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.

As we begin the second semester, I want to share an update on our progress with our district's Strategic Plan. This work continues to guide our decisions, our priorities, and our commitment to serving students, families, and staff across Michigan City Area Schools.

First, under Educating the Whole Child, we continue to expand the use of WellCheq. WellCheq is now up and running in all schools across the district with the exception of the high school, which will be onboarding next. WellCheq provides students with a quick daily check-in, allows them to ask for help for themselves or a friend, and gives staff meaningful data so we can respond intentionally and support the whole child. We are also continuing to develop and organize resources around trauma, ACEs, and restorative practices to better meet the needs of our buildings and staff.

Several key initiatives are moving forward in the Clear and Consistent Communication pillar. While the districtwide launch of My PowerHub has been delayed, Safe Arrival and SchoolMessenger are now live, with staff training underway. Athletics has begun using the Moov app for winter sports, with clubs and activities coming next semester. Our Next Level News newsletter continues to share districtwide updates, and our Ambassador Program has completed three sessions with strong participation and positive feedback.

Under Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners, we are expanding middle school course opportunities, strengthening work-based learning at MCHS, and continuing professional development with the Next Path data system. School teams regularly monitor student progress and adjust interventions to ensure support is targeted and effective.

Student Voice and Opportunities continues to grow, with students now serving on district pillar teams, active Student Advisory meetings, progress toward elementary Honor Societies, and planning is underway for CREW at the high school.

Finally, within Culture and Environment, we are building pride and connection through the MCAS Legacy Project, Community Conversations, and continued improvements to our facilities and athletic programs across all levels.

This work belongs to all of us, and I encourage you to learn more about these updates and what’s ahead. Please visit educatemc.net/strategic-plan and select the Implementation Timeline to explore our progress in more detail.

Thank you for helping move MCAS forward. Together, we are taking our district to the NEXT LEVEL.

Dr. Wendel McCollum
MCAS Superintendent

As winter weather continues across our region, Michigan City Area Schools would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Sodexo and Transportation teams for their dedication and hard work.

Our Sodexo team works behind the scenes in challenging conditions to keep our buildings safe, clean, and ready for learning each day. Their commitment during the winter months is critical to maintaining welcoming environments for students and staff.

We also want to thank our Transportation team for their continued focus on safety while navigating winter roads. Their preparation, professionalism, and care help ensure our students arrive at school safely, even in difficult weather conditions.

With more winter weather ahead, we appreciate the efforts of these teams every day. Families can find the latest information on weather-related delays or school closings at educateMC.net/closings.

Michigan City Area Schools is using a new text messaging system to share important, time-sensitive updates. To receive MCAS text alerts, you must opt in.

Text YES to 67587 to sign up. Learn more at educatemc.net/texts.

MCAS Parents/Guardians: In addition to performing the opt-in process above, you’ll want to ensure that the district has your wireless number(s) in our student information database. If you haven’t already provided that information to your school, please contact them directly and provide them with that information. If a parent's number is not in SIS, they will not get SM texts even if they opt in.

The MCAS mobile app will be phased out over the next few months. As we prepare for this transition, families, students, staff, and community members are encouraged to rely on our district website and official Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you for staying connected with Michigan City Area Schools through our official communication channels.

The City Reads initiative is underway to help prepare our 2nd and 3rd-graders for the IREAD test in March. Follow Michigan City Area Schools on Facebook for updates. Families, we encourage you to read with your child for just 10 minutes every day. This small habit can make a big difference in building strong readers.

The One City One Sound districtwide holiday concert took place on Thursday, December 11, at Michigan City High School. The performance featured over 600 vocal and instrumental ensembles from Barker Middle School, Krueger Middle School, and Michigan City High School. Special thanks to the music teachers and the many others who worked behind the scenes to organize this special event. Please be sure to check the Michigan City Area Schools Music Facebook page for updates.

For those who may have missed it, be sure to visit our YouTube channel or ALCO Channel 98 to watch One City One Sound. Both WEFM and WIMS aired the concert during the holidays, as well.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination for the Teacher and Employee of the Year program. This year, we received more than 500 nominations, reflecting the strong appreciation and pride our community has for the dedicated staff members who serve our students each day.

