January 2026 Blazer Gazette

Home January 2026 Blazer Gazette

Candy's Corner

Welcome back from Winter Break! We are excited to begin the new year together, even as winter weather has made its presence known. This month, we have utilized our new 2-hour delay schedule and, at times, synchronous learning days due to weather conditions. The 2-hour delay has allowed more students to be present in our buildings compared to full synchronous days, and we appreciate your flexibility and support.

We know that consistent attendance matters—it has a direct impact on academic success. Thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring students are in school and ready to learn each day.

Intentional Steps Forward with AI

This year, we launched a network-wide AI Committee to thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence into teaching and learning. We recognize the importance of preparing students, teachers, and administrators with the skills needed to use AI responsibly and effectively.

To support this work, we will be adding AI Coaches at both the K–5 and 6–12 levels. These coaches will help embed AI tools into daily learning while ensuring appropriate guardrails are in place to support safe, ethical, and meaningful use.

Grounded in Our Three Pillars

As a network, we continue to take one intentional step forward each day by leaning into our three pillars:

Experiential Learning: Students are engaged in project-based learning connected to real-world experiences and community partners.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Our teams are currently reviewing mid-year literacy and math growth data to inform instruction and better meet the needs of every learner.
Career & College Readiness: All K–5 students are learning about six different careers each year and completing the RIASEC interest inventory to better understand their interests and strengths.

The RIASEC inventory will be taken by all students K–12. This semester, we are also expanding career exposure opportunities for our middle school students, helping them explore options that will allow them to make informed decisions about the pathways they want to pursue in high school.

Thank you for your partnership, and support as we move forward together in 2026. We look forward to a strong and successful second half of the school year!

Career Academy Middle School Students Collaborate with Notre Dame on Innovative Game Design Project

A group of Career Academy Middle School students recently participated in a unique, hands-on learning experience that combined creativity, technology, and social impact. These students, who previously provided feedback on game design, were invited to join a special project focused on original game development.

The event brought together students and professors from the University of Notre Dame, and a skilled facilitator to guide participants through the game design process. Throughout the day, students engaged in game mapping, brainstorming, and rapid ideation sessions. Working in teams, they developed concepts and created pitches to present to the entire group. Each pitch received constructive feedback, helping students refine their ideas before sharing final design boards and presentations at the end of the day.

This initiative was supported by the Lucy Family Institute for Data and Society, which leverages expertise in data science, AI, computing, and societal impact to address real-world challenges. The Institute’s mission is to translate research into practice through education, outreach, and collaborative projects like this one.

Together, we are inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators. By blending creativity and technology, Career Academy Middle School students are learning valuable skills—and discovering how they can make a positive impact on the world.

Career Academy Middle School Boys Basketball Go Undefeated Winning Conference Tournament Championship!

The Career Academy Middle School Boys Basketball team capped off an outstanding season by going undefeated and capturing the Conference Tournament Championship, a remarkable achievement that reflects their hard work, discipline, and teamwork.

This championship is a testament not only to the players’ dedication but also to the leadership of the coaching staff, who emphasized accountability, preparation, and character alongside athletic performance.

Congratulations to our student-athletes, coaches, and families on an incredible season!

FRC Teams 9554 The Portage Pythons and 5484 The Career Academy Wolf Pack Kick-Off the 25-26 Competition Season!

The start of robotics season is always exciting, but this year our teams raised the bar from day one. After an intense 29-hour kickoff weekend at Career Academy, our students emerged more prepared than ever before. By the end of the first day, our teams had constructed a full half-field complete with new field walls and driver stations, finalized a robot concept, and laid the groundwork to immediately begin designing, prototyping, and building.

The teamwork, focus, and dedication shown throughout the weekend were truly impressive and speak volumes about what this group is capable of accomplishing. Their commitment during preseason preparation is already paying off, and there is no doubt that big things are ahead for The Wolf Pack and The Portage Pythons this year. Both teams’ first competition is at Penn High School on March 7th and 8th. We hope you come out and support our students!

Success Academy @ Boys & Girls Club Visits La Casa de Amistad

A group of 4th and 5th-graders from Success Academy at Boys and Girls Club embarked on a mission to learn more about their community and the great work being done at La Casa de Amistad. Both groups toured La Casa with Mr. Beto and learned more about the Adelante Program and its impact on the community.

During a mini workshop, these students explored the Foundry Field Project and created their own prints using unique stamps made by the Adelante students.

Success Academy Puts the "A" in RIASEC!

In the Makerspace Open Lab at SASB, students explored an artistic career through the RIASEC “A – Artistic” pathway, learning what it’s like to be a comic book writer!

Students designed and created their own comic books, either on paper or digitally, using storytelling, creativity, and imagination to bring characters and ideas to life. This experience helps students explore creative careers while building communication and design skills.

Happy Birthday, Portage School!

A little over two years ago, our students and faculty moved from the Ivy Tech Administrative Building over on Sample Street to our new site at 306 W. Marion Street. Last week, we celebrated the Portage School’s birthday by kicking off our annual Portage Premier League competition. Upon arriving at the Portage School, our students join one of six Portage Premier League (PPL) Teams: Hemlock, Honeysuckle, Marigold, Oak, Sassafras, and Sycamore. All were named for plants indigenous in our home state and thoughtfully researched and chosen by our founding students.

This year’s special series of “The Birthday Games” saw our PPL teams competing in the annual Scavenger Hunt, which asked students to “Hug a tree with Ms. Ryan”, “Make a hole in one with Mr. Lewis”, “Run in slow motion with Dr. Hoyt,” and “Have a cup of tea with Ms. Denten.” The “Baby Picture Challenge”, where students tried to guess which baby picture belonged to which faculty member, rounded out our celebration and students enjoyed cupcakes and ice cream in the Commons after singing “Happy Birthday” in the Commons… twice! Here’s to many more years of celebrating the Portage School!

JANUARY HR News!

HR Happenings

We are excited to introduce The Wellness Project—a new initiative focused on supporting the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our staff. We are looking for volunteers to be on the Wellness Committee. Please use this link to join us!

Please don’t forget that in WillSub+, absences can only be entered in full or half days for subbing purposes. If you only need a TWO HOUR absence, it is up to you to note that in the comments section in WS+.

HR is here to help

Questions about benefits, time off, FMLA, or anything HR-related?

We’ve got you covered — just reach out!

Jane Schlichter – HR Director
jschlichter@mycanops.com

Corinne Jaeger – HR Coordinator
cjaeger@mycanops.com

Amanda Leitch (Business Office Payroll Specialist)
aleitch@mycanops.com

Career Academy is a Notre Dame Flagship Partner

Ciao