ZCS Spring Newspaper 2024

Zionsville Community Schools

Giving back to our community

Students

in Zionsville Community Schools come together for the community during district's sixth annual Do-Days

In early March, during the three-day span of the sixth annual ZCS Do-Days, students, staff, and families actively engaged in nearly 70 service projects for our community.

Students assembled more than 200 bags in support of the Light for Levi Foundation for individuals facing challenging circumstances at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital. Families packed 10,000 meals for the Million Meal Movement sponsored by the Rotary Club. Additionally, more than 200 volunteers worked together on cleanup efforts for the Whitestown and Zionsville Lions Parks.

Students delivered dozens of items to the Boone County Humane Society while also collecting hundreds of items for distribution to local food pantries. To express gratitude and support for those on the front lines, students wrote heartfelt cards and letters for first responders, nursing home residents, and patients at

Journey to France

Zionsville Community High School French students travel abroad over spring break

During spring break, 15 high school students and three teachers traveled to visit Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) sister school JJ Henner in Altkirch, France. The trip gave students an opportunity to see and experience many points of interest they learned about in the ZCHS French curriculum including Paris, Versailles, The Loire Valley, Brittany, and Normandy. Visiting these sights allowed students to see the curriculum and language come to life.

Week two allowed students to stay with host families for a first-hand view of life as a French high school student. They attended classes alongside their exchange partners and spent the evenings and weekend with their host families. Students were able to use their language skills to communicate, experience

family-life in the French culture, and push themselves outside of their comfort zones. For many students, this was the highlight of the trip, and they made lifelong relationships and connections.

Principal Tim East traveled with the group to France - his final school trip before he prepares to retire at the close of this school year. Mr. East has been instrumental in fostering this French connection for our students. His service to the schools has been immeasurable. Upon his retirement, Mrs. Karen McDaniel has been named as the new principal for Zionsville Community High School beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. We will feature Mrs. McDaniel in the summer back-to-school edition of the ZCS newspaper.

Eagle Ambassador Academy participants continue learning about ZCS

Throughout this school year, members of the inaugural Eagle Ambassador Academy have participated in sessions that offer an in-depth knowledge of how the school system operates.

Throughout the interactive sessions, participants have had an opportunity to connect with district and building level ZCS team members.

Applications for next year's ambassador academy will be available at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

Seminar sessions are held one evening a month for 90 minutes, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., throughout the school year.

Detailed information and the 2024-2025 application will be available on the district website in August.

Send in Class of 2024 photos

We want to include seniors in a district video featuring the ZCHS Class of 2024. Please share a photo of your senior wearing spirit wear or posed in a setting showing their next steps. For some, this will be donning a college sweatshirt, while others will be pursuing trades, a gap

year, beginning a career or enlisting in a branch of the military. We want to celebrate all students.

Send photos to: zcsphotos@zcs.k12.in.us with the subject line ZCHS Class of 2024 by Friday, May 10.

Executive Director of Unified Student Services Casey Allen presented at the Eagle Ambassador Academy in March.

ZCHS students outside JJ Henner High School

ZCHS students at L’Hôtel de Ville in Paris, France

Zionsville Community High School students and friends in front of Le Mont Saint-Michel

Ten students from Zionsville Community High School named National Merit Finalists Congratulations

ZCHS is proud to announce that ten students have advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship (NMS) competition. The selection of Merit Scholarship winners is now in progress and will be announced in April (not announced at press time).

NMS Finalists are pictured with Principal Tim East.

Zionsville Middle School hosts Sensory Concert

Students in essential skills across district attend

This semester, Zionsville Middle School (ZMS) Band

Teacher Evan Schroeder and the ZMS band department hosted their second annual Sensory Friendly Concert at ZMS.

This annual concert is designed to provide an inclusive musical experience for students attending ZCS Essential Skills classrooms across various grade levels, from elementary to high school.

