🍂🍁 FALL BREAK REMINDER! 🍁🍂
GCSC Families, it's time for a little fall break!
There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, October 23, and Monday, October 26, 2026, in observance of Fall Break.
📚 Students will return to school on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
We hope all of our scholars, families, and staff enjoy a safe, relaxing, and refreshing break!
🧡💙 Enjoy your Fall Break!
#GCSC #GarySchools #FallBreak #GCSCFamilies
GCSC Families, it's time for a little fall break!
There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, October 23, and Monday, October 26, 2026, in observance of Fall Break.
📚 Students will return to school on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
We hope all of our scholars, families, and staff enjoy a safe, relaxing, and refreshing break!
🧡💙 Enjoy your Fall Break!
#GCSC #GarySchools #FallBreak #GCSCFamilies
Join us for “Recognize. Respond. Support.” — A Conversation with the Lake County Indiana Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).
Learn about crisis intervention and resources available to support your family. Bring your questions and connect with us!
📅 Today, Tuesday, October 20
🕚 11:00 a.m.
💻 Join on Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/kms-choh-rwa
✅ No registration required!
#GCSC #TechTuesday #FamilyEngagement
Learn about crisis intervention and resources available to support your family. Bring your questions and connect with us!
📅 Today, Tuesday, October 20
🕚 11:00 a.m.
💻 Join on Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/kms-choh-rwa
✅ No registration required!
#GCSC #TechTuesday #FamilyEngagement
GCSC Families: Your Next Opportunity Starts Here!
Are you ready to take the next step toward achieving your educational or career goals?
The Center of Workforce Innovations' Grad219 Adult Literacy & Training Centers offers opportunities for adults to strengthen their skills, continue their education, and prepare for new career pathways.
Programs include:
Adult Basic Education – Strengthen reading, writing, and math skills.
High School Equivalency (HSE) – Prepare for HiSET or GED testing.
English Language Learning – Build English language and communication skills.
Career Training – Develop skills to prepare for employment opportunities.
With locations in Gary, Crown Point, Hammond, Rensselaer, and virtual options, there's an opportunity to learn that may fit your schedule!
We Want to Hear From You!
GCSC is encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and adult family members interested in learning more to complete a brief 5-question interest survey.
Your responses will help us better understand the educational and career training interests of our families and connect you with additional information.
Take the 5-Question Survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2xWiPaJKUQm-f0Et4Ilu_2twAQ063vW9H7tzQFGEUCAIVog/viewform
For more information about Grad219, visit grad219.org or call (866) GRAD-219.
Invest in yourself. Inspire your family. Build your future!
Learn More, Earn More — Your Next Chapter Starts Today!
Are you ready to take the next step toward achieving your educational or career goals?
The Center of Workforce Innovations' Grad219 Adult Literacy & Training Centers offers opportunities for adults to strengthen their skills, continue their education, and prepare for new career pathways.
Programs include:
Adult Basic Education – Strengthen reading, writing, and math skills.
High School Equivalency (HSE) – Prepare for HiSET or GED testing.
English Language Learning – Build English language and communication skills.
Career Training – Develop skills to prepare for employment opportunities.
With locations in Gary, Crown Point, Hammond, Rensselaer, and virtual options, there's an opportunity to learn that may fit your schedule!
We Want to Hear From You!
GCSC is encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and adult family members interested in learning more to complete a brief 5-question interest survey.
Your responses will help us better understand the educational and career training interests of our families and connect you with additional information.
Take the 5-Question Survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2xWiPaJKUQm-f0Et4Ilu_2twAQ063vW9H7tzQFGEUCAIVog/viewform
For more information about Grad219, visit grad219.org or call (866) GRAD-219.
Invest in yourself. Inspire your family. Build your future!
Learn More, Earn More — Your Next Chapter Starts Today!
Dear GCSC Families,
Tomorrow, Friday, October 9, 2026, is scheduled to be a Synchronous eLearning Day
Students will learn from home and participate in live, teacher-led instruction online rather than reporting to school in person.
What Families Need to Know:
Students should log in at their scheduled time.
Teachers will provide live instruction online.
Students are expected to participate and complete assigned work.
Please watch for additional instructions from your child's school regarding schedules and login information.
This calendar adjustment will help recover instructional time lost due to the August 11 storm and related school closures.
We appreciate your flexibility and continued partnership in supporting student learning.
