Zionsville Community Schools Summer 2025

Zionsville Community Schools

SUMMER 2025

A picture perfect finish Graduates shine bright while looking ahead to a world of possibility On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the Zionsville Community High School campus was filled with pride, anticipation, and celebration as the Zionsville Community High School Class of 2025 gathered for Commencement. Under sunny skies, graduates took their places before a crowd of family and friends, ready to mark this milestone moment. The ceremony featured heartfelt speeches, meaningful music, and all the cherished traditions of graduation day.

The ceremonial turning of the tassels signaled new beginnings. Some of our graduates will head to college while others will pursue a trade or a gap year, begin a career, or enlist in the military. Wherever their paths lead, ZCS graduates are prepared for success.

More than 70 percent of graduates earned a Core 40 Diploma with academic or technical honors. Three foreign exchange students participated in the commencement ceremony and will receive diplomas from their home school. Five members of the Class of 2025 enlisted in a

participated in nearly 90 clubs and activities and completed 45,000 hours of community service raising more than $76,000 for charities over their past four years.​ 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 $1,000,000 worth of scholarship and award money from local and individual foundations, many of whom are The ZCS Digest is a refreshed based in Boone County or neighboring communities. Congratula- monthly digital publication designed to keep both families tions to the ZCHS Class of 2025. and the broader community informed and connected.

Replacing our previous community newsletter, eNexus, the ZCS Digest will deliver highlights, important news, and engaging stories from across the district directly to your inbox each month. Even if you were previously subscribed to eNexus, a new sign-up is required. We invite you to opt in and stay engaged with the stories that celebrate our students and showcase the excellence happening every day in ZCS.

ZCS Digest

branch of the military, an ROTC program, or a United States Military Academy and 12 seniors earned an industry certification through the J. Everett Light Career Center (JEL).

ZCHS seniors passed an anticipated 893 AP exams with a score of three or higher while earning 2,070 credits in dual credit courses​.

Members of the Class of 2025

The first day of school for students is August 5 The school start guide in the link below includes the information you need for the 2025-2026 school year. The first student day is August 5, 2025.

The ZCS website also has up-to-date school information, dates, and times for the start of the 2025-2026 school year. We look forward to seeing you in August. Scan the QR code for the digital ZCS School Start Guide.

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SUMMER 2025

Eagle Ambassador Academy applications open

New year, endless possibility ZCS welcomes families to the 2025–2026 school year while celebrating the milestones of the year just completed As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, I extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all of our ZCS families, those returning to us and those joining our school community for the very first time. The start of a school year is always filled with fresh energy, new opportunities, and a shared sense of purpose. It is a time when hope and possibility meet preparation and care.

Whether your child is beginning their very first school experience, transitioning into a new building, or preparing for a final year of high school, we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with your family on this important journey.

This coming year holds special significance for our district as we launch a new strategic plan, a yearlong effort built on community voices, shared values, and future-focused thinking. This comprehensive plan will serve as a guiding framework for our continued growth, ensuring that we maintain a focus on academic excellence, student

well-being, innovation, and inclusion. It is our roadmap forward, and it reflects not only where we are, but where we want to go together.

While we look ahead with excitement, we also pause to reflect on the year we just completed, one filled with moments that defined who we are

"We are committed to making ZCS a place where all students feel seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential."

as a learning community. The 2024–2025 school year brought so many powerful and joyful moments: student achievements in the classroom and on the stage, teamwork and perseverance on athletic fields, creative and

thoughtful service projects, and so many milestones worth celebrating. It was a year of learning, growth, and resilience.

We especially celebrate the Class of 2025, whose journey through ZCS culminated in a joyful season of capstone events and meaningful recognition.

From early morning sunrises and senior send-offs to the cheers of graduation day, these students carried with them not only their accomplishments, but the character and leadership that helped shape our school culture. We are proud of all they’ve achieved and grateful for the legacy they leave behind.

As the new school year approaches, our staff members are hard at work preparing welcoming, engaging environments where every student can thrive.

