August-October 2022
Welcome to the October issue of eNexus, our first quarterly update this school year.
Our weekly Friday Five update is designed to be a quick read with brief highlights that include a sampling of news and events happening around the district. This eNexus edition is a compilation of those stories with a longitudinal lens.
A repository of all Friday Five editions and reports from this year’s school board meetings appear at the end of this eNexus.
Thank you for following our ZCS story.
Superintendent Scott Robison to retire February 1; Successor Superintendent Rebecca Coffman appointed by the Board of Trustees
The ZCS Board of Trustees has implemented its superintendent succession plan. Dr. Scott Robison has been ZCS superintendent since June of 2006, and his tenure will end in retirement on February 1, 2023. Associate Superintendent Rebecca Coffman will succeed Robison, as confirmed by board vote at the June meeting.
“Becky Coffman is an extraordinary person and education leadership professional. She will elevate an already outstanding school community,” commented Robison. “She will bring deep institutional knowledge, the trust and respect of thousands of stakeholders, and new eyes to the role.”
Coffman has 20 years of service in ZCS as a science teacher, assistant principal, principal, district operations lead, and associate superintendent.
Superintendent Scott Robison to retire February 1, 2023
Superintendent Scott Robison to retire February 1, 2023
Successor Superintendent Rebecca Coffman appointed ZCS Superintendent of Schools upon Robison's retirement
Successor Superintendent Rebecca Coffman appointed ZCS Superintendent of Schools upon Robison's retirement
Off and running
The start of school is always a flurry of activity and this year was no different.
We welcomed returning students, opened doors to families new to the district, celebrated with excited new kindergarteners (Class of 2035, WOW!) and watched new and returning teachers settle into classrooms across the district.
Check out start of school fun below!
Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) started the parade of events for the start of the school year with its annual Eagle Kick-Off.
Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) started the parade of events for the start of the school year with its annual Eagle Kick-Off.
Staff Opening Day 2022-2023 school year
The district welcomed 52 new teachers this school year
The first day for students is always exciting
ZCS welcomed more than 500 new kindergarteners this year
As always, we love seeing first day photos
A look at the first three months of school
Academics
Student Growth is the reason we exist. Academics are at the forefront of everything we do. As one of the top-performing K-12 institutions in the state, region and nation, ZCS employs a team of high performing teachers and staff who are dedicated to helping all students achieve academic success.
Everyone Belongs Here
There are 65 native languages spoken in Zionsville Community Schools. We enjoy a growing population also growing in diversity, and we want every student to be certain of a sense of belonging in these community schools.
Zionsville Community Schools actively supports dignity, humanity, and inclusion for all. We expect that all adults and students will contribute to creating and sustaining classroom and school cultures of dignity, community and partnership by:
* celebrating our differences
* building relationships
* ensuring a safe school environment
* preparing youth to thrive in our global world
* understanding that hate has no home in ZCS
Well-rounded students
While academic achievement is at the heart of everything we do, we know that all students achieve greater academic success when connected to at least one group affiliated with the school. Our goal is to encourage every student to participate in at least one group or activity. If we can connect students in middle school, there is a better chance that they will stay connected in high school, leading to a higher level of academic success and preparedness for pathways chosen after high school graduation.
Operations / Business
We strive to be good stewards of the community's tax dollars. Thank you for supporting us. Student enrollment is climbing, and we must accommodate that growth. Your partnership and support of our most recent referenda has allowed us to build a sixth elementary school, begin much-needed high school renovations, and update all buildings across the campus. We have also been able to maintain the necessary level of staffing to keep small class sizes while offering high-level programming unique to ZCS.
ZCS enjoys the highest credit rating (Standard & Poor's) of any school in Indiana. We have consistently achieved pristine State Board of Accounts audits. Our tax rate stability plan will see the rate lowered once again in 2023.
Telling student stories / Celebrating community
The faces, voices, and activities of ZCS students, families, and those from ZCS who serve them are essential. We will continue to tell the stories of ZCS across all channels. Thank you for being a part of our story. Make sure to follow us on social media.
Eight (8) ZCHS students named 2023 National Merit Semifinalists
Congratulations to eight Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) 2023 National Merit Semifinalists!
Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced names of more than 16,000 semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring.
The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
ZCHS is proud to announce eight semifinalists, pictured.
