Next Level News

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.

Nominations are now being accepted for the Michigan City Area Schools Wall of Fame, which honors former employees who have made a lasting impact on our students. Nomination forms, a list of past recipients, and additional information are available on our website at educateMC.net/WOF. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, March 27. Additional details about the dinner will be available on the website soon.

The community is invited to an informational meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Pine Elementary School (1600 N County Line Rd). Additional topics and discussion details will be shared soon.

These meetings are intended to introduce early concepts and help families and community members better understand the district’s long-term planning process. Please note that no decisions have been made. Your feedback is important to us, and we hope you will join us to learn more, ask questions, and share your perspective.

You may visit educatemc.net/community-conversations to learn more about our previous Community Conversations and stay up to date on ongoing discussions.

Kindergarten enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open! Links to enroll are posted on the district website at www.educateMC.net/kindergarten. Parents can call their local elementary school for assistance anytime -- or stop by to drop off required documents. Not sure which school your student will attend? Contact the MCAS Transportation Department at (219) 873-2127.

For any returning student, the Online Annual Information Update will become available the week of April 13-17, after our spring break.

Michigan City Area Schools Food Service Department has released the new spring menus, now available online. Families can view upcoming breakfast and lunch options for each school by visiting the district website. To view the menus, visit: https://www.educatemc.net/departments/food-service/menus

The Food Service team is committed to providing nutritious, balanced meals that help fuel our students for a successful day.

On Wednesday, February 18, Michigan City High School hosted Wolfpack Roundup a night for incoming freshman and families to learn more about what thie high school has to offer. Incase you missed it, a recording of the presentation and a virtual packet is available on the high schools website at educateMC.net/wpru

On February 24, 2026, LaPorte County Career and Technical Education Center leadership presented an update on LPCCTE at the Michigan City Area Schools Board of Trustees meeting.

They highlighted the wide range of career pathways available to students, including programs in Automotive, Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Energy, Fire Science, Health Science, Modern Machining, Smart Manufacturing, and Welding. Presenters shared updates on student certifications, dual credit opportunities, and partnerships that prepare students for college and careers.

The presentation emphasized the importance of providing hands-on learning experiences and industry connections that support student success and workforce readiness across LaPorte County.

Dr. Coni Taslim, Principal of Non-Traditional Programs, also shared an overview of services, including Great Lakes Virtual Academy, Pathways to Graduation, Restoration, and SCALE. These programs offer flexible and individualized learning environments designed to support academic growth, graduation pathways, and personal development for students in grades 6 through 12.

Both presentations reflected MCAS’ commitment to providing innovative paths to success and ensuring every student has access to meaningful academic and career opportunities.

To watch the full board meeting, visit our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@EducateMC

Words with Wynni is a new MCAS video segment series featuring Michigan City High School junior Bronwyn “Wynni” Lewis. Wynni joined the MCAS Communications team in January as part of the Work-Based Learning program and a large part of her work has been student and staff interviews from across the district. Wynni gives viewers an inside look at what’s happening around MCAS.

In February, Wynni and the team visited many buildings and explored a number of topics. At the latest Ambassador session, which was at the high school, she spoke with student ambassador Damani Edgington about her experience with the program. Also at the high school was a fun conversation with Wolfie about Wolfpack Roundup.

Wynni stopped by Joy Elementary to ask students about their time there for National Public Schools Week, and they had some great answers! Finally, the team took to Barker Middle School to give students and staff the opportunity to shout out a fellow Wolf!

Stay tuned for more weekly upcoming interviews on our MCAS Facebook page. Lots of exciting videos coming in March!

#WorkBasedLearning #NextLevel

MCHS Drama Club invites families and community members to join us for this year’s spring musical production, The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical. The production will run approximately 2 hours and include 1 intermission. Performances will take place at Michigan City High School in the auditorium (enter through Door P) on the following dates:

• Friday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m.

• Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and young children and will be available for purchase at the door.

This production is made possible by the dedication and talent of our students and staff. The creative team includes:

• Productions Director: Angie Gresham

• Artistic Director: Becky Tiedeman

• Music Director: Kaity Mosher

• Stage Manager: Kristi Steinhiser

• Student Director: Midnight Bright

• Student Stage Manager: Sabriel Croy

At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, a group of teachers at Pine Elementary led by Elizabeth Schreeg and Michael Maesch started a math cohort group to analyze and discuss student data. The initial focus of the group was to track math fact fluency and computation skills. The hope was that consistent classroom practice, partnered with weekly data reviews, would help teachers improve overall math success in the classroom. It worked!

