Students at 21st Century Charter High School in Gary started their school year with clear backpacks and the familiar sounds of rap music welcoming them. As they entered, they faced metal detectors and security staff ready to collect their cell phones, headphones, and other wireless devices in plastic bags marked with their names. This marked the beginning of the year at the first local school to open its doors.
Indiana lawmakers enacted a statewide “bell to bell” ban on wireless devices, but 21st Century Charter has practiced this policy since the previous year. Principal Othiniel Mahone noted that cell phones were previously collected by the first-hour teachers. To simplify the task, this responsibility has shifted to collection at the entrance.
Many students, including freshman Jamirah Johnson, opted to leave their phones at home. Parents such as Jasmine Ware, whose son Amir Robinson attends the school, support the policy. Ware appreciates the school for its focus on academic achievements, allowing students to pursue post-high school credentials and degrees.
Monae Velez, another parent, expressed dissatisfaction with the early start of the school year, preferring the traditional post-Labor Day schedule. Despite her preference, she values the school’s diverse educational programs and remains optimistic about her children’s experiences.
The charter school has set a balanced academic calendar starting in late July. Students enjoy breaks of two weeks in fall, during Christmas holidays, and in spring. Mahone explained this schedule helps minimize learning loss, providing students and staff with a welcome interruption.
Freshman registration has reached around 140, the highest in Mahone’s tenure. Overall K-12 enrollment expects a significant increase by about 20%. Gary, with eight charter schools, has the most per capita in Indiana, with over half of the city’s school-aged children attending charters.
The school offers enrichment and remediation opportunities during these breaks for students wanting to improve their grades. According to Morikis, students can choose to catch up, work ahead, or enjoy their time at home. The new schedule garners positive feedback from students and parents.
Both Mahone and Morikis view Indiana’s new point-based accountability system favorably for tracking student progress and encouraging them to pursue their career paths. Mahone emphasized the importance of this system in recognizing individual achievement beyond standard test scores.
Carole Carlson, a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune, provided the initial details of the school year’s opening.
The scheduled opening dates of other Lake and Porter County schools and charter schools offer insights into regional education start times:
NWI first day of school:
Lake County:
Aug. 6: Gary
Aug. 10: East Chicago
Aug. 11: Lake Central
Aug. 12: Hanover Community, River Forest, Lake Station, Hobart, Hammond, Crown Point, Lake Ridge, Griffith, Merrillville, Munster.
Aug. 13: Highland, Whiting
Aug. 18: Tri-Creek
Porter County:
Aug. 13: Boone Township, Duneland, East Porter, Portage Township, Porter Township, Union Township, Valparaiso
Charter schools:
July 30: 21st Century Charter, Gary
Aug. 6: East Chicago Urban Academy
Aug. 10: Charter School of the Dunes, Steel City Charter (K-3), Gary; Higher Institute of Arts and Technology, Merrillville
Aug. 11: Aspire Charter Academy, Gary; Steel City (grades 4-6); NWI Lighthouse Charter Schools, Gary and East Chicago
Aug. 12: Hammond Academy of Science and Technology, Steel City (7-11), Hammond; Steel City (grades 7-11)
Aug. 13: Steel City (grade 12)
Aug. 17: Thea Bowman, Gary; Discovery, Porter
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