Front Row:
Katie Berman, Anjali Gupta, Ashley Young, Jiaming Zhou
Back Row:
Akkash Rathnasabapathy, Alvin Xu, Kirtee Ayitha, Jiayi Zhou
Zionsville Community Schools teacher named in Top 10 for Indiana Teacher of the Year - Congratulations, Kelly Hine!
Congratulations to Trailside First Grade Teacher Kelly Hine (previously at Union Elementary School) who was selected as a "Top 10" 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year finalist. Kelly was named the ZCS District Teacher of the Year and chosen to represent our district at the state level. Thank you for representing us well, Kelly Hine!
Top 10 Finalist Indiana Teacher of the Year Kelly Hine
Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge, but also this willingness to get better, learn and to do great things for her students.
Rolling out the red carpet for students at Pleasant View Elementary School (PVE)
Students and staff at Pleasant View Elementary School (PVE) celebrated the school's statewide award for excellence in early literacy with a gala day. Students arrived to school and took a walk on the red-carpet as they entered a school decorated and ready for proper gala celebration.
Students donned their best formal wear complete with huge smiles and a few twirls and high-fives on the red carpet. It was a day of celebration!
Gala Day
BME STEM Teacher Kara Benson recognized for excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Boone Meadow Elementary (BME) STEM teacher Kara Benson was recognized in a national awards program for math and science teachers. She and her elementary colleagues are supplying foundational experiences in sophisticated ways every day.
Mrs. Benson has been entered into a national award competition that includes recognition and professional development travel study at the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C.
Learning about other places and cultures
The Stonegate Elementary School staff, families and community members took students on a "walk around the world" at their International Fair.
Sharing the power of our stories through written word and graphic arts
Local author Rob Harrell visited Zionsville Middle School (ZMS) to share with sixth grade students about his inspirations for his novel Wink, his writing process, and how he uses his own illustrations to enrich his stories.
Students had the opportunity to learn about Mr. Harrell's writing and illustration processes while also working to improve their own.
Mr. Harrell's visits are made possible through a grant awarded by the Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF).
Grant recipients included members of the sixth grade Humanities Team - Emily Wleklinski, Mary Pat Huber, Brittany Moon, Ben Cole, Jessica Day, Shannon Elkins.
Thank you to everyone who donates to ZEF. Your contributions make these real-life learning opportunities come to life for ZCS students.
Click here for more information about the Zionsville Education Foundation.
And the winners are...
Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) publications take top honors.
The Harbinger and Aerie Student Media staffs have each earned the Hoosier Star Award from the Indiana High School Press Association (IHSPA). The Hoosier Star is top recognition for Indiana student media and Zionsville is part of the Division 3 category of schools of 2000+ enrollment. The Aerie staff won for their 2021 “Square One” yearbook and the Harbinger staff was recognized for their work during the 2021-2022 school year. The staffs were recognized during an IHSPA Student Leadership Workshop at Franklin College.
The ZCHS Aerie Staff was named a Hoosier Star Winner by the Indiana High School Press Association, the top recognition in the state, for their 2021 “Square One” yearbook. Pictured are junior Abbie Stoops, senior Rosemary Papa, junior Bella Rolsen, and senior Grace Howe who all worked on this award-winning yearbook.
The ZCHS Aerie Staff was named a Hoosier Star Winner by the Indiana High School Press Association, the top recognition in the state, for their 2021 “Square One” yearbook. Pictured are junior Abbie Stoops, senior Rosemary Papa, junior Bella Rolsen, and senior Grace Howe who all worked on this award-winning yearbook.
The ZCHS Harbinger Staff was named a Hoosier Star Winner by the Indiana High School Press Association, the top recognition in the state, for their 2021-2022 news magazines. Pictured are junior Adanna Mbanu, sophomore Josie Brackett, and seniors Brooklyn Brown and Mary Demarco who all were part of the award-winning staff.
The ZCHS Harbinger Staff was named a Hoosier Star Winner by the Indiana High School Press Association, the top recognition in the state, for their 2021-2022 news magazines. Pictured are junior Adanna Mbanu, sophomore Josie Brackett, and seniors Brooklyn Brown and Mary Demarco who all were part of the award-winning staff.
Student media editors attended the Indiana High School Press Association Leadership Workshop at Franklin College where they were recognized as Hoosier Star winners. Students selected for the workshop (pictured) are Sadie Meenan, Annie Davidson, Charlee Norton, Rosemary Papa, Mary Demarco, Adanna Mbanu, Brooklyn Brown, and Madeline Wilson.
