Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Oct. 4
On Wednesday, October 4th, FEMA and the FCC will be conducting a test of the nationwide emergency alerts system. For this test, in addition to radio and TV messages, an alert will also be sent to all cell phones at approximately 1:20PM (Central Time). The cell phone alerts will include an alert tone and display the message “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” (There may be a disruption in classrooms as each phone alerts!) If there is widespread severe weather across the country at the scheduled time for the test, the backup date will be October 11.
Announcing... Our New Teacher and Employee of the Year Program!
We are excited to launch our new Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year programs!
Each spring, we will recognize employees in the following areas:
- Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Secondary Teacher of the Year
- Support Staff Employee of the Year
- Transportation Employee of the Year
- Food Service Employee of the Year
Students, former students, parents, staff, and community members may nominate a teacher or staff member. There is no limit to the number of employees a person may nominate. Please complete a separate form for each nomination.
Nominations are due by Thursday, November 30, 2023.
Please visit this web page to learn more and to nominate a staff member.
A HUGE thank you to the MCEA, MCESP, MCCA, and admin staff that worked on the committees to create this program. The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce has also agreed to become a sponsor of the program. We can't wait to celebrate our employees!
Celebrate School Lunch Week October 9-13
National School Lunch Week is October 9th through 13th, a week to promote the importance of healthy school lunch. (The theme is "Level Up with School Lunch" -- a nod to all the gamers out there!) All of our students receive free meals thanks to our district’s participation in the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision, and we are grateful to our incredible Food Service staff for the important impact they have on student learning.
We are also very excited that beginning the week of October 9th, our schools will be serving local produce sourced through the Local Farm to Schools program. Watch social media for details on what will be served!
Bus Safety Week is October 16-20
School Bus Safety Week is also coming up in October – it is October 16-20. Our Transportation department will be reminding students about safety precautions and working with them on drills. Special thanks to our dedicated Transportation staff!
Transportation and Food Service staff will be helping with upcoming Halloween events in the community, including the Franciscan Health Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 27 from 5-7pm (at the old hospital parking lot, 301 W. Homer Street) and the "Trick or Treat on Franklin Street" parade on Saturday, October 28, which steps off at 2:00pm.
Will YOU be winning the Spring Break trip to Vegas?
Our annual United Way employee giving campaign is underway! We appreciate all of the support MCAS receives from the United Way of La Porte County, funding programs such as Safe Harbor, the Open Door Adolescent Health Center, Kindergarten Countdown, and so much more. We hope you will consider being part of this campaign, which runs through November 17th.
Again this year, we have BIG incentive prizes for donating! Donors at any level will be eligible to win a MCAS/United Way swag bag or a dinner with Dr. Eason-Watkins. And for donors who give $100 or more, either through a one-time donation or over the course of the year through payroll deduction, you will be entered to win a TRIP TO LAS VEGAS during Spring Break! This includes a 7 day stay at an amazing 2BR/2BA condo, $250 toward airfare, and a $250 VISA gift card. Click here for details about this prize. Last year's winner was MCHS math teacher Diana Weiss, who had a wonderful time and can tell you all about it!
You can give by turning in this form to your building secretary (or at MCHS, to Debbie Briggs). Or, you can donate online here. (Be sure to use your MCAS email address when donating online so that you are included in the drawing for our incentive prized.) #LiveUnited
Elston Nontraditional Programs: Did You Know?
The Elston Nontraditional programs (Pathways, SCALE, and Restoration) are making great strides! Here are a few "fun facts" about these alternative settings, which serve students who have extra support and flexibility in order to stay on track for success.
- Pathways students are juniors and seniors who are enrolled as MCHS students and participate in all social and extra-curricular activities. Transportation is provided to Elston from MCHS each day.
- SCALE and Restoration are alternative-to-expulsion programs, serving students in self-contained classrooms.
- These programs are staffed by 15 MCAS teachers and support staff members.
- 15% of last year's graduating seniors were served at some point by Pathways, SCALE, or Restoration programs.
- Pathways students took a field trip on Friday, September 22 to visit IUSB (pictured here). This is the first field trip designed just for students in this program.
- Last spring, students in the SCALE program planted gardens in the raised beds outside Elston. Produce from the gardens planted by students is rolling in and is being shared with staff, students, and the Culinary Arts program.
- The recidivism rate for Restoration and SCALE is down from previous years! Some SCALE students have transitioned into the Pathways program to continue their high school careers.
Sodexo is Hiring!
Sodexo is hiring full-time positions for EVS Attendants (custodians).
Monday-Friday - off weekends!
Shifts available 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Shifts available 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Shifts available 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
These $14/hr positions offer paid holidays, vacation and sick days, flexible hours, 401K, and health/dental/vision insurance. Anyone interested in applying should visit Indeed.com, search Sodexo-Michigan City, Indiana and apply to Environmental Service Attendant. Questions? Call (219) 873-2124.
Tips from MCAS Technology: Don't fall prey to "phishing" emails!
- Check the sender's email address: Verify that the sender's email address matches the official domain of the organization it claims to be from.
- Look for spelling and grammar errors: Phishing emails often contain typos, grammatical mistakes, or awkward language.
- Hover over links before clicking: Hover your mouse pointer over any links in the email to preview the URL. Ensure it matches the official website's domain.
- Don't trust unsolicited attachments: Avoid opening attachments or downloading files from unknown or unexpected sources.
