MCAS Communicator

Please post for/share with those employees who do not check email.

National School Counseling Week is February 6-10, a great time to recognize the outstanding work of our School Counselors. Our counselors have a tremendous impact on our students, helping them achieve school success and plan for their future. Be sure to thank the School Counselor at your building!

Don't forget to stop by to sign up for your Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) again this year. Your account will not renew without making a new election each year. (Note: If you missed making an appointment at your building, you can go to another location or sign up for a virtual appointment.)

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

This month we acknowledge and say THANK YOU to all of our Career-Tech teachers and staff, both at A. K. Smith and at Michigan City High School, for their work with our students. These courses result in technical certification, dual credit, internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities for our students.

As we celebrate Black History Month throughout Michigan City Area Schools, please contact Jessica O'Brien at jobrien@mcas.k12.in.us if you have any exciting projects at your school. We love to share these projects on our websites and social media pages.

Also, the Michigan City Black History Month Committee will be hosting several events through the month of February. See the calendar below for details, or follow the committee on Facebook.

Yesterday, the MCAS School Board approved a calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. Next year, in place of scheduled eLearning Days, we will have "Early Release" days. On these days, students will attend in the AM only and work asynchronously for the PM. Early release days will be for the purposes of teacher professional development/data review. (Specific times for release TBA.)

Highlights of the calendar include:

August 7-8, 2023: Teacher Work Days

August 9, 2023: First Day of School

Sept. 4, 2023: Labor Day - No School

Sept. 13, 2023: Early Release Day

Oct. 12, 2023: Early Release Day and Parent/Teacher Conferences

Oct. 19-20, 2023: Fall Break
Nov. 20-24, 2023: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Dec. 21, 2023 - Jan. 3, 2024: Winter Break
Jan. 15, 2024: No School (MLK Jr. Day)
Jan. 24, 2024: Early Release Day

Feb. 19, 2024: No School (Presidents Day)
March 7, 2024: Early Release Day and Parent/Teacher Conferences
March 29, 2024: No School (Good Friday)
April 1-5, 2024: Spring Break
May 1, 2024: Early Release Day

May 22, 2024: Last Day of School for Students
May 23, 2024: Teacher Work Day

June 2, 2024: Graduation

These dates will be entered soon on the MCAS website master calendar. A one-page version will be ready in March.

On February 6, 2023, the B.A.G. Report for Quarter 3 will be emailed to all students and parents/guardians in grades 5-12. Please make sure behavior, attendance, and grades are updated prior to Friday, February 3 so we are pulling the most accurate and up-to-date data to send home to our students and families.

Teachers: Are you interested in taking part in a "Rain Barrel Design Contest?" If so, check out the flyer below. This event through Porter County Solid Waste is an art contest that helps schools teach about conservation, and also provides cash prizes. Scan the code to register by March 1. For more information, contact gabrielle@portercountyrecycling.org or (219) 465-3819.

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.

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.

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

Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 • 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CST

Register for this Event: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2327864456078834014

The Practice of Mindfulness: Mindfulness is more than just a practice. It brings awareness and caring into everything we do—and it cuts down needless stress. Even a little makes our lives better.

Stroke Prevention: Review the risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Review signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke. Outline what individuals can do to help themselves and others.

This month, Tickets At Work is offering a variety of Valentine’s Day gifts and experiences, spring vacation planning, and savings on tax preparation products and services. Plus, the have curated a collection of artists, brands, and experiences that celebrate, honor, and, share in the joy of Black culture in recognition of Black History Month. Visit ticketsatwork.com and enter our company code MCAS to use this free service.