Students enjoyed an hour listening to music, dancing, and exploring instruments in a space accommodating to a variety of needs. Students fully immersed themselves in the joy of music.

The Sensory Friendly Concert fosters a sense of belonging and serves as a memorable and enriching opportunity for all students to engage with music. Students, families, school staff, and volunteers make a program like this possible.

ZCHS Business Professionals of America

The Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) Business Professionals of America (BPA) Club had four first place finishes at the BPA State Leadership Conference. The ZCHS Virtual Financial Portfolio Management Team of Charles Sondik, Kaden Oberlander, and Prab Jayachandran qualified for Nationals. ZCHS BPA members also placed in several open tests including Python Coding, Health Research Presentation, Health Administration Procedures, and Computer Network Technology.

ZCHS Juniors and Seniors attend career fair

The Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) career fair brought together more than 60 dedicated career representatives to talk with more than 1,200 Juniors and Seniors. Students explored a wide array of career possibilities across various industries. Thank you to all who participated in the career fair.

Front Row (left-right): Sam Rushton, Cooper Siegler, John Gunderman, Matt Clarizia, Sunay Konnur Back Row (left-right): Principal Tim East, Naitik Rambhia, Sarah Ngo, Shivam Dave, Madeline Wilson, Allie Johnson

Celebrating the arts

Fiddler on the Roof, Moana Jr., Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Aladdin Kids, Seussical Jr., and so much more...

Performing at a high level

ZCHS students shine on the competition stage

ZCHS Winter Guard

Competed in Winter Guard International Chicago Regional in February. Finished 5th out of 26 groups from the Midwest.

Competed in Indiana High School Color Guard Association State Finals in March. Finished 7th in their round and 13th out of 27 groups.

ZCHS Indoor Percussion

Competed in Winter Guard International Indianapolis Regional in March. Finish 3rd out of nine (9) groups.

Competed in Winter Guard International Mid-East Regional in Kentucky in March. Finished 2nd out of seven (7) groups from Midwest.

Competed in Indiana Percussion Association State Finals in the Hulman Center at Indiana State University in Terre Haute in April. Finished 2nd out of nine (9).

Competed in the Winter Guard International World Championships in Dayton, OH. Finished 4th out of 44 groups.

FINALE!

Finale shows are May 17th at 7 p.m. and May 18th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. There are more than 150 students among the Royalaires, Choralaires, crew, and combo involved. All will be performing their fall shows, competition shows, and new material during the performance, including specials featuring solos or small groups.

ZCHS Show Choirs

During the 2024 competition season, the Zionsville Royalaires were named Grand Champions at the Plainfield Quaker Classic, Pendleton Heights Arabian Spectacular, and South Dearborn Opening Knight Showcase, as well as 2nd Runner-Up at the Wheaton Warrenville South Choral Classic. They also received three (3) Best Choreography and two (2) Best Vocal caption awards.

The Zionsville Choralaires this season were 2nd Runner-Up at the Plainfield Quaker Classic, 1st Runner-Up at the Pendleton Heights Arabian Spectacular, and Grand Champions at the South Dearborn Opening Knight Showcase and Wheaton Warrenville South Choral Classic. They also received two (2) Best Vocal caption awards. Congratulations!

Thank you to photographers Andrea Bowman (Seussical Jr.) and Lauren Spillman (Moana) for helping to capture these performances.

"Sonic Reflections" * Zionsville Community High School Indoor Percussion, Winter Guard International Mid-East Regional

Photo Credit: Dharati Dave

"The end.....as we knew it" * Zionsville Community High School Winter Guard, Indiana High School Color Guard Association State Finals

Photo Credit: Kristina Cole

ZCHS Royalaires * Quaker Classic Grand Champions; Photo credit: Christy Turnbull

ZCHS Choralaires * Wheaton; Photo credit: Christy Turnbull

Sports Show: Mental Attitude Awards in the spotlight

ZCHS athletes and coaches represent district well

Congratulations to seniors Luke Penola and Walker Mattice who were both awarded the prestigious IHSAA Mental Attitude Award in their respective sports.

