May 2026 Blazer Gazette

As we close out the 2025–2026 academic year, the past few weeks have been filled with celebration, reflection, and pride across the Career Academy Network of Public Schools. From end-of-year band concerts and Showcase Night to field days, the Distinguished Graduate Banquet, and Senior Walk Throughs, it has been wonderful to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and staff together as a community. We are also looking forward to our upcoming kindergarten, fifth grade, and eighth grade celebrations as we honor these important milestones for our students and families.

One of my favorite moments each year is our Senior Walk Through. Watching our graduating seniors walk through each building with pride and confidence is a powerful reminder of the journey they have completed. It represents 13 years of hard work, growth, perseverance, and support from families, teachers, and staff who have helped shape their path. It is always a meaningful moment for our entire network.

We are also excited to share a new partnership opportunity with Bethel University connected to our Success Academy at Boys & Girls Club campus. Beginning next school year, CANOPS will partner with Bethel University to house a kindergarten lab classroom on the Bethel University campus. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for our students, families, and future educators while continuing to grow and strengthen our SABGC programming.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, the secondary school day for Career Academy Middle School, Career Academy High School, and The Portage School of Leaders will end at 3:00 PM. This adjustment was made intentionally to create additional opportunities for students, including increased access to work-based learning, internships, athletics, extracurricular activities, and college and career readiness experiences while minimizing disruption to instructional time.

In May, Governor Braun signed Indiana’s new statewide cell phone law that will go into effect for the 2026–2027 school year. The law requires schools to implement policies ensuring that wireless communication devices, including cell phones, are inaccessible to students during instructional time throughout the school day, with limited exceptions for medical needs, IEPs, and emergencies. Building principals will continue to communicate more information with families regarding what implementation will look like at each school as we prepare for next year.

Our team is also preparing for summer school programming beginning in June. If you have questions regarding summer school opportunities, schedules, or supports, please contact your building administrator directly.

As we wrap up another incredible school year, thank you for your continued partnership, support, and trust. It has been a joy seeing so many families at the celebrations and events throughout May. We are grateful for the strong community that makes CANOPS such a special place for students to learn and grow.

Have a wonderful summer!

Candy Van Buskirk, Ph.D.