Zionsville Community Schools
Inside this guide
This school start guide includes information needed to be ready for the 2025-2026 school year.
The first student day is August 5, 2025.
Greetings from ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman
Message from ZCS Superintendent
Dr. Rebecca Coffman
ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman
ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman
Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year!
This year, our focus remains on each student’s overall growth.
Whether you’re new to Zionsville Community Schools or returning for another year, we’re excited to begin this journey with you. A new school year brings renewed energy, fresh opportunities, and a shared commitment to helping every student grow and thrive.
To our new families: welcome. Transitions can be both exciting and uncertain. Please know that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you and are thrilled to welcome the unique experiences and perspectives you bring to our community.
To our returning families: thank you. Your continued partnership, trust, and involvement are at the heart of what makes our schools strong. You help create the environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired every day.
At ZCS, we believe that education is a partnership, and parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. We are honored to build on the foundation you’ve laid and take seriously the privilege of guiding your children’s learning and growth.
This year, our focus remains on each student’s overall growth. With dedicated staff, innovative programs, and a shared vision of excellence, we’re ready to meet challenges, celebrate success, and keep students at the center of everything we do.
Here’s to a year of learning, connection, and possibility.
Dr. Rebecca Coffman
ZCS Superintendent
Stay connected and informed during the 2025-2026 school year
Stay in the loop every day, every way. From breaking district news to classroom highlights, Zionsville Community Schools makes it easy to stay connected. Bookmark your school website, subscribe to the new ZCS Digest, activate ParentSquare notifications, and keep tabs on learning and progress in PowerSchool and Canvas. Take a moment today to set up each tool so that you never miss an update, celebration, or opportunity to support your child's success.
WEBSITE
Zionsville Community Schools is soon launching a new website. Designed with families in mind, the updated site offers improved navigation, a cleaner look, and easier access to the information you need most. From calendars and lunch menus to school news, critical information, and event updates, the site has been updated. We encourage you to explore the new site and bookmark it as a go-to resource throughout the school year!
FRIDAY FIVE
Each week throughout the school year, Zionsville Community Schools shares the Friday Five—a collection of five standout stories from across the district that highlight the people, programs, and moments that make our schools exceptional. Whether it’s a student achievement, a classroom innovation, or a community celebration, the Friday Five is your weekly snapshot of the joy, growth, and connection happening in ZCS.
SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS
While the Friday Five offers a districtwide snapshot, your child’s school also sends regular weekly updates with important building-specific information. These school newsletters include key details like event dates and times, reminders, and highlights unique to your school community. Be sure to check these communications regularly so you don’t miss a moment!
ZCS DIGEST
In addition to your school’s newsletters, Zionsville Community Schools is introducing a new way to stay connected at the community level. The ZCS Digest is a refreshed monthly e-publication designed for families and the broader community. It replaces our previous newsletter, eNexus, and will bring highlights, news, and stories from across the district straight to your inbox. Even if you previously subscribed to eNexus, you’ll need to sign up again to receive the ZCS Digest. We invite you to opt in and stay engaged with the people, programs, and moments that make ZCS so special.
PARENTSQUARE
Zionsville Community Schools uses ParentSquare as our unified communication platform. Whether it's a district-wide announcement, a message from your school, or a note from your child’s teacher or coach, ParentSquare brings all communication into one easy-to-use place. Be sure to download the app or set your preferences to stay informed through email, text, or app notifications, whichever works best for you. It’s the most reliable way to stay connected to all things ZCS.
POWERSCHOOL AND CANVAS
Zionsville Community Schools uses two key platforms to support student learning and family engagement. PowerSchool is the district’s official student information system—your go-to for grades, attendance, report cards, and registration information. Canvas is our learning management system for students in grades 5–12, where families can view assignments, due dates, teacher feedback, and more. Together, these tools help keep students on track and families in the loop.
2025-2026
Back-to-School Information
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The new school year is just around the corner! Review this guide for key dates and times for each school as we prepare to kick off another great year.
STUDENT AND STAFF SAFETY
In Zionsville Community Schools, the safety of our students and staff is a shared responsibility and a top priority. Through strong partnerships with the Zionsville Police Department (ZPD) and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), we maintain a police presence in all nine of our school buildings. In addition, the support of the Zionsville Fire Department (ZFD) and other emergency agencies enables ZCS to maintain a comprehensive safety program designed to protect everyone on our campuses.
