MCAS Communicator

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During the week of March 5-11, we celebrate National School Social Work Week. At MCAS, we want to say THANK YOU to all our dedicated school social workers and success coaches for the vital role that they provide to students, administrators, teachers, educators, parents, and the community!

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The theme for National School Social Work Week 2023 is “We Rise.” School Social Workers rise up - supporting their students, families, and school communities. School Social Workers rise to share hope. They rise to listen and understand. They rise to challenge inequities. They rise to support all students.

The Michigan City Wolves boys basketball team defeated South Bend Adams in the first round of IHSAA Sectional Play, 70-62

Tickets are now on sale for Friday’s Sectional game at LaPorte High School. Tip off is at 5:30pm vs our rival, LaPorte. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance at the following link: https://public.eventlink.com/tickets?t=29497

Wolves fans can also purchase tickets at the MCHS Athletic Department this week, 8-11am and 12-3pm. (Enter through Athletics in the rear of the building, Door J). Tickets are $15 for the entire session or $7 for the game.

The Michigan City High School Athletic Booster Club would like your input! They invite all MCAS staff to take this brief survey to gather feedback on how they feel we can make a difference for our MCHS athletes.

BOOSTER CLUB SURVEY

Join us as MCAS celebrates "National School Breakfast Week" from March 6-10. This year's theme is "Dig In To School Breakfast." Our MCAS Food Service team will feature special menu items during the week that may replace existing breakfast items. Be on the lookout for QR codes for the opportunity for students and staff to share their opinion on these featured items!

• Studies show that students who eat school breakfast are more likely to:
• Reach higher levels of achievement in reading and math
• Score higher on standardized tests
• Have better concentration and memory
• Be more alert
• Maintain a healthy weight

THANK YOU to our Food Service team for serving healthy and nutritious meals every day.

The Feed the Children "Teacher Store" is a facility located in Elkhart that provides a variety of free classroom supplies and books for teachers from eligible districts, including MCAS.

New for 2023: The Teacher Store is open only on Thursdays, and they now require you to sign up in advance if you plan to shop there. CLICK HERE for more information and a link to sign up for a shopping date. The registration link closes on the day of the event at noon (EST)/11 am (CST) to give the Teacher Store time for verification and paperwork.

Please note that they are on EASTERN time - and also that they limit this opportunity to classroom teachers only. (NO administrators, support staff, or other certified staff). In addition, the teacher store is ONLY open on Thursdays this year.

You are invited to the next luncheon at the Career Cafe -- the A.K. Smith Culinary Program based at Elston!

Here are the details... from Chefs Mary Koselke and Marcello Marino:

As we come to the end of the 3rd grading period, it means it is time for our kids to cook for you again. The week of March 13th, we have a lot planned. On March 14th and 16th, we will be hosting a sit-down lunch in our Career Cafe in the Elston Cafeteria. On March 15th and 17th, we are offering take-out orders only. This will give our kids more experience with both types of service.

We are studying sandwiches and salads right now. Everything will be made from scratch, right down to the condiments and the bread. The cost is $16.

This is a super fun event and we really hope to see you there. Please go to this site http://careercafeataksmith.square.site/ to view the menu, pay, and reserve your seat and time online. If you are ordering a take-out meal, you can place your entire order online, as well. If you want to pay cash or check, please give that to Mary Koselke and she will reserve your seat.

ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY MARCH 8th!

This is fun for our students, and for us, and it helps us raise money to buy more ingredients for our next lesson. Thanks for your support!!!!

The Center for Creative Solutions will celebrate both World Creativity & Innovation Week (April 15-21) and National Poetry Month with the 7th annual "Student Juried Showcase of Poetry" for students in grades 1-12 in Northwest Indiana.

This year's theme is "change." Authors may address topics such as a change in their life; new activities or interests; a change involving their school, family, or neighborhood; a change in the seasons; or how they are affected by change. Winning poets will read their creations on WIMS Radio, and top poems will appear in The Beacher. The Center for Creative Solutions will also publish a book listing winners and featuring everyone's work. Each student will receive a copy.

