Welcome to Fort Wayne Community Schools' community newsletter. Each month we share news from our schools and important District information. Have an idea for a story? Please share it with us!

Four FWCS Career Academy students studying Dental Assisting accomplished something that has never been done before at Fort Wayne Community Schools: They all received the DANB National Radiation Health and Safety Certification, an Indiana License that allows them to take x-rays in a dental office.

The certification is part of a pilot program designed to enhance practical dental skills and theoretical knowledge. Throughout the year, the students demonstrated exceptional perseverance and enthusiasm, tackling challenging coursework and hands-on training with determination. The four students worked alongside their instructor, Denise Conrad, and three local dentists. Their success is a testament to the effectiveness of the pilot program and will lead to even more students having this opportunity in the upcoming school year.

This accomplishment is just the beginning of their promising careers. Congratulations once again to all the students for their hard-earned success!

Pictured from left to right:

Citlali Gonzalez - studied with Dr. Tyler Kimmel at Neighborhood Health
Zy’Airah Gentry - studied with Dr. David Painter at Union Chapel Dentistry

Kevin Alvizures - studied with Dr. Tyler Kimmel at Neighborhood Health

Not pictured:
Amyah Kimble - studied with Dr. Kimbra Druley at Druley Dental

The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board of School Trustees voted Monday, July 22, to expand the Yondr cellphone pouch program to include all FWCS middle and high schools starting in the 2024-25 school year. The Yondr system uses a simple, secure pouch that stores phones, smart watches, earbuds and other small electronics.

The use of cellphones or electronic devices during school can be detrimental to the well-being of students and create disruptions in classrooms. These disruptions take valuable time away from instruction.

Every student will secure their phone (turned off or in airplane mode) in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. Students will maintain possession of their phones and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.

Families will receive additional information from their middle or high schools regarding specific instructions for using the Yondr pouches.

The Top 25 candidates will be considered by the Indiana Teacher of the Year

Screening Committee as they select the Top 10 Finalists.

More than 150 community volunteers recently cleaned, painted and spruced up the landscaping at eight Fort Wayne Community Schools buildings. It was all a part of a special Day of Caring sponsored by United Way of Allen County.

The 33rd annual United Way of Allen County Day of Caring will take place Friday, Aug. 23. Because school will be in session then, FWCS and United Way partnered with local businesses to create a special summer Day of Caring to focus on school buildings.

A special thanks to the following volunteers:

• United Way

• Lear/UAW Local 3055

• Step Stone Family and Youth Services

• BFGoodrich/Michelin

• Hylant

• Ash Brokerage

• St. Joe United Methodist Church

• FWCS employees

With the upcoming school year quickly approaching, we are actively working to fill teaching and support staff positions throughout our community. No matter the position, a career with FWCS is a rewarding way to prepare the next generation of leaders. Visit www.fwcsjobs.org to browse available opportunities and submit an online application! High need areas include Special Education Assistants, Substitutes and Bus Drivers. Questions about employment? Contact our Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@fwcs.k12.in.us.

Email: publicaffairs@fwcs.k12.in.us
Website: fortwayneschools.org
Location: 1200 South Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802, USA
Phone: (260) 467-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/FWCommSchools
Twitter: @FWCommSchools