Student media editors attended the Indiana High School Press Association Leadership Workshop at Franklin College where they were recognized as Hoosier Star winners. Students selected for the workshop (pictured) are Sadie Meenan, Annie Davidson, Charlee Norton, Rosemary Papa, Mary Demarco, Adanna Mbanu, Brooklyn Brown, and Madeline Wilson.
Submitted by ZCHS Journalism Teacher Lauren Wagner.
International violinist visits Zionsville West Middle School
Zionsville West Middle School (ZWMS) Orchestra students had an opportunity to hear Ines Issel, a 21-year-old violinist from the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. Issel is in the United States representing Poland and Spain. It is encouraging for young and aspiring musicians to hear accomplished young artists like Issel.
Issel played for students using a violin made in 1758.
Music is in the air
The high school fall choral and orchestra concerts were outstanding as usual. The incredibly talented young people who take the stage in this district know how to command an audience.
Thank you to the music leaders at all levels who have had a hand in developing all of this talent over the years. Hats off to our high school music faculty for creativity, leadership, and teaching prowess that causes ZCHS musical performances to rival the best professional productions anywhere.
* A special band appearance
ZCS Superintendent Scott Robison makes a special appearance
Congratulations ZCHS Band!
Congratulations to our ZCHS Marching Eagles for earning honors as the State Runner-Up in the Class A Marching Band Competition. Go Eagles!
Band state competition highlights
Another pristine ZCS audit
The State Board of Accounts certified the recent audit of the Zionsville Community Schools conducted by accounting firm Crowe.
Superintendent Scott Robison said, "We have a strong tradition of clean audits in Zionsville Community Schools thanks to our nationally certified business leader, Mrs. Regina May and her strong, diligent, and very hard-working staff."
He continued, " Not only is this the right way to do business in stewardship of the public’s trust and funds, it is of material benefit in bond rating cost savings."
Dr. Robison said Mrs. May and her team are best practice exemplars in the school business realm.
Construction Upate
The construction of Trailside Elementary School is complete, roof repairs and coating at Zionsville West Middle School have been completed, and work on the new Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium and parking lot expansion has begun.
Construction at ZCHS is also on schedule. Sixty-six percent of the work has been completed, and 42% of the $1.5 million set aside as contingency funds has been utilized.
State of the Schools
The highlight of the State of the Schools address each year is the opportunity to reflect on school successes while sharing the district's plan for the future.
Below are two videos shown at State of the Schools this year. These videos celebrate who we are as a district while capturing the emotion behind what we do.
Our Story!
This is why we do what we do!
Eagle Fest
From the event organizers to staff, students, families and community members, this year's EagleFest goes down as one of the most successful in nearly 40 years! Thank you to everyone for embracing the spirit of community. Check out video highlights below.
Eagle Fest - this is community!
ZCS represents at Lions Club Fall Festival
Highlights from Lions Club Fall Festival
A special thank you to all of the ZCS students who donned green and represented the school district in the Lions Club Fall Festival again this year. Student participation is a testimonial for ZCS and offers a display of the opportunities that exist for students who attend school here. The festival is also a tribute to this great community and its members who are dedicated to making Zionsville a great place to call home.
Fall 2022 Mum Sale
ZCHS Student Opportunities to Achieve Real-Life Successes (SOARS) staff and students extend a sincere thank you to everyone in the school and community who supported the program through your mum purchase! See highlights below.
Fall Mum Sale Highlights
Zionsville Community High School alumni take tour of high school renovations
Approximately sixty (60) Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) alumni were on campus this fall for their 20-year class reunion organized by ZCHS Alumnae Lauren George. Principal Tim East took attendees on a tour of the high school before heading over to the homecoming football game. Thank you to ZCHS Athletic Director Greg Schellhase for reserving a special block of seats for our guests who attended the game.
PTO Jog-A-Thon
Another beautiful Jog-A-Thon event is in the books for all elementary schools around the district. We could not have ordered better weather this year. There were more smiles than we could capture, and lots and lots of jogging on all campuses!
Jog-A-Thon honors the obvious cognitive and physiological benefits that accompany movement as a primary learning of early education in our schools. Our outstanding team of Wellness educators install a growth mindset in ZCS elementary children about the lifelong benefits of moving every day!
