Gary Middle School for the Visual and Performing Arts

💕Happy Birthday, Ms. Shenita Walker!💕

Today, the entire Gary Middle School Cougar Family celebrates an exceptional leader, mentor, and principal. Your dedication to excellence, unwavering support for students and staff, and commitment to creating a positive school culture do not go unnoticed.

Your Cougar Family values you, and we are grateful for the passion, wisdom, and heart you bring to our school each day. As you celebrate another year of life, we pray that God grants you continued strength, abundant joy, good health, and countless blessings.

May this new chapter bring you all that your heart desires and even more than you could imagine.

"Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years."-John Lennon

Please join us in wishing Principal Shenita Walker a very Happy Birthday!🥳🎈🎁

Do you need a fun, energetic and safe place for your kiddos this summer???

Sign them up for City Life’s Summer Camp 2026

https://forms.gle/SnA3YA2e2iLeJEcq8
#2026

Cougar Family! We are already excited about the 2026-2027 school year!

Let's make sure all returning students' contact information is updated!

Thank you for partnering with us.
🧡💙🐾

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2026

Gary Community School Corporation Ramps up Enrollment Efforts

Families Invited to School Tours and Registration Events

(Gary, IND) –The Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) is ramping up its enrollment efforts by welcoming new and returning families to upcoming school tours and registration events taking place throughout June and July 2026 at schools across the district. These events provide families with an opportunity to explore school buildings, visit classrooms, meet staff, and learn more about the educational opportunities available to students in Gary Schools.

Families attending the tours will have the chance to:

-Visit classrooms and learning spaces
-Explore school facilities, including cafeterias, gyms, and common areas
-Connect with Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Liaisons
-Learn about academic programs, extracurricular activities, and student supports
-Receive assistance with enrollment and registration

"Our schools are more than buildings—they are centers of learning, opportunity, and community," said Crystal O'Brien, FACE Coordinator and Public/Community Relations Specialist. "These tours provide families with a firsthand look at the unique programs, dedicated staff, and supportive environments available to every student in the Gary Community School Corporation."

Throughout the events, FACE Liaisons will be available to share information about family engagement opportunities, community resources, parent leadership opportunities, literacy programs, workshops, and additional supports designed to help students and families thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Whether families are enrolling for the first time, transitioning to a new school, or simply wanting to learn more about their child's educational experience, GCSC encourages all families to attend.

"Strong schools begin with strong partnerships between families and educators," O'Brien added. "We want every family to feel welcomed, informed, and connected to the resources available throughout our district."

School tours and registration events will be held at elementary, middle, and high school campuses across the district during June and July. Families are encouraged to attend the event at their assigned school and bring any enrollment documentation they may need assistance with completing.

For additional information about enrollment, school tours, or Family and Community Engagement services, please contact the Gary Community School Corporation Public and Community Relations Department at (219) 881-5407 or visit www.garyschools.org

📚📚📚Summer Reading📚📚📚

School may be out for summer but we are still making moves to get ready for the fall! Ready to cheer for the cougars!? Then come try out! See details below, and please share!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2026

Gary Community School Corporation Ramps up Enrollment Efforts

Families Invited to School Tours and Registration Events

(Gary, IND) –The Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) is ramping up its enrollment efforts by welcoming new and returning families to upcoming school tours and registration events taking place throughout June and July 2026 at schools across the district. These events provide families with an opportunity to explore school buildings, visit classrooms, meet staff, and learn more about the educational opportunities available to students in Gary Schools.

Families attending the tours will have the chance to:

-Visit classrooms and learning spaces
-Explore school facilities, including cafeterias, gyms, and common areas
-Connect with Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Liaisons
-Learn about academic programs, extracurricular activities, and student supports
-Receive assistance with enrollment and registration

"Our schools are more than buildings—they are centers of learning, opportunity, and community," said Crystal O'Brien, FACE Coordinator and Public/Community Relations Specialist. "These tours provide families with a firsthand look at the unique programs, dedicated staff, and supportive environments available to every student in the Gary Community School Corporation."

Throughout the events, FACE Liaisons will be available to share information about family engagement opportunities, community resources, parent leadership opportunities, literacy programs, workshops, and additional supports designed to help students and families thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Whether families are enrolling for the first time, transitioning to a new school, or simply wanting to learn more about their child's educational experience, GCSC encourages all families to attend.

"Strong schools begin with strong partnerships between families and educators," O'Brien added. "We want every family to feel welcomed, informed, and connected to the resources available throughout our district."

School tours and registration events will be held at elementary, middle, and high school campuses across the district during June and July. Families are encouraged to attend the event at their assigned school and bring any enrollment documentation they may need assistance with completing.

For additional information about enrollment, school tours, or Family and Community Engagement services, please contact the Gary Community School Corporation Public and Community Relations Department at (219) 881-5407 or visit www.garyschools.org

# # #

☀️ Take Advantage of Summer Classes at Ivy Tech Lake County! ☀️

Looking to save money, get ahead, or try something new? Summer classes are a smart move—whether you're a current college student, planning a career change, or finally ready to take that class you've been putting off.

👉 Join us for our Open Saturday: Summer Registration Event!
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 All three campus locations

✅ Get help with:
• Registration
• Advising
• Financial Aid
• Admissions & Next Steps

No appointment needed—just stop by and our team will help you get started!

Whether you're continuing your education or exploring something new, Ivy Tech is here to support your goals every step of the way.

🏀 Calling all Gary youth! Get ready for Books & Buckets!

The City of Gary is proud to sponsor the McKinley Legacy Foundation's Books & Buckets Basketball & Literacy Camp! We are inviting our local students to join us for an incredible week of hoops, books, leadership, and fun. The best part? It is 100% FREE to attend, and free meals are included!

📅 Event Details:

When:July 6th – 10th, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily
Where: 401 Broadway, Suite 304, Gary, IN 46402
(At Hudson & Campbell)
Who: Boys & Girls, Grades 3rd – 10th

🌟 Featured Guest Speakers:
Prepare to be inspired by an amazing lineup of athletes and artists, including:

Winston Garland (NBA Veteran & Community Advocate)
Darius Garland (NBA All-Star Point Guard)
Glenn Robinson III (NBA Slam Dunk Champion)
Freddie Gibbs (Grammy Award-Winning Rapper)
Dana "The Spark" Evans(Attending Virtually)
Special Guest: Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (NBA Veteran & Humanitarian)

Scan the Camper Registration QR code on the flyer or visit [mwedpartners.com/mckinley-legacy-foundation](https://mwedpartners.com/mckinley-legacy-foundation)** to secure your spot today.

Let's build stronger minds, leaders, and communities together. On the court. In the classroom. In life. 🏙️✨