
📢 **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!**

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

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






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
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.
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.

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! 🎊👏





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.

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

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!
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!

Don’t act like you “forgot” 😭
The WSLA Resource Fair is happening THIS Friday, May 22nd from 2–6 PM!
✨ Open to EVERYONE
✨ Resources, information, and support
✨ Come for the help… stay for the FOOD TRUCKS 👀
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Please bring a VALID ID to participate.
Bring yourself, bring a friend, bring your cousin who never leaves the house. Everybody is welcome!
📍 WSLA
🗓 Friday, May 22
⏰ 2–6 PM
We hope to see you there… yes, YOU reading this 👀

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.