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!

The Weisser Park Diamonds, a fifth-grade girls' group dedicated to reading and learning how to be empowered young women, gather regularly during lunch.

Together with their mentors, the Diamonds recently embarked on a literary journey into the life of the first female firefighter in Fort Wayne reading the book “Genois Wilson, She Dared to be First.” Through the pages of the book, the girls found themselves inspired to defy stereotypes and pursue their dreams.

At a recent meeting of the Diamonds, Genois Wilson Brabson stopped by to share her experiences and encourage the group to pursue their passions even if they are in traditionally male-dominated fields.

During the visit, The Diamonds received a special invitation to a celebration honoring Genois Wilson Brabson where a crew filmed a documentary highlighting Brabson’s groundbreaking contributions to women's leadership in the fire department.

The Diamonds shined at the event, not only enjoying being a part of the special night, but also by sharing their thoughts and reactions about the opportunity to meet and learn from a true pioneer for the documentary.

Through this reading and mentoring program, the Diamonds are forging their own paths.

Weisser Park Diamonds dressed for success at celebration!

Rubies, Diamonds and Pearls:
In Celebration of Genois Wilson Brabson Fort Wayne's First Woman Firefighter

NFL standout and Snider High School graduate Jesse Bates recently made a stop at Miami Middle School to talk to the school’s lunch group My Brother’s Keeper. Bates stressed the importance of hard work in athletics and academics. He shared stories about his personal victories and challenges while emphasizing the importance of goal-setting and perseverance. After talking about life after the NFL, Bates urged the students to strive for success in all aspects of life. My Brother’s Keeper is a program that works to build safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color where they feel valued and have clear pathways for opportunity.

With a focus on empathy and understanding, Lane Middle School students recently designed innovative solutions to address homelessness.

First, to help the students better understand homelessness in Fort Wayne, a representative from The Rescue Mission met with them. They learned about the various causes of homelessness and the vital services The Rescue Mission provides to the homeless population.

Students were then put into groups based on causes of homelessness and challenged to create villages with everything needed to assist these individuals. Armed with colored pencils and creativity, they brought their villages to life through detailed maps and illustrations. The villages included tiny homes, health services, educational and job opportunities, indoor and outdoor activities and many other amenities.

Through this hands-on project, students not only gained valuable skills in problem-solving and collaboration, but they also developed a deep sense of empathy and social responsibility. By actively engaging with the issue of homelessness and working towards tangible solutions, these young leaders will be able to make a difference in their community.

Fort Wayne Community Schools launched a pilot program at four schools creating cell phone-free learning environments. The process is simple: When students enter school at the start of the day, they place their phones in a Yondr pouch. The pouches have magnetic locks that secure the phones until the pouches are unlocked at the end of the day.

As the pilot rolled out, some students were skeptical about being separated from their devices, while others were cautiously optimistic about eliminating the distraction. Students who violate the new cell phone guidelines will face disciplinary consequences, including being required to store their electronic devices in the office during the school day.

The schools participating are Jefferson and Shawnee middle schools and North Side and Wayne high schools, including New Tech Academy at Wayne. These schools were selected based on administrative interest and ability of staff to support the initiative.

The Fort Wayne Community Schools Adult and Continuing Education Department recently hosted the annual Commencement Ceremony with nearly 200 graduates receiving their diplomas.

From Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023, the graduates passed the High School Equivalency (HSE) Exam or completed High School Credit (HSC) requirements. The Continuing Education Program serves adult students of all ages, many of whom have endured educational and personal struggles on their road to graduation.

The stories of these three graduates were shared during the celebration:

Mrs. Bell,

Thank you so much for believing in me. I want to inform you that, it is because of your program and being given the opportunity of getting my high school diploma, that I am on a perfect tract to graduate from college. Plus, I have some exciting news to share with Anthis: I have a 4.0 GPA at Ivy Tech and I made the dean's list last semester. I am on heading in the correct direction to make the dean's list again- hopefully! I am applying to the nursing program here soon. Please wish me luck.

