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
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.
This message is to confirm that Friday, May 22, 2026 will be an in-person instructional day for all students and staff.
This date was originally designated as a Flex/Make-Up day on the school calendar. Instead, we will utilize it as a regular in-person school day to make up for a previously canceled day of instruction.
All staff and students are expected to report to their respective buildings and follow the normal school schedule.
Thank you for your continued commitment and support of the Gary schools!
Summer will be here before you know it! We invite you to join us for our final PAC meeting of the year.
This will be a “nacho average” meeting—we’ll have nachos available while supplies last!
This meeting is all about your voice. We encourage you to come share your thoughts, ideas, and hopes for next school year. Your input truly matters, and we want to hear from you.
We will also have a guest speaker from our community partners, CWI and WorkOne, who will provide valuable job information for both adults and students.
We hope to see you there!
Are you ready to access the resources you need to support your family and student success?
📅 Mark your calendars:
May 22, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Join us for the “Power of Partnership” Resource Fair! This exciting event, hosted by the Parent Partnership Council and Gary Community School Corporation, will bring together schools, families, and community organizations—all in one place.
✨ Connect with valuable resources, services, and opportunities designed to support student achievement and family well-being.
👉 Don’t miss out—sign up today:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=h8SGTXS9Tk6CzU4fvMdHiWuuyjfvZ45EjoUp_fV9O8pUN0I3RUY3MTBKV1VKSUwxVEc5WkdIUDhSRy4u
We look forward to seeing you there!
Want to stay in the loop on all the exciting things happening at school? We’re paws-itively thrilled to introduce our new Parent Information Board!
You’ll find it to the right as soon as you walk into WSLA through Door A. The next time you visit, be sure to take a moment to “Pause and Paws” and check out important updates, reminders, and school happenings.
Looking for even more ways to stay connected and supported? Feel free to reach out to our F.A.C.E. Liaison, Mrs. Fullilove, at 219-413-9870 Ext. 48003 or jfullilove@garycsc.k12.in.us
. You can also stop by and visit our newly updated Parent Room (Room 120) for additional resources for your family.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Summer will be here before you know it! We invite you to join us for our final PAC meeting of the year.
This will be a “nacho average” meeting—we’ll have nachos available while supplies last!
This meeting is all about your voice. We encourage you to come share your thoughts, ideas, and hopes for next school year. Your input truly matters, and we want to hear from you.
We will also have a guest speaker from our community partners, CWI and WorkOne, who will provide valuable job information for both adults and students.
We hope to see you there!
Dear WSLA Families,
This is a reminder that registration for the Prom Dress Boutique will close TODAY Friday, April 10, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to receive a prom dress, shoes, and accessories.
This opportunity is for WSLA Juniors and Seniors that will be attending this year prom.
We hope to see you there!
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=h8SGTXS9Tk6CzU4fvMdHiWuuyjfvZ45EjoUp_fV9O8pURFlFWDdBUVFaNDhWMkQwWVJZT09HWUZXWC4u
They juggle schedules, solve mysteries (seriously, how do they always know what happened?), keep everything running smoothly, and still manage to greet everyone with a smile. We’re pretty sure they run on coffee, dedication, and a little bit of magic.
Dr. Holmes, thank you for your wisdom and leadership — no case is too tough for you to crack.
Mr. Muhammed, your calm presence and steady support keep us all grounded.
Mr. Smith, your energy and commitment never go unnoticed — you keep things moving no matter what the day brings.
Behind every successful school is a team of assistant principals working tirelessly (and probably answering emails at all hours 😅). Today, we celebrate YOU and all the hard work you put in every single day.
We appreciate you more than words can say — thank you for everything you do! 👏🍎
This is a reminder that registration for the Prom Dress Boutique will close this Friday, April 10, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to receive a prom dress, shoes, and accessories.
This opportunity is for WSLA Juniors and Seniors that will be attending this year prom.
We hope to see you there!
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=h8SGTXS9Tk6CzU4fvMdHiWuuyjfvZ45EjoUp_fV9O8pURFlFWDdBUVFaNDhWMkQwWVJZT09HWUZXWC4u
Hey families! 👋
Don’t forget to fill out the Family Survey before the end of the week! It only takes a few minutes—and yes, there’s a little extra motivation… you could win 💵 $100!
