MCAS Communicator

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.

The Michigan City High School Robotics Team concluded another rewarding season this year. Starting with the worldwide season Kick-Off event on January 6, the team met afterschool and on Saturdays to design and build their competition robot. A unique feature of this year’s robot was the use of a ‘swerve’ drive system, that provided for fast, multidirectional movement of the robot. During the 13-year history of robotics at MCHS, this is the first year the team implemented a swerve drive, and this experience will be helpful for all future seasons.

The team competed in two sanctioned Indiana Robotics District Tournaments this season, at Mishawaka High School and Plainfield High School. At Mishawaka, the team performed steadily but was not chosen as an Alliance Partner for the Playoff Tournament. At Plainfield, the team was selected for the #1 Alliance, a great honor. However, fouls and penalty points proved too much to overcome, and the #1 Alliance was eliminated in Plainfield in the second round of matches.

Prior to the start of the playoff matches in Plainfield, the team added a blocker screen to provide defense as part of the #1 Alliance team. They were innovating to the very end!

Michigan City High School is collaborating with the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce to hold the second annual South Shore College & Career Fair at Michigan City High School on Wednesday, April 24 from 9:00 - 10:30am. This fair will provide juniors and seniors with an opportunity to engage with local employers and colleges, exposing students to post-secondary pathways and career opportunities specific to our region. Companies interested in participating should contact MCAS College & Career Coordinator Aaron Garrett.

Members of the Michigan City business community had an opportunity to tour the Little Wolves Early Learning Center on March 20th, during a Chamber of Commerce "Business After Hours" reception. The event featured tours of the preschool classrooms and facility, and refreshments were catered by A. K. Smith Culinary students. Guests also toured the Career and Technical Education portion of the building, which is under construction. Next school year, CTE programs in Automotive, Construction, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood, Health Careers, Smart Manufacturing, and Welding will be relocating to the building, with new lab space and classrooms.

The Little Wolves Early Learning Center has a new website. Check it out at http://littlewolveslearning.com. Little Wolves is now enrolling 4-year-olds for Fall 2024 – and they also accept children at any time when they turn 4. Little Wolves is located at 1001 U.S. Hwy 20 in the former Brown Mackie building. For more info visit their website or call (219) 873-2035.

Kindergarten enrollment is still taking place online! Links to enroll are posted on the district website at www.educateMC.net. Parents can call their local elementary school for assistance anytime -- or stop by to drop off required documents.

Online positive news outlet LaPorte County Life has featured nine MCAS staff members recently. Check out their profiles of these awesome employees!

• Power couple MCHS special ed teacher Amy Wojasinski-Labis and Ryan Labis, Krueger phys ed/wellness teacher.
• Edgewood Elementary principal Kristin Smith
• MCHS science teacher Mark Marz
• Coolspring Secretary Kathy Schroll
• A.K. Smith automotive instructor Steve Barnes
• Krueger choral teacher Shirley Allen
• MCAS School Board members Phyllis Stark and Jenilee Haynes- Peterson

Fun Fact: LaPorte County Life celebrated its 15th anniversary last month. Over the past 15 years, they have spotlighted 66 of our employees. WOW!

MCAS Superintendent Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins was one of five community leaders honored on March 28 by the NAACP Michigan City Branch 3061. Dr. Eason-Watkins and fellow honorees Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, Judge Erika Stallworth, MCPD Captain Jillian Ashley, and former mayor Sheila Brillson Matias were recognized during the NAACP's Women's History Month luncheon at Blue Chip.

B’laster Corp. and Tomorrow’s Tech recently featured A. K. Smith automotive teacher Steve Barnes as one of its six candidates for Instructor of the Year. Check out their profile of Steve here!

Elston Pathways teacher Kimberly Williams recently received an accolade from the Michigan City Policye Department for her efforts in helping prospective candidates as part of an MCPD recruitment and retention initiative. Applicants have a higher chance of passing the entrance exam as a result of her efforts. Thank you, Kimberly, for supporting our community!

On March 21, the Rotary Club of Michigan City presented its prestigious Paul J. Alinsky Excellence Award to MCAS Technology Director Kevin McGuire. This award recognizes innovation, service above self, and commitment to the individual's profession and the community. Congratulations, Kevin!

Wow! These 12 teachers received materials for 20 projects this quarter through Donors Choose, valued at $8,888.75. Congratulations to:

• Alexis Tepavcevich , Barker Middle School
• Alisa Carlson, Marsh Elementary School
• Ceridwen Ruegner, Knapp Elementary School
• Christine Kiser, Joy Elementary School
• Elizabeth Saeed, Marsh Elementary School
• Jacen Smith, Michigan City High School/Barker Middle School
• Kristin Lakin, Pine Elementary School
• Laura Charpentier, Lake Hills Elementary School
• Liz Camel, Coolspring Elementary School
• Mikki Ruiz, Pine Elementary School
• Rachel Pauer, Michigan City High School
• Ryan Labis, Krueger Middle School
• Sheri Wagner, Lake Hills Elementary School
• Stephanie Jones, Springfield Elementary School
• Susan Cleveland, Michigan City High School
• Susan Shell, Marsh Elementary School

(Check out more projects currently seeking funding by MCAS teachers.)

In 2022, STARTedUP and the Indiana Department of Education launched an ambassadorship program for high school teachers. STARTedUP aims to empower teachers to be successful and arms them with opportunities to make that a reality. Fellows:

1. Are provided with a vetted and comprehensive curriculum focused on empowering students’ mindsets and fostering innovation

2. Collaborate with a network of passionate educators who want to enhance student outcomes beyond academics

3. Work closely with community, government, and corporate representatives to build an ecosystem of innovation for students

4. Meet and network with regional, state and nationally-recognized innovators who want to meet students

5. Become a STARTedUP Nationally Certified Innovation Teacher

6. Have an opportunity for domestic travel

7. Receive a participation-based stipend

Learn more HERE. (The deadline to apply is May 31.)

