Teacher Appreciation Coffee Table Book 2020-2021 by Zionsville Community Schools

teachers

the

ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS theroadthroughlifebeginshere.

year of

dedicated to all of the teachers in Zionsville Community Schools who made this unusual and challenging school year a success.

Instead of one ZCS Teacher of the Year, I’m calling this the YEAR OF ZCS TEACHERS! (In doing so, I specifically call out those who are eligible to participate in the state’s Teacher of the Year awards, but as all teachers know, there is an army of support staff members on each campus, on buses, in clinics, cafeterias, offices, and throughout ZCS who contributed mightily to this successful school year as well.) Teaching was never harder and never more essential than during the pandemic of 2020-2021. And still you excelled! I have never been prouder to be an Eagle. This IS the Year of ZCS Teachers!

Donations paid for all materials and production of this book. Design for this publication was done in-house by Janet Mann. Special thanks to our student writers acknowledged on their respective pages, and to our ZCS supporting cast of Jane Johnson, Robyn Nelson, and campus office administrative assistants. Thanks to Cripe Photography for help with pictures of our amazing ZCS teachers. -SR

from the board president

I arrived in Mr. Baker’s 7th grade social studies class a bag of nerves filled with self-doubt. I was pretty sure I didn’t belong in an honors class, definitely sure all my classmates were smarter than me and petrified that everyone was about to find that out.

A bad score on the first test was a self-fulfilling prophecy. There was dread and tears every morning and I was gripped by the fight or flight feeling before and during every class.

Mr. Baker provided daily reassurance that, yes, we were all capable of succeeding in his challenging class. Being challenged was part of the learning process. And guess what? He was right. Eventually we all figured it out, confidence was restored and social studies was learned.

Mr. Baker has no idea that I still rely on the life lessons he taught or that I still have the book he gifted me -- signed simply, “Have confidence.”

This year has had more than its share of self-doubt. Of anxiety. Of dread. Of tears.

(And some of the students probably felt that way too.)

But you persevered. You believed that challenges were part of the learning process. You figured it out. You had confidence.

You were someone’s Mr. Baker.

Yes, truly you are ALL teachers of this year, but for your students you have been teachers of a lifetime.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and our grateful community, THANK YOU!

Debbie Ungar President, ZCS Board of Trustees

from the superintendent

Every ZCS teacher is TEACHER OF THE YEAR in 2021. This school year has been the most difficult I’ve seen in 36 years as an Indiana classroom teacher, school principal, curriculum leader, CFO, and superintendent. The absolute hardest work of this pandemic fell to teachers who were faced with constant changes, constraints upon their teaching, and engagement challenges galore through ZOOM screens, masked faces, and on and on!

This pandemic school year has been hard on students and families, too, but that will have to be the topic of a different book. This one is about and for ZCS teachers who taught anyway and every way during a terrible time—for teachers who made do, did well, showed up, stood up, and personified courage in the face of profound uncertainties -- and at risk of their personal and family health.

When given the opportunity to name up to four teachers for the state’s Teacher of the Year recognition, I simply could not wrap my brain around calling out just four without mentioning the more than four hundred strong, resilient, service-first minded ZCS teachers. And so, this tribute to our community’s leaders of learning was born.

ZCS teachers flipped the pandemic script from challenge to opportunity. Photos and words herein are representative of their faces of determination, voices of encouragement, spirits of giving—even when they were completely spent from fatigue. Creativity, grit, good cheer, and stiff upper lip resolve were the norms, all unspoken, and cheerfully provided in service to our community’s youth.

It is said that teaching is the cradle of all professions. So true. Please thank any and EVERY ZCS teacher. They are ALL our TEACHERS OF THE YEAR, 2021.