Even better than just this, Jog-A-Thon is an annual "get to" that doubles as the primary fundraiser for all ZCS elementary schools. Money collected through family and community donations provides everything from classroom technology to enrichment experiences for all students in grades K-4.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Zionsville Community Schools.
Thank you to the
Zionsville Education Foundation
The Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) awarded nearly $25,000 for the 2022 Fall Classroom Grants. Thank you to everyone who donates to ZEF. Your contributions enhance student experiences through teacher innovation across all ZCS schools.
Congratulations to the Fall 2022 ZEF classroom grant recipients, and thank you, ZEF!
Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) Prize Patrol
Inspiring Future Engineers
Emily Allen and Emily Smith, Zionsville Middle School
With the use of Infento Kits, students will be given the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the engineering design process. This grant will give students the ability to explore how engineering impacts their lives by creating their own life-sized transportation and inspire more students to pursue STEM careers.
Boomwhackers
Meagan Brown, Trailside Elementary Students will have the opportunity to learn how to play Boomwhackers percussion instruments to further develop their understanding of melody, harmony, and beat. Each tube is tuned to a musical pitch determined by the tube’s length, and its own specific color. Music is color coded, allowing elementary students to read efficiently, scaffolding traditional music literacy in later grades.
Promoting Self-Reflection and Supporting Student Growth with year-Long Digital Portfolios
Jennifer Hamelmann, Union Elementary This grant gives Mrs. Hamelmann’s classroom tools to create individual, year-long digital portfolios. Each student’s portfolio will be a purposeful collection of work and experiences that demonstrate his/her efforts, achievements, growth, and personal reflections from the school year.
MaKey MaKey Young Inventors
Molly Seward, Trailside Elementary
Provides the STEM classroom with the hands-on learning tool, MaKey MaKey. It is designed to connect everyday objects to computer keys. Using a circuit board, alligator clips, and a USB cable, MaKey MaKey uses closed loop electrical signals to send the computer either a keyboard stroke or mouse click signal. Students will also explore circuits and conductivity to make musical instruments, game controllers, or voting machines.
Sidewalk Astronomy
Matt Mulholland and Katie Willour, Zionsville Community High School
The ZCHS Astronomy Club will purchase a Dobsonian Reflecting Telescope that will help foster the curiosity of ZCS students and the Zionsville community at large. The ZCHS Astronomy and Science Clubs will arrange for periodic nighttime viewing field trips for ZCHS students to learn about and observe various cosmological phenomena. They will also conduct community outreach nighttime viewing experiences at public events giving members of the ZCS school community the opportunity to look at the night sky through a professional grade high-powered telescope.
Social Studies/Language Arts Literature Circles: Books Are Windows and Doors
Randi Schreiner, Zionsville Middle School
Seventh grade Social Studies and Language Arts classes will receive literature circle books that connect to the existing curriculum. Students will choose a book to read while meeting with other students who choose the same title. They will participate in classroom activities that fit with each particular novel and make connections to what they are learning in Social Studies at the same time.
Steel Eagles Robotics – Go VEX!
Karen Stillions, Pleasant View Elementary
Robotics materials will keep the PVE robotics team moving forward and up to date with current competition needs through additional equipment for this year’s “Slap Shot” game. New robotics brains, remotes, and additional parts will further enhance the students’ building, coding, and competition success.
The Chicken Club
Mitzi Macaluso, Zionsville Middle School
Materials provided will include a chicken coop and six hens. The Chicken Club provides students with hands-on learning about biology, compassionate animal husbandry, food science, small business practices with the egg sales, and sustainable living practices. Students will be responsible for taking care of the flock. They will practice responsibility, math, teamwork, organizational skills and develop a sense of pride.he inscription of signs and symbols.
Scootin’ and Chutin’ – Teamwork and Fitness Fun with Scooters and the Parachute!
Garrett Stephens, Boone Meadow Elementary
A set of scooters and a giant parachute will give BME Wellness classes access to endless ways to have fun, stay active, and work together. Whether it is a cooperation activity with the parachute, or a relay race with the scooters, these pieces of equipment will be student favorites. Every Boone Meadow student will benefit from this new equipment several times throughout the year.
Jump Rope for Just Right Reading
Kimberly Gray and Rebekah Graham, Boone Meadow Elementary
Provides high-quality, engaging, decodable texts for early and emergent readers accompanied by online resources and teacher’s guides. The books will promote student choice and provide students direct access through classroom libraries.
Students around ZCS love Prize Patrol day too!
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