THE FRIDAY FIVE
October 30, 2026
1.
Taking Aim at New Skills at Eagle Elementary
Fourth Graders Build Focus and Confidence Through Archery
Fourth grade students at Eagle Elementary School took aim at a new challenge during their wellness class. As part of an archery unit, students practiced focus, coordination, and precision while learning the fundamentals of the sport. From developing proper technique to building confidence with each attempt, students had an opportunity to try something new while having fun.
2.
Exploring Bright Futures at Stonegate Elementary School
Students Explore Possibilities Through Learning and Fun
Students at Stonegate Elementary School spent the week exploring the many possibilities that await them in the future. Through engaging activities and a school-wide spirit week, students learned about colleges and universities while discovering a variety of career paths. It was a fun opportunity to spark curiosity, encourage big dreams, and help students begin thinking about all the exciting possibilities ahead.
3.
Battle of the Books Brings Reading to Life
Fifth Grade Students Put Reading Knowledge and Teamwork to the Test
Fifth grade Humanities students at Zionsville Middle School put their reading comprehension, teamwork, and competitive spirit to the test during Battle of the Books. This academic extracurricular opportunity encourages students to explore literature while working together to prepare for a series of friendly competitions. Teams face off to answer questions about books they have read, earning points along the way to determine first- and second-place winners. The excitement continues as teams compete against other Humanities classes in a special bonus round during the Readers’ Celebration.
4.
A "Spooktacular" Celebration of Friendship
Best Buddies Brings Students Together for Trunk or Treat Fun
There were plenty of smiles, costumes, and sweet treats as students gathered for a special Best Buddies Trunk or Treat celebration. This fun event brought students together for an opportunity to celebrate friendship and enjoy a little Halloween fun. From creative costumes to festive decorations, the event was a reminder that some of the best school memories are made together. This was a celebration of friendship, belonging, and community.
5.
Inspiring STEM Learners
ZCHS Freshman Brings Hands-On STEM Experience to More Than 140 Students
Zionsville Community High School freshman Alyssa Ye turned her vision into reality by organizing She's Rylentless, a hands-on STEM experience at Zionsville West Middle School. More than 140 kindergarten through eighth grade students participated in a morning of robotics, coding, drone flying, and engineering challenges.
With the help of a student leadership team and volunteers, Alyssa created an opportunity for younger learners to explore STEM fields, build confidence, and discover new possibilities. The event also featured keynote speaker Katelyn Fair, an NXT Racing engineer for Chip Ganassi Racing, who shared insights into her career and the exciting opportunities available in STEM.
A special thank-you to Alyssa, her student team, volunteers, and the Zionsville Education Foundation for making this experience possible.
The countdown is on for ZEF Bash 2026, happening Saturday, November 7, at the Golf Club of Indiana! Don't miss the Zionsville Education Foundation's biggest fundraiser of the year. Get your tickets today through the ZEF website or by scanning the QR code, and get ready for a wonderful evening supporting ZCS students and educators.
Can't attend? You can still join the fun! The ZEF Bash silent auction opens Monday, November 2, and you can bid from anywhere! Register today through the Qtego auction site to browse items and place your bids beginning November 2. Bidding will remain open until the auction closes during Bash on November 7.
Thank you for supporting the Zionsville Education Foundation and the opportunities it creates for our students and teachers!
Understanding School Finance
ZCS expertise helps bring a complex topic to life for communities across Indiana
There’s a new resource available to help make the sometimes-complex world of school finance a little easier to understand.
ZCS Chief Financial Officer Regina May, SFO, contributed her expertise to a statewide school finance video created in partnership with the Central Indiana Education Services Center (CIESC), Indiana School Public Relations Association (INDSPRA) and Indiana Association of School Business Officials (IASBO).
Mrs. May joined school finance and communications professionals from across Indiana in helping develop a resource designed to explain how public schools are funded and why understanding school finance matters.
We are proud to see our CFO's knowledge and expertise contributing not only to ZCS, but to a resource that can help families and communities across the state better understand public education funding.
School finance can be complicated. Take a few minutes to watch the video and learn more.
Campaign Reminders
Please review this important reminder regarding campaign-related activities, materials, and expectations on ZCS school campuses. This information and guidance can be found at the link below.
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.
Tyrese Haliburton Spotlights Organ Donation with Peyton Manning Children's Hospital
Tyrese Haliburton has partnered with Indiana Donor Network and Donate Life Indiana to highlight the need for lifesaving organs. He and his wife, Jade, recently visited organ transplant recipients at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
“Meeting the kids today has shown me the very real side of this: that organ donation saves lives,” Tyrese said. More than 1,200 people are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant here in Indiana, and just one organ donor can save up to eight lives.
ZCS Summer Newspaper
ZCS Strategic Plan 2025-2030
ZCS Strategic Plan 2025-2030
ZCS Strategic Plan 2025-2030

