There is so much joy coming to Steel City this Friday and our we are already counting down! šš„
This Friday we are bringing back one of our favorite Steel City traditions and launching a brand new one, and the excitement around the building is already electric!
š©āš« Staff Member for a Day Raffle: Students will have the chance to step into the shoes of a Steel City staff member and help run the school for the day! From supporting classrooms and helping with announcements to learning what it takes to lead a school, this tradition is always full of laughter, leadership, and unforgettable memories.
š„§ The Great Steel City Pi(e) Throwdown: To celebrate Pi Day the Steel City way, students will have the chance to pie their favorite staff members while raising money for our STEM and math initiatives. Whipped cream, big laughs, and a little friendly banter are all part of the fun. š
šµ How to participate: Students can make payments in the front lobby from 8:15ā8:30 AMo r Wednesday from 10:15ā10:30 AM
Families can also participate using RevTrak for the Great Steel City Pi(e) Throwdown! https://steelcityacademy.revtrak.net/clubs-extracurricular/#/v/The-Great-Steel-City-Pie-Throwdown
āØ At Steel City we believe school should be full of joy, connection, and unforgettable moments, and Friday is shaping up to be exactly that. š„§š„š
This Friday we are bringing back one of our favorite Steel City traditions and launching a brand new one, and the excitement around the building is already electric!
š©āš« Staff Member for a Day Raffle: Students will have the chance to step into the shoes of a Steel City staff member and help run the school for the day! From supporting classrooms and helping with announcements to learning what it takes to lead a school, this tradition is always full of laughter, leadership, and unforgettable memories.
š„§ The Great Steel City Pi(e) Throwdown: To celebrate Pi Day the Steel City way, students will have the chance to pie their favorite staff members while raising money for our STEM and math initiatives. Whipped cream, big laughs, and a little friendly banter are all part of the fun. š
šµ How to participate: Students can make payments in the front lobby from 8:15ā8:30 AMo r Wednesday from 10:15ā10:30 AM
Families can also participate using RevTrak for the Great Steel City Pi(e) Throwdown! https://steelcityacademy.revtrak.net/clubs-extracurricular/#/v/The-Great-Steel-City-Pie-Throwdown
āØ At Steel City we believe school should be full of joy, connection, and unforgettable moments, and Friday is shaping up to be exactly that. š„§š„š
š©š A Very Special Visitor at Steel City Today! šš©
Our Baby Flames had the BEST surprise this morningā¦ a special visit from the Cat in the Hat herself! ā¤ļø
The wonderful Dr. Gloria FlyDoc McDaniel, member of our Steel City Academy Board of Directors, stopped by dressed as everyoneās favorite storybook character to spread joy, share stories, and cheer on our scholars!
She gave our 2nd and 3rd grade students lots of love and big hugs to pump them up before their IREAD test this morning, reminding them just how proud we are of all their hard work. šŖāļø
Dr. Gloria also spent time with our Kindergarten and 1st grade classes, enjoying a beautiful read aloud filled with laughter, imagination, and so much joy. šāØ This special visit was also a joyful way to celebrate Dr. Seuss Week, reminding our students of the magic of reading, imagination, and the power of a great story. ā¤ļøš„
#SteelCityStories #BabyFlames #DrSeussWeek #JoyfulLearning #SteelCityAcademy
Our Baby Flames had the BEST surprise this morningā¦ a special visit from the Cat in the Hat herself! ā¤ļø
The wonderful Dr. Gloria FlyDoc McDaniel, member of our Steel City Academy Board of Directors, stopped by dressed as everyoneās favorite storybook character to spread joy, share stories, and cheer on our scholars!
She gave our 2nd and 3rd grade students lots of love and big hugs to pump them up before their IREAD test this morning, reminding them just how proud we are of all their hard work. šŖāļø
Dr. Gloria also spent time with our Kindergarten and 1st grade classes, enjoying a beautiful read aloud filled with laughter, imagination, and so much joy. šāØ This special visit was also a joyful way to celebrate Dr. Seuss Week, reminding our students of the magic of reading, imagination, and the power of a great story. ā¤ļøš„
#SteelCityStories #BabyFlames #DrSeussWeek #JoyfulLearning #SteelCityAcademy
š„§š„ Get ready, Steel Cityā¦ things are about to get FUN! š„š„§
Itās time for The Great Steel City Pi(e) Throwdown! In celebration of Pi Day, our students will have the chance to pie their favorite staff members while raising funds to support Steel City STEM and math initiatives!
