5/3/2024 Parent Newsletter

Important 1:1 Laptop Info for the 2024-2025 School year -

All grades (5-8) will be provided a school-issued Chromebook for their 1:1 device for the 2024-2025 Calendar School Year. For more information, visit the website here.

Upcoming Events!

  • 5/6 - Nurses' Day
  • 5/6 - PTO Meeting (1 pm)
  • 5/6-5/10 - Teacher Appreciation Week
  • 5/9 - 6th Grade Field Trip (Starkey Park)
  • 5/10 - PTO Ice Cream Sales
  • 5/10 - SAL Field Trip to ZMS (Unified Champions)
  • 5/13 - Board Meeting (6pm)
  • 5/13 - 7th & 8th Grade Band & Jazz Band Spring Concert
  • 5/14 - 5th & 6th Grade Band Spring Concert
  • 5/13-5/17 - Spirit Week (rescheduled)
  • 5/20 - 7th & 8th Grade Orchestra Spring Concert
  • 5/21 - 5th & 6th Grade Orchestra Spring Concert
  • 5/22 - 5th & 6th Grade Choir Spring Concert
  • 5/23 - 7th & 8th Grade Choir Spring Concert

High Ability Deadlines

  • The Indiana Department of Education requires school districts to identify high ability (gifted) students and provide them with appropriately differentiated curriculum and instruction. In ZCS, we consider ability and achievement data of all students each spring to identify any who may need advanced instruction and/or curriculum. While the official designation is a state-required label for students, our school district is committed to continuous progress for all students, regardless of designation. Accelerated content is common in our classrooms as are heightened expectations and instructional levels and high-achieving peers. Instructional methods group and regroup students regularly with differentiated materials and goals. Our teachers are committed to regular assessment of skills and knowledge and matching experiences to challenge each child and help them make maximum academic growth. We are proud to be a high-performing school district with high expectations for all students.
  • For Students Currently in Grades 4-7: At this level students are identified more formally for high ability classes. All students are considered for high ability each year. Our identification team considers either achievement (NWEA) or ability (CoGAT) when making decisions. Parents will be notified on June 1st if their child has been recommended for differentiation based on the need for accelerated instruction or curriculum. If your child was not identified through our extensive process, parents may appeal the decision. Parents can complete the appeal process by June 15. Forms are located here.
  • If your child is currently in high ability class(es), you will not receive an email because this placement will continue for the next school year.

2024-2025 School Immunizations Update

  • Information LINK HERE
  • Current 5th graders will need to show that they have received the TDAP and MCV4 by the 20th day of school for the 24-25 school year. This date is September 10th, 2024.
  • If you object to immunizations, an updated and signed Religious or Medical exemption letter must be on file for each school year, also by the 20th day of school.
  • Please send in updated immunization records when you receive them.
  • If your student has an appointment date after September 10th , 2024, please forward that information to the ZWest Health Clinic.
The ZWMS 5th graders have the opportunity to see author Lisa Fipps speak on Monday, May 6th, during homeroom and 1st period. Her debut novel, Starfish, has been really popular this year among the students, and it has already won 13 awards. It is relatable because it is based on her experiences in middle school. Her second novel, And Then, BOOM!, will be coming out the week of her visit. Lisa is an Indiana native, and we are blessed to have the chance to hear from someone in the literary field!
The 2023-24 school year is almost in the books! Thanks for a great year of reading. All ZWMS Media Center books and lost book fees are due Friday 17th.
CLICK HERE to donate/send Eagle Honors
Our 8th graders will be celebrating their final days at the annual 8th grade party during school on May 29 at ZWest. Questions? Please reach out to Jenni Phenicie (jennibaumgartner@hotmail.com) or Kristie Goehausen (kgreenla@yahoo.com)

8th Grade Parents!

  • It’s that time of year when we can order yard signs to celebrate our rising 9th graders. The graphic shows what they will look like.
  • If you’d like to purchase a yard sign, please fill out THIS GOOGLE FORM by 5/12. They are $15 each. Kristin McKee is taking payment via Venmo (@Kristin-McKee-5), but if you’d rather do cash, please let PTO know.
  • There will be more info for porch pickup in mid-May.

Health Clinic News

  • When dropping off medications or medical supplies for the Health Clinic, please check in at the Front Office. The Clinic staff will be ready to assist you at the clinic window when available.
  • All medical forms are located on the ZCS website/Health Forms.
  • If you need to consult with the Health Clinic staff during the school day, please contact us at zwmnurse@zcs.k12.in.us.
  • Thank you for your patience during the school day.

PTO Highlights

  • Teacher Appreciation Week is next week! If you're thinking about showing appreciation, or maybe an end-of-year gift, please CLICK HERE to see what your ZWest teachers, staff and bus drivers have shared as their favorite snacks, gift cards, and school supply items. Thank you!
  • Want the latest on ZWest PTO events? Follow us on Remind @zwmspto. Also, check out our Facebook and Instagram pages. Search ZWEST PTO. Need a PTO question answered? Please email zwmspto@zcs.k12.in.us
Click HERE for Child Find details.
Community Flyers LINK