Once again, I appreciate all the amazing support and the opportunity of achieving my high school diploma. Dreams do come true and they can be made real. I am the real life example along with many other students.

I can’t wait to see you at the graduation!

Sincerely,

Erica

In a crescendo of cheers and applause, the North Side Wildsiders claimed victory at the Indiana State Music Association Jazz Competition hosted at Pike High School in Indianapolis. The joyous reactions of the students reverberated through the halls, a testament to their dedication and passion for their craft.

The Wildsiders not only won state as a collective group, but they also brought home several individual awards. The sax section won the Best Saxophone Section Award, Russo Johnstone was presented the Best Trumpet Solo Award and Liam Campbell-Carpenter’s fingers danced across the piano keys earning him the Best Rhythm Section Solo Award.

Be prepared to enjoy the Wildersiders' exceptional performance below!

Tyler Bennett is a rising Senior attending North Side High School. He is a Top 10 student, leader amongst his peers, and is an active member of the Student Council, Theatre, Dance, Color Guard, and National Honors Society. Tyler dreams of becoming a performing arts director, composing his own music, and eventually opening his own school for the performing arts. He plans to attend New York University to attain his bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance and Musical Theatre.

Nolah Merritt is a senior at Wayne New Tech and a returning second-year student at Amp Lab. She is a dancer, choreographer, and performer, who is part of Fort Wayne Dance Collective’s youth performing group, the Pineapple Dance Project. Nolah loves to be involved in all elements of dance, including her movement-focused photography. She has a passion for creating, empowering herself and others, and is always looking for ways to help others in their creative process.

The Emerging Artist of the Year Award is presented to a current student artist of any creative discipline who has demonstrated exceptional talent and accomplishment.

Students at South Side High School recently partnered with staff members for a Dancing with the Stars style fundraising event for Riley Children's Foundation. This year's competition was a success. South Side was able to make its largest donation to Riley of $4,000. This event is part of an ongoing effort by FWCS to support Riley and the things they do for children and families.

Wayne and South Side high schools have entered into a cross-town agreement aimed at providing South Side High School students with access to the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program at Wayne High School.

Through the agreement, South Side students will have the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of the JROTC program at Wayne. This includes access to leadership positions, experiences and activities that will help develop team building and leadership skills with students from both schools.

"We are thrilled to welcome South Side High School students to our JROTC program," said Wayne High School Principal John Houser. "This partnership not only strengthens the program but also promotes collaboration among students from different schools."

JROTC is a voluntary student leadership program that builds character and prepares students to serve their community and country.

"This cross-town agreement opens up new opportunities for our students to engage in leadership development and community service," South Side Principal Zach Harl said. "We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on our students' educational experience."

The agreement begins with the 2024-25 school year and is open to all students at South Side and Wayne high schools. FWCS will provide transportation from South Side to Wayne. By participating in JROTC, students are not obligated to join the military; instead, it focuses on equipping students with valuable skills for success beyond high school. Students should contact their guidance counselors if they are interested in participating in the program.

Starting in the 2024-25 school year, freshman in FWCS will begin their high school careers in the Freshman Schools of Success powered by 3DE. This innovative education initiative connects core academic learning with real businesses to develop collaboration, communication, creativity and innovation, critical and analytical thinking, cultural agility and self-direction skills. Through the Freshman Seminar course, students will learn more about their interests and talents to develop the confidence to choose the School of Success and pathway in which they will study. They will also have the opportunity to earn college credit in their first year in high school.

Calling all educators! Fort Wayne Community Schools is hosting a Teacher Job Fair. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the field, this event will provide opportunities for you to positively impact the lives of students.

During the job fair:

• Learn about teaching opportunities throughout the district
• Meet with principals & unit heads
• Get help with your application
• Discover the many benefits of working at FWCS

At FWCS, we educate ALL students to high standards. Our dedicated team of Special Education ensure 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 teaching 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