Zionsville Community Schools Newspaper Spring 2025

Zionsville Community Schools

SPRING 2025

Cue the applause ZCS performers wow audiences in a magical theatrical season that underscores the power of arts in education From the exceptional performance of Mary Poppins at Zionsville Middle School to the enchanted castle brought to life in Beauty and the Beast at Zionsville West Middle school, stages across Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) have come alive this season with show-stopping student talent.

Each curtain rise reveals something more than entertainment. It’s a testament to the importance of the arts in our schools and the deep dedication of students, staff and families who help bring these productions to life.

Theatrical performances across the district have wowed packed auditoriums and built lasting memories for students and audiences alike. These moments aren’t just magical, they’re meaningful.

“Arts education offers students a powerful opportunity for self-expression,” said ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman. “It helps build confidence, connection and collaboration, and I am thankful to ZCS staff and parents

who devote themselves to helping make these opportunities possible for our students.”

In ZCS, the arts are an essential part of our well-rounded education. Productions are supported by dedicated staff, volunteers and district leadership who understand that the arts help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Backstage crews manage lights, costumes, sets and sound with a level of professionalism that mirrors Broadway, while student performers take the stage with poise and passion.

From middle school musicals to elementary plays to high school performances and community showcases, these experiences shape confident, creative learners.

As the final bows are taken and the curtains close on this season, one thing is clear: the arts are alive and well in Zionsville Community Schools, and they’re making a lasting impact on every student who dares to dream under the spotlight.

Stay connected with ZCS: sign up for the new monthly digest Zionsville Community Schools will soon be launching a new way to stay informed.

Our new monthly e-publication, the ZCS Digest, will bring stories of student success, staff highlights, board updates and district news directly to your inbox.

The ZCS Digest replaces our previous e-publication, eNexus. Even if you were previously subscribed to eNexus, you’ll need to sign up again to receive the new digest.

This refreshed publication is designed to keep the entire community informed and engaged with all that's happening across our schools. We hope you’ll take a moment to opt in and stay connected to ZCS.

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SPRING 2025

Chapters of success ZCS superintendent reflects on a meaningful year During this season of teacher appreciation, I am filled with immense gratitude for the incredible educators in our community. I also hold a deep sense of appreciation for the many impactful teachers in my life, starting with my parents.

Parents serve as children’s first and most influential teachers.

Parents begin the important chapters in every child’s life, and I’m honored to know you have selected Zionsville Community Schools as part of the story for your family.

I’m also incredibly proud each time my own parents visit our community. As volunteers, they have organized a PE closet a time or two and have enjoyed supporting many school events.

Each time they visit, they comment on the incredible energy, creativity and compassion that fills Zionsville Community Schools. They attend various contests and performances and see the dedication and support of a community that always shows up for the kids. Seeing our schools through their eyes

has been a reminder of just how exceptional this school community is and how much we achieve together.

These moments with my parents are more than a family visit. They are powerful reflections of the support systems that make our schools thrive: the encouragement of families, the commitment of staff, the passion of our students and the community's belief in the value of education.

As we close this chapter on another school year, I am filled with gratitude for all that we’ve accomplished together. As you will see throughout this edition of the ZCS newspaper, we have celebrated academic achievement, artistic expression, athletic success and had meaningful moments of connection. From science fairs to spring concerts, student-led projects to senior milestones, each moment has added richness to the story of this school year.

At the heart of it all is the ZCS staff including educators, support teams, coaches, counselors and

administrators who nurture hearts and minds. Their daily work reflects our shared commitment to excellence and to the well-being of every student who walks through our doors.

I am proud to lead in a district where support for our students and staff is not just a mission, but a lived reality seen through community partnerships, volunteer efforts and the ongoing engagement with families.

To our students: thank you for your curiosity, your courage and your kindness. To our families: thank you for trusting us with your most precious treasures. And to our staff: thank you for pouring your expertise and heart into each day.

As we look ahead to summer and a new year, may we carry forward the momentum of these chapters, rich with success, growth and care as we continue writing a story that reflects the very best in Zionsville Community Schools.

Dr. Rebecca Coffman ZCS Superintendent of Schools

Welcome, future Eagles!