Our schools will continue to be places where curiosity is encouraged, relationships are nurtured, and success is defined not only by academic achievement, but by the joy of learning and the strength of connection. We are committed

Zionsville Middle School teacher named ZCS District Teacher of the Year From left to right: Zionsville Middle School Principal Mitzi Macaluso, Zionsville Middle School and District Teacher of the Year Evan Schroeder, 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 2

to making ZCS a place where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Thank you for the many ways you support Zionsville Community Schools. Your partnership, encouragement, and engagement are what make our schools strong. As we turn the page to a new year, we do so with great anticipation and deep appreciation.

Here’s to a joyful close to summer and a bright beginning to the 2025–2026 school year.

The third cohort of the 2025-2026 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 topperforming 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.

Dr. Rebecca Coffman ZCS Superintendent of Schools Thank you to the 2024-2025 academy participants.

Jen Trinosky, BME

Annette Sinsko, Eagle

Laurie Wanser, PVE

Allison Spillman, SGE

Jen Skura, Trailside

Tonya Clark, Union

Evan Schroeder, ZMS

Michelle Peltier, ZWMS

Allison Tripolitis, ZCHS

Zionsville Middle School Band Teacher Evan Schroeder was named the ZCS District Teacher of the Year at the May board meeting.

Chosen by a panel from the building-level honorees, Mr. Schroeder will represent ZCS at the state level.

ZCS Building Teacher of the Year Recipients

SUMMER 2025

Windows down, futures open Grateful for the ride and ready for the road ahead

From their first ride to kindergarten to this final bus loop as seniors, the journey of the Class of 2025 has been filled with moments that mattered.

With windows down and smiles beaming, these soon-to-be graduates leaned out soaking in the last stretch of a ride that shaped them.

As caps soared skyward at graduation and laughter echoed through school hallways one last time during the senior send-off, this class made it clear: they are ready. Ready for the next steps, the unknown roads, and the wide-open futures ahead. The memories ride with them. The possibilities wait just beyond the bend. Here's to you, Class of 2025!

Class of 2025 Recognition and Reflection While the Class of 2025 was busy looking ahead, the final weeks of school were also filled with moments of reflection and recognition, honoring the character, leadership, and accomplishments that defined their time in ZCS. Here’s a look at just a few of the meaningful ways our seniors were celebrated.

Rotary Strong in Every Way Breakfast

Class of 2025 were named to the Boone County Top 20, an annual honor recognizing the top 20 students from each high school in the county based on academic performance. These students were celebrated at a special county-wide luncheon where their hard work, dedication, and commitment to learning were recognized alongside peers from across the county.

Senior Awards Night

Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) seniors were honored at the annual Rotary Strong in Every Way Breakfast, a celebration of students who exemplify strength of character, service to others, and leadership in action.

Surrounded by family, educators, and community members, each student was recognized not only for their achievements, but for the positive impact they’ve had on their school and community.

The annual Senior Awards Night was a celebration of achievement (top 15 percent), ambition, and opportunity.

Students were recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and service, with scholarships awarded by local organizations, foundations, and universities. It was a night of pride and possibility, honoring the efforts of the Class of 2025.

Boone County Top 20

National Merit Finalists

Academic excellence took center stage as members of the ZCHS

Among this year’s academic honors, several members of the Class of 2025 earned recognition

as National Merit Finalists, an achievement that places them among the top academic performers in the nation. These students represent the academic excellence that defines ZCHS and the bright future that lies ahead.

Academic and Althletic Excellence During a special school ceremony, ZCHS celebrated seniors who earned a place in the top 15–30 percent of their class by maintaining a GPA between 4.0 and 4.21.

The event also honored recipients of the Eagle Award, student-athletes who achieved a 4.0–4.21 GPA and earned a varsity letter during the school year.

Senior Salute Seniors who committed to military service after graduation were honored at the annual Senior Salute ceremony, a special recognition honoring members of the Class of 2025.

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SUMMER 2025

Every champion belongs ZCS celebrated inclusion and joy through the annual Unified Champions events for students in preschool through Grade 8

Zionsville Community Schools continues to celebrate and invest in the power of inclusion through our Unified Champions programming, an initiative that brings students of all abilities together through sports, shared experiences, and authentic connection.

This spring, two annual events showcased that commitment again across the district.

The youngest learners took center stage at the annual Preschool Unified Game Day where students participated in inclusive, developmentally appropriate activities alongside peers and supportive staff. The event was filled with smiles,

teamwork, and the spirit of belonging that defines our early learning environments.