Poems must be submitted by midnight on Friday, March 31 at thenestmichigancity@gmail.com or online at CenterForCreativeSolutions.com. Entries should include the student's full name, school, teacher's name, grade level, and age. Winners will be notified in advance of April 8.

The Society of Innovators will host a four-day Young Leaders Academy June 20-23 and July 11-14. This is an innovation and leadership development experience for rising high school freshmen and sophomores (current 8th and 9th graders). The Society's aim is to guide each participant on their development journey to become a more authentic, vibrant and innovative leader who can then share his/her/their gifts with communities across Northwest Indiana.

The camp is free and open to all rising high school freshman and sophomores (ages 14-16). Snacks and lunch will be provided each day.

Click here for more information.

Elementary students from grades K-6 will have art on display at Lubeznik Center for the Arts for an "Art from the Start" show from March 29 through May 5. Created in the art rooms of MCAS, this exhibit features a variety of art mediums including paint, clay, chalk pastels, and paper.

An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, April 12 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. To alleviate crowding in the Hyndman Gallery at the Lubeznik Center, we kindly ask that staff and families plan to come at the following times if possible:

4:30 p.m. Lake Hills and Marsh

5:00 p.m. Edgewood and Joy

5:30 p.m. Knapp and Pine

6:00 p.m. Coolspring and Springfield

Lubeznik Center for the Arts is located at 101 W. 2nd Street, Michigan City. Admission is always free. For more information, visit www.lubeznikcenter.org.

The Michigan City Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society is hosting a donation drive for local Animal Shelters. Please consider making a donation now through April 14. A list of the most needed items is below. Donations may be given to any Rho Kappa member or dropped off at the Michigan City High School main office for Krissy Freitag.

• Unopened pet food or treats
• Animal toys
• Sheets, blankets, and towels
• Cleaning supplies
• Misc. animal supplies
• Monetary donations

Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 • 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Register -> https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1988539775982055509

Relationship Communication 101- How many times have we had a heated argument with our significant other and wished it were easier to get along with them? How many times have we thought, ‘I wish she/he would not get on my case as soon as I walk in the door? Why can’t this relationship be easier?’ What if you can learn some basic techniques to make your relationship flow a little smoother?

Elements of Holistic Health - Topics discussed include exercise, nutrition, gratitude, mindfulness, family, relaxation, and self-reflection.

In case you missed it... the February edition of Franciscan Working Well's "Healthy U @ Work" newsletter featured articles on Mindfulness, Cooking for a Healthy Heart, At Home Fitness, and Decluttering.

Read all about it here!

Sodexo is hiring at Michigan City Area Schools. Please share this information with friends and family who may be interested.

Now hiring full-time positions for EVS Attendants (custodians). Day shifts and night shifts are available.

· Monday-Friday -off weekends!

· Paid Holidays!

· Vacation and Sick Days!

· Flexible Hours!

· Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Insurance!

· 401K Retirement!

Anyone interested in applying can visit Indeed.com, search Sodexo-Michigan City, Indiana, and apply to Environmental Service Attendant. Any questions, please contact Sodexo at 219-873-2124.

Need CPR Certification? Visit www.EducateMC.net/CPR for several options!

This month, Tickets At Work is celebrating Employee Appreciation Day (March 3) with special offers as well as a gift for you! Plus, just in time for spring travel, they have access to new savings on cruises. And they're offering specials on everything from tax preparation and services to celebrating Women’s History Month, and so much more.

If you haven’t signed up yet, click become a member and enter our company code: MCAS

The Unity Foundation of La Porte County is seeking nominations for the Jan Nona Environmental Stewardship Award.

This award honors students or teachers inspiring students in the Michigan City area who move beyond being ordinary citizens and become involved in environmental issues in the community. It is named for Jan Nona, who worked relentlessly on behalf of her neighbors after the discovery of coal combustion waste in her community, inspiring others to demand accountability from local, state, and federal officials.

The nominee must:

1. be a resident of La Porte Co. or Porter Co.
2. demonstrate success in moving beyond ordinary citizenship to activism in the area of environmental protection
3. demonstrate the traits of Jan Nona

A $500 award will be paid to a college or university on behalf of the recipient or to a recognized charity of the recipient’s choice. The deadline is March 24. To make a nomination or learn more, visit uflc.net.