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WSLA Students Raise their Voices at GCSC Board Listening Session

GARY, Ind. --Earlier this week, a group of student ambassadors from West Side Leadership Academy were the featured speakers at the GCSC School Board Listening Session. These public meetings are held monthly in addition to traditional school board meetings allowing newly appointed board members to learn more about the happenings in and around the district.

WSLA students spoke passionately about "Dear West Side" indicating their delight in the improvements that have been made both physically and culturally at the school. Many emphasized that those who do not attend or work at West Side have misperceptions the true environment.

"We are a family here!" said several of the ambassadors.

Collectively, they are asking for the board and community's help in setting the record straight about how great their school truly is and will be launching a media campaign to share their narrative.

Please view their sentiments in the video on Facebook or at the link below, and share, share, share! GO Cougars!

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Calendar

Winter Break will take place starting Dec. 22 (last day of classes) with schools reopening Monday, January 8, 2024!

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Information for Families

Watch the Polar Express commercial!

Complete Survey Here

In the Schools

Special thanks to all of the parents and families that came out for Parent Camp earlier this week! We were excited to share great resources and raffle these amazing gift baskets!

Congratulations to Coach Rentas and the Beveridge Cougars Spell Bowl team for ranking 3rd place in their division!

A special shout-out to Mr. Roman for scoring nearly perfectly on his round.

Way to go, Beveridge Cougars!

Coat Giveaway at GPA

Thanks to the annual generosity of GPA teacher and founder of School House Children’s Charity, Brian Andreshak, students will once again receive coats, hats and gloves throught the "Share the Warmth" initiative. The Coat distribution will take place December 1st starting at 1:30pm and end around 2:00 pm. Read more here.

MCCULLOUGH PROUD!!! WE SALUTE OUR SCHOLARS ON BEING GOOD CITIZENS!!! Congratulations to our Students of the Month!

We are so proud of our Banneker Cougars who competed in the IASP Indiana Academic Spell Bowl at Merrillville Intermediate School. Out of ten schools in our division, Banneker placed fourth. Kudos to our coaches, Ms. Scott and Ms. Smith, for working diligently with our team. Thanks to our parents for allowing their/our children to participate and supporting us tonight. Great job and Go Cougars!!!

Our Cougars enjoyed their first Basketball Jamboree at West Side Leadership Academy! Thanks to all the parents, students and teachers who attended. #WilliamsStrong

Recently, Mr. Henderson invited a special guest to talk to the GMS VPA 8th grade scholars and our basketball team. DJ Wilkins impacted our scholars in more way than one offering academic as well as life lessons.

As a Drake University Alumnus, class of 21’ and 23’ with Bachelor and Master Degrees, member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and all time 3 point leader in Drake history, he exemplifies what being an academic athlete entails. PAWS Up!

Thank you to Daphene Smith and the Local Union 1066 USW-Women of Steel for your generous donation of a Thanksgiving basket to a BSA family. We appreciate you for being a part of the Cougar CommUnity

Recently, BSA students participated in an anti-bullying assembly led by Natalie McDaniel Hicks, of Crowns Mentoring and Al Royal, from Lake County Juvenile Court. We are grateful to them for sharing their time and expertise with our Scholars.

Athletics

WSLA Hosts, Participates in Lakeshore Classics

Congratulations to the WSLA Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams for their participation in the Annual Lakeshore Classics hosted by the Gary Chamber of Commerce. Community members spent Thanksgiving Weekend in the Cougar Den watching a series of great match-ups with our Cougar boys closing out the tournament with a victory!

WSLA Recognized by IHSAA for Exemplary Behavior

West Side Leadership Academy has done it again! Recently, an Exemplary Behavior Report was added to the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) system listing the following data:

Sport:

Boys Basketball

Event Details:

11/22/2023 (Location: Gary West Side)

Reporting Individual:

Luis A Roldan

"Very competitive game from the tip. Coaches and players from both teams showed exemplary sportsmanship with each other and game officials. West Side facilities and administration were exceptional. Even though there was only one winner they both won that day."

Participating Individuals

Entire Team

Regards,

IHSAA (Indiana High School Athletic Association)

WAY TO GO, COUGARS!!!