Sincerely,

Scott Robison, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools

Donna Adams Boone Meadow Jennifer Bender Boone Meadow Maggie Bennett Boone Meadow Kara Benson Boone Meadow Emma Bleakman Boone Meadow Nick Burch Boone Meadow Alyssa Casselman Boone Meadow Kathy Coats Boone Meadow Abby Fox Boone Meadow Will Doublestein Boone Meadow Katie Foley Boone Meadow Becky Graham Boone Meadow Kim Gray Boone Meadow Cindi Hamlow Boone Meadow Sarah Kiel Boone Meadow Jonann Lamaster Boone Meadow Kelly Mattingly Boone Meadow Lindsay McGuire Boone Meadow Kim Megli Boone Meadow MacKenzie Luse Boone Meadow

Jill Neal Boone Meadow Nick Noel Boone Meadow Becky Proctor Boone Meadow Mandy Rennard Boone Meadow Katie Sarpa Boone Meadow Sarah Schermerhorn Boone Meadow Kristi Sloan Boone Meadow Erika Sorrells Boone Meadow Garrett Stephens Boone Meadow Jennifer Trinosky Boone Meadow Melissa Tuttila Boone Meadow Lisa Wagner Boone Meadow Jennifer Welch Boone Meadow Marykate Baker Eagle Beth Brent Eagle Monica Condon Eagle Kayla Meyer Boone Meadow Jeanine Grathwohl Eagle Marissa Grant Eagle Molly Haas Eagle

teachers change lives

Marissa Ihle Eagle Alyssa Jackson Eagle Julie Luker Eagle Carmen Marshall Eagle Scott McKinley Eagle Katie McLaughlin Eagle Ashley Molina Eagle Krista Perman Eagle Diane Radivan Eagle Tommie Roesch Eagle Jennifer Sautbine Eagle Deanna Schmidt Eagle Sean Shanley Eagle Jayne Shubat Eagle Emily Sigmund Eagle Annette Sinsko Eagle Katelyn Slack Eagle Kelly Spencer Eagle Callie Surface Eagle Sarah Thompson Eagle

not every hero wears a cape

This year has been excruciatingly long, but I can honestly say that as a ZMS student going to classes was one of the few things keeping me sane. Quarantine was long and very boring but each teacher was able to shine a light in that tunnel. To not only optimize this situation for yourself but almost one-hundred plus students every single day is admirable. I’m so grateful for the positive approach each teacher had to this pandemic. It really kept me on my feet allowing me to push through these difficult times. Not only that, the creativity that was implemented into every assignment, ensuring all students got the optimal learning experience in these dire times, was greatly effective. It ensured that through everything, all students, even those online, would get a chance to participate. This is my thank you to every teacher at ZMS because not every hero wears a cape.

Arushi Singal Zionsville Middle School

Kathryn Werner Eagle Christine Wright Eagle Libby Berman Pleasant View Tina Boudreau Pleasant View Kaleigh Branchick Pleasant View Amy Brandau Pleasant View Stephanie Compton Pleasant View Laura Czerwionka Pleasant View Leslie Daugherty Pleasant View Cathy Dawson Pleasant View Kristin Dawson Pleasant View Marissa Diemer Pleasant View Megan Fischer Pleasant View Taylor Fischl Pleasant View Rene Frye Pleasant View Grae Gardner Pleasant View David Gay Pleasant View Shannon Hall Pleasant View Rebecca Hampton Pleasant View Melanie Bowlin Pleasant View

Pleasant View

Z C

Amanda Hassen Pleasant View Jen Hilton Pleasant View Sarah Hutchinson Pleasant View Alyssa Kayes Pleasant View Beth Knapik Pleasant View Stephanie Martinelli Pleasant View Amanda Matthews Pleasant View Tammy Mazelin Pleasant View Jill McCune Pleasant View Cheri Mikesell Pleasant View Scott Miller Anne Nichols Pleasant View Maggie Owens Pleasant View Julie Parks Pleasant View Katie Nichols Pleasant View Audra Reber Pleasant View Natalie Rieke Pleasant View

Abby Wyatt Pleasant View Abby Andries Stonegate Anne Barth Stonegate Melisa Benefiel Stonegate Angela Bourff Stonegate Amy Brizzolara Stonegate Melissa Rife Pleasant View Rachel Ruoff Pleasant View Molly Seward Pleasant View Katie Seymour Pleasant View Stacy Smith Pleasant View Jenn Stegemoller Pleasant View Courtney Stein Pleasant View Karen Stillions Pleasant View Jordan Tamburini Pleasant View Haley Torrance Pleasant View Laurie Wanser Pleasant View Michelle Weesies Pleasant View Melissa Wirth Pleasant View Kricket Williams Pleasant View

limitless possibilities

Teachers have given me the most important tools that offer a world full of individuality and color. The ability to read, travel into many contrasting realities where possibilities are immeasurable. To write, to express and constitute things that epitomize who I am. To discover, to explore and learn about the beautiful world we call home. To solve problems, finding solutions to cultivate our brains and stimulate innovation. Teachers have accommodated me with everything I need to have confidence in myself. And have shown being unique is nothing but a good thing. Teachers, I am forever grateful for the true heroes you are.

