ZCS Summer Newspaper 2024 by Zionsville Community Schools

Zionsville Community Schools

Congratulations Class of 2024 Commencement

On a beautiful, warm, and windy Sunday afternoon, members of the Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) Class of 2024, families, and friends packed the Ascension St. Vincent Stadium for the 2024 commencement ceremony. Pride and a sense of accomplishment underscored an afternoon filled with memorable speeches, moving music, and the traditional graduation pomp and circumstance. The ceremonial turning of the tassels signaled new beginnings. Some graduates will head to college, while others will pursue a trade, take a gap year, begin a career, or enlist in the military. Wherever their paths lead, ZCS graduates are prepared and supported.

More than 60 percent of graduates earned a Core 40 diploma with academic honors. Two foreign exchange students participated in the ceremony and will receive diplomas from their home schools. Five members of the Class of 2024 enlisted in a branch of the military, an ROTC program, or a United States Military Academy. Sixty-one

ceremony celebrates years of dedication and hard work

members of the class were enrolled in an industry certification program while in high school. Seniors passed 1,293 Advanced Placement (AP) Exams and earned 2,644 credits in dual credit courses valued at $2,921,856 in college tuition. *

Members of the Class of 2024 completed nearly 34,000 hours of service, raised more than $63,000 for charities, and participated in close to 80 clubs and activities. Ahead of graduation, seniors participated in the annual Senior Awards Ceremony. During this year’s program, senior award recipients were recognized for earning more than $600,000 in scholarship and award money from local and individual

foundations, many of which are based in Boone County or neighboring communities. A hearty congratulations to the ZCHS Class of 2024.

Scan the QR code for complete senior achievements and 2024 graduation highlights.

*This calculation is based on the national average for public post-secondary institutions of $1,344 per three-credit-hour course. AP cumulative results are released each July. The credit course calculation reflects our most upto-date data from 2023.

More senior celebration on page four.

The first day of school for students is August 13

The school start guide includes the information you need for the 2024-2025 school year. The first student day is August 13, 2024.

The ZCS website also has up-to-date school information, dates, and times for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. We look forward to seeing you in August. Scan the QR code for the digital ZCS School Start Guide.

The academic “Top 20” in the ZCHS Class of 2024 were celebrated at a recognition luncheon.

The Rotary Club of Zionsville honored 20 ZCHS seniors for demonstrating the personal assets of the ZCS Strong in Every Way ideals and embodying the Rotary Four-Way Test Tenets.

Welcome to 2024-2025

Embracing continued growth and the spirit of community in Zionsville Community Schools

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to another exceptional school year. Whether you are returning to our schools or joining us for the first time, we are excited to have you as part of our vibrant educational community. Each new school year brings a sense of anticipation and excitement, and we have planned and prepared to embark on this journey with each of you.

To all new residents and families, we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. Moving to a new community can be both exhilarating and challenging, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We are thrilled you are here and look forward to the unique perspectives and experiences you bring into our community. Our school team is committed to ensuring that your transition is smooth and that you feel a sense of belonging and support.

To our returning families, thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Your

dedication to our schools and the collaborative spirit you bring are vital to the success of our students. We value the strong relationships we have built over the years and look forward to strengthening them further as we work together to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of all our students.

"It is our privilege and an honor to educate and support your children, and we take this responsibility to heart."

Your ongoing involvement and commitment to our schools make a significant difference in creating a positive and nurturing environment for everyone.

Parents are children’s first

teachers. You have created a strong foundation for your children as they continue with ZCS in their educational journey. We deeply appreciate the trust you place in us each day, and recognize you share with us life’s most precious blessing, your children. It is our privilege to educate and support your children, and we take this responsibility to heart. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing meaningful and relevant learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of every student. We are proud of the innovative programs, rigorous curriculum, and supportive environment we offer, all designed to prepare our students for success in an ever-changing world. Our educators are passionate about teaching and learning and are constantly seeking new ways to engage and challenge our students. We believe in fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom and

Zionsville Middle School teacher named ZCS District Teacher of the Year

Zionsville Middle School teacher Luke Boes was named District Teacher of the Year at the May board meeting. Mr. Boes will represent ZCS at the state level.