Soaring into the next chapter

Kindergarten registration is open for the 2025–2026 school year, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the newest members of our ZCS family.

Recently, our schools hosted kindergarten round-up events filled with wide eyes, big smiles, and the first steps into a journey of lifelong learning. These little learners remind us that every great story begins with a single chapter, and for our incoming kindergartners, that chapter begins now.

Visit our website to register your child and learn more about what makes the ZCS kindergarten experience so special. We can’t wait to meet our newest Eagles!

Stonegate Elementary School held a kindergarten "signing" during kindergarten round-up on March 25.

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While we are preparing to welcome our youngest learners, ZCS fourth-grade students are getting ready for an exciting new adventure in middle school.

Transition events at Zionsville Middle School and Zionsville West Middle School helped our rising fifth graders feel confident and curious about what’s ahead.

From school tours and student musical performances to informational sessions with principals, middle school staff members and current students, these experiences were designed to ease nerves and build excitement.

We’re committed to supporting every student at every stage, from those stepping into school for the first time to those preparing to take on new challenges and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

SPRING 2025

Eyes on the future Academic Transition Night at Zionsville Community High School As our youngest Eagles prepare to begin their journeys and our elementary students plan to soar into middle school, our eighth-grade students and their families are also stepping into a new chapter: high school.

At Zionsville Community High School’s Academic Transition Night, future ninth graders and their parents explored academic programs and the student opportunities that make ZCHS such a special place to learn and grow. Guided tours, presentations and discussions, as well as department showcases, helped incoming

students envision their path ahead with confidence and excitement.

These milestone moments, from kindergarten round-up to high school transition, reflect the district’s commitment to supporting students on every step of their educational journey.

Zionsville Community High School juniors and seniors explore opportunities as they prepare for what comes next For our high school students, the journey continues as they begin planning for life beyond graduation.

Zionsville Community High School hosted its annual College and Career Fair, connecting students with representatives from colleges, universities, trade schools and local employers. The event offered a valuable opportunity for junior and senior students to explore future pathways, ask questions and gain insight into the many possibilities ahead.

Whether they’re interested in higher education, skilled trades or entering the workforce, our students are supported with the resources, relationships and authentic exposure they need to take confident next steps.

From the excitement of kindergarten round-up to the future-focused conversations at the College and Career Fair, these

moments reflect the heart of Zionsville Community Schools, where every student is known, supported and inspired to grow.

As one school year comes to a close, we celebrate the milestones reached and look ahead to the new chapters waiting to be written. Together, as a community, we continue to lift and guide our Eagles at every stage of the educational journey.

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SPRING 2025

ZCS Do Days Students, staff and families spend three days giving back and growing together while helping the community through acts of service and kindness For three days this spring, students and staff across Zionsville Community Schools stepped beyond the classroom to give back to the community they call home.

ZCS Do Days, a district-wide service initiative in the seventh year, united learners of all ages in a shared mission: to make a difference. From cleaning up parks and packing meals to writing letters to veterans and helping local nonprofits, the efforts were as varied as they were impactful.

Whether it was a kindergarten class coloring pictures for senior citizens or high school students mentoring younger peers, each act of service reflected the values at the core of ZCS: compassion, connection and community.

Across the district, classrooms became teams of changemakers.

Staff members joined in alongside their students, modeling what it means to lead with heart and serve with purpose.

This initiative wasn’t just about giving back, it was about growing together. Students practiced teamwork, empathy, problem-solving and leadership, all while building stronger ties to the place where they both live and learn.

This year, students, staff and families completed sevice projects that benefited more than 50 local organizations. The collective efforts showcased the power of giving back. This is community!

ZCS teacher honored with nation’s highest award for excellence in STEM Education Zionsville Community Schools is proud to announce that Zionsville West Middle School (ZWMS) teacher Kara Benson has been named a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for K-12 STEM instruction.

Benson joins more than 300 outstanding teachers and mentors from across the country to be selected for her exceptional skill, innovation and dedication in the classroom.

Established in 1983, the PAEMST award honors teachers who demonstrate deep content knowledge in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) and a strong commitment to engaging a wide range of learners. Recipients undergo a rigorous application and review process, assessed by both state and national panels of experts.