Building-level finalists will be announced in January 2026. These outstanding educators and employees will then move forward as candidates for MCAS Teacher and Employee of the Year.

In April, five district winners will be announced and recognized:

Elementary Teacher of the Year

Secondary Teacher of the Year

Support Staff Employee of the Year

Food Service Employee of the Year

Transportation Employee of the Year

This recognition supports the Culture and Environment pillar of the MCAS Strategic Plan and reflects The Wolfie Way by honoring staff members whose consistent actions strengthen school culture across the district.

We extend our sincere thanks to our program sponsors, Comcast and the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, for their continued support in recognizing the individuals who help make MCAS a great place to learn and work.

STAFF & STUDENT SHOUTOUTS

Congratulations to this month’s Pack Pride Spotlight, Mr. Bartelheim, Michigan City High School Special Education teacher and Wrestling Coach.Learn how Bartelheim’s passion for students, attention to detail, and embodiment of the MCAS Habits of Character make a lasting impact at Michigan City High School.

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

On Tuesday, December 16, Michigan City Area Schools Board of Trustees celebrated Michigan City High School seniors Milad Mroueh and Mia Palomo, who were finalists for the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship! Both are outstanding scholars and are actively involved in service to the school and community. Being selected as finalists is a significant achievement, and we are proud to recognize their hard work and dedication throughout the process.

Congratulations, Makenna Nowatzke! She was honored at the Michigan City Exchange Club's December Student of the Month luncheon on December 9, 2025.

Congratulations to Amaya Harmon, Abby Haring, and Desiree Jimenez! They were honored as Students of Excellence at the Michigan City Rotary Club's luncheon on December 11, 2025.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION

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 banner above or link below. Selected stories may be highlighted in upcoming district communications as we celebrate the pride and tradition of MCAS.

On Saturday, December 6, the night was glowing with lights, cheer, and MCAS pride at the Michigan City Festival of Lights Parade!

Thank you to the students, staff, and families who joined Team MCAS and showed what it means to walk the Wolfie Way. The holiday spirit and the amazing turnout were a powerful reminder of our strong community pride.

On Saturday, December 20, the Michigan City High School student council conducted a "Drive-Through Food Drive" at the Salvation Army of Michigan City. This year, the students collected 3,894.4 pounds of canned goods and other food items for the Salvation Army. The high school’s National Honor Society was also collecting new or gently used books for its “Operation Bookworm.” They collected a total of 549 books.

Congratulations to our top three schools:

🥇 1st Place: Pine Elementary – 1,766.2 lbs (4.6 lbs per student)
🥈 2nd Place: Springfield Elementary – 1,166 lbs (4.5 lbs per student)
🥉 3rd Place: Coolspring Elementary – 412.4 lbs (1.7 lbs per student)

Every donation made a meaningful impact. Thank you to all students, staff, families, and community members who participated and helped make this year’s drive a powerful example of generosity in action.

Reprographic Arts has opened a special online merchandise store to celebrate Michigan City spirit and support our students. The store is open now through January 11, and features designs inspired by the creativity of our very own MCHS students.

All items in the fundraiser merch store will generate a donation, with 20 percent of all sales donated directly to the high school.

This partnership grew from a feature in November’s Next Level News, which highlighted the mural created by MCHS seniors Abby, Amaya, and Jonathan in Principal Dr. Mroueh’s office. After seeing the mural shared on social media, Reprographic Arts surprised the students with custom sweatshirts featuring their design. Their continued support through this fundraiser reflects the strong community partnerships that help our Wolves shine.

Families, staff, and community members are invited to browse the store, show their Wolfpack pride, and support MCHS students.

It’s School Board Recognition Month! We thank our School Board for their commitment and leadership! We’ll be sharing more about each board member later this month on our District Website and MCAS Facebook Page. Be sure to check it out!

Safe Harbor, in partnership with the Indiana Afterschool Network, invites community members to attend an important town hall focused on the future of out-of-school-time programs.

This town hall is an opportunity to share your voice, ideas, and experiences as we work together to strengthen afterschool opportunities for our community. Your input matters.

