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Feb 2026 Blazer Gazette
Candy's Corner
February has certainly reminded us how quickly the seasons can shift — winter, a glimpse of spring, and then back to winter again. We are grateful for the flexibility of two-hour delays when needed to keep our students and staff safe. Thank you to our families and team members for adjusting schedules and routines with patience and understanding. While the weather has been unpredictable, our commitment to our students has remained steady and grounded in our core value of Putting Students First.
Across CANOPS, February has been a month of focused academic preparation. Our teachers and staff have continued their work preparing students for IREAD-3 and upcoming state assessments. Through our Professional Learning Communities — one of our three pillars — educators are reviewing student progress by standard, analyzing assessment results, and making thoughtful instructional adjustments. Intervention groups are being refined, supports are being strengthened, and instruction is being tailored to meet students where they are. This disciplined, collaborative work reflects our commitment to Operating with Excellence and ensures that data serves as a tool for action, not just reporting.
This month we also received the ruling from the administrative law judge regarding Clay High School. At this time, we have not been awarded Clay. While this decision was not the outcome we had hoped for, we remain focused on the important work happening within our current schools. We will continue to explore opportunities aligned with our mission and vision, approaching each step with Entrepreneurial Spirit and a long-term commitment to expanding high-quality educational options for students.
In reviewing our fall survey results, we heard clearly that communication is an area where we can improve. We appreciate the honest feedback shared by families and staff. Over the past several weeks, we have taken time to reflect on our systems and make thoughtful adjustments. We have clarified communication pathways, streamlined updates, and worked toward greater consistency across the network. Listening and responding reflects our core value of Extending Trust and Mutual Respect, and we are committed to ongoing growth in this area.
We have also continued our strategic work around Artificial Intelligence. As AI becomes more present in education and in the world beyond school, we are committed to approaching it thoughtfully and responsibly. This aligns with our pillar of Experiential Learning, where innovation is used to deepen understanding and real-world application. We have reinforced clear guardrails and expectations for responsible use while also supporting teachers and students in learning how AI can enhance critical thinking and provide individualized support. To strengthen this work, we will have an AI Coach dedicated to K–5 staff and another supporting our secondary staff. Our goal is to embrace innovation while ensuring it always serves student learning first.
Re-enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year is underway, and we are grateful for the continued trust our families place in CANOPS. At the secondary level, scheduling for pathways and course selections has begun. These decisions are directly connected to our third pillar, College and Career Readiness, as students thoughtfully consider coursework aligned to their interests, strengths, and future aspirations. Helping students see a clear connection between today’s learning and tomorrow’s opportunities remains central to our work.
The Portage School of Leaders continues its partnership with the Carnegie Foundation as part of the Future of High School Network cohort. This initiative seeks to transform the American high school experience by shifting from a traditional time-based system toward one focused on mastery, competency, and real-world readiness. This work reflects our commitment to experiential learning, professional collaboration, and preparing students for meaningful futures. It also embodies our value of Enjoying the Journey, as we challenge ourselves to rethink what school can look like for the next generation.
As we close out February, we remain grateful for our students, families, and staff. Through our three pillars — Experiential Learning, Professional Learning Communities, and College & Career Readiness — we continue to build a system designed for engagement, growth, and opportunity. Even when the weather shifts, our mission remains constant. Thank you for being an important part of the CANOPS community and for partnering with us in this work.
Black History Month Highlight: African American History Challenge Inspires Learning, Teamwork, and Pride at Career Academy High School
Students at Career Academy High School are bringing history to life through the African American History Challenge Club — a dynamic, student-centered program that blends academic learning, teamwork, and friendly competition. The initiative connects CAHS students with peers from local South Bend high schools as they compete by answering questions that highlight the achievements, culture, history, and contributions of African Americans.
Organized in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend Inc., a chapter of the national 100 Black Men organization, the program emphasizes mentorship, leadership, and academic growth. Volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds dedicate their time to mentoring students both individually and through group-based programs like the African American History Challenge, encouraging young people to envision new possibilities through the organization’s motto: “What they see is what they will be.”
The club uses a college-level textbook to guide students through the curriculum while incorporating engaging games and collaborative activities that help build memory, confidence, and competition skills. As students prepare for the regional competition on March 18, 2026, practices have increased to multiple sessions each week, reflecting the team’s strong commitment and determination.