GROW PROGRAMMING/ CHILDCARE AND EAGLE RECREATION AND ENRICHMENT
Zionsville Community Schools offers GROW programming, which includes high-quality childcare and engaging enrichment opportunities through Eagle Recreation and Enrichment. From before- and after-school care to a variety of recreational classes and camps, GROW supports students and families with safe, flexible, and enriching experiences. Students thrive in our GROW programs designed to complement and extend their school day.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
State law stipulates that medical records for school children must show that required immunizations have been completed by the 20th day of the school year. That day is
September 2, 2025.
TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS
Zionsville Community Schools utilizes ParentSquare, a comprehensive technology platform designed to enhance communication between the school and home. The district also uses PowerSchool and the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). More information can be found inside this guide.
TRANSPORTATION
The 2025-2026 school year is rapidly approaching. Bus route and bus stop information will be emailed to parents the last week of July.
VISITOR AND BACKGROUND CHECKS
During the school day, all visitors must enter via the front door and sign in at the front office. Visitors need to be prepared to present a government issued photo ID which will be scanned against the National Sex Offender Registry. All visitors will be issued a badge/tag to be worn inside the building at all times. Detailed information is included in this guide.
SCHOOL LUNCH
The school lunch prices for the coming year have been set.
- $1.40 for breakfast
- $2.65 for elementary lunch
- $2.85 for secondary lunch
ZIONSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) supports learning initiatives that benefit ZCS students. Since its founding in 1995, ZEF has awarded more than 1,140 creative and innovative projects across the district with a total of $2 million in grant funding.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
2025-2026
The 2025-2026 School Calendar has all of the important dates you will need to know regarding the coming year.
Calendar dates and times
First day of school
August 5, 2025
Labor Day
September 1 / No School
Fall Break
October 13-17 / No School
Thanksgiving Break
November 26-28 / No School
Winter Break
December 22-January 5 / No School
Teacher Work Day
January 5 / No School for students
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 19 / No School
February Break
February 16-20 / No School
Spring Break
March 27-April 3 / No School
Memorial Day
May 25 / No School
Last Day of School
May 28
Teacher Work Day
May 29
Commencement
May 31, 2025
Open House and Back-to-School Dates and Times
Please mark your calendars for the open house and back-to-school dates and times at your individual school. If you have questions, please contact your school office.
All ZCS Elementary Schools Dates
Open House / Meet the Teacher Nights:
Thursday, July 31
5-7 p.m. (Prekindergarten and Kindergarten only)
Friday, August 1
5-7 p.m. (Grades 1-4)
Visit your school's website for school specific details.
Thursday, August 21
Back-to-School / Curriculum Night
Prekindergarten
5-5:30 p.m.
Kindergarten
5:30-6 p.m.
First Grade
6-6:30 p.m.
Second Grade
6:30-7 p.m.
Third Grade
7-7:30 p.m.
Fourth Grade
7:30-8 p.m.
Zionsville Middle School
Back-to-School / Picture Days
Tuesday, July 29 (Grades 5-8)
1-7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 30 (Grades 5-8)
10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m
Optional Locker Day (Grades 5-8)
Friday, August 1
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Open House (Grades 5 and 6)
Tuesday, August 12
6-7:30 p.m.
Open House (Grades 7 and 8)
Tuesday, August 19
6-7:30 p.m.
Zionsville West Middle School
Back-to-School Days
Tuesday, July 29 (Grades 5-8)
1-7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 30 (Grades 5-8)
10 a.m. -5 p.m
Optional Locker Day
Monday, August 4 (Grades 5-8)
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Open House (Grades 5 and 6)
Tuesday, August 12
6-7:30 p.m.
Open House (Grades 7 and 8)
Tuesday, August 19
6-7:30 p.m.
ZWMS Picture Day
Friday, August 15
During the school day
Zionsville Community High School
Monday, July 28
Back-to-School Days / Picture Days
(Enter Door 1)
7 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Freshmen and Sophomores)
Tuesday, July 29
Back-to-School Days / Picture Days
(Enter Door 1)
7 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Juniors and Seniors)
Wednesday, July 30
Late Back-to-School Registration
(Enter Door 1)
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 30
Freshman / New Student Kick-Off
(Enter Door 3)
8:30 - 9 a.m. Registration
9-11:30 a.m. Program
Wednesday July 30
Parent Information Night
7-8 p.m.
(Enter Door 1)
This evening will focus on workshops dedicated to parent/caregiver education. Topics such as social media/online safety, trends in drug/vaping use, navigating ZCHS counseling resources, and tips for parents on increasing student self-advocacy will be offered. This evening is also a time for new parents/caregivers to ask administrators questions, in an informal setting, about all things ZCHS.