As student proficiency grew, teachers began spiraling through grade-level standards and using common formative assessments to guide instruction. The vision was that by building bedrock skills of math facts and computation, students would have an improved ability to master grade-level standards. It happened!

As success grew, students and teachers in the cohort became very excited about their data. Students and teachers were motivated by the consistent feedback. Teachers described the weekly conversations as "joyful" and "motivating" and many felt a sense of renewal around their classroom instruction.

The cohort motto is "progress over perfection". We are "stacking bricks" of mastery and building overall math learners who understand concepts and skills and have the math fact and computational fluency to participate in grade-level mathematical learning. Each increment of student success is celebrated, and adjustments are made as student data is analyzed. The process is ever-changing based on the weekly data conversations. The Pine group met over 30 times during the school year!

Based on the success of the Pine cohort, additional cohorts were created during the 2025-26 school year at Joy, Lake Hills and Coolspring Elementary Schools. The new cohorts are following the same blueprint created by the initial Pine group. The district-wide cohort met together in January of this year. The group shared ideas related to consistent instruction based on student needs while building student motivation.

These cohort groups demonstrate the effectiveness of teacher leaders in facilitating data-based discussions based on state standards. We are beyond excited to watch these groups continue to grow in their membership and student outcomes.

In honor of Black History Month, Barker Middle School held a school-wide STEM Poster Challenge. In students' CREW classes, students chose from different STEM figures to research and create their poster digitally or by hand. Congrats to our winners!

8th grade:

1. Jayda Blake, Mrs. Hamann's CREW: Joan Higginbotham, astronaut & electrical engineer

2. Dallex Ulmen, Ms. Sobecki's CREW: Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist

7th grade:

1. Alyssa Pollock, Mrs Colvin's CREW: Dorothy Vaughn, NASA mathematician

2. Skylar Doster, Mr. Smith's CREW: Katherine Johnson, NASA mathematician

Springfield Elementary students recently celebrated Black History Month through music and art. During a special assembly titled “Lift Every Voice: Stories Told Through Music and Art,” students shared songs and artwork that highlighted how Black history has been expressed and preserved through creative expression. The performance helped students explore the messages, emotions, and purpose behind important songs while celebrating the impact of music and art in telling powerful stories.

MCHS TV students and staff share their future plans that they will be able to achieve through the power of reading! #CITYREADS

IREAD begins this week! Superintendent Dr. McCollum shares a quick message for our 2nd and 3rd grade families: CLICK HERE to listen.

Students at Knapp, Marsh, and Coolspring elementary schools are participating in a math problem-solving routine during their weekly math block. In this routine, students are given a grade-level real-world problem and asked to solve it in any way that makes sense to them. During the launch of the problem, teachers ask very few questions. The one question they do ask each time is, “Do you have enough information to solve this problem?”

Students are then given individual work time, called the “grapple,” to solve the problem in any way that makes sense to them. The grapple time is a silent work time. All students have access to manipulatives, whiteboards, and any other materials the teacher deems helpful for solving problems. During the grapple, the teacher walks around, observing how students are solving the problem and deciding which students he or she will choose to share their thinking.

Before giving the problem to students, teachers will work through the problem themselves and try to solve it in as many ways as they can think of. This helps teachers predict what students may try. From the solution methods teachers devise, they may pick one or two to look for when observing the student grapple.

When it is time to share solutions with the whole group, the teacher has already pre-selected students to share based on what they observed during the individual grapple. During the student share-out time, the teacher will use anchor chart paper to capture the thinking of the selected students so we can see how student thinking progresses throughout the year. The teacher may also compare two or three chosen solution methods to see what students notice in their similarities and differences. The anchor charts can then be hung in the room as a tool for future problem-solving tasks.

STAFF & STUDENT SHOUTOUTS

Meet our March Pack Pride Staff Spotlight: Jeff Williamson!

As MCAS’s Network Engineer, Jeff keeps our district connected and running smoothly each day. He approaches every challenge with respect, empathy, and a willingness to help. His commitment to serving others and strengthening our district truly reflects the heart of the Wolfie Way!

We’re proud to recognize the meaningful impact he makes across MCAS every single day.

👉 Read his full story here: EducateMC.net/MCASNews.

Barker STEM Teacher Amy Hamann, 2025 PAEMST Science/STEM State Finalist, was recognized at the 2026 HASTI Conference awards ceremony (Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc) at Noblesville High School on Saturday, February 21st. Sheridan Rayl, PAEMST Indiana State Coordinator is pictured honoring the finalists with this prestigious award at the ceremony. This is Barker STEM Teacher Mrs. Hamann's third time as a PAEMST State Finalist. Congratulations!

