August Communicator 2026
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.
Your MCAS Communications Team
The 2026 Connections Newsletter is out now!
Click the cover to read our annual update on the Strategic Plan and how it has guided student opportunities, facility improvements, and more!
We've updated our guidelines!
Please review the Communication team's Social Media Guidelines, which have been updated for all staff.
More in-depth guidelines for AI and ADA compliance coming soon :)
UPCOMING EVENTS
MCAS will host a table at MCPD's National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Come stop by for flyers, resources, and free swag!
Registration for Peepers for Teachers has closed.
Please contact Peepers with any questions or concerns regarding the event.
REMINDER: Early Literacy Professional Development Approval and Praxis Voucher Request
Educators who need to submit a request to verify completion of an approved 80 hours of professional development can continue to follow the process outlined here. Educators requesting a one-time Praxis voucher can follow the same process, based on availability. Educators must schedule their exam within six months of receiving their voucher. Once the professional development has been approved, IDOE will issue a confirmation letter that will be used by the educator to complete the early literacy endorsement application in LVIS. An FAQ with additional information regarding the early literacy endorsement can be found here, and we will continue to include additional questions and answers as they arise. Contact IDOE's Literacy Center with any questions.
Click me to see the calendar!
MCAS STAFF: SIGN UP FOR TEXT ALERTS
Use the button below to sign up to receive text alerts for district-wide delays/cancellation updates.
This is NOT available on our website, as we plan to move away from this once we have another solution in place.
Messages will come from the number: 97178
If you previously signed up for this and are a parent/guardian, you will receive two texts during this transition period.
EMPLOYEE PERKS
If you haven't signed up yet, click become a member and enter our company code: MCAS
Last Chance Summer Vacation Deals
Make the most of every summer moment — score big savings on spontaneous getaways with our special last-minute deals.
National Wellness Month
Celebrate National Wellness Month with incredible savings on supplements, workout gear, and more. Take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Back-to-School
Help your loved one reach their full potential with savings on tutoring, daycare, enrichment programs, and more.
Free digital news subscriptions for NWI Teachers & Students
The Times of Northwest Indiana is once again providing free digital subscriptions for Region students and teachers through the News for Students program. The subscription includes one year of free access to nwi.com, the mobile app, an archive of stories, and The Times of Northwest Indiana E-edition, which is a digital replica of the day’s printed newspaper.
Teachers must sign up for subscriptions by Aug. 31. The subscriptions start Aug. 31 and run for about a year. Educators should sign up with their school email address, and the students will then be given accounts.
The Times of Northwest Indiana website, nwi.com, and E-edition contain a variety of news, sports and information. There are also puzzles, video, cartoons, photo galleries and more. Students and teachers will find content that inspires and challenges them.
As teachers take on the challenge of educating a new group of students this fall, the NWI Times is honored to play a small role.
Get 15% off your tickets for the Wine & Jazz Fest at Friendship Botanic Gardens!
Use code MCASBTS15 at checkout for 15% off your tickets!
Join us for a laid-back summer afternoon of curated wine selections and live jazz within a serene garden atmosphere.
Sip, stroll, and unwind in nature as the sounds of jazz performed by Gerry Hundt and friends fill the air. Grab snacks from local food trucks, and snap a cute picture at one of the photo ops. Some lounge seating is available, but we recommend bringing your own blankets or chairs for optimal comfort.
Tickets are $60 per person, which includes wine and beer tastings, a personal charcuterie box, a souvenir tasting glass, and live music all afternoon.
Sponsorship options are available at all levels. Email Kylie Sutter at events@friendshipbotanicgardens.org for more info.
This is a 21-and-over event.
Get 10% your purchase at Old Navy!
Teachers! Now through Septembetr 14th, show your ID at checkout to get 10% off your Old Navy purchase. Not valid online. Offer combinable with promotional pricing. Not combinable with coupon discounts. Cannot be added to past purchases.
Free Code to Dunes Arts Theatre this summer!
Use code EDUCATION26 to claim tickets to any mainstage show at www.dunesARTS.org.
Our mainstage shows are for ages 16+ but we also have a scholarship for free tuition to our Youth Program for students ages 8-18.
FREE Teacher Day at the Indiana Dinosaur Museum!
Indiana and Michigan state licensed teachers can get FREE admission to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum and South Bend Chocolate Company during Saturday, August 8th!
Preschool–12th grade educators can receive one free adult admission ticket by showing a valid school teacher/staff ID at the kiosk. No registration required.
Spend your school break exploring museum exhibits and planning future field trips for your students.
Family and friends are welcome to join you! Additional tickets may be purchased online or at the Box Office.
We can’t wait to see you at the museum! For any questions, call 574-233-2577.
University of Southern Indiana has partnered with VESi to provide online courses available for professional growth points.
Courses offered for 30 or 45 PGPs with fees starting at just $314.
HEALTH & WELLNESS CORNER
Adult Children of Alcoholics/Substance Misusers
Wednesday, August 19th, 2026 • 11:30AM CST / 12:30PM EST
Registration Required: https://franciscanhealth-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UeWLGfzzSrqb900Q2shYoA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
About the Webinar: This webinar explores who Adult Children of Alcoholics and Substance Users are, how growing up in these environments can shape adult behaviors and emotions, and what steps to take if you identify with these traits. Learn ways to build awareness, seek support, and begin healing.
