📣 Calling all WSLA parents!
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!
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
📚🎒 WSLA Families! You're Invited! 🎉
Get ready for an exciting day of fun, resources, and back-to-school excitement!
Grab Hope International's Annual Back to School Bash
📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Boys & Girls Club
2700 West 19th Avenue
This community event will feature:
🎒 School supplies
🎒 Book bags
🦷 Dental resources
🏥 Healthcare information
🤝 Community and social service organizations
🎉 Family-friendly activities and much more!
West Side Leadership Academy is excited to participate as a community vendor, and we hope to see our Cougar families there!
Come out, connect with local resources, and help your scholar get ready for a successful school year. Be sure to arrive early while supplies and resources are available.
💙🧡 We look forward to seeing our WSLA families on August 1st! Go Cougars! 🧡💙
Get ready for an exciting day of fun, resources, and back-to-school excitement!
Grab Hope International's Annual Back to School Bash
📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Boys & Girls Club
2700 West 19th Avenue
This community event will feature:
🎒 School supplies
🎒 Book bags
🦷 Dental resources
🏥 Healthcare information
🤝 Community and social service organizations
🎉 Family-friendly activities and much more!
West Side Leadership Academy is excited to participate as a community vendor, and we hope to see our Cougar families there!
Come out, connect with local resources, and help your scholar get ready for a successful school year. Be sure to arrive early while supplies and resources are available.
💙🧡 We look forward to seeing our WSLA families on August 1st! Go Cougars! 🧡💙
Dear Summer School Senior Students and Families,
Please note: This message is intended only for summer school senior students and their families. If your scholar did not attend summer school, please disregard this message.
We would like to inform you that diplomas for summer school seniors are not yet available for pickup.
Once your diploma has been verified and is ready for distribution, you and your family will be contacted with pickup information.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and greatly appreciate your patience and understanding during this process.
Thank you for your continued support, and congratulations on reaching this important milestone! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to celebrating this achievement with you very soon.
Best Regards,
West Side Leadership Academy
📚🎒 WSLA Families! Back-to-School Fun is Here! 🎒📚
The City of Gary and Mayor Melton, in partnership with Geminus, invite you to the 3rd Annual Back to School Fest!
🗓 Saturday, July 25
⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 RailCats Stadium
1 Stadium Plaza, Gary, IN 46402
This FREE community event is open to students Pre-K through High School and will feature:
🎒 Free Bookbag Giveaways
✂️ Free Haircuts
🍔 Food Trucks
💅 Nail Painting
🎶 Music
🏥 Local Healthcare Resources
🎉 And lots of family fun!
Important Reminders:
Students must be present to receive giveaway items.
A valid photo ID may be required for admission.
Admission is subject to venue occupancy limits.
We encourage all of our West Side Leadership Academy families to take advantage of this wonderful community event as you prepare for an amazing school year.
We look forward to seeing our WSLA scholars ready for a successful 2026–2027 school year! 💙🧡 #WSLAPride #BackToSchool #GaryCommunity
The City of Gary and Mayor Melton, in partnership with Geminus, invite you to the 3rd Annual Back to School Fest!
🗓 Saturday, July 25
⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 RailCats Stadium
1 Stadium Plaza, Gary, IN 46402
This FREE community event is open to students Pre-K through High School and will feature:
🎒 Free Bookbag Giveaways
✂️ Free Haircuts
🍔 Food Trucks
💅 Nail Painting
🎶 Music
🏥 Local Healthcare Resources
🎉 And lots of family fun!
Important Reminders:
Students must be present to receive giveaway items.
A valid photo ID may be required for admission.
Admission is subject to venue occupancy limits.
We encourage all of our West Side Leadership Academy families to take advantage of this wonderful community event as you prepare for an amazing school year.