Audrey Reves Zionsville West Middle School

vessels of hope

When the pandemic shut everything down, I thought it would be easy to leave this school. Its people. I was proven wrong when I could not bring myself to do so, because, how could I stay away? I grew up here, surrounded by peers who quickly became family. Teachers became mentors, friends became siblings, and the school another home. This year, everything changed, and yet, the teachers stayed alert, flexible, and hopeful. I watched my mentors light with happiness as students flooded back into the hallways; they worked diligently to allow remote students the same resources given to those in class. The love this school’s faculty has for the children they teach is something I never realized until now, when everything was falling apart. Giving up their hearts and souls for us, the teachers were a pillar of stability and a vessel of hope. And for that, I cannot thank them enough.

Anastasia G. Yiannoutsos Zionsville Middle School

Terri Brown Stonegate Joe Budd Stonegate Emily Clare Stonegate Katie Delp Stonegate Leslie Frobig Stonegate Nicole Hartsock Stonegate Amy Knueven Stonegate Alicia Lewis Stonegate Kyla McDaniel Stonegate Deb Milam Stonegate Rhonda Munz Stonegate Justin Patten Stonegate Erin Nahrstadt Stonegate Melissa Rent Stonegate Kelly Shaw Stonegate Jen Skura Stonegate Diedra Smith Stonegate Allison Spillman Stonegate Julie Strauch Stonegate Melinda Strawmyer Stonegate

Deb Torrance Stonegate Robin Wagner Stonegate Vicki Watson Stonegate Tammy Westin Stonegate Jessica Wetzel Stonegate Sara Abu-Rumman Union Julie Beck Union Sharon Boggs Union Hannah Boyer Union Trish Brimmer Union Jodi Burns Union Tonya Clark Union Breanne Daniels Union Pam Fremion Union Angie Fritz Union Tiffany Grey Union Jenny Hamelmann Union Kelly Hine Union Lori Karnuta Union Olivia Fontan Union

Allyson Knue Union Christa Luke Union Megan Magoni Union Joy Manna Union Kelly Masters Union Shannon Merrell Union Angela Michener Union Lynne Munley Union Stacey Off Union Tara Paunwar Union Jamie Smith Union Lyn Smith Union Maria Smith Union Shelly Steward Union Breanne Tisch Union Kellie Valentine Union Brooke Voege Union Annie Weaver Union Alexis Miller Union Nick Kellum Union

Emily Zucker Union Abby Albright Zionsville Middle Emily Allen Zionsville Middle Amy Anderson Zionsville Middle Emily Anyaebunam Zionsville Middle Rachel Beier Zionsville Middle Melissa Botustak Zionsville Middle Michele Boehm Zionsville Middle Luke Boes Zionsville Middle Lauren Bradburn Zionsville Middle Kelsey Buckley Zionsville Middle Gina Clayton Zionsville Middle Ben Cole Zionsville Middle Angie Cox Zionsville Middle Jessica Day Zionsville Middle Jenni East Zionsville Middle Shannon Elkins Zionsville Middle Jill Eastman Zionsville Middle Patty Williams Union Holly Whiteman Union

“I am proud of you.”

faces of determination think inspire imagine dream do.

That’s something I have heard a lot this year from friends, parents, and especially teachers. Honestly, in my opinion, I didn’t feel like I had much to be proud of. I was doing the bare minimum. Though, still knowing that someone was proud of me felt comforting.

