The Visionary

Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Adult English Language Learner Certificate Ceremony celebrated much more than language growth. It celebrated courage, sacrifice, perseverance and the personal growth of 195 students building new opportunities and new futures through education.

But perhaps the most powerful part of the ceremony was not on the stage.

It was in the audience.

Throughout the auditorium, cell phones were held high. Parents, spouses, children and friends carefully recorded nearly every moment of the ceremony. Some stood in the aisles trying to capture the perfect angle.

Others watched through tears while making sure they didn’t miss a second. For many families, this was not simply a school program. It was a milestone worth preserving forever. The phones told a story of pride.

For many of the students recognized during the ceremony, learning English represents years of determination and countless hours balancing work, family responsibilities and education. Some students came to Fort Wayne carrying dreams of better opportunities for themselves and their families. Others enrolled in classes to build confidence, strengthen communication skills or simply navigate daily life in a new community.

In that moment, the phones became more than cameras. They became a way for families to hold onto a milestone they never wanted to forget.

The FWCS Continuing Education Department’s Adult English Language Learner program helps students strengthen language skills while opening doors to employment, education and deeper community connections.

For the first time in school history, seniors who helped launch the 3DE by Junior Achievement at North Side High School and Snider High School are preparing to graduate after spending all four years learning through real-world business challenges, collaboration and career-connected experiences.

As the inaugural graduating class of 3DE, these students helped shape what the program would become at FWCS. They worked alongside business professionals, tackled authentic case challenges and learned core academic subjects through the lens of real industries and real problems. Along the way, they developed skills in communication, critical thinking, teamwork and self-direction while exploring future career pathways.

What began as a new approach to learning quickly became a defining part of their high school experience. Now, as graduation approaches, these students leave behind more than memories. They leave a foundation for future generations of FWCS students who will continue building connections between the classroom and life beyond graduation.

Fort Wayne Community Schools is expanding its Seminar Courses for the 2026-27 school year, providing additional opportunities for students to explore career interests while developing practical skills they can apply in college, trade school, the military and the workforce.

The expansion will allow all ninth and 10th grade students to participate in the courses, with 11th grade students gaining access to a third seminar course beginning in the 2027-28 school year.

The seminar courses are part of Schools of Success powered by 3DE and are designed to connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. Through Junior Achievement entrepreneurship-based projects and collaborative problem-solving activities, students work alongside peers while strengthening communication, creativity and critical thinking skills. Students also have the opportunity to earn college credit through Indiana Tech.

District leaders say the courses are intended to help students build confidence, discover their interests and better understand the many pathways available after high school while preparing them for future success.

“We also recognize there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education,” Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel said. “Every child has a unique journey, unique goals and unique needs, which is why we continue working closely with students and families to provide flexible opportunities and support systems that help each student pursue the path that is right for them.”

Families also have the option to request additional courses or opt out of seminar courses in consultation with their student’s school counselor.

More information about seminar course options is available on the FWCS seminar webpage.

When fifth-grade students at Washington Elementary shared they wished they had string instruments to play at school, music teacher Mrs. Ruth Koontz listened.

The students were excited about the possibility of trying something new and learning instruments they had not previously had access to in class. Wanting to create those opportunities for her students, Mrs. Koontz got to work.

Through a national grant from Music Will in partnership with Sweetwater, Washington Elementary was selected as one of just 30 schools nationwide to receive funding out of more than 300 applications.

The grant provided 21 ukuleles for students to begin learning and exploring music through string instruments. Because Mrs. Koontz is a trained pianist and Washington did not previously have a keyboard available for student instruction, three keyboards were also donated to help expand music learning opportunities for students.

The impact will extend beyond Washington Elementary. The instruments will also support music learning opportunities at Bunche Early Childhood Learning Center, giving even more students the opportunity to explore music and develop new skills.

What began as a classroom project to help students build musical instruments has grown into something much bigger.

After Memorial Park Middle School teacher Paul Ragon shared his dream of connecting students to music through hands-on instrument building, support began arriving from across the country. From donated violins and guidance from Sweetwater to a piece of aged walnut shipped from Washington state by a stranger who believed in the students’ potential.

More than instruments are being built in Mr. Ragon’s classroom. Confidence, creativity and opportunity are taking shape one piece at a time.

South Side High School recently dedicated its new Veterans Plaza, an outdoor space created to honor members of the military while giving students, staff and visitors a place to gather and reflect.

The project was first envisioned by history teacher Jon Baker and his students. With support from Kathy Carrier and the Bill Blass Legacy, Vietnam veterans and South Side alumni Pat Fraizer and Eric Johnson helped bring the idea to life.

The plaza features six Buddy Benches beneath large emblems representing each branch of the military, along with landscaping, lighting and a large flagpole at the south entrance of the school.