Hereās how you can join the fun:
š„§ $20 ā Pie a Senior Leader
š„§ $10 ā Pie a Staff Member
š $1 ā Enter the Pie Raffle for a chance to be randomly selected to pie a participating staff member
The big event will take place Friday afternoon, March 13th during our Pi Day celebration, and we cannot wait to see the laughter, the joy, and yesā¦ the whipped cream flying!
š Who might get pied? Maybe Ms. Kirleyā¦ maybe Ms. Prattā¦ The final list of brave staff members will be released Tuesday!
š° Students can pay TuesdayāFriday on RevTrak or with cash from 8:15ā8:30 AM.
Letās celebrate math, bring the JOY, and support incredible learning experiences for our students! š„š
Who do you think should get pied? šš„§
Itās time for The Great Steel City Pi(e) Throwdown! In celebration of Pi Day, our students will have the chance to pie their favorite staff members while raising funds to support Steel City STEM and math initiatives!
Hereās how you can join the fun:
š„§ $20 ā Pie a Senior Leader
š„§ $10 ā Pie a Staff Member
š $1 ā Enter the Pie Raffle for a chance to be randomly selected to pie a participating staff member
The big event will take place Friday afternoon, March 13th during our Pi Day celebration, and we cannot wait to see the laughter, the joy, and yesā¦ the whipped cream flying!
š Who might get pied? Maybe Ms. Kirleyā¦ maybe Ms. Prattā¦ The final list of brave staff members will be released Tuesday!
š° Students can pay TuesdayāFriday on RevTrak or with cash from 8:15ā8:30 AM.
Letās celebrate math, bring the JOY, and support incredible learning experiences for our students! š„š
Who do you think should get pied? šš„§
šāØ IREAD Practice Test Begins Tomorrow! āØš
Attention 2nd grade families, select 3rd grade families, and our IREAD retesters! Tomorrow our students will begin their IREAD practice test, which is an important step as we prepare to begin official testing on Monday.
Please make sure your student is in attendance tomorrow and all next week so they can complete their practice test and be fully ready for the real thing! Our students have been working incredibly hard all year and we cannot wait to see them shine and show what they know. š
Tonight, make sure to get a great nightās sleep, set those alarms, and arrive on time and ready to go tomorrow morning! We are so proud of our students and canāt wait to cheer them on! š„šāļø
Attention 2nd grade families, select 3rd grade families, and our IREAD retesters! Tomorrow our students will begin their IREAD practice test, which is an important step as we prepare to begin official testing on Monday.
Please make sure your student is in attendance tomorrow and all next week so they can complete their practice test and be fully ready for the real thing! Our students have been working incredibly hard all year and we cannot wait to see them shine and show what they know. š
Tonight, make sure to get a great nightās sleep, set those alarms, and arrive on time and ready to go tomorrow morning! We are so proud of our students and canāt wait to cheer them on! š„šāļø
šš„ We have some incredible news to celebrate at Steel City Academy! š„š
Please join us in celebrating our very own Principal Jazmin Pratt, who has been selected as the 2026 Ladies First Education Awardee for the City of Gary! šš½šš
Principal Prattās leadership is nothing short of extraordinary. A proud Gary native and graduate of Gary Community Schools, she returned home after college with one mission: to serve the community that shaped her. For more than 21 years, she has dedicated her career to uplifting Garyās youth and expanding opportunity for the next generation.
Since joining Steel City Academy, Principal Pratt has helped lead our school to historic academic results, including:
š #1 in Gary on IREAD-3 proficiency
š #1 in Gary on SAT English college readiness
š Expanded college and career pathways through partnerships with Indiana University Northwest and the Gary Area Career Center
But what makes Principal Pratt truly special is how she leads. Even while serving as principal of our full Kā12 campus, she continues to teach classes, tutor students, sponsor Student Council, and lead our attendance team. She is a true leader on the ground, deeply connected to our students, families, and educators every single day.
Principal Pratt embodies everything we believe at Steel City: excellence, equity, joy, and relentless belief in the potential of our students. She is shaping academic outcomes, opening doors to opportunity, and helping build a brighter future for Gary.
