Zionsville Community Schools Winter Newspaper 2024

Zionsville Community Schools

WINTER 2024

The Power of Community Never underestimate how your experiences help shape our students One of the most beautiful moments in a school day is when a child stands in awe of an adult’s accomplishments, especially when those accomplishments reflect extraordinary service.

Veternas Day has always been meaningful for staff and students in Zionsville Community Schools.

It is a day when students and adults pause, reflect, and honor those who have served or are currently serving our country.

This meaningful observance is marked by learning, appreciation and gratitude. Across the district, thoughtfully planned experiences give students opportunities to connect with history and pay tribute to veterans in their families and community. In many programs, students proudly share the names of veterans they know, with those names displayed publicly as a collective tribute.

These ceremonies are enriched by student performances, from carefully prepared music to special readings. Staff members invited speakers with personal connections to the schools and

the community, ensuring that their powerful stories inspire respect and gratitude. Veterans Day in ZCS is not just a day of recognition. It is a lesson in character, a moment of unity, and a celebration of service.

Thank you to the many veterans, families and community members who participated in this year's Veterans Day programs.

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WINTER 2024

State of the Schools Thank you to those who attended the annual State of the Schools Thank you to everyone in our community who joined us for the annual State of the Schools event.

This year’s presentation offered attendees valuable updates on various aspects of Zionsville Community Schools.

Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman opened the program with an engaging activity exploring artificial intelligence.

This exercise highlighted the district's commitment to educating students not only about technological advancements but also about the importance of ethics and responsibility in the digital age.

Director of Safety Chad Smith emphasized the shared responsibility of keeping our schools safe. While specific safety measures remain confidential to protect students and staff, he underscored the importance of community vigilance in maintaining a secure learning environment.

Updates on academics and district finances rounded out

the morning, followed by a brief question-and-answer session.

This collaborative event was presented by Zionsville Community Schools, the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce, and the Zionsville Education Foundation. The event featured Dr. Coffman and a panel of school leaders providing insights into our district’s initiatives and progress.

We extend a special thank you to The National Bank of Indianapolis and Stifel for sponsoring the event and providing breakfast. Your generous support is deeply appreciated.

Zionsville Community Schools engages community in strategic planning process Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) is actively involving the community in shaping the district’s future through a comprehensive strategic planning initiative.

The process has focused heavily on gathering input from a wide range of stakeholders.

More than 150 individuals, including staff, students, families, and community members, shared their perspectives during focus group discussions. In addition, a district-wide survey garnered nearly 2,500 responses, offering additional insights into community priorities and expectations.

“This is an opportunity to align our plans with the needs and aspirations of our community,” said ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman.

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A steering committee is now in the process of analyzing the feedback to guide the next steps in the planning process. Their work continues next semester, with the goal of shaping a roadmap for the district’s continued success.

More than 150 staff, students, family and community members participated in strategic focus groups.

The 2024-2025 cohort of the Eagle Ambassador Academy has been meeting monthly to gain insight into the inner workings of the school district. Each session is hosted at a different location, giving participants the opportunity to explore and experience the unique features and offerings of all nine ZCS schools.

Throughout the program, organizational leaders guide participants through their respective areas of responsibility, providing a comprehensive perspective on how each group contributes to the district’s overall success. By the end of the year, participants will have a deeper understanding of the collaboration required to ensure our schools function at their best.

WINTER 2024

Students explore interests ZCHS students discover education and career opportunities at the recent career fair Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) partnered with Junior Achievement to host its annual career fair, offering juniors and seniors an invaluable opportunity to explore their future career paths. The event brought together representatives from more than 70 businesses, military branches, and colleges, creating a dynamic environment for students to engage directly with professionals and learn about a wide variety of fields.

The career fair is designed to help students make informed decisions about their postgraduation plans, whether that means entering the workforce,

pursuing higher education, or joining the military.

“This event is all about opening doors for our students,” said Cathy Patane, ZCHS Counseling Department Chair and College and Career Transition Coordinator. “It’s an opportunity for them to ask questions, network with professionals, and explore options they might not have considered before.”

The career fair is part of an effort by Zionsville Community Schools to prepare students for life beyond high school by equipping them with the knowledge and connections they need to succeed.

