Concord Community Schools

Student Early Release Day

Based on parent feedback and the desire for all students to be in school each day of the school year, the school calendar will no longer include three planned eLearning days. Instead, we will have seven half-days during the 2024-2025 school year on the following dates: September 10, October 8, November 5, January 14, February 11, March 18, and May 6.

Students will be served breakfast and lunch. Students who are registered to ride the bus to/from school will be provided transportation. The afternoon hours will be dedicated to staff professional development.

School day times for these early release days will be as follows:

1. Grades K-4 (All Concord elementaries) — 7:25-10:45 a.m.
2. Grades 5-6 (Concord Intermediate) — 8:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
3. Grades 7-8 (Concord Junior High) — 7:45-11:15 a.m.
4. Grades 9-12 (Concord High School) — 8:20-11:50 a.m.

Additionally, should we need to cancel school due to inclement weather, the first three cancellations will no longer require students to complete live, virtual learning. Asynchronous work will still be required, per state law.

To view the current school year calendar, go online to [link student calendar here].

SUMMER MEAL SITES FOR 2025

*Time are subject to change 

To find a site near you, text “summer meals” or “verano” to (914) 342-7744 or call USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8- HAMBRE

2025-2026 OPEN ENROLLMENT

March 4, 2025

We're thrilled to announce that Open Enrollment for the upcoming school year kicks off on March 5th!

Why Open Enrollment?
Whether you're a new family joining our community or a returning one looking for new adventures, this is the perfect time to explore the possibilities that await your child at Concord Community Schools.

How to Enroll:
Visit our website starting March 5th to access the 2025-2026 enrollment portal.  It's a straightforward process designed to make joining our educational family a breeze. Or visit the Concord Education Center during our enrollment hours for help!

Do you need a translator? Make an appointment by calling 574-875-5161.

For the 2025-2026 school year, Concord will be accepting transfer students in the following grade levels: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 5, Grade 7, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12. 

Need Help Enrolling Your Child for the 25-26 School Year?
We will be hosting Evening Enrollment Hours in April!

When: April 15, 16, and 17th
Time: 4pm- 8pm
Where: Concord Education Center
59040 Minuteman Way
Elkhart, IN 46517

Click this link to get started!

Incoming 7th Grade Student Information

May 27, 2025

Families of incoming 7th grade students,

Please click the link below for information about upcoming events and activities for your future CJHS student, including:

• Presentations from the May 21 Parent Night

• Fall Athletics Information

• 2026 Washington DC Trip

• Back to School Information

• August 5 Back to School Night

Click here for more information.

Graduation Rates Soar!

January 12, 2024

In a notable achievement for the Concord community, the Concord High School Class of 2023 achieved a graduation rate of 92.8%, marking an impressive 5% increase from the previous year -- and the highest rate in 15 years! Graduation rates were released by the Indiana Department of Education in December. Go Minutemen!

Concord Leaders Serve on State Apprenticeships Coalition

February 7, 2024

Dan Funston, Superintendent of Concord Community Schools, is one of 10 leaders from across our state who was selected to serve as a co-chair on a statewide coalition to develop a statewide modern youth apprenticeship system in Indiana. The CEMETS Implementation Lab (iLab) Indiana collaborative, guided by the Center on Economics and Management of Education and Training Systems (CEMETS) in Switzerland, will explore how to increase the availability of Modern Youth Apprenticeships to all Hoosier students.

Mr. Funston is serving as co-chair of the High School Committee. Dr. Lisa Kendall, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programming, is also serving on this committee. Thank you to Mr. Funston and Dr. Kendall for your leadership at Concord and the state level!

The iLab collaboration is made possible through the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation as well as the support of 100 Indiana leaders including corporate CEOs, university presidents, K-12 superintendents, and state government officials. The coalition was developed to develop a statewide Modern Youth Apprenticeship program as a potential solution to the state’s workforce crisis.