For students in grades K–8, the Unified Track and Field Day brought even more energy to the season. From sprint races and relays to jumping events and cheer zones, students across the district joined together to compete, encourage one another, and celebrate every effort. It was an experience marked not only by athletic achievements, but by the connections made on the track and across the sidelines.

Unified Champions programming is part of a larger commitment to supporting meaningful inclusion in every school, every

day. Through these events and the year-round efforts of teachers, support staff, and peer mentors, ZCS creates environments where all students can grow, thrive, and be celebrated for who they are.

The photographs from these events tell a powerful story of joy and teamwork. They reflect the heart of our school community.

We invite you to explore the moments captured during these unforgettable days.

Community connection VIP passes for local senior citizens Zionsville Community Schools believes that schools are the heart of a thriving community and that includes creating opportunities for all generations to stay connected, engaged, and inspired.

Local senior citizens (aged 65 and older) residing in Eagle or Union Townships are invited to become ZCS VIPs and receive free admission to hundreds of school events throughout the year. From student 4

theater performances and concerts to athletic events, guest speakers, and school carnivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate.

This special invitation is just one way we continue to build bridges between generations and share the joy of learning, creativity, and community pride.

To receive your VIP Senior Pass, please contact Lynn Kissel-Brown at 317-873-2858, ext. 11230.

SUMMER 2025

Learning never stops ZCS educators launch summer with a powerful day of professional growth and inspiration at the annual Learning Summit Zionsville Community Schools educators began their summer with inspiration and purpose at the district’s annual Learning Summit, a full-day professional development event held on the first day of summer break.

This year’s summit featured keynote speaker Chase Orton, author of The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher, who challenged educators to reflect on the question: “What do we want our legacy to be?” His message centered on thriving as “imperfect and unfinished” educators and encouraging staff to embrace vulnerability, growth, and authentic connection as essential parts of the teaching journey.

Following the keynote, participants attended breakout sessions led by colleagues, district leaders, and guest presenters.

Topics ranged from instructional strategies and student engagement to well-being and student growth, each designed to elevate practice and foster meaningful impact in the classroom.

The Learning Summit marked not only the start of summer, but also a commitment to professional excellence. With collaboration, curiosity, and joy in every session, the day served as a powerful reminder that learning never stops, especially for those who lead it.

Prepared to lead and committed to protect ZCS kicks off the year with professional learning and safety enhancements that reflect the district's ongoing priority to care for every student While ZCS educators began summer with a powerful Learning Summit focused on growth and learning, that same spirit of preparation extended to another top priority: safety.

In ZCS, keeping students and staff safe is a shared responsibility and an ongoing commitment.

Strong partnerships with the Zionsville Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, and Zionsville Fire Department help ensure police presence in every school and support a

comprehensive, evolving safety program.

New this year, ZCS has partnered with CENTEGIX to install CrisisAlert in all schools, an emergency alert system that empowers staff to request help from anywhere on campus with the push of a button. The system delivers immediate visual and audio alerts, helping responders act quickly and efficiently in any situation.

Families also play a vital role in school safety. The STOPit reporting tool is available 24/7

for students and staff to report concerns anonymously or seek support during a crisis. The mobile app allows users to submit reports or access local help resources with ease and confidentiality.

Safety is not a one-time effort.

It’s a culture. Through continued training, upgraded tools, and a united approach, ZCS remains dedicated to keeping every student safe, supported, and ready to thrive.

Using the STOPit app, students and staff can safely report concerns or get help in a crisis, 24/7.

Strong community support, stronger schools In 2019, the community showed overwhelming support for Zionsville Community Schools by passing a two-question referendum with one of the highest approval margins in the state of Indiana.

That support was transformational for ZCS. Thanks to the capital referendum, Trailside Elementary School was built and opened in August 2022. A major Zionsville Community High School addition to accommodate student growth was completed, and district leaders prioritized much-needed renovations across

the district, projects identified through a comprehensive facilities study.

Alongside the capital improvements, the renewed operating referendum continues to directly fund teachers, counselors, and other vital district professionals.

This stable source of funding has allowed ZCS leaders to maintain small class sizes and implement high-quality programming that supports all learners.