Thursday, August 14
6-8:10 p.m.
Open House
During this open house, parents will follow their child's schedule and have the opportunity to meet each teacher and learn more about the course requirements, grading expectations, and parent-teacher communication.
Student Supply Lists
Supply lists for the 2025-26 school year are available on individual school websites. Additional information for specific high school courses may be shared during Open House events.
A COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
How Zionsville Community Schools prioritizes safety through layers of implemented protocol
A Commitment to Safety
In Zionsville Community Schools, the safety of our students and staff is a shared responsibility and a top priority. Through strong partnerships with the Zionsville Police Department (ZPD) and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), we maintain a police presence in all nine of our school buildings. In addition, the support of the Zionsville Fire Department (ZFD) and other emergency agencies enables ZCS to maintain a comprehensive safety program designed to protect everyone on our campuses.
School safety is a continuous effort with no finish line. District leaders are constantly planning, reviewing, implementing, revising, enhancing, and training staff to prevent and respond to a variety of emergency situations.
As part of our continued commitment to student and staff safety, ZCS has partnered with CENTEGIX, a company known for its innovative safety technology. We have installed CENTEGIX CrisisAlert in every school throughout the district.
CrisisAlert stands out for its precise location accuracy, instant audio and visual alerts (including strobes, screen messages, and intercom announcements), simple activation via staff badges, and complete campus coverage. This solution allows staff to quickly request help or initiate emergency protocols from any location on campus, simply: “Push button. Help comes.”
We believe CENTEGIX adds another critical layer of security across all ZCS schools.
Additionally, select staff members have again completed both Indiana’s School Safety Academy and the Advanced Safety Academy, equipping them to support school safety and crisis response with specialized training.
Safety requires a united effort. Families and community members play a key role in helping to keep our schools safe. One important way to help is to practice the “see something, say something” principle. Reporting concerns can make a real difference.
To support this effort, we use STOPit, a 24/7 safety reporting tool. While STOPit can be accessed via web browser, the mobile app is recommended for its ease of use, robust features, and confidential communication. Through STOPit, students and staff can report safety concerns or seek help during a personal crisis.
STOPit includes two important features:
- Report: This tool allows users to anonymously submit detailed safety concerns, including attachments like photos or screenshots. Reports are received in real-time, enabling school personnel to act quickly. The system is monitored 24/7, and in emergencies, reports are routed to school officials and, when necessary, law enforcement.
- Get Help: This feature connects users with local support resources, including law enforcement, mental health centers, crisis hotlines, and more.
STOPit does not require users to share personal information. The only identifying data collected is that which the user voluntarily provides.
When students, staff, and community members embrace the responsibility of “see something, say something,” we strengthen our ability to keep everyone safe.
We encourage all students, staff, and families to become familiar with the STOPit reporting tool.
Safety Preparedness Tips
- Identification
Keep a picture of your driver's license on your phone. Most of the time, people will carry a phone but not a driver's license. - Family Plan
Have a plan in the event of an interruption to the school day that could alter your child's routine schedule such as early dismissal due to weather. - Crisis Response
If there is a school emergency, wait for information from the school district. Don't go to the location. This could impede response times. School officials will provide detailed directions in the event of an emergency. Make sure you are registered to receive district notifications through ParentSquare so that you receive the most up-to-date communication. - Parents/Guardians of Teen Drivers
Please remind young drivers to practice patience and caution when driving to and from school. With construction in the area, traffic patterns could be changed or slowed along routes in our community. - Parents/Guardians of Elementary Students
Rehearse the arrival and departure routine early and often as we near the start of school.
VISITOR AND BACKGROUND CHECKS
Visitor / Background Checks
During the school day, all visitors must enter via the front door and sign in at the front office. Visitors need to be prepared to present a government issued photo ID which will be scanned against the National Sex Offender Registry. All visitors will be issued a badge/tag to be worn inside the building at all times. Examples include:
- Classroom Guest Speakers
- Classroom Special Events
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
We ask that all visitors schedule an appointment to meet with teachers, counselors, administrators, and all other staff members so that we may best serve everyone.
Visitors, other than parents/guardians, must be prearranged and organized through the main office. ZCS staff members thank all volunteers for their generous support of our youth and schools. Thank you, too, for supporting student and staff safety by completing and paying for a volunteer background check.