Luke was awarded the Mental Attitude Award at the IHSAA State Wrestling Championship. Senior swimmer Walker Mattice was awarded the Mental Attitude Award at the IHSAA State Swimming and Diving Finals. Mattice won the state titles in the 100- and 200- yard freestyles, and ZCHS placed fourth as a team. Both seniors have shown

exceptional leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to both athletics and the community and are truly deserving of this honor. Their commitment to excellence is inspirational.

We are proud of all of our athletes who represent ZCHS well.

ZCHS Girls Basketball Coach Andy Maguire named head coach for 2024 IndyStar girls' Indiana All-Stars; Announces retirement from coaching

Excerpt about Andy Maguire directly from Stateline Sports Network article on March 1, 2024

Zionsville Community High School Basketball Coach Andy Maguire was named head coach for the 2024 IndyStar girls’ Indiana All-Stars.

Maguire has compiled a 330-240 record in 26 seasons as a varsity girls’ coach, including a Class 4A state runner-up finish in 2018. He is 256-209 in 21 seasons in Zionsville, including a 16-7 finish in 2023-24.

A 1982 graduate of South

Sports Physicals for ZCS athletes

Ascension will be holding physical night for ZCS athletes on May 23rd at the Clay Terrace location from 5-9 p.m. Please watch school newsletters and information from your coaches with additional information for completing sports physicals for the 2024-2025 school year.

Vermillion, Maguire played four seasons of basketball and baseball for the Wildcats. He went on to Purdue University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1987. He later earned a master’s degree in secondary administration from IUPUI.

Maguire started his coaching career as a boys’ basketball assistant at Lebanon in 1987-88. He then was a boys’ basketball assistant at Western Boone from 1988 through 1994 before becoming the Stars’ head coach. He moved to

Zionsville for the 1999-2000 season, coaching the Eagles for seven seasons. After a five-year break from coaching, he took over the Eagles a second time in 2010-11 and has guided the program to winning campaigns in eight of the past nine seasons. Maguire has announced his retirement from coaching.

He was an IBCA District 2 Coach of the Year and was a Junior All-Star assistant coach in 2016. He currently teaches health and physical education at Zionsville Middle School.

ZCS students display artwork in community as part of Youth Art Month

ZCS celebrated National Youth Art Month in March. This annual observation emphasizes the value of art education for all children and encourages support for quality school art programs.

Artwork created by students in the Zionsville Fine Arts Department (Grades 1-12) was displayed around the community.

Thank you to SullivanMunce Cultural Center, Goodman Jewelers, Fivethirty Home and Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library for holding opening receptions to showcase student artwork.

Olivia Miller, Sophomore Zionsville Community High School student artist

Zionsville West Middle School (ZWMS) and Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) art teachers.

Community supporters of ZCS artists view artwork displayed at SullivanMunce Cultural Center

Photos from Zionsville Athletics Twitter Page

Robotics teams compete in state; ZCHS team qualifies for Worlds

The robotics program sees continued growth and success

Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) had 12 robotics teams compete in state competition this year.

Participating teams included:

Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS)

Three (3) teams

Zionsville Middle School (ZMS)

Three (3) teams

Zionsville West Middle School (ZWMS)

Two (2) teams

Trailside Elementary School

Three (3) teams

Pleasant View Elementary School (PVE) and Stonegate Elementary School (SGE)

Combined team

Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) team 7701X qualified for World Competition in Dallas, Texas at the end of April.

The team has not competed in Dallas at press time.

for competition.

Thank you, ZEF

Zionsville Education Foundation awards Spring Classroom and Imagine grants

This spring, the Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) announced $61,010 in Classroom Grants and Imagine Professional Development Grants to more than 40 ZCS educators across the district. The ZEF Classroom Grants awarded will provide unique learning experiences for students in Music, Wellness, STEM, Literacy, and Robotics classrooms. The Imagine Grants awarded this spring will give ZCS teachers the opportunity to gain additional expertise in their areas of instruction, connect with colleagues through the shared experience of learning, network with peers from across the country, and bring back new ideas for their classrooms.

