Dual Language Immersion Program Enrollment Now Open
Exciting news for incoming Kindergarten families! Applications for the Dual Language Immersion Program at Parkwood Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year are officially open!
Now entering its second year, this innovative program is Southern Indiana’s first Dual Language Immersion Program, designed to help students become bilingual, bi-literate, and globally competitive beginning in Kindergarten. The program uses an 80/20 Two-Way Immersion Program in the early grades, with students receiving 80% of instruction in Spanish and 20% in English. Instruction gradually shifts to a balanced 50/50 model by third grade.
This program is open to incoming Kindergarten students who plan to attend Parkwood Elementary through fifth grade. Both native English and native Spanish speakers are encouraged to apply.
The application deadline is April 3, 2026.
Blood Drive Reminder
Greater Clark County Schools is proud to partner with the American Red Cross on a powerful community initiative to help save lives.
Every day, patients in our community rely on blood donations. By giving now, you can help ensure hospitals have what they need before an emergency happens.
Together, Greater Clark and the American Red Cross have set a goal of collecting 240 units of blood to support patients across our region. These lifesaving donations will make a meaningful impact right here at home.
Blood drives hosted at elementary and middle schools are open to the public. Appointments are encouraged and can be made at redcrossblood.org.
- Franklin Square Elementary — February 25 | 2:00–7:00 PM
- Pike Elementary — March 9 | 4:00–8:00 PM
- Riverside Elementary — March 11 | 3:45–7:45 PM
- Charlestown Elementary — March 26 | 3:00–7:00 PM
- Parkwood Elementary — April 8 | 4:00–8:00 PM
- Parkview Middle School — April 13 | 1:00–6:00 PM
- River Valley Middle School — April 15 | 2:00–7:00 PM
- New Washington Elementary — May 6 | 3:00–7:00 PM
Blood drives hosted at high schools will be private and open to students only. Individual schools will share additional details with families as each event approaches, including information on student sign-ups.
This initiative reflects Greater Clark County Schools’ commitment to service, leadership, and caring for others. By coming together as a district and community, we can help save lives.
Support the community. Save a life. Be Greater.
Academies
Upperclassmen from the Health Services Academy participated in the Norton Healthcare Career Exploration Showcase, gaining firsthand exposure to a wide range of healthcare careers.
Students rotated through interactive stations highlighting fields such as nursing, respiratory therapy, radiology, laboratory sciences, pharmacy, surgery, sterile processing, and rehabilitative services, while also learning about local college programs that prepare students for these roles. The experience helped students better understand the education pathways that lead to these careers, the day-to-day responsibilities, and the real-world rewards and challenges of careers across the healthcare field.
For Norton Healthcare and postsecondary partners, the showcase provided a meaningful opportunity to engage with future healthcare professionals and share information about internships, tuition assistance, and career opportunities.
Overall, the showcase connected classroom learning to real healthcare careers while strengthening partnerships that support student preparation, workforce development, and long-term success in our region’s healthcare system.
Greater Clark Education Foundation Hosts PTO Night Out
The Greater Clark Education Foundation recently hosted our very first PTO Night Out to celebrate the incredible volunteers who support our Greater Clark schools. Our PTO leaders generously give their time, energy, and heart to serve students and teachers, and we are truly grateful for each of them.
The evening was filled with celebration, connection, collaboration, and plenty of fun prizes. Every volunteer and school went home with swag bags and giveaways, and New Washington Elementary PTO was the big winner of a $500 Creative Classroom Grant. Congratulations!
A special thank you to our amazing event partners who made the night possible: Chris Cakes, Aramark, Zaxby’s, Texas Roadhouse, Chick-fil-A, The B’s Balloons & Party Decor, Hoosier Bouncers, and Bright School Kits.
We are already looking forward to the next PTO Night Out because together, we are GREATER!
Give for Greater Update
This year’s Give for Greater was an incredible success! Thanks to everyone who supported our annual day of giving, we raised more than $28,800 in just 24 hours. Our best one yet!
At 12:00 a.m. on February 6, Charlestown High School was the top giving school, which means they are the winner of a $5,000 Mega Grant! Congratulations, Pirates!
Additionally, Riverside Elementary, New Washington Elementary, and Charlestown High School each reached their $2,500 goal and will receive $500 to support their PTO programs.
Every one of our schools did an outstanding job, and we are so grateful for the generosity shown across our school communities. It truly was a team effort. We are GREATER together!
Save the Date - K-12 Enrollment
It’s that time of year! Mark your calendars for K–12 Enrollment on March 23 and get ready to register your student for the 2026–2027 school year.
