Pack Pride
Pack Pride is Michigan City Area Schools’ monthly employee spotlight, created to recognize and celebrate the outstanding individuals who make MCAS a great place to work and learn. This page features our Pack Pride stories, highlighting staff members from across the district and sharing their stories, contributions, and impact.
From classrooms and cafeterias to buses, buildings, and offices, MCAS employees play an essential role in supporting students and strengthening our school community. Pack Pride supports the MCAS Strategic Plan, specifically the Culture and Environment pillar, by promoting a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.
Each month, principals and supervisors are invited to submit a nomination. The Communications Team reviews submissions and selects employees to be featured, ensuring representation across schools, departments, and roles. Honorees are invited to complete a short profile so our community can learn more about their work, what they enjoy most, and what makes them a valued member of the Pack.
We invite you to explore the Pack Pride spotlights below and join us in celebrating the people who help make Michigan City Area Schools a place where students and staff thrive.
![PACK PRIDE Staff Spotlight: Zachary Bartelheim]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766434079/mcask12inus/nxhnknde2qsoygxvn52e/Bartelheim.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766434079/mcask12inus/nxhnknde2qsoygxvn52e/Bartelheim.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766434079/mcask12inus/nxhnknde2qsoygxvn52e/Bartelheim.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1766434079/mcask12inus/nxhnknde2qsoygxvn52e/Bartelheim.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1766434079/mcask12inus/nxhnknde2qsoygxvn52e/Bartelheim.png","width":1350}])
Nominated by MCHS Assistant Principal Ryan Turley, Bartelheim is being recognized for his positive commitment to students and staff.
![PACK PRIDE Staff Spotlight: Brooke Cisar]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764001128/mcask12inus/pe7vcoptcwl3p1jchgps