MCAS Communicator

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

American Education Week is November 15 through 19 - a week set aside each year to recognize the important role of our public schools and public school employees. (Wednesday that week -- November 17 -- is Education Support Professionals Day so be sure to thank an ESP!!)

Michigan City Area Schools would like to acknowledge ALL of our teachers, administrators, and support staff who rise to the challenge every day to ensure our students receive high-quality learning opportunities and that their social-emotional needs are supported.

THANK YOU!

It's time for our annual employee campaign to support the United Way of La Porte County!

Each employee will soon be receiving information about the campaign and a pledge form you can use to make a one-time donation OR sign-up for payroll deduction. You can also donate online BY CLICKING HERE.

We hope you consider supporting this campaign, as United Way of Michigan City funds several crucial programs offered through Michigan City Area Schools, including Kindergarten Countdown, Safe Harbor Summer Camp, Safe Harbor After-School programs (including Robotics and mentoring), and the Open Door Adolescent Health Center at MCHS. United Way also supports MANY other community agencies that support our students and their families!

BONUS:

To show our support for this campaign, MCAS will have a "Jeans Day" on Thursday, November 11. Show everyone that you chose to "TEAM UP" with United Way (with a $5 donation) by wearing your favorite sports shirt, as well.

More information will be coming as we celebrate our "Week of Giving" from November 8 to 12.

MCAS Transportation and Food Service Departments are hosting a combined job fair!

We're asking you to help spread the word and invite your friends, family, and neighbors who are looking for a great job with a great organziation to TEST DRIVE A CAREER WITH MCAS!

On Saturday, November 6 from 10am to 1pm, the public is invited to visit our Service Building at 1100 S. Woodland Ave. to test drive a school bus and visit our test kitchen to see if either of these career opportunities would be a good fit for them.

PLUS the first 30 to attend will receive a FREE t-shirt! Those interested can also apply online at www.EducateMC.net/employment.

The Unity Foundation of La Porte County has announced the recipients for the 2021-2022 cycle of grants for Michigan City educators. These grants aim to support teachers as they find innovative ways to make learning possible for students – particularly during the pandemic. This year’s group of recipients is receiving more than $10,000!

Michigan City Education Foundation K-8 grant winners:

· Erica Ackerson, Krueger Middle School, In a Pickle

· Ashlyn Combs, Edgewood Elementary, Bookflix: Yes We're Still Reading

· Angela Dydo, Coolspring Elementary, Solving Problems to Help Others

· Jill Grabowski, Krueger Middle School, World Citizens Unite

· Kathleen Gushrowski, Barker Middle School, No Time to Waste

· Katie Haughtington, Marsh Elementary, Poetry Café

· Kelli Kelly, Marsh Elementary, Let's Get Ready to Kinder!

· Laurie Rockensuess, Edgewood Elementary, "Drums Alive" project

· Susan Shell, Marsh Elementary, We Like to Move It, Move It!

· Michelle Sickles, Sheri Tuesburg, Ashlynn Combs, Edgewood Elementary, Reading is LIT (Learning Ignites Thinking)

· Leanna Smith, Edgewood Elementary, Reading/ELA Independent Centers

· Kelly Tokoly-Rothermel, Barker Middle School, The Art of Chromebook Photography: from Selfies to Self-Portraits

Barbara A. Carmen Memorial Endowment Fund K-8 grant winners:

· Kelly Benson, Edgewood Elementary, Calming Corner

· Kristal Chenault, Marsh Elementary, Poetry Café

· Jill Grabowski, Krueger Middle School, Taming the Trees

· Stephanie Jones, Pine Elementary, Emotion Regulation with Sensory Supports

· Kelly Tokoly-Rothermel, Krueger Middle School, Putting the "A" in SEL = SEAL: Social Emotional Art Learning

Teacher Innovation Fund 9-12 grant winners:

· Beau Bruemmer, MCHS, History of Rock and Roll- A Flashback in TIme

· Susan Cleveland, MCHS, Fiber Art: Weaving on the loom

· Crystal Freeman, La Porte Co. Career & Technical Education A.K. Smith Career Center, Garden of Herbs

· Kristen Freitag, MCHS, Keeping Students "Charged UP" for school

· Adam Goebel, MCHS, Environment in a Jar

· Rachel Pauer, MCHS, Classroom Greenhouse

· Danielle Reed, MCHS, Counselor Corner

· Cheri Whitler, MCHS, DIY Tshirts

· Amy Wojasinski-Labis, MCHS, Comfy Learning

The next round of grants for Michigan City Teachers will open in summer 2022. For more information on Unity’s grant programs or to make a donation visit uflc.net.

Barker Middle Schools' National Junior Honor Society is selling butter braids and cookie dough. All proceeds benefit the Dr. Peggy A. Scope scholarships that are awarded each year to MCHS graduating seniors.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER BY NOVEMBER 3rd. Kathy Gushrowski would be happy to deliver your items to your school. Delivery date is November 16th.

In order to clarify its function for parents, students, and the community, the MCAS Department of Student Support Services is changing its name back to the Special Education Department. (You may start to notice this has been changed on our website and in many other places!)

The A.K. Smith Career Center launched a new partnership last month that has been in the works for more than a year.

Health Science II students from A. K. Smith recently began clinical rotations at Franciscan Health in Michigan City. Through this partnership, students visit Franciscan three days a week for six weeks during each grading period, rotating among numerous departments for observation. Upon completion, Health Careers students may be considered for part-time employment at Franciscan. This partnership also involved a comprehensive review of curriculum and career awareness for younger students.

The Michigan City High School MCJROTC will honor veterans with a ceremony on November 10th at 1:30 pm in the high school gym. The public is invited; veterans will be honored during the ceremony. U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan is scheduled to be the guest speaker.

The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its annual awards that honor educators and educational programs that have made a significant impact in our community over the last year.

“We are pleased to partner with Comcast Business on this significant community award this year," said Chamber President Katie Eaton. “This is an opportunity to showcase the best of our educators and educational programs in the Michigan City area.”

Nominations may be submitted by colleagues, students, community members, or anyone with knowledge of a deserving individual or program. Nominations will be accepted through November 26, 2021.

Click here for the nomination form.

Click here for a list of past recipients.

A presentation of the award to the selected winner will be scheduled at a time of choosing between the winner, Comcast Business, and the Chamber. For more information or to submit a nomination for visit MichiganCityChamber.com or call 219- 874-6221.

EAP Webinar - November

Cultivate Calm for the Holidays

&

Be a Salt and Sugar Detective

Wed, Nov 17, 2021 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM CDT

Register HERE

The Salvation Army of Michigan City is seeking bell ringers for the holiday season. Individuals or groups can sign up at http://registertoring.com. Or call Jenilee Haynes Peterson, Jenilee.HaynesPeterson@USC.SalvationArmy.org, (219) 874-6885.

Anyone in the following categories is NOW ELIGIBLE to receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster, as long as it has been at least 6 months since your last shot:

• Anyone age 18+ who had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine
• Anhone who had the Pfizer or Moderna shot and is age 65 or older or who has underlying conditions
• Anyone who had the Pfizer or Moderna shot who works in high-risk settings (including schools).

MCAS is exploring options for holding another clinic for employees. We will keep you posted! In the meantime, you can receive the booster from your local pharmacy or any other provider offering boosters.

For more information about the booster vaccine, click here.

You can help fund the integration of the arts at Pine Fine Arts Magnet School by attending a "Give Back" event this month.

Chipotle - Wednesday, November 17th, 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Contact Julie Schmidt (jschmidt@mcas.k12.in.us) at Pine with any questions.

Thanks to the GEER Grant, Indiana Wesleyan University is offering scholarships to Indiana educators who enroll in their graduate programs for Online Teaching and Learning. Click here for more information.