Use the QR code to access a series of video conversations with the 2024 ZCS Building Teacher of the Year recipients.

Eagle Ambassador Academy continues this year

encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. This year, we will continue to focus on student growth, ensuring that each student receives the support and resources needed to reach their full potential.

As we begin this new school year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence in education. We are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every student feels valued and challenged to achieve their best. Together, we will navigate obstacles and celebrate the successes that come our way. We encourage open communication and invite you to be active participants in our school community. Once again, welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!

Dr. Rebecca Coffman ZCS Superintendent of Schools

The second cohort of the 2024-2025 ZCS Eagle Ambassador Academy will be selected in early September, and the program is scheduled to begin shortly thereafter. Applications for the academy are now available online. This program takes you inside Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) to gain in-depth knowledge of how the school system operates. Through a series of interactive sessions, you will better understand what makes ZCS one of the top-performing public school districts in the state of Indiana.

Seminar sessions will be held one evening a month for 90 minutes, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. A tentative schedule has been established. Eagle Ambassador Academy participants should plan to attend all program sessions. More information, including the application, can be found on the ZCS website.

From left to right: Zionsville Middle School Principal Mitzi Macaluso, Zionsville Middle School and District Teacher of the Year Luke Boes, and Zionsville Community Schools Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rebecca Coffman

Photograph of all Teacher of the Year recipients with the ZCS Board of School Trustees, Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman and Assistant Superintendent Kris Devereaux

ZCS Building Teacher of the Year Recipients

Summer building updates

Several construction projects to be completed before the start of the new school year

Work continues across Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) throughout this summer to maintain and update facilities for students and the community. Thanks to careful planning and fiscal management, these capital projects can continue without increasing taxes, keeping the Board of Trustees' pledge of tax rate neutrality.

At Zionsville Community High School, the renovation and expansion of the Ascension St. Vincent Stadium locker rooms are underway, with completion expected by late summer 2025. This project will upgrade the aging and undersized facilities, providing space for visiting teams and ZCHS athletes year-round. Additionally, asphalt and sidewalk replacements are expected to be finished before school starts in August. The varsity gym bleacher replacement is also progressing and will be ready for use in the fall.

Several projects at elementary schools are set to be completed prior to the start of the 2024-2025 school year:

*Flooring and wall coverings to update finishes from 2003 and 2005 will be replaced at Boone Meadow and Stonegate Elementary Schools this summer.

*Playground renovations will provide updated play areas and an outdoor learning classroom at Eagle Elementary School.

*Parking lot repairs and maintenance will take place in July, along with minor outdoor updates at Union Elementary School.

ZCS middle schools are also receiving updates:

*Zionsville Middle School: Tennis court renovations are well underway, with cracked asphalt being replaced by durable post-tensioned concrete, expected to be completed by fall.

*Zionsville West Middle School: The original basketball gym floors are being sanded and refinished, and will be ready for use when school resumes.

*Several public address and fire safety systems across the district have been repaired and updated to enhance safety.

ZCS completes many projects throughout the year, with summer being a prime time for maintaining and improving student learning spaces. We appreciate the patience of our staff and community as these necessary projects are completed. Thank you to the ZCS Board of Trustees for their financial stewardship in making these improvements possible.

There are roughly 25,000 high schools across the nation reviewed and ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Only the top 17,660 are included in their publicized rankings; schools in the lowest-ranked quartile are concealed. This year, ZCHS has maintained a position near the top of the list at #281 nationally, #4 in Indiana, and #1 in the Indianapolis metro area. U.S. News and World Report rankings rely heavily on percentages of students taking AP/ IB classes and the percentage of students who earn a 3 or higher (passing) score on AP/IB exams.

