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!

Instead of a typical birthday celebration with gifts and cake, Dr. Derek Leininger decided to mark his 40th birthday by running a mile to raise money for his Glenwood Park Elementary students.

Principal Leininger’s goal was to run a mile in under 6 minutes. In return, he simply asked his supporters to donate $6 and help him raise $2087. That is one dollar for each week that he has been alive. All of the money raised is going to the Glenwood Park PTA earmarked for teacher requests. Those funds will be used for things like helping a student pay for a field trip or purchasing something extra a teacher might need.

Leininger not only beat his mile time goal, but he smashed his fundraising goal collecting more than $4,000.

The school year started like any other at FWCS, but this year there is a new vision and it is starting with the freshman class. The class of 2028 is the first group of students in the District to begin the new Schools of Success experience.

The innovative education initiative powered by 3DE connects core academics with real business partners to develop collaboration, communication, innovation and critical thinking skills.

Freshman year will be dedicated to early college and career exploration. All ninth grade students will participate in Freshman Seminar and learn about the principles of business. They will also explore their interests and skills so they can choose a Schools of Success pathway with confidence. There are three Schools of Success within each high school and a variety of career pathways.

Starting in 10th grade, students will take core classes that align with their Schools of Success chosen pathway and continue that pathway through their senior year. Depending on the pathway selected, students may take courses on-campus at their high school or off-campus at Amp Lab or FWCS Career Academy.

One pathway that is near to everyone at Fort Wayne Community Schools is education. 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. Four of these future educators will be featured in a series called Classroom to Career.

You will not only get to know these four students, but you will also find out why they want to return to Fort Wayne Community Schools.

One person you will get to know is Mo Ne Da Be. Her story was recently featured on WANE-15.

Taking tech to the next level, the FWCS Career Academy launched a new software development program this year.

The new innovative CTE experience, led by instructor Alex McKinstry, is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the technology industry. Students begin the course exploring the exciting world of virtual reality (VR) game design. This hands-on approach not only ignites creativity, but also provides students practical skills that are highly sought after in today's job market. In addition to VR game design, the new program places a strong emphasis on mastering the Unity platform.

Unity is a real-time 3D development program that allows developers and designers to collaborate and create interactive gaming experiences. During the program, students prepare to take the rigorous Unity Certification Test.

The students' eagerness to learn and innovate is truly inspiring. Here's to a bright future filled with endless possibilities and groundbreaking achievements!

Zeigler Subaru of Fort Wayne made a $10,000 donation to Weisser Park for the school's STEAM program. They also delivered boxes of school supplies to classrooms. This is the fourth year Weisser Park has received a donation from the Subaru Loves Learning program.

Employees at Fort Wayne Nissan recently collected $800 to purchase school supplies for two FWCS schools. Thanks to that generosity, Maplewood Elementary and Shambaugh Elementary received supplies to help drive student success.

As we gear up for another inspiring and dynamic school year, we are thrilled to announce that FWCS is looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. Whether you are an experienced educator, a recent graduate, or someone looking to make a meaningful impact in education, we have a place for you! Apply online at www.fwcsjobs.org!

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