FRIDAY
FIVE

This week's Friday Five is packed with highlights of the annual student traditions during of this time of the school year. Unified Champions, the Strong in Every Way Rotary Breakfast, the first Senior Academic recognition program and so much more!

We continue highlighting our building Teachers of the Year. We are featuring three teachers each week leading up to the May 11 school board meeting, when the district Teacher of the Year will be announced, and we celebrate our retirees and milestone achievements. May is always a special time to come together and recognize the people who make ZCS what it is.

Here is this week's look at what is happening across our schools.

May 1, 2026

Senior families:

As we begin celebrating the ZCHS Class of 2026, we are inviting families to share a senior photo to be included in a special district video honoring this year’s graduating class. This will be included in various online spaces including the Friday Five, the ZCS Digest, the Graduation Highlight Report, and on social media.

We would love to feature photos that reflect what comes next for your senior. This might include wearing college spirit wear, highlighting a future career path, trade program, military enlistment, gap year plans, or another meaningful next step. We are excited to celebrate every graduate and the unique journey ahead.

To be included, please send your photo to zcsphotos@zcs.k12.in.us with the subject line “ZCHS Class of 2026” by May 15.

Email photos here

1. A Place to Play.
A Place to Belong.

Unified Preschool Game Day Highlights

Unified Preschool Game Day brought students together through movement, laughter, and connection.

Smiles, bubbles, obstacle courses, tunnels, and trampolines filled the room during Unified Preschool Game Day, creating a space where every student could participate, explore, and belong.

From navigating obstacle courses to crawling through tunnels, bouncing on trampolines, and rolling down mats, students participated in activities designed to spark joy while encouraging confidence.

More than just a day of fun, Unified Preschool Game Day reflected the power of inclusion at an early age. This special day created opportunities for students to connect, celebrate one another, and experience the simple but special feeling of being part of something together.

Across every station, the message was clear: everyone belongs.

2. Where Character
Takes Center Stage

Rotary Strong in Every Way Recognition highlights

ZCHS and the Rotary Club of Zionsville celebrate seniors who embody the Strong in Every Way ideals

The Rotary Club of Zionsville celebrated 20 outstanding Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) seniors at a breakfast recognition event. These students were nominated by ZCHS teachers for exemplifying the ZCS Strong in Every Way ideals including compassion, confidence, ethics, wellness and determination as well as the guiding principles of the Rotary Four-Way Test.

Congratulations to those students who were recognized during this special morning.

3.
Recognizing
Academic Excellence

Congratulations to our 4.0, Eagle Scholars and Department Award recipients

ZCHS seniors were recently honored for outstanding academic achievement through 4.0 distinctions, Eagle Scholars recognition, and departmental awards.

Academic excellence took center stage as seniors were recently recognized for their hard work, commitment, and achievement during a celebration honoring 4.0 students, Eagle Scholars, and departmental award recipients.

These recognitions reflect years of dedication both inside and outside the classroom. From maintaining exceptional academic performance to demonstrating passion and excellence within specific subject areas and in athletics, students were celebrated.

Congratulations!

4. Excellence
in Every Building

Meet our ZCS Teachers of the Year, three at a time leading up to the May 11 Board Meeting

We are proud to be highlighting our ZCS Teachers of the Year. We have been featuring three educators a week who represent the very best of our schools through their passion, dedication, and impact on students. These stories offer a glimpse into the classrooms and connections that make ZCS special, as we count down to the May 11 celebration and the announcement of our district Teacher of the Year.

This week, we are highlighting:

Elizabeth Selm, Zionsville West Middle School
Sarah Mackowiak, Eagle Elementary School
Elise Gall, Stonegate Elementary School

Zionsville West Middle School

"I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to get kids to the point where they’re ready to learn.”

