Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is taking its appreciation for staff dedication to a new level this fall by transforming its traditional Milestone Day into a full week of celebration. From October 6–10, IPS will host Milestone Week, a districtwide event that recognizes the achievements, memories, and ongoing journeys of its educators and staff—those who bring learning to life every single day.
The expanded celebration is rooted in the idea that every milestone, whether it marks a year or a lifetime of service, deserves more than a passing moment. It deserves a spotlight, a story, and a sense of shared pride. “Milestone Week is about recognizing everyone—whether you are in your first year or your fiftieth,” said Dwayne Marshall, IPS director of talent and acquisition. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the people who make IPS what it is, share our stories, and have fun together as one team.”
Marshall explained that Milestone Week is part of the district’s broader Proving What’s Possible staff recognition framework, an initiative designed to acknowledge the individual and collective impact of IPS employees. This year’s approach is more interactive, more reflective, and more connected than ever before.
To capture the diversity of experiences within the district, staff will be grouped into generational categories based on their years of service:
• Trailblazers (0–9 years)
• Vanguards (10–19 years)
• Cornerstones (20–29 years)
• Pillars (30+ years)
Each group will receive custom prompts and activities that allow them to share their stories and experiences in creative ways. From recounting “first day at IPS” memories to recreating old staff photos and reflecting on how the district has evolved, these activities are designed to highlight both personal and collective growth.
Adding an extra layer of excitement, IPS is introducing a districtwide competition for the Milestone Week Championship Belt, an award that will go to the school demonstrating the most creativity, collaboration, and team spirit. Whether through themed events, schoolwide activities, or heartfelt storytelling, every building will have a chance to show what makes their IPS community special.
Social media will play a big role in amplifying the celebration. Staff members are encouraged to post their stories and photos using #IPSMilestoneWeek, #TeamIPS, and #provingwhatspossible. Throughout the week, the district will feature standout posts, highlight schools with exceptional engagement, and share glimpses of the camaraderie that defines IPS.
Marshall noted that while Milestone Week is filled with fun and friendly competition, it also holds deeper meaning. Staff will receive daily emails connecting their years of service to cultural and historical milestones, reminding them of the eras in which their IPS journey began. From the music and movies that shaped their first year to key moments in district history, these reflections serve as a reminder that every career—long or short—represents an essential part of the district’s story.
“By turning one day of recognition into a full week of celebration, IPS aims to not only honor staff longevity but also highlight the daily dedication that makes our schools thrive,” Marshall said. “It’s about celebrating every step of the journey and the collective spirit that unites our IPS family.”
For IPS, Milestone Week is not just about looking back—it’s about moving forward together. The event invites all staff, from newcomers to veterans, to reflect on how far they’ve come and how their contributions continue to shape the future of education in Indianapolis.
As the district prepares for this expanded celebration, the message is clear: milestones matter, but the people behind them matter even more. Through creativity, connection, and shared pride, IPS is proving once again that every journey—every year, every story—is worth celebrating.
