We have two important reminders for families this month as we continue working together to support our students.
Family Survey – Share Your Voice
The Gary Community School Corporation invites all families to complete our Family Survey. Your feedback helps us better understand how we can continue improving communication, family engagement, and the overall school experience for students and families.
Families who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card.
📝 Take the survey here:
https://s.alchemer.com/s3/d1badf3ac989
Deadline to complete the survey: April 11.
Parent-Teacher Conferences – March 27
Parent-Teacher Conferences are an important opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, discuss progress, and learn how we can continue working together to support your student’s success.
Please be sure to attend your child’s scheduled conference or contact your school if you need assistance scheduling a time.
Thank you for being an important partner in your child’s education and for helping us strengthen our schools.
Sincerely,
Gary Community School Corporation
📢 WSLA Families & Students – We Want to Hear From You!
As we look toward the future of West Side Leadership Academy, your voice is essential. Help us identify the qualities and leadership you want to see in the next principal by completing the “Stakeholder Input for WSLA Principal” survey.
📝 Take the survey here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1e7YgejEXPwRs1a6VUz4Up-rzcq8B5NX63KtqbTgCYbk/viewform?ts=69bafdae&edit_requested=true
You can also find it on the WSLA webpage.
Together, we build stronger schools.
Our Special Populations team is excited to share several upcoming events designed to celebrate inclusion, connection, and resources for families of students with diverse needs.
Families are invited to attend these sensory-friendly and autism awareness events happening in our community:
🐰 Sensory-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt
📅 March 28
📍 Redar Memorial Park – Schererville
A welcoming egg hunt experience designed for children of all ages and abilities.
⛳ 3rd Annual Golf Outing
📅 June 19
📍 Wicker Park – Highland
Join the community in supporting programs that raise awareness and provide resources for families.
🧩 Big Eli’s Brighter Together Autism Event
📅 June 20
📍 Redar Memorial Park – Schererville
A full day of family fun, games, live music, food trucks, resources, and school supplies while spreading autism awareness.
🎅 Sensory Santa Visit
📅 December 12
📍 Homan Elementary – Schererville
A sensory-friendly holiday experience where children can meet Santa in a calm and welcoming environment.
#AllAbilities #FamilySupport #AutismAwareness #InclusiveCommunity #SpecialPopulations
Dear GCSC Families,
Your voice matters in the Gary Community School Corporation. We are asking families to take a few minutes to complete our Family Survey and share your experiences with our schools.
Your feedback helps district leaders and school staff better understand how we can strengthen communication, improve support services, and continue creating positive learning environments for every student.
As a thank you for your participation, families who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card.
📝 Complete the survey here:
https://s.alchemer.com/s3/d1badf3ac989
Thank you for partnering with us as we continue building strong schools and strong communities.
Sincerely,
Gary Community School Corporation
March 11 – Half Day for Students
Students will attend a half day of school on Wednesday, March 11. Families should plan accordingly for early dismissal times at their child’s school.
March 13 – Teacher Records Day (No School for Students)
There will be no school for students on Friday, March 13 due to Teacher Records Day. This time allows teachers to complete grading, review student progress, and update academic records.
March 16–20 – Spring Break (No School)
Gary Community School Corporation will observe Spring Break from March 16 through March 20. Schools will be closed during this time. We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy a safe and relaxing break.
March 27 – Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Friday, March 27. This is a valuable opportunity for families to connect with teachers, discuss student progress, and partner together to support student success. Please watch for additional information from your child’s school regarding conference scheduling.
📅 Upcoming Important Dates
March 11 – Half Day for Students
Students will attend a half day of school on Wednesday, March 11. Families should plan accordingly for early dismissal times at their child’s school.
March 13 – Teacher Records Day (No School for Students)
There will be no school for students on Friday, March 13 due to Teacher Records Day. This time allows teachers to complete grading, review student progress, and update academic records.