ZCHS student's Spanish skills help in emergency response A Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) senior's Spanish skills played a crucial role in an emergency. The fluent Spanish student stepped in to provide translation assistance at the scene of a serious car accident and later at the hospital, bridging the communication gap between first responders, medical staff, and those involved in the incident.

The accident occurred on Interstate 70, and emergency personnel quickly realized the need for a Spanish speaker to communicate vital information. ZCHS senior Chloe Motague-Himmell was traveling with her mother and immediately offered to help.

Once at the hospital, Chloe continued to assist by translating for medical staff, ensuring that the injured understood treatment and could communicate their needs effectively.

This incident highlights the real-world impact of language

education and the value of a second language in critical situations.

This remarkable act of service underscores the skills and character of Zionsville Community High School students, demonstrating how education extends beyond the classroom to make a difference in the world.

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WINTER 2024

We are Eagles Record-breaking participation in this year's EagleFest is testament to the strength in our community

The annual EagleFest, hosted by the Zionsville Athletic Booster Club, was another tremendous success. This popular event drew a large crowd to Jennings Field where the community enjoyed an outdoor festival before heading over to the first home football game of the season. Special thanks to our generous sponsors and volunteers for coming together for this fun-filled tradition. While storms cut the game short, the evening was still filled with excitement and fun.

This is community!

The Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) thanks our community For more than 29 years, ZEF has partnered with our schools to provide funds that promote academic excellence. ZEF has awarded $1.85 million in grants to ZCS teachers, students, and schools for more than 1,188 projects across the district. The support of our community – YOUR support – makes it all possible!

On Saturday, November 9th, our community came together to celebrate and support our schools at the 2024 ZEF Bash. The new Luau-inspired theme was the perfect setting to raise funds that will make future grants possible. ZEF Bash Premier Sponsors Barnes & Thornburg and The Skillman Corporation were joined by many other community businesses, a 23-member volunteer committee, and individual guests to make this year’s event a success. Please join us in thanking our community partners.

This fall, ZEF awarded Classroom Grants totaling $42,412 to ZCS educators across the district. Students at every level

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will benefit from the unique learning experiences funded by these grants. Special thanks to Duke Energy Foundation and the Barth Family Fund for their steadfast support of ZEF and, specifically, this grant cycle.

The 2024 ZEF Fall Classroom Grants will bring to life projects in every discipline including literacy, STEM, the social sciences, and the arts. They provide elementary students with quality musical instruments, books for third grade enrichment, 3D printing equipment for middle schoolers, cutting-edge lab equipment for high school science students, and the Zionsville Community High School S.O.A.R.S. program with equipment for job-skill training and entrepreneurial endeavors.

These and other grants funded will give ZCS students new ways to explore the curriculum for years to come.

The Metallophones, Xylophones, & Mallets…Oh My! grant awarded to Lauryn Tooley at Stonegate Elementary gives

students an amplified music experience by creating and exploring with a variety of timbres on new instruments. This grant is funded in part by the Michael A. Shafer Memorial Fund, created in 2021 in memory of ZCS's long-time Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Shafer’s passion for music will live on through the Shafer Memorial Fund and in the student experiences made possible by this grant.

WINTER 2024

"Anything Goes" when it comes to talent in ZCHS ZCHS performers lit up the stage with their outstanding production of Anything Goes.

Once again, the talented cast and crew showcased the extraordinary arts talent that defines Zionsville Community Schools.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible fall musical, and to all who joined us in the audience to support the show.

Your enthusiasm and support make moments like these truly unforgettable.

ZCHS Lady Eagles Golf Team -State Champion!

The Zionsville Lady Eagles Golf Team made history by capturing the state championship, the program’s first since 2017. Leading the team is head coach Maggie Nobbe, a Zionsville graduate and former ZCHS state-champion golfer.

Adding to the celebration, freshman Taylor Snively delivered an exceptional performance to claim the individual state championship title. Congratulations to our Lady Eagles golfers!

National Merit Semi-Finalists Congratulations to the eight ZCHS students recently named 2025 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

ZCHS National Merit Semifinalists pictured: Hayley Loncaric, Tobias Dollens, Nathan Botkin, Truman Greaves, Prabanjan Jayachandran, Noah Farb, Louisa Santos.

