Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is demonstrating the impact of school-based wellness through a partnership with Jump IN for Healthy Kids. This collaboration aims to create healthier school communities, benefiting students physically, socially, and academically.
Julie Burns, CEO of Jump IN for Healthy Kids, praised IPS’s commitment to children’s health: “IPS has shown incredible dedication to children’s health and has come such a long way toward their wellness goals with the expertise and support of Jump Right UP.” The initiative employs the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model to enhance health practices across schools.
One success story involves after-school enrichment programs that promote physical activity. IPS introduced activities like swimming, archery, skateboarding, gardening, and Ninja Warrior training. These programs reached 25 schools and over 10,000 students during the 2024–2025 school year.
At Benjamin Harrison School 2, teacher Katie Lloyd-Jones observed her students embracing new sports such as pickleball. She noted: “Paddlesports increase longevity. They are the perfect lifelong sports.” Her running club also participated in several events this year.
Lloyd-Jones reported significant improvements in student confidence after ice skating lessons: “They were unsteady at first, but by the end they showed so much pride.”
Christian Park School 82 utilized physical activity to enhance learning and behavior. Third-grade teacher Monica Shellhamer said that integrating movement into academics improved discipline practices: “We no longer withhold recess as punishment.” This approach led to better focus among students.
In March, IPS hosted its first district-wide archery tournament at Shortridge High School. PE teacher Jake Windsor from Anna Brochhausen School 88 noticed a student’s newfound passion for archery: “She practiced on her own time… She had never shown enthusiasm for physical activity before — this changed everything.”
The district celebrated these achievements with an event recognizing Jump Right UP’s contributions. Burns remarked on the progress made: “The progress we’ve seen — from fitness to food access to emotional health — is helping students and staff thrive in body and mind.”
