Rooted in Community

Stories and information that connect our schools and the community we serve

Thank you for reading the ZCS Digest

ZCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rebecca Coffman

ZCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rebecca Coffman

Celebrating a Year to Remember

As we share this special summer edition of ZCS Digest, I am reminded that some of the most impactful moments in a school year happen during its final weeks.

This edition is filled with celebration, reflection, and gratitude as we look back on another remarkable year in Zionsville Community Schools. From Commencement and senior awards programs to end-of-year traditions, performances, and celebrations, these stories capture the joy, pride, and sense of accomplishment that define this season.

At the heart of this edition is the Class of 2026. Throughout these pages, you will revisit moments that marked the culmination of their journey, from cherished traditions and milestone celebrations to the excitement and emotion of commencement. We are incredibly proud of these graduates and all they have accomplished during their time in Zionsville Community Schools.

You will also find stories that highlight the many experiences that make our schools special. From students showcasing their talents through the arts to staff members engaging in summer learning and professional growth, these stories reflect a community that continues to learn, connect, and grow long after the final school bell rings.

While summer often brings a quieter pace inside our buildings, it is also a season of preparation. Across the district, educators and staff members are already looking ahead, planning for new opportunities and creating experiences for students who will soon return to our classrooms.

As we celebrate the close of one school year, we are also filled with excitement for the next. Every ending brings a new beginning, and every story shared reminds us of the power of a connected school community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Zionsville Community Schools. Whether you are a student, family member, staff member, volunteer, alumnus, or community partner, you help make these stories possible.

We hope you enjoy this special summer edition and take time to celebrate all that we accomplished together this year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Rebecca Coffman
Superintendent
Zionsville Community Schools

Inside the Boardroom: Planning for the Future

A look at the discussions, decisions, and celebrations that will help shape the future of Zionsville Community Schools

The June meeting of the ZCS Board of School Trustees included important updates and decisions that will shape the future of our district. Highlights included a recap of Commencement 2026, updates from across ZCS, and the board's decision to place a referendum question before voters this fall. We invite you to explore the full board report to stay informed about the discussions, decisions, and priorities that support our students, staff, and school community.

Congratulations, Graduates!

Celebrating the Class of 2026

A season of milestones, memories, and new beginnings

From cherished traditions to Commencement night, the Class of 2026 celebrated the culmination of a journey years in the making. This collection captures the joy, pride, and emotion of graduation season through stories, photographs, videos, and memorable moments that define the ZCS experience.

We invite you to explore the Commencement wrap-up, revisit Memories and Milestones, and celebrate the remarkable Class of 2026.

Full Class of 2026 Commencement Feature

Full Class of 2026 Commencement Feature

Memories and Milestones Senior Walk and Picnic

Memories and Milestones Senior Walk and Picnic

Commencement 2026 Video Highlights

Big Futures

What's Next?

Memories and Milestones Video Highlights

Gratitude for Those who Helped Shape the Journey

Full Photo Album Commencement 2026

Full Photo Album Commencement 2026

Celebrating Achievement Across Middle Schools

Students at Zionsville Middle School and Zionsville West Middle School were recognized for their achievements, leadership, and contributions during annual end-of-year awards celebrations

As another school year came to a close, students, families, and staff gathered at Zionsville Middle School and Zionsville West Middle School to celebrate a year filled with growth, learning, and accomplishment.

During annual end-of-year awards programs, students in grades 5-8 were recognized for academic excellence, leadership, citizenship, perseverance, service, creativity, character, and involvement in school activities.

While these ceremonies honored individual achievements, they also celebrated the middle school journey itself. These years are filled with discovery, new opportunities, growing independence, and important milestones that help prepare students for high school and beyond.

From fifth graders beginning their middle school experience to eighth graders preparing to take their next steps, the celebrations highlighted the many ways students have grown throughout the year.

Congratulations to all of the students recognized during this year's awards programs, and thank you to the teachers, staff members, and families who continue to encourage, support, and inspire our students every day.

Summer Learning in Action

More than 60 ZCS educators shared their expertise during this year's Learning Summit, demonstrating that learning continues long after the final school bell rings

While students are enjoying summer break, educators across Zionsville Community Schools continue learning, collaborating, and preparing for the year ahead.

Recently, teachers and administrators from across the district came together for the annual ZCS Learning Summit, a professional development experience designed to strengthen instructional practices, share ideas, and celebrate the expertise that exists within our schools.

More than 60 educators served as presenters, creating opportunities for colleagues to learn from one another and exchange strategies they can apply in their classrooms, schools, and departments. The event reflected a spirit of continuous learning and collaboration that extends beyond the school year.

