What’s recently happened?
As summer slowly comes to an end, the 2023-2024 school year officially begins on Wednesday, August 16 for the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC).
For the John Adams High School Eagles, an open house occurred on August 9 at the high school. Students were able to attend the open house from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., where they could receive their schedules, locker numbers and combinations, as well as an opportunity to sign up for the numerous clubs and sports that Adams has to offer, including Spanish Club, Eagles Going Green, American Sign Language Club (ASL), cross country, football, and more.
The back-to-school night allowed for new students and incoming freshmen to get a feel for the upcoming year as well as tackle the daunting feel of entering a new school by exploring with their parents, friends, and teachers.
“As an incoming freshman, back-to-school night alleviated a lot of the stress I had going into a brand new school. I was able to find my classes and locker as well as become more familiar with my surroundings,” said incoming freshman Jenna Freymuth. “I felt very welcomed, and I am excited to see what my future will look like at Adams!”
Staff and upperclassmen met new students at the doors and offered to show many of them around. The goal was to help the transition to high school be as seamless as possible in the most welcoming way.
With such a successful back-to-school night, almost everyone is looking forward to what this new school year will bring and what lies in the future of Adams.
What’s coming up?
Art Beat is an annual event that fills the streets of downtown South Bend on August 19. Families and friends can experience over 500 visual, performing, and culinary artists in this day-long event. From exquisite showcases to mouth-watering food, to breath-taking art, Art Beat offers something for everyone.
Art Beat provides a chance to gather as a community while meeting new people and engaging in the surrounding area. Many are looking forward to Art Beat, especially since this is the 20th Anniversary.
“I love Art Beat because it is always such an exciting event. Art Beat is a core summer activity, and it is reminiscent of art exhibits in Europe,” said John Adams Senior Olivia Purcell.
Art Beat can be found along the East Bank of South Bend near Howard Park. Participants can cross the river that is blocked off to cars, so viewers may enjoy a full day of roaming and looking at art as well as meeting new people.
“I am very excited for this upcoming Art Beat, as it is such a fun time for me. I love wandering from booth to booth to look at the creation’s of South Bend residents. I feel a sense of community through Art Beat,” said John Adams Senior Adelyn Rabbit.
Community member spotlight:
Sara Stewart was born in South Bend and grew up attending John Marshall School from kindergarten to eighth grade, eventually graduating from Riley High School.
“I love having family close by and the engaged community that South Bend has to offer. I also love being able to run into old classmates, and rekindling old friendships,” said Stewart.
Stewart works at Unity Gardens, an organization that advocates to increase the availability and awareness of locally grown, healthy food. Stewart’s work at Unity Gardens includes a variety of tasks including growing, greeting, development, and other administrative duties.
“My passion is inclusion and advocacy, so imagine my joy in being able to dedicate my life’s work toward reminding people how to share and be kind,” said Stewart.
Through her work at Unity Gardens, Stewart has been able to connect with her community in a number of ways. Everyone shares a piece of their story when at Unity Gardens, whether it be for volunteering or harvesting. Unity Gardens was created by a whole community of leaders, including local unions such as IBEW153, who helped to finish the Welcome Center, as well as other companies who donated resources and hours to help Unity Gardens become what it is today.
“Truly, every piece of the garden, Welcome Center, and even media coverage has gotten Unity Gardens to become the first de-stigmatized free food model in the nation,” said Stewart.
One of Stewart’s favorite places in the city is LaSalle Square. She enjoys being able to meet new people and teach them about sustainable living with Unity Gardens. She also enjoys going out to dinner with her family to local restaurants.
Lastly, Stewart’s favorite event that Unity Gardens has to offer is Taste of Unity, an annually hosted event, to celebrate great food and an even better community. Stewart describes the event as a Unity reunion with so many people that have supported it throughout the years.
“Watching someone new connect to the work of Unity Gardens keeps me going!” said Stewart.