Welcome Back!
From Technology: Email Signature Reminder
Set yours by clicking the "Settings" icon at the top of our gmail. (Be sure to click "See all Settings" and then scroll down for the Signature setting, near the bottom.
Your email signature should contain your name, title, building, and phone # with extension.
Strategic Plan - We want your feedback!
Be sure to fill out the Feedback & Interest form to share your thoughts about the plan. If you are interested in becoming involved by serving on an Implementation Team for our Strategic Plan, you'll be asked to indicate the pillar or pillars that interest you. Implementation teams will meet together for 3 full-day onsite sessions over the course of the school year, plus a few hours quarterly.
Unity Foundation Teacher Grants - DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 10
HURRY! Applications are due September 10th 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!
Wondering if you should apply? Here's a testimonial from Lake Hills teacher Liz Law (Unity used this in its press release about the grant program this year!):
“This grant made it possible to purchase materials to make phonics learning engaging and meaningful,” said Elizabeth Law, Lake Hills Elementary teacher and 2022-2023 MCEF grant recipient. “Many students have surpassed district, classroom, and personal goals. I would highly recommend educators continue to apply for this grant to enhance their teaching. The grant process is easy to navigate and provides educators with resources that they may not normally have.”
Donors Choose is here to help!
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 $407,000 in support through Donors Choose, with 921 projects fully funded!) Learn more here.
Save the Date! United Way Car Wash Set for August 25th
MCAS, the Michigan City Police Dept, and the Michigan City Fire Department are joining together to wash cars for the United Way on Friday, August 25, from 11:00am - 5:30pm. The wash will take place at the Sodexo Plant Planning parking lot, across from Ames Field.
The cost is $5.00 ... or whatever amount you would like to donate to support the United Way. An "Elite Wash" option is available for donors of $100 or more. (You'll get a certificate, photo, and a thank-you gift from United Way.)
This is always a FUN-filled event! There will be free hot dogs, candy, and more. Please encourage everyone you know to bring their dirty vehicles for a wash. (There is also a "Waterless Wash" option, in case you'd just like to make a donation and skip the wash.)
The United Way supports Safe Harbor, the Open Door Adolescent Health Center, Kindergarten Countdown, Friday Night Live, and many organizations that serve MCAS students and their families. Thank you in advance for your support!
From NY Life - Optional Insurance Coverage Window Now Open
The window to add or increase coverage through New York Life is open now. MCAS is offering all eligible employees Guaranteed Issue Employee’s Whole Life insurance, which allows you to purchase cash value permanent life insurance to supplement your current benefit program. There are no physical exams or medical questions asked. Your spouse/domestic partner, children, and even grandchildren may be eligible for coverage as well. Since you own the policy, it remains with you regardless of where you work or even if you retire, as long as premiums are paid when due. To view more information on Employee’s Whole Life Guaranteed Issue, click here.
Questions?
FeLicia Nash, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company
630.795.5008 (main) - 630.800.8829 (mobile)
www.newyorklife.com/agent/fnash
Schedule An Appointment: https://calendly.com/fnashnyl
Virtual Office: https://nylife.zoom.us/my/felicianash
BAG Reports Ahead!
Behavior, Attendance, and Grade (BAG) reports will be emailed to all families in grades 5-12 again this school year. The reports will be emailed four times a year, at the halfway point of each quarter:
Monday, September 11, 2023
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Monday, February 5, 2024
Monday April 22, 2024
School Tours Welcome for New Exhibit at the Depot
The Depot (a Beverly Shores museum and art gallery) is offering school groups guided tours of its new exhibit, Early Settlers and Native Americans, and gallery show Dancing for Our Tribe: Potawatomi Traditions in the New Millennium. The gallery show features stunning photography, along with other items, by Sharon Hoogstraten, a Potawatomie native.
In addition, there is an Opening Reception for the show at the Depot on Saturday (August 11th) from 5-7pm, and Sharon Hoogstraten will also present a lecture at the Michigan City Library on Sunday, August 12 from 2-3pm.
For information on school tours, contact:
Suzy Vance, President, (219) 229-1483, suzyvance@mac.com
or Meg Bero, Curator, (630) 485-0776, megbero@gmail.com
Athletic News
The Wolves are 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.