- Beware of urgent or threatening language: Phishers often use scare tactics to pressure you into taking quick action. Be skeptical of urgent requests.
- Check for generic greetings: Phishing emails may use generic greetings like "Dear Customer" instead of addressing you by name.
- Verify requests for personal or financial information: Legitimate organizations will not request sensitive information via email. Contact them directly if in doubt.
- Double-check the domain: Verify the legitimacy of the website by checking the domain name, especially if it's asking for login credentials.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Enable MFA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Trust your instincts: If an email seems suspicious, trust your gut feeling and verify its authenticity before taking any action.
- Check the email signature: Legitimate organizations usually have consistent and professional email signatures. Inconsistent or missing signatures can be a red flag.
- Verify with the organization: If you receive an email that seems questionable, contact the organization directly using official contact information, not the information provided in the email.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks and protect your personal, work, and financial information.
Student Art Contest
La Porte County teens between the ages of 14-18 are invited to help design the art work for the LaPorte County Library’s 2024 summer reading program. Artwork should align with the theme “Summer Under the Stars” and take inspiration from the work of sculptor and designer Isamu Noguchi. Winning artwork will be featured on limited-edition merchandise to raise funds for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in La Porte County and used to promote the 2024 summer reading program. ENTRY DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 3.
4th Grade Essay Competition – Playing IN Indiana!
Entry forms and more info is available here: http://www.in.gov/library/statehood.htm
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
Record Quarter for Donors Choose
MCAS teachers had a HUGE number of projects funded this quarter (July/Aug/Sept) through Donors Choose, with $26,384.93 in projects funded!
CONGRATS to the following educators, who had projects funded:
Shelly Adkins, Sharon Arndt, Robert Bauer, Cherith Brown, Liz Camel, Alisa Carlson, Laura Charpentier, Lynne Clinkert, Abby Collyard, Jeni Conrad, Hannah Criner, Katie Dombkowski, Paige Donovan, Sharonda Eiler, Kristen Freitag, Adam Goebel, Charles Halberstadt, Amy Hamann, Katie Haughtington, Stephanie Jones, Norena Kazmierczak, Kristin Lakin, Alan Layman, Donna Lynch, Heather Martin, Ashlee Metts, Deanna Munoz, Jeremy Nicholson, Brian Parker, Nicole Parry, Rachel Pauer, Rosann Pressel, Sarah Quartuccio, Michelle Richardson, Paige Roadruck, Mikki Ruiz, Courtney Schuyler, Susan Shell, Jane Shimala, Michelle Sickles, Megan Smith, Jill Toepfer, Josie Valdez, Abbee Van Tine, Sheri Wagner, Diana Weiss, Eva Williamson, Lori Wilson-Patterson, Amy Wojasinski-Labis.
October EAP/WELLCARE Webinar Registration
Writing Your New Narrative & Posture/Ergonomics
Wednesday, October 18th, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT / 12:30 – 1:00 PM EST
Register here -> https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/799561991230479448
(Can’t make the live webinar? Register anyway and the system will send you the recording 24 hours later.)
Writing Your New Narrative: This webinar will invite you to review your current narrative as the scenes that are playing out in your daily life and decide whether you like the story or need to make some revisions. You will learn tools to help you turn the page and create space for new levels of meaning and purpose for our individual life story.
Posture/Ergonomics: Posture/ergonomics can impact our health and cause injury through poor mechanics. Learn strategies on improving posture/ergonomics.
Order your FREE Covid Tests!
Every U.S. household can once again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Visit https://www.covid.gov/tests to place your order! And, before you throw out expired tests you may already have at home, check the FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
Note: MCAS was unable to schedule a staff flu/Covid vaccine clinic this year... but be sure to get one at a local pharmacy or your healthcare provider!
Free Access to the Herald-Dispatch
Reminder: Thanks to the Newspapers in Education program, MCAS staff and students can access e-editions of the Herald-Dispatch. Important: You must be using the MCAS network at your school or building for this to work. Visit www.lpheralddispatch.com/ and click "e-Editions" at the top of the page.
October "Tickets at Work" for Discounts
Check out www.TicketsAtWork.com this month and get ready for fall festivities with savings on football, frights, and more! October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and they are celebrating all month long with savings on essentials to support your wellness journey.
If you haven't signed up yet, click "become a member" and enter our company code: MCAS
LCA Family Day October 14
Kids are invited to bring their favorite grown-ups for a day of art at the Lubeznik Center from 1-3 PM on Saturday, October 14th! Activities will include a scavenger hunt through the galleries, art making, and free snacks. Children will make their own scrap book photo album inspired by the photography in the current exhibits at LCA (including the exhibit, Vivian Maier: In Color). All are welcome!
Volunteers Needed!
The Salvation Army is lining up volunteers to ring bells this holiday season! Ringing begins November 3, and individuals and groups are needed to help. Sign up at http://registertoring.org. There are MANY other volunteer opportunities with the Salvation Army, such as serving or delivering food for the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, setting up the Toy Shop for families, unloading food bags at Stuff a Sleigh, and more. Contact Development Director Jessica O'Brien at jessica.obrien@usc.salvationarmy.org to learn how your group can get involved! And "Save the Date" for the annual MCAS districtwide food drive... it will kick off following Thanksgiving Break and culminate with a drive-through drop off at Ames Field on Saturday, December 16.