Gary Community School Corporation
This schedule change is pending approval by the GCSC Board of School Trustees at its meeting today, Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Dear GCSC Families,
Please be advised of an important update to the 2026–2027 school calendar.
To help recover instructional time lost due to the August 11 storm and related school closures, the district has designated the following dates as Synchronous eLearning Days:
Friday, October 9, 2026
Friday, March 12, 2027
On these days, students will learn from home and participate in live, teacher-led instruction online. Students should log in at their scheduled time, participate in class, and complete assigned work.
These additional instructional days are intended to support students in recovering learning time missed during the storm-related closures.
Families should watch for additional information from their child’s school regarding schedules, login instructions, and expectations for synchronous eLearning.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students.
*Pending approval by the Gary Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees on October 8, 2026.
Please be advised of an important update to the 2026–2027 school calendar.
To help recover instructional time lost due to the August 11 storm and related school closures, the district has designated the following dates as Synchronous eLearning Days:
Friday, October 9, 2026
Friday, March 12, 2027
On these days, students will learn from home and participate in live, teacher-led instruction online. Students should log in at their scheduled time, participate in class, and complete assigned work.
These additional instructional days are intended to support students in recovering learning time missed during the storm-related closures.
Families should watch for additional information from their child’s school regarding schedules, login instructions, and expectations for synchronous eLearning.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students.
*Pending approval by the Gary Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees on October 8, 2026.
GCSC Budget Public Hearing & Regular School Board Meeting – October 8
Gary Community School Corporation invites families, staff, and community members to attend the upcoming 2027 Budget & Capital Projects Funds Public Hearing and Regular School Board Meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Budget Public Hearing
📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
🕟 4:30 PM
📍 Gary Area Career Center
1800 E. 35th Ave., Gary, IN
The Public Hearing will provide an opportunity for public input regarding the GCSC 2027 Budget and Capital Projects Funds.
The Regular Meeting of the Gary Community School Board will begin immediately following the Budget Public Hearing at the same location.
Gary Community School Corporation invites families, staff, and community members to attend the upcoming 2027 Budget & Capital Projects Funds Public Hearing and Regular School Board Meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Budget Public Hearing
📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
🕟 4:30 PM
📍 Gary Area Career Center
1800 E. 35th Ave., Gary, IN
The Public Hearing will provide an opportunity for public input regarding the GCSC 2027 Budget and Capital Projects Funds.
The Regular Meeting of the Gary Community School Board will begin immediately following the Budget Public Hearing at the same location.
📣 GCSC Families — Let’s Talk!
We’re keeping the momentum going! Following an incredible Indiana Family Engagement Summit, we’re inviting all GCSC parents and guardians to join us for our next Parent Partnership Council (PPC) Meeting on Wednesday, October 14, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Frankie Woods McCullough Academy.
We’ve said that family engagement is about more than giving parents a seat at the table—it’s about empowering families to help build the table. This is one of the spaces where that happens. 💙🧡
During our time together, families will:
✨ Hear important district updates
✨ Help us plan our new Parent University
✨ Share ideas and perspectives on family engagement
✨ Connect with other parents and district leaders
✨ Help shape how we partner with families moving forward
Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters.
📅 October 14, 2026
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Frankie Woods McCullough Academy
3757 W. 21st Ave., Gary, IN
Whether you’ve joined us before or this will be your first time, you belong in the conversation. Come help us build what’s next!
#GCSC #ParentPartnershipCouncil #FamilyEngagement #ParentVoice #ParentLeadership #BuildTheTable #PartneringForStudentSuccess
We’re keeping the momentum going! Following an incredible Indiana Family Engagement Summit, we’re inviting all GCSC parents and guardians to join us for our next Parent Partnership Council (PPC) Meeting on Wednesday, October 14, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Frankie Woods McCullough Academy.
We’ve said that family engagement is about more than giving parents a seat at the table—it’s about empowering families to help build the table. This is one of the spaces where that happens. 💙🧡
During our time together, families will:
✨ Hear important district updates
✨ Help us plan our new Parent University
✨ Share ideas and perspectives on family engagement
✨ Connect with other parents and district leaders
✨ Help shape how we partner with families moving forward
Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters.
📅 October 14, 2026
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Frankie Woods McCullough Academy
3757 W. 21st Ave., Gary, IN
Whether you’ve joined us before or this will be your first time, you belong in the conversation. Come help us build what’s next!
#GCSC #ParentPartnershipCouncil #FamilyEngagement #ParentVoice #ParentLeadership #BuildTheTable #PartneringForStudentSuccess
📱 Tech Tuesday is Today!
