The Visionary

It wasn’t the voice coming through the drive-thru speaker that caught my attention that August morning.

It was the laughter coming from the car in front of me.

Through an open window, a woman called out, “Eight times six!”

A young voice quickly fired back an answer.

“Now, don’t get ahead of me,” she laughed.

Then came another multiplication problem. Another answer. More laughter.

In a place where most of us are thinking about what we ordered, checking our phones or hurrying to the next stop, a mother and son had turned a few ordinary minutes in the drive-thru into something completely different.

They were doing math.

And they were having an absolute blast!

The voices belonged to Ashanti and her son, Leyland, a fifth grader at Study Elementary School. Ashanti, who also works as a substitute with Fort Wayne Community Schools, said the two were simply on their way to grab a quick breakfast.

Like many kids, Leyland had his phone with him and was watching a video. There was a lot of noise coming from the screen, and Ashanti decided it was too much for first thing in the morning.

So, she asked him to put it away and challenged him instead: How well did he really know his multiplication facts?

The twos, threes and fours came pretty easily. Others needed a little more work.

And somewhere along the way, practicing multiplication facts became fun.

Ashanti knows technology can be an incredible tool, but she also believes there are times to log off and give children space to think, talk and learn. So, she did just that.

What was happening in that car was about more than multiplication facts.

Leyland was discovering that what he learns at school matters at home. He was learning that his mom was interested in what he knew, excited about what he was learning and willing to spend a few ordinary minutes helping him get better.

Because sometimes the best tutor a child can have is a parent who turns off the noise, asks the question and makes the answer worth celebrating.

By Scott Murray

When historic flooding hit Anderson this month, the impact stretched from homes and neighborhoods to schools and athletic fields.

Record rainfall sent the White River at Anderson to a new record crest, surpassing a mark that had stood since the Great Flood of 1913. Anderson Community Schools closed as the community dealt with storm damage and cleanup.

The flooding also disrupted the start of the high school football season. Anderson was scheduled to travel to Huntington North, but the game was canceled because of conditions in Anderson. Huntington North instead traveled to Fort Wayne to play South Side.

South Side Athletic Director Torrey Curry saw an opportunity to make the unexpected matchup about more than football. Spectators were invited to bring water, sports drinks or canned food in place of purchasing a ticket.

The Fort Wayne and Huntington North communities responded, donating 1,383 bottles of water, 206 bottles of Gatorade, 32 bottles of Powerade and 43 cans of food.

Curry later delivered the donations to Anderson High School, where members of the football and boys soccer teams helped unload and organize the supplies.

What began with a canceled football game became an opportunity for two school communities to rally around another in need.

There is a golden token waiting for every student at St. Joseph Central Elementary.

The school’s PTA, with support from teachers and staff, recently purchased an Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine, filling it not with snacks or drinks, but with books. Designed in St. Joseph Central’s school colors and featuring the tiger paw logo, the machine gives students a fun new way to celebrate reading.

Students receive a token on their birthday or half birthday and during other special occasions throughout the school year. They can browse the books behind the glass, enter the number for their selection and watch as a brand-new book drops below. That book is theirs to keep.

The idea is simple: make choosing a book fun, encourage students to read and help them build their own collection of books at home.

The PTA plans to continue raising money to keep the machine stocked with books for years to come. PTA President Andrew Applegate said supporting students is at the heart of the project and encouraged others to volunteer and get involved as a way to give back to local schools and the community.

At St. Joseph Central, one golden token can open the door to a whole new story.

The 2026 Elementary Cross Country Series begins in September. Races are open to FWCS elementary students in 1st-5th grades. Students must be pre-registered by Sept. 9. There will be no onsite registration.

Register online ($10, includes a T-shirt that must be worn for each race)

Race Schedule:

• Mondays, Sept. 14 & 21 - Wayne High School, South Group (Fairfield, Harrison Hill, Indian Village, Irwin, Maplewood, Levan Scott Academy, Study, Towles Montessori, Washington & Waynedale)
• Wednesdays, Sept. 16 & 23 - Northrop High School, North Group (Arlington, Croninger, Glenwood Park, Holland, Lincoln, Shambaugh, St. Joseph Central & Washington Central)
• Thursdays, Sept. 17 & 24 - Lawton Park, Central Group (Adams, Abbett, Bloomingdale, Brentwood, Forest Park, Franke Park, Haley, Harris, Lindley, Northcrest, Price & Weisser Park)
  
  Start times at each site: 1st & 2nd grade girls (1 km) start at 5:30 p.m.; followed by 1st & 2nd grade boys (1 km); followed by 3rd-5th grade girls (1 mile); followed by 3rd-5th grade boys (1 mile)

We’ve talked a lot about Schools of Success and how FWCS is helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to the skills and experiences they’ll need beyond graduation. But do you know what 3DE is and how it fits into Schools of Success?

We could explain it, but who better to tell you than the students experiencing it every day? Northrop High School students break down 3DE and what it looks like in their classrooms.

3DE has done so much more for me than just teaching me how to give a presentation. I’ve learned how to collaborate with all types of people, how to be better at communicating, and how to take constructive criticism. I’ve also gotten so many amazing opportunities, such as scholarships, job offers, leadership positions, and even writing this message. 3DE isn’t just about coming up with solutions and giving presentations; it’s about working together to help a real company with real issues. 3DE teaches students how to work under pressure, communicate, collaborate and be creative. Without it, high school students would be lost in the real world.
-Lucy Platt, Class of 2028, Northrop HS

Need help navigating the technology resources used at FWCS? Families are invited to learn the basics of ParentSquare, Gradebook, Eventlink and more at our Family Tech Support Nights. Our staff is ready to help set up your family for a successful school year. Please bring your access codes for faster assistance. If you don’t know the codes, contact your child’s school before the session.

Each event will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Register for this free event online.

• South Side High School (enter door 2) - Monday, Aug. 24
• Northrop High School (enter door 1) - Tuesday, Aug. 25
• North Side High School (enter door 7) - Monday, Aug. 31

School is underway, but there’s still time to join the FWCS team! We’re hiring teachers, bus drivers, support staff, lifeguards and more. Whether you’re looking for a career in the classroom or a role that supports students behind the scenes, there’s a place for you at FWCS.

Find your opportunity and apply today!

https://fwcs.schoolspring.com

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