Athletic passes are now on sale in the MCHS Athletics Office.
- Student passes (good for the entire 2023/24 school year) are $25
- Adult passes (good for the 2023 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!
Free Virtual Sinai Forum Tickets for Teachers!
Great news! The PNW Sinai Forum is offering FREE virtual tickets for its 2023 season to MCAS certified staff. (This is a $125 value!)
For those who may not be familiar with the PNW Sinai Forum, the forum is an exceptional speakers series. Since 1953, the forum has brought world-renowned scholars, leaders, dignitaries, artists, and personalities to Nothwest Indiana to speak in a town hall setting. To learn more about the Sinai Forum visit: https://www.pnw.edu/sinai-forum/sinai-forum-2023/
Virtual sessions are live, and recordings are available approximately 48 hours after the program ends. Recordings can be viewed by you (and shown to students) for up to 30 days after the presentation.
To request a virtual ticket, click here. https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_24Qp8DvfXclR2wm
Hurry! The deadline to sign up for this is 5:00pm Wednesday, September 6th.
A list of forum speakers and more information is available at: https://www.pnw.edu/sinai-forum/
PLUS: Students are welcome to attend any forum presentation in person at no cost. Advance registration is required, and space may be limited. The link for student registration is here:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3O8daDDVaMWCsCO
Social Media 101 Refresher
CLICK HERE for a handy guide on social media. Thank you for being an ambassador for Team M.C.A.S.!
Youth Mental Health First Aid Course
Franciscan Health will host a Youth Mental Health First Aid course on Friday, November 17, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at its W. Homer Street location.
This course teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
For registration information, visit https://afspindianaymhfanov17.attendease.com/
August EAP Webinar: Self-Talk & The Emotional Side of Diabetes
Think on These Things & The Emotional Side of Diabetes
Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
(Hint: Can’t make the live presentation? Register anyway and the system will send you the recording 24 hours later)
Think on These Things: We are always listening to ourselves; how do we start speaking truth? – We will explore how to tame the inner critic.
The Emotional Side of Diabetes: Topics include: • How to evaluate Diabetes burnout • Emotional Obstacles in Controlling Diabetes • How to Deal with Diabetes Burn out
Boys & Girls Club is hiring!
Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County is hiring several additional program leaders for the 2023-2024 school year. Rates start at $15/$16 per hour. These staff members work directly with youth, facilitating programs and activities. Positions are available at the Pine and Westville Clubs. Club hours run from the time school ends to 6:00 p.m. daily.
Visit https://www.bgclpc.org/join-our-team/ for details and to print an application. Questions? Contact Michelle Shirk, Chief Executive Officer at mshirk@bgclubmc.org or (219) 873-2298.
Is this yours?
Lubeznik Arts Festival is Aug 19 & 20 (Volunteers needed!)
The Lubeznik Arts Festival is a highlight of summer in Northwest Indiana! This year’s festival lineup includes over 70 artists from across the US in various media including paintings, ceramics, glass, jewelry, wearables, photography, and more. There's also a live muralist, a family tent, and food and drink.
The festival will be held on Saturday & Sunday, August 19 & 20, from 10:00a.m to 5:00 p.m. -- both inside and outside at the Lubeznik Center, 101 W. 2nd St. in Michigan City.
Tickets are $5 on Saturday. LCA members, children ages 16 and under, veterans, and active military can pick up their free tickets at will call. Sunday is Free Family Day thanks to the generous sponsorship of McDonald's of LaPorte County. Free parking is available in the You Are Beautiful lot south of LCA.
Volunteers are also needed (booth sitters, ticket takers, helpers for setup/takedown, and helpers in the family tent). To volunteer, contact Clare at cdamato@lubeznikcenter.org or 219-874-4900.
Check out "Tickets at Work" for Discounts
Check out www.TicketsAtWork.com for exclusive discounts and special offers that are available to Michigan City Area Schools employees!
Offers include tickets to theme parks, sporting events, movies, and attractions, as well as savings on health and fitness, gift ideas, travel, and more. August features back-to-school deals, and it's also National Wellness Month, so there are exclusive offers to help you achieve optimal well-being. Plus, be on the lookout for early Labor Day deals on travel, tech, and entertainment.
If you haven't signed up yet, click "become a member" and enter our company code: MCAS