We are beyond proud to call her our leader. šš„
Drop some love in the comments to help us congratulate Principal Pratt on this well deserved honor! šš½šš
#SteelCityAcademy #SteelCityStories #GaryIndiana #WomenInGary #EducationLeadership #SteelCityPride
Please join us in celebrating our very own Principal Jazmin Pratt, who has been selected as the 2026 Ladies First Education Awardee for the City of Gary! šš½šš
Principal Prattās leadership is nothing short of extraordinary. A proud Gary native and graduate of Gary Community Schools, she returned home after college with one mission: to serve the community that shaped her. For more than 21 years, she has dedicated her career to uplifting Garyās youth and expanding opportunity for the next generation.
Since joining Steel City Academy, Principal Pratt has helped lead our school to historic academic results, including:
š #1 in Gary on IREAD-3 proficiency
š #1 in Gary on SAT English college readiness
š Expanded college and career pathways through partnerships with Indiana University Northwest and the Gary Area Career Center
But what makes Principal Pratt truly special is how she leads. Even while serving as principal of our full Kā12 campus, she continues to teach classes, tutor students, sponsor Student Council, and lead our attendance team. She is a true leader on the ground, deeply connected to our students, families, and educators every single day.
Principal Pratt embodies everything we believe at Steel City: excellence, equity, joy, and relentless belief in the potential of our students. She is shaping academic outcomes, opening doors to opportunity, and helping build a brighter future for Gary.
We are beyond proud to call her our leader. šš„
Drop some love in the comments to help us congratulate Principal Pratt on this well deserved honor! šš½šš
#SteelCityAcademy #SteelCityStories #GaryIndiana #WomenInGary #EducationLeadership #SteelCityPride
šš©āØ DR. SEUSS SPIRIT WEEK IS COMING TO STEEL CITY! āØš©š
Next week, March 9ā13, we are celebrating Dr. Seuss Spirit Week and we could not be more excited! At Steel City Academy, we love our kids, we love JOY, and we love READING. This week is all about bringing stories to life, building a love for literacy, and creating core memories for our students. š„š
Hereās whatās ahead:
š Monday (3/9): Green Eggs and Ham: Wear GREEN to kick off the week in Seuss style!
š© Tuesday (3/10): Cat in the Hat: Rock your favorite hat!
š¤Ŗ Wednesday (3/11): Wacky Wednesday: Dress wacky and tacky! The sillier, the better!
š§¦ Thursday (3/12): Fox in Socks: Show off your favorite socks!
āØ Friday (3/13): Oh, the Places Youāll Go: Dress to impress as we celebrate all the bright futures ahead!
We believe reading unlocks imagination, confidence, and possibility. When we combine literacy with joy, magic happens. š«š
Families, we canāt wait to see your students participate and celebrate the power of books all week long! Drop a š in the comments if your child is ready for Spirit Week!
Next week, March 9ā13, we are celebrating Dr. Seuss Spirit Week and we could not be more excited! At Steel City Academy, we love our kids, we love JOY, and we love READING. This week is all about bringing stories to life, building a love for literacy, and creating core memories for our students. š„š
Hereās whatās ahead:
š Monday (3/9): Green Eggs and Ham: Wear GREEN to kick off the week in Seuss style!
š© Tuesday (3/10): Cat in the Hat: Rock your favorite hat!
š¤Ŗ Wednesday (3/11): Wacky Wednesday: Dress wacky and tacky! The sillier, the better!
š§¦ Thursday (3/12): Fox in Socks: Show off your favorite socks!
āØ Friday (3/13): Oh, the Places Youāll Go: Dress to impress as we celebrate all the bright futures ahead!
We believe reading unlocks imagination, confidence, and possibility. When we combine literacy with joy, magic happens. š«š
Families, we canāt wait to see your students participate and celebrate the power of books all week long! Drop a š in the comments if your child is ready for Spirit Week!
āš¾š„ At Steel City, Black History is not just something we learn about ā itās something we live, honor, and embody every single day. š„āš¾
Last week we continued our celebration with Social Justice & Activism Spirit Day and WOW did our community show up! šš¤ā¤ļø
From powerful quotes to bold statements, our staff and students rocked their swag and shirts with messages that remind us who we are and who we are called to be ā courageous, informed, compassionate, and action-oriented. šāØ
We are so proud of our students and staff for leaning into learning, identity, and advocacy with both heart and purpose. š„š« Check out the awesome photos of our staff and students bringing the energy and the message! šøšš¾
#SteelCityAcademy #BlackHistoryMonth #SocialJustice #JoyAndPurpose
Last week we continued our celebration with Social Justice & Activism Spirit Day and WOW did our community show up! šš¤ā¤ļø
From powerful quotes to bold statements, our staff and students rocked their swag and shirts with messages that remind us who we are and who we are called to be ā courageous, informed, compassionate, and action-oriented. šāØ
We are so proud of our students and staff for leaning into learning, identity, and advocacy with both heart and purpose. š„š« Check out the awesome photos of our staff and students bringing the energy and the message! šøšš¾
#SteelCityAcademy #BlackHistoryMonth #SocialJustice #JoyAndPurpose
Steel City Juniors ā itās your time. šŖš„
School Day SAT is this Thursday, March 5th! This is your opportunity to show what you know and represent the excellence you bring every single day.
