
Friday Five
February 16, 2024


1.
ZCHS names
new principal

Karen McDaniel to succeed ZCHS's retiring Tim East as the school's next principal
Karen McDaniel to succeed ZCHS's retiring Tim East as the school's next principal
During the February Board Meeting, the board unanimously approved Mrs. Karen McDaniel as the next principal of Zionsville Community High School, effective July 1, 2024.
Mrs. McDaniel earned her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Animal Science and Chemistry from Southern Illinois and her Master of Science (MS) degree in Secondary Education from the University of Southern Indiana. She began her career in education as a science teacher before holding several school leadership roles in rural and growing communities. She most recently served on the administration team in Carmel Clay Schools. Mrs. McDaniel has been the Associate Principal of Carmel High School for several years.
Mrs. McDaniel brings broad expertise in curriculum and instruction, leading a comprehensive counseling program and special services, all focused on continuously building opportunities for students. She is currently serving on the advisory committee to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Education Secretary and has also served as an Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Board administrator representative. Mrs. McDaniel is an active board member of the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) and has been engaged in the Indiana School Safety Academy throughout her time in school leadership. Additionally, Mrs. McDaniel has experience in supporting her community of learners and broader community as an Autism Cadre Leader and as an active member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) in neighboring Hamilton County.
“It is truly an honor to share in the rich academic and extracurricular traditions of such an outstanding school community. The opportunity to help cultivate a dynamic learning environment with the students, staff, and families of ZCHS is exciting and humbling.”
Principal Tim East will retire at the end of this school year, and we will welcome Karen McDaniel on July 1, 2024. We have much to celebrate as we focus on a strong finish to the 2023-2024 school year and look ahead to the future for our school community.
2.
One Book
One School

As a study trip to support Eagle Elementary's One Book/One School selection, all kindergarten through 4th grade students recently traveled to the IMAX theater to see: Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D.
Eagle students have been reading "Song for a Whale" by Lynne Kelly. This book supports current classroom learning. Students have been studying the ocean, researching whales, learning about sounds waves and frequencies, communicating through sign language, and even tinkering with some antique radios.
One Book/One School is a shared reading experience that includes thought-provoking discussions, fostering a collective exploration of curiosity.



3.
Students
working together
Some of our middle school students recently volunteered to help with an elementary school robotics tournament hosted by Zionsville Community Schools. Students helped with setup, meet management, logistics, and much more.
Robotics Competition



4.
Kindergarten
enrollment
INCOMING KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES

Kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is open. To learn more, please visit the ZCS website.
Click image to learn more about kindergarten in Zionsville Community Schools
Click image to learn more about kindergarten in Zionsville Community Schools
5.
Class of
2024
Attention Class of 2024 Families: send in a photo of your senior wearing something that shows what's next!
Attention Class of 2024 Families: send in a photo of your senior wearing something that shows what's next!
We know it's still a little early and some seniors haven't finalized plans yet, but when you do...
We will be producing a district video with photos of the ZCHS Class of 2024 seniors. Please share a photo of your senior wearing spirit wear or posed in a setting showing their next steps. For some, this will be donning a college sweatshirt, while others will be pursuing trades, a gap year, beginning a career or enlisting in a branch of the military. We want to celebrate all students!
Send photos to: zcsphotos@zcs.k12.in.us with the subject line ZCHS Class of 2024.
We need
you!
We are in need of substitute teachers in all ZCS schools. Current substitute teachers shared why they have chosen to serve and what their experiences have been.
If you are interested in being a guest teacher, contact subcoordinator@zcs.k12.in.us.


Mark your calendars!

Check out this edition of Our Town - featuring ZCS DO Days!
Mark your calendars for the sixth annual ZCS Do-Days, taking place from March 7th to March 9th, 2024. Students and staff district-wide will be actively engaged in various service projects.
Help us extend the invitation to organizations in need of support during these dates. Additionally, consider the service projects your family and child would like to be a part of as we all come together to give back to our community.
Check out the Zionsville Community Schools' winter newspaper.


ASCENSION
ST. VINCENT
Thank you to Ascension St. Vincent for your service to students, staff and families in Zionsville Community Schools.
See this week's update from Ascension St. Vincent here.
STAR
FINANCIAL BANK
Thank you to Star Bank for your ongoing service to students, staff and families in Zionsville Community Schools.
Learn more about our partnership with STAR Bank here.