The Dunes Summer Theatre program is holding musical theatre classes for ages 8-18 this summer (July 9-25). Led by dunesARTS Education Coordinator Michael Fallon and professional actors, students will develop their performative, creative, and collaborative skills as they work on solos, dramatic scenes, and group ensembles, towards a finale showcase production. Whether it's acting, singing, dancing, or all 3, students will be able to participate at a level tailored to their strengths and interests.

Details:

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1-3pm (July 9-25)
• Concludes with a showcase production on Saturday, July 27 at 11am
• 1 enrollee - $225, 2 or more enrollees - $200 ea
• Scholarships are available for MCAS students to attend at reduced or no cost!

For more info and an application visit: https://www.dunesarts.org/education

Courses are offered for 30 or 45 PGPs, with fees starting at $314.

Did you know that MCAS partners with the South Shore Sailing School (SSSS) to provide a two-week sailing program just for MCAS students? The SSSS is hiring a part-time employee to assist with on-site administration at their outdoor school located near Fish Camp, from mid-June to early August. This is an on-land administrative role and you will not step onto boats or get wet (no sailing experience necessary!).

Duties include:

• Greeting students and family members at the start of the morning and/or afternoon sessions.
• Serving as the liaison between students, family members, instructors and board members regarding instruction or customer service issues.
• Answering parent questions about the program, scheduling, pick up and drop off times, etc.
• Assisting with organizing outdoor lunch/cookout at the end of each two week session.
• Helping keep the instructional area organized while instructors and students are on the water.
• Observing instructor and student interactions and helping address any behavioral issues.
  
• Providing feedback to board members regarding student participation, instructor classroom management, and noting which students and/or instructors deserve recognition.
  
• Monitoring student engagement and identifying those who need additional support.

Hours are flexible. The SSSS is seeking a candidate who may be willing to work 20 - 25 hours/week. Hourly rate $20. SSSS is looking for a candidate who brings an upbeat, energetic and positive energy for students and families. And, for someone with an eye for details and organization. Interested? Email dale@southshoresailiingschool.org.

How to Break Bad Habits & Meal Planning Made Easy

How to Break Bad Habits: We all have them; from overspending, to eating too much junk food, to not exercising enough. How do we break these bad habits and put them behind us?

Meal Planning Made Easy: Does the idea of meal planning seem overwhelming? Not sure if the benefits outweigh the cons? In this webinar we will discuss the benefits of meal planning, the obstacles to meal planning, and how to get started creating a meal plan you will be able to keep!

Are you into yoga? (Or would you like to be?) The mcas.k12.in.us domain has been added to the Down Dog app and is free for educators if they use their work email. Read more about this app here; it's available on Google Play and the App Store. (Special thanks to Lake Hills teacher Laura Charpentier for this tip!)

Again this month, Primerica representatives RiEisha Hart and Aundre Hogue will be leading two more free Zoom webinars just for MCAS staff members (and families)!

"How Money Works" Workshop:

Save & Invest $$

April 10 and 24

6:30-7:15pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8142628154?pwd=N21sWktiQStTSGkzZytDMWE3ekFpUT09&omn=85731377327

Meeting ID: 814 262 8154

Passcode: 85316

This month, Tickets at Work is featuring deals on water parks, rental cars, movie tickets, travel, and much more. If you haven’t signed up for Tickets at Work yet, click become a member and enter our company code: MCAS

Tickets at Work also has a new loyalty program, FunLife Rewards. Find out more on how you can earn points on eligible purchases and redeem those points on future fun with FunLife Rewards.

Get ready to be inspired by the creativity of everyday people this month! For the 15th year, the Center for Creative Solutions is sponsoring the celebration of "Creativity and Innovation Week,"

A Community Kick-Off Breakfast will be held on Friday, April 12 at 8:00 a.m. at the A.K. Smith Career Center. Guest speaker will be Auzi Mahmood of Pakistan, PNW junior and intern for the Center for Creative Solutions. During the breakfast, the Tej Ram Gupta Scholarships and Student Innovation Awards will be presented. Again this year, the Barker Middle School STEM program has been selected to receive a Student Innovation Award. The Center will be presenting certificates to several Barker students and $500 to the school. (Special thanks to Barker STEM teacher Amy Hamann, for her work with the students!)

Another highlight of World Creativity & Innovation Week is the 8th Annual Poetry Showcase. On April 28, student winners will read their work at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, located in the Marquette Mall. The program is open to the public and runs from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

More free Creativity & Innovation events at the Michigan City Public Library (100 E. 4th Street):

• “Mario Kart in Real Life,” will take place April 15 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Kids ages 9-17 will race RC cars as Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, or Princess Peach.
• On April 16 from 3:00 - 5:00pm, children ages 6-17, can create, discover, and tinker with LEGO Spike, Micro:bits, paper circuits, Ozobots, 3D pens, and more! Anyone under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• A "Women's Voices in Poetry" event will be held on April 17. Featured poets include Carnessa Carnes, Carmen Navarro, Kayla Vasilko, Jamie Wendt, and Valerie Wallace. The evening will begin with a light dinner at 5:30 p.m. The poets will then read their selected work, followed by a Q and A, and a meet and greet opportunity with each poet. The event is expected to end by 8:00 p.m.

Looking for a team-building activity for your staff, a club, or a class? Consider the Michigan City amateur sand sculpting contest on June 8, which is held in conjunction with the Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival. No experience is needed, it’s free to enter, and they have a “boot camp” for amateurs who want to learn some techniques in advance. Contact Betsy Kohn for tips (she was part of the winning team in this contest last year!)