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!

As part of National Hunger Action Month, the Peace Clubs at FWCS high schools collected food in support of “Students Feeding Families” the week of Sept. 9. By participating in the service project, students gained a better understanding of food insecurity challenges in their own community.

The clubs collected 1,398 pounds of food, with Snider leading the way, collecting 938 pounds. The food collected during the events was delivered to the Community Harvest Food Bank. Wayne High School Sophomore Rakiem Lloyd and Peace Academy Director Marie Mante helped stock the food on the shelves at the food bank.

This food collection initiative is a partnership between Feeding Indiana's Hungry, its member food banks and professional education associations.

Harrison Hill Elementary School recently marked 100 years of learning with a centennial celebration. Named after the neighborhood it serves, Harrison Hill has welcomed both elementary and junior high students over the years.

Guests enjoyed refreshments while reminiscing about their school days and catching up with old classmates and staff members.

After pilot program in 2023 that saw one combined FWCS girls flag football team, individual teams at each high school are now battling it out on the gridiron.

This expansion is part of the Colts/IHSAA Girls Flag Football league. There are now five leagues in Indiana. The Fort Wayne League consists of all five FWCS high schools. The five teams competed in a three-week season in September. South Side won the inaugural championship, defeating Snider. Chris Lahr from South Side High School was also honored during the season as a Colts Flag Football Coach of the Week.

The goal is for high school girls flag football to become a sanctioned sport in the state of Indiana

Becoming a teacher is a decision driven by a desire to make a lasting impact on young lives. Teachers often join the profession because they want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Some FWCS graduates have seen that passion and want to return to the District to make a difference as teachers. Meet four of these future educators being featured in a series called Classroom to Career.

Fort Wayne Community Schools honored the 2024 FWCS Teachers of the Year, FWCS Employee of the Year and finalists during a reception. The celebration was an opportunity to recognize these staff members who have made a major impact on their students and school.

An FWCS innovator took center stage at the third annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala. Shannon Quigley was honored with the prestigious Digital Innovator Excellence Award. The award recognizes educators who use technology to improve student learning.

"The Educational Excellence Awards Gala is a celebration of the extraordinary impact our educators have on students and communities across Indiana," said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education.

Quigley was one of 10 educators awarded $2,500 for their commitment to areas such as professional growth, use of technology in the classroom and cultivating community partnerships.

New Tech Academy at Wayne is a 2024 New Tech Network Spotlight School. New Tech earned this distinction by creating meaningful, equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students.

It is one of just six schools in the more than 200 schools in the New Tech Network to earn this recognition.

For the second year in a row, the Continuing Education program at Fort Wayne Community Schools has been designated a Program of Excellence by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

"This recognition highlights the dedication our team shows daily in supporting those we serve,” said Lonnie Heck, Continuing Education Manager. “It’s their efforts that truly make this program excellent.”

The FWCS Continuing Education Program is one of 21 adult education programs in the state to earn this designation.

With the school year already in full force, we are actively working to fill teaching and support staff positions in all of our schools. 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