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April 2025 Blazer Gazette
Exciting Updates and Announcements at the Career Academy Network of Public Schools!
Candy's Corner
April has been a busy and exciting month at Career Academy Network of Public Schools! We started the month with a well-deserved Spring Break, giving our students and staff time to recharge and gear up for the busy weeks ahead.
Upon returning, our students in grades K-8 jumped right into iLearn testing. Thanks to the hard work and leadership of our principals, instructional coaches, and school teams, testing ran smoothly across all buildings. Their careful preparation and support made a big difference in helping students feel ready to do their best. We are proud to share that iLearn testing wrapped up successfully at the end of the month.
Our high school students have been equally busy. Ninth-grade students took the Biology iLearn test, and we are thrilled to report a 6% increase in students passing compared to last year—an exciting sign of academic growth! In addition, students in grades 9 and 10 completed the PSAT, a key step in preparing for future academic success and college readiness.
There’s also exciting news on the facilities front. Renovations at The Bend are moving forward. The new concrete floor is officially complete, and walls will begin going up during the first week of May. We are thrilled to see the progress and can’t wait for the updates that will continue to enhance our students’ learning environments.
Career and technical education continues to thrive as well. Jim Thorne, our new CTE Director, has been working closely with the team to support the growth of CASEC, our student-run business. Under his leadership, students are gaining valuable hands-on experience, and new opportunities for career pathways are being developed and expanded.
Creativity and leadership are also alive and well at The Portage School of Leaders (TPSOL). A group of talented students are hard at work preparing a one-act play—written by one of their very own classmates! They will be putting on the production in mid-May, and we can’t wait to see their hard work, collaboration, and creativity shine on stage.
As we close out April and head into May, we are grateful for the continued hard work, enthusiasm, and resilience of our students, staff, and families. Together, we are building brighter futures and making Career Academy Network a place where every student can succeed and grow.
Stay tuned for more updates as we head into the final stretch of the school year!
Skills for the future: a Portage Priority
Skills for the Future (SFF) is a partnership between ETS* and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement for Teaching which seeks to measure durable skills identified as essential for student success in school and in their future endeavors. SFF aligns with the vision of the Portage School of measuring learning based on progress toward competencies rather than seat time. We are grateful to be part of the inaugural design team launching SFF in select high schools throughout the country. This is an exciting opportunity, not only for our school, but for the general landscape of learning in this moment.
Amy Ryan, Academic Lead and Instructional Coach, recently shared her experience with the implementation of Skills for the Future at the Portage School of Leaders and her hopes for how this partnership will impact our school and, most importantly, our students.
Amy reflected on the growth of our school through this partnership, saying,: “We’re in a space where we’ve been working on durable skills and competencies at the Portage School since day zero and there’s this undercurrent happening where there’s movement on local, state, and national levels. To be at the spearhead of it is really thrilling. “
She furthered, “It’s also about how we can be helpful and supportive in measuring the things that sometimes feel unmeasurable. Durable skills are things that educators have been asking for from students forever. Task management, collaboration, persistence. We’ve been asking for these things and work with students on those skills, but we’ve struggled to capture them with real qualitative data points: we might often say something like, “I don’t know what it is, but that kid has it.” I am not convinced that these things are not measurable. Skills for the Future, alongside our competency-based approach and our learning scales, has allowed us to take things that feel nebulous and impossible to measure, like persistence, into a context where they have some key “look fors” and indicators of progress. Being in this program means that we are part of helping how we quantify these things at broader levels, not just at our school.”
When prompted to consider the impact SFF will have on our students, Amy shared, “We are part of the SFF pilot program, so there are new things happening every week that we are learning and uncovering. It’s changing all the time. It’s been exciting to see students engage with the SFF tool itself. The program runs on adapted AI and, at first blush, that can feel sanitized. One of the first things that happened when students logged in is that every single one of them was greeted by name. It was such a small moment, but it was a key moment that helped them buy in.
SFF focuses on three major competencies that they’re examining and, within these three big picture competencies are what I am calling “microskills”. Under collaboration, for example, you see twelve microskills, including empathy and conflict resolution. What’s cool about that is that when we are having conversations about our competencies–like collaboration–they can talk about and write about their experiences with these microskills, and also use them as deposits in their competency banks. It’s not only enhancing my understanding of our learning scales, but it’s also helping our students unpack some of the bigger competencies.”
We are grateful to be part of the SFF pilot program and look forward to sharing more updates with our community in the weeks ahead. You can learn more about Skills for the Future, as well as ETS* and the Carnegie Foundation here.
Career Academy Students Participate in Indiana Senate Page Program
Late last month, a group of Career Academy Middle and High School students from grades 8 through 12 had the unique opportunity to visit the Indiana State House and participate in the Indiana Senate’s Page Program. This immersive experience allowed students to step into the world of state government, learning firsthand about the legislative process.