Get a great night of sleep.
Eat a solid breakfast.
Arrive on time and ready to focus.
You have put in the work. Your teachers believe in you. We believe in you. Now go shine. āØš
#SteelCityJuniors #Classof2027 #Purpose #Grit
School Day SAT is this Thursday, March 5th! This is your opportunity to show what you know and represent the excellence you bring every single day.
Get a great night of sleep.
Eat a solid breakfast.
Arrive on time and ready to focus.
You have put in the work. Your teachers believe in you. We believe in you. Now go shine. āØš
#SteelCityJuniors #Classof2027 #Purpose #Grit
One of our absolute FAVORITE Steel City traditions is back š„āØ - Staff Member of the Day!
This event is always extra special because it serves a dual purpose:
āØ It gives our students the chance to explore careers in education and leadership
āØ It supports our senior events as a fundraiser!
On Friday, our students STEPPED UP in the biggest way! šš½š„
We had students serving as:
š Executive Director
š Principal
š Assistant Principal
š Managing Director of Diverse Learners
š Director of Instruction
š Kindergarten Teacher
š 1st Grade Teacher
And they did not come to play! š¼š
Our student leaders:
āļø Led award ceremonies
āļø Taught mini lessons
āļø Graded papers
āļø Performed safety walkie checks
āļø Supported with testing
āļø Kept our campus running strong
The confidence. The leadership. The JOY. The PURPOSE. š§”š„
There is something so powerful about watching our students step into these roles and see themselves as future educators, school leaders, and difference makers. We are building more than students here at Steel City, we are building the next generation of impact! We just might have found our future staff members šāØ
#BabyFlames #FutureEducators #PurposeDriven #SteelCityStories š„
This event is always extra special because it serves a dual purpose:
āØ It gives our students the chance to explore careers in education and leadership
āØ It supports our senior events as a fundraiser!
On Friday, our students STEPPED UP in the biggest way! šš½š„
We had students serving as:
š Executive Director
š Principal
š Assistant Principal
š Managing Director of Diverse Learners
š Director of Instruction
š Kindergarten Teacher
š 1st Grade Teacher
And they did not come to play! š¼š
Our student leaders:
āļø Led award ceremonies
āļø Taught mini lessons
āļø Graded papers
āļø Performed safety walkie checks
āļø Supported with testing
āļø Kept our campus running strong
The confidence. The leadership. The JOY. The PURPOSE. š§”š„
There is something so powerful about watching our students step into these roles and see themselves as future educators, school leaders, and difference makers. We are building more than students here at Steel City, we are building the next generation of impact! We just might have found our future staff members šāØ
#BabyFlames #FutureEducators #PurposeDriven #SteelCityStories š„
At Steel City Academy, we celebrate what we value! š„āØ
This week we recognized our students with a BIG awards ceremony, starting with our youngest Baby Flames in Kindergarten through 2nd grade! šš
Students were nominated by their teachers for embodying our core values of Purpose, Joy, Gratitude, Grit, Accountability, and Team ā¤ļøš„ These are not just words on a wall, they are values our students live out every single day.
We also celebrated students who achieved:
š 92% Attendance Award
š Perfect Attendance
š Academic Achievement
š Academic Progression
š Red Slip Free
We are so incredibly proud of the effort, growth, and character our students are showing. Keep shining, Baby Flames! š„š
Letās keep the momentum strong as we head into Quarter 3! šŖšāØ #BabyFlames #SteelCityProud
This week we recognized our students with a BIG awards ceremony, starting with our youngest Baby Flames in Kindergarten through 2nd grade! šš
Students were nominated by their teachers for embodying our core values of Purpose, Joy, Gratitude, Grit, Accountability, and Team ā¤ļøš„ These are not just words on a wall, they are values our students live out every single day.