The Modern Youth Apprenticeship model allows high school students to participate in a two to three year work-and-learn program that culminates in a high school diploma, college credit AND industry credential, while also preparing students for in-demand careers.

Concord has been acknowledged as a leader in the nation for modern youth apprenticeships and looks forward to the continued growth of the program, underscoring its dedication to fostering additional opportunities for students to thrive. This opportunity is made possible through a partnership with the CareerWise Youth Apprenticeships program through Horizon Education Alliance. We are fortunate to have an incredible leader in this area — Sarah Koontz, Director of CareerWise Youth Apprentices — who is also a former Concord employee and current Concord parent! Thank you, Mrs. Koontz, for your outstanding work in this area!

Concord's expanding apprenticeship program currently engages 15 Concord High School students as future educators, translators, mechanics, maintenance/groundskeepers, and technology roles as well as youth apprenticeships at local businesses. Beyond earning a paycheck, apprentices develop essential soft skills, pursue certifications, and gain invaluable hands-on experience.

CIS Family Resources

April 12, 2024

Welcome to Concord Intermediate! 

We work in the office with our CIS families. 

Please ask for us when you call or come visit the school, we will gladly help!

We are in the office between 8:20 a.m and 4:20 p.m.  If you call the school and we are not available, please leave a message.

Click here if you are looking for a counselor!

CIS School Counselors

April 12, 2024

Our program is designed to maximize the developmental needs of all students by intentionally teaching skills in academic, career and personal/social areas.

There are four major program components:

• Counseling

• Core Curriculum

• Student Advocacy

• Program Management

Concord’s School Counseling Program aligns with the Indiana School Counseling Association (ISCA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Models.

Click here for more information.

Concord School Board Honored by Indiana School Boards Association

April 19, 2024

The Concord Community School School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award for calendar year 2023 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to professional learning and student success. Board members were recognized Wednesday, April 17, during ISBA’s spring regional meeting. 

The board received a “Commendable” board award. Board President Kami Wait, Vice President Jennifer Davis, and Member Tim Yoder also received “Exemplary Honor Roll” recognition for their individual service. 

Board awards are based on points earned by each member for attending ISBA seminars, workshops, conferences, and other learning events, as well as the board’s completion of certain additional criteria, such as a retreat with an outside facilitator and goal setting to elevate student achievement outcomes.

“On behalf of ISBA, I would like to commend this most exceptional group of school boards and school board members,” said ISBA Executive Director Terry Spradlin. “School boards perform a vital public service for their communities, and board members who actively participate in professional learning are better equipped to perform their duties effectively and meet the needs of their students.”

Concord’s five-member board includes Kami Wait, president; Jennifer Davis, vice president; Tara Towner, secretary; Tim Yoder, member; and Mike Malooley, member.

More information about the Concord School Board can be found online

AP SCHOLAR AWARD WINNERS
August 20,2024

Thirty-seven students at Concord High School have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP exams. 

Students at Concord High School have opportunities to select from 14 AP courses ranging in topics from AP US Government to AP Biology and AP Drawing to AP Calculus. Students take these rigorous college-level courses while still in high school to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. 

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® recognizes several levels of achievement based on student performance on AP Exams. Scores are based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. At Concord High School:

• Thirteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. The class of 2023 AP Scholar with Distinction students are Tyler Carrington, William Delio, Andrew Gingerich, Haley Imus, Jacob Kamp, Cole Nissley, Christian Oropeza Rios, Michael Petersen, Madyson Replogle, Jeremiah Riffell, Anh Tran, Esther Williams, and Christian Zeser. 
• Four students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. The class of 2023 AP Scholar with Honor students are Rowan Finnigan, Cressy Toledo, Maria Ward, and Braylon Yoder.
• Twenty students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The class of 2023 AP Scholars are Andrea Aguilar, Sage Borkholder, Jacob Combs, Ellis Connors, Andrew Kavanagh, Kessa Krecsmar, Ashlyn Lengerich, Atzhiri Marquez, Emmanuel Martinez, Kaitlyn Morelock, Santiago Pedroza, Alayna Rhoades, Aidan Rotheker, Yazid Salvador, Diego Sosa-Escamilla, Madison Thews, Annika Troyer, Margaret Weldy, Jade Witt,  and Brianna Zentz.