We look forward to seeing our WSLA scholars ready for a successful 2026–2027 school year! 💙🧡 #WSLAPride #BackToSchool #GaryCommunity
🎓 Attention WSLA Class of 2026 Graduates & Families! 🎓
This is a friendly reminder that diplomas will be available for pickup on Monday, July 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the WSLA Main Office.
Please Enter through Door A.
As you prepare for your next chapter, we invite you to consider donating your gently used WSLA uniforms. Your donation will help support future Cougar families, and as a small token of our appreciation, you will receive a special thank-you gift.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your educational journey. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and can't wait to see all that you achieve in the future.
Congratulations once again, Class of 2026! We wish you continued success, happiness, and endless opportunities as you begin this exciting new chapter.
Once a Cougar, Always a Cougar! 🧡💙
This is a friendly reminder that diplomas will be available for pickup on Monday, July 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the WSLA Main Office.
Please Enter through Door A.
As you prepare for your next chapter, we invite you to consider donating your gently used WSLA uniforms. Your donation will help support future Cougar families, and as a small token of our appreciation, you will receive a special thank-you gift.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your educational journey. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and can't wait to see all that you achieve in the future.
Congratulations once again, Class of 2026! We wish you continued success, happiness, and endless opportunities as you begin this exciting new chapter.
Once a Cougar, Always a Cougar! 🧡💙
📣 GCSC Families – Uniform Assistance Event Reminder! 👕🎒
The countdown is on! The Township Uniform Assistance Event will be held at West Side Leadership Academy (WSLA) on:
📅 Wednesday, July 8, 2026
📅 Thursday, July 9, 2026
🕣 8:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
This event is for Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) students only.
✅ Important Information:
School Registrars will be on-site to provide 2026–2027 school year verification letters.
Your child must be registered and enrolled in a GCSC school for the 2026–2027 school year to receive a verification letter and participate in the uniform assistance program.
🚫 For the safety of everyone attending, the following items are NOT permitted inside the school:
No bags of any kind (small purses only)
No vape pens
No weapons of any kind
No cigarettes
No cigars
No lighters
No outside food or beverages
No illegal substances
👜 Please note: All small purses are subject to inspection upon entry.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and welcoming environment for all of our GCSC families. We look forward to serving you on July 8th and 9th! 💙🧡
The countdown is on! The Township Uniform Assistance Event will be held at West Side Leadership Academy (WSLA) on:
📅 Wednesday, July 8, 2026
📅 Thursday, July 9, 2026
🕣 8:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
This event is for Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) students only.
✅ Important Information:
School Registrars will be on-site to provide 2026–2027 school year verification letters.
Your child must be registered and enrolled in a GCSC school for the 2026–2027 school year to receive a verification letter and participate in the uniform assistance program.
🚫 For the safety of everyone attending, the following items are NOT permitted inside the school:
No bags of any kind (small purses only)
No vape pens
No weapons of any kind
No cigarettes
No cigars
No lighters
No outside food or beverages
No illegal substances
👜 Please note: All small purses are subject to inspection upon entry.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and welcoming environment for all of our GCSC families. We look forward to serving you on July 8th and 9th! 💙🧡
📢 **Attention West Side Leadership Academy Families!**
TODAY **July 1**, Indiana's new school device law is officially in effect.
During the school day, students are expected to keep all personal electronic devices **turned off and put away**. This includes:
📱 Cell phones
⌚ Smartwatches
💻 Laptops
📱 Tablets
🥽 Smart glasses
📲 And other personal electronic devices
There may be times when a teacher authorizes the use of a device for educational purposes or in specific safety-related situations.
The goal of this new law is to help students stay focused, reduce classroom distractions, and create a calmer, more engaging learning environment where scholars can thrive.
🤝 **We need your partnership!**
Please remind your scholar to either:
✔️ Leave personal devices at home whenever possible, **or**
✔️ Keep them turned off and stored in their backpack or locker throughout the school day, while following all West Side Leadership Academy guidelines.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide the best possible learning environment for every Cougar. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to a successful school year!
