Your voice truly matters, and we need you at our final PAC meeting of the year! Join us as we discuss what YOU want to see in the school next year.
We’re also excited to have CWI and WorkOne joining us to share valuable information about summer job opportunities for students.
🌮 Nachos will be available (while supplies last!)
📅 Date: May 8
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Parent Room (Room 120)
🚪 Enter through Door J
We hope to see you there!
Reminder WSLA Families,
$100 is still calling your name!
You have a chance to share what you think about how your school works with families. You
can do this by filling out a survey. IN*SOURCE conducts the survey. They are running a
project called EFFECT. This stands for Engagement for Families, Educators, & Community
Together. The U.S. Department of Education is paying for this project. The survey helps them
see how well the project is working. IN*SOURCE is working with another group called the
Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) to look at the survey results.
The survey will only take 10 to 12 minutes for each child you have in school.
Why you should take the survey:
● Your answers can help make changes in your children's schools.
● You can help schools learn how to work better with families.
● You might win a $100 check for filling out the survey.
Who can take the survey:
● Families with children in Gary Community School Corporation schools.
If you have questions about the survey, contact Dr. Helen Malone (maloneh@iel.org, or
202-822-8405 x 136) or Dr. Emily Cheng (chenge@iel.org or 202-822-8405 x 102) .
If you have questions about your rights, contact Solutions IRB at (855) 226-4472 or
participants@solutionsirb.com
Reminder WSLA Families,
$100 is calling your name!
You have a chance to share what you think about how your school works with families. You
can do this by filling out a survey. IN*SOURCE conducts the survey. They are running a
project called EFFECT. This stands for Engagement for Families, Educators, & Community
Together. The U.S. Department of Education is paying for this project. The survey helps them
see how well the project is working. IN*SOURCE is working with another group called the
Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) to look at the survey results.
The survey will only take 10 to 12 minutes for each child you have in school.
Why you should take the survey:
● Your answers can help make changes in your children's schools.
● You can help schools learn how to work better with families.
● You might win a $100 check for filling out the survey.
Who can take the survey:
● Families with children in Gary Community School Corporation schools.
If you have questions about the survey, contact Dr. Helen Malone (maloneh@iel.org, or
202-822-8405 x 136) or Dr. Emily Cheng (chenge@iel.org or 202-822-8405 x 102) .
If you have questions about your rights, contact Solutions IRB at (855) 226-4472 or
participants@solutionsirb.com
This is a friendly reminder that our WSLA Resource Fair is coming up on Friday, May 22nd from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at West Side Leadership Academy!
We are excited to welcome over 25 local businesses and community organizations that will be on-site providing valuable resources, information, and support for our students and families. This is a great opportunity to connect with services that can help meet your family’s needs, learn about community programs, and build relationships with organizations right here in our area.
We encourage every family to come out, take advantage of these amazing resources, and enjoy an afternoon of community connection. Please feel free to bring a neighbor, friend, or another family who could benefit as well — everyone is welcome!
We look forward to seeing you there and making this event a success for our WSLA community!
West Side Leadership Academy
Friday, May 22nd | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Don’t forget to sign up for the last Food Fridays!
Pickup will be at WSLA on the district side, Door U, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM.
All participants must be registered by Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Sign up here: Food Fridays Registration Form
Discover camps, school programs, enrichment & more at the Power of Partnership Resource Fair!
Today is the day, our “Nacho Average” PAC Meeting is happening in one hour!
📍 Location: WSLA – Parent Room (Room 120)
🚪 Please enter through Door A
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Representatives from CWI, WorkOne, and the City of Gary will be there sharing important job and career information for families.
Nachos available while supplies last
Come join us!
Don’t forget about our “Nacho Average” PAC Meeting tomorrow!
📍 Location: WSLA – Parent Room (Room 120)
🚪 Please enter through Door A
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Representatives from CWI, WorkOne, and the City of Gary will be there sharing important job and career information for families.
Nachos Available while supplies last!
We hope you can join us!
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but it does come with community. Join us for Parent Café, a safe and welcoming space for GCSC families to connect, share, and grow together.
🗓 Wednesday, May 13
⏰ 9AM–11AM
📍 WSLA Door A
🍽 Food Provided
🎟 Limited Seating
Register today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/5MZ9pYNt5m
Thank you for the passion, patience, and dedication you bring into the classroom each and every day. The impact you make goes far beyond lessons and assignments—you inspire curiosity, build confidence, and shape the future in ways that cannot be measured.
We are deeply grateful for the countless hours, the unwavering commitment, and the genuine care you show your students. You are truly irreplaceable, and our community is stronger because of you.
A special thank you to Khan Academy for treating our teachers to a wonderful breakfast this morning. Your generosity and support mean so much, and it was a beautiful way to celebrate the people who give so much of themselves every day.
To all our teachers: you are valued, appreciated, and admired more than words can fully express. Thank you for everything you do.
