We are excited to introduce the GCSC Uniform Exchange Program, a new districtwide initiative designed to support families and help reduce the financial burden of purchasing school uniforms throughout the year. As our students grow—sometimes quickly—it can be challenging and costly to keep up with changing sizes. This program allows families to exchange gently used or new school uniforms for points, which can then be used to select new-to-you items at our upcoming Holiday Help Fair.
How the Uniform Exchange Works
This program is open to ALL GCSC students, Pre-K through 12th grade. Families may donate eligible uniform items and receive points based on condition:
3 Points – Brand new or looks brand new
2 Points – Gently used
1 Point – Light wear (no holes, tears, or permanent stains)
Items worth 1 point (and any nonredeemable items) will be used as emergency uniform replacements within school buildings for students in need.
Drop-Off Dates & Locations
Families may drop off uniform items from:
December 1–16
at designated school locations listed on the district calendar.
During drop-off, families will verify their student name, Skyward information, email, and phone number. Points will be recorded and tied to your Skyward account. A Uniform Exchange Voucher will then be emailed to the address on file, indicating the number of points earned.
Redeem Your Points
Families may redeem uniform points at the upcoming:
📍 GCSC Community Help Fair
🏛️ Gary Public Library (Main Branch)
📅 Friday, December 19th
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
All families will be able to “shop” uniform sizes and styles that best fit their student’s needs.
Purpose of the Program
Our goal is to help offset the rising cost of uniforms and ensure that every GCSC student is equipped to arrive at school confidently and ready to learn. By exchanging items rather than purchasing new ones, families can participate in a sustainable and community-centered solution that supports one another.
Thank you for being part of this new initiative and for helping us deepen our commitment to family support, student success, and community care.
If you have questions, please contact your school’s FACE Liaison or the District Office of Family & Community Engagement.
We look forward to serving you!
Gary Community School Corporation
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!
Due to weather/road conditions, the Gary Community School Corporation will operate on a 2-hour delay today.
All school start times are delayed by 2 hours
Bus pick-up will run exactly 2 hours later than normal
Breakfast will still be served (on an adjusted schedule)
Dismissal times will remain the same
Please use caution while traveling.
Thank you for your flexibility and continued support.
GCSC families—this is a friendly reminder that our school’s Uniform Exchange has begun!
Families may donate gently used or new uniform items, including:
✔️ Polo shirts or collared tops
✔️ Pants, shorts, skirts, jumpers
✔️ Belts
✔️ Sweaters and vests
✔️ School shoes
All items must be clean and in good condition.
Why Participate?
Each item you donate earns points (1–3 points based on condition). Your points will be emailed to you as a Uniform Exchange Voucher and can be redeemed at the:
📍 GCSC Community Help Fair
🏛️ Gary Public Library
📅 Friday, December 19
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This is a great way to refresh uniforms at no cost and support families across our district!
For questions or assistance, please contact the Gary Middle School FACE Liaison.
Any GCSC family can drop off at any school during the date/time listed.
In order to ensure a safe commute for families and staff, the Gary Community School Corporation will operate on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Safety is our first priority, so please exercise caution when navigating the storm. Please watch for any updates via our website, social media, email, WGVE 88.7 FM and robocall in case the need arises for a full-day cancelation.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
📅 Upcoming Meetings – Gary Community School Corporation Board of Trustees
The Gary Community School Corporation Board of Trustees will hold the following meetings:
Policy Committee Meeting
🗓 Tuesday, November 4, 2025
📍WSLA Central Admin Office - Door V
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM
School Board Public Meeting on the Tentative Agreement
of the Teacher Collective Bargaining Agreement
🗓 Thursday, November 6, 2025
📍 WSLA Central Admin Office - Door V
🕓 Time: 1:00 PM
Executive Session (Closed to the Public)
🗓 Tuesday, November 11, 2025
📍 WSLA Central Admin Office - Door V
🕓 Time: 11:00 AM
This session is closed to the public in accordance with Indiana Code.
Monthly School Board Meeting
🗓 Thursday, November 13, 2025
📍 Gary Area Career Center
🕓 Time: 4:30 PM
Community members are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in the work of the district.
Missed today's Virtual session?! It's okay! Catch the recap and share with your network!
We have opportunities all week to be engaged!
Check out our website for all of the events and add it to your personal calendar!
Parent Power Hour: Family–School Partnerships. This virtual session is designed to help families learn about our internal and external partners that work together to support student success.
During this hour, parents and caregivers will:
Learn about the partnerships that are supporting our students currently.
Mentoring and programming for students of all levels.
Share the upcoming (this week) opportunities to connect with district staff and other families to share ideas and experiences.
Discuss the groups and initiatives in place to provide a seat at the table for parents.
Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or caregiver, this session is a great opportunity to gain insights into the partners and programs available to help your child thrive academically and socially.
Youtube Recap: https://youtu.be/GRofaohN0IU
Co-Creating Safety and Belonging in the Schools events: https://www.garycsc.k12.in.us/article/2448270
Events: https://www.garycsc.k12.in.us/events?view=cal-week&start_date=2025-09-28&end_date=2025-10-05
Resource Referenced:
Indiana Learning Lab:https://inlearninglab.com/
Gary Public Library Resources: https://www.garypubliclibrary.org/kids-teens/
🚨 Parent Engagement Week is here! 🚨
We invite families to the table to co-create safety and belonging in the school!
📅 Schedule of Events:
Sept 29 | 10–11 AM (Virtual): Parent Power Hour: Family–School Partnership
Sept 30 | 12–1 PM & 4–5 PM: Feedback on the Student Behavior Matrix
Oct 1 | 8–9:30 AM (outside WSLA Box Office): Coffee with a Cop
Oct 2 | 10–11 AM & 1–2 PM (Williams Elementary): Hands-On Skyward Training for Families
Oct 3 | 2–3:30 PM: Town Hall Meeting: Co-Creating Our Schools’ Future — Roundtable discussions with district leaders on the topics that matter most.
✨ Scan the QR code or click here to add the events to your calendar—you won’t want to miss it!
Gary Community School Corporation Launches Asset Mapping Initiative to Spotlight Local Businesses
Gary Community School Corporation is excited to announce a new opportunity for local businesses to gain visibility across the state of Indiana. Through a statewide asset mapping project hosted on the IN*SOURCE website, Gary businesses can create an entry that allows families, community members, and other business owners to easily find and connect with them.
This initiative is more than just exposure—it’s about putting Gary back on the map as a hub of innovation, resilience, and community pride. By joining the asset map, business owners can showcase their services, expand their reach, and strengthen connections that drive economic and educational growth.
Don’t miss this chance to highlight your business and ensure Gary’s presence is recognized statewide.
Join us at our Guest Teacher Hiring Events at West Side Leadership Academy (Administration side):
📅 Thursday, Sept. 18 | 12 PM – 3 PM
📅 Thursday, Sept. 25 | 9 AM – 12 PM
✅ Open interviews for qualified candidates
✅ Apply early at garyschools.org under “Join Our Team” to save time
✅ Or apply onsite — laptops will be available
If you love working with children and want to make a difference in education, we’d love to meet you! 🍎
#GarySchools #NowHiring #GuestTeacher #EducationCareers
