THE FRIDAY FIVE
August 14, 2026
1.
Every Contact Leaves a Trace
Zionsville Community High School forensic science students turn the high school into a crime scene to put a foundational principle into practice
In Dr. Dawn Makley’s Forensic Science class at ZCHS, students start the year with Locard’s Exchange Principle, the foundational forensic science concept that “every contact leaves a trace.”
They put that principle to work right away by investigating the mysterious demise of Hester Higgenbotham, who met his fate somewhere in the school.
Armed with one of Hester’s socks containing trace evidence from the scene, students collect evidence from several locations throughout ZCHS. Then, they compare their findings with the evidence found on Hester to determine where he met his untimely end.
It’s a creative, hands-on introduction to forensic science that gets students observing, analyzing, and thinking like investigators from day one.
And speaking of Dr. Makley, we are celebrating her this week...
2.
Top 25
in Indiana
A conversation with Dr. Dawn Makley
ZCS District Teacher of the Year Dr. Dawn Makley advances to the Top 25 in the Indiana Teacher of the Year program
ZCS is proud to share that Dr. Dawn Makley has been named one of the Top 25 finalists for the Indiana Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Department of Education.
Makley, a teacher at Zionsville Community High School, was named ZCS District Teacher of the Year last spring after first being selected as ZCHS Building Teacher of the Year.
Her classroom offers a glimpse into what makes her such an extraordinary educator: curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning paired with a deep commitment to her students.
This statewide recognition celebrates not only Makley’s impact in the classroom, but also the exceptional teaching happening across ZCS every day.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Dawn Makley on this outstanding recognition as she continues in the Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process!
ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman, ZCS District Teacher of the Year Dr. Dawn Makely and ZCHS Principal Karen McDaniel pause for a photo at the ZCS May celebration
ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman, ZCS District Teacher of the Year Dr. Dawn Makely and ZCHS Principal Karen McDaniel pause for a photo at the ZCS May celebration
3.
A House to Call Their Own
Stonegate Elementary School fourth graders kick off the year by discovering their new house communities
Fourth graders at Stonegate Elementary kicked off the year with a colorful celebration as they discovered their house assignments.
Students popped balloons to reveal their house colors, officially welcoming them into the house communities they’ll call home throughout the year.
The excitement was immediate as students found their fellow house members and began building connections that will carry through their fourth-grade experience.
It was a fun way to start a new school year with plenty of color, celebration, and SGE spirit!
4.
Better
Together
The ZCHS Best Buddies program invites students to connect, build friendships, and be part of an inclusive school community
ZCHS students had an opportunity to learn more about Best Buddies during the organization’s callout meeting.
Best Buddies brings students together to build friendships, create connections, and promote a school community where everyone belongs. The callout gave students a chance to discover how they can get involved and be part of the activities and friendships ahead this school year.
It’s the beginning of another year of connection, inclusion, and plenty of fun for Best Buddies at ZCHS!
5.
Inside the
Boardroom
Catch up on the latest news and updates from the August meeting of the ZCS Board of School Trustees
Please check out the August edition of Inside the Boardroom, bringing together highlights, updates, and important information from the latest meeting of the ZCS Board of School Trustees.
From district celebrations and reports to decisions and discussions shaping the work ahead, Inside the Boardroom offers families and community members an easy way to stay connected to the work happening across ZCS.
Take a few minutes to catch up on what’s happening Inside the Boardroom.
Read board meeting highlights
Read board meeting highlights
More
Information
Mark Your Calendar For EagleFest
Highlights from EagleFest 2025
Support the Zionsville Education Foundation.
Get Your Hat.
Haven't picked up your 2026 ZEF hat yet? There's still time!
With a donation of $75 or more to the Zionsville Education Foundation, you'll receive this year's exclusive ZEF hat while supplies last.
Donate online at zionsvilleeducationfoundation.org, and your hat will be delivered to you. Prefer to pick it up in person? Visit he ZEF tent at EagleFest on August 28.
Hats are available through EagleFest or while supplies last. Your support helps ZEF continue to provide innovative opportunities and resources that enhance learning for ZCS students and staff.
For more information about food service, contact Food Services Director Jan Swander at jswander@zcs.k12.in.us.
For more information about food service, contact Food Services Director Jan Swander at jswander@zcs.k12.in.us.
Drive a bus with us! Contact Transportation Director Amy Eaton to inquire: aeaton@zcs.k12.in.us.
ZCS Summer Newspaper
ZCS Strategic Plan 2025-2030
ZCS Strategic Plan 2025-2030
ZCS Strategic Plan 2025-2030
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