The luncheon at the library was truly a memorable and inspiring celebration of your hard work and dedication. Hearing the encouraging words from Dr. Yvonne Stokes, Mr. Suggs, and Shania Gordon made the occasion even more special, reminding us all of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for each of you.
We proudly recognize Jamey Jones, Kaylin Quarles, Julian Holmes, Elizabeth Januska, Saniyha Johnson, Devin Thomas, and Mykah Trotter. Your achievements reflect not only your commitment to excellence in STEM, but also your determination to succeed and make a difference in the world.
A special thank you to the parents and families whose unwavering support has helped guide these scholars to this incredible milestone—this accomplishment is shared with you as well.
Congratulations once again to each of you. Your future is bright, and we are excited to see all that you will accomplish!
We’re excited to share that this month’s WSLA newsletter is now available! Inside, you’ll find important updates, upcoming events, student highlights, and helpful reminders to keep you connected with everything happening at our school.
We encourage you to take a few moments to read through the newsletter and stay engaged with your child’s learning experience. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in our school community.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support!
#PawsUp #CougarPride #DecisionDayWasLit
Please join us in sending a huge congratulations to our wonderful Teacher of the Month for April, Mr. J. Reed! Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and for making such a positive impact on the lives of our students.
We would also like to congratulate our hardworking scholars who have been recognized as Students of the Month for April:
9th Grade: Kevin English and Kendall Hayes
10th Grade: Christopher Chenier and Dorionna Allen
11th Grade: Anthony Flemming and Mikayla Russell
12th Grade: Michael Chisom and Jeniece Brewer
We are proud of all of you—keep up the great work!
We’ll have amazing community partners offering a wide range of resources for the whole family. Plus, there’s a fun Kids Zone—so bring the children, invite a neighbor, and come connect with your community.
Sign up Now!
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=h8SGTXS9Tk6CzU4fvMdHiWuuyjfvZ45EjoUp_fV9O8pUN0I3RUY3MTBKV1VKSUwxVEc5WkdIUDhSRy4u
We look forward to seeing you there!
If there were an award for “Most Likely to Be Everywhere at Once,” you’d win it every single day. Seriously—we’re starting to think you’ve mastered teleportation between classrooms, hallways, and school events.
Thank you for going above and beyond (and then a little further beyond that) for our kids. Whether you’re solving problems, cheering students on, or somehow remembering everyone’s name, you make our school a place where kids feel supported, inspired, and maybe even a little famous.
We appreciate your leadership, your dedication, and your ability to keep everything running smoothly—even when the rest of us are still looking for the coffee machine.
You’re not just the principal—you’re the MVP, the head cheerleader, and the calm in the chaos. WSLA is lucky to have you!
Dear WSLA Senior Parents,
G.A.P.S. is excited to celebrate our scholars during the Decision Day Ceremony on April 30th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM in the WSLA auditorium.
Parents and guests of seniors may enter through Door J beginning at 1:50 PM.
Thank you for your continued support.
G.A.P.S. is excited to celebrate our scholars during the Decision Day Ceremony on April 30th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM in the auditorium.
Parents and guests of seniors may enter through Door J beginning at 1:50 PM.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dear WSLA Families,
Please sign up today for our district-wide Resource Fair! The fair will be held at WSLA on May 22nd from 2:00–6:00 PM.
You won’t want to miss this wonderful opportunity to access valuable resources for you and your family.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Power of Partnership Resource Fair Registration – Fill out form
We could not let the week pass without recognizing Administrative Professional Day and the incredible individuals who help keep our school running smoothly each and every day.
Our administrative professionals are often the first point of contact for our families, students, and staff. They manage countless responsibilities behind the scenes—coordinating communication, supporting daily operations, assisting students, and ensuring that everything stays organized and on track. Their work requires patience, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to our school community.
We would like to give a special thank you to our outstanding office assistants—Mrs. Gearring, Ms. Ballard, and Ms. Marrero—for their dedication, professionalism, and the care they show to everyone who walks through our doors.
Please join us in celebrating and thanking our administrative team for the crucial role they play in making WSLA a welcoming and successful environment for all.
and they start April 27!
GPTC is expanding service across three routes to bring you better coverage, more reliability, and new destinations across Gary and Lake County.
Here's what's new:
L1 – West Central via Grant — Route extended to MLK Drive to maintain service on 35th Avenue
L4/R5 – University Park & Merrillville Shuttle — Routes interlining for better efficiency, plus new coverage at Market City (41st & Cleveland)
R2 – US30 Shuttle — Extended to SR55, now serving the Lake County Library
More coverage. Smarter service. Same commitment to Gary.
📅 Effective April 27, 2026
🗺️ Want to see all upcoming service changes, including Cycle219 bike station locations? View our interactive map: Gary Transit Upcoming Service Improvements – Google My Maps
🌐 Visit GaryTransit.com for schedules and updates.