“We already have tributes inside the school to honor World War II, Korean, Vietnam veterans and Desert Storm/Desert Shield, but the new plaza is different,” Principal Zachary Harl said. “It will be a place where students, teachers and visitors will gather outdoors in an area honoring those who served our great country.”

The $30,000 project was funded through donations from alumni, veterans, students and community supporters. South Side students also helped raise funds and will assist in creating educational content connected to the display.

Phase II of the project is already underway and is expected to be dedicated later this year on Veterans Day.

For Bloomingdale Elementary third grade teacher Regan Jones, the most important part of teaching is making sure every student feels seen, supported and capable of success. That caring approach, combined with high expectations and meaningful instruction, has earned Jones the honor of being named the 2026 FWCS Elementary Teacher of the Year.

In just four years at Fort Wayne Community Schools, Jones has built a classroom where students are encouraged to take risks, build confidence and grow both academically and personally. Bloomingdale Principal Jennifer Evans said Jones creates an environment where students feel valued and motivated to embrace challenges each day.

“Regan embodies everything you hope for in a teacher,” Evans said. “She sets high expectations while leading with kindness and connection, and her impact is clear in the growth we see in every student.”

Finalists include:
Stacy Barry, Fourth Grade, Glenwood Park Elementary School
Emily Rathge, Third Grade, St. Joseph Central Elementary School
Amie Reneau, Multilingual Learners, Washington Elementary School
Theresa Rigg, Kindergarten, Harrison Hill Elementary School
Amy Settle, Second Grade, Fairfield Elementary School
Melissa Sliger, Kindergarten, Arlington Elementary School

Creating real-world learning experiences where students can build confidence and independence is what drives South Side High School Hospitality Management teacher LaShawnda Martin each day. Through hands-on projects and collaborative learning opportunities, Martin helps students develop skills they can carry into future careers and life beyond high school. Her commitment to students and career-connected learning has earned her the honor of being named the 2026 FWCS Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Now in her fifth year at Fort Wayne Community Schools, Martin is known for going above and beyond to support students both inside and outside the classroom. South Side Principal Zach Harl said Martin creates opportunities that allow students to take ownership of their learning while developing skills they will carry long after graduation.

“ LaShawnda works tirelessly to ensure students have what they need and is a true leader within our school community,” Harl said.

Finalists include:
Joseph Bittner, Math Teacher, North Side High School
Kristen Bakehorn, Language Arts Teacher, Blackhawk Middle School
Matthew Gebhard, Business Teacher, Amp Lab
Alisa Thompson, Criminal Justice Teacher, FWCS Career Academy
Brayden Wisehart, Special Education Teacher, Snider High School

Helping families feel welcomed, supported and connected is at the heart of the work Abbett Elementary bilingual case manager Paula Booth does each day. Through strong relationships and constant advocacy, Booth works to ensure Spanish-speaking families feel heard, understood and confident navigating the school system while supporting their children’s education. Her dedication to students, families and the school community has earned her the honor of being named the 2026 FWCS Employee of the Year.

Now in her fifth year at Fort Wayne Community Schools, Booth is known for going above and beyond to support families both during and after the school day.

Abbett Elementary Assistant Principal Rhea Ervin said Booth is a trusted advocate who helps families access important resources while creating lasting connections throughout the school community.

“Ms. Booth is instrumental in ensuring our Hispanic families have an advocate at Abbett,” Ervin said. “Our families trust her because they know how much she cares. She is an incredible support to both students and staff and an essential part of our school community.”

Finalists include:
Elyse Breeding, Guidance Secretary, Snider High School
Debbie A. Powers, Third Grade Instructional Asst., Glenwood Park Elementary School
Jennifer Wolford, Administrative Assistant, Kekionga Middle School
Mark A. Reneau, Administrative Assistant, Washington Elementary School

For more than a century, South Wayne Elementary School has been part of countless friendships, memories and milestones.

As the school closes its doors, its website has been transformed into a remembrance site where families, former students, staff and community members can explore decades of history through photos spanning the 1930s through 2026. Along the way, visitors may spot a favorite teacher, an old classmate or a familiar friend.

Community members are also invited to help preserve South Wayne’s legacy by sharing their own stories and memories through the website’s “Share Your Story” feature.

Clouds of bright color filled the air as Glenwood Park Elementary School celebrated 60 years of Panther Cub pride with a Color Run. The event brought students, families, staff and community members together for an unforgettable evening.

Students raced around the school building laughing as bursts of color covered shirts and faces. The evening celebrated the friendships, traditions and school spirit that have helped shape Glenwood Park over the past six decades.

The celebration also included a special moment recognizing Aja Curtis, Audrey Dailey and Lydia Hentz as recipients of the Indiana PTA Lifetime Achievement Award for their dedication and service to students and families.

A special thank you to Sodexo, Walmart and the many community sponsors whose support helped make the colorful celebration possible.

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