Six Michigan City Area Schools students were recognized at the Michigan City Human Rights Commission Black History Month Contest Awards Ceremony held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at City Hall. Awards were presented by Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, celebrating student creativity and learning in honor of Black History Month.

Students from Edgewood Elementary, Barker Middle School, and Krueger Middle School earned top honors in their grade-level categories.

Edgewood Elementary – 4th Grade

• DeAnna Coleman - 1st Place
• Aubrey Nelson - 2nd Place
• Jariah Coleman - 3rd Place

Krueger Middle School - 7th Grade

• Sharlotte Russell - 1st Place

Barker Middle School - 7th Grade

• Chase Roberts - 2nd Place
• Mariyha Spears - 3rd Place

Congratulations to these students for their outstanding work and for representing Michigan City Area Schools with pride.

wo Michigan City High School students have advanced to the semifinals and finals of an NBA2K esports competition, earning the opportunity to compete at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on March 29.

Congratulations to Jaden Scully and Derrius Blackmon on this exciting achievement. The students will represent Michigan City as they compete against top players from across the region. We wish Jaden and Derrius the best of luck as they take their skills to the next level on the big stage. Go Wolves!

Congratulations to Michigan City High School student, Milad Mroueh, who was honored at The Michigan City Exchange Club as one of their Students Of The Month on February 10th!

Congratulations to Jennifer Serrano, Jonathan Shumate, Isaiah Smoot, Ana'leesa Toney, and Alyssa Tracy! They were recognized as Students of Excellence at The Rotary Club of Michigan City, IN luncheon on February 10th. We are so proud of their exceptional accomplishments!

Congratulations to the 9th and 10th-grade Early College's Quarter 2 Awards Recipients!

Picture on the left: Jason Picon, Maddox Garza, Baize Mendoza, Lucas Richmond, Mason Parry, Maddisyn Burnett, Lennon Blank, Illianah Huipio, Serina Wright, Vanessa Lopez-Leon, Kennedy Davis, Jerney Williams, Sa'Nyra Wood-Watts, Katherine Mansker, Shelby Fulford

Picture on the right: Fernando Patino, Elaya Hachem, Kody Gearring, Ella Galindo, Deanna Johnson, Kennedy Davis, Camila Avina Rivera, Avion Coaks, Kamaria Holmes, Damani Edgington, Yoselin Ambros- Xolio, Loy'El Mayhams

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Early College program.

Michigan City Area Schools is proud to share that both Krueger Middle School and Barker Middle School chorus programs have been awarded Middle School Music Grants from the Peter R. Marsh Foundation.

The grants support student performances for senior audiences and help strengthen meaningful community connections through music. At Barker Middle School, students continue their partnership with The Elms, performing six community concerts each year. Grant funding will also help purchase new music and choral supplies to support the continued growth of the program.

Congratulations to our students and music educators at Krueger and Barker for creating opportunities that bring our community together through the power of music.

On Saturday, January 31, 30 choral students from Michigan City High School competed at the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest at Portage High School.

Students earned numerous Gold and Silver ratings for their vocal and piano performances. Several students and ensembles also received Gold ratings and advanced to the ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble Contest, which will take place Saturday, February 21, in Indianapolis.

Congratulations to all of our talented performers for their hard work and dedication, and best of luck to those advancing to State. Visit our news page for the full story and complete list of student honorees.

Michigan City Area Schools will announce and celebrate our 2026 District Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year following Spring Break in April. These recognitions honor the outstanding educators and staff members who go above and beyond to support our students and school community. Learn more about the program and this year’s finalists at educatemc.net/eoy_toy.

Michigan City Area Schools is excited to welcome our youngest learners to the Little Wolves Early Learning Center, where children begin building the skills and confidence they need for a strong start in school.

Little Wolves provides a high-quality early learning experience for 3- and 4-year-old children, focusing on cognitive development, social-emotional growth, and motor skills through engaging, hands-on learning. Our program helps prepare children for kindergarten while fostering curiosity, independence, and a love for learning.

Families can choose between half-day or full-day programming, offered five days a week, with financial support options available through On My Way Pre-K and CCDF vouchers.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to schedule a tour, meet our team, and see the learning environment where Little Wolves grow and thrive.

To learn more about the program and begin the enrollment process, visit:
EducateMC.net/LittleWolves

Join the wolfpack and give your child a strong start at Little Wolves Early Learning Center.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION

Thank you to everyone who came out to Heritage Night on February 28 and helped pack the Den. The energy was electric as past and present players, students, families, and fans from Elston, Rogers, and the Wolves came together to celebrate our shared history and school pride. It was a special night that reminded us what it means to be one city, one pack. We are MC!

