A New Day: Arlington High School Returns To IPS

After three years under management of a private charter company and nearly a decade of chronic failure, Arlington Community High School has returned to Indianapolis Public Schools. It’s the first school under state intervention to transition back to its home district and school leaders are under pressure from the community and state to make it work. WFYI education reporter Eric Weddle spent the 2015-16 school year reporting from inside the school on its successes and challenges. 

Below are some of the reports that were filed throughout the school year:

A New Day Series

So, How Did Arlington's Comeback Year End?

Published June 10, 2016 “... there was so many doubters that didn't believe many of you would be here tonight -- but you -- you prove everyone wrong."

Parent, Teens Force Way Into Arlington To Fight

Published March 8, 2016 A parent and group of teenagers were arrested Tuesday after allegedly forcing their way into Arlington Community High School over an ongoing feud between students.

Relationships Grow, Academics Lag After Arlington High School’s Turbulent Restart

Published March 2, 2016 After seven months, there's now hugs and fist bumps between students and staff at Arlington but some students still struggle to focus on learning and make graduation requirements. 

Inspiration, Black History Is Focus of Arlington High School's Comeback Theater Performance

Published Feb. 25, 2016 The stage lights are back for the first theatrical performance since the school restarted last summer.

Arlington Shaken By 'Incomprehensible' Shooting Death Of Student

Published Feb. 4, 2016 Violent death of the popular 16-year-old Jaylan Murray plunged the school into a state of shock and mourning.

School, Alumni Rally For Arlington Student Athlete Hit By Vehicle

Published Dec. 23, 2015 A student in need at Arlington High School has forged a common cause for classmates, staff and alumni

Arlington Culture Improving Says Principal But Concerns Remain For State Board Member

Published Dec. 2, 2105 Principal Stan Law told State Board of Education Wednesday that the school had seen a “nearly 100 percent turnaround” in student behavior but there are still much improvement to be made.

IPS, State Education Dept. In Dispute Over Arlington’s Accountability Grade

Published Dec. 1, 2105 The Indiana Department of Education and IPS remain at odds over whether the 2014-15 grade for Arlington should be assigned to IPS or charter company Tindley.

Arlington Is “Top Concern” For State Education Department

Published Nov. 4, 2105 Arlington is called a “top concern” by the Indiana Department of Education official overseeing its transition due to the school's ongoing turbulent atmosphere.

85% Of Arlington Students Ordered To Fall Break Remediation Classes Skip Out

Published Oct. 16, 2105 During fall break, 104 students are required to attend remedial lessons in math and English to help them pass exams required for graduation -- yet few take advantage of teacher's one-on-one lessons and calm environment.

More Staff, Peer Mentoring Program Coming To Arlington

Published Oct. 8, 2015 Hall monitors, another dean and more staff for Arlington is approved by IPS administrators, as Peace Learning Center begins Peers Making Peace program and coaching teachers to interact with students.

Arlington Seeks More Staff Amid Struggle To Control, Help Students

Published Sept. 13, 2105 Six weeks into the school year and a combination of factors are emerging that seem to contribute to the unsettled school atmosphere as students skip class, act out and some are even suspected of stealing a teacher’s car.

Arlington Snapshot: 'All Activities Are Cancelled'

Published Sept. 13, 2015 Observations from reporting inside Arlington Community High School: How a series of events on Aug. 26 impacted every student at the school.

200 Students Are Missing From Arlington High School As IPS Hopes For 'Rebirth' After State Takeover

Published Aug. 19, 2015 It's been 12 days since school began and more than 200 students expected at Arlington High School have yet to show up.

Arlington Returns To IPS But Students Fear Too Much Change

Published July 1, 2015 Students who attended Arlington under charter school company Tindley try to decide whether they will remain at the school under IPS leadership.