Not Pictured: Adriel Klopper.

Lilly Scholar Finalists Congratulations to the Zionsville Community High School students who have been named 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Finalists.

This year, the Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC) received a record-breaking 68 applications from across the county for this prestigious scholarship, which covers full tuition, required fees, and includes a book stipend for four years of college.

Congratulations to our ZCHS finalists and to CFBC for their dedication in managing this impactful scholarship program.

The recipients have not been announced as of press time.

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WINTER 2024

Celebrating a strong start in ZCS A successful first semester sets the stage for a sprint into second semester The first weeks of the school year are always filled with excitement and activity across Zionsville Community Schools. From welcoming new families to guiding students transitioning to new buildings, the energy is contagious as we set the stage for another fantastic school year.

Students and families explore school buildings during back-to-school events including classroom meet-and-greets, locker practice, campus tours, and new family orientations. Elementary schools bustle with activity as they welcome our youngest learners, who arrive excited, eager, and sometimes a little nervous.

The enthusiasm extends to ZCS staff as well, who come together for an all-staff breakfast to kick off the year.

This year, ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman delivered a sincere

welcome, while School Board President Mike Berg shared encouraging words for the year ahead. Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) Executive Director Lyle Browne reaffirmed ZEF’s commitment to supporting classroom innovation in partnership with the community.

A highlight of the event was motivational speaker John O'Leary, whose inspiring story energized staff as they prepared to welcome students back to school.

At the start of every new year, it is exciting to welcome new educators and staff to Team Eagle. These dedicated professionals participate in a two-day New Teacher Academy.

The first week of school truly captures the magic of school in ZCS!

We need you: join our mission to serve students Zionsville Community Schools is always seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in several vital roles.

We’re hiring bus drivers, food service staff, and guest teachers who are passionate about supporting our students.

These positions are perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community while enjoying flexible hours and competitive benefits.

If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of the ZCS family, we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website to learn more.

Thank you for supporting the ZCHS S.O.A.R.S. mum sale Students in the ZCHS S.O.A.R.S. program celebrated a major success with their annual mum sale, selling more than 1,200 mums. The effort was supported by 68 local businesses, ZCS families, and countless community members. Thanks to their incredible support, more than 500 mums were picked up in just one day. This hands-on project gave students valuable real-world experience as they managed every aspect of the sale, from processing orders to orga6

nizing deliveries. The S.O.A.R.S. program emphasizes skillbuilding and community connection.

We are deeply grateful for the community’s generosity. Your support not only helps the program thrive but also empowers students to grow and succeed. This is community!

WINTER 2024

Elementary excellence in action Celebrating STEM, wellness, global studies, grand"friends" and play at ZCS elementary schools across the district Elementary programs across ZCS have been buzzing with activity, offering students a wide range of enriching experiences.

From exploring STEM to celebrating wellness and cultures, our schools are nurturing curiosity, connection, and creativity.

This fall, students have engaged in hands-on STEM projects, including building projects and experiments that inspire problem-solving and innovation. Wellness initiatives have encouraged healthy habits and teamwork, creating a foundation for well-being and connectedness.

Global studies came to life during International Night events, where students and families celebrated the rich tapestry of cultures in our community.

Through food, music, art, and storytelling, these events showcased the beauty of culture and the importance of global citizenship.

Play and connection have also been in the spotlight with new playgrounds and special events like Grand“friends” Day, where students shared meaningful moments with loved ones

and mentors. These experiences remind us of the joy and importance of relationships in learning and growing together.

Across the district, ZCS elementary schools continue to shine as places where students succeed. Thank you to our dedicated educators, families, and community partners for supporting these programs that make ZCS a special place to learn and grow!

ZCS renews CoSN Trusted Learning Environment Seal This distinction highlights ZCS’s unwavering commitment to protecting student data privacy. It stands as a testament to the district’s dedication to building and continually enhancing a strong, comprehensive student data privacy program.

CERTIFICATE of ACHIEVEMENT THIS ACKNOWLEDGES THAT

Zionsville Community Schools HAS SUCCESSFULLY RENEWED THE

Trusted Learning Environment Seal AS PART OF ITS STRONG COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING STUDENT DATA PRIVACY

Keith Krueger CEO, Consortium for School Networking

August 2026

Thank you to our corporate partners for supporting ZCS

Senior VIPs read to students at Eagle Elementary School

Ascension St. Vincent Women and Infants Hospital Designed for moms and babies, built with compassion for the whole family

Select Image

109 NICU Rooms

268,000 - sq. - ft.