Benson's selection places her among an elite group of educators shaping the future of 4

STEM education in America.

As part of the award, honorees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and are celebrated at a series of recognition events in Washington, D.C. ZCS Superintendent Rebecca Coffman praised the recognition and honored Benson at a school board meeting.

Coffman said, "We are incredibly proud of Kara Benson and the impact she makes in our schools and in the lives of her students. This national honor speaks not only to her excellence in teaching but also to the culture of high expectations and innovation that defines Zionsville Community Schools."

The Presidential Awards highlight the vital role educators play in preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.

Congratulations to Kara Benson on this well-deserved recognition and for her lasting contributions to student success and STEM education in ZCS.

SPRING 2025

Prioritizing protection A comprehensive approach to school safety in ZCS Preparedness, prevention and community reporting through ongoing training and resources In Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS), safety is a priority that lives in every classroom, on every bus, in every building and throughout the broader school community. From crisis response protocols to weather-related closures, safety in ZCS is an all-encompassing effort that ensures students and staff are protected, supported and prepared.

Comprehensive planning, constant readiness School safety in ZCS includes proactive planning for a range of scenarios including severe weather events, unexpected closures, medical emergencies and crisis situations.

The district has a detailed safety plan, developed in coordination with local law enforcement, first responders and district leaders.

These plans are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect best practices and community-specific needs.

See something, say something: empowering our community One of the cornerstones of safety in ZCS is the district’s commitment to open communication and early intervention. The STOPit app, a secure, anonymous reporting tool, empowers students, staff, families and community members to report concerns at any time. In any type of safety concern, STOPit ensures that every voice has a safe place to be heard.

“We want everyone in our community to feel empowered to speak up,” said Director of Safety Chad Smith. “If something doesn’t feel right, we want to know about it. That awareness can make all the difference in keeping our schools safe.”

Training for every role, including the road Safety training is a year-round priority for ZCS staff. From school administrators to classroom teachers, employees participate in regular safety drills and

professional development designed to prepare them for a variety of situations.

Most recently, ZCS bus drivers completed a specialized safety training focused on crisis prevention and emergency response. These transportation professionals, often the first and last point of contact for students each day, play a critical role in creating a safe and supportive environment.

“Our drivers are deeply committed to student well-being,” said Transportation Director Amy Eaton. “Recent training provided drivers with tools to recognize concerning behaviors, respond in an emergency and work as a team to keep our kids as safe as possible.”

Safety in ZCS is more than protocols and procedures. It’s a mindset. By nurturing a culture where students feel connected, supported and seen, the district aims to prevent issues before they arise. That includes mental health supports,

March was National Disability Awareness Month, a time to recognize the valuable contributions of people with disabilities and promote inclusion in our schools.

The month invites us all to challenge stereotypes, remove barriers and celebrate the diverse strengths and talents of students of all abilities.

Reports are sent directly to district safety personnel or law enforcement and are handled with discretion and care.

Reporting is quick and easy to use, anonymous, available 24/7.

ZCS celebrates Youth Art Month with student showcases Zionsville Community Schools celebrated Youth Art Month by highlighting student creativity through displays at local businesses in Zionsville and Whitestown, as well as an exhibit at the Indiana Statehouse. This monthlong celebration in March underscores the impact of art education.

ZCHS student artwork was on display in the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center Lobby in April.

ZCHS BPA students shine at state leadership conference

Innovation takes center stage at ZCHS pitch competition

Leadership & Recognition Beyond competition, one student stepped up as a state officer candidate, delivering a speech in front of nearly 900 students.

A Memorable Experience Congratulations to all our BPA students for their hard work and achievements.

Best of luck to our national qualifiers as National Qualifiers they prepare to represent Zionsville Several students placed in the top three of Community High School on the national their respective events, earning the stage in Orlando. opportunity to compete at the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.

State Medalists Several students placed in the top 10 in their competitions, demonstrating their expertise and dedication.

Speak up, stay safe: use the STOPit App

Zionsville Community Schools uses the STOPit app, a simple and anonymous tool that empowers students, parents, staff and community members to report safety concerns in real time.