Summer may bring a quieter pace to our buildings, but the work continues. Through opportunities like the Learning Summit, ZCS educators remain committed to growing in their practice and creating exceptional experiences for students.

Serving Up Summer Learning

ZCS food service professionals joined colleagues from neighboring districts for hands-on learning designed to enhance the student dining experience

Summer learning happens throughout Zionsville Community Schools, including in our cafeterias.

Recently, members of the ZCS food service team and colleagues from neighboring school districts came together at Zionsville Community High School for a hands-on professional learning experience focused on culinary skills, collaboration, and fresh ideas for school meals.

Throughout the training, participants explored new techniques, shared best practices, and worked together to create nutritious, appealing menu options.

While students are enjoying summer break, staff members across the district continue preparing for the year ahead.

One More Adventure

Boone Meadow Elementary School students wrapped up the school year with an all-school field trip filled with exploration, connection, and time to play

What better way to celebrate the end of a school year than a day spent outdoors with friends?

Boone Meadow Elementary students and staff traveled to Holliday Park for a special all-school field trip that brought an extra dose of energy and excitement to the final days of school. From climbing and exploring to playing and connecting, students enjoyed a memorable day together outside the classroom.

The experience was a reminder that some of the best learning happens through shared experiences, curiosity, and time spent building relationships.

As we wrap up this summer edition of the ZCS Digest, these joyful moments feel like the perfect way to celebrate another incredible school year and officially welcome summer.

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled."

Plutarch

Finance Information

ZCS: About School Finance
In response to evolving legislation and funding complexities, the district recently launched a refreshed finance section on the ZCS website. The updated resource explains Indiana school funding sources, enrollment-based revenue, the role of local referenda, and long-term financial planning in a more accessible and interactive format. The site includes visual tools and will continue to be updated as legislative changes occur. 

ZCS: 2026 Operating Referendum
The district has an informational referendum webpage designed to provide clear and transparent information about the proposed operating referendum. The site serves as a central resource for families, staff, and community members, outlining why the referendum is being considered, how school funding works in Indiana, and the potential impact on students, programs, and district operations.

This Is Our Community. This Is Our Story.

Explore the features, highlights, and storytelling series that capture life across
Zionsville Community Schools.

Voices of ZCS

The People Behind the Work

Every great story begins with people.

Voices of ZCS is our district storytelling series created to spotlight the educators and staff who shape learning experiences every day across our schools. These features invite you behind the scenes to see the passion, creativity, and dedication that often happen quietly inside classrooms and school buildings.

Through each story, you will meet the individuals who bring our mission to life, build relationships with students, and make a lasting impact far beyond the school day.

We invite you to explore our Voices of ZCS features.

Friday Five

Moments across ZCS

Friday Five is our weekly district publication that highlights stories, events, and updates happening across Zionsville Community Schools. This monthly digest brings those moments together in one place, offering a snapshot of the learning, achievements, and connections that shaped the past few weeks.

Through each edition, you will see the energy of our classrooms, the accomplishments of our students and staff, and the experiences that bring our community together. We invite you to explore this month’s Friday Five highlights below and catch up on the moments that made this month memorable.

Inside the Boardroom

Business of the Board

Every decision helps to shape the future of our schools.

Inside the Boardroom is our monthly board highlight feature that shares key discussions, actions, and priorities from Zionsville Community Schools Board of Trustees meetings. This section provides our community with a clear and accessible look at the work happening behind the scenes to support students, staff, and district operations.

You will gain insight into the topics guiding district leadership and the thoughtful decision-making through each update. We invite you the annual to-date board meeting highlights stay connected to the governance of our district.

Sound of Home

ZCHS alumni who now work in the district

We recently introduced The Sound of Home, a new video story series featuring ZCS graduates who have returned to serve in our schools. Their stories reflect the leadership, connection, and sense of belonging that define this community.

ZCS Print Newspaper

Sharing the stories that connect our community

Every day, extraordinary things are happening across Zionsville Community Schools. From classrooms and performing arts stages to athletic fields, service projects, and milestone celebrations, each moment helps shape the story of our district.

The ZCS Newspaper is our community print publication designed to provide a snapshot of the people, programs, and experiences that make ZCS such a special place. Through stories, photographs, and highlights from across our schools, we celebrate student achievement, staff excellence, and the partnerships that strengthen our community.

As you explore each edition, we hope you gain a deeper understanding of the work happening throughout our district and the many ways our students, staff, families, and community members contribute to the ZCS experience.

This is our community. This is our story.