Hospital

30 Maternity Suites

• Leading high risk pregnancy care, for both mom and baby • Maternal and NICU level IV perinatal center, Indiana’s highest designation • First hospital in Central Indiana offering postpartum mom and NICU baby a room together, known as couplet care • For twins and other multiple births, connected NICU rooms will keep siblings together in a larger space • Thirty maternity suites feature the latest advanced technology for the highest level of care. Additional services include inpatient, outpatient, and virtual lactation services, an expansion of our maternal navigation program, two rooms where moms can labor in a tub, and midwife and doula services • 20 bed High Risk Maternal rooms with Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists and a Cardio-Obstetric Program • An integrated intensive care unit will care for the most complex neonatal, pediatric and cardiovascular patients in Indiana • The new hospital will house one of the state’s largest pediatric emergency departments • Two helipads on the rooftop heliport will facilitate transfers • Level I Pediatric and Adult Trauma Center and Burn Care, with the ability to treat to the whole family on one campus

Scan the code to learn more

2001 W. 86th St. | Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-415-8111

stvincentbaby.org

ZCS Senior VIP members are partnering with Literacy Coach Marissa Grant to help Eagle Elementary students strengthen their reading skills. VIP Readers meet their students every week for a 30-minute session. Students can read to their VIP, read together or play a game geared toward reading skill development. We are grateful for our Senior VIPs who are dedicated to helping kids become strong readers!

©Ascension 2024. All rights reserved.

BC61227

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WINTER 2024

Statewide Early Literacy Recognition 2024 Indiana honored schools meeting the state’s 95% literacy goal in a ceremony at the Statehouse.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner recognized educators from 283 schools where at least 95% of students demonstrated reading proficiency.

Thank you to teachers, students and families for your continued focus on literacy.

A sense of belonging

Zionsville Middle School Chicken Club Zionsville Community Schools offers a wide variety of clubs and activities for students. Here are some photo highlights from the first meeting of the 2024-2025 school year for the Zionsville Middle School Chicken Club!

A big thank you to our sponsors, Mrs. Augenstein, ZMS Student Services, and retired staff member Mrs. Enders, for their support.

Fourth graders at Stonegate Elementary participated in an annual House Sorting Ceremony.

Each student was inducted into one of four houses, a close-knit learning community focused on developing relationships, teamwork skills, and leadership. Each house represents a character trait (courage, persever-

ance, integrity, optimism) that students uphold and embody both inside and outside of the classroom.

Students meet twice a month in their houses to find ways to serve their school and community.

This is just one more way ZCS is creating a place where everyone belongs.

Connecting across schools ZCHS football players, cheerleaders, and dance team members recently visited elementary schools throughout the district to celebrate Senior Night and connect with our youngest students. Many of the athletes returned to their former elementary schools, making the experience even more special.

ZCS Board of School Trustees

Mr. Mike Berg Board President

Mrs. Katie Aeschliman Board Vice President

Mrs. Jennifer Valentine Board Member

Dr. Jeff Papa, Ph.D. Board Secretary

Dr. Christy Wessel-Powell, Ph.D. Board Member

This newspaper is a community publication of Zionsville Community Schools that is written and designed in-house. Print and mailing costs are paid for using donated funds.

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Free “VIP” event passes for senior citizens If you’re (technically speaking!) a senior citizen aged 65 or older and a resident of Eagle or Union Township, we’d like to offer you free admission to hundreds of school events, including plays, concerts, and sporting events.

There are also speeches, carnivals, and other fun opportunities for you to engage, enjoy, and learn. Senior “VIPs” are invited to learn more about what is happening in our schools. To participate, please call Lynn Kissel-Brown at 317-873-2858, ext. 11230.

Zionsville West Middle School Peace Posters Seventh-grade students at Zionsville West Middle School participated in the annual Peace Poster Contest, sponsored by the Zionsville Lions Club. Four winning posters received top recognition, celebrating the creativity and talent of our young artists!