Community Facility Plan

October 5, 2023

Help shape students’ futures!

Concord Community Schools invites YOU (our parents, community members, and staff) to attend our Community Engagement Sessions. Engage in discussions about the needs and goals for the district’s facilities and programs – and the critical role they play in preparing our students for success! 

Each meeting builds upon information from the prior meeting, so please plan to attend all sessions to share in this exciting initiative. Translation services will be available.

• November 16 -- 6:00-7:30 p.m. @ Concord High School
• December 7 -- 6:00-7:30 p.m. @ Concord South Side Elementary
• January 31-- 6:00-7:30 p.m. @ Concord High School

Call 574-875-5161 to RSVP!

Concord Receives Grant Funding to Support Students and Families

January 30, 2023

Concord Community Schools recently received a grant through the U.S. Department of Education that will help us support the needs of students, staff, and families at two schools. These funds will directly impact Concord West Side and Concord South Side, as they were eligible based on their Title I status. 

The total is $9.5 million over a five-year cycle. Concord is one of just 42 award recipients in the COUNTRY! We will be sharing this funding with Elkhart Community Schools. 

These funds will be used in a variety of ways to support early literacy, support for students who are learning English and those with special needs, supporting transition services between grade levels, and creating opportunities for students and families to get access to services they need to support their child. 

We are proud to be able to offer this additional support to our families! 

Community Facility Plan

October 5, 2023

Help shape students’ futures!

Concord Community Schools invites YOU (our parents, community members, and staff) to attend our Community Engagement Sessions. Engage in discussions about the needs and goals for the district’s facilities and programs – and the critical role they play in preparing our students for success!

Each meeting builds upon information from the prior meeting, so please plan to attend all sessions to share in this exciting initiative. Translation services will be available.

• November 16 -- 6:00-7:30 p.m. @ Concord High School
• December 7 -- 6:00-7:30 p.m. @ Concord South Side Elementary
• January 31-- 6:00-7:30 p.m. @ Concord High School

Expanding biomedical opportunities for Concord students

July 21, 2022

Concord Community Schools is thrilled to be among the 97 schools and community partners in the state to receive the combined $57 million in grant funding earmarked for school districts seeking to expand student access to pathways that lead to high-wage, high-demand careers. 

With the support of the $210,528.84 Explore, Engage, and Experience Grant, Concord Community Schools will expand student access to real-world experiences related to the biomedical field, beginning in elementary school.

“We continue to hear from local industries the desire for us to prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers and the way that we do that most effectively is by exposing students to hands-on learning opportunities early and often," said Dr. Lisa Kendall, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Programming.

In the youngest grades, students will complete a biomedical science unit as part of their Science Engineering Technology and Math (STEM) coursework. As students enter their middle school years, they will participate in biomedical courses that will prepare them as they begin to consider various pathways to graduation. They will have an opportunity to meet medical professionals and learn more about available careers and the training they will need to succeed in high-demand careers.

Upon entering high school, students will be offered the opportunity to participate in a series of three biomedical science courses. As part of their coursework, students will participate in field experiences in the local industry, giving them access to real-world learning opportunities within their own community. The program will begin in the fall with a cohort of 120 students, with enrollment tripling by the 2023-2024 school year.  

All of this coursework directly benefits students as they work toward the biomedical science graduation pathway within the Career and Technical Education sector. The biomedical pathway, part of the Indiana Department of Education’s Graduation Pathways, is aimed at careers in the study of human medicine, research processes and bioinformatics. 

