SCHOOL BOARD
MEETING

May 2024

Congratulations to Zionsville Middle School Teacher Luke Boes who was named the ZCS District Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year recipients honored; Milestone years of service recognized and retirements celebrated

Congratulations to all ZCS Teacher of the Year recipients!

Congratulations to all ZCS Teacher of the Year recipients!

STAFF AND FAMILY RECEPTION AND RECOGNITION TAKE CENTER STAGE

This month, we recognized the 2024 Teacher of the Year recipients. Special congratulations to Zionsville Middle School's Luke Boes, named ZCS District Teacher of the Year, who will represent us in the State Teacher of the Year selection.

We also celebrated milestone service anniversaries and this year's retirees.

Congratulations to all honorees!

TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS

Boone Meadow Elementary School Teacher of the Year Donna Adams

“Teaching allows me the chance to create a teamwork atmosphere where students, parents, and the school community come together in a supportive learning environment that highlights student growth. Every aspect of being an educator reinforces my belief in the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and teamwork in nurturing the next generation of learners.”

Eagle Elementary School Teacher of the Year Katelyn Slack

"I love exploring my students’ interests beyond my own and incorporating them into our investigations, which opens doors for shared interests. I also find that building lasting connections with my students and seeing them in the community, is rewarding. Witnessing their excitement when they share their accomplishments with me, is such a joy."

Pleasant View Elementary School Teacher of the Year Shannon Hall

“The most rewarding experiences are when children realize how much they have grown, the knowledge they have gained, and the fun they have had while learning at school. This realization of their growth and potential is an honor to witness.”

Stonegate Elementary School Teacher of the Year Amy Knueven

“The most rewarding part of my profession is when students can connect content from my classroom to their lives. I love it when students stop me in the hallways to tell me about their backyard discoveries or even just a funny science joke. The connections I have with students and their families make coming to work each day a lot of fun!”

Trailside Elementary School Teacher of the Year Emily Parker

"The most rewarding aspect of being an educator is the opportunity to make a difference while supporting students in their individual growth. The following quote by Amanda Gorman deeply resonates with who I believe I am as an educator: 'For there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.'"

Union Elementary School Teacher of the Year Angie Fritz

“What truly motivates me about working with students is the opportunity to be a positive influence in their lives. Seeing the joy on their faces when they accomplish a new skill, overcome a personal hurdle, or simply enjoy being active is truly inspiring. As a Wellness teacher, I have the privilege of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests, set goals and push themselves beyond their comfort zones."

Zionsville Middle School Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year Luke Boes

"One of the many joys of my job is watching my fifth graders’ personality and humor develop throughout the school year. I also love spending time with ZMS students as a track coach."

Zionsville West Middle School Teacher of the Year Michael DeLand

“The most rewarding part of teaching is witnessing my students excel, not just in my classroom, but also in various aspects of their lives – whether it is in sports, high school endeavors, or beyond. Reflecting on my initial year in Zionsville, it is heartening to see my former students who were once part of my robotics team, baseball team, or classroom, now embarking on paths in robotics engineering and STEM fields as college freshmen."

Zionsville Community High School Teacher of the Year Melisa Wilzbacher

"Students learning, practicing, and finally mastering a skill is the most rewarding part of the teaching profession. Students are proud of themselves; they are proud of each other; and a learning community is fully formed. I have the privilege, daily, to see students grasp new ideas, challenge old ones, and form connections all on their own. When this process becomes a habit, students develop into lifelong learners, understanding the potential positive impact that they can have in their community and in their world."

ZIONSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) Executive Director Lyle Browne updated school board members on ZEF funding that was been awarded in Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS).

Since 1995, ZEF has awarded $1.85 million in grants. And in the last five years, there have been nearly $119,000 grants each year. There have been 105 classroom grants and 35 imagine grants. Those 140 grants have impacted 279 ZCS teachers and their students.

In that same five-year period, ZEF has provided matching funds to 11 Strategic Initiative grants, seven student enrichment grants and 151 DonorsChoose projects. In 2024, there were more than $60,000 in grants awarded.

Mrs. Browne added that they are currently accepting Eagle Honor Awards. ZEF Eagle Honors are the perfect way to let ZCS teachers and staff how much they are appreciated.

For a donation to ZEF of $10 or more per honoree, a personalized Eagle Honor certificate will be sent to the staff recipient with a message from the student or family. The donation will be matched by ZEF's generous sponsors. Funds raised support future ZEF Grants.

Click here to send an Eagle Honor to a Staff Member

PROPOSED FUTURE INDIANA DIPLOMA TYPES BEGINNING WITH THE
CLASS OF 2029

Dr. Rebecca Coffman explained the proposed changes to the current high school diploma types. This presentation was an overview of e-mail communication sent to families on
May 8, 2024.

Dr. Coffman also shared data collected from the initial calendar survey conducted in April. Individuals interested in offering feedback on proposed future calendars can click the button below.

Submit feedback here

NEW BUSINESS

SEESAW PLATFORM
The Board approved the purchase of the Seesaw Platform for Elementary Schools. This tool supplements our core curriculum with thousands of lessons and includes a Computer Science solution. It also enables students and teachers to share authentic work and progress with parents.

PHONOLOGY PROGRAM
The Board approved the Phonology program for children ages 3-5 with speech challenges. Led by experienced speech-language pathologists, the program uses games and activities to enhance phonological awareness and speech intelligibility, laying a foundation for future reading and writing success.

STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The Board approved acceptance of an updated student mental health proposal. ZCS staff recommended entering an agreement with Ascension St. Vincent for the 2024-2025 school year, with an option for annual renewals.

SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM
The Board approved a Summer Meal Program for students and families at Z'Camp and Zionsville Community High School.

ELEMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY AND YEARBOOK SERVICES
The Board approved a vendor for elementary school photography and yearbook services. ZCS staff recommended entering an agreement with Cripe Photography for the 2024-2025 school year, with an option to extend beyond that timeframe for an additional five years.

STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS
The Board approved a comprehensive 2024-2025 Strategic Planning Process to enhance education, leadership, and support systems, reinforcing our commitment to improving student outcomes.

POLICY FIRST-READING
A revision to the policy regarding student use of wireless communications devices during instructional time was presented as a first reading. No action was necessary.

JUNE MEETING

The next meeting of the Board of School Trustees is
June 10th at 6:00 p.m. in the Educational Services Center Boardroom, 900 Mulberry Street, Zionsville.

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