The ZCS pre-K through high school program is in the top 1.5% of public schools in the country based on the U.S. News and World Report criteria for naming “Best High Schools.” This ranking validates our work to open doors for our students to continue their education after high school and reflects the commitment of our students, families, community, and staff who help all students reach their full academic potential. Zionsville Community High School lands a top spot in the state and nation on

Zionsville Community Schools begins Strategic Planning Process

Strategic planning is fundamentally about making a series of choices to prioritize the focus of an organization. Proposed diploma adjustments underway via the Indiana Department of Education, coupled with leadership team changes and continued growth as a school corporation, provide a perfect window of time to engage in renewed strategic planning for Zionsville Community Schools.

The most recent strategic planning cycle occurred during the 2015-2016 school year, which provided a successful roadmap to focus on district activities such as Strong in Every Way (SIEW) and the activities guiding the 2019 operating and construction ballot questions. Engaging in renewed strategic planning will benefit the district by prioritizing time and resources as we work to meet new requirements while simultaneously identifying approaches to supporting education priorities in our community.

When we have completed the process, the strategic plan will serve as a guide for 2025-2030 as we implement new learning opportunities for students and plan for projected enrollment growth.

Watch for updates and engagement opportunities via district messaging as we begin the new school year.

As students move through their K-12 education, there are many enriching learning opportunities. Students may have an interest in participating in sports and the arts, and some may desire to go on special trips and take advantage of international travel experiences to supplement their day-to-day instruction. Zionsville Community Schools is partnered with STAR Bank to offer parents a place to save financially for

these types of additional learning opportunities that exist in our school district.

A STAR Bank COSMO Savings “Save now, Shine later” account is a convenient way to prepare for K-12 educational experiences while children are young so it is financially feasible in later years. Contact our ZCHS branch of STAR Bank for more information.

ZCHS Ascension Stadium Locker Room Expansion

Eagle Elementary Playground and Outdoor Learning Space

Zionsville Middle School Tennis Courts

Class of 2024 snapshot

This year's graduates gave us so much to celebrate

The final diploma of the Class of 2024 commencement ceremony marked a significant milestone moment, not just for the students but also for the entire community. It was the last graduation handshake for now-retired ZCHS Principal, Tim East. A dedicated educator, Mr. East has presented thousands of diplomas over the years, and this final walk with the graduating seniors was an emotional and memorable event. We are deeply grateful for Mr. East's years of service and wish him all the best.

Athletic Achievement

• Two (2) Hoosier Crossroads Conference (HCC) Championships

• Three (3) HCC Coaches of the Year

• Two (2) Sectional Championships

• One (1) Regional Championship

• Three (3) Individual Boys State Championships

• One (1) Girls State Champion

• Two (2) IHSAA Mental Attitude Award Winners

• Four (4) teams finish top five in the state: Boys Cross Country (4th), Boys Swimming and Diving (4th), Girls Swimming and Diving (4th), Girls Lacrosse (final four)

• Boys Golf won the first state championship since 2004

Congratulations to the Boys Golf Team for earning the school's first State Golf Title since 2004.

Performing Arts Success

• Choralaires were Grand Champions at South Dearborn and Wheaton Warrenville South High Schools

• Royalaires were Grand Champions at Plainfield, Pendleton Heights, and South Dearborn High Schools

• Both groups garnered multiple Best Vocal and Best Choreography caption awards

• The Marching Eagles finished third at state finals in 2023

• Both Jazz Bands earned Gold Ratings at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA), the Green Jazz Band earning Gold with Distinction

• The Freshman Band and the Wind Ensemble each earned Gold Ratings at ISSMA

• The Winter Guard finished in fifth place at the Chicago WGI Regional and 7th at state finals

• Indoor Percussion finished with 2nd place at state finals and 4th place in the nation at WGI

• The ZCHS drumline was selected to perform with the Indiana All-Star Marching Band in the 500 Festival Parade

