See the impact we're making across our schools—and what’s ahead.
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Dear Friends,
As we enter into the final stretch of the school year, our educators continue to show up every day with dedication, creativity, and care for their students.
But behind the scenes, many are still working to meet classroom needs that go beyond what school budgets can cover. From basic supplies to hands-on learning materials, teachers are often reaching into their own pockets to make sure their students have the tools they need.
That’s why ourTeacher Wishlist program remains such a vital part of our work.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’ve funded more than $24,000 in Teacher Wishlist items so far this school year—directly supporting classrooms across our district. Each request fulfilled helps ease the burden on educators and creates more opportunities for students to engage, explore, and succeed.
As we head into the final months of the school year, the need doesn’t slow down, and neither does our commitment to meeting it. Thank you for continuing to stand with our teachers and students when it matters most.
With gratitude,
Kris Arizmendi Choinacky,
Chief Executive Office
BRINGING STORIES TO LIFE
THROUGH ANIMATION
Thanks to support from Teacher Grant from the Marjorie Wilson Endowment, art educator Iryna Gillis brought creativity and collaboration to life through a stop-motion animation project. Students worked in small teams to brainstorm ideas, develop storylines, and storyboard their concepts before diving into production.
Using materials like clay, construction paper, and found objects, students explored different animation styles while building hands-on artistic skills. With the help of iPads and the Stop Motion Studio app, they were able to film, edit, and enhance their projects: adding sound effects, music, and voiceovers to bring their stories to life.
Beyond creativity, the project emphasized teamwork, planning, and accountability, with students taking on specific roles and setting daily goals. The experience culminated in class screening sessions, where students proudly shared their films and offered thoughtful peer feedback.
This engaging project not only strengthened students’ artistic and storytelling abilities but also fostered collaboration, problem-solving, and confidence.
ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL WEIGHT ROOM RENOVATION
Students and staff at John Adams High School recently celebrated the grand opening of their newly renovated weight room with a ribbon-cutting ceremony—marking the culmination of a year-long transformation.
Through an SBEA Co-Ex Grant, new equipment, accessories, and essential supplies helped bring the space fully to life. These final touches not only expanded training opportunities for student-athletes, but also ensured the space remains safe, clean, and ready for daily use. With more room, more equipment, and improved resources, Adams athletes are now able to train at a higher level than ever before.
For their Co-Ex Grant service project, Adams student-athletes volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club after school programs, helping younger students with homework, games, and arts and crafts. What started as a grant requirement has turned into something more lasting, with students continuing to volunteer and even recruiting their peers to join.
“The kids asked me to come back and play with them and do more crafts… It was a fun experience and one that I will continue to do and promote.” (Senior Tommy Hornback)
The SBEA is proud to support students not only in their growth as athletes, but as leaders and role models in their community.
DO YOU KNOW OR SUPPORT AN SBCSC SENIOR?
SCHOLARSHIPS APPLICATION DUE APRIL 15!
REMINDER: Applications are now open for the 2026 South Bend Education Alliance scholarships! As many seniors begin hearing back from colleges, the next big question is how to make those opportunities a reality.
That’s where scholarships can help.
SBEA is offering three $5,000 awards to support your path to higher education:
Scholarships:
Connie S. Varga Scholarship – For female seniors who demonstrate service, leadership, and academic excellence.
Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship – For seniors planning to attend Purdue University, honoring innovation and community impact.
South Bend Education Alliance Scholarship – For seniors showing academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to community growth.
Join us for a meaningful morning as we come together to celebrate the students, educators, and programs that make our schools strong. You’ll hear powerful stories from across the district, see the impact of your support in action, and be part of the momentum driving student success in our community.
Whether you’ve attended before or this will be your first time, this event is a great opportunity to connect with others who care deeply about public education and to invest in the future of our schools.
The South Bend Education Alliance offers seven high school platforms (Adams, Central, Clay, Jackson, LaSalle, Riley, and Washington) for you to network, reminisce, find reunions, and volunteer. Our goal is the mobilize Alumni to make a change in our community by remaining connected to South Bend Community School Corporation.
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