11:00 AM
“Raising Independent, Responsible Kids.”
We’ll share practical tips to help families build responsibility, confidence, and independence in children at home and at school.
We hope you can join us!
https://meet.google.com/tyt-ayai-aou
Families, we invite you to stay connected and engaged with Gary Community School Corporation this week!
💻 Tech Tuesday: Family Finances 11:00AM
Join us Tuesday for practical information and resources to help your family make informed financial decisions. Watch here: https://meet.google.com/tyt-ayai-aou
📅 Bethune PAC Meeting
Thursday, September 24 / 9:00AM
👵🏽👴🏽 Gary Middle School Grandparents Day
Friday, September 25 / 10:00AM
📅 Banneker at Marquette PAC Meeting
Friday, September 25 / 8:00AM
Your voice, participation, and partnership make a meaningful difference in our schools. We encourage every family to get involved, connect with school staff, and take advantage of these opportunities to support our students.
Please contact your school or FACE liaison for questions and additional details.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
9:30 AM
Gary Community School Corporation
900 Gerry Street – Door V
Central Administration Office – Conf RM A109
Collective Bargaining:
School employers and any exclusive representative for certificated employees must collectively bargain the
teachers' contract. The mandatory subjects of bargaining listed in IC 20-29-6-4 are salary, wages, and salary
and wage related fringe benefits, including accident, sickness, health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement
benefits, and paid time off (IC 20-28-9-11) are permitted to be bargained. This collective bargaining reopener
is for salary only.
1. Open Public Hearing
2. Agenda
2.1 Review of Negotiation Terms
3. Public Comments
3.1 Individual Public Comments
4. Closing of Public Hearing/Adjournment
If any persons with impairments or in need of special accommodations for this event, please contact the Special Populations Department
at (219) 881-5405. Requests must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting to ensure appropriate provisions can be made
Join us today at 11:00 a.m. for Tech Tuesday! This week’s topic is “Restorative Practices & Positive Discipline at Home.” Learn practical strategies for encouraging positive behavior, strengthening communication, and resolving conflict as a family. Join us here: https://meet.google.com/tyt-ayai-aou
📣 We’re just TWO days away from the Indiana Family Engagement Summit!
We hope you’ll join us this Saturday, September 12th for an incredible day of learning, connection, and family engagement at Indiana University Northwest.
⏰ Registration closes TOMORROW! Scan the QR code on the flyer and get your name on the list while space is still available.
🎥 Check out one final message from our Assistant Director of Curriculum & Assessment for a quick look at what you can expect at the summit.
We can’t wait to see you Saturday as we learn together, connect together, and grow together as families and a community!
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WQwYfiWGRPGdDWcFW5T3bg#/registration
📅 GCSC Families: Here’s What’s Coming Up Next Week!
Please mark your calendars for these important dates:
🔹 Monday, September 7 – Labor Day
There will be NO SCHOOL in observance of Labor Day.
💻 Tuesday, September 8 – Tech Tuesday
Join us virtually for another helpful Tech Tuesday session for families!
📲 Add Tech Tuesday to your calendar: https://www.garycsc.k12.in.us/events?id=62116348
☕ Wednesday, September 9 – Parent Café
Families are invited to join us for our Parent Café, “The Parent Playbook,” from 8:30–11:30 a.m.
🎟️ Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=h8SGTXS9Tk6CzU4fvMdHiRj11c0VachEn2tF6lTys6ZUOUdCTUFCWTdMUjgyVU1CTFNKVFNBNFIwMy4u&route=shorturl
⏰ Wednesday, September 9 – Early Release Day
Students will be dismissed early:
• Bethune – 11:45 a.m.
• Elementary Schools – 11:30 a.m.
• Middle & High Schools – 12:30 p.m.
👵🏾👴🏾 Celebrating Grandparents
Schools will be honoring grandparents and extraordinary family members throughout the month of September! Please check with your scholar’s school for specific dates, activities and details.
🧡💙 Friday, September 11 – WSLA PAC Meeting
Parents and guardians are invited to join the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting at 10:00 a.m. at West Side Leadership Academy.
We look forward to another great week of family engagement across GCSC!
🤍🐾 GAME DAY REMINDER, COUGAR NATION! 🐾🤍
TODAY IS GAME DAY! 🏈🔥
It’s time to show up, show out, and support our Cougars! We’re calling on ALL COUGAR FANS to join us for the WHITE OUT! 🤍
🤍 WEAR WHITE!
