FRIDAY
FIVE

February 27, 2026

1.

March is
Youth Art Month

Celebrating Creativity Across ZCS and in the Community

March is Youth Art Month (YAM), a national celebration that highlights the value of visual arts education and the powerful role creativity plays in a child’s development. Established in 1961, Youth Art Month shines a light on the skills fostered through art and critical thinking, communication, multicultural awareness, and creative expression, skills that reach far beyond the art room.

Throughout the month, artwork created by Zionsville Community Schools students in grades K–12 will be displayed across our community. Student pieces will be featured at the SullivanMunce Cultural Center, Hussey Mayfield Library, Five-Thirty Home, and Goodman Jewelers, along with additional displays in local businesses throughout Zionsville.

From elementary art to advanced high school works, these exhibits celebrate the imagination, talent, and voice of our young artists.

Youth Art Month is about more than displaying artwork. It is about recognizing art education as an essential part of a well-rounded education, one that builds confidence, nurtures self-expression, and encourages students to see themselves as artists in their own right.

First Friday Receptions will be held on March 6, 2026, inviting the community to gather, celebrate, and support our students’ creative achievements.

We are grateful to our community partners and local businesses who open their doors to showcase student work. Youth Art Month is a beautiful example of schools and the community coming together to elevate student voices and honor the power of the arts in ZCS.

Creativity lives here. And next week and throughout March, it’s on display for all to see.

Earlier this week, we had the chance to sit down with one of our art educators and several student artists to hear the impact of art in their lives. Watch for a video and full story on social media and in next week’s Friday Five.

2.

ZCHS BPA
Advances to State

Student Leaders Showcase Skill, Confidence, and Professionalism across Regional Competition.

The Zionsville Community High School Business Professionals of America (BPA) team is heading to state competition after a strong showing at regionals. Students competed in a wide range of business, communication, and technology events, demonstrating the preparation, professionalism, and confidence they have built throughout the year.

BPA provides students with opportunities to develop authentic skills in leadership, presentation, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking. From prepared speech and finance to technology and team events, ZCHS students continue to represent their school community with excellence.

Among those advancing is junior Garisha Kumari, who earned top honors in prepared speech and now serves as the Region 8 President. Through BPA, she has explored topics including cultural awareness, ethical leadership, and the importance of trust in business. More importantly, she has grown in confidence and discovered how powerful her voice can be.

In the latest On the Rise feature, Garisha shares how BPA helped shape her leadership journey and future goals in international relations. Her story reflects the broader impact of the program. When students are given opportunities to lead, compete, and connect their learning to authentic experiences, they grow.

Special thank you to the Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) for a matching Student Enrichment Grant, funded by State Bank, that helped make this opportunity possible. Students also played an active role by fundraising to support the experience.

Congratulations to the entire ZCHS BPA team as they prepare for state. We are proud of the way these students represent our school community.

Top qualifiers from the state event will be eligible to compete in Nashville, TN, at the National Conference in May. 

3.
National
Engineers Week

Customized Learning Students Explore Civil Engineering in Action

To celebrate National Engineers Week, students in the Customized Learning Program welcomed two local professionals into their classroom: Mr. Kenneth Olson of American Structurepoint and Ms. Jess Miller of the INDOT Crawfordsville District.

During their visit, students learned how civil engineers impact daily life through water systems, land development, and road construction. The conversation brought authentic context to the infrastructure students see and use every day.

Students were especially engaged in exploring the design and problem-solving behind roundabouts in fast-growing Boone County. The discussion highlighted how engineers analyze traffic flow, safety, and long-term community growth.

In addition to learning about the career pathway to becoming an engineer or working for INDOT, students gained insight into how local governments collaborate with private firms to plan and complete large-scale projects.

It was a meaningful look at how engineering shapes our community and the many pathways available to students who may one day help design it.

4.

Webs
of Support

Helping Families Navigate the Transition to Middle School

As fourth-grade families begin looking ahead to fifth grade and the transition to middle school, Residency Specialist Lynn Kissel is helping ensure they do not navigate the journey alone.

At Pleasant View Elementary School, Lynn recently led the Webs of Support session designed specifically for parents of current fourth-grade students. The program provides guidance, encouragement, and practical insight as families prepare for the move to the next level.

The morning focused on exploring the systems of support available to students as they enter this next chapter. Parents had the opportunity to ask questions, connect with one another, and talk about the transition.

Moving from elementary to middle school is an important milestone for students and families alike. Programs like Webs of Support reflect our commitment to walking alongside families, strengthening communication, and ensuring every student begins middle school with confidence and, most importantly, connection.

In ZCS, transitions are not just about moving buildings. They are about building bridges.