FRIDAY
FIVE
The Home Stretch Begins
Spring Break has passed, and the final stretch of the school year is here. Classrooms are busy, stages are full of activity, athletic fields are active, and milestones are in the making across ZCS. It is a season of energy, focus, and celebration.
This week, we are introducing The Sound of Home, a new video story series featuring ZCS graduates who have returned to serve in our schools. Their stories reflect the leadership, connection, and sense of belonging that define this community.
The Sound of Home
Here is a look at what is happening across our schools.
April 10, 2026
A National Honor for
Aerie
ZCHS yearbook earns Silver Crown from Columbia Scholastic Press Association
Zionsville Community High School’s Aerie yearbook earned a Silver Crown from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, one of the highest honors in student journalism.
The 2025 edition, themed “Now You Know,” was recognized for its cohesive storytelling, thoughtful coverage, and innovative design. Aerie was one of just 42 high school yearbooks nationwide to receive a Gold or Silver Crown this year and the only school from Indiana to earn the distinction.
Student editors were recognized during the CSPA Spring Convention at Columbia University, where judges praised the publication for capturing the full story of the school community with creativity and depth.
This recognition reflects the talent, dedication, and student voice that define Zionsville Community Schools.
Aerie editors Riley Byers, Avery Krieble, Ananya Tripathi, Maddy Peters, Macy Adams, Grayson Shaw, and Kat Smith attend the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Spring Convention on the Columbia University campus, where they were awarded a CSPA Silver Crown for the 2025 “Now You Know” yearbook.
Aerie editors Macy Adams, Kat Smith, Riley Byers, Grayson Shaw, Maddy Peters, Avery Krieble, Ananya Tripathi and adviser Lauren Wagner receive their Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown at the CSPA Spring Convention awards ceremony in New York City on March 20.
Making Waves
at State
“The Spirit of Water” carries ZCHS Indoor Percussion to a seventh state championship
On the first Saturday of spring break, the ZCHS Indoor Percussion ensemble (ZIP) won the Indiana Percussion Association State Championship. Indoor percussion is an activity similar to marching band, but only utilizes students playing percussion instruments, synthesizers, and visual choreography.
“Indoor percussion is a wonderful and rewarding activity, and I am proud of the students for their excellent work ethic. I am thankful for the support of the band boosters, parent volunteers, and for the support of the school administrators”.
ZIP Indoor Percussion Director Michael Rennaker
Good luck to the ZCHS Indoor Percussion students as they compete in the world championship event next weekend in Dayton, Ohio.
A Celebration
of Literacy Excellence
ZCS elementary schools recognized for outstanding IREAD performance
ZCS Elementary schools were recognized by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) at the state’s Literacy Achievement Celebration for earning a 95 percent or higher pass rate on the 2025 IREAD assessment.
The schools were honored at a ceremony held at the Indiana Statehouse, celebrating student success and the strong foundation in reading built each day in classrooms.
This recognition reflects the dedication of students, teachers, and families working together to support early literacy and lifelon
Friday Five April 10