Did you know that many ZCS teachers and professional staff are funded through referendum dollars? These positions include:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Kindergarten Teachers School Counselors School Psychologists Speech Language Pathologists Multi-Lingual (ML) Teachers Elementary STEM Coaches Elementary Literacy Coaches Elementary Art Teachers Elementary Music Teachers Elementary Wellness Teachers Middle School Art Teachers Middle School Music Teachers Middle School PE Teachers Middle School PLTW Teachers Secondary World Language Teachers

• • • •

Middle School Instructional Coaches Technology Integration Specialists Customized Content Teachers Media Center Specialists

As the district looks ahead, planning is already underway for the future. The continued success and sustainability of our schools, including staffing and programs, will again depend on community engagement and support. We are grateful for the incredible partnership between our schools and community. Your support makes a direct impact on every student in our district.

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SUMMER 2025

Showcasing curiosity A look inside the learning journey at Eagle Elementary School

In ZCS, learning isn’t just about arriving at the right answer, it’s about the process of getting there. Curiosity, exploration, trial and error, collaboration, and reflection are at the heart of how students grow. That spirit was proudly displayed during the annual Eagle Elementary School Learning Showcase, where students invited families and staff into the deeper, often unseen parts of their educational journey.

Throughout classrooms and hallways, students demonstrated how they investigate big ideas, make decisions, and reflect on how they’ve

changed as learners. From writing projects and design work to science experiments and personal goal-setting, every display highlighted meaningful learning in action including not just what students know, but how they’ve come to know it.

The showcase served as a celebration of growth, perseverance, and the joy of learning. It was also a powerful reminder that when we take time to pause and share the process, not just the product, we foster pride, connection, and a culture of continuous learning.

Partnerships that prepare Launch Your Future!

Get a head start on college and your career with our 2025-2026 Internship Program!

Real-world experience.

Professional mentorship.

A resume boost before graduation.

Learning and development take many forms, and for several ZCHS students, hands-on experience in the workplace became a powerful extension of their education this year. In partnership with STAR Bank, Zionsville Community Schools proudly celebrated the students who completed internships with the bank during a special end-of-year reception.

The event recognized the students’ contributions to daily operations and also the skills and career insights they gained through authentic experience in the banking industry. From customer service and finance to teamwork and communication, the internship allowed students to explore professional path6

ways and build confidence in a supportive, mentoring environment.

These meaningful opportunities are made possible through the generosity and engagement of community partners like STAR Bank. Their commitment to investing in students' futures helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness, equipping students with experiences that shape their goals and open doors for what comes next.

Zionsville Community Schools extends sincere thanks to STAR Bank for their continued partnership and for making a lasting impact on the next generation of professionals.

From classrooms to boardrooms, our interns are gaining real-world experience that sets them apart.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW! Apply today and take the first step toward a brighter and better future.

starfinancial.com

©2024 STAR Financial Group

STAR Bank invests in student learning through internships

SUMMER 2025

Middle School moments From hard work to heart, students are celebrated for all they’ve accomplished this year

As our seniors crossed the stage and elementary students wrapped up many year-end events, middle schoolers across Zionsville Community Schools marked their own meaningful milestones.

Zionsville Middle School and Zionsville West Middle School hosted end-of-year award ceremonies to recognize students for academic excellence, strength of character, leadership, and

personal growth. These events reflected more than just grades or achievements. They celebrated perseverance, curiosity, kindness, and the unique contributions each student brings to their school community.

From students earning high academic honors to those recognized for making a positive difference in their classrooms and beyond, these recognitions served as both a celebration and a

send-off into the next chapter of learning. The ceremonies also offered families and staff a chance to reflect on how far students have come and how much promise the future holds.

With photos capturing proud moments and joyful smiles, these celebrations serve as a reminder: middle school is a time of transformation, and our students are rising to the challenge.

Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) celebrates $2 million grant milestone and 30th anniversary

The Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) is excited to announce that it has reached $2 million in grants awarded to ZCS teachers, students, and schools! This milestone represents 30 years of funding innovation across the district, giving ZCS students unique learning experiences, and educators the chance to dream big.