A photo gallery from the evening will be added to the athletics website soon, be sure to check back later to see highlights from the night.

Krueger Alumni Award Night will took place on Tuesday, March 3, during halftime of the girls basketball game at Michigan City High School. This year’s honorees are Jenny Jones, Krueger Middle School teacher, and Marty Corley of the Michigan City Police Department and School Board President.

Tune in to WEFM 95.9 on Friday, March 6, 2026, during the Community Focus segment. Hear from our Citywide Athletic Director Ben Bachmann and new hire MCHS Football Coach Charles Salary. Learn more about the MCHS Community Event Center, upcoming events, and so much more.

The LPCCTE Cosmetology Program at the AK Smith Career Center will host a special St. Patrick’s Salon on Saturday, March 7. Community members are invited to enjoy a variety of salon services provided by cosmetology students as they gain hands-on learning experience in a supervised setting. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

To schedule an appointment, please call 219-873-2121.
AK Scissory Salon (317 Detroit St., Michigan City, IN)

Michigan City's St. Patrick's Day parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at 1:00 p.m. and we hope to see you there! It’s a wonderful opportunity to show your school spirit, celebrate City pride, and walk the Wolfie Way!

6th and 7th graders will have the opportunity to connect with local businesses, schools, and industry partners with a wide array of career paths such as college, trade school, etc. Thank you to all who will be joining us!

Second-grade students from Marsh Elementary recently visited the Michiana Humane Society for a meaningful service-learning experience. Students spent time reading aloud to shelter animals, helping them become more comfortable with human interaction while practicing fluency and expression. In addition, handmade fleece blankets were created and donated to give the animals a soft, cozy place to rest and nap. The visit also provided an opportunity to learn about responsible pet ownership, the importance of adopting animals, and how to contribute positively to the community.

The Michigan City Area Schools Ambassador Program brought participants to Michigan City High School for a behind-the-scenes look at two important areas that support student success: Food Service and College & Career Readiness.

Ambassadors began the morning with Director of Food Service Britney Rodriguez, who shared an overview of the district’s food service program. Participants toured the high school kitchen, learned about daily operations, and even joined staff in preparing lunch. The visit offered a firsthand look at the teamwork, planning, and care that go into serving thousands of meals to students each day.

The group then gathered in the LGI Room to learn more about how MCAS prepares students for life after graduation. District staff highlighted opportunities such as work-based learning, dual credit, and career pathway programs that help students gain real-world experience while still in high school.

The session concluded with a student panel featuring Michigan City High School juniors and seniors who shared their future goals and reflected on the experiences that have helped shape their paths.

Thank you to our Food Service team, presenters, and student panelists for welcoming our ambassadors and sharing their time and expertise. The morning was another great example of how MCAS connects community, classrooms, and opportunity.

Representatives from Dunebrook visited Michigan City High School from February 10–12 to present the Teen Safety Matters program to students.

According to Dunebrook, the program is a comprehensive, evidence-informed prevention education initiative designed for middle and high school students. It focuses on emotional, physical, and digital safety while teaching students and adults how to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to issues such as abuse, exploitation, trafficking, bullying, cyberbullying, and other digital dangers.

Thank you to Dunebrook for partnering with our schools to help keep students informed, empowered, and safe.

Michigan City Area Schools is proud of the generations of families who call MCAS home. If you are an MCAS alumnus or a graduate of Elston or Rogers, we invite you to share your story.

Complete the MCAS Legacy Form by clicking the flyer above or link below. Selected stories may be highlighted in upcoming district communications as we celebrate the pride and tradition of MCAS.

As part of our Lead the Pack commitment to Educating the Whole Child, we continue to take intentional steps to support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of every student. Our WellCheq student check-in app is now live in all buildings for grades 2-12, giving students a safe way to share how they are feeling and request support, while allowing us to monitor trends and respond proactively.

At the same time, all staff members and buildings across the district have been invited to complete a comprehensive needs assessment to guide meaningful professional development in areas such as restorative practices, de-escalation, crisis response, and behavior supports, ensuring our adults are equipped to lead with care and confidence.

On April 27, 2026, we will also host a free district-wide family event at Barker Middle School. This event will provide fun games and family-friendly activities, connect families to valuable community organizations and resources, share information about summer programs and upcoming events, and create space for our school community to come together.

Together, we are leading the pack by building strong relationships, strengthening supports, and creating a school community where every student feels seen, supported, and ready to succeed.