“Our desire to support this programming for students is both to build interest in the biomedical field and help meet the needs of our local economy, as well as to take a more targeted approach in having conversations early and often with students about their future plans and the tenacity they’ll need to succeed in those careers. Having field experiences in our community, meeting workers from local industries, and understanding the work-ready skills they need to have to be successful will be beneficial no matter what career they choose," Kendall said.

Students and families interested in learning more about these offerings can reach Dr. Kendall at lkendall@concord.k12.in.us or by calling 574-875-5161. High school students may also contact their school counselor for scheduling and other information related to graduation pathways. 

Record-breaking $51,270 raised during 2022 Make-A-Wish campaign

March 30, 2022

Students, staff, and special guests celebrated a successful Make-A-Wish campaign during the closing ceremony event Wednesday, March 30, at Concord Junior High School. 

A total of $51,270 was raised during this year’s event – the most money ever raised during the biennial campaign!

Concord Junior High School has been raising funds to grant wishes biennially since 1995. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will benefit two local students who were identified as recipients through the Make-A-Wish Foundation – Jack, 11, and Reed, 14. Jack’s wish is to travel to California where he would like to visit an LA car experience to see cars of all types and visit Randy’s Donuts. Reed’s wish is to be a train engineer, and specifically to sound the train horn. 

The 2022 contributions bring the total raised to $481,514.10.

The fundraising activities began March 4 and concluded Wednesday. During this month-long fundraiser, students and staff raised funds to grant the wishes of local children. Events included a Walk for Wishes event and a 5K Run/1M Fun Run, as well as activities such as penny wars and candy sales. 

Several other Concord Community Schools buildings supported the junior high’s efforts by scheduling their own activities and donating the proceeds to CJHS. 

FUNDRAISING HISTORY

Concord Junior High School has been raising funds to grant wishes biennially since 1995. To date, a grand total of $$481,514.10. has been raised to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

1995 — $18,654.79
1997 — $42,301.04
1999 — $27,749.58
2001 — $34,600.30
2003 — $32,694.29
2005 — $34,559.21
2007 — $21,577.06
2009 — $23,402.55
2011 — $30,025.08
2013 — $33,889.94
2015 — $44,798.60
2017 — $42,822.59
2019 — $44,804.32
2022 — $51,270.00

Concord High School Named UCAN Partner School

June 1, 2022

Concord High School has been named a Partner School in the launch of the Indiana State Department of Education’s Urban College Acceleration Network (UCAN).

UCAN is a new partnership between urban Indiana schools and has a mission to increase student access to postsecondary courses through the Early College High School Program, and Concord is proud to be selected as an inaugural partner. 

“We know that achievement gaps persist in reading, math, and educational attainment among Indiana’s racially and ethnically diverse, low-income, special education and English language learner students – gaps that were exacerbated by the pandemic,” Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education, said in a news release. “I’m thrilled that through the UCAN partnership, many of our urban schools will come together to leverage their collective knowledge and experience to help close these gaps and expand pathway opportunities for every student to succeed.”

UCAN connects established urban Early College High Schools and urban schools that are seeking to become Early College High Schools. The model establishes the Early College High Schools as mentors for their partner schools, providing the partner schools with guidance and support as they work to accelerate their path toward becoming an Early College High School. Through UCAN, partner schools will have access to coaching and support for Early College coursework, along with educator professional development at no cost.

This partnership comes at an ideal time as enrollment in Concord’s Early College program cohort continues to increase, said Concord High School Principal Lisa Kendall.

“As we reflect on the educational needs of our students -- especially post-pandemic -- there is a strong desire to provide college wrap-around services so that students are supported at high levels,” Kendall said. “What makes UCAN beneficial are the academic support, perseverance skills, and problem solving skills woven into the academic structures they can provide the students at Concord High School. This partnership comes at the perfect time to benefit the college readiness skills needed in an economic climate heavily focused on industrial and manufacturing institutions.”

This program will be supported with $4.1 million in funding through the third round of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, according to the Department of Education. 