During their visit, students met with Senator David Niezgodski and Representative Dale DeVon, engaging in meaningful discussions and asking insightful questions about policymaking and civic leadership. They also received a guided tour of the historic State House, including stops at the Governor’s and Lieutenant Governor’s offices.
A highlight of the day was observing the Senate Education Committee in action, where legislators reviewed and debated House bills, discussing potential amendments before moving forward in the legislative process. This real-world exposure provided students with a deeper understanding of how laws are shaped and refined before becoming official state policies.
To put their knowledge to the test, students participated in a mock legislative session, where they formed committees, drafted bills, and simulated the lawmaking process from proposal to final vote. The three student groups each selected a topic of importance to them:
School Start & End Times with Mental Health Breaks
School Lunch Quality & Options
Dress Code Policies
After presenting their proposed legislation and debating the merits of each bill, all three passed successfully!
This hands-on experience reinforced classroom learning and inspired students to think critically about the issues that impact their education and communities. The visit served as a powerful reminder that young voices matter in shaping the future of public policy.
CASB Middle & High School Student Showcase Night Shines Bright!
This year’s CASB Middle School & High School Student Showcase Night was nothing short of extraordinary! From hands-on projects to captivating presentations, our students impressed the community with their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and depth of knowledge. The event served as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the incredible support of our teachers and families.
A Showcase of Talent Across All Subjects
Throughout the night, students demonstrated their learning in exciting and innovative ways, bringing academic concepts to life through a variety of engaging projects. The event featured a wide range of subjects, each highlighting the unique skills and passions of our students.
- Engineering 3D-printed models – Students used cutting-edge technology to design and create intricate models, applying engineering principles and problem-solving skills.
- Designing persuasive advertisements – Business-minded students developed compelling ads, utilizing elements of marketing, design, and persuasive writing to communicate their messages effectively.
- Crafting laser-cut state signs – Precision and creativity were on display as students incorporated geography, design, and technology to produce detailed state signs using laser-cutting techniques.
- Showcasing stunning biology-inspired artwork – From detailed anatomical sketches to nature-inspired paintings, students merged science and art to create breathtaking visual representations of biological concepts.
Each project reflected countless hours of dedication, collaboration, and critical thinking, with students applying classroom knowledge in practical and meaningful ways.
Standout Moments: Innovation and Exploration in Action
One of the most impressive highlights of the night was the 8th-grade State and National Park project, where students conducted in-depth research to explore geography, environmental science, history, and mathematics. This interdisciplinary project encouraged students to think holistically, making connections across multiple subjects while deepening their understanding of national landmarks and ecosystems.
Another exciting showcase came from Mr. Bernhard’s Engineering class, where students tackled a real-world design challenge: creating a permanent display for all 50 state license plates. Not only did they rise to the challenge, but their final product exceeded expectations, demonstrating an impressive blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and engineering expertise.
A Community Effort: Thank You to Our Supporters
This incredible night would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our teachers, families, and community members. Our dedicated educators played a vital role in guiding, mentoring, and inspiring students to push the boundaries of their learning. Parents, friends, and guests provided the encouragement and enthusiasm that fueled students’ confidence and motivation.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright
The CASB Student Showcase Night is more than just an event—it is a celebration of curiosity, innovation, and the limitless potential of our students. Each year, we are amazed by the remarkable ideas and talents on display, and we can’t wait to see what our students will accomplish next.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible evening of learning, creativity, and discovery. We look forward to an even bigger and better showcase next year!
Experiential Learning in Action: Potawatomi Zoo Field Trip
On April 24th, our Kindergarten and 1st Grade students from Success Academy at Boys and Girls Club embarked on an exciting experiential learning adventure to the Potawatomi Zoo! This hands-on field trip brought classroom learning to life as our Mighty Giants explored the natural world up close.
Throughout the day, students were able to name a wide variety of animals and engage in conversations about their habitats—reinforcing science and vocabulary skills in a fun, real-world setting. One of the most memorable highlights? Feeding the giraffes! Students were amazed by the gentle giants and their long, curious tongues.
The petting farm gave our young learners the chance to interact with familiar animals in a caring and respectful way, developing empathy and social-emotional awareness. Of course, no zoo trip would be complete without a ride on the carousel—smiles and laughter filled the air as students spun around with their friends.
It was truly a GREAT DAY for the Mighty Giants, filled with discovery, joy, and meaningful connections between what we learn in school and the world around us. We’re so proud of how our scholars represented Success Academy with curiosity, kindness, and enthusiasm!
300,000 Meals and Counting!
A Huge THANK YOU to Our Chartwells Food Service Team!
