Parent Newsletter

Hello, McCullough Families!

November is here, and we have so much to be thankful for! From our hardworking scholars and dedicated staff to the families who continue to show up and support our school, YOU are what makes McCullough special!

This month, we're celebrating kindness, gratitude, and the importance of spending time together. With parent activities, picture days, student recognitions, and Thanksgiving break approaching, there are plenty of opportunities to create memories. A Little Gratitude Goes a Long Way!

Here's a challenge for our McCullough families: Before the month ends, take a moment to thank someone who makes your day brighter. Sometimes the smallest gestures mean the most!

November (P)arent (A)nd (C)hild (T)ime:

The Thankful Table: During dinner, have everyone name one thing they're thankful for and why.

Kindness in Action: Work together to do one thoughtful thing for someone else this week.

Remember: Spending quality time together doesn't have to cost a thing!

Together, We Make McCullough Stronger! 🐾

With Love and Appreciation,
Principal McKinley ❤️
Frankie Woods McCullough Academy

📣 PSSST… MCCULLOUGH FAMILIES! 🐾

Don't let important updates sneak past you! 👀

ClassDojo is where the news drops! From classroom happenings and teacher messages to school events, reminders, and schedule changes, you'll want to stay in the loop!

📱 Check that Dojo regularly! Dates and times can change, and we don't want you missing out on all the good stuff!

Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay Cougar Ready! 🧡💙

A great school day starts with a good breakfast!

Please make sure your scholar arrives at school by 7:45 a.m. so they have time to get breakfast.

Parents, please remember that November 11 is a HALF DAY for students, school will be out at 11:30am!!

Be sure to plan ahead for transportation, pickup, and afternoon arrangements.

November 2–20, 2026

Have gently used school uniforms your scholar has outgrown?

Our districtwide Uniform Exchange Program is a great way to help other families while earning points toward items at the Holiday Help Fair!

Drop-Off Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Uniforms may be dropped off at any GCSC school. If you need another drop-off time, contact Ms. Susan Cotton, F.A.C.E. liaison. for McCullough.

Please make sure you leave your name in order to receive points for items. Points can be redeemed for "New to You" items at the December 18 Holiday Help Fair.

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC)

We are building a stronger Parent Advisory Council, and we would love for you to be part of it!

The PAC brings together parents, caregivers, and community members to share ideas, offer feedback, support school activities, and help make McCullough Academy even better for our scholars. Sign up below!

Upcoming Meeting Dates:

• Wednesday, November 11, 2026

• Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Time: 10:15–11:15 a.m.

Meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month, unless otherwise stated.

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Join the F.A.C.E. Department for an evening of meaningful conversations, connection, and gratitude!

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families, share experiences, and build stronger connections within our school community. Click the flyer to register today!!!

Location: Daniel Hale Williams, 1320 E. 19th Street, Gary, IN

Dinner: 4:30 p.m.

Parent Café: 5:00–7:00 p.m.

All GCSC families are welcome, even if your scholar does not attend Daniel Hale Williams.

Get those smiles ready, McCullough!

Tuesday, November 17: Kindergarten–2nd Grade

Wednesday, November 18: 3rd–5th Grade

Picture Packages:

• Digital Package: $25

• Print & Digital Package: $40

Accepted payment methods are cash, money order, or Apple Pay only.

Please complete the Picture Day order form and return it with payment.

Thursday, November 19, 2026

Time: 9:00–10:15 a.m.

Location: McCullough Academy

Families, this day is all about YOU!

Join us as we celebrate the important role parents and caregivers play in their scholar's education.

Come connect, learn, enjoy our Turkey Walk, and explore ways to support our school community.

School will resume Monday, November 30.

Take time to rest, laugh, make memories, and enjoy the people who mean the most to you.

Mark your calendars for the Gary Community School Corporation Holiday Help Fair!

Friday, December 18, 2026

Location: Gary Public Library & Cultural Center, 220 W. 5th Avenue, Gary, IN

10:00–11:00 a.m.: Sensory-Friendly Time

11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Open to All GCSC Families

Families can enjoy community resources, literacy activities, books, gifts, food, clothing, and more!

Admission is free. Please bring photo ID and proof of residency.

Help us make the GCSC Holiday Help Fair a wonderful experience for our scholars and families!