Webinar Speaker: Kellie Nichelson (EAP Therapist) received her Bachelor of Science from Ball State University in 2018 and her Master of Social Work from Indiana University in 2020. Kellie began her career in social work as a home-based therapist for Omni Visions, Inc. in 2020, working with individuals involved with the Department of Child Services. Next, she transitioned into her role as the men’s program counselor at Tara Treatment Center, providing therapeutic services for individuals in residential treatment for substance abuse concerns. Kellie’s primary focus is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Her approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and respect for your unique journey. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and motivational interviewing (MI).
Click banner above to learn more!
📱Please RSVP to Melissa by May 12 by calling 219-872-6200 Ext. 2051
Click me to add to your calendar!
COMMUNITY CORNER
Volunteer Day at Michiana Humane Society!
Do you want to help the Michiana Humane Society shelter pets? If so, please join us for our next Volunteer Day on Saturday, August 8th! RSVP by emailing Serena@michianapets.org Limited spots are available!
JOIN US for ONE HOUR from 11:30am-12:30pm CT at Michiana Humane Society!
Help us prepare enrichment opportunities for our shelter pets! Daily enrichment activities can bring their stress levels down dramatically and can make a noticeable difference in their lives in our kennel environment
All ages are welcome! Those of you who are 16 years and under must have an adult present We thank all of you who show up each month! You are making a difference! Feel free to call us at 219-872-4499 with any questions!
Lubeznik Arts Festival Volunteers Needed - August 14-16
Help us create an unforgettable experience for 80+ artists and thousands of visitors. From greeting guests to supporting artists and kids' activities, there’s a role for everyone!
- Set Up/Breakdown Crew – Help with tents and heavy lifting. Great for teams and teens!
- Ticket Takers – Friendly, folks who do not mind standing needed to welcome guests.
- Booth Sitters – Walk the fest, assist artists and keep things running smoothly.
- Gallery Monitors – Greet visitors indoors and help maintain gallery order.
- Family Tent – Love sunshine and kids? This one's for you!
- Exit Gate – If you love the sun, buddy up with someone and thank our guests for attending.
- Greeters – Be the first friendly face that welcomes visitors!
Volunteers get to stay and enjoy the festival! Questions? Contact Zoe Kolosci at zkolosci@lubeznikcenter.org or call 219-874-4900.
Sign up here.
Renewal Grants for Indiana K-12 Educators
The Lilly Endowment is accepting applications for its Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program. This program supports educators throughout Indiana by providing resources that allow them to take time for meaningful renewal. The Endowment believes that through new experiences, exploration, and reflection, educators can generate renewed energy in their careers, innovative approaches to teaching and educational leadership, and thoughtful ways to encourage students’ creative thinking. The Endowment expects to award approximately 150 grants, each totaling up to $15,000, in 2027. The application deadline is 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 8. Four information sessions will be held in 2026 on April 14, May 7, August 6, and August 11.
To learn more or register for one of these sessions, visit the Lilly Endowment website. Contact Lilly Endowment staff at teachercreativity@lei.org with any questions.
Volunteer Tutors Needed!
They're hoping to find a few dedicated people to spend a couple hours after school helping local students with their studies. While tutoring may be needed for all ages, the greatest need right now is for elementary-age students.
Tutoring will take place in their fully equipped office, located at 228 W. 4th Street. This facility is set up with all necessary resources, including computers and printers, to ensure a productive and effective learning experience.
If you are interested, or if you know of anyone in your network who might be able to help, please reach out directly to Executive Director, Jackie Dermody, with any questions or to express your interest: 219-363-3509 (Cell) or jdermody@lpcasa.com.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Click photo or scan code above to apply today!
Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County
Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County is hiring several additional program leaders for the school year. Rates start at $15/$16 per hour. These staff members work directly with youth, facilitating programs and activities. Positions are available at our Clubs at Pine and Springfield elementary schools, as well as our Westcott Club at the Elston building. Club hours run from the time school ends to 6:00 PM daily.
Visit https://www.bgclpc.org/join-our-team/ for details and to print an application. Questions? Please contact Sally Riffer, Chief Operations Officer at sriffer@bgclubmc.org or (219) 873-2298. Thank you for all you do to help us build Great Futures!
LOOKING AHEAD
MCAS LEGACY SPOTLIGHT
Bryant Dabney, Elston Class of 1987
From MCAS student to community leader, Bryant Dabney’s story is a testament to the lasting impact of public education and the people who help shape us along the way.
A proud 1987 Elston graduate, Bryant now serves as a Wealth Advisor, City Councilman, and dedicated community advocate, giving back to the city that helped him succeed.
Read his story at educatemc.net/news
Did you graduate from Michigan City Area Schools or one of our former high schools such as Elston or Rogers? Do you now have a child, grandchild, or student of your own in MCAS? We want to hear from you!
As part of our mission to celebrate the diverse community of families, students, and staff who take pride in our schools, we are collecting stories that highlight the lasting connections within our district.
Take a moment to fill out our MCAS Legacy Form and share your connection by clicking the banner above or link below. Selected stories may be featured in upcoming district communications.