Did you know that since the start of the 2024–2025 school year, the Chartwells Foodservice Team has served an incredible 300,000 meals across the Career Academy Network of Public Schools?
That averages out to a whopping 18,750 meals per team member — talk about impressive cooking!
We want to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing Chartwells Team. Your dedication, hard work, and delicious meals help keep our students happy, healthy, and ready to learn every single day.
CHEERS TO YOU — the unsung heroes behind the scenes who nourish our CANOPS community with every plate you serve!
Spotlight on Education: Students Leading the Future of Teaching
At Career Academy South Bend High School, we are committed to fostering leadership, innovation, and community impact. This month, we proudly highlight two extraordinary students, Elliott H. and Sam H., who have pioneered initiatives to support future educators through the Garatoni-Smith Scholars Program and the Innovative Teacher Scholarship. Their dedication to strengthening the education field is an inspiring example of student-driven change.
Recognizing the challenges aspiring teachers face, Elliott and Sam collaborated to create a scholarship program to remove financial barriers and encourage more students to pursue careers in education. Their efforts led to establishing the Innovative Teacher Scholarship, supported by the Garatoni-Smith Family Foundation. This initiative provides substantial financial assistance to students who commit to shaping the next generation of learners.
Sam and Elliott have taken significant steps to support future educators by spearheading innovative scholarship programs. Sam led the charge in establishing the Innovative Teacher Scholarship, backed by the Garatoni-Smith Family Foundation, to alleviate financial burdens for aspiring teachers. Offering $5,000 annually and an initial $500 deposit for college application fees, this initiative was inspired by Sam’s experiences mentoring middle school students in the Career Academy Instrumental Music Program. Despite challenges in coordinating meetings with school leadership, Sam and Elliott remained persistent, ultimately securing approval for the scholarship to ensure future educators receive the support they need.
Elliott, who plans to study elementary education at Indiana University South Bend, sees the program as a way to remove financial barriers and encourage more students to pursue teaching. “I hope to eliminate the fear of pursuing education because I think it is a beautiful and fascinating career,” Elliott shared. “We need to embrace diversity and creativity within the classroom because that brings joy to our world.”
Together, Sam and Elliott exemplify the power of student-driven change, demonstrating that passion, perseverance, and innovation can shape the future of education.
The Innovative Teacher Scholarship seeks to address the teacher shortage by making the education pathway more financially accessible. “If you help pay for college, more people will be interested in becoming teachers because they won’t have to worry as much about student debt,” Sam explained. Elliott echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that financial barriers should not prevent passionate individuals from pursuing teaching.
Looking ahead, Elliott and Sam hope these programs will expand, attracting more students to the teaching pathway. “Only five students, including myself, are on this path. If we talk about it more and increase funding, I believe we can expand participation,” Sam said.
After graduating, Sam plans to attend Manchester University, drawn by its strong sense of community, while Elliott will attend IUSB to study elementary education. Both students remain committed to making a difference in their communities and beyond.
These student-driven initiatives highlight the impact of leadership and innovation at Career Academy South Bend. Through the Garatoni-Smith Family Foundation and the Innovative Teacher Scholarship, Elliott Hostetler and Sam Hudak set a powerful precedent for future students. Their commitment to improving education and removing financial barriers is a testament to the ability of students to create lasting change.
As we continue to support and celebrate our student’s achievements, we look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects of these programs in the years to come. Stay tuned for more updates on how our students are shaping the future of education!
Career Academy Middle School Students Connect with Scientists Across the Nation and Beyond!
Seventh-grade science students at Career Academy Middle School are broadening their horizons through the Letters to a Scientist program, which pairs young learners with real-world scientists in various fields. The program, led by science teacher Sam Farmer, allows students to engage in meaningful correspondence with professionals in STEM careers.
Farmer first introduced the program to her classroom in 2018-2019 and, after returning to Career Academy, decided to reintegrate it into the curriculum. The program, which operates nationwide and includes U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, connects students with scientists based on their academic interests and personal hobbies. This matching process ensures that even students who may not initially be interested in science can still find a connection with their scientist pen pal.
To participate, teachers must apply and undergo a selection process that evaluates school demographics and teacher experience. Once accepted, students complete surveys about their scientific interests and hobbies, which are used to match them with scientists. Over the course of the year, students exchange four letters with their assigned scientist, discussing topics such as college experiences, career challenges, and personal growth.
Although the program maintains strict privacy guidelines to ensure student safety, the impact is profound. Farmer noted that students often receive more than just letters—many scientists send journals, college swag, and other small tokens to inspire and engage their young correspondents.
Students have found the experience eye-opening and engaging. Seventh-grader Gavin K. shared that he enjoys learning about the daily life of scientists and the obstacles they have faced. His classmate Scott K. appreciates the opportunity to connect with professionals in various fields, while Maya J. values the encouragement and advice she has received from her pen pal.