All my teachers never attempted to judge me, or any of my peers’ struggles, seeing them all as equal. Understanding that some things were harder than others, always offering up a hand if we needed help. I never really understood until now how much responsibility that is. I can’t even imagine worrying about all of a student’s needs and concerns. This had to be a monumental task. So, to all the teachers that laughed with us, helped us, and listened to us when we were worried, I thank you. I am proud of you. I am proud of you for putting on a brave face on the days when the last thing you felt was courageous. I am proud of you for learning how to use ZOOM despite all of its problems. Most of all, I am proud of you for believing in us, and providing us a sense of normalcy when everything felt out of place.

Lily Nault

voices of encouragement

2020, the year everyone ran out of toilet paper. Teachers this year have given every student a safe space to go to, even though it was unexpected, it was handled in a way that made life easier, for everyone.

Teachers were so underappreciated this year, and it showed. I know for me; teachers were a key part of my success this year. I was in the hospital for a few days, with the scare of maybe having cancer. My teachers did everything they could for me and put me and my health first. Teachers in the whole school were emailing me, wishing me luck, and giving me great wishes, which motivated me to fight hard. And I know, this was for me, but this year, everyone had challenges, and teachers helped. Thank you, teachers, YOU are what makes ZWest, ZBest.

Chloe R. Himmell Zionsville West Middle School

Amy Ertel Zionsville Middle Megan Fry Zionsville Middle Jen Gibson Zionsville Middle Josie Gregg Zionsville Middle Derek Grimm Zionsville Middle Bekka Hamburg Zionsville Middle Adam Hammond Zionsville Middle Erin Hedlund Zionsville Middle Erin Hoem Zionsville Middle Krista Hoffman Zionsville Middle Chris Kern Zionsville Middle Mikayla Koharchick Zionsville Middle Chen-Lien Hsu Zionsville Middle Kim Lalley Zionsville Middle Tracy Lopez Zionsville Middle Andy McGuire Zionsville Middle Erin Manifold Zionsville Middle Carrie Martin Zionsville Middle Trudie McEvoy Zionsville Middle Blake Mellencamp Zionsville Middle

Ashley Murray Zionsville Middle Kristen Milewski Zionsville Middle Hallie Monaghan Zionsville Middle Brittany Moon Zionsville Middle Chris Murray Zionsville Middle Bailee Newton Zionsville Middle Carrie Nonte Zionsville Middle Euphrasie Ntala Zionsville Middle Rebecca Osgood Zionsville Middle Angie Parker Zionsville Middle Rachel Patterson Zionsville Middle Tom Pendexter Zionsville Middle Katie Pezold Zionsville Middle Terry Rowe Zionsville Middle Stephanie Ruszkowski Zionsville Middle Randi Schreiner Zionsville Middle Evan Schroeder Zionsville Middle Andy Seward Zionsville Middle Joey Siderwicz Zionsville Middle Libby Myers Zionsville Middle

Emily Smith Zionsville Middle Jenna Snow Zionsville Middle Cristina Soboleski Zionsville Middle Kristen Travers Zionsville Middle Alex Truex Zionsville Middle Jared Urban Zionsville Middle Zach VanDuzer Zionsville Middle Sam Vidal Zionsville Middle Josh Weirich Zionsville Middle Tara Welches Zionsville Middle Laura Wensink Zionsville Middle Gary Werner Zionsville Middle Sarah West Zionsville Middle Ashley Whitten Zionsville Middle Emily Wleklinski Zionsville Middle Jessica Yates Zionsville Middle Anika Zapata Zionsville Middle Stacy Bales Zionsville West Kris Barksdale Zionsville West Jeremy Skura Zionsville Middle

Barrientos

Beiswenger

Celina Barrios ZWMS Stephanie ZWMS Ryan Batsie ZWMS Deborah Beck ZWMS Stacey Behrens ZWMS Stephanie ZWMS Karen Brown ZWMS J.C. Couto Zionsville West Leah Brough ZWMS Julianne Boyd ZWMS Susan Burkle ZWMS Lori Cummings Zionsville West Jim Crismore Zionsville West Michael DeLand Zionsville West Shannon Eaton ZWMS Stevie Frank Zionsville West Jamey Gates Zionsville West Kathleen Evans Zionsville West Liz Ferrand Zionsville West Chloe Giles ZWMS

