Sarah: Did you see the Teacher of the Year finalists?

Maria: Oh yes!  Three amazing educators this year. Martin Briggs from La Porte has been teaching 4th grade for 47 years. L.A. High in Penn-Harris-Madison is an 8th grade math teacher who’s raised over $70K for Riley Children’s Hospital. And Megan Johnson in Plainfield just earned her Early Literacy Endorsement and leads science of reading efforts. Winner gets announced in October.

Sarah: Okay, but what do parents need to actually mark down this week?

Maria: Lots!

• Oct 1–24: Graduation Rate Audit for high schools.

• Oct 1: Count Day—funding depends on enrollment.

• Oct 1–31: PSAT/NMSQT testing window.

• Sept 30: STEM Certification webinar.

• Oct 3: Deadline for School Improvement Plans (ESSA schools) + Teacher Appreciation Grant forms.

Sarah: And for families?

Maria: Big one—FAFSA for 2026–27 is already open. Indiana’s deadline is April 15, 2026, but filing early is best. Schools are also rolling out assessment grant funds for grades 3–8, and October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so staff are getting free training and toolkits.

Sarah: So, bottom line?

Maria: Indiana is celebrating outstanding teachers, schools are racing toward funding deadlines, and families should get FAFSA done early. Oh and don’t miss your school’s emails with the new Family Portal login codes for ILEARN and IREAD results.

👉 Which matters most to you in these weekly updates:  deadlines, student opportunities, or teacher spotlights? Drop it in the comments!