FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2026
Gary Community School Corporation Announces Rescheduled Open Houses and Family Engagement Opportunities
Gary, IND) – The Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) has announced new dates for its 2026–2027 school Open Houses. The original August events were postponed following the severe storm on August 11 and the widespread power outages that affected schools and families throughout the community.
GCSC encourages all families—including those enrolled in Gary Virtual Academy—to participate. Open House provides families with an opportunity to meet teachers and school staff, visit classrooms, explore academic programs, ask questions and learn how they can support their children throughout the school year.
Elementary Open House
Monday, September 14, 2026
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Families should attend at their child’s school:
Bethune Early Childhood Development Center
Banneker at Marquette
Beveridge Elementary School
Glen Park Academy
McCullough Academy
Williams Elementary School
Secondary Open House
Thursday, September 17, 2026
4:30–6:00 p.m.
Families should attend at their child’s school:
Bailly Middle School
Gary Middle School
West Side Leadership Academy
Gary Virtual Academy Open House
Gary Virtual Academy families are invited to attend a virtual Open House session based on their student’s grade level.
Grades K–8: Monday, September 14, 2026, beginning at noon
Grades 9–12:Thursday, September 17, 2026, beginning at noon
Two 30-minute sessions will be offered on each date:
Session 1: 12:00–12:30 p.m.
Session 2: 12:30–1:00 p.m.
Families may choose either session and join through Google Meet (families should check their email for direct links).
Indiana Family Engagement Summit
Before the Open Houses, families are also encouraged to participate in the 2026 Indiana Family Engagement Summit: “Real Life, Real Parenting—Partnering for Student Success.”
The free statewide event will take place:
Saturday, September 12, 2026
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Central Time
Presented by IN*SOURCE in partnership with GCSC and other organizations across Indiana, the summit will connect families, educators and community partners while sharing practical strategies to strengthen family-school partnerships and support student success.
The event will feature keynote speaker Wilisha Scaife, a virtual statewide keynote presentation, regional in-person learning opportunities and networking. Families may register for the conference online.
GCSC appreciates the patience and flexibility of families following the August storm and looks forward to welcoming them during these upcoming engagement opportunities.
About Gary Community School Corporation
Gary Community School Corporation is committed to providing high-quality educational experiences through strong partnerships among students, families, educators and the Gary community. Together, GCSC works to create supportive learning environments in which every student can succeed.
Visit www.garycsc.k12.in.us for additional information, family resources and upcoming events.
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