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 reconsider ability and achievement data of all students each spring to identify any who may need further consideration for high ability differentiation. While the High Ability 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 regularly group and regroup students with differentiated materials and goals. Whether or not a child is identified as High Ability, our teachers are committed to regular assessment of skills and knowledge and matching experiences to challenge each child and help him or her 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 1-3: All students are considered for high ability each year. Our identification team looks at both achievement (NWEA) and ability (OLSAT). Since these vary from year to year with young students, we re-look at every student each spring. Parents will be notified by June 10 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 on the High Ability website: https://1.cdn.edl.io/STFd2znmUm9v64tOK0o5GHa56Sylujl5JYhwFChIXdtXGo0P.pdf

For students currently in grades 4-7: All students are considered for high ability each year. Our identification team considers either achievement (NWEA) or ability (OLSAT) when making decisions. Parents will be notified by June 10 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 on the High Ability website: https://1.cdn.edl.io/STFd2znmUm9v64tOK0o5GHa56Sylujl5JYhwFChIXdtXGo0P.pdf

The Board adopted school calendar for the school year starting in August can be found at https://1.cdn.edl.io/B38VXGlS2HvNBsvQYWZDQN15CXmQt1CCsEhjPb7xBrFuoQ2r.pdf

In keeping with this year’s configuration, our first snow day next school year, if we have one, will be tacked on as a make-up day in May. Thereafter, we will use e-days in real time to avoid additional make-up days. Specifics about how this process would work in the event of a protracted weather event or other reason for cancelation will be shared in the fall by school principals. So, why talk about snow days now? We just cannot assume that it will not snow in August after the way Mother Nature behaved in April of this year!

Following are important dates for parents to note for 2018-2019.

1. High school late start days will occur each Wednesday with school beginning at 9:10 AM. (October 10 may not be a late start due to mandatory national PSAT testing administration, but this will be determined closer to the date and communicated to high school parents.)

2. Middle school e-Days will occur on 9/13, 10/4, 11/15, and 3/21.

3. Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences will have specific days/dates in 2018-2019: Wednesday, 10/3 and Thursday, 10/4.

• October 3rd will be a normal student day, and teachers will offer conference times in the 2:30-3:30 time frame.
  
• October 4th will be e-Day at the elementary level (middle schools are on e-Day on this date as well). Elementary teachers will offer conference times for parents from 11:10AM to 7:00PM.
  

Parents of children whose immunizations are not up-to-date should contact their health care provider or the Boone County Health Department to schedule an appointment for the necessary immunizations. Some pharmacies also carry the necessary vaccines.

If parents object to immunizations, a written objection must be on file in the school office by September 5, 2018. This must be updated yearly. Children who do not have up-to-date vaccinations records by that date will not be allowed to return to school until the proper immunization information is on file. Students who have appointments with their health care provider after the 20th day, must present proof of that appointment in order to stay in school.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Amy Deinlein at 317-873-2226 x 14104

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR VOLUNTEERS

We value partnerships with our families and welcome parents and guardians to serve as volunteers in our schools. Each ZCS building offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities.

Examples include:

• Field Trip Chaperones
• Out of Town/Overnight Chaperones
• Tutors
• Volunteer Coaches
• Classroom Helpers (PTO parties/room parents)
• Library Helpers
• After Prom Workers
• Field Day/Jog-A-Thon Volunteers
• Book Fair Sales/Athletic Ticket Sales

During the school day, all volunteers are expected to sign in at the front office. Prior to the volunteer opportunity, all volunteers must sign a Non-disclosure Acknowledgement Form and have successfully completed a Full Criminal History Background Check. Necessary background check paperwork is available on the ZCS website at the Volunteers/BRAVO link and should be submitted at least 10 days prior to the intended volunteer date. Volunteers must also view the state mandated confidentiality/bullying video, provided on the Volunteer/BRAVO website. The volunteer will pay the fee* for the full background check which will expire after 5 years. The link to apply for the full background check can be accessed on the Volunteers/BRAVO link on the ZCS main webpage. For more information, contact the Volunteer/BRAVO Coordinator.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR VISITORS

During the school day, all visitors must enter via the front door and sign-in at the front office. Visitors need to be prepared to present a government issued photo ID which will be scanned against the National Sex Offender Registry. All visitors will be issued a visitor badge/tag to be worn inside the building at all times.

Examples Include:

• Lunch Guests
• Classroom Guest Speakers
• Classroom Special Events (Grandparent Day/Famous Hoosiers/etc.)
• Parent/Teacher Conferences

We ask that all visitors schedule an appointment to meet with teachers, counselors, administrators and all other staff members so that we may best serve everyone. Visitors other than parents/guardians must be prearranged and organized through the main office.

*ZCS thanks all volunteers for generous support of our youth and schools. Thank you, too, for supporting assurance of student and staff safety by completing and paying for a volunteer background check.