February 2025 Blazer Gazette

Home February 2025 Blazer Gazette

Exciting Updates and Announcements at the Career Academy Network of Public Schools!

Jeremy's Corner

As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s take time to honor the achievements and countless contributions that African Americans have made to our nation’s history. This impact has played a profound role in shaping our community and country. We must continue engaging in meaningful conversations throughout 2025 to reflect on the legacy of those who came before us and to inspire our scholars to create their own paths forward.

We are beginning a new chapter in our network’s growth. This week, we will begin renovation activities within the building located next to Career Academy at 3919 Crescent Circle. This project marks an exciting milestone as we work to expand our facilities to better serve our students. The renovation will provide additional classroom space with the goal of eliminating waitlists for students. I’m thrilled to see this transformation unfold throughout the semester.

Last week, I had the opportunity to testify at the statehouse in Indianapolis supporting Senate Bill 518. This critical piece of legislation, if passed, will provide equitable local property tax revenue sharing, which will greatly benefit our schools and allow us to provide additional access and opportunity for students. I will continue advocating for policies that promote equitable funding for our schools.

Spring is less than one month away. Onward!

Inspiring the Next Generation: Isaac Moore's Journey from Educator to Author

At Success Academy, Isaac Moore is not only a Student Support Center (SSC) coordinator—he’s a mentor, a problem solver, and now, an author. In a recent interview, Moore shared his inspiration for writing his debut children’s book, Today I Tried My Best. It is a heartfelt story encouraging kids to give their best effort, no matter the obstacles they face.

Moore’s book was born out of his deep passion for student success. Having worked as a physical education teacher before transitioning into his current role, he witnessed firsthand how students often give up too quickly when faced with challenges. Today I Tried My Best aims to instill resilience in young minds, teaching them that trying their hardest truly matters, even in difficult moments.

“I wanted kids to see that they should at least try anything they want to do,” Moore explained. “I’ve always been a risk-taker and want to pass that on to our young people. Even when something is hard or new, they should know it’s worth the effort.”

The book’s central message closely mirrors Moore’s mindset. He believes in stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing challenges, and pushing forward even in uncertain situations. As someone who works daily with students who need extra support, Moore integrates these values into his work, ensuring students see that effort and perseverance lead to growth.

Student feedback has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his book’s journey. He has seen them engage meaningfully with the book’s message, sparking conversations about perseverance and determination.

Since its release, Today I Tried My Best has been met with overwhelmingly positive reception, selling over 200 copies—far exceeding Moore’s expectations. The success of the book has encouraged him to continue writing, with plans for more children’s books in the future, all centered around empowering young readers and reinforcing important life lessons.

“Anything you want to do, any idea you have—just put it out there,” Moore advised. “You never know how it will be received and don’t want to live with regret.”

Beyond his work as an educator, Moore sees writing as another way to impact students’ lives. His future books will continue to champion messages of resilience, confidence, and personal growth. Additionally, he hopes to expand the reach of Today I Tried My Best through school partnerships and broader distribution channels.

Isaac Moore’s journey from educator to author is an inspiring testament to the power of taking risks, believing in oneself, and striving for excellence. Through his book, he motivates young readers and leads by example, showing them that anything is possible with effort and determination.

Career Academy South Bend’s CASEC Program: Building Real-World Skills

Career Academy South Bend (CASB) is committed to preparing students for both college and technical careers, recognizing that not all paths lead to higher education. This vision inspired the Career Academy Student Enterprise Corporation (CASEC), a hands-on program that operates like a real business, providing students with valuable industry experience.

“The idea behind CASEC was to give students a safe space to learn how to start and run a business while gaining practical job skills,” said Justin Baney, Student Enterprise Business Coach at the Career Academy Network of Public Schools. “Mistakes are part of the process here, and they’re treated as opportunities to grow.”

Launched this year, CASEC is a student-led initiative focused on manufacturing and tech repair. Students work with cutting-edge tools, including the nation’s only high school Markforged Metal X 3D printer, honing their skills in additive and subtractive manufacturing. Resources like The Future Lab at Portage School of Leaders further support students in earning certifications and entering competitive trade fields.

One of CASEC’s standout projects involved collaboration with NASA. Students printed a part for testing sound on an exposed propeller, innovatively using carbon fiber inlay with onyx instead of aluminum. The 15-hour print passed all vibration tests, showcasing CASEC’s ability to contribute to groundbreaking advancements.

The program is structured with student executives—including COOs, a CFO, and a CMO—supported by a coach acting as interim CEO. This leadership model helps students balance academics with real-world responsibilities. Currently, 12 students manage manufacturing projects, while two oversee the tech repair division, Effective Repairs.

“Communicating with professionals in high-level fields has been a unique experience,” said Senior Isaac Nelson. “It’s a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”

CASEC’s tech repair service partners with Dell, training students to handle tasks like motherboard repairs and BIOS updates. Junior Rebecca Anderson, COO of Effective Repairs, shared: “This role has taught me valuable skills and confidence. My advice to new students? Communicate effectively and embrace failure.”

Beyond tech repair, CASEC’s projects span industries. Students recently created simulated trench walls for the South Bend Civic Theatre’s World War I production and continuously develop soft skills like teamwork, time management, and professional communication.