Additional details and reminders will be shared on social media and in upcoming newsletters. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all things Greater!
Save the Date - Preschool Enrollment for the 2026-2027 School Year
Incoming preschool families, mark your calendars! Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year opens on March 23rd at 9 AM.
Who Can Enroll?
Our preschool program is open to all children who will be 4 years old by August 1, 2026. Our developmental curriculum is designed to support the whole child and ensure kindergarten readiness.
Please stay tuned for additional information about the Preschool program in our upcoming newsletter and social media!
Please stay tuned for additional information about the Preschool program in our upcoming newsletter and social media!
Calendar Reminder - Spring Break
This is a friendly reminder that Spring Break is just a few weeks away. There will be no school from March 16–20. Students and staff will return on Monday, March 23.
FAFSA Deadline Reminder
The deadline to submit your FAFSA is April 15! Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an important step in securing financial aid for college, trade school, or other postsecondary opportunities.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to your student’s school counselor. They are happy to help guide you through the process and make sure everything is submitted on time.
Don’t wait, get it done today!
Staff & Student Spotlights
Robotics Championship
Congratulations to the 2026 Robotics Competition Champions, Pike Elementary and Charlestown Middle School!
Both teams showcased outstanding creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills throughout the competition. We are proud of their hard work and dedication in representing Greater Clark so well.
Charlestown High School Varsity Cheer Bronze at Nationals
Join us in celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of the Charlestown High School Varsity Cheer Team, who earned a Bronze Medal at the National High School Cheerleading Championship held at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Competing in the Small Varsity – Non-Tumbling Division II, the team performed on a national stage against schools from across the country. Their routine demonstrated exceptional precision, spirit, and teamwork, an achievement made possible through countless hours of preparation and dedication.
Competing in the Small Varsity – Non-Tumbling Division II, the team performed on a national stage against schools from across the country. Their routine demonstrated exceptional precision, spirit, and teamwork, an achievement made possible through countless hours of preparation and dedication.
This national recognition adds to an already remarkable season for the Varsity squad. The team earned both HCCA State Champion and IASP State Champion titles, was named 2X UCA Regional Champion, and produced three All-State Cheerleaders, including one Indiana Cheerleader of the Year. Finishing the season as a National Bronze Medalist is a testament to the athletes’ commitment and the leadership of their coaching staff.
The program also celebrated success at the Junior Varsity level. In its first year of competition, the newly introduced JV team earned a 5th-place finish at Nationals and was named 2X UCA Regional Champion, an impressive accomplishment that highlights the strength and future of Charlestown Cheerleading.
We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes for representing Charlestown with excellence, determination, and Pirate pride on both the state and national stage.
Charlestown High School Wrestling 2026 IHSAA Jeffersonville Sectional Champion
Congratulations to the Charlestown High School wrestling team on winning the IHSAA Jeffersonville Sectional Championship. Competing against a strong field of area schools, the Pirates delivered an outstanding team performance to earn the sectional title.
Several wrestlers posted impressive individual finishes, contributing to the team’s success and showcasing the hard work and dedication put in throughout the season. With this victory, Charlestown advances further in the IHSAA state tournament series.
We are proud of the team’s accomplishment and wish them continued success in their postseason.
Photo Credit: WPMQ Charlestown.
Photo Credit: WPMQ Charlestown.
Charlestown High School Bowler Earns Spot at State Finals, Finishes Top 20
We would like to recognize Charlestown High School bowler, Jarrod Nelson, for competing in the Indiana High School Bowling State Finals on February 15 in Fort Wayne. Jarrod finished the season ranked among the top 20 bowlers in the state, an outstanding accomplishment.
He earned his place at the state tournament by advancing through the semi-state round, competing against some of Indiana’s top high school bowlers. His qualification for the state finals reflects a season of consistent excellence, hard work, and dedication to his sport.
Congratulations to Jarrod on an impressive achievement representing Charlestown with pride.
Photo Credit: WPMQ Charlestown
New Washington Middle/High School Students Place at Music ISSMA solo and ensemble
Congratulations to Eleanor Chapman, Luke Schaefer, Emma Morris, and Callie Williamson for representing New Washington Middle/High School at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) Solo & Ensemble competition.
These students earned an impressive three Gold ratings and one Silver rating. Luke Schafer, Eleanor Chapman, and Emma Morris each received Gold ratings, while Callie Williamson earned a Silver rating.
We are proud of their dedication, preparation, and commitment to excellence in music.