We also celebrated students who achieved:
š 92% Attendance Award
š Perfect Attendance
š Academic Achievement
š Academic Progression
š Red Slip Free
We are so incredibly proud of the effort, growth, and character our students are showing. Keep shining, Baby Flames! š„š
Letās keep the momentum strong as we head into Quarter 3! šŖšāØ #BabyFlames #SteelCityProud
We are incredibly honored to share that Steel City has been selected as a host school for the Building Leaders Winter School Visit next Thursday! šš„
Leaders from across the country will be coming to Gary to see our city, learn about the work taking place at Steel City and engage deeply with the work happening inside our classrooms every single day. šš« That is something we do not take lightly.
We are excited to open our doors and share our single site, startup story:
ā¢ How we built Steel City Academy from the ground up šļø
ā¢ How we developed a clear and disciplined strategic plan š§
ā¢ How we designed data systems that actually drive instruction and decisions š
ā¢ How we created intentional talent pathways to build a high quality, values aligned team š©š½āš«šØš¾āš«
We will also share how we get results for kids through relentless consistency and a culture intentionally built on bringing JOY and PURPOSE to the work every single day. šāØ Most importantly, we are proud to showcase how that work shows up for our students. High quality learning experiences. A safe, joy community. Expanded access. š
There is something powerful about inviting people into Gary not to fix it, but to learn from it, alongside it, and in partnership with the educators, families, and students doing extraordinary work every day. š¤
We are grateful for the opportunity and excited for the dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning ahead. Gary & Steel City has a powerful story to tell, and our students are at the center of it. š„š«
Leaders from across the country will be coming to Gary to see our city, learn about the work taking place at Steel City and engage deeply with the work happening inside our classrooms every single day. šš« That is something we do not take lightly.
We are excited to open our doors and share our single site, startup story:
ā¢ How we built Steel City Academy from the ground up šļø
ā¢ How we developed a clear and disciplined strategic plan š§
ā¢ How we designed data systems that actually drive instruction and decisions š
ā¢ How we created intentional talent pathways to build a high quality, values aligned team š©š½āš«šØš¾āš«
We will also share how we get results for kids through relentless consistency and a culture intentionally built on bringing JOY and PURPOSE to the work every single day. šāØ Most importantly, we are proud to showcase how that work shows up for our students. High quality learning experiences. A safe, joy community. Expanded access. š
There is something powerful about inviting people into Gary not to fix it, but to learn from it, alongside it, and in partnership with the educators, families, and students doing extraordinary work every day. š¤
We are grateful for the opportunity and excited for the dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning ahead. Gary & Steel City has a powerful story to tell, and our students are at the center of it. š„š«
At Steel City Academy, we believe deeply in celebrating what we value. šš„ This week, we had the absolute joy of celebrating our K-12 Honor Roll students with a full catered breakfast in their honor!
Earning Honor Roll is no small feat. It represents consistency, discipline, and heart. It means showing up every single day ready to learn. It means staying engaged, completing your work, asking questions, and pushing yourself toward excellence even when it feels hard. š„
To every student, we celebrate you! We honor the effort behind the achievement. We hope you enjoyed every bite of breakfast and felt just how proud your school community is of you. š«
Earning Honor Roll is no small feat. It represents consistency, discipline, and heart. It means showing up every single day ready to learn. It means staying engaged, completing your work, asking questions, and pushing yourself toward excellence even when it feels hard. š„
To every student, we celebrate you! We honor the effort behind the achievement. We hope you enjoyed every bite of breakfast and felt just how proud your school community is of you. š«
This week marks the official kickoff of Black History Month Spirit Week at Steel City Academy, and we started STRONG with HBCU Day! š„
Our staff came ready to represent the pride, legacy, excellence, and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCUs have shaped generations of leaders, innovators, artists, educators, and some of our very own TEACHERS! We are proud to expose our students to that legacy of excellence. šŖš¾āØ
Stay tuned for more Spirit Week highlights as we continue celebrating, learning, and honoring the stories that shape our community and our country. š„šš
#BlackHistoryMonth #HBCUPride #SteelCityAcademy
Our staff came ready to represent the pride, legacy, excellence, and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCUs have shaped generations of leaders, innovators, artists, educators, and some of our very own TEACHERS! We are proud to expose our students to that legacy of excellence. šŖš¾āØ
Stay tuned for more Spirit Week highlights as we continue celebrating, learning, and honoring the stories that shape our community and our country. š„šš
#BlackHistoryMonth #HBCUPride #SteelCityAcademy
At Steel City Academy, we believe in showing up for our families in every way we can. šš„
If your family or someone you know could benefit from additional support, please see the opportunity below hosted by Calumet Township:
š Calumet Township Food Distribution Program
š Thursday, February 26th
š Registration begins at 8:00 AM
š Calumet Township Multi Purpose Center
1900 W. 41st Ave, Gary, IN
This is a drive thru, pre packaged food distribution.