Officially founded in 1995, ZEF has steadfastly supported growth and creativity in our schools. The foundation grew out of the Glasser Memorial Education Fund at the Community Foundation of Boone County. The memorial fund was nurtured by Dr. Glasser’s wife, Christi, and children, Matthew and Meredith, with an eye towards fulfilling his

dream of creating a foundation for the then-titled Eagle-Union Community Schools. A group of forward-thinking community members formed a steering committee, raised funds matched by the Lilly Endowment, and ZEF (as we know it today) was off and running.

ZEF awarded $1 million in grants during its first 20 years.

However, it took just 10 more to award the second $1 million. As ZEF celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we encourage our community to support ZEF by attending an event, volunteering, and making a donation.

Join us as we celebrate the past, invest today, and impact the future!

ZEF Bash is the foundation’s largest annual fundraiser and will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Join us at the Golf Club of Indiana Cardinal Room for dinner, an open bar, a silent auction, the chance to bid on trips of a lifetime, and live music by the band Living Proof featuring Zionsville Middle School’s Band Director Josh Weirich. Tickets go on sale September 1st.

Thank you to ZEF Executive Director Lyle Browne for her years of dedicated service, her advocacy for teachers, and her support of innovative learning.

As she prepares to transition from her role in the next few months, we thank her for her lasting impact on the district and community.

New ZEF leadership will be featured in an upcoming edition.

Congratulations to 2025 Academic All-Star Andy Qin. 7

SUMMER 2025

ZCHS students make global Elementary School celebrations impact in Panama Hands-on project abroad empowers students to serve, learn, and lead beyond the classroom A group of 16 Zionsville ism among girls, who often Community High School miss school due to a lack of students, along with six private facilities. peers from Noblesville High In addition to their School, recently returned service work, students from a nine-day delivered more than 450 service-learning trip to pounds of school supplies, Panama where they began books, and sports equipconstruction on a new ment. They also immersed restroom facility for themselves in Panamanian elementary students at the culture, participating in Los Pilares School. traditional Kuna dance and From June 14–22, art, cooking local cuisine, students worked with local and exploring historical builders to dig trenches, sites including the pour concrete, and lay the Panama Canal. foundation for what will This impactful trip become a restroom with two blended cultural exchange, flushing toilets and sinks, language immersion, and an important upgrade for a service in a way that left a school that previously had lasting mark on both the only two latrines. The proj- Panamanian community ect aims to reduce absentee- and our students.

ZCHS students shine in national entrepreneurship finals ZCHS students made an impressive showing at this year’s Innovate WithIN competition, one of the nation’s most

competitive high school entrepreneurship contests. Out of more than 1,500 teams, ZCHS's Prabanjan Jayachandran

and Tianle Liang earned third place and $4,500 in startup funding. Fellow ZCHS student Truman Greaves took top honors,

winning first place and $27,000 in funding. All finalists were invited to Washington, D.C., for the final round.

Please use the QR code for event details.

Zionsville Board of School Trustees awarded Exemplary Governance Award by the Indiana School Boards Association

Three ZCS schools named PLTW Distinguished Schools

ZCS Board of School Trustees

EagleFest August 22

Mrs. Katie Aeschliman Board President

Mr. Mike Berg Board Vice President

Mrs. Jennifer Valentine Board Member

These schools have demonstrated excellence in providing students with transformative STEM learning experiences, preparing them for future success in technology, healthcare, and engineering fields.

Congratulations to our PLTW Distinguished Schools for their dedication to empowering students through innovative STEM education.

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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Three Zionsville Community Schools have been recognized as 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools: Zionsville Community High School, Zionsville Middle School and Zionsville West Middle School.

This prestigious recognition highlights a commitment to expanding student access, engagement and achievement in PLTW programs, including Computer Science, Biomedical Science, and Engineering.

The annual EagleFest community celebration, organized by the Zionsville Athletic Booster Club, is set for August 22, 2025. 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.

ZCS recognized as a Common Sense District

Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) was honored as a Common Sense District by Common Sense, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe and responsible technology use among students. This recognition highlights ZCS’s commitment to teaching digital citizenship and equipping students with the skills they need to navigate the online world responsibly.

The district utilizes Common Sense Education's research-based digital citizenship resources, empowering students to explore, create, and learn while staying safe and respectful online. This achievement reflects ZCS's dedication to fostering a supportive digital environment for all students.