The Visionary

This morning, thousands of alarm clocks rang across Fort Wayne. Backpacks were zipped, lunchboxes packed and students stepped onto buses and walked through school doors filled with excitement, curiosity and maybe even a few nerves.

For some, it is their very first day of kindergarten. Others are beginning middle school or high school, wondering what new friendships, opportunities and challenges await. In every classroom, teachers are welcoming students not just as learners, but as future artists, engineers, nurses, entrepreneurs and leaders. Through Schools of Success powered by 3DE, students will explore their interests, build real-world skills and discover pathways that help prepare them for the future they imagine.

The first day of school is more than the start of a new year. It is the beginning of new stories, fresh possibilities and moments that will shape who our students become. Together, as families, educators and a community, we have the opportunity to inspire every child to dream bigger, work harder and discover their full potential.

Today, the hallways of Fort Wayne Community Schools are once again filled with the sounds of learning, laughter and the promise of a new beginning.

Every student must register each school year to attend Fort Wayne Community Schools. Registration can be completed online through the myFWCS Parent Portal or in person at your child's school or the Wendy Y. Robinson Family & Community Engagement Center (FACE). If you need assistance, please contact FACE at 260-467-2120. We're happy to help!

Successful students show up! To make the most of the 2026-27 school year, make sure your child is attending school each day. Missing school in the first month of the school year often leads to poor attendance throughout the year.

Why It Matters: Students who attend school regularly achieve at higher levels than students who are chronically absent. It takes just 2 absences a month to be chronically absent with negative effects on learning. Join the 94% Attendance Club by minimizing absences and maintain excellent attendance!

What You Can Do: 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.”

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.

• Wayne High School (enter door 1) - Monday, Aug. 17
• Snider High School (enter door 3) - Tuesday, Aug. 18
• 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

Fort Wayne Community Schools is committed to transporting every eligible student and does not currently anticipate any disruptions to bus service. However, to keep as many students in school as possible in the event of a bus driver shortage, the district has a plan to temporarily adjust a limited number of middle and high school bus schedules when necessary.

Route changes, if needed, will only be communicated to affected families through ParentSquare. Depending on the route, mornings or afternoon runs may arrive one to two hours late. Families who can provide alternate transportation are encouraged to do so. Students won't be penalized for transportation-related tardiness. Students with late arrivals home will remain supervised after school until transportation arrives.

These adjustments would only happen when necessary, so families feel as little impact as possible while more students stay in class.

As students return to Fort Wayne Community Schools for a new year of learning, hundreds of new employees are beginning their own journey across the District.

From teachers and bus drivers to custodians, instructional assistants, office staff and food service employees, each new team member plays an important role in helping students succeed.

New Employee Orientation is designed to set staff members up for success from day one. Employees learn about district expectations, available resources and the many ways their work supports students and families.

While their jobs may look different from one another, every employee shares the same goal: creating a positive and welcoming environment where students can learn and grow.

As we gear up for another inspiring and dynamic school year, FWCS is looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. Whether you are an experienced educator, a recent graduate, or someone looking to make a meaningful impact in education, we have a place for you! Apply online at www.fwcsjobs.org!

There is a little tan trench coat hanging quietly in the Fort Wayne Community Schools Clothing Bank.

Surrounded by shelves of jeans, shirts, coats, shoes and backpacks, the little tan trench coat draws your attention. In a room filled with necessities, it feels different, carefully sized for a child, with a classic style that seems to be waiting for the moment it will finally be worn.

That small coat reflects the purpose of the Clothing Bank. It represents the student who walks into school carrying more than a backpack. It represents the teacher who notices a need, the social worker who makes a call, the volunteer who sorts donations and the community members who contribute what they can.

The coat's story does not end once it’s removed from the rack. Eventually, it will become part of another story, one that includes classrooms, playgrounds, bus rides and the ordinary moments that make up childhood.

At Fort Wayne Community Schools, supporting students means looking beyond academics and recognizing that everyday challenges can affect learning. The Clothing Bank is one way our community helps carry those burdens.

For now, the tiny tan trench coat remains on its hanger, waiting for a child who has no idea that this small act of kindness is already waiting for them.

Fort Wayne Community Schools is proud to congratulate LaShawnda Martin on being selected as one of the top 25 finalists for the 2027 Indiana Teacher of the Year award.

After being named FWCS Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2026, LaShawnda is now receiving recognition at the state level for her dedication to students and her commitment to excellence in the classroom.

This honor reflects the impact she has on her students each day and the passion and leadership she brings to education.

Congratulations, LaShawnda, on this well-deserved recognition. Fort Wayne Community Schools is proud to celebrate this milestone and the lasting impact you continue to have on students every day.

Snider High School made history just prior to the start of the school year with the opening of its first-ever on-campus stadium. Students, families, alumni and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony during Back-to-School Night to celebrate the long-awaited milestone. The new 4,400-seat facility features a synthetic turf field, vented rubber track, press box, new concession and restroom facilities and expanded parking. The stadium, which will bear the name of legendary coach and educator Russ Isaacs, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Snider athletics and school traditions.

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