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!

A simple request inspired Study Elementary Case Manager Dee McKinley to make a big impact.

When McKinley met a man in need on the street, she asked what she could do to help him. The man simply replied: Socks. McKinley told the man she would be right back. She quickly returned with six pairs. The man expressed gratitude and said he would give the extras to others.

Moved by this experience, McKinley decided to get the students at Study involved. She organized a "Socktober" sock drive, with an initial goal of 300 pairs. This was quickly increased to 500 pairs as the students and staff enthusiastically got involved.

In the end, the school collected an amazing 1,295 pairs of socks! These were donated to the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission to be given to men, women and children in the community who need warm socks.

The man's gratitude and the students' amazing response touched McKinley. She told the students during the sock presentation that their kindness is making a big difference in the community.

Jefferson Middle School students and staff proved that small items can make a big difference, collecting 449 pairs of socks during their first-ever “Socktober.” The donation for Fort Wayne Rescue Mission will help provide warmth and comfort to local residents in need.

During a Veterans Day ceremony at South Side High School, the Archers received a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to one of its most distinguished alumni, the late Bill Blass. The fashion designer was posthumously honored in March with the award for his service in the Ghost Army during World War II.

The Ghost Army was an elite unit that used creative deception to protect American troops. Their tactics included deploying inflatable tanks, broadcasting fake sound effects, sending decoy radio signals and impersonating other military units to mislead enemy forces.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow. The replica medal, now on display at South Side, stands as a reminder to students that one of their own helped write a chapter in military history through creative thinking.

Ready, Set, Launch! Fort Wayne Community Schools has successfully launched Schools of Success.

School leaders, business professionals and community partners recently marked this significant milestone with a big celebration.

The first cohort of Schools of Success students are now immersed in the Freshman Schools of Success. Through the innovative Freshman Seminar course, these students are:

· Preparing for life after graduation by exploring pathways to continue their education, enlist in the military or enter the workforce through employment or entrepreneurship.

· Developing essential skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, innovation, critical and analytical thinking, cultural agility and self-direction skills.

· Connecting core academics to real-world opportunities through partnerships with local businesses and industries.

· Experiencing education in a way that empowers them to explore, connect and graduate with purpose.

The transformative Schools of Success initiative powered by 3DE is bridging the gap between classroom learning and career readiness to prepare FWCS students for a more meaningful future.

The calling to teach represents a commitment to shape future generations. For four recent graduates, this calling will have them one day returning FWCS as educators.

Among these aspiring teachers is Stephanie Rodriguez, a recent graduate of New Tech Academy at Wayne High School. While Rodriguez admits that leaving high school is bittersweet, she faces her future with optimism.

Rodrigues talks more about saying goodbye to high school in this latest installment of Classroom to Career.

At FWCS, we educate ALL students to high standards. Our dedicated team of Special Education Assistants ensures that every student gets the support they need to achieve academic success. If you have a passion for education and want to help young people achieve their goals, a Special Education Assistant position may be the perfect fit! Browse available openings at www.fwcsjobs.org or contact Human Resources at talentacquisition@fwcs.k12.in.us to learn more!

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