Think of it as turning your opinions into cold, hard cash (or at least a chance at it 😄).
We really want to hear from you because your voice matters and helps make our community even better. So grab a snack, take the survey, and cross your fingers for that prize!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Mark your calendars, set your alarms, tie a string around your finger—do whatever it takes because in EXACTLY ONE WEEK, the WSLA J.R.O.T.C. is rolling out the buckets, hoses, and questionable dance moves for our upcoming **Car Wash** 🧽🚗
Bring your dirty cars, your neighbor’s dirty cars, even that one car that hasn’t been washed since last summer (we won’t judge… much). Our cadets are ready to scrub like their rank depends on it 💪
BUT WAIT—there’s more!
🎉 The J.R.O.T.C. will also be hosting its **Military Ball on Friday, April 17th**. Get ready to dress sharp, take pictures, and pretend you know how to dance (we’re all learning together).
🌊 And for those looking to make some summer money while soaking up the sun, the **City of Gary is hiring summer lifeguards**! Yes, you can get paid to whistle at people and say “no running” like a pro.
Support your cadets, stay fresh, and maybe even save a life this summer 😉
#WSLAPride #JROTC #CarWashReady #MilitaryBall #SummerJobs
Congratulations to Ms. D. Holley for being named Teacher of the Month for March! Her hard work, dedication, and commitment to teaching make a positive impact on students’ lives each and every day.
We would also like to celebrate our outstanding Students of the Month for March:
9th Grade: Eddie Johnson and Laila Mercado
10th Grade: Kristian Lee and Sheryah Green
11th Grade: Timothy Eubanks and Ashley Brown
12th Grade: Joshua Zarate and Natalie Packer
These students have demonstrated exceptional effort and achievement in their studies. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued success.
Congratulations to all!
There are many exciting opportunities available for scholars at West Side Leadership Academy!
G.A.P.S. Opportunities:
G.A.P.S. is taking up to 50 students to Chicago State University for the Black College Expo on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
G.A.P.S. will also host its final FAFSA Night on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM at WSLA.
J.R.O.T.C. Military Ball:
The WSLA J.R.O.T.C. Military Ball will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM at The Chateau Banquets & Catering in Merrillville, IN.
Ticket cost: $30 per person
Purchase deadline: April 10, 2026
For tickets or questions, please contact Captain Thomas at jthomas3@garycsc.k12.in.us
.
Summer Job Opportunity:
The City of Gary is currently seeking lifeguards for the summer.
If you or someone you know is interested, please apply here:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=45063059-c99e-4193-9cd9-195362d0fedf&ccId=9200147175632_2&jobId=439407&lang=en_US
Thank you to all of our scholars who demonstrated exceptional attendance—your commitment and consistency truly make a difference! We’re proud to share that 25 of these dedicated students were entered into a raffle for a special t-shirt prize.
Here are a few pictures from our attendance recognition ceremony, where we celebrated their hard work and positive habits.
Paws up, Cougars! 🐾
We would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible Paraeducators, Teacher Assistants, and Behavior Support Specialists who support our students every day.
Your dedication, patience, and compassion do not go unnoticed. You play a vital role in creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to grow and succeed. Whether you are offering one-on-one support, assisting in the classroom, or helping students navigate challenges, your impact is truly meaningful.
Thank you for the care, commitment, and energy you bring to your work. Our school community is stronger because of you, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.
Dear WSLA Families,
Please take a moment to review this week’s parent newsletter.
We truly value your voice and feedback. Your input helps us improve and better support our students and families, so we encourage all parents to complete the family survey.
📝 Complete the survey here:
https://s.alchemer.com/s3/d1badf3ac989
Thank you for your continued support!
Dear WSLA Families,
Thank you to all the families who attended Parent-Teacher Conferences this past Friday. We truly appreciate your time and involvement in your scholar’s education.
If you were unable to attend in person, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your scholar’s teacher with any questions or concerns.
Special thanks to the parents who have completed the family survey. If you haven't filled out the survey here's a few reasons why you should.
● 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
Please note that there will be no school on Friday and Monday in observance of Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Thank you for your continued support!