🧡💙 **Go Cougars!**
🎓 ATTENTION ALL 2026 GRADUATES! 🎓
Diploma Pick-Up Information
Congratulations, Graduates!
Diplomas will be available for pick-up on:
📅 Monday, July 13, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 West Side Leadership Academy Main Office
🚪 Please enter through Door A
All graduates are encouraged to pick up their diplomas during the designated time. If you are unable to attend, please contact the school office for additional assistance.
We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you continued success in your future endeavors!
West Side Leadership Academy
Gary Community School Corporation
Diploma Pick-Up Information
Congratulations, Graduates!
Diplomas will be available for pick-up on:
📅 Monday, July 13, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 West Side Leadership Academy Main Office
🚪 Please enter through Door A
All graduates are encouraged to pick up their diplomas during the designated time. If you are unable to attend, please contact the school office for additional assistance.
We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you continued success in your future endeavors!
West Side Leadership Academy
Gary Community School Corporation
🐾 Attention Incoming WSLA Families! 🐾
We invite you to take advantage of our upcoming school tour and see all that West Side Leadership Academy has to offer!
📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🚪 Enter through Door A
During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to explore our campus, learn about our academic programs, meet members of our school community, and get answers to your questions about the upcoming school year.
When you arrive, please let our staff know that you are here for the school tour.
We are excited to welcome our newest Cougar families and look forward to showing you what makes WSLA a great place to learn, lead, and succeed!
🐾 We hope to see you on Thursday! 🐾
#WSLA #FutureCougars #SchoolTour #CougarPride #WestSideLeadershipAcademy #JoinThePride
We invite you to take advantage of our upcoming school tour and see all that West Side Leadership Academy has to offer!
📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🚪 Enter through Door A
During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to explore our campus, learn about our academic programs, meet members of our school community, and get answers to your questions about the upcoming school year.
When you arrive, please let our staff know that you are here for the school tour.
We are excited to welcome our newest Cougar families and look forward to showing you what makes WSLA a great place to learn, lead, and succeed!
🐾 We hope to see you on Thursday! 🐾
#WSLA #FutureCougars #SchoolTour #CougarPride #WestSideLeadershipAcademy #JoinThePride
Dear WSLA Summer School Families,
This message is intended for enrolled Summer School students and their families only.
Please see the Tuesday Summer School bus schedule. Please note that there will be no midday arrivals to the school.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in ensuring the success of our scholars. We appreciate your commitment and look forward to a productive summer learning experience.
WSLA Administration
Please Note: This communication applies only to students who are enrolled in WSLA Summer School for the 2025–2026 school year. Families of students who are not participating in summer school may disregard this message.
Dear WSLA Enrolled Summer School Parents and Families,
For those attending summer school, we want to share an update regarding summer school transportation.
On Monday only, buses will pick up students using the current route information that is being provided. We will send an updated message on Monday with any new route times and pickup locations moving forward.
Please note that students who are scheduled for morning classes will be excused from those courses on Monday due to transportation timing.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we finalize summer school transportation details.
Please check the WSLA website for the full summer school bus route schedule.
WSLA Administration
Dear WSLA Enrolled Summer School Parents and Families,
For those attending summer school, we want to share an update regarding summer school transportation.
On Monday only, buses will pick up students using the current route information that is being provided. We will send an updated message on Monday with any new route times and pickup locations moving forward.
Please note that students who are scheduled for morning classes will be excused from those courses on Monday due to transportation timing.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we finalize summer school transportation details.
Please check the WSLA website for the full summer school bus route schedule.
WSLA Administration
🎓 WSLA Class of 2025/2026 Graduation Ceremony Information & Guidelines 🎓
Congratulations to the WSLA Class of 2025/2026! We are excited to celebrate this important milestone with our graduates, families, and friends. Please review the following information and event guidelines carefully.
Event Schedule
Senior Graduates
Graduates must enter through Door M no later than 12:30 PM.