• The ZCHS Band program earned the ISSMA All-Music Award

• Philharmonic and Sinfonia Orchestras: Gold at ISSMA Organizational Contest

• Chamber and Concert Orchestras: Gold With Distinction at ISSMA Organizational Contest

• Nineteen (19) Golds at ISSMA Solo and Ensemble, Twelve (12) qualified to State Solo and Ensemble and also received Gold

• Catherine Yang and Henri Smolen performed in a side-by-side concert with the Indianapolis Symphony orchestra

• Catherine Yang was named to All State Orchestra

• Sadie Choi, Elliot Huibregtse-Traenkle, and Jialu Gao were named to the InASTA All-Region Orchestra

• Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras performed for the Ball State University High School Orchestra invitational

ZCS holds first Literacy Summit

Educators come together for two-day literacy learning event

Zionsville Education Foundation creates opportunity

The Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) supports learning initiatives that benefit ZCS students. Since its founding in 1995, ZEF has awarded funding to more than 1,188 creative and innovative projects across the district, totaling $1.85 million in grants.

ZEF has averaged $118,080 in annual grants in each of the the past five years. Behind every dollar and every project funded by ZEF is a story of the educators and students who have benefited. ZEF offers different kinds of grants that provide various levels of support:

*Classroom Grants enrich Zionsville Community Schools’ STEM, Technology, Arts, Literacy, Interdisciplinary, Cognitive/ Motor Skills, and Social Sciences curriculums.

*Imagine Professional Development Grants are awarded to experienced educators in the school community, promoting professional growth and renewal opportunities.

*Student Enrichment Grants support students involved in extracurricular activities, awarding funds to school-sanctioned academic, philanthropic, or student government teams and clubs.

*ZEF also contributes matching funds for teachers’ Donors Choose projects.

To learn more about the work being done and how you can contribute to the Zionsville Education Foundation, visit their website.

EagleFest set for August 30

The annual EagleFest community celebration, organized by the Zionsville Athletic Booster Club, is set for August 30, 2024. Enjoy an outdoor festival at Jennings Field before heading over to the first home football game of the season. This is always one of the most highly attended community events for the school district. Hope to see you there! Watch for ticket information in the coming weeks.

On June 4th and 5th, Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS), in partnership with the Central Indiana Education Service Center (CIESC), held a two-day Literacy Summit featuring keynote speakers Shannon Anderson and Natalie Wexler. Teachers in grades K-12, instructional assistants, board members, and community members learned more about the science behind how students learn to read and how we can

help students develop critical thinking through writing. The summit included national presenters from across the United States and Canada, as well as sessions from our ZCS literacy coaches. More than 275 teachers from ZCS attended each day, alongside teachers from partner schools in the surrounding area. We are excited to apply this learning to practice for students in the 2024-2025 school year.

ZCHS Aerie Yearbook Staff recognized

The 2023-2024 Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) Aerie yearbook received the Cardinal Award, the top prize in Ball State's National Student Media

contest. ZCHS students are pictured accepting the award at Ball State's Journalism Day on Friday, April 26. Additionally, 23 media students were

Mark

honored with individual Ball State National Student Media awards for their outstanding work. Congratulations!

Consider donating to the ZEF Fund

Consider contributing to the ZEF Fund during back to school. Your generous support benefits Zionsville Community Schools. Your gift enables future grants for teachers, students, and schools, supporting innovative projects and unique learning experiences across the district.

your calendar for ZEF

Bash

Join us at ZEF Bash on Saturday, November 9th as we raise funds in support of our schools!

This year’s luau-themed event will include dinner, dancing to the sounds of Living Proof, a silent auction, and our famous Cap off the

Night. Your favorite sundress, Hawaiian shirt, or sunglasses are perfect for this casual event. Tickets go on sale September 1st and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

ZCHS welcomes new principal

Experienced educational leader connecting with students and families ahead of the 2024-2025 school year

On July 1, 2024, Karen McDaniel officially assumed the role as principal of Zionsville Community High School, succeeding retiring principal, Tim East. Mrs. McDaniel earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Chemistry from Southern Illinois University and her Master of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Southern Indiana. She began her career in education as a science teacher and has since held several leadership roles in both rural and growing communities.