Megan Grady Zionsville West Darren Hale Zionsville West Alexa Hahn Zionsville West Lauren Heath Zionsville West Stacey Huffman Zionsville West Brant Harmon Zionsville West Ellen Jenkins Zionsville West Andy Kistner Zionsville West Andy Knueven Zionsville West Liz Leatherberry Zionsville West Sarah Livengood Zionsville West Jess Lukens Zionsville West Kayleah Maddock Zionsville West Kali Howey Zionsville West Angie Miller Zionsville West Allison Manwell Zionsville West Michael Murphy Zionsville West Candi Granlund Zionsville West Kara Gitskin Zionsville West Stacy Mattio Zionsville West

thank you teachers

We love teachers for all they do. They take care of us when we are hurt and sad, even when we are not. They are like our personal superheroes for the year. Teachers cannot fly or mind read, but they have their own type of superpower, Kindness. Teachers always make us feel like we belong even when we do not believe it. They always help us through challenging times like this year, but also any time we need it or do not. They help us get through anything, like family. Which even though they are biologically not, they feel like it. They are so exceedingly kind whenever and always. I know that when I am having a bad day my teachers can always make me laugh or smile. We love our teachers for all they do. They can make us laugh or feel good. No one could replace any teachers, not even royalty. Because teachers are our royalty. I do not know how we could ever repay them. There is nothing that could. The most we can do is say thank you, even though that will never be enough for all they do for us. We love all teachers no matter what. Thank you superheroes. We appreciate you now more than ever. Thank you.

Lucy Hunter Pleasant View Elementary School

Off kilter. That’s how it felt to be sent home – confined to quarters –and unable to see our loved ones, our friends, our companions. Off kilter meant depression for some, anxiety for others, and anger for others still. We felt deprived, victimized. Less than.

Two groups stood out as we tried to make sense of the new normal we did not choose. First responders -- doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and truck drivers -- made us feel as if we could eventually dig our way out, that we would not only survive, but we might also have toilet paper. That we would in fact somehow escape to the other side. The second group – the teachers – made us feel whole. Helped us realize that the walls surrounding us might protect us from the virus, but they could not keep us from community. For the learning community that teachers provide is more expansive than the building in which it normally resides. The lessons last spring were not in the curriculum, and we all learned through necessity we were still part of a web of consequence. Teachers did this not because it was in a job description. They did this because that’s what teachers do. In a world that needed them more than ever.

As colder climes brought virus hot spots, the safest spot to be in a world of unsafe places was the school. Masked, socially distanced, cohorted, blocked and digitized, teachers answered the call. They provided. Whether it was Looming, Zooming, or meticulous grooming, nothing was too much to ask this group that did nothing but deliver. In the fall, it wasn’t enough to create and maintain community and connection --valuable experiences with the curriculum was a minimum too precious to forego. So intrepid educators forged forth into a future they had not imagined or wanted. They answered the bell. (Heck, they made the bell, they rang the bell and then they answered the bell.)

They are tired, but you wouldn’t know it. There will be time to rest.

Someday. Perhaps one week in July, you know, when they typically do their curriculum planning while the rest of the world thinks they are lounging at the pool, they will find time to recharge. Recharge from a year that was more draining than the people they were before this pandemic could have even fathomed. The year in which they were heroes.

And if you’re wondering who, in this year of the pandemic, is the teacher of the year, you are asking yourself the wrong question. There can be no teacher of the year in ’20-’21, because ’20-’21 is the year of the teacher. Of all teachers. When casual Friday meant that they didn’t need to wear their dressy cape.

Sean Conner Principal, Zionsville Middle School

year of teachers

the

Kristy Pavlata Zionsville West Michelle Peltier Zionsville West Taylor Reed Zionsville West Laura Rogers Zionsville West Matt Scheumann Zionsville West Trish Shera Zionsville West Lauren Shipley Zionsville West Steve Simmons Zionsville West Kylie Staples Zionsville West Trisha Smart Zionsville West Cathy Sutton Zionsville West Lauren Potoczek Zionsville West Michelle Rosenfeld Zionsville West Monica Soel Zionsville West Jessica Weir Zionsville West Anna Wirth Zionsville West Jessie Winger Zionsville West Tori Pagano Zionsville West Amanda O’Donnell Zionsville West