📣 GET LOUD!
🔥 BRING THE ENERGY!
🐾 ROCK OUT FOR OUR COUGARS!
Let’s pack the stands and make sure our players can FEEL THE COUGAR PRIDE!
COUGARS 🆚 WOLVES
📅 TODAY — FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH
COUGAR NATION… LET’S GET LOUD! 📣🐾
PAWS UP! 🐾🧡💙
TODAY IS GAME DAY! 🏈🔥
It’s time to show up, show out, and support our Cougars! We’re calling on ALL COUGAR FANS to join us for the WHITE OUT! 🤍
🤍 WEAR WHITE!
📣 GET LOUD!
🔥 BRING THE ENERGY!
🐾 ROCK OUT FOR OUR COUGARS!
Let’s pack the stands and make sure our players can FEEL THE COUGAR PRIDE!
COUGARS 🆚 WOLVES
📅 TODAY — FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH
COUGAR NATION… LET’S GET LOUD! 📣🐾
PAWS UP! 🐾🧡💙
📣 REMINDER: The Indiana Family Engagement Summit is coming to Gary!
Families across Gary, Northwest Indiana, and the surrounding area are invited to join us on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Indiana University Northwest Library for the Indiana Family Engagement Summit: Real Life, Real Parenting: Partnering for Student Success!
This is a day designed to pour into parents, guardians, grandparents, caregivers, and family members with information, resources, connection, and encouragement.
Come enjoy:
Meaningful breakout sessions for families
FREE childcare
Breakfast and lunch provided
Lots of free goodies and resources
Opportunities to connect with families participating across the state of Indiana
A powerful keynote from Wilisha Scaife
Families attending our regional site will have the opportunity to participate in sessions focused on trauma-sensitive and restorative practices, supporting your child with math instruction, and special education advocacy.
🎥 Be sure to check out this quick message from our Assistant Director of Curriculum & Assessment, who coordinates GCSC’s partnership with IN*SOURCE, as she shares why we would love to see YOU at this year’s summit!
This event is open to all families — you do not have to be a GCSC parent to attend.
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the registration link to reserve your spot.
Registration will close once we reach capacity, so don’t wait! Come spend an amazing day with us!
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WQwYfiWGRPGdDWcFW5T3bg#/registration
🐾🤍 COUGAR FANS… IT’S A WHITE OUT! 🤍🐾
Cougar Nation, we need YOU in the stands! 🔥🏈
This Friday, September 4th, we’re taking over the stands and showing our Cougars some serious support as they take on the Wolves!
🤍 WEAR WHITE!
🤍 BRING THE ENERGY!
🤍 ROCK OUT FOR OUR COUGARS!
🤍 LET’S PACK THE STANDS!
Let’s make this a WHITE OUT to remember! 🐾🔥
COUGARS VS. WOLVES
📅 Friday, September 4th
🤍 WHITE OUT — WEAR WHITE!
COUGAR NATION, LET’S GET LOUD! 📣🐾
PAWS UP! 🐾🧡💙
#WSLA #CougarNation #WhiteOut #PawsUp #CougarsVsWolves #WearWhite #GoCougars
Cougar Nation, we need YOU in the stands! 🔥🏈
This Friday, September 4th, we’re taking over the stands and showing our Cougars some serious support as they take on the Wolves!
🤍 WEAR WHITE!
🤍 BRING THE ENERGY!
🤍 ROCK OUT FOR OUR COUGARS!
🤍 LET’S PACK THE STANDS!
Let’s make this a WHITE OUT to remember! 🐾🔥
COUGARS VS. WOLVES
📅 Friday, September 4th
🤍 WHITE OUT — WEAR WHITE!
COUGAR NATION, LET’S GET LOUD! 📣🐾
PAWS UP! 🐾🧡💙
#WSLA #CougarNation #WhiteOut #PawsUp #CougarsVsWolves #WearWhite #GoCougars
Parents and caregivers, join us for today’s Tech Tuesday as we discuss:
🎯 Attendance Matters: The Real Impact of Missing School
Even a few missed days can add up and affect a student’s learning, grades, confidence, and connection to school. During this session, we’ll talk about why consistent attendance matters and how families can help students build strong attendance habits.
📅 Today — Tuesday, September 1
⏰ 11:00 AM
💻 Virtual
Whether your student is in elementary, middle, high school, or virtual learning, this conversation is for you!
