
The Gary Community School Corporation is proud to announce that Beveridge Elementary School and Frankie Woods McCullough Academy have earned Level 1 Family Engagement Certification through IN*SOURCE, the Indiana Statewide Family Engagement Center.
Level 1 Certification recognizes schools that intentionally listen to families and honor their voices. This achievement reflects each schoolβs commitment to gathering meaningful feedback from families, ensuring parents and caregivers have opportunities to share their perspectives, and using that feedback to strengthen the school experience for students and families alike.
Through strong participation in the family engagement survey process, families at both schools provided valuable insight into their experiences, needs, and priorities. School leaders and staff demonstrated their commitment to family engagement by actively seeking out family voice and using that information to guide their ongoing improvement efforts.
This recognition is particularly noteworthy given the competitive nature of the certification process. More than 70 schools across Indiana applied for Family Engagement Certification, and only 17 schools successfully attained certification during this cycle. Of those 17 schools, two are from Gary Community School Corporation, highlighting the districtβs commitment to meaningful family engagement practices.
βI am incredibly proud of the administrators and staff at both Beveridge and McCullough for the intentional work they have done to center families this school year,β said Jamila Adams, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Assessment and Coordinator of the IN*SOURCE Family Engagement Grant. βTrue family engagement begins with listening. These schools have shown a genuine commitment to hearing the voices of their families, valuing their feedback, and using that input to strengthen relationships and improve outcomes for students. This recognition is a testament to the culture of partnership they have worked hard to build.β
The certification marks an important step in each schoolβs family engagement journey and demonstrates a shared belief that families are essential partners in student success. Beveridge and McCullough will continue building upon this foundation as they pursue future levels of certification and expand opportunities for family-school partnerships.
Gary Community School Corporation congratulates the students, families, staff, and leadership teams at Beveridge Elementary School and McCullough Academy on this outstanding accomplishment. Together, we are building a community of lifelong learners, one family at a time.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
We want to make you aware of an important change that will take effect beginning July 1, 2026, in accordance with Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 78.
To support student learning, increase engagement in the classroom, and minimize distractions during the school day, students will not be permitted to use wireless communication devices from bell to bell without administrator approval.
Wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to:
β’ Cell phones
β’ Smartwatches
β’ Tablet computers
β’ Gaming devices
β’ Earbuds
β’ Headphones
Students may bring these devices to school; however, they must remain powered off and stored away during the instructional day unless specifically authorized by a school administrator for educational, medical, or other approved purposes.
We understand that families may need to communicate with their children during the school day. Parents and guardians may continue to contact their child's school office, and messages will be relayed as needed. Likewise, students may access office phones when necessary.
Additional information regarding building-specific procedures and expectations will be shared before the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
Thank you for your partnership and support as we work together to provide the best possible learning environment for all students.

The agenda for the Gary Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees Meeting on Thursday, June 11, is now available for review.
π Thursday, June 11
β°4:30 PM
π Gary Area Career Center

Discover camps, school programs, enrichment & more at the Power of Partnership Resource Fair!

Join us for the Power of Partnership Resource Fair on May 22 | 2PMβ6PM | West Side Leadership Academy
β¨ Summer Programs
β¨ Student Supports
β¨ Family Resources
β¨ Community Connections
Your familyβs next opportunity starts here.
#GreaterGarySchools #PowerOfPartnership #GCSCFamilies #GarySchools

Parenting doesnβt come with a manualβbut it does come with community. Join us for Parent CafΓ©, a safe and welcoming space for GCSC families to connect, share, and grow together.
π Wednesday, May 13
β° 9AMβ11AM
π WSLA Door A
π½ Food Provided
π Limited Seating
Register today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/5MZ9pYNt5m

We have two important reminders for families this month as we continue working together to support our students.
Family Survey β 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.
π Take the survey here:
https://s.alchemer.com/s3/d1badf3ac989
Deadline to complete the survey: April 11.
Parent-Teacher Conferences β March 27
Parent-Teacher Conferences are an important opportunity to connect with your childβs teacher, discuss progress, and learn how we can continue working together to support your studentβs success.
Please be sure to attend your childβs scheduled conference or contact your school if you need assistance scheduling a time.
Thank you for being an important partner in your childβs education and for helping us strengthen our schools.
Sincerely,
Gary Community School Corporation

π’ WSLA Families & Students β 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 βStakeholder Input for WSLA Principalβ survey.
π 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:
π° Sensory-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt
π March 28
π Redar Memorial Park β Schererville
A welcoming egg hunt experience designed for children of all ages and abilities.
β³ 3rd Annual Golf Outing
π June 19
π Wicker Park β Highland
Join the community in supporting programs that raise awareness and provide resources for families.
π§© Big Eliβs Brighter Together Autism Event
π June 20
π Redar Memorial Park β Schererville
A full day of family fun, games, live music, food trucks, resources, and school supplies while spreading autism awareness.
π Sensory Santa Visit
π December 12
π Homan Elementary β 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.
π 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 β 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 childβs school.
March 13 β 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 16β20 β 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 β 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 childβs school regarding conference scheduling.
π
Upcoming Important Dates
March 11 β 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 childβs school.
March 13 β 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 16β20 β 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 β 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 childβs 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!