MCAS Communicator

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Welcome back, Team M.C.A.S.! You are reading the “MCAS Communicator,” the monthly e-newsletter for all staff. If you have news or other info you would like to include, please email Betsy Kohn at bkohn@mcas.k12.in.us before the last school day of the month. The Communicator goes out the first school day of each month. The next edition will hit your in-box on September 1st!

Head over to Peepers (9935 E. US Hwy 12, Michigan City) on Thursday, August 4 between 3pm and 5pm for a "Peepers for Teachers Parking Lot Party!"

Peepers is looking forward to spoiling us before the start of a new school year, with live music from local singer/songwriter Brittany Lee Moffitt, treats from Hot Rod Snow Cones and Custom Cookies by Dawn, amazing prizes, and as many pairs of Peepers that you can carry! Be sure to bring your MCAS ID badge.

HURRY! Applications are due soon for small teacher grants from the Michigan City Education Foundation, Barbara A. Carmen Memorial Endowment Fund, and Teacher Innovation Fund. These funds provide $$$ for classroom projects, activities, and materials -- there are programs for K-8 teachers and for 9-12 (both MCHS and AK Smith). Don't delay! Click here to apply online!

Did you know that MCAS is a "partner district" with the crowdfunding platform Donors Choose? This is an easy way for teachers to post needs for classroom projects, materials, and equipment. (MCAS teachers have received more than $339,000 in support through Donors Choose, with 771 projects fully funded!) Learn more here.

On August 9th, for one day, all donations to DonorsChoose projects will receive a 50% boost from Bill Gates. This means that a $20 donation will become a $30 donation, a $100 donation will become a $150 donation, and so on.

The Wolves are already off to a great start, and we're looking forward to an exciting year! A reminder to all MCAS staff: your staff ID gets you in FREE to all games, so come out and support our Wolves!

Also, athletic passes are now on sale in the MCHS Athletics Office.

• Student passes (good for the entire 2022/23 school year) are $25
  
• Adult passes (good for the 2022 fall season) are $50
  

Stop by the MCHS Athletic Office Monday through Friday between 8am and 3pm to purchase passes using cash or a check.

Visit https://michigancityathletics.com/ for the latest updates, schedule, and scores!

GO WOLVES!

This fall, Unity Foundation of La Porte County will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with a fundraising effort - La Porte County Gives! During this event (for 30 hours!) Unity will be raising additional funds for charitable orgainzations.

Unity has been very supportive of MCAS over the years, especially our athletics programs.

Be on the lookout in September for ways we can help our MCHS Athletic Booster Club during this campaign. We will be sharing ways that we, as a district, can help support our boosters - a group that does so much for our student-athletes.

The Feed the Children "Teacher Store" will open for the school year on September 8th. Not familiar with the Teacher Store? This is a facility located in Elkhart that provides a variety of free classroom supplies and books for teachers from eligible districts, including MCAS. (Many of our teachers have received materials in the past from this store, so ask your colleagues for tips/advice on shopping there!)

CLICK HERE to view the school year calendar with open store hours and dates.

More info is here about the Teacher Store.

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!

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its 36th Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program (TCFP). This renewal program supports Indiana educators to take intentional time to pursue their dreams and passions, explore new areas of interest and expand existing or develop new talents. Renewal projects encourage new experiences, exploration, and reflection to generate renewed energy and enthusiasm, spark innovative approaches to teaching and leading, and reveal thoughtful ways to enhance creativity in students and classrooms.

This is open to teachers, principals, instructional coaches, counselors, media specialists and school social workers.

Approximately 100 grants, each up to $12,000, will be awarded in 2023. Learn more about TCFP here. The application deadline is October 3, 2022.

Edgewood teacher Tess Pavloff has received this grant not once but TWICE! She wants to help YOU win this year! She is forming a group that she will meet with (likely via Zoom) to give tips on applying, plus info about the timeline, financing, and more. If you are interested in joining this group, contact Tess at tpavloff@mcas.k12.in.us.

(It takes weeks/months of planning to create a successful application... be sure to contact Tess today!)

As a new school year starts, it's a good time refresh your memory about our Social Media 101 tips - some common "do's and don'ts" when it comes to Facebook, TikTok, and more.

CLICK HERE for a handy guide on the best way to maintain great communications.

Thank you for being an ambassador for Team M.C.A.S.!

Melissa Garno, a teacher at Michigan City High School has been training for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk, a 60-mile walk over three days to raise money in the fight against breast cancer.

In order to participate, Melissa must raise $2,400. If you would like to help Melissa in her goal, CLICK HERE to donate to the cause. She will be walking September 16-18 in Chicago on a team with her cousin and three other women - and the team name is The Red Hot Chili Steppers!

You can learn more about the Susan G. Komen organization by visiting www.komen.org, or contact Melissa with any questions at mgarno@mcas.k12.in.us.

Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

To Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5343573059567524109

The Importance of Self-Care - Self-Care isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a legitimate practice for improving overall wellness. Join us for a discussion on why self-care is so important and how to create a plan for your own self-care.

Tackling Debt • Rebuilding financial life after debt • Strategies for reducing or paying off debt

Did you know:

• Vaping has been declared an epidemic
• 2 in 5 youth are using e-cigarettes frequently
• 1 in 4 youth are using e-cigarettes daily

The landscape of e-cigarettes, vaping and nicotine products is constantly changing. New vaping and nicotine products on the market include toothpicks, gum, pouches, breakers, lozenges and diffusers.

Join Franciscan Health to learn about the latest e-cigarettes and related products, and the associated health concerns.

Click here to watch the 15 minute webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/1552112819102683905

Check out www.TicketsAtWork.com for exclusive discounts and special offers that are available to Michigan City Area Schools employees!

Available offers include tickets to theme parks, sporting events, movies, and attractions, as well as savings on health and fitness, gift ideas, travel, and more. And right now, MCAS employees can take advantage of "back-to-school" offers on supplies, apparel, and technology.

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

As of July 16, 2022, the federally mandated 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline became available to everyone across the United States. Calls to 988 will be routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7/365.

This new easy to remember 3-digit number will allow quick access to mental health care professionals by calling or texting 988, or by chatting at 988Lifeline.org. Trained 988 counselors will support and connect those who reach out to local resources at times of crisis whether callers are experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, or substance use issues. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800 number has been used for 17 years and will continue to be available in addition to 988. See this fact sheet or create a safety plan now.

The Salvation Army of Michigan City will be holding its annual fall dinner and silent auction event on Thursday, August 18th at the FOP Dunes Lodge #75 on Rt. 20. Tickets are $50 and catering is by Sweet Lou's. All are welcome! CLICK HERE for info and to purchase tickets.

This event supports services including the Salvation Army's Pathway of Hope case management program, which works with local families to increase self-sufficiency and help them achieve a brighter future for their children.

Note: Silent auction items are needed for this event! If you have something to donate, please contact Betsy Kohn at bkohn@mcas.k12.in.us. Handcrafted items are especially popular!