Next Level News
NOVEMBER 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.
Strategic Plan: Moving Forward Together
In October, over 60 MCAS Strategic Plan Pillar Team members came together to review progress strengthen collaboration, and establish goals and priorities for the 2026-27 school year.
Now in year four of our five-year plan, this work continues to guide improvement through five key pillars: Culture and Environment, Clear and Consistent Communication, Student Voice and Opportunity, Educating the Whole Child, and Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners.
Collaboration across these pillars is bringing new opportunities and experiences to our students, staff, families, and community. Recent highlights include:
On October 7, MCAS hosted its first Wolfie's Wellness Conference: Relationships, Resilience & Response, developed by the Educating the Whole Child Pillar Team. During the district's early release afternoon, staff participated in professional learning focused on building student relationships, supporting student behavior and mental health, creating a sense of belonging, meeting diverse learning needs, and strengthening staff wellness and resilience.
The Culture and Environment and Clear and Consistent Communication Pillar Teams collaborated to bring back Wolfie's Night Out Trick-or-Treat at Ames Field on October 28. This free, family-friendly event provided an opportunity for MCAS families to come together for an evening of Halloween fun while strengthening connections between our schools and community.
Special thanks to our community partners and Treat Station Sponsors for making this event possible:
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Epsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Michigan City, Diamond Martial Arts, Franciscan Health, Friends of LaPorte County Public Library, Frosty Boy, Grand Canyon University, Inova Federal Credit Union, Kaileyne Monette Krask Real Estate Broker, @properties Micky Gallas Group, Lakeshore Recycling and Disposal, LaPorte County Family YMCA - Michigan City, LaPorte County Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan, Little Wolves, MCHS ASL Club, MCHS Boys Basketball, MCHS Girls Basketball , MCHS Flag Football , MCHS Softball, MCHS Esports, MCHS Football, MCHS Helping Hands Club, MCHS JROTC, MCHS German Club, MCHS Class of 2030, Meridian Health Services, Michigan City Fire Department, Michigan City Police Department, Michigan City Public Library, Northshore Health Centers, Once Upon a Princess Co., Positive Image Positive Impact Inc., Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, Stepping Stone Women's Shelter, The Br8k Room, The Salvation Army of Michigan City, and Weil-McLain
We look forward to sharing more updates and highlighting the work of each Pillar Team in the coming months.
Learn more about the MCAS Strategic Plan at EducateMC.net/Strategic-Plan.
Local Businesses & Colleges Invited to MCAS Career Fair
The "Find Your Inspiration" Career Fair helps MCAS students in grades 8, 9, and 10 explore career paths and post-secondary education opportunities.
Local businesses, colleges, and organizations are invited to participate by hosting interactive booths that introduce students to career and educational opportunities, helping prepare the next generation of our local workforce.
Special thanks to our event sponsors, Michigan City Chamber, Purdue Northwest, and CLH, CPAs, & Consultants for their support.
If you are interested in participating please RSVP via the link https://forms.gle/tpSMfUKUNfeU9DP66 or email Michelle Gregory m.gregory@mcas.k12.in.us.
Ambassadors: Making & Moving
Last month, our MCAS Ambassadors got a behind-the-scenes look at how our Technology and Transportation departments support our students, staff, and daily operations.
During their visit at Joy Elementary School, ambassadors explored how technology supports teaching and learning, participated in a fun hands-on craft activity, and learned more about the important role transportation plays in getting our students safely to and from school.
These essential services are part of the daily operations that keep our schools running and support our 4,763 students.
Take our MCAS Facilities Survey
Student, Parent, Community Members: Take Our Facility Survey
Thank you for taking part in this survey regarding the development of new and renovated MCAS facilities. We want to understand how current school spaces are working and what students, families, and community members would like to see in future facilities. Your input can help inform planning for welcoming, accessible, safe, and supportive places to learn and gather.
Please share what matters most to you. There are no right or wrong answers. Students are welcome to answer from their own experiences and in their own words.
Pack Pride Staff Spotlight
This month, we are spotlighting an instructional assistant at Marsh Elementary, David Lloyd. David supports students and staff with kindness, a positive attitude, and a willingness to pitch in wherever he is needed. He is known for making everyone feel seen, offering encouragement, and helping students become the best versions of themselves. Read his full story at EducateMC.net/News.
Teacher and Employee of the Year Nominations Open
Help us celebrate the incredible people who make a difference every day!
Everyone is encouraged to nominate an educator OR staff member for the Teacher and Employee of the Year program.
There is no limit to the number of employees you may nominate.
To learn more and to nominate a teacher or staff member, visit EducateMC.net/TOY_EOY.
Deadline: Friday, November 27, 2026.
Youth Worker of the Year
Congratulations to Michigan City High School Assistant Principal, Mr. Fred Greene, who was named Youth Worker of the Year at the LaPorte County Juvenile Mental Health Symposium last month. This recognition celebrates his dedication to supporting young people in our community. We are grateful for the care and commitment he brings to this work and his efforts to help students feel supported and valued.
MCHS HOMECOMING
Michigan City High School's Homecoming celebration on October 9 was filled with school spirit, community pride, and the Wolfie Way!
The celebration kicked off with the annual Homecoming Parade down Franklin Street, bringing everyone together to show their school spirit. Festivities continued at Ames Field as the Wolves took on LaPorte. Halftime highlights included the crowning of Homecoming King Anthony Hood and Queen Gabby Patino, along with a special performance by the Wolfpack Pride Marching Band.
Thank you to everyone who participated, attended, and helped make Homecoming a success.
All home games this season are available to view on our MCAS YouTube Channel.
Stay Connected with Wolves Athletics
Want to keep up with Michigan City High School athletics? Visit the MCHS Athletics website for schedules, scores, and team news. You can also follow Wolves Athletics on social media for photos, updates, and highlights throughout each season.
DON'T FORGET!
If you're a Michigan City resident and 60+, you can stop by the administration building M-F to get your Gold Card. The Gold Card provides free admission to home athletic and performing arts events at all MCAS schools.
GET INVOLVED
Family Advocates: Wolf Pack Leaders
MCAS is proud to partner with Family Advocates to expand mentoring opportunities for students through Wolf Pack Leaders at either Barker, Krueger, Edgewood, Lake Hills, Marsh, or Pine. Caring adult mentors can make a meaningful difference by providing encouragement, guidance and a positive connection for students.
Family Advocates is currently looking for mentors to support MCAS students. If you are interested in getting involved and helping build the next generation of leaders, learn more at:
https://lpfamilyadvocates.com/school-mentoring/
Questions? Contact Amanda Lower at alower@lpcasa.com or Gina Jackson at gjackson@lpcasa.com.
Youth Service Bureau: School Buddies
MCAS is also proud to partner with the Youth Service Bureau to connect students with positive adult mentors through the School Buddies program.
School Buddies provides students with an additional caring adult in their corner to offer encouragement, support and connection throughout the school year.
Interested in becoming a School Buddy? Learn more and find the volunteer application at:
https://youthservicebureau.com/
For more information, contact Gretchen Kubit at schoolbuddies@csinet.net.
Board Members pictured (L-R): Vera Gaston (Member), Jacqueline Allison (Member), Jenilee Haynes-Peterson (Secretary), Marty Corley (President) Thomas Dombkowski (Vice President), Michael Gresham (Member), James Stewart (Member)