Tammy Nowakowski Zionsville West

T E A C H

Lindsay Alessandrini ZCHS Jeff Anderson ZCHS Sarah Avery ZCHS Ann Bender ZCHS Callie Bissell ZCHS Bob Brennan ZCHS Joe Bookwalter ZCHS Ashley Boutilier ZCHS Deana Broge ZCHS Alex Brownell ZCHS Katherine Carter ZCHS Spencer Cassin ZCHS Claire Chambless ZCHS Laekin Allen ZCHS Sam Chenoweth ZCHS Jill Chickedantz ZCHS Christie Clark ZCHS Dawn Zerbe Zionsville West Jeff Zurawski Zionsville West Tim Yovanovich Zionsville West

Aaron Coates ZCHS Steve Cripe ZCHS Elana Cutter ZCHS Jason Donkersloot ZCHS Elizabeth Davis ZCHS Mike Dollens ZCHS Stephanie Dudley ZCHS Jenna Engelhardt ZCHS Sarah Essick ZCHS Abigail Fitzwater ZCHS Grace Fletcher ZCHS Ashley Fox ZCHS Michael Fowler ZCHS Amy Emkow ZCHS Greg Geimer ZCHS Melissa Glass ZCHS Linda Gregg ZCHS Braden Hall ZCHS Justin Coffey ZCHS Amy Conrad ZCHS

the gift of curiosity

Zionsville teachers, many of whom I see more than my own parents, have taught me more than math or history. They have shown me how to find myself in my education, not because they told me to, but because they provided me the resources to want to, an act that has cultivated my natural curiosity and taught me that success is only achieved with dedication.

My teachers have demonstrated that education cannot be defined. The diploma I will receive this May is only one of many measures of my education. The measures more important are the skills I have acquired in the process, such as analytical thinking, perseverance, and responsibility that are all essential to my future endeavors.

There is no other community I would want to grow, learn, and achieve in than the Zionsville community. Thank you to all Zionsville teachers for making me the person I am today.

Zoe Baker Zionsville Community High School

Danielle Harrison ZCHS Cat Hoppes ZCHS J.R. Howell ZCHS Karrisa Jackson ZCHS Brenda Jalaie ZCHS Molly Keller ZCHS Mandy Keller ZCHS Cindy King ZCHS Susan Kirk ZCHS Greg Kirkham ZCHS David Krause ZCHS Scott Kubly ZCHS Kristin Lancaster ZCHS Tom Landrum ZCHS Rita Lickliter ZCHS Bronson Lickliter ZCHS Rebecca Lipscom ZCHS Amanda Harmon ZCHS Eric Harrington ZCHS Bryan Hall ZCHS

Lindsey McDowell ZCHS Bill Malle ZCHS Patti McNally ZCHS Katie Morario ZCHS Taundra Miles-Cranor ZCHS Kaylee Miller ZCHS Brandon Mooradian ZCHS Jenny Morrison ZCHS Dwight Moser ZCHS Matt Mulholland ZCHS Alyssa Neal ZCHS Jennifer Nelson ZCHS Rhonda Nicholson ZCHS Julie Noel ZCHS Henry Nolan ZCHS Liz Overberg ZCHS Brooke O’Mara ZCHS Sarah Ludwig ZCHS Paul Magoni ZCHS Amanda Lucas ZCHS

Kristen Pache ZCHS Chelsea Patterson ZCHS Michael Patterson ZCHS Cassie Petrocelli ZCHS Stacey Platt ZCHS Gabe Porras ZCHS Grant Prusator ZCHS Clair Purtell ZCHS Kraig Roederer ZCHS Rachel Salapka ZCHS David Schurger ZCHS Deborah Settles ZCHS Kimbra Shaner ZCHS Ellen Shertzer ZCHS Doug Showley ZCHS Gil Speer ZCHS Juli Speer ZCHS Cassidy Spencer ZCHS Molly Painter ZCHS Cathy Patane ZCHS

