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!

Two FWCS Career Academy students were recently selected by the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) as finalists in the 10th annual Drive Safe Chicago public service announcement contest, in partnership with the Chicago Auto Show. For the contest, the finalists created a 30-second PSA to help empower passengers to speak up when in a vehicle being driven dangerously.

Snider Senior Riley Wilds’ PSA titled “My Job” was awarded first runner-up and Wayne Senior Carlyale Kiel’s PSA titled “Whose Fault” was awarded second runner-up. The three finalists were selected from around 100 other entries from the Midwest.

You can watch both PSA's below.

In recognition of Black History Month, A Citilink bus wrapped with artwork honoring civil rights activist Rosa Parks and commemorating Transit Equity Day made a special stop at Towles.

Students got an up-close look at the bus that features Parks surrounded by flowers and the words unity, equality, love, respect and peace. Inside the bus, a special sticker represents the strength of Parks who refused to give up her seat. Rosa Parks, famously known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, played a significant part in ending legal segregation on public transportation systems in the United States.

Local artist Theoplis Smith III, also known as Phresh Laundry, created the bus wrap design. The bus mural was made possible by SEED Fort Wayne. The wrap will be on the bus for two years.

The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board of School Trustees recently approved a contract to expand the Alive Community Outreach program to all five FWCS high schools. The expansion will be paid for by funds from the recently passed well-being and safety referendum.

The current Alive Peacemaker program has been in place at South Side High School for two years. The Peacemaker program is built on the six principles of nonviolence taught by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Participating students take part in the summer Peacemaker Academy, attend Peace Club at school and are mentored by a community volunteer program called the Peace Grannies and Grampies. Through these interactive experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of social justice issues and develop nonviolent ways to resolve conflict and promote peace. About 40 students from throughout the district have already graduated from the current Alive Peacemaker Academy.

“We are excited to extend the reach of the Alive Peacemakers to every high school at Fort Wayne Community Schools," FWCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel said. "Today more than ever, empowering our students to be a catalyst for positive change while fostering a culture of peace and understanding is very important.”

Alive Community Outreach was created by Angelo and Marie Mante following the tragic death of Angelo’s cousin. They later added the Peacemaker Academy to the program. Expanding the Peacemakers shows a commitment to cultivating a generation of Peacemakers equipped to be positive change makers at school and in the community.

“In the wake of increasing youth violence, our partnership with FWCS represents a critical step forward,” Angelo Mante said. “Intentional peacemaking has never been more essential. We are committed to building peace, one student at a time, confident that these efforts will not only transform lives but also our community at large”

German students at North Side High School are now learning the language in a unique way thanks to games created by a Purdue Fort Wayne professor.

Lee M. Roberts is a professor of German studies at PFW. He recently created two games to help students learn the German language. Students at North Side have been playing the games, Spukhaus and Wortschatzwettrennen, for a month. The games help students learn the vocabulary, formulate sentences and speak the language. Es ist wunderbar!

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.

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

It really takes a village to raise a child, and our School Assistants are here to save the day! Help us reinforce instruction and implement lesson plans in the classroom. We have several opportunities at a school near you. Check out our opportunities at www.fwcsjobs.org or contact Human Resources 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