One of the program’s key benefits is its ability to spark curiosity beyond the classroom. Farmer has witnessed students making real-world connections between their studies and the research their scientist pen pals are conducting. One student, whose pen pal specializes in fossils, is particularly excited about an upcoming unit on paleontology. Others have gained insights into potential college paths and career opportunities they might not have considered before.
Beyond scientific knowledge, the program fosters essential life skills. Students learn how to write formal letters, adequately address envelopes, and express themselves professionally. These cross-curricular benefits extend into language arts, social studies, and personal development as students gain exposure to new perspectives and cultures through interactions.
Looking ahead, Farmer hopes to expand the program by introducing a mentoring aspect, where current seventh-graders can serve as pen pals for incoming sixth-graders. The program’s long-term impact is already visible, as former students frequently ask whether the pen pal initiative is returning.
For educators considering integrating into their classrooms, Farmer highlights its multifaceted benefits: “It’s not just about science—it’s about building relationships, learning real-life skills, and exposing students to possibilities they may never have imagined.”
By continuing to facilitate these unique learning experiences, Career Academy Middle School is helping students expand their worldviews and discover new passions, one letter at a time.
CASB Names Darren Daniel as Trailblazer HeaD Basketball coach
Career Academy High School is excited to announce the appointment of Darren Daniel as the new head coach of the Trailblazers boys’ basketball program. Coach Daniel brings passion, experience, and a deep commitment to player growth and team excellence.
Coach Daniel is concluding his second year with the Career Academy Network of Public Schools and most recently led the junior varsity squad, where he quickly became known for his strong leadership, focus on player development, and dedication to building a positive, hardworking team culture.
Originally from Alabama, Daniel was a standout three-sport athlete at Central High School, excelling in football, basketball, and track. He went on to compete at the collegiate level in both football and basketball at Stanford University before transferring to Columbus State University to pursue basketball full-time. After college, Daniel played quarterback in the Arena Football League, further expanding his experience in competitive athletics.
Coach Daniel’s diverse athletic background and passion for mentorship make him an inspiring leader for the Trailblazers. We are proud to have him at the helm as we enter an exciting new chapter for the boys’ basketball program. Please join us in congratulating Coach Daniel on his new role—Go Trailblazers!
Ms. Dooley Brings the Gaga Ball Hype to Life!
When SASB Principal Sybil Snyder first joined the SASB team, she was met with a surprising suggestion: remove the Gaga pits.
“I received some feedback indicating I should look into having the Gaga pits removed,” she recalled. “The kids weren’t interested, didn’t know how to play, and fights sometimes broke out—so they were seen as a safety concern. I remember thinking distinctly, or we could teach them how to play. So we did.”
And that simple shift in mindset made all the difference.
Enter Ms. Dooley, our dynamic and passionate PE teacher, who has always had a knack for turning potential into progress. This winter, she took that challenge head-on, determined to bring gaga ball back—and better than ever.
“When I returned to SASB in August,” Ms. Dooley shared, “I couldn’t believe the students had been unable to use the gaga pits at recess in years. What a missed opportunity for both the students and the adults in the building. Teaching PE at a school with (not only one, but two) outdoor gaga pits is like winning the lottery.
To get things rolling, she asked for a portion of the PE budget to purchase indoor gaga pits so she could begin teaching the game during the winter months. She hoped to train students in a fun, structured way so that by spring, they’d be ready to hit the ground running—literally. It was an easy decision, and it was one of the best investments we’ve made.
Now that the sun is shining again, the gaga pits are alive with movement and laughter. Students are outside playing every chance they get, taking turns, cheering each other on, and showing genuine excitement for this fast-paced game.
“I have the best career in the world,” Ms. Dooley said. “For eight hours each day, I get to see kids smiling and laughing for 40 minutes while they exercise. How many of us can say that we smile while we exercise? Gaga ball forces a player to move, to be agile, and to learn about healthy competition and sportsmanship. I am so grateful for my administration for allowing me to invest in a tool that helps students fall in love with exercise.”
And if you’re unsure what gaga ball pit is. It’s a high-energy, friendly twist on dodgeball, played inside an octagonal pit. Players use open hands to hit the ball at or below opponents’ knees. Once you’re hit, you’re out. Last player standing wins!
Bonus: Ms. Dooley even taught students safe and creative ways to play at home in small spaces. So families, don’t be surprised if you’re challenged to a living room showdown sometime soon!
Thanks to Ms. Dooley’s vision, leadership support, and willingness to try something new, our students are more active, engaged, and excited than ever. We’re beyond grateful for educators who see possibilities where others see problems and who bring joy to our school every single day.
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Fax: 574-288-6125 
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