Concord High School is one of only two school districts in Elkhart County to be named a partner school. Goshen High School was also selected. 

Expanding biomedical opportunities for Concord students

Concord Community Schools

July 21, 2022

Concord Community Schools is thrilled to be among the 97 schools and community partners in the state to receive the combined $57 million in grant funding earmarked for school districts seeking to expand student access to pathways that lead to high-wage, high-demand careers. 

With the support of the $210,528.84 Explore, Engage, and Experience Grant, Concord Community Schools will expand student access to real-world experiences related to the biomedical field, beginning in elementary school.

“We continue to hear from local industries the desire for us to prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers and the way that we do that most effectively is by exposing students to hands-on learning opportunities early and often," said Dr. Lisa Kendall, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Programming.

In the youngest grades, students will complete a biomedical science unit as part of their Science Engineering Technology and Math (STEM) coursework. As students enter their middle school years, they will participate in biomedical courses that will prepare them as they begin to consider various pathways to graduation. They will have an opportunity to meet medical professionals and learn more about available careers and the training they will need to succeed in high-demand careers.

Upon entering high school, students will be offered the opportunity to participate in a series of three biomedical science courses. As part of their coursework, students will participate in field experiences in the local industry, giving them access to real-world learning opportunities within their own community. The program will begin in the fall with a cohort of 120 students, with enrollment tripling by the 2023-2024 school year.  

All of this coursework directly benefits students as they work toward the biomedical science graduation pathway within the Career and Technical Education sector. The biomedical pathway, part of the Indiana Department of Education’s Graduation Pathways, is aimed at careers in the study of human medicine, research processes and bioinformatics. 

“Our desire to support this programming for students is both to build interest in the biomedical field and help meet the needs of our local economy, as well as to take a more targeted approach in having conversations early and often with students about their future plans and the tenacity they’ll need to succeed in those careers. Having field experiences in our community, meeting workers from local industries, and understanding the work-ready skills they need to have to be successful will be beneficial no matter what career they choose," Kendall said.

Students and families interested in learning more about these offerings can reach Dr. Kendall or  call 574-875-5161. High school students may also contact their school counselor for scheduling and other information related to graduation pathways. 

Concord Community Schools & Teachers Credit Union Announce New Sponsorship

November 22, 2022

A new sponsorship has been announced between Concord Community Schools and Teachers Credit Union (TCU). Through the new 10-year agreement, TCU will provide annual financial support and serve as the sponsor of the football field at Concord High School. This sponsorship enhances the existing relationship between Concord Community School Corporation and TCU, as the credit union currently provides cash management services to the school corporation to enhance operations and financial management.

TCU will provide annual contributions toward athletic facility improvements and other similar academic and extracurricular programs. In addition, as TCU will be the sponsor of the football field, it will now be known as Jake Field sponsored by Teachers Credit Union. 

Jake Field, home of the Concord Minutemen, will retain the name of the beloved Larry "Jake" Jackowiak, former teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator who passed away in September of 2009 after 23 years of service to Concord.

“TCU has long been a supporter of Concord Community Schools and we are thrilled to partner with them to directly benefit current and future generations of students at Concord," said Superintendent of Concord Community Schools, Dan Funston. “Partnerships like this are vital to the success of our students and are beneficial to our community as a whole. We are grateful that TCU has made this commitment to invest in our community in this way. This agreement allows us to build on our strong partnership with TCU, while continuing to honor the legacy of Larry 'Jake' Jackowiak, whose impact on Concord is everlasting. I'd also like to thank Concord School Board Secretary Jared Sponseller who played a crucial role in building this partnership opportunity."

“We are pleased to build on our relationship with Concord Community Schools,” said Kurt Warner, the manager of TCU’s Concord branch. “One of TCU’s primary missions is to support educational and extracurricular initiatives in the communities we serve, and we’re excited to be able to support Concord’s rich history of athletic and academic excellence.”