Background Checks for Volunteers
We value partnerships with our families and always welcome parents, guardians and community members to serve as volunteers in our schools. Each ZCS building covers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Examples include:
- Field Trip or After Prom Chaperones
- Tutors
- Volunteer Coaches
- Classroom and Library Helpers
- Field Day and Jog-A-Thon Volunteers
- Book Fair and Athletic Ticket Sales
During the school day, all volunteers are expected to sign in at the front office. Prior to the volunteer opportunity, all volunteers must sign a Nondisclosure Acknowledgement Form and have successfully completed a Full Criminal History Background Check. All necessary background check paperwork is available on the ZCS website at the Volunteer link and should be submitted at least 10 days prior to the intended volunteer date. Volunteers must also view mandatory videos and fill out required forms found on the Volunteer website.
The volunteer will pay the fee for the full background check which will expire after five years. The link to apply for the full background check can be accessed on the Volunteer link on the ZCS main webpage. For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Ann Hall at volunteer@zcs.k12.in.us.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Requirements for 2025-2026
Immunization Requirements
State law stipulates that medical records for school children must show that required immunizations have been completed by the 20th day of the school year. That day is September 2, 2025.
Information regarding immunization requirements for 2025-2026 can be found here. Parents of children whose immunizations are not up to date should contact their health care provider or the Boone County Health Department to schedule an appointment for the necessary immunizations. Some pharmacies also carry the necessary vaccines.
Children who do not have up-to-date vaccination records by September 2, 2025 will not be allowed to return to school until the proper immunization information is on file. If parents object to immunizations, a written objection must be on file in the school office by that date. This must be updated yearly. Students who have appointments with their health care provider after September 2, 2025 must present proof of the scheduled appointment in order to remain in school. Please contact the health clinic at your school with any questions or concerns.
Vaccination Clinic Information
Clinics will be offered by the Boone County Health Department (BCHD) throughout the community to provide the required immunizations for school-aged children.
ZCS VACCINATION CLINIC
HOSTED BY BCHD
This clinic, hosted by the Boone County Health Department (BCHD), is for students attending Zionsville Middle School (ZMS), Zionsville West Middle School (ZWMS), and Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) rising grades 5-12, offering required immunizations for school.
Wednesday, July 30th
10 AM- 4 PM
ZCHS Learning Center
(Enter via Door 34—Follow the signs in the parking lot)
BCHD CATCH-UP EVENING VACCINATION CLINICS (WALK-IN)
All school-aged children, offering required immunizations for school
Wednesday, August 13th
3:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday, August 27th
3:00-7:00 PM
Boone County Health Department
116 W. Washington St., Suite B202, Lebanon 46052
TECHNOLOGY
Student and family communication platforms and technology information
Technology/ Communications Platforms
PowerSchool
A PowerSchool Parent Account offers real-time access to grades, test results, and attendance. Parents have the capability of creating a single sign-on for PowerSchool so that they can log in just once and be able to see information for all their children. Parents will be able to choose their own usernames and passwords.
Canvas
Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) that teachers use to enhance your child’s learning and to provide continual access to classroom tools.
ParentSquare
ParentSquare is an engagement tool that helps teachers and staff easily communicate and collaborate with families. Make sure to access your ParentSquare account so that you receive the most up-to-date district, school, and classroom information.
Devices
Please review plan details at the links below.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus stop information
Transportation
The 2025-2026 school year is rapidly approaching. Bus route and bus stop information will be e-mailed to parents the last week of July. If you do not receive an e-mail, you can confirm your route information on our district website in the transportation section under the Parent Tab after this date.
SCHOOL LUNCH
School lunch prices for 2025-2026
School Lunch
When making lunch selections, we encourage you to remind your children that for both nutritional and economical value, it is best to select five components as part of the their meal. Food components include: meat (protein), grain (bread), fruit, vegetable and milk. Lunch tray items may contain at least three different food components, one of which must be either a fruit or a vegetable.
At the elementary and middle school levels, students may choose a meat, grain, fruit, two veggies and a milk for a complete lunch.
At the high school level, students may take the same as the above but include two fruits.
Lunch prices for the coming school year are:
- $1.40 for breakfast
- $2.65 for elementary lunch
- $2.85 for secondary lunch
Application for meal assistance is posted on the ZCS website at the bottom of the page here.
