FRIDAY
FIVE

December 5, 2025

1.

ZWMS
A Day in Greece and Rome

Sixth graders brought Ancient Greece and Rome to life with hands-on activities, food, and fun.

Sixth graders at Zionsville West Middle School (ZWMS) celebrated the end of their Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome unit with a full day of hands-on learning and themed activities. Students rotated through several stations connected to their studies.

For Humanities, students shared their end-of-unit projects, wrote and performed original songs inspired by ancient cultures, and even conducted mock interviews with famous Greek philosophers. Some classes participated in a simulation of the Panhellenic Games, and completed Olympic-style challenges modeled after ancient traditions.

In math, classes explored Roman numerals and experimented with Archimedes-style mobiles, applying math concepts to historical inventions.

For science, students designed, built, and tested their own catapults to deepen their understanding of force and motion. To add to the excitement, students wore togas for the day and visited our classroom “Greek Restaurant” for a tasting of traditional Greek foods. It was a wonderful culmination of their hard work, creativity, and curiosity. Students truly brought the ancient world to life!

2.

Behind the Lens:
The Students Transforming ZCHS Athletics

Some teams wear jerseys. Some teams carry cameras. All of them make ZCHS stronger.

In our latest On the Rise student feature, senior Elliot Huibregtse-Traenkle and the ZCHS Sports Media Team are showing what it looks like when creativity, leadership, and passion come together. Their work is capturing the pride, energy, and stories of Eagle athletics from right on the field.

This student-led program is raising visibility, building school spirit, and showing that there is more than one way to belong in athletics.

It is inspiring to see what happens when students are empowered to lead, create, and elevate an entire community.

We are Eagles.

Read the full feature and watch the video interview.

3.
ZMS
Winter Treats for Our Feathered Friends

Chicken Club members made colorful edible decorations to share with their hens.

Sixth through eighth grade Chicken Club members, led by Mrs. Augenstein in Student Services, brought seasonal cheer to the ZMS chicken coop this week. Students created edible decor made from colorful fruits and vegetables and hung them throughout the chicken run. Not only did it add a winter touch, but it also provided a healthy treat for the flock!

4.

Union
The Art of Being a Kid

Union families filled the school for a joyful night of creativity, play, and screen-free fun.

Union's recent family event brought hundreds of families together for something truly special. This year’s Related Arts Night, themed “The Art of Being a Kid,” transformed Union into a giant playground of imagination, movement, and discovery.

Families explored stations that celebrated art, music, wellness, STEM, and media while enjoying hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and connection. Families spent the evening learning, laughing, and playing together in good, old-fashioned ways.

Adding to the excitement, professional puppeteers and jugglers delivered unforgettable performances while capturing the wonder of childhood and reminding everyone of the magic of simply being a kid.

It was a night filled with joy, creativity, and memories made across generations. Union’s halls were alive with smiles, curiosity, and genuine connection...the heart of what it means to learn, grow, and play together.