Mrs. McDaniel brings extensive expertise in curriculum and instruction, leading comprehensive counseling programs, and overseeing special services, all aimed at continuously

New Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) Principal Karen McDaniel began connecting with students and student leaders this summer by participating in some of the school's activities and practices. Likewise, she hosted a meet and greet for families during the month of June and is scheduled to host another gathering for high school families on July 18th. Mrs. McDaniel is soaring with Eagle Pride and is ready to lead into the future.

expanding opportunities for students. As a student-focused leader, she has already engaged with the school community, hosting a meet and greet for families on June 18th and looks forward to connecting with all students and families over the summer and into the new school year.

Building connections with students and being actively involved in their school community are among Mrs. McDaniel's top priorities. She believes that students succeed best when they feel part of a larger story. Throughout the summer months, don't be surprised to find Mrs. McDaniel participating in student summer camps, programming, and extracurricular activities as she strives to learn all she can about the school community.

Mrs. McDaniel is already showing her school pride by sporting her Eagle green. It's serendipitous that she is an Eagle, having loved eagles all her life. She looks forward to soaring into the new year with the students, staff, and the entire community.

“It is truly an honor to share in the rich academic and extracurricular traditions of such an outstanding school community. The opportunity to help cultivate a dynamic learning environment with the students, staff, and families of ZCHS is exciting and humbling.”

-Karen McDaniel

The Zionsville Community High School experience

During the final session of the 2023-2024 Eagle Ambassador Academy, seven Zionsville Community High School seniors shared their school experiences. Click the QR code to hear what seniors said when asked to use one word to describe their school experience.

3-D student printing initiative

ZCHS student and teacher work together to design a work-based learning experience that saves the district thousands of dollars

Director of Operations, Matt Doublestein, invited ZCHS Project Lead the Way (PLTW) teacher, Jason Donkersloot, and 2024 ZCHS graduate, Jackson Herbold, to the June school board meeting to present their initiative. They worked with ZCS electricians Jacob Yonts and Cameron Snyder to produce 3D printed parts, resulting in significant cost and time savings for the district.

Across the district, particularly at Zionsville Middle School (ZMS), many covers on

floor-installed electrical boxes have deteriorated due to years of wear and tear. These covers are no longer manufactured, and replacing the entire electrical boxes is estimated to be about $300 each, including parts, labor, and potential concrete damage since they are embedded in the floor.

The facilities team and electricians Jacob Yonts and Cameron Snyder, along with Mr. Donkersloot and ZCHS student Jackson Herbold, worked on a solution: 3D printing the covers

in-house. The cost of producing these covers is approximately $0.38 each and eliminates the need to replace the floor boxes.

Jackson was seeking a work-based learning experience and accepted the task of programming various cover sizes into the 3D printing software. This gave Jackson practical experience, while earning school credit. In addition, his work supported the maintenance team and resulted in a significant savings for the district.

The project savings is

estimated to be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Because of this project's success, the district is now exploring other potential applications for 3D printing, including light pole covers, ADA door entry post covers, and other identified needs. The ability to produce parts at the cost of filament, coupled with the opportunity for student workbased learning experiences, creates both financial savings and valuable real-world experience for students.

ZCHS named Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished high school; ZMS named PLTW Distinguished middle school

Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) and Zionsville Middle School (ZMS) were recognized for their commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. Congratulations to ZCHS and ZMS for being recognized as 2023-2024 PLTW Gateway Distinguished Schools.