ZEF has awarded more than $1.85 million in support of ZCS since its founding in 1995. A special thanks to our community of donors for their support of this grant cycle.

ZEF Eagle Honors are the perfect way to let ZCS teachers and staff know how much you appreciate them. Send your Eagle Honors today for Staff Appreciation Week or year-end goodbyes. For a donation to ZEF of $10 or more per honoree, a personalized Eagle Honor certificate will be sent to your recipient with a message from your student or family. Your donation will also be matched by our generous sponsors. Funds raised support future ZEF Grants. Send your Eagle Honor Awards today.

Bryant Buckles and Noah Anderson, ZCHS Team 7701X, prepare

Zionsville Elementary and Middle School Robotics teams host tournament at Trailside Elementary.

Adult Learn to Swim

ZCS Aquatics Director Lisa Brown awarded USA Swimming Foundation 2024 Adult Learn to Swim Grant

The STOPit Reporting Line is available and monitored 24-hours a day, seven days a week. We encourage families and community members to embrace the "see something, say something" philosophy. This platform invites anyone who believes a situation warrants investigation, that contributes to the safety and security of our staff and students, to use this anonymous means of reporting.

Director of Student Services Maggie Ioannacci

named Chaucie’s Champion

The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide (ICPYAS), formerly known as Chaucie’s Place, recently announced ZCS Director of Student Services Maggie Ioannacci as the 2024 Chaucie’s Champion.

This prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to prevention education, making a lasting impact on the community.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Chaucie’s Champion award,” Ioannacci said. “It is a testament to the collective efforts of our school community in prioritizing the well-being of our students. Prevention education is a crucial component of fostering a safe and supportive learning environment, and I am grateful for the collaboration with the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide.”

Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) was chosen as one of 38 adult programs in 24 states, from the USA Swimming Foundation’s nationwide network of swim lesson providers to receive grant money in 2024. The grant award will go toward ZCS’s continued efforts to provide free or reduced-cost swim lessons. This year, the USA Swimming Foundation has awarded a total of $780,000 in its initial round of funding to programs across the country.

We are thrilled to be chosen for this grant,” ZCS Aquatics Director Lisa Brown said. “The money we receive will be used to help adults in our community learn to swim.”

The USA Swimming Foundation vetted more than 400 applications through a competitive annual review process and chose 124 youth and 38 adult programs to receive funding.

“The USA Swimming Foundation is proud to continue providing Learn-to-Swim opportunities at the local level for both adults and youth,” said USA Swimming Foundation Executive Director Elaine Calip. “With the excitement surrounding U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming and the Olympic Games, we anticipate an increased interest in our sport. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with lesson providers nationwide to keep kids and adults safe in and around the water.”

Millions of individuals have received the

lifesaving gift of swim lessons through the USA Swimming Foundation’s network of swim lesson providers, comprised of more than 1,500 qualified lesson providers across the nation. To learn more, visit www.usaswimming.org/ foundation.

Ioannacci was honored at the 13th annual Rise Up for Kids Breakfast at the Ritz Charles in Carmel.

Stonegate Elementary School Literacy Night

Zionsville Mayor John Stehr and ZCS Superintendent Rebecca Coffman are guest readers at Stonegate Elementary School Literacy Night

Boone Meadow Elementary School families and students join other ZCS elementary schools in hosting an International Fair

Students at Pleasant View Elementary School celebrate Famous Hoosiers

Board of School Trustees

ZCS students participated in Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair

Mr. Mike Berg Board President

Mrs. Katie Aeschliman Board Vice President

Dr. Jeff Papa Board Secretary

Mrs. Jennifer Valentine Board Member Dr. Christy Wessel-Powell Board Member