The Visionary

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!

Hands-on learning and real-world problem solving are key parts of Schools of Success powered by 3DE, and students across Fort Wayne Community Schools are already putting those skills to work.

Students from nine schools make up 21 teams in the district’s robotics league, involving more than 100 students. Nearly half of the schools launched robotics teams for the first time this school year.

This year, two elementary robotics teams earned the opportunity to compete at the state level through the VEX Robotics program. The Koalabots from Weisser Park STEAM Elementary School and a first-year robotics team from Northcrest Elementary School advanced after strong performances during the season.

Weisser Park and Croninger won the FWCS league championship, and Weisser Park also captured the Skills competition title.

To support the growing program, FWCS introduced a new league format this year. Instead of one long Saturday competition, teams met several times throughout the season. Students competed, evaluated their results, returned to improve their robots and coding, and then competed again. The format helped new teams learn the process while also encouraging collaboration, with experienced coaches sharing advice and resources with teams starting programs from the ground up.

Robotics competitions require months of preparation and problem solving. Students design, build and code their robots while learning to work as a team under real competition conditions. Experiences like these are at the heart of Schools of Success powered by 3DE. Students practice collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking while tackling real challenges.

With plans to expand the league more than 30 teams next year, robotics is giving more FWCS students the opportunity to explore engineering, innovation and teamwork while building skills that will support them throughout their education and future careers.

Students at Memorial Park STEAM Middle School showed their excitement for reading during the school’s Third Quarter Reading Challenge.

Throughout the quarter, students competed in teams to see who could read the most. The winning teams earned a chance to take part in the Reading Challenge Celebration.

The highlight of the event came when the winning teams got to douse Principal Crozier, and Assistant Principals, Mr. Wyss and Mrs. Clegg, with a variety of fun surprises.

Fort Wayne Community Schools proudly introduces Futures ON Track, the culmination of a two-year pilot program that connects students to experienced music professionals and links learning to life beyond the classroom through meaningful career exploration in music and music production.

The first Futures ON Track album, "Stay Tuned," features 14 songs performed by talented FWCS students. The album highlights a wide range of musical styles including jazz, hip hop, R&B, bluegrass, heavy metal and folk, showcasing both original compositions and collaborative works.

Through this program, students:

• Gain real-world exposure to music and production careers

• Record in state-of-the-art music studios

• Build lasting mentorships with local professional artists

• Build musical and technical skills with industry veterans

• Receive invaluable coaching from music production professionals

• Collaborate across generations through shared creativity

• Discover new pathways for their future in music and beyond

All songs and recording session videos will be released on the FWCS YouTube channel, with the first three songs dropping on March 24 and additional releases continuing through April 18.

Futures ON Track is made possible through the generosity of our community partners:

• Surack Family Foundation

• University of Saint Francis

• Midwest America Federal Credit Union

• Sweetwater Sound

We also extend our special thanks to:

• Tom Maupin, retired FWCS choral director

• Iric Headley, Surack Enterprises

Thanks to an extraordinary $4 million estate gift from Larry Lee plus $100,000 in annual support, up to 220 FWCS students each year will receive music lessons through the Music Academy at Pearl Arts.

South Side freshman Madison Fields said it best during the announcement: “Gifts like this change lives, giving more young people the chance to pursue music, build confidence and see new possibilities for their future.”

At FWCS, we believe experiences shape futures. This committment is proof of what happens when a community comes together for its students. Thank you to Larry Lee, Pearl Arts and everyone who makes opportunities like this possible.

When asked about his commitment to these gifts, Larry Lee said, “Over the past 25 years, Chuck Surack has made it his mission to introduce a joy for music to students at more than 500 elementary, middle, and high schools in Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio. With Pearl Arts Music Academy, he has taken that mission to the next level. Like Chuck, I believe that music belongs to all, not just to those who can afford private lessons, which is why it is my pleasure to finance these annual scholarships for motivated FWCS students in financial need. And, with the establishment of an endowment fund, Pearl Arts is helping ensure these scholarships remain available for students many generations from now.”

The North Side Wildsiders have taken the top spot, winning the ISSMA State Jazz Championship! Their hard work, creativity and commitment to excellence shine through every note. Watch this video to see their amazing performance in action!

North Side High School senior Sophie Romines is a natural leader who strives to be someone others look up to. She leads dance with Unified Sports athletes, a program that brings students of all abilities together. She also coaches cheerleading at Irwin Elementary, serving as a role model for the young girls she mentors.

With a heart for others, Sophie's dedication and encouragement reflect the values that will make her an excellent educator as she pursues her dream of becoming a teacher. See how she’s already shaping young lives in this latest installment of Classroom to Career.

Tyreece Menifee is already making his mark as a young entrepreneur and community leader through his clothing brand, Vision Mulaa.

With a creative mindset and a strong desire to make a positive impact, the Amp Lab and Northrop senior found the intersection of his passions in fashion and community engagement. He launched Vision Mulaa as a brand focused on reaching youth and underrepresented minority groups, offering affordable, unique designs that stand out while staying accessible.

Menifee has benefited from time during school days to grow his entrepreneurial skills, build industry knowledge and develop connections. His journey has not been without challenges, but he remains focused and driven. He encourages others to stay motivated and self-disciplined even through hard times. He said that you will be at your lowest for what seems like a long time, but it will pay off.

As graduation approaches, Menifee is still exploring what comes next, but his experience building Vision Mulaa has already provided a strong foundation for future success. He is working to establish manufacturing partnerships and identify new opportunities to grow and scale the business.

Tyreece Menifee's journey is a strong example of what is possible when students combine their interests with real-world skill development. His story reflects creativity, determination and vision in action, and this is only the beginning.

In this Positively Fort Wayne segment from WANE 15, Glenwood Park Elementary School is front and center as students experience an unforgettable, hands-on lesson with Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehab. WANE 15 follows along as the organization visits the school, bringing live raptors into the classroom and sparking curiosity and excitement among students. The segment highlights Glenwood Park as a place where meaningful, real-world learning is happening, giving viewers a closer look at how students are exploring with nature in a powerful way.

The State of Indiana has new laws related to student attendance. By law, schools must refer students with more than 10 unexcused absences to the Allen Superior Court Truancy Improvement Program (TIP) or the Department of Child Services (DCS). Indiana law holds parents/guardians responsible for a child's attendance.

5 Unexcused Absences:

• Public schools are required to hold an attendance conference within 10 school days.
• Parent/guardian attendance is required by law.

10 Unexcused Absences:

• Public schools are required to report students to TIP or DCS. Students could be charged with committing a delinquent act; parents/guardians could also face criminal charges.

Absence Types:

Absence counted as present - Foster care court proceedings, military obligations, election service

Excused absences - Illness reported to school by parent/guardian (may require a doctor's note); family funeral; religious observation

Unexcused absences - Absent without valid reason or documentation; failure to call and report absence

What You Can Do:

Always report absences - Call the school office each day your child is absent with the reason they are absent.

Make school a priority - Avoid unnecessary absences by scheduling appointments and vacations outside of school hours. This helps teach children the value of education and showing up for their "job."

Fort Wayne Community Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. Whether in the classroom or in a support role, working with FWCS is a rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of students.

Visit www.fwcsjobs.org to explore current openings 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.

Tell us about the exciting things happening in your school. News to Share!
Website: fortwayneschools.org
Location: 1200 South Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802, USA
Phone: (260) 467-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/FWCommSchools
Twitter: @FWCommSchools