Indy Standard

Ernie Pyle School 90 experienced a significant week with the unveiling of a renovated media center and financial gifts for educational resources. The improvements were part of a collaboration involving the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation, the Big Ten Conference, School Specialty, and the College Football Playoff Foundation.

The media center's transformation was associated with the TIAA Big Ten Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournaments and supported by Indiana Sports Corp to enhance educational facilities. The updated space was revealed as a surprise to students and staff. Alongside this development, each student received a literacy kit in a new backpack to encourage reading.

Third-grade student Diarie Hughes expressed her amazement at the changes: “Walking in and seeing the transformation is incredible, and I know my classmates are going to be just as excited as I am when they see it for the first time,” she said. “This space inside our school is going to be such a great place for learning, reading, and discovering new things. A big thank you to everyone who made this possible — your hard work and support mean so much to us.”

Principal Jessica Barnes received a $10,000 gift for the school while third-grade teacher Jasmine Ekanem was awarded $1,000 for classroom supplies. Principal Barnes commented on the impact of these contributions: “I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for this incredible space—one that truly welcomes and inspires our students to learn, explore, and grow,” she said. “Reading is the gateway to all other learning, opening doors to new ideas, places, and possibilities. To have a space like this where our students can discover the joy of books is a blessing beyond measure.”

Adding further excitement to their week, students, families, and teachers attended "We All Play" community night at the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 13.