August 2025 Blazer Gazette

From the Desk of Dr. Candy Van Buskirk: A Strong Start to the 2025–26 School Year

What an incredible start to the school year for the Career Academy Network of Public Schools! The energy, excitement, and commitment I’ve seen in our classrooms and hallways set the tone for what will be an outstanding year.

We began the year by welcoming our new Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Nathan Boyd. In just a few days, Nathan has already been in buildings connecting with staff, greeting students, and engaging in conversations about learning. His experience and passion for student-centered education will be a tremendous asset to our team.

We’ve also welcomed several new teachers and staff members across our schools—individuals who are already making strong connections with students. And of course, we are thrilled to welcome many new students and families into the CANOPS community. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your educational journey.

At Success Academy at Boys & Girls Club (SABGC), our students had a first-day surprise—being greeted by the Notre Dame Women’s Soccer Team. The smiles, high-fives, and encouragement from those athletes were an inspiring way to start the year.

Success Academy Primary School (SAPS) began with staff lined along the sidewalk, greeting students as they arrived. That intentional welcome is so powerful—it tells every student, “We are glad you are here, and you matter.”

Over at Career Academy Middle and High School (CASB), we opened The Bend, our newly renovated space designed for our growing student population. The updates create more opportunities for collaboration and community-building, and the excitement in the air was tangible.

At The Portage School of Leaders (PSOL), we launched a new “stacked” course model—integrating subjects like math, science, and history into one course where students earn credit in each. This layered approach mirrors the way knowledge connects in the real world and will help students see deeper meaning in their learning.

This year, our Maker Spaces and World of Work programs will also expand. Students in grades K–5 will begin exploring careers through the RIASEC framework, helping them discover their strengths and interests early on. It’s another step in preparing every student for success in college, career, and life.

In classrooms across the network, I’ve seen so many moments that reflect our mission in action—kindergarten teachers helping students through those emotional first-day goodbyes, upper elementary students leaning into curiosity-driven learning, and middle and high school students getting organized, adapting to new schedules, and completing diagnostic testing that will help us personalize their instruction.

The first week of school doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the product of months of planning, dedication, and collaboration. I want to thank every teacher, administrator, and staff member for the work you’ve done to create such a welcoming and engaging start. I also want to thank our families for your trust and partnership, and our students for showing up ready to learn and grow.

If this first week is any indication, the 2025–26 school year will be one of innovation, connection, and achievement. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Here’s to a year filled with learning, leading, and thriving—together.

With appreciation,
Dr. Candy Van Buskirk