INPEC room block at the Hyatt is SOLD OUT and there are very limited rooms available at the Embassy Suites and Westin. We have opened new room blocks at the Courtyard and Springhill Suites. The hotel document includes information about the new hotel blocks. The hotel deadline is September 3, so don’t wait to book your rooms for INPEC!

Registering 10+ Attendees

If your INPEA member school would like to register more than 10 people for INPEC, we are happy to assist you if you would like to save some time! Group registrations of 10 or more registrants can be submitted using this file template. Please follow these steps:

Save the Google sheet linked above and below to your own device as an Excel file (File > Download > Microsoft Excel).
Complete the contact information for each registrant. You can use the school’s phone number and street address for all registrants, but each registrant must have their own name and email included.
Save the file and email it to Andrea Anderson at aanderson@inpea.org.
If you anticipate new hires, we can switch or add the names and contact information before the conference.

Please note, this process can only be used if your school plans to pay via check or purchase order. If you wish to pay via credit card, you will need to register everyone individually.

Download the INPEC 2025 Registration Brochure

Download Hotel Reservation Information

Download Bulk Registrant Template

Voucher Payment Update

From Brad Pendleton, Director of Nonpublic Schools (IDOE):

As discussed at the Annual Choice Conference, House Enrolled Act 1001 requires the Department of Education to make at least two Choice payments per semester. As a result, the fall payments will be made in September and October and the spring payments in March and May. The fall payments will be split evenly in September and October and the March and May payments will continue to be paid with 80% of the remaining award in March and the remaining 20% in May.

Attached you will find a memo detailing the process. It is important to note that data (Enrollment, Membership, and Endorsement Form) must be present for the September payment.

Report 2025-2026 Student Enrollments As Soon As Possible

Reporting 2025-2026 enrollment data as soon as possible is critical due to new state laws around promotion to fourth grade and because access to the state’s new IEP system depends on this information.

Allowing enrollment data to flow as soon as possible will alert school staff if there are any concerns with a student being reported in fourth grade. (Data Exchange will process fourth grade enrollments according to new promotion rules related to IREAD proficiency.) Schools will have time to determine if the student without a passing IREAD score qualifies for a Good Cause Exemption (GCE) to the retention statute. The earlier this data is submitted, the more time schools will have to determine if the student must be retained in third grade, contact parents, make updates to student schedules, etc. The earlier schools have this information the better for school staff, parents, and students.

Entering enrollment data as soon as possible will also assist with the new IEP/ILP system, which is now live. PowerSchool Special Programs (PSSP) will begin ‘pulling’ enrollment data from DEX, which in turn will allow school staff to have access to student files within the special program’s software. Staff access to an IEP/ILP is entirely dependent on accurate enrollment records being submitted to IDOE in a timely manner.

Equitable Services Guidance

The Office of Non-Public Education in the U.S. Department of Education released a letter earlier this week addressed to State and Local Education Agencies, providing guidance on equitable services for students enrolled in non-public schools. While the content doesn’t introduce any new policies, it offers a clear and helpful summary of the existing law, with a welcome emphasis on the importance of equitable services. You can read the letter at the link below.

Download the Equitable Services Letter from USDOE

50th Anniversary Gala Ticket and Table Reservations Due September 2!

Do you have your ticket for the 50th Anniversary Gala on September 18 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom? Individual tickets and a limited number of tables are still available for purchase. Please note, school table sponsorships with the SGO incentive are no longer available.

All tickets and tables must be purchased by September 2. Find out more about the Gala and purchase your sponsorship or individual tickets at https://bit.ly/INPEAis50.

Don't Miss Out on Tuesdays@TheTech!

Each month, Ivy Tech shines a spotlight on a different academic school for Tuesdays@TheTech. During these in-person campus events, interested students can visit their local Ivy Tech location, meet faculty and staff, learn about program offerings, and plan the best path to their future. From exploring career fields to getting help registering for classes, Ivy Tech is here to help every step of the way.

As your students settle into the school year, encourage them to also think about what comes next! They can plan their visit at ivytech.edu/tuesdays.

See Friendzy in Action! In Less than 10 Minutes, Discover What Our Character Education for Faith Can Look Like in Your School.

Friendzy is an effective, faith-based curriculum that teaches students character development skills. Rooted in Scripture, and fully faith-aligned, the Friendzy program helps students build healthy relationships, manage emotions, and improve academic focus.

Discover classroom culture transformation through practical, engaging lessons where kids are empowered to grow into confident, compassionate individuals who can communicate effectively, overcome challenges, and thrive in every aspect of life.

With curriculum spanning from PreK-12, you’ll equip your students with skills for good, skills for life.

See Friendzy in Action

Want to learn more or see Friendzy in action? Reach out to Lead Partnership Specialist Whitney Stovall, MS, NCC at whitney@friendzy.co, or schedule a quick call or demo here!

Thank You to Our Business Partners!

Contact: Michallene Thacker-Mann

Contact: Mike Rivard

Contact: Joy Roberts

Contact: Katie Lash

Contact: Dr. Ken Britt

Contact: Rob Pizzauro

Contact: Cathy Tooley

Contact: Brady Smekens

Contact: Nathan Davidson

Would you like to be come an INPEA Business Partner or know a business that would be a good fit? Check out our website here or contact Chris Brunson at cbrunson@inpea.org for more information!