PENDLETON — Middle school is a time when children start to figure out their interests. Students in Pendleton got to try out construction, learning how to work with their hands.

The Madison County Builders Association sponsored Trades Day at Pendleton Heights Middle School on Friday. The students, under the guidance of industry professionals, performed tasks such as assembling a table or settling concrete.

It is the second time Trades Day has come to Pendleton, but it is especially significant now because of changes to Indiana's education system made in the Statehouse this year.
"They're deciding if they're taking the college pathway or the career pathway, and that is decided by February of 8th grade," said Karen Shreves of the Madison County Builders Association.

Shreves said they are planning to expand Trades Day to more schools next year because of the newfound relevance of trades careers in K-12 education.
"By allowing the children the opportunity, the trades become less alien to them," Shreves said.

The projects made by Pendleton Heights Middle School students during Trades Day will remain on display at the school.
-
Fernando Mendoza is the AP college football player of the year
Fernando Mendoza was named Associated Press player of the year on Thursday after leading unbeaten and top-ranked Indiana to its first Big Ten championship.
Indiana Senate rejects redrawing congressional maps
The Indiana Senate is set to convene at 1:30 p.m. Thursday for what could be the final vote on a redistricting bill that has divided lawmakers and sparked heated debate across the state.
Indianapolis DPW plows major trails, protected bike lanes for first time
For the first time, Indianapolis crews are plowing protected bike lanes and major commuter trails during winter — changes that cyclists say have made a “huge improvement” over previous years.
Icy roads cause multiple crashes across Central Indiana
Freezing temperatures and wet roads created dangerous driving conditions across central Indiana Thursday morning, leading to multiple crashes and road closures as black ice formed on roadways.