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!

Fort Wayne Community Schools recently hosted the Third Annual Schools of Success Celebration, honoring the educators, students and community partners who are inspiring educational transformation across the District.

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

“FWCS students are no longer limited by opportunities; they are creating them,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel. “The Schools of Success model empowers students to connect their classroom learning to real-world challenges, helping them discover their strengths and define their pathways forward.”

Through hands-on, project-based experiences, students are learning to think critically, solve problems and collaborate with peers and industry partners, developing the essential skills needed to excel in college, the military, the workforce and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Fort Wayne Community Schools celebrated ribbon-cutting ceremonies at Jefferson Middle School and Arlington STEM Elementary School to mark the opening of new Design and Innovation Studios. In these STEM studios, students will be able to use 3D printing, robotics, Spheros and LittleBits. The studios were developed in partnership with Purdue's Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) and Cummins Inc.

The Rotary Club of Fort Wayne is bringing new life to several Fort Wayne Community Schools campuses by planting 60 native hardwood trees. The project kicked off with a planting day at Bunche Montessori Early Childhood Center, where Rotarians joined Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel, staff and students to plant the first tree.

“This project reflects what is possible when the community comes together for a shared purpose,” Dr. Daniel said. “These trees stand as a reminder that our community believes in our students, supports them and wants them to thrive.”

Trees are also being planted at Croninger, Kekionga, Lincoln, Northcrest, St. Joseph Central and Waynedale schools. The tree planting continues the Rotary Club’s decades-long commitment to environmental stewardship.

Veterans Day was a meaningful celebration across Fort Wayne Community Schools as students and staff came together to honor the men and women who have served our country. Many schools hosted special programs that welcomed veterans into their buildings, giving students the chance to say thank you through songs, speeches and student-led presentations.

In several schools, students wrote letters to veterans participating in Honor Flight trips, while others took part in classroom projects.

Through these activities, students not only honored our veterans but also gained a deeper understanding of the courage, commitment and selflessness it takes to serve.

Fort Wayne Community Schools celebrated parents and caregivers at the Champion of Change Awards.

The celebration honored more than 50 individuals. Every school in FWCS was invited to nominate two parents or caregivers whose dedication makes a difference every day. Some help in classrooms, some organize activities and others work behind the scenes to make sure students have what they need. Together, they represent the countless acts of love and support that help students thrive.

FWCS Community and Family Engagement is grateful to these Champions of Change and to all families who partner with our schools. Their commitment, kindness and belief in our students light the way for a brighter future.

Meet Sierra Miranda, the 2025 FWCS Secondary Teacher of the Year and an example of how Fort Wayne Community Schools inspires students to give back and come back.

Miranda is a 2014 graduate of North Side High School. She now teaches special education at South Side High School.

Teaching for her is more than a profession; it’s a way to make a meaningful difference every day and to help create a supportive environment where every student feels empowered to succeed.

At Fort Wayne Community Schools, classrooms are transforming into incubators where students turn business lessons into real-world ventures. Through the Schools of Success, students are learning how to take their ideas from concept to reality.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel’s Stories of Success series highlights these inspiring journeys, showing how hands-on learning experiences prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

Business exploration begins early at Lakeside Middle School, where sixth graders participate in a semester-long course focused on product development, marketing, sales, manufacturing and delivery. Students apply what they learn by designing and fulfilling orders for stickers and posters for staff and classmates.

This engaging, project-based approach helps students see how subjects like math and language arts connect to the world around them, while strengthening critical skills such as collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

Eighth & ninth grade students and their families are invited to Freshman Orientation and Schools of Success Showcase. Eighth graders will learn about their new school and the excitement of entering high school. Families of ninth graders are encouraged to learn more about the Schools of Success pathways prior to student selection in January. Deciding between high schools? This is your chance to tour and ask questions.

At FWCS, we educate ALL students to high standards. Our dedicated team 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, FWCS 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