Town Hall Details
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: MCAS Administration Building
408 S. Carroll Ave., Michigan City, IN

Lunch will be provided by the Indiana Afterschool Network.

Please register by January 9: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For more information, call Safe Harbor at 219-873-2026 or visit Safe Harbor’s Facebook page for updates.

Be a Wolf Pack Leader. One hour a week. One child’s future. CLICK HERE to apply!

January 25-31: National School Choice Week

Attention all MC Elston, MC Rogers and Michigan City High School Alumni, Michigan City HS will be looking to "Pack the Den" for our annual Heritage Night event on Saturday, January 31st during the Boys Basketball game against the Marion High School Giants who were a four year consecutive IHSAA Boys Basketball Semi-State foe from 1984-1987. The JV game is scheduled to tip off at 5pm Central with the Varsity game to follow at approximately 6:30pm.

Be sure to wear your respective school's colors as we celebrate our Michigan City family both past and present. More information will be released in the coming weeks at GoMCWolves.com.

Whether you're an Elston/Rogers/MCHS graduate, a current MCHS student, parent, or staff member, or new to Michigan City, Together...WE are MC!

February is also Love the Bus Month, a time to appreciate the important role school buses and transportation staff play in education. I want to thank our MCAS transportation team—bus drivers, bus monitors, mechanics, and support staff—for keeping our students safe and ensuring they get to and from school every day.

February 2nd through 6th is National School Counseling Week, a week set aside to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors, highlighting the tremendous impact they have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. I would like to thank all of our school counselors for their dedication to their profession and to our students!

February 16: No School (President's Day)

Michigan City High School will host “8th Grade Night” on Wednesday, February 18. This will include a “Wolfpack Roundup” orientation session in the auditorium for 8th graders and parents at 6:00 pm, followed by a tour of the high school guided by our high school students. Public, private, charter, and homeschooled students and their families are welcome to attend and learn more about the many opportunities our high school has to offer! Check for updates at Educatemc.net/News or follow MCHS on Facebook (Michigan City High School) and Instagram (@michigancityhs).

Thursday, February 26, 2026 is an Early Release Day for students and will include Student-Led Conferences/Parent Conferences.

Reminder: the Little Wolves Early Learning Center will operate on a normal schedule on Early Release Days. For more information about Early Release days, visit educateMC.net/eLearning.

Additional details will be shared with families as the date gets closer.

UPDATES FROM OUR ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

MCHS Student-Athletes were celebrated at the School Board Meeting on December 16, 2025.

Congratulations to:

DAC All-Conference Boys Football Honorees Ethan Buskirk, Izaiah Gipson, Trinaston "Trin" Hart, Meekael "Meek" Laurent, and Zaire McKinney

Indiana Football Coaches Association 1st Team All-State Honorees Ethan Buskirk, Jeremiah Jones, and Zaire McKinney

DAC All-Conference Boys Soccer Honoree Gerardo Patino

DAC All-Conference Girls Soccer Honoree Kiara Williams

DAC All-Conference Boys Tennis & IHSTECA Academic All-State Team Honoree Riley Emshwiller-Sowards

Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches Academic All-State Team Honorees Veronica Barnes and Madelyn Parry

Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches Academic All-State Honorable Mention Mia Palomo

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 now 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 MCHS Athletic Booster Club invites all Wolves supporters to join them for upcoming meetings throughout the school year. Meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. and take place in the Football War Room at Michigan City High School. Please enter through Door J.

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

Meetings are scheduled for:

• January 13
• February 17
• March 10

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

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. We look forward to sharing more about these experiences in the months ahead.

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 hosted its second Community Conversation on Wednesday, November 19. District leaders, families, community members, and consultants from Fanning Howey and Skillman came together to discuss the future of K-8 programming in MCAS.

Participants received an update on the Michigan City High School Community Event Center project and reviewed grade configuration options for middle school level learning, including 5-8 and 6-8 models. Attendees also shared feedback, asked questions, and offered ideas to help guide planning for the years ahead.

These Community Conversations are part of an ongoing effort to listen to stakeholders and work together to support strong opportunities for MCAS students.

If you were unable to attend, you can watch the full session on our MCAS YouTube channel. We encourage families, staff, and community members to stay engaged and join us for future conversations.

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