Participation in the challenge extends beyond memorizing historical facts. Students develop critical thinking, teamwork, communication skills, and a deeper sense of pride in cultural history. Moments of growth are evident when students confidently answer difficult questions, collaborate with teammates, and demonstrate sportsmanship while competing with other schools.
The program also serves as a space where students can connect with history in meaningful ways, discovering new role models and expanding their understanding of American history through diverse perspectives. Families and community members are encouraged to support and celebrate the students’ efforts as the club continues to build traditions that uplift and inspire learners of all backgrounds at Career Academy High School.
Students currently participating include Cyre Cox, Ja’Kirayh Jackson, Zion Taylor, Trey Adams, Siva Bell, Jaxson Cooper, Brooklyn Robbins, and Amara Rose — a group that continues to demonstrate dedication, curiosity, and school pride both in and out of competition.
The coaching team includes Ms. Anita Wigfall, Mrs. Anna Cooper, and Dr. Calvin.
Career Academy Middle School Students Dive into Data Science with Notre Dame Student Mentors
For the third consecutive year, sixth-grade students at Career Academy Middle School are exploring the world of data science through a hands-on partnership with the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. This collaboration connects students with Notre Dame mentors who guide them through real-world data concepts in engaging and age-appropriate ways.
The program goes beyond traditional classroom instruction. CAMS students participate in interactive lessons that introduce both qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Using familiar and fun examples—such as Skittles, cereal boxes, basketball statistics, and popular video games—students learn how data connects to everyday decision-making and problem-solving.
Mentorship is a key component of the experience. Notre Dame students work closely with CAMS sixth graders, building relationships that extend beyond spreadsheets and datasets. These connections help middle school students see themselves reflected in college mentors who are passionate about STEM fields and higher education.
The learning also extends beyond campus. Students will soon visit the IDEA Center at Innovation Park, where they will see how data science is applied in cutting-edge projects tied to innovation and entrepreneurship. The field trip will give students real-world context for how data drives solutions in business, technology, and beyond.
The structure of the program blends review of previously learned concepts with new material and collaborative activities, creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and thinking critically. Through this experience, students are not only gaining technical skills but also confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of how data shapes the world around them.
This ongoing partnership continues to strengthen Career Academy Middle School’s commitment to experiential learning and early exposure to college and career pathways in STEM.
South Bend Cubs Visit Success Academy @ Boys & Girls Club for World Read Aloud Day!
SB CUBS K-3 and 5th grade were amazing representatives of our school today! They were amazing listeners, patient and showed smart thinking.
We very much enjoyed sharing World Read Aloud Day with Mr. Jake and Stu from the South Bend Cubs to kick off our 2nd Semester Reading Challenges, especially now that we are all getting so much better at it.
🔨 BLOOM Block in Action: Success Academy Students Building and Growing
PSOL Hosts Open Houses with PPHS Families and Staff
Within the last two weeks, The Portage School of Leaders hosted two open houses welcoming families and staff from The Purdue Polytechnic High School Network. PPHS members received student-led tours of the building and learned more about academic life at PSOL. Both PSOL and PPHS are members of the Carnegie Foundation’s Future of High School Network– a national movement to design personalized, connected learning experiences that prepare students for college, career, and life. Following a fantastic turnout to both open houses, PSOL is excited for a shared future with the PPHS community!
February HR News!
Attire must be clean, modest, and professional.
Jeans, hoodies, graphic T-shirts, leggings, open-toe shoes, ripped clothing, sheer material, crop tops, and tank tops are not permitted.
Professional tops with slacks, dress pants, or skirts of appropriate length are expected.
Spirit wear may only be worn on designated dress-down days.
Nursing staff may wear professional scrubs; however, jeans are not permitted.
PE and maintenance staff may wear job-specific attire with administrative approval.
At a minimum, team members must meet the student handbook dress code standards.
Absence Reporting
PAYLOCITY is the official record of time. If you see errors in your PTO in Paylocity, please reach out to me as soon as possible. The time showing in WS+ does not always match the time in Paylocity. Entering an unpaid day in WS+ WILL NOT affect your pay IF you have available PTO.
- Teaching staff and Special Education paraprofessionals must enter absences in WillSub+ and request a substitute.
- If a 2 hour absence is requested, it MUST be entered as a ½ day with a “note to administrator” that only 2 hours is needed. No custom times will be allowed. Absences may only be taken in 2,4,6, or 8 hour increments.
All other staff must enter absences in Paylocity on the day of the occurrence or as early in advance as possible.
574-299-9800 
Fax: 574-288-6125 
info@careeracademysb.com