March 16–20 – Spring Break (No School)
Gary Community School Corporation will observe Spring Break from March 16 through March 20. Schools will be closed during this time. We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy a safe and relaxing break.
March 27 – Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Friday, March 27. This is a valuable opportunity for families to connect with teachers, discuss student progress, and partner together to support student success. Please watch for additional information from your child’s school regarding conference scheduling.
Good evening, families! This is a friendly reminder that students will participate in synchronous (live) learning tomorrow. Please ensure your child is logged in on time and ready to engage with their teacher. Thank you for your support!
Please note that students will not report to school in person on Monday, January 26, 2026. Instead, students will participate in asynchronous learning, meaning they will complete assigned lessons and activities independently from home at flexible times during the day, rather than logging in for live instruction.
Students will be counted present for the day based on the submission of their completed assignments.
What This Means for Students
Students will complete the learning packets that were sent home by their teachers.
Students may also log in to Google Classroom to access additional assignments and resources provided by their teachers.
Teachers will be available during scheduled virtual office hours to support students.
During these times, students may log in to ask questions related to their lessons or assignments.
Specific virtual office hours are listed below by school level.
Students will be counted present for the day based on the submission of their completed assignments.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. If you have questions, please contact your child’s school directly.
This means students will stay home and log in for live, real-time instruction with their teachers during their scheduled class times. Learning will continue as usual, just in a safe, virtual environment.
To help everyone prepare, specific instructions will be shared in advance with families, students, staff, and vendors so that everyone knows what to expect and how to log in on Friday.
Thank you for your flexibility and continued partnership as we work together to keep our school community safe while maintaining high-quality learning for all students.
Happy Holidays from the Gary Community School Corporation
The West Side Theatre Guild is proud to share our Christmas Project—a festive collection of songs performed by our talented students and created with joy, dedication, and Cougar pride. This project reflects the heart of our arts program and the spirit of the season, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and community.
We extend our sincere thanks to our families, supporters, and community partners for championing the arts and uplifting our students throughout the year. May this album bring warmth, cheer, and holiday magic into your homes.
From all of us at the West Side Theatre Guild, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful New Year. 🎄✨ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvraFRe9inNw_x7awtGqPMqXsHaTku-Nl&si=C1GzRgmugm1fEHLj
The Holiday Help Fair is TOMORROW! 🎁✨
Join us at the Gary Public Library for an afternoon packed with FREE resources, fun family activities, and real help for the holidays — all in one place!
✅ What you’ll find:
Join us at the Gary Public Library for an exciting afternoon filled with holiday joy, hands-on activities, and real support for the whole family!
👧🏽👦🏾 For Children & Teens:
📖 LIVE Reading with First Lady Crystal Melton at 1:00 PM — a special moment you won’t want to miss!
🎬 “Home Alone” Movie + STEM Activities led by Scouts of America
📚 Literacy activities, reading corners, and creative family projects
🎓 Teen & YA supports including mentoring, scholarships, essay help, healthy mental health workshops and college/career exploration
👨🏽👩🏾👧🏽 For Parents & Adults (while kids are engaged):
💼 Resume help, job search support, and career advisors
🏠 Homeownership & down-payment assistance workshops
🤝 Access to community resources for housing, utilities, and family support
🎁 PLUS: Holiday gifts, gift cards, giveaways, and special surprises throughout the event!
📍 Gary Public Library, 220 E. 5th Avenue, Gary, IN
🕐 1:00–4:00 PM
Come for the fun, stay for the support, and leave feeling ready for the holidays.
We can’t wait to see your family there! ❤️🎄✨
Does your child need a different size uniform? Families can earn points to shop for “like new” uniforms in the right size at our districtwide Uniform Exchange !
If you have uniforms that your child has outgrown and are still in good, clean condition, please bring them on your school’s designated drop-off day (see flyer). Items may be donated (with no points) or you can receive points that can be redeemed for gently used uniform items during the Holiday Help Fair on December 19th.
Together, we can support one another and make uniforms affordable for everyone!