eagles soar

Sara Thornley ZCHS Sue-Chen Tseng ZCHS Scott Turnquist ZCHS Adelpha Twyman ZCHS Nate Underwood ZCHS Lauren Wagner ZCHS Kristi Walters ZCHS Michael Warner ZCHS Doug Welch ZCHS Chelsea Whitaker ZCHS Danielle Wilson ZCHS Jodi Thomas ZCHS Christina Waldron ZCHS Melisa Wilzbacher ZCHS Mica Wilson ZCHS Jessica Sterling ZCHS Michael Szymusiak ZCHS Harlea Standifer ZCHS

family, internet and a pandemic

There are a lot of things that go into the shaping of a childhood. Family, the internet, a pandemic. But throughout all the ups and downs, a kid goes to school. The teachers take up more time in a kid’s life than anything other than sleep. For a lot of kids, they would rather be sleeping. It’s easy to dislike school, especially now, but the teachers of Zionsville create a connection with the students that make it worth it to learn. I’m able to talk about movies with my teachers, and I’m able to explore serious topics at the same time. Teachers cultivate interests and play a major part in helping kids figure out their identity. I figured out that I want to write, and I want to write stories for the world to watch on the silver screen. And for that, I thank the teachers of Zionsville.

Shivam Dave Zionsville Community High School

Teachers of the year! life goes on

Robert Frost offers the following wisdom: “In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.” In the year of faceless conversations and life behind screens, no-one has embodied this steadfast determination better than teachers. They have sustained and sustain still their charismatic enthusiasm for education all the while confronted by an ever-fatiguing student body and an ever-unpredictable year. They have not renounced themselves to the quiet defeat of discontent; instead, they have inspired the continued drive and success of their pupils. Further, in all their militant adamance for their work, their only mustered complaints have been hopes for means by which to better assist their students. For their perseverance and charge, teachers are to thank for ensuring and upholding that it goes on.

Max Robinson Zionsville Community High School

Anyone who says that those who can’t do, teach, should be reminded that those who do anything in life are prepared for it precisely because of what teachers do! Teaching is the cradle of all professions.

Thank you.

ZCS SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS SCOTT ROBISON

TEACHING IS THE CRADLE OF ALL PROFESSIONS

Thank you for continuing your efforts to uplift the youth of this community. I interact frequently with ZCS parents who tell me about the good works of ZCS teaching and counseling colleagues. I continue to hear about your deep connections with young people. You help them learn problem solving, essential content, and you provide perspectives that change their lives in positive ways forever. This is what teachers do. This is why each of us can read these words and be gainfully employed—because of teachers. The facts in play are simple—teachers make incredibly positive and lasting differences for the youth of this community, nation, and planet. The power of great teachers worked for me, it worked for you, and it continues to work for the students in ZCS right now! And the beat goes on.Come what may, there will be a necessity for caring, positive, bright, energetic, committed sharers of knowledge, architects of experiences that inform and enlighten, and engineers of challenges worthy of growing minds. This is what you do. The delivery will be impacted by politics, pandemics, and occasional seismic shifts of culture, finance or technology, but YOU guide future leaders. You make a better future possible. Anyone who says that those who can’t do, teach, should be

reminded that those who do anything in life are prepared for it precisely because of what teachers do! Teaching IS the cradle of all professions.Thank you. Thank you for continuing your efforts to uplift the youth of this community. I interact frequently with ZCS parents who tell me about the good works of ZCS teaching and counseling colleagues. I continue to hear about your deep connections with young people. You help them learn problem solving, essential content, and you provide perspectives that change their lives in positive ways forever. This is what teachers do. This is why each of us can read these words and be gainfully employed—because of teachers. The facts in play are simple—teachers make incredibly positive and lasting differences for the youth of this community, nation, and planet. The power of great teachers worked for me, it worked for you, and it continues to work for the students in ZCS right now! And the beat goes on.

Come what may, there will be a necessity for caring, positive, bright, energetic, committed sharers of knowledge, architects of experiences that inform and enlighten, and engineers of challenges worthy of growing minds. This is what you do. The delivery will be impacted by politics, pandemics, and occasional seismic shifts of culture, finance or technology, but YOU guide future leaders. You make a better future possible. Anyone who says that those who can’t do, teach, should be reminded that those who do anything in life are prepared for it precisely because of what teachers do! Teaching IS the cradle of all professions.

THANK YOU!

ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS theroadthroughlifebeginshere.