Celebrating the Completion of the Concord Engineering and Construction Center

December 13, 2022

A new learning area will provide Concord High School students interested in the engineering, robotics, and construction trades fields a space to learn work readiness skills matching industry demands — and develop skills that will support their future careers. 

Construction was recently completed on the Concord Engineering and Construction Center, a 10,400-square-foot building located on the west side of Concord High School in an area that was previously used for school bus parking. A community open house and ribbon cutting ceremony was held Monday, December 12. 

The facility includes innovative engineering, robotics and construction trades spaces to support future-ready learning, support the local economy, and prepare students for success. This facility was designed in response to the needs of the local economy, including the desire for students to enter the workforce with industry-ready skills. 

The project cost was approximately $3.9 million and was paid for through the sale of a one-year bond. This project will not raise taxes. Additionally, Concord Community Schools will lower the tax rate in 2023. 

“We are proud to support this investment that will have a direct impact on our students and their ability to increase their industry-ready skills while still in high school,” Superintendent Dan Funston said. “In conversations with local industry leaders, it is clear that having this facility in place to support student learning will set them on a path to success in whatever career path they choose.” 

In recent years, student interest in the high school’s construction trades offerings has more than tripled, with more than 500 students enrolled in courses for the fall semester. This increased demand for course offerings has outgrown the existing facility. 

“We are thrilled to have so many students interested in career fields that will directly benefit our local community,” Concord High School Principal Seth Molnar said. “There is an excited buzz among our students and staff as we prepare to launch classes here in January, and we know that momentum will continue to grow as more students and families become aware of these incredible learning opportunities.” 

Courses to be offered in this space include: Civil engineering, architectural engineering, manufacturing, robotics, design and innovation, and construction trades. 

Future plans include a competitive robotics program, additional student-designed projects available for purchase by the community, the growth of partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and other local organizations, and work-based learning placement for students with local contractors. 

Students will begin utilizing the space in January 2023. 

Concord would like to thank Weigand Construction and TMP Architecture for their partnership on this project. 

Concord celebrates academic excellence

October 25, 2021

Concord Intermediate and Ox Bow recognized by U.S. News & World Report

Concord Intermediate School and Concord Ox Bow Elementary were recently recognized by the U.S. News & World Report for outstanding academic performance in math and reading.

Concord staff and administrators celebrated together Monday morning at Concord Intermediate. A celebration with Ox Bow Elementary School staff is slated for Tuesday afternoon.  

This marks the first year that U.S. News & World Report has included elementary and middle schools in its annual rankings.

"We are excited to have two of our schools recognized in this way by the U.S. News & World Report," Superintendent Dan Funston said. "This success is a great example of the importance of investing in great staff who can provide excellent instructional support for students and help our students achieve at high levels."

• Concord Intermediate ranked in the top 17% of middle schools in the state (#97) and ranked as the second highest middle school in Elkhart County. Reading and math performance at CIS were noted as “well above expectations” with students outperforming schools across the state in both subjects. 
• Concord Ox Bow ranked in the top 23% of elementary schools in the state (#262), and was recognized for outperforming other Indiana elementary schools in reading and math performance. Ox Bow was ranked the fourth highest elementary school in Elkhart County.

"Student academic growth has soared at Concord since 2014. As a district, we're in the 93rd percentile of growth since then. These schools exemplify that growth," Funston said.

In addition to academics, schools were ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the context of socioeconomic demographics. In other words, top-ranked schools are all high achieving and have proven success in educating all of their students.

Travis Swanson, principal at Concord Intermediate School, thanked his staff during the presentation Monday for their efforts in helping all students achieve at high levels.

"We are proud and appreciative of the work being done here by our staff to support students in their learning and set high expectations for them," Swanson said. "Our staff are student-focused and extremely dedicated to kids and it's wonderful to see them recognized in this way."

Concord Community Schools is proud of the accomplishments of our students and grateful to our staff for supporting their success!