“Before CASEC, I had no experience with woodworking,” said Junior James Zinn-Steinbeck. “Now, I’m trained on every machine in our shop, familiar with every 3D printer, and earning certifications that will set me apart in the workforce.”

Looking ahead, CASEC aims to consolidate its facilities, expand repair services to include phones and AirPods, and streamline opportunities for future students.

“We’ve experienced wins and losses, but that’s part of learning,” added Zinn-Steinbeck. “Failure is the greatest teacher, and this first year is proof that growth comes from taking risks.”

Stacking Up Knowledge: Interdisciplinary Learning in Action at the Portage School of Leaders

Our interdisciplinary Stacks are short-to-medium-form cross-curricular units of study aimed to not only sync up projects across disparate courses or content areas, but instead to truly integrate in authentic, meaningful ways. Stacks are co-taught, truly co-planned units that allow the expertise of our community to come through in exciting forms, whether it’s delving into the connection between land and literature through folklore, an intensive study of mass incarceration in the United States considered through both historical and literary lenses, an exploration of ethical dilemmas in the field of biology, or an exercise in creative writing in an additional language.

Over the last three weeks, we transformed our Themes in Literature into a Stack on mass incarceration in the United States. This English and Social Science-focused Stack introduced students to songs and literature written in and about prisons, ranging from Bob Dylan’s “The Hurricane” to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, “A Letter from Birmingham Jail” to journalist Ted Conover’s Newjack. Students have considered how incarceration impacts certain populations based on race and gender, as well as the result of incarceration: rehabilitation or recidivism. Through seminar discussions, independent research, and a mini-Ethics Bowl, our students have grappled with challenging questions and examined the most effective methods to enact change in their communities. We are immensely proud of the work they have done in this Stack!

Celebrating the First 100 Days of School at Success Academy and Success Academy at Boys and Girls Club

The first 100 days have also been about fostering a sense of community and belonging. Morning meetings, team-building activities, and character education lessons have been central to creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued. The campuses have implemented programs that promote empathy, respect, and collaboration, laying the foundation for positive relationships and a strong school culture.

Beyond academics, the first 100 days have been filled with enriching extracurricular activities. From art and music programs to sports and STEM activities, students have had the opportunity to explore their interests and develop new skills. These activities have not only enriched students’ school experience but have also showcased their incredible talents and potential.

The success of these first 100 days would not have been possible without the active involvement of parents and the broader community. Family nights, parent-teacher conferences, and community service projects have strengthened the partnership between the schools and families, ensuring a united effort to support student success. Local organizations and volunteers have also played a crucial role, providing resources and mentorship to enhance the learning experience.

As we celebrate this milestone, the focus now shifts to sustaining the momentum for the rest of the academic year. The foundation laid in these first 100 days serves as a springboard for even greater achievements. With continued dedication from students, staff, and the community, Success Academy and Success Academy at Boys and Girls Club are poised for an exceptional year of learning and growth.

Here’s to the next 100 days and beyond as we continue to empower students to reach their fullest potential. Together, we are building a brighter future, one day at a time.

The Magic School Bus Initiative at CASB MS: A New Era of Hands-On Learning

Launched on December 7th, the Magic School Bus Initiative at Career Academy South Bend Middle School (CASB MS) is quickly becoming a highlight of our efforts to provide interactive, real-world learning experiences for our students. Designed to expand the boundaries of the classroom, this exciting program offers academic support and engagement in a unique, hands-on way.

Weekly Library Visits
Every Saturday, a group of our students embarks on an enriching journey to the St. Joseph County Main Library, where they engage in English Language Arts, Math, and Social-Emotional Learning for two hours. Ms. Downs and Mr. Wizieck provide transportation using the school van, ensuring students arrive ready to learn. For those outside the pick-up radius, we welcome them to meet us directly at the library.

Academic Support
This initiative is designed to provide personalized learning assistance for students who need extra support. By identifying and addressing individual learning barriers, we help ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed.

Community Engagement
Beyond academics, this program allows students to experience learning in a new environment while engaging with the broader community. Each session includes a sponsored lunch at a local restaurant, giving students the chance to explore different spaces. Last weekend, our students enjoyed a delicious meal at Barnaby’s Pizza!

We offer two alternating Saturday sessions, with five to six students per group, running from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The Magic School Bus Initiative continues to be a wonderful opportunity for students to connect, learn, and grow beyond the classroom walls. We look forward to more exciting experiences ahead!

CANOPS Teachers Honored with Trine University’s Teaching Excellence Award

Career Academy Network of Public Schools is proud to celebrate Tammy Ahern, 1st-grade teacher at SABGC, Adrianna Alamilla, 1st-grade teacher at SASB, Tara Dranoff, CASB Middle School, Ian Lewis, PSOL, and Jia Myers CASB High School, for receiving Trine University’s Teaching Excellence Award!

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators who go above and beyond to create engaging, supportive, and inspiring learning environments for their students. These teachers’ dedication, passion, and commitment to their students make them an invaluable part of our school community.

Please join us in giving everyone a huge round of applause for making all of our Career Academy Network of Public School a truly amazing place to learn. Congratulations to everyone on this well-deserved honor!

Carrer Academy is a Notre Dame Flagship Partner

Ciao