The Senior Class Picture will be taken promptly at 1:30 PM.
Guests & Attendees
Guest entry will begin at 2:00 PM through Door J.
The Graduation Ceremony will begin at 3:00 PM.
⚠️ Please Note: Entry into the graduation ceremony will be temporarily paused during the graduate processional. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating before the ceremony begins.
Graduation Event Rules & Guidelines
✅ Small purses only — No bags of any kind will be permitted.
🚫 The following items are NOT allowed:
Vape pens
Weapons of any kind
Cigarettes
Cigars
Lighters
Outside food or beverages
Illegal substances
Balloons
🔍 All purses are subject to inspection upon entry.
Important Reminder: Marijuana remains illegal in the State of Indiana and is strictly prohibited at this event.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us provide a safe and memorable celebration for our graduates and guests.
🎉 Congratulations to the WSLA Class of 2025/2026! We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments.
Congratulations to the WSLA Class of 2025/2026! We are excited to celebrate this important milestone with our graduates, families, and friends. Please review the following information and event guidelines carefully.
Event Schedule
Senior Graduates
Graduates must enter through Door M no later than 12:30 PM.
The Senior Class Picture will be taken promptly at 1:30 PM.
Guests & Attendees
Guest entry will begin at 2:00 PM through Door J.
The Graduation Ceremony will begin at 3:00 PM.
⚠️ Please Note: Entry into the graduation ceremony will be temporarily paused during the graduate processional. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating before the ceremony begins.
Graduation Event Rules & Guidelines
✅ Small purses only — No bags of any kind will be permitted.
🚫 The following items are NOT allowed:
Vape pens
Weapons of any kind
Cigarettes
Cigars
Lighters
Outside food or beverages
Illegal substances
Balloons
🔍 All purses are subject to inspection upon entry.
Important Reminder: Marijuana remains illegal in the State of Indiana and is strictly prohibited at this event.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us provide a safe and memorable celebration for our graduates and guests.
🎉 Congratulations to the WSLA Class of 2025/2026! We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments.
Please review the important graduation information below:
Graduation Practice
📅 Tuesday, June 2 at 10:00 AM
📅 Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00 AM
Seniors should enter through Door J and report to the Main Gym on both days.
Cap & Gown Distribution
📅 Tuesday, June 2 (following graduation practice)
If you have not yet purchased a cap and gown, you may still do so.
Cost: $70 (cash only)
Graduation Day Information
📅 Sunday, June 7
Seniors must enter through Door M by 12:30 PM
Senior class photo: 1:30 PM
Guests may enter through Door J at 2:00 PM
Entry will be paused during the graduation processional
Graduation ceremony begins at 3:00 PM
No balloons are permitted inside the graduation venue
Tickets
🎟️ Each senior will receive 8 tickets on June 3 after practice.
Any child who requires a seat must have a ticket.
Graduation Photos
📸 Graduates who have paid their senior dues will receive their individual and group graduation photos when they pick up their diploma this summer.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! We look forward to celebrating your achievement.
Graduation Practice
📅 Tuesday, June 2 at 10:00 AM
📅 Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00 AM
Seniors should enter through Door J and report to the Main Gym on both days.
Cap & Gown Distribution
📅 Tuesday, June 2 (following graduation practice)
If you have not yet purchased a cap and gown, you may still do so.
Cost: $70 (cash only)
Graduation Day Information
📅 Sunday, June 7
Seniors must enter through Door M by 12:30 PM
Senior class photo: 1:30 PM
Guests may enter through Door J at 2:00 PM
Entry will be paused during the graduation processional
Graduation ceremony begins at 3:00 PM
No balloons are permitted inside the graduation venue
Tickets
🎟️ Each senior will receive 8 tickets on June 3 after practice.
Any child who requires a seat must have a ticket.
Graduation Photos
📸 Graduates who have paid their senior dues will receive their individual and group graduation photos when they pick up their diploma this summer.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! We look forward to celebrating your achievement.