ā One per household
ā Open to residents of Gary and unincorporated Calumet Township
ā ID is required
ā Distribution begins immediately following registration while supplies last
For more information, families can call 219 880 4913.
We are grateful for community partners who continue to support the well being of Gary families. Please share with anyone who could benefit from it š
If your family or someone you know could benefit from additional support, please see the opportunity below hosted by Calumet Township:
š Calumet Township Food Distribution Program
š Thursday, February 26th
š Registration begins at 8:00 AM
š Calumet Township Multi Purpose Center
1900 W. 41st Ave, Gary, IN
This is a drive thru, pre packaged food distribution.
ā One per household
ā Open to residents of Gary and unincorporated Calumet Township
ā ID is required
ā Distribution begins immediately following registration while supplies last
For more information, families can call 219 880 4913.
We are grateful for community partners who continue to support the well being of Gary families. Please share with anyone who could benefit from it š
At Steel City Academy, our number one instructional priority this year is clear: increasing math proficiency across our Kā12 campus. šš„ We know this work must begin by increasing adult conceptual understanding, skill and mathematical acumen!
Led by our Math Instructional Leadership Team, our grade level Math PLCs spent Semester 1 doing deep, intentional work.
Together, we:
š§ Examined and reflected on our own math identities
šŖ Strengthened math confidence across grade bands
š Studied the conceptual shifts within the new Indiana standards
š Unpacked the rigor and coherence behind what we teach
After analyzing Middle of Year data, we made a strategic decision rooted in Accountability: differentiate adult learning just as thoughtfully as we differentiate for our students. ā¤ļøāš„
Our staff is now working in three differentiated PLC groups, each aligned to a specific lever for increasing math achievement:
āØ High Quality Lesson Plan Internalization
āØ Building Deep Math Conceptual Understanding
āØ Leading Effective Mathematical Language Routines
And this work has led to the launch of the Steel City Math Institute: From Counting to Calculus.
Thirteen math lead teachers, tutors, paraprofessionals, and future math teachers are beginning at the very foundation, counting and cardinality, to build conceptual understanding from the ground up. š¢ The Steel City Math Institute exists to strengthen our internal capacity so we can intervene with precision, build fluency on top of meaning, and create true Kā12 alignment from counting to calculus. š
If we want different results, we invest differently. Proud of this team. Proud of this leadership. And we are just getting started. š„
#InstructionalLeadership #MathEducation #ProfessionalLearning
Led by our Math Instructional Leadership Team, our grade level Math PLCs spent Semester 1 doing deep, intentional work.
Together, we:
š§ Examined and reflected on our own math identities
šŖ Strengthened math confidence across grade bands
š Studied the conceptual shifts within the new Indiana standards
š Unpacked the rigor and coherence behind what we teach
After analyzing Middle of Year data, we made a strategic decision rooted in Accountability: differentiate adult learning just as thoughtfully as we differentiate for our students. ā¤ļøāš„
Our staff is now working in three differentiated PLC groups, each aligned to a specific lever for increasing math achievement:
āØ High Quality Lesson Plan Internalization
āØ Building Deep Math Conceptual Understanding
āØ Leading Effective Mathematical Language Routines
And this work has led to the launch of the Steel City Math Institute: From Counting to Calculus.
Thirteen math lead teachers, tutors, paraprofessionals, and future math teachers are beginning at the very foundation, counting and cardinality, to build conceptual understanding from the ground up. š¢ The Steel City Math Institute exists to strengthen our internal capacity so we can intervene with precision, build fluency on top of meaning, and create true Kā12 alignment from counting to calculus. š
If we want different results, we invest differently. Proud of this team. Proud of this leadership. And we are just getting started. š„
#InstructionalLeadership #MathEducation #ProfessionalLearning
ššš½šŗš¾ LOVE, joy, and community were absolutely in the air at our Young Hearts Run Free Dance Party! šŗš¾šš½š
Our cafeteria transformed into the ultimate Valentineās celebration space - beautifully decorated, full of joy, and bursting with energy! āØ The outfits? š„ The dance moves? š„ Stellar. The vibes? š Unmatched.