Friday, December 18, 2026

Volunteer Time: 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Whether you can volunteer for a few hours or the entire event, we would love your support!

Parent and Child Time Together

Quality time doesn't have to cost a thing!

Here are two simple activities to enjoy with your scholar this month.

1. The Thankful Table

At dinner or bedtime, have each family member share three things they're thankful for.

Ask your scholar why those things matter to them.

It's a simple way to encourage conversation, listening, and gratitude!

2. Kindness in Action

Work together to do something thoughtful for someone else.

Write a thank-you note, help a neighbor, or surprise someone with a kind gesture.

Talk about how helping others makes both the giver and receiver feel.

Small moments together create lasting memories!

November is a reminder to appreciate the little things.

A kind word. A helping hand. A shared meal. A simple thank-you.

This month, encourage your scholar to show gratitude to someone who makes a difference in their life.

Family Conversation Starter:

"What is one thing someone did for you this week that made you smile?"

Please continue checking ClassDojo for additional updates, classroom information, important reminders, and any changes to upcoming events.

Thank you to every parent, caregiver, teacher, and community member who helps make McCullough Academy a place where our scholars can learn, grow, and succeed.

We appreciate you!

TOGETHER, WE MAKE MCCULLOUGH STRONGER! 🐾

A big congratulations to our October Good Citizenship Award recipients!

These scholars have shown kindness, responsibility, respect, and positive leadership throughout our school.

We are proud of you! Keep making McCullough shine!

Let's give another big round of applause to our October Students of the Month!

Your hard work, dedication, and positive attitudes have not gone unnoticed.

Keep reaching for the stars, scholars!

Dear McCullough Families,

Every Day Counts! ❤️

We need our scholars at school EVERY DAY and ready to learn! In order for us to provide the high-quality instruction, support, and experiences our scholars deserve, they must be present and engaged in school each day.

For the month of September, we are challenging every McCullough family to make attendance a top priority! When scholars attend school consistently, they have more opportunities to grow academically, build positive relationships, develop important social-emotional skills, and stay on track with their learning.

Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to providing THE BEST INSTRUCTION possible for every scholar. However, we can only provide those opportunities when our scholars are here, present, and ready to learn!

📱 PARENT REMINDER: NEW CELL PHONE POLICY

Families, please be reminded that Indiana has a NEW STATE LAW regarding cell phones and other electronic devices in schools.

🚨 This is a STATEWIDE policy—not just an FWMA school rule.

Our goal is to keep our scholars focused, engaged, safe, and ready to learn throughout the school day. We appreciate your partnership in helping our scholars understand and follow this new requirement.

💙 Thank you, FWMA Families, for your continued support!

🐾 PAWS Together, We Can Make a Difference!

🐾 PAWS REMINDER: WE SET THE STANDARD!

FWMA Family, let’s continue to make PAWS part of our everyday culture!

As a proud PBIS school, we are committed to explicitly teaching, modeling, and reinforcing positive behavior. Please take a few moments this week to review our PAWS Matrix with your scholars and make sure they understand what each expectation looks and sounds like in your classroom and throughout the building.

🐾 P – Prepared
🐾 A – Act Responsible
🐾 W – Work Hard & Be Safe
🐾 S – Show Respect

Remember, we don't assume—WE TEACH! Consistently review and reinforce our expectations, recognize scholars who demonstrate PAWS, and redirect when needed.

When we all speak the same PAWS language, our scholars know exactly what success looks like!

Let's continue to build a school culture where our scholars feel safe, respected, responsible, and

Dear FWMA Families,

Just a friendly reminder that our regular school hours are 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. If your child is a parent pick-up, please make arrangements to arrive on time at 2:30 p.m. to pick up your child/children.

We understand that emergencies and unexpected situations can happen. If you are going to be delayed, please make sure you contact the Main Office or your child’s teacher through ClassDojo as soon as possible so that we are aware of the situation.

Please be advised that families who consistently pick up their child/children after dismissal time will receive communication from the FWMA Administrative Team regarding next steps.

We truly appreciate your consideration of our teachers and staff, who also have responsibilities and commitments following dismissal. Your partnership and support help us ensure that dismissal runs smoothly and safely for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation! We appreciate our FWMA Families more than you know! 💙🐾

Together, we PAWS our way to success!