Contact Information
Zionsville Community High School
Principal: Karen McDaniel
1000 Mulberry Street Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: 317-873-3355
Zionsville Middle School
Principal: Mitzi Macaluso
900 N. Ford Road
Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: (317) 873-2426
Zionsville West Middle School
Principal:
Dr. Shawn Wooden
5565 South 700 East Whitestown, IN 46075
Phone: 317-873-1240
Boone Meadow Elementary School
Principal: Tom Hundley
5555 S. Main St. Whitestown, IN 46075
Phone: 317-873-2226
Eagle Elementary School
Principal:
Andrew Foreman
350 N. Sixth Street Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: (317) 873-1234
Pleasant View Elementary School
Principal:
Dr. Stacy Smith
4700 South 975 East Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: 317-873-2376
Stonegate Elementary School
Principal:
Connie Largent
7312 W. Stonegate Drive Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: 317-873-8050
Trailside Elementary School
Principal:
Jen Raycroft
4200 South 875 East
Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: (317) 873-8057
Union Elementary School
Principal: Erin Kay
11750 East 300 South
Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: 317-733-4007
Transportation
Manager:
Amy Eaton
317-873-1237 x11802
aeaton@zcs.k12.in.us
Food Service
Director:
Jan Swander
317-733-4804
jswander@zcs.k12.in.us
GROW Childcare
OSP Director:
Martha Farley
317-733-4842
mfarley@zcs.k12.in.us
ZIONSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Zionsville Education Foundation
Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) celebrates $2 Million grant milestone and 30th anniversary
The Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) is excited to announce that it has reached $2 million in grants awarded to ZCS teachers, students, and schools! This milestone represents 30 years of funding innovation across the district, giving ZCS students unique learning experiences and educators the chance to dream big.
Officially founded in 1995, ZEF has steadfastly supported growth and creativity in our schools. The foundation grew out of the Glasser Memorial Education Fund at the Community Foundation of Boone County. The memorial fund was nurtured by Dr. Glasser’s wife, Christi, and children, Matthew and Meredith, with an eye towards fulfilling his dream of creating a foundation for the then-titled Eagle-Union Community Schools. A group of forward-thinking community members formed a steering committee, raised funds matched by the Lilly Endowment, and ZEF (as we know it today) was off and running.
ZEF awarded $1 million in grants during its first 20 years. However, it took just 10 more to award the second $1 million. As ZEF celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we encourage our community to support ZEF by attending an event, volunteering, and making a donation.
Join us as we celebrate the past, invest today, and impact the future!
Mark your calendar for ZEF Bash
ZEF Bash is the foundation’s largest annual fundraiser and will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Join us at the Golf Club of Indiana Cardinal Room for dinner, an open bar, a silent auction, the chance to bid on trips of a lifetime, and live music by the band Living Proof featuring Zionsville Middle School’s Band Director Josh Weirich. Tickets go on sale September 1st.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EAGLEFEST
AUGUST 22
The annual EagleFest community celebration, organized by the Zionsville Athletic Booster Club, is set for August 22, 2025. Enjoy an outdoor festival at Jennings Field before heading over to the first home football game of the season. This is always one of the most highly attended community events for the school district. Hope to see you there! Watch for ticket information in the coming weeks.
SENIOR CITIZEN
VIP PASSES
If you’re a senior citizen aged 65 or older and a resident of Eagle or Union Township, we’d like to offer you free admission to hundreds of school events, including plays, concerts, and sporting events. There are also speeches, carnivals, and other fun opportunities for you to engage, enjoy, and learn. Senior “VIPs” are invited to learn more about what is happening in our schools. To participate, please call Lynn Kissel-Brown at 317-873-2858, ext. 11230.
ZEF
BASH
Join us at ZEF Bash on Saturday, November 8th as we raise funds in support of our schools! This year’s luau-themed event will include dinner, dancing to the sounds of Living Proof, a silent auction, and our famous Cap off the Night. Your favorite sundress, Hawaiian shirt, or sunglasses are perfect for this casual event. Tickets go on sale September 1st and sponsorship
opportunities are still available.
LOOKING BACK AS WE LOOK AHEAD
As we turn the page to a new school year, take a moment to look back and celebrate the Class of 2025. Catch the highlights from graduation and join us in congratulating our most recent ZCHS graduates!
Click image to see Zionsville Community High School Class of 2025 story and video highlights.
Click image to see Zionsville Community High School Class of 2025 story and video highlights.
ZCS Board of School Trustees
BOARD
PRESIDENT
Mrs. Katie Aeschliman
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Mr. Michael Berg
BOARD
SECRETARY
Mr. Michael Coussens
BOARD
MEMBER
Mrs. Jennifer Valentine
BOARD
MEMBER
Dr. Christy Wessel-Powell
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