Zionsville Community High School PLTW

Zionsville Middle School PLTW Teachers (from left to right): Gary Werner, Andy Seward, Terry Rowe

Zionsville Community High

From prevention to partnership

Prioritizing safety in ZCS

School safety is a top priority critical to fostering a campus environment where students and staff can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Ensuring a safe school setting goes beyond physical security measures like locked doors; it encompasses emotional well-being, cybersecurity, and protection from all forms of harm or danger. Physical safety measures such as secure buildings, monitored entry points, and regularly practiced emergency protocols are essential to proactive planning. School safety focuses on both prevention and response, with a strong emphasis on preparation to minimize response needs.

Our schools strive to be places where students learn and feel safe. Students must feel accepted, respected, and supported by their peers and educators. Bullying prevention programs, mental health support services, and inclusive policies significantly contribute to creating a nurturing atmosphere where every student feels valued and safe.

Additionally, the role of a safe school environment extends beyond the school doors into the community. Our partnerships and collaborations with families, residents, and law enforcement agencies enhance overall safety measures and promote a culture

of vigilance and cooperation.

Zionsville Community Schools values and appreciates the work of all public safety agencies in Boone County.

We prioritize safety and all that it encompasses so that in our schools, we create a culture conducive to academic achievement and personal development. Safe schools are foundational to the success and well-being of strong communities.

Safety is a shared responsibility. We rely on families and community members to play an active role in keeping staff and students safe. One way students, families and community members can assist in this effort is to always remember the importance of “see something, say something.” By reporting safety concerns to the schools, you play an integral part of keeping others as safe as possible.

We use the safety reporting tool STOPit. This mobile app is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While STOPit may be accessed through a browser, the app is recommended for ease of use, increased functionality and confidential communication.

Students and staff can anonymously report school safety issues and reach out for help if in personal crisis.

STOPit can also be accessed through the Safety Tip Line on the ZCS and school websites.

STOPit has two important features. The “Report” tool can be used to report incidents to school administrators anonymously. Students are encouraged to report with as much detail as needed, including photos, screen shots and videos. The report is received in real-time, allowing school personnel to quickly respond and begin taking the appropriate action. Because this line is monitored 24/7, in an emergency, the report will be sent to the school and, in some circumstances, law enforcement. The “Get Help” feature can be used to access local resources such as law enforcement, mental health centers, crisis hotlines, and additional resources. No student information is needed to use STOPit. The only personally identifiable information collected through STOPit is information that the individual provides voluntarily. We know that when individuals actively follow the “see something, say something,” mantra, we have a greater chance of keeping everyone as safe as possible. We are encouraging students, staff and community members to be familiar with the STOPit reporting tool.

STAR Bank interns recognized at end-of-year reception

Congratulations to Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) students who completed internships at STAR Bank. Students gained valuable insights into the variety of roles within the banking industry. Thank you, STAR Bank, for supporting students in ZCS.

Podium finish at Midwest Welding competition

A team of Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) students recently participated in the Midwest Welding Competition hosted at the J. Everett Light Career Center (JEL). This competition draws teams from Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky. Teams are comprised of five members (typically second-year welding students), with each member demonstrating expertise in a specific discipline area of welding. The team achieved a fourth-place podium finish, and two members placed second and third in their respective discipline areas.

ZCHS students shine with entrepreneurial spirit in Shark Pond competition

Summer Barker was the first-place winner in the ZCHS Shark Pond Pitch Competition. Summer's winning pitch was an online organizational app called Barker Binder. This app includes resources for teens and adults to help alleviate common stressors such as academic disorganization and poor time management. It also provides live access to life coaches who assist people in setting and reaching goals to maximize their well-being and fulfillment in life. The top three winners in the competition received trophies from the Zionsville Education Foundation, along with $200 deposited into a business bank account from Star Bank.

Unified Champions event celebrates inclusivity and team spirit

Students

come together

for

day of fun and competition

The annual Preschool Unified Champions game day and kindergarten through 8th-grade Unified Champions track meet were highlights of the 2023-2024 school year. Our student champions at all grade levels gave their best effort in the competition.

Special thanks to Director of Unified Student Services, Casey Allen, and her team, as well as all the families and teachers who make these events possible for our students.

ZCS Board of School Trustees

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.