Elizabeth Selm
Zionsville West Middle School Teacher of the Year 2026

A video conversation with ZWMS Teacher of the Year Elizabeth Selm

Helping Students Find Their Way

Zionsville West Middle School Teacher of the Year Elizabeth Selm supports students through growth, trust, and the journey toward confidence

For Elizabeth Selm, teaching begins with curiosity. Drawn to both learning and problem-solving, she found purpose in helping students navigate behavior and mental health challenges so they can reach a place where learning becomes possible. Her work is built around understanding, patience, and uncovering the “why” behind each student’s experience.

At Zionsville West Middle School, Selm values the strong partnership between staff and families. She describes a school community that works together to give students every opportunity to succeed, creating an environment where support extends far beyond the classroom.

In her role, progress is often measured over years rather than months. Selm finds fulfillment in seeing former students thrive long after they leave middle school, hearing stories of confidence, growth, and success in high school. For her, those moments are a reminder that the work matters and that even small steps can lead to lasting impact.

Eagle Elementary School

"It’s kind of nice to have that first hello and that last goodbye."

Sarah Mackowiak
Eagle Elementary School Teacher of the Year 2026

A video conversation with Eagle Teacher of the Year Sarah Mackowiak

Building Connection Every Day

Eagle Elementary School Teacher of the Year Sarah Mackowiak creates a sense of calm, belonging, and support for students and families

For Sarah Mackowiak, the path to counseling began with a connection of her own. Inspired by a high school counselor who made a lasting impact, she discovered early that education was where she belonged. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, she realized that helping students navigate challenges and build confidence was not just a career path, but a calling.

At Eagle Elementary School, Mackowiak values the close-knit feel of the school community. She describes the building as a place where strong relationships exist across classrooms, support staff, and families. Those connections help create an environment where students feel seen and supported throughout their day.

In her role as a counselor, Mackowiak finds meaning in both the small moments and lasting impact. Whether greeting students during morning arrival or helping them return to class feeling calm and regulated, she sees the power of connection in action. For her, the most fulfilling part of the work is building trust and creating a sense of belonging that helps students feel ready to learn and grow.

Stonegate Elementary School

"Seeing kids’ confidence flourish and grow is why I do what I do."

Elise Gall
^{Stonegate Elementary School Teacher of the Year 2026}

A video conversation with Stonegate Teacher of the Year Elise Gall

Helping Confidence Grow

Stonegate Elementary School Teacher of the Year Elise Gall finds joy in the small victories that help students believe in themselves

For Elise Gall, the path to teaching was shaped by both family and experience. Inspired by educators she had and encouraged by her brother to pursue a career working with children, she discovered early that education was where she belonged. A cadet teaching experience during high school further confirmed her calling, giving her a firsthand look at the impact a teacher can make.

At Stonegate Elementary School, Gall values the strong support of her colleagues and the encouraging environment that surrounds both staff and students. She describes her school community as one that pushes people to do their best while offering the care and connection needed to grow.

In her classroom, Gall finds meaning in the small victories. Whether students are mastering a difficult concept or gaining confidence in their abilities, she treasures the moments when learning begins to click. For her, watching students experience success and discover a love of learning is what makes the work so rewarding.

5. Education
Signing Day

ZCHS seniors pursuing education degrees in college participated in the the school's first Education Majors Signing Day.

Seniors who plan to pursue education participated in a celebration recognizing those who have chosen to pursue careers in teaching.

The event brought together students, families, cadet teachers, college representatives, and educators to recognize the impact of the education profession. Seniors officially marked the beginning of their journey into education by signing their commitments and celebrating alongside those who helped inspire their path.

The event served as both a recognition of student achievement and a tribute to the educators who shaped their experiences along the way.

As students prepare to take their next steps, Education Majors Signing Day highlighted the lasting power of education and the next generation ready to make a difference.

ALWAYS AN EAGLE

We recently spent time with local business owner Shari Jenkins and restaurant manager Will Sorrells for our Always an Eagle Alumni Series. These stories reflect the lasting connection between school and the community. Read the full story below.