From the first song to the last, our middle schoolers showed up dressed to impress and ready to RUN FREE ā celebrating friendship, fun, and the pure joy of being together. These are the kinds of core memories that last long after the music fades. šš¶
A HUGE shout out to Ms. Peterson, Ms. G, and Coach Kelly for their incredible planning and flawless execution. This night was truly special because of your vision and heart! šš½āØ
And thank you to Ms. Hunter, Mrs. Gonzalez, Ms. Renee, Ms. B. Ringo, Ms. Kirley, and Ms. Speight for supporting in the planning and chaperoning ā it takes a team to create magic like this! šš„ šø Photo credit to the incredibly talented Ms. Peterson ā check out these amazing moments she captured!
Steel City doesnāt just host eventsā¦ we create experiences filled with joy, belonging, and community. šš„
Our cafeteria transformed into the ultimate Valentineās celebration space - beautifully decorated, full of joy, and bursting with energy! āØ The outfits? š„ The dance moves? š„ Stellar. The vibes? š Unmatched.
From the first song to the last, our middle schoolers showed up dressed to impress and ready to RUN FREE ā celebrating friendship, fun, and the pure joy of being together. These are the kinds of core memories that last long after the music fades. šš¶
A HUGE shout out to Ms. Peterson, Ms. G, and Coach Kelly for their incredible planning and flawless execution. This night was truly special because of your vision and heart! šš½āØ
And thank you to Ms. Hunter, Mrs. Gonzalez, Ms. Renee, Ms. B. Ringo, Ms. Kirley, and Ms. Speight for supporting in the planning and chaperoning ā it takes a team to create magic like this! šš„ šø Photo credit to the incredibly talented Ms. Peterson ā check out these amazing moments she captured!
Steel City doesnāt just host eventsā¦ we create experiences filled with joy, belonging, and community. šš„
At Steel City, we believe deeply in the power of after school clubs - the kind that create belonging, spark excitement to come to school, and bring IMMENSE joy to our students. And when you can layer in additional learning? Thatās a win, win, win. š„š
This year, our incredible 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Osborne, launched Readers to Leaders ā an after-school club designed to get students fired up about reading together. From diving into the magic of new stories, to imagining characters and adventures, to building confidence as readers alongside their elementary friends ā this space is full of joy, laughter, and growth.
There is something so powerful about watching kids choose reading because it feels fun. Because it feels safe. Because it feels like community.
Ms. Osborne, thank you for creating a space where literacy and joy collide. Our Readers to Leaders are growing not just as readers, but as leaders. šš„
#SteelCityStories #ReadersToLeaders #JoyAndPurpose
This year, our incredible 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Osborne, launched Readers to Leaders ā an after-school club designed to get students fired up about reading together. From diving into the magic of new stories, to imagining characters and adventures, to building confidence as readers alongside their elementary friends ā this space is full of joy, laughter, and growth.
There is something so powerful about watching kids choose reading because it feels fun. Because it feels safe. Because it feels like community.
Ms. Osborne, thank you for creating a space where literacy and joy collide. Our Readers to Leaders are growing not just as readers, but as leaders. šš„
#SteelCityStories #ReadersToLeaders #JoyAndPurpose
š„šāØ The countdown is ON, Steel City! āØšš„
We are just 9 days away from launching our second season of both Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole for our 3rdā8th grade girls and we could not be more excited! šš„ Girls on the Run Indiana Crossroads
This season feels even more special because we are expanding the impact across our K-12 campus. For the first time, we are adding some of our incredible high school girls as Junior Coaches! šš½āØ
Junior Coaches receive mentorship and support to grow their own leadership skills and confidence while serving as role models for our younger girls ā offering guidance, modeling activities, and simply showing up with their presence and encouragement. Itās sisterhood across grade levels.
Today, four of our high school girls spent three hours at
Highland High School participating in training to prepare to be their very best for our younger students. We are so proud of them for stepping up to lead. šŖš½š
What a beautiful example of what makes Steel City special ā a K-12, single-site campus where our girls can see who they are becoming because theyāre walking beside those who are already on the path. Season 2, here we come. šš½āāļøšš„
Girls and parents- stay tuned for the start of season letter coming out early this week!
#SteelCityGirls #GirlsOnTheRun #HeartAndSolente
š¤š„ February hits different at Steel City Academy. While Black history is woven into our classrooms all year long, this month we intentionally spotlight the movements, organizations, and leaders who shaped our nation and our students and staff rose to the moment.