A culture of care and vigilance

Shining a light on ability during National Disability Awareness Month

ZCHS Business Professionals of America (BPA) students had an outstanding showing at the State Leadership Conference in Indianapolis this semester. Forty-seven (47) students participated in a variety of competitions, workshops and leadership opportunities, bringing home impressive results.

school counselors, and intentional relationships between students and trusted adults.

“School safety isn’t just about what we do in an emergency,” said ZCS Superintendent Rebecca Coffman. “It’s about what we do every day to build trust, create belonging and stay alert.”

As ZCS continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to safety remains constant, a reflection of the district’s belief that students learn best when they feel secure, supported and seen.

ZCHS students recently stepped into the spotlight during a Shark Tank-style pitch event, presenting original business and product ideas to a panel of local professionals.

From creative solutions to real-world challenges

to bold entrepreneurial visions, students demonstrated critical thinking, communication and innovation.

This experience gave future changemakers a platform to develop and refine their ideas in an authentic setting.

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SPRING 2025

Celebrating student passions From the stage to the sidelines and everywhere in between, ZCS students shine in the arts, athletics and extracurricular activities Zionsville Community Schools celebrates student involvement beyond the classroom. From award-winning performances in theater and music to state-ranked and world-bound robotics teams, championship athletics and a wide range of clubs and competitions, ZCS students are finding their voices, building skills and forming lasting connections through their activities.

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SPRING 2025

Summer fun for every age ZCS hosts a variety of camps that educate, entertain and inspire Summer is nearly here, and many families are once again looking into summer offerings for engaging, educational and fun-filled camp experiences.

From academic enrichment and hands-on exploration to sports, arts and swimming, ZCS hosts summer programming that has something for every child preschool age through high school.

About Eagle Recreation and Enrichment (ERE) and Summer Discovery Opportunities Zionsville Eagle Recreation and Enrichment (ERE) has provided students with exciting summer experiences for more than 18 years. With more than 5,000 students participating each summer, ERE’s extensive lineup of classes and camps spans technology, drama, arts and crafts, sports, robotics, Minecraft and sewing.

Many classes are led by educators in ZCS, while others are taught by outside professionals who bring unique talents and expertise to the program. All activities are conveniently hosted

at ZCS campuses, offering ease and flexibility for families.

While most staffing is handled by adult instructors, the popular Minecraft camp gives high school students entering grades 10–12 the opportunity to serve as assistant counselors and a chance to lead and give back to a camp they may have attended previously themselves.

ERE camps are open to all youth, not just Zionsville residents. Registration is now open at: www.zionsvilleeaglerec.com.

Z’Camp: Classic Camp Adventures For younger students, Z’Camp brings the traditional camp experience to life with weekly themes and a wide range of activities for students in Pre-K through 6th grade. Kids can enjoy fishing, archery, crafts, tennis, lacrosse, nature field trips, campfire fun and more, all while learning camp songs and making lifelong memories.

The program, which began as Explorer’s Camp in 2010 and evolved into Z’Camp in 2016,

serves 200 to 250 campers in grades K–6 and up to 40 preschoolers each week over an eight-week summer session.

Many families enroll for the entire summer, while others choose a few weeks that work for their schedules.

Parents appreciate the built-in flexibility, with drop-off available as early as 7:30 a.m. and pick-up as late as 5:30 p.m. The core program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and a dedicated camp nurse is available on-site throughout the day.

Z’Camp is also proud to employ 25–30 high school students each summer, many of whom first experienced the program as campers themselves.

Registration is available via the EZChild Track link on the GROW website. Questions can be directed to Becca King at zcamp@ zcs.k12.in.us or by visiting www. zcamponline.com.

ZCS Aquatic Center: Making a Splash in Summer Programming

Center offers a variety of water programs. Since 2011, the center has hosted swim camps, swim lessons, swim team opportunities and aquatic fitness events for all ages.

Each swim camp begins with a customized lesson to match the skill level of the participant, focusing on both water safety and skill advancement. Weekly camps host at least 20 campers, while swim lessons serve around 100 children over the course of the summer.

The Aquatic Center also employs a number of high school students, with more than 50 teens serving as lifeguards and instructors throughout the year.

Additional offerings include lifeguard certification courses, CPR classes, adult swim instruction and birthday party rentals.

