The School City of Mishawaka Board of Trustees made significant strides during their December 4th meeting, notably approving the school calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. The new calendars maintain the structure of previous years, with the first teacher day set for August 11, 2025, and the first student day on August 13. The board emphasized the continuation of early release days for kindergarten students, a practice that has proven effective.

In addition to calendar approvals, the board recognized the retirement of four long-serving staff members, including Dana Ewing from Holmes Elementary and Karen McCartney from Mishawaka High School. Their contributions, particularly in food service and culinary arts, were acknowledged with gratitude.

Another highlight was the announcement of a $15,000 Digital Learning Parent and Family Support Grant awarded to the district. This grant will enhance communication between parents and the school through the ParentSquare platform, which aims to streamline interactions and provide real-time translation services for non-English speaking families. The initiative is expected to foster better engagement and support for students' digital learning experiences.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to improving educational structures and community engagement, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school years.