UPDATES FROM OUR ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Our MCHS Boys Wrestlers were surrounded by the energy of students and staff as they headed to State in February. This is the Wolfie Way in action, showing up for each other and sending our Wolves off right. Shout out to our band for filling the building with Wolfpack spirit. Go Wolves. Click here to view more photos and visit our website for an update on State

Michigan City Area Schools is proud to recognize the following students and staff members for demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship, character, and leadership while representing our community with class.

Through the IHSAA Indiana High School Athletic Association #ThisIsYourIHSAA and #FaceOfSportsmanship initiative, the following individual was recognized by officials for exemplary behavior:

• Cameron Duke, for showing great sportsmanship and character while representing our community with class during a Boys Basketball game.

We are proud of Cameron for modeling respect, integrity, and teamwork both in competition and beyond. Their actions reflect the values of our athletic programs and the pride of our community. #WolfieWay #WeAreMC

Did you know Middle School athletics now has its own page? Follow Michigan City Future Wolves Athletics to keep up with all the latest game updates, student-athlete achievements, and more!

Want to keep up with Michigan City High School athletics? Visit the MCHS Athletics website (gomcwolves.com) for schedules, scores, and team news. You can also follow Wolves Athletics on social media for photos, updates, and highlights throughout each season.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter (X)

Athletic passes are available for purchase in the Athletic Department Office at the high school or at home athletic events. The cost is $50 for adults, $30 for students. This year, an annual pass is also available for $125. GO WOLVES!

The Michigan City High School Athletic Booster Club invites all Wolves supporters to attend its final meeting of the season on March 10 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Football War Room at Michigan City High School, with entry through Door J.

Families, staff, and community members are welcome to attend. The Booster Club plays an important role in supporting student-athletes, enhancing athletic programs, and helping guide improvements to MCHS athletics.

For more information, visit their Facebook page or email mchsathleticboosterclub@gmail.com.

March is Women’s History Month, Music in Our Schools Month, Youth Art Month, National Nutrition Month

March 2: Read Across America Day

March 2-6: National School Social Worker Week, National School Breakfast Week

March 6: Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day and Employee Appreciation Day

The annual Michigan City Area Schools elementary art show opens on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts and ends May 15. A young artists’ reception is set for Wednesday, April 22nd, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This is always a very popular event, and is a wonderful showcase for our talented artists in kindergarten through sixth grade. Special thanks to our elementary art teachers, who always do such a wonderful job preparing for this show. Feature artwork from the following elementary schools: Coolspring, Joy, Knapp, Lake Hills, Marsh, Pine, Springfield. CLICK HERE to view the Facebook Event.

Barker Middle School will host the opening of the 1976 Barker Junior High Bicentennial Time Capsule on Tuesday, April 21.

This event marks 50 years of history. Together, we will reflect on the past and seal a new time capsule for future generations.

Pine Elementary School will also host a time capsule event later this May. More details will be shared later this spring at EducateMC.net

Ready to roll up your sleeves and support our future leaders? From reading to kids and helping in the library, to mentoring through robotics or Safe Harbor, your time and talent make a huge impact. Visit our Visitors & Volunteers page to download the simple form and get started. With just a background check, you’ll be approved for three years of volunteering! Head over today and join us in empowering students across MCAS.

Learn more and sign up at educateMC.net/volunteer.

Michigan City Area Schools is proud to partner with the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana, and the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce to expand work-based learning opportunities for our high school students.

We are currently seeking local businesses that can open their doors to students eager to explore career paths. Whether you can offer a job shadow, part-time job, internship, or apprenticeship, your business can help shape tomorrow’s workforce while gaining eager, motivated talent today.

This year, Michigan City High School students are already making an impact through these experiences. Alexis Gresham is gaining hands-on knowledge with South Shore Public Relations, while Abigail Mcclead is exploring the insurance industry through her placement with Crowel Insurance. Their stories highlight the power of connecting students with real-world learning in our community.

Additional partnerships with local businesses include Sera Group, LaPorte County Public Library, Regal Rexnord, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, Soul Food Bistro, Hitachi, Novak Law, and The Brew Box.

Michigan City Area Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. Current openings include positions in food service, transportation, and other support roles across the district. We are also seeking substitute teachers to help us maintain a strong learning environment for our students.

If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference in the lives of students while working in a supportive, community-focused environment, we encourage you to apply.

Visit EducateMC.net/employment to view open positions and apply today.

Michigan City Area Schools is committed to building a strong and collaborative future for our students and our community. As part of this commitment, we have launched MCAS Community Conversations. This series of open discussions brings families, staff, students, and community members together to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape the direction of our district.

Learn more at educatemc.net/community/community-conversations.