Whether your child wants to swim, explore the arts, learn robotics or simply enjoy summer days outdoors, there is a camp experience ready to welcome them. Camps fill up fast, but we encourage you to check out the offerings still open.

For families looking to dive into summer, the ZCS Aquatic

ZEF surprises 45 educators with record-breaking $75K in spring grants Nineteen grants will impact all nine ZCS schools, empowering teachers and enriching learning from Pre-K through 12th grade, and just in time for ZEF’s 30th anniversary celebration This spring, ZEF awarded ZEF is also excited to a record-breaking $75,068 in celebrate its 30th anniversary!

Classroom and Imagine ProfesSince its founding in 1995, ZEF sional Development Grants. ZEF has awarded more than $1.9 Classroom Grants bring teachmillion in support of our teachers, ers’ innovative ideas to life for students and schools. Keep an students and ZEF Imagine Grants eye out in the coming months for give experienced ZCS teachers information on ZEF’s impact over growth and renewal opportunithe last 30 years, how they are ties. The ZEF Grant Parade sursupporting our schools today and prised 45 different ZCS educators its plans to make the next 30 years with their grant awards that will even better for ZCS teachers and enable unique learning experistudents. Follow the ences for teachers and students.

Zionsville Education Foundation These nineteen grants will impact on Facebook, Instagram, or X preschool through 12th grade to learn more or subscribe to the students and invest in all nine ZEF eNewsletter by visiting the ZCS schools.

ZEF website.

ZEF grants are made possible by the generosity of our community. Thank you to the individuals, corporations, families, and small businesses who show their support of our schools through their gifts to ZEF. A special thanks Photography generously donated to the Barth Family Fund for their

by Lauren Spillman with generosity to the spring Signature Lime Photography grants cycle.

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SPRING 2025

Science, culture and play light up student learning From science fairs to international nights, Zionsville elementary schools are buzzing with hands-on learning and global exploration. Students celebrated Global Play Day, encouraging creativity and collaboration through unstructured play. Science fairs showcased budding young scientists and their innovative experiments, while international nights invited families to share traditions, food and stories from around the world. These engaging events highlight the district’s commitment to joyful, inclusive and curiosity-driven learning.

Caroline Sampson Lilly Scholar

Thank you to our corporate partners for supporting ZCS Ascension St. Vincent Women and Infants Hospital

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

ZMS band creates a space where all students can feel the beat

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

stvincentbaby.org

©Ascension 2024. All rights reserved.

BC61227

Mrs. Katie Aeschliman Board President

Mr. Mike Berg Board Vice President

Mrs. Jennifer Valentine Board Member

Mr. Mike Coussens 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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Zionsville Community High School is proud to celebrate two outstanding seniors, among many, who have earned prestigious scholarships through highly competitive national and state programs.

Prabanjan Jayachandran was named a Coca-Cola Scholar-Select, an honor awarded to just 150 students nationwide out of more than 105,000 applicants. As one of the country's top scholarships for leadership, service and academics Prabanjan will receive a $20,000 college scholarship and join a network of more than 7,000 Coca-Cola Scholar alumni. He will travel to Atlanta this spring to attend the 37th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and Leadership Development Institute.

Caroline Sampson earned the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which provides full tuition, required fees and a book stipend for four years at any accredited public or private college or university in Indiana. This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to 147 students across Indiana each year and recognizes academic excellence, leadership and community commitment.

Congratulations to Prabanjan and Caroline on their remarkable achievements. We look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond.

The Zionsville Community High School Commencement Ceremony is set for June 8, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the Ascension St. Vincent Stadium. Tickets are required and details can be found on the ZCHS website. Congratulations to all graduating seniors.

We will have a full wrap-up and celebration of our seniors in the summer newspaper. Congratulations Eagles!

Scan the code to learn more

ZCS Board of School Trustees

Prabanjan Jayachandran Coca Cola Scholar-Select

Commencement June 8, 2025

Designed for moms and babies, built with compassion for the whole family

Select Image

Two ZCHS seniors earn prestigious scholarships

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 Middle School (ZMS) Band Teacher Evan Schroeder and the ZMS band department hosted their annual Sensory Friendly Concert at ZMS. Mr. Schroeder designed this program for students who attend Essential Skills classrooms 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.