🎉 Congratulations to Our Outstanding WSLA Scholars! 🎉
We proudly celebrate the achievements of our WSLA Scholars:
9th Grade
Calueb Johnson
Nyla Allen
10th Grade
Antonio Garcia
Michaela Conley
11th Grade
Darreon Campbell
Destiny Williams
12th Grade
Xavier Evans
Rickia Staples
Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence continue to make us proud. Keep striving for greatness and setting a positive example for your peers!
We would also like to extend a special congratulations to our very own 1st Sergeant Figueroa for being recognized as Teacher of the Month for May. Thank you for your outstanding leadership, dedication to our students, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This recognition is well deserved!
Please join us in celebrating these remarkable accomplishments. We are proud of each and every one of you!
👏🎊 Congratulations to all! 🎊👏
We proudly celebrate the achievements of our WSLA Scholars:
9th Grade
Calueb Johnson
Nyla Allen
10th Grade
Antonio Garcia
Michaela Conley
11th Grade
Darreon Campbell
Destiny Williams
12th Grade
Xavier Evans
Rickia Staples
Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence continue to make us proud. Keep striving for greatness and setting a positive example for your peers!
We would also like to extend a special congratulations to our very own 1st Sergeant Figueroa for being recognized as Teacher of the Month for May. Thank you for your outstanding leadership, dedication to our students, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This recognition is well deserved!
Please join us in celebrating these remarkable accomplishments. We are proud of each and every one of you!
👏🎊 Congratulations to all! 🎊👏
Dear WSLA Families,
In just 24 hours, Flourish will be hosting a Grocery Giveaway for our community!
📅 Friday, May 29, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 3935 Cleveland Street, Gary, IN 46408
Groceries will be available while supplies last.
In just 24 hours, Flourish will be hosting a Grocery Giveaway for our community!
📅 Friday, May 29, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 3935 Cleveland Street, Gary, IN 46408
Groceries will be available while supplies last.
Dear WSLA students, staff and families,
Congratulations on completing the 2025-26 school year together! On our final day, Thursday, May 28th, students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be 'grab and go." Administrators, teachers and staff will remain the full school day participating in meetings, finalizing grades, preparing classrooms for summer instruction and performing all other end-of-school-year tasks.
Please be sure to stay in the know by checking our website and social media pages for periodic updates. Thank you for your partnership and have a great summer! - WSLA Leadership Team
Congratulations on completing the 2025-26 school year together! On our final day, Thursday, May 28th, students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be 'grab and go." Administrators, teachers and staff will remain the full school day participating in meetings, finalizing grades, preparing classrooms for summer instruction and performing all other end-of-school-year tasks.
Please be sure to stay in the know by checking our website and social media pages for periodic updates. Thank you for your partnership and have a great summer! - WSLA Leadership Team
Attention Seniors and Parents:
All seniors attending the Mt. Olympus Senior Trip in Wisconsin Dells are required to attend the mandatory meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the auditorium.
Parents are welcome to attend. Please enter through Door A for check-in.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a fun and successful trip!
All seniors attending the Mt. Olympus Senior Trip in Wisconsin Dells are required to attend the mandatory meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the auditorium.
Parents are welcome to attend. Please enter through Door A for check-in.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a fun and successful trip!
Dear WSLA Families,
Just a reminder that our Resource Fair is one hour away, it starts today at 2:00 PM at West Side Leadership Academy, located at 900 Gerry Street.
We encourage all families to come out and enjoy an afternoon filled with community resources, food trucks, and a fun Kids Zone area for children and families to enjoy together.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Just a reminder that our Resource Fair is one hour away, it starts today at 2:00 PM at West Side Leadership Academy, located at 900 Gerry Street.
We encourage all families to come out and enjoy an afternoon filled with community resources, food trucks, and a fun Kids Zone area for children and families to enjoy together.
We look forward to seeing you there!
