Greetings Pirate Families and Friends,
My name is Nick Brown, and I have never been prouder to serve as your Superintendent!
As I reflect on the past few years, I am constantly reminded of the collective commitment between our community and our schools to provide a safe and caring learning experience. The recent pandemic has only strengthened this commitment, and I appreciate all of our staff and families for their continuous efforts to keep children safe and learning.
I am about to start my 5th year with the Merrillville Community School Corporation, and I'm excited to share that our schools have embarked on a $145 million facility project that will take place over the next few years. Some of the projects have either already begun or are even completed.
Every building will have needed upgrades to improve learning environments, enhance safety, increase energy-efficiency and reduce building operation costs. All eight of our schools will undergo:
• Classroom renovations or repurposing
• Upgrades to HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical and mechanical components
• Sidewalk and parking lot repairs
• LED lighting upgrades
Other highlights include:
High School
• A new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building will be added
• A new cafeteria will be added, and the old one will become learning spaces.
• Demaree Stadium repairs and upgrades:
o Outside seating has been resealed to make the interior spaces waterproof.
o Inside spaces will be repaired and renovated from water damage.
o Lightning detector has been installed to provide alerts for entire district.
o New ADA restrooms
• Reinhart Auditorium renovations and upgrades
• Roof repairs
All Elementary Schools
• Add new playground equipment
• Add a new multipurpose room to Miller
• Roof repairs on schools not previously repaired
• New paint and carpet
MIS
• Repair the outside athletic physical education fields
• Renovate interior spaces
Pierce Middle School
• Repair the outside athletic physical education fields.
• Planetarium technology has been upgraded.
Another feature I'm excited about and would like to introduce you to is a new virtual tour of our high school Career & Technical Education program.
As you and your children talk and prepare for their futures, use this unique tool to explore their interests, introduce them to careers, and learn more about our classes and programs.
From manufacturing, communications, business and education to health sciences, hospitality, human services, public safety, transportation and much more, our CTE clusters and pathways offer classes taught by knowledgeable and passionate educators for virtually every interest. Many of those classes provide dual credit, giving your children a jumpstart on their education beyond MHS.
Let me wrap up this note by encouraging all parents and children to get involved in our schools to help make the most of what we have to offer. It is proven that students of parents who are engaged in their children's school perform better academically, have better social and behavior skills, and better health and well-being.
So be sure to cheer on your child at their games or performances, get involved in the PTO, become a booster, go to Parent/Teacher Conferences, and encourage your child to seek out their passions by checking out the more than 60 clubs and activities offered at our intermediate, middle and high schools. Your engagement and their engagement will result in a more fulfilling school experience and make a difference they will remember for the rest of their lives. The F.A.C.E.S. person at your child's school can provide you with lots of opportunities to become more involved.
I am looking forward to another amazing year! I hope to see everyone at upcoming activities and events. GO PIRATES!
Nick Brown