Join us and learn how small changes can make a BIG difference in your child’s success.
🧡💙 Greater Gary Schools | Families + Schools = Stronger Students
📢⚡ GREAT NEWS, GMS FAMILIES! ⚡📢
THE POWER IS BACK ON! 🎉💙🧡
We are excited to share that power has been restored at Gary Middle School, and classes will resume at the GMS building tomorrow! 🏫🐾
We want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to our GMS families for your patience, understanding, flexibility, and willingness to pivot when things didn’t go as planned—all on behalf of our children. ❤️
Your support, cooperation, and commitment to our scholars truly mean so much. We appreciate you for helping us navigate this unexpected situation while keeping our children at the center of every decision.
We can’t wait to welcome our Cougars back home tomorrow! 🐾🧡💙
One Team. One Mission. Our Scholars First!
#GMSStrong #CougarPride #OurScholarsFirst #ThankYouGMSFamilies
THE POWER IS BACK ON! 🎉💙🧡
We are excited to share that power has been restored at Gary Middle School, and classes will resume at the GMS building tomorrow! 🏫🐾
We want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to our GMS families for your patience, understanding, flexibility, and willingness to pivot when things didn’t go as planned—all on behalf of our children. ❤️
Your support, cooperation, and commitment to our scholars truly mean so much. We appreciate you for helping us navigate this unexpected situation while keeping our children at the center of every decision.
We can’t wait to welcome our Cougars back home tomorrow! 🐾🧡💙
One Team. One Mission. Our Scholars First!
#GMSStrong #CougarPride #OurScholarsFirst #ThankYouGMSFamilies
📣 Open House Rescheduled — Save the New Dates!
Gary Community School Corporation families, we’re excited to welcome you back for our rescheduled Open House events!
These evenings are a great opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and school staff, learn more about programs and resources, ask questions, and start the school year connected and informed.
Elementary Open House
📅 Monday, September 14, 2026
🕒 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
📍Bethune, Banneker at Marquette, Beveridge, McCullough Academy, Daniel Hale Williams, Glen Park Academy
Secondary Open House
📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
🕟 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Bailly Middle School, Gary Middle School & West Side Leadership Academy
We appreciate our families’ flexibility and patience with the schedule changes and look forward to seeing you at your child’s school.
Meet the staff. Explore programs. Ask questions. Get connected.
Gary Community School Corporation families, we’re excited to welcome you back for our rescheduled Open House events!
These evenings are a great opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and school staff, learn more about programs and resources, ask questions, and start the school year connected and informed.
Elementary Open House
📅 Monday, September 14, 2026
🕒 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
📍Bethune, Banneker at Marquette, Beveridge, McCullough Academy, Daniel Hale Williams, Glen Park Academy
Secondary Open House
📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
🕟 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Bailly Middle School, Gary Middle School & West Side Leadership Academy
We appreciate our families’ flexibility and patience with the schedule changes and look forward to seeing you at your child’s school.
Meet the staff. Explore programs. Ask questions. Get connected.
Due to the loss of power at Gary Middle School, classes will continue to take place at the Gary Area Career Center, 1800 E. 35th Avenue for the remainder of this week. (Thursday and Friday)
It is the expectation for ALL GMS students to report to school.
Bus riders will be transported to and from the Career Center from their usual stops.
Car riders and walkers are to report to Gary Middle School by 8:00 a.m. to board the bus that will transport them to the Career Center. Staff members will be on-site to record names of students who ride the bus to ensure their safety and clear communication with parents.
Parents and guardians are also welcome to drop off and pick up their scholars directly to and from the Career Center.
At the conclusion of school, a bus will transport car riders and walkers back to Gary Middle School by 3:30 p.m.
We thank everyone for being flexible and understanding during this time of emergency. Please know that you are appreciated and that we always want the best for our scholars!
It is the expectation for ALL GMS students to report to school.
Bus riders will be transported to and from the Career Center from their usual stops.
Car riders and walkers are to report to Gary Middle School by 8:00 a.m. to board the bus that will transport them to the Career Center. Staff members will be on-site to record names of students who ride the bus to ensure their safety and clear communication with parents.
Parents and guardians are also welcome to drop off and pick up their scholars directly to and from the Career Center.
At the conclusion of school, a bus will transport car riders and walkers back to Gary Middle School by 3:30 p.m.
We thank everyone for being flexible and understanding during this time of emergency. Please know that you are appreciated and that we always want the best for our scholars!
