We are a diverse community of families, students, and staff who take pride in our schools, contribute positively to society, and prepare students for lifelong success.

Another huge thank you to all who wore red and/or donated to the Riley Children's Foundation on November 28th in support of Barker 8th Grader and 2024 Riley ambassador Amir Agemy. All of the totals are in... we raised $960 in honor of Amir, which is just short of our $1,000 goal. (The tally on our online fundraising page will reflect the new total soon.) You can still make a donation anytime at https://give.rileykids.org/amir.

MCAS collected 17,352.4 pounds of food last month for our annual districtwide food drive. This is 8.7 TONS and a NEW RECORD! To put this in perspective... last year, we collected 4.1 tons, and the previous year it was 4.6.

The MCHS Student Council, JROTC, and other hardy volunteers collected the food from buildings, received additional food at Ames Field on December 16, sorted the items, and delivered everything to the Salvation Army. Kudos to everyone who helped. This was a monumental task!

The school that collected the most was (drumroll, please...) Joy Elementary! Joy collected 5,538.7 pounds (12.9 pounds per student). MCHS Student Council members and Wolfie presented the traveling trophy to them before break. Congrats also to Knapp, which finished 2nd, and Marsh, which finished 3rd, closely followed by Springfield. MCHS, Krueger, Coolspring, Pine, and Edgewood also collected more than a pound of food per student.

The Salvation Army feels this donation will keep their food pantry operating at least through February. Way to Go!

American Fidelity will begin Section 125 meetings for Michigan City Area Schools this month! Be on the lookout for an email to schedule your appointment. All eligible employees (working 17.5+ hours per week) must schedule an appointment.

CONGRATULATIONS to Safe Harbor Program Coordinator Brenda Johnstone, who is the lucky winner of this year's Vegas trip package in our United Way employee campaign contest! Other prize winners were Edgewood teacher Sharon Arndt (United Way swag bag) and Title 1 Non-Pub teacher Lisa Hill (dinner with Dr. Eason-Watkins).

Our employee giving campaign generated $9,318 this year! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED. The United Way supports the Open Door Adolescent Health Center, Safe Harbor, Friday Night Live events, Kindergarten Countdown, and much more!

It's that time of year! MCAS will send out text alerts in the event that we have a delay or an eLearning day due to weather. Here are some important links:

Sign up for Text Alerts Here

eLearning Day Reminders

Strategic Plan implementation teams are now meeting, and work is underway! Many of the initiatives are currently in the research/design phase. Visit our website to view the new Strategic Plan monitoring dashboard, school board presentation archives, and other updates!

All alumni from Elston, Rogers, and Michigan City High School are encouraged to attend! The JV game is at 5:30pm followed by the Varsity at 7:00pm. All Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Pep/Marching Band, and Cheer Alumni get in free. (And as always, MCAS staff get in free with your ID badge.)

A special halftime ceremony will honor all alumni -- and will spotlight the accomplishments of the 1984 Rogers Boys Basketball Team and 1984 Rogers Girls Basketball Team. The game and festivities will be streamed live on our YouTube channel.

See you there!

The annual Elementary Art Show opening reception will be on Wednesday, April 17th at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts. Due to the capacity of the gallery, families will be encouraged to attend at the following times. (More details to follow!)

4:30 p.m. Lake Hills and Marsh

5:00 p.m. Edgewood and Springfield

5:30 p.m. Knapp and Pine

6:00 p.m. Coolspring and Joy

Interested in some delicious popcorn and savory snacks? Consider supporting Michigan City High School's History Club as they raise money for their 2025 Berlin, Prague, Krakow & Budapest trip.

https://supportmyfundraiser.org/store/store.php?sID=00036254

Congratulations to Barker Middle School, which is one of only 10 schools in Indiana to be certified as Heart Safe by Project ADAM! Project ADAM is a nationwide initiative that has saved the lives of more than 200 children, adolescents, and adults who went into sudden cardiac arrest. Last month, Barker staff participated in a drill with Michigan City Fire Dept. and LaPorte County EMS to practice the skills they have learned. Click here to learn more.

Congratulations to MCAS teachers Jocelyn Garner (Barker) Geoff Lambert (Barker), Ashlee Metts (Coolspring), and Susan Shell (Marsh), who presented at the EL national conference in Denver in November. Their sessions were at capacity!

The MCHS Computer Science Honor Society chapter has been awarded a $700 grant from the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) for a community project centering on computer refurbishment and digital literacy. In addition to the grant, four students will attend the CSHS 2024 Virtual Leadership Summit, and MCHS teacher/CSHS Advisor Carlos Melendez will receive funding to attend the CSTA Annual Conference in Las Vegas.

MCAS staff or community members who would like to donate old personal computers that students can refurbish and donate to families in the community, please contact Carlos at cmelendez01@mcas.k12.in.us.

Nutrition and Mental Health

&

Wheel of Wellness - The Different Dimensions of Wellness

Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1972726606359401557

Can’t make the live webinar?
Register now and you will receive a link to the recording 24 hours after the conclusion of the presentation.

Nutrition and Mental Health: This presentation is based on the book, “The Mind-Gut Connection” by Dr. Emeran Mayer and will go over how the gut is connected to the brain as well as how we can make small dietary and lifestyle changes to enhance our health, mood, and immunity.

Wheel of Wellness - The Different Dimensions of Wellness: Our own sense of wellbeing is determined by more than the food we eat and how much physical activity we engage in. Though these things do play a role in how we feel, there is so much more to us than that. Join this month’s webinar to hear about all of the other slices that make up the whole wellness pie.

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

Students in grade 6 (age 12) through high school seniors may apply to serve as Senate pages while the General Assembly is in session. Students will serve in the State Senate for one day assisting legislative aides and interns with legislative tasks and attending session in the Senate chamber. In 2023, the General Assembly will meet from January 9th through April 29th. Pages serve only on designated session days, which are generally Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of each week. There are a limited number of page positions available, and interested students are encouraged to contact their State Senator early. DID YOU KNOW: Indiana law allows Hoosier students to serve as a Senate Page one day per legislative session and receive an excused absence from school. Here is a flyer to share with students who may be interested!

More information an an online application are here: https://indianasenatedemocrats.org/pages/

Are you looking for flexible, part time work during the summer months? Want to exercise while you earn? Become a JOYDriver with Michigan City’s first micro transit service for the 2024 season! JOYRide™ offers short fare taxi rides, art and history tours, and event transportation throughout the downtown area. Our team is passionate about what we do, and we're looking for team members who share our commitment to success. JOYDrivers unite around the concept of combining FUN, pollution-free transportation and flexible income! This is a perfect summertime gig for teachers and staff, offering flexible hours and supplemental income while working outside and interacting with the community. To learn more about JOYRide, or becoming one of our amazing JOYDrivers, email smile@joyridemc.com, ATTN: Rose

Attention, Pickleballers! The United Way will host its first annual Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, May 18, at Kesling Park in LaPorte. This is a leveled mixed doubles tournament (3.0, 3.5, 4.0) with a raffle, prizes, and lots of fun. Entry is $50 per team or $25 for individuals, who will be paired with a partner. Sign up now at the link below. (Open to only 36 teams...this will sell out fast!) ALL proceeds benefit United Way.

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/unitedwaylpc/event/pickleballour1stannualpickleballtournament/