The MSD of Decatur Township is proud to offer Situational Awareness for Everyday Training for girls at Decatur Central High School and Decatur Township School for Excellence.

(May 12, 2025) – INDIANAPOLIS – The MSD of Decatur Township is proud to announce that the Decatur Township School Police held their first S.A.F.E. training program on Friday, May 9, 2025, for female juniors and seniors at Decatur Central High School and Decatur Township School for Excellence. The S.A.F.E. Program, which stands for Situational Awareness for Everyday, was first created and implemented by Sergeant Julie Q-Smith of the Columbus, Indiana Police Department. The program aims to empower young girls by providing them with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the real world. Training includes a focus on situational awareness, personal safety, and the importance of trusting one’s instincts while fostering an engaging and supportive environment. 

Dr. Scott Collins, Superintendent, explained, “As the father of two girls, I greatly appreciate our district’s priorities with safety training and initiatives like the S.A.F.E. program. While I hope that our female students are never in a situation where they need to utilize this training, it is important that they have the knowledge and skills to do so!”

About S.A.F.E.

Chief Terance Smith of the Decatur Township School Police, shared, “Implementation of the S.A.F.E. Program in Decatur Township has been a high priority goal. We want to make sure this is done right, and we want young women to go from here with the tools to protect themselves and empowered to maintain their own safety.” 

In addition to Chief Smith, the Decatur Township S.A.F.E. program instructors include Officers Tabetha Emenaker, Dennis Scott, and Tea’wanda Wrespress. The day-long training includes interactive seminars covering topics such as self-defense, assertiveness, and understanding warning signals. Video, individualized attention, and discussion circles will also be incorporated. Physical training, which includes hands-on defensive tactics and escape techniques, allows participants to practice skills in a safe environment. Finally, real-world applications through scenarios and role-playing exercises will help participants apply what they have learned. 

Looking toward the future, Chief Smith explained, “The goal is to offer the S.A.F.E. Program bi-annually to junior and senior girls at DCHS and DTSE, expanding the opportunity to broaden the impact.”

Here is an opportunity for students entering grades 3-6:
Summer STEM Camp
Join us for 12 days of fun and adventure!

Dates: May 28th-June 12th
Times: 8:50 am-12 pm daily
Location: Decatur High Ability Academy, 5106 S. High School Road Indianapolis, IN  46221
Who: Open to all students in or out of Decatur Township, entering grades 3-6. *transportation available in-district only
Cost: $160, includes lunch
Click the form to register: Registration Form

For more information, call the Decatur High Ability Academy at 317-856-2109, or email Mrs. Julie Conrad: jconrad@decaturproud.org

Decatur Central Theatre is excited to present The Hound of the Baskervilles, a comedic thriller starring Shirley Holmes and Jennie Watson, appropriate for all ages (effects warning: gunshot sounds and water-based fog).

Performances are on Friday, April 25th, at 7 pm and on Saturday, April 26th, at 2 pm and 7 pm. We would love for you to come and support our 60 students participating on stage and back stage. 

You can buy tickets on our webpage or buy them at the door with cash or card. $8 for adults, $5 for students

Hope to see you there. The Hound awaits!