As part of our Black History Month Door Decorating Contest, our high school students turned their doors into powerful tributes to the organizations that organized, mobilized, educated, and led.
Hereās who they honored:
š 9th Grade: Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)
š 10th Grade: Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) + Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)
š 11th Grade: NAACP + National Urban League
š 12th Grade: Black Panther Party
And our teams brought their own lens to the movement:
āØ Senior Leaders: Civil Rights Leaders
āØ FOC: Female Leaders in the Movement
āØ CCR: Educators & Lead Thinkers
āØ Instructional Team: Mathematicians
āØ Diverse Learners: Politicians
āØ Culture Team: Musicians & Artists
From grassroots organizing to policy change, from classrooms to concert stages, our doors reflect strategy, sacrifice, brilliance, and bold leadership.
Weāll continue sharing highlights throughout the month ā because these stories deserve to be seen, studied, and celebrated. š„š¤
As part of our Black History Month Door Decorating Contest, our high school students turned their doors into powerful tributes to the organizations that organized, mobilized, educated, and led.
Hereās who they honored:
š 9th Grade: Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)
š 10th Grade: Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) + Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)
š 11th Grade: NAACP + National Urban League
š 12th Grade: Black Panther Party
And our teams brought their own lens to the movement:
āØ Senior Leaders: Civil Rights Leaders
āØ FOC: Female Leaders in the Movement
āØ CCR: Educators & Lead Thinkers
āØ Instructional Team: Mathematicians
āØ Diverse Learners: Politicians
āØ Culture Team: Musicians & Artists
From grassroots organizing to policy change, from classrooms to concert stages, our doors reflect strategy, sacrifice, brilliance, and bold leadership.
Weāll continue sharing highlights throughout the month ā because these stories deserve to be seen, studied, and celebrated. š„š¤
āš¾š¤ā¤ļø At Steel City Academy, we celebrate Black history every single month, we just go a little harder in February. š„
This year, our Black History Month Door Decorating Contest has transformed our entire building into a living, breathing Black History Museum and it is powerful.
Each grade level was assigned a decade and challenged to design a door that reflects the depth of their learning, the strength of their research, and the creativity of our students. Students and teachers worked side-by-side to bring history to life in bold, beautiful ways.
Hereās the journey through the decades:
āØ Kindergarten: 1950s
āØ First Grade: 1960s
āØ Second Grade: 1970s
āØ Third Grade: 1980s
āØ Fourth Grade: 1990s
āØ Fifth Grade: 2000ā2010
āØ Sixth Grade: 1940s
āØ Seventh Grade: 1930s
āØ Eighth Grade: 1920s
From the Harlem Renaissance to the Civil Rights Movementā¦ from Motown to modern-day trailblazers, our doors tell stories of resilience, brilliance, culture, innovation, and leadership. Our judges evaluated the doors yesterday (we do not make this easy!), and we cannot wait to announce the winners soon! š
And weāre not done yet ā stay tuned for additional doors honoring Black historical organizations and figures across our building. Drop your comments below šš¾ Which Black History decade door is your favorite?
At Steel City, we donāt just teach history - we honor it, we learn from it, and we carry it forward. š„š¤
This year, our Black History Month Door Decorating Contest has transformed our entire building into a living, breathing Black History Museum and it is powerful.
Each grade level was assigned a decade and challenged to design a door that reflects the depth of their learning, the strength of their research, and the creativity of our students. Students and teachers worked side-by-side to bring history to life in bold, beautiful ways.
Hereās the journey through the decades:
āØ Kindergarten: 1950s
āØ First Grade: 1960s
āØ Second Grade: 1970s
āØ Third Grade: 1980s
āØ Fourth Grade: 1990s
āØ Fifth Grade: 2000ā2010
āØ Sixth Grade: 1940s
āØ Seventh Grade: 1930s
āØ Eighth Grade: 1920s
From the Harlem Renaissance to the Civil Rights Movementā¦ from Motown to modern-day trailblazers, our doors tell stories of resilience, brilliance, culture, innovation, and leadership. Our judges evaluated the doors yesterday (we do not make this easy!), and we cannot wait to announce the winners soon! š
And weāre not done yet ā stay tuned for additional doors honoring Black historical organizations and figures across our building. Drop your comments below šš¾ Which Black History decade door is your favorite?
At Steel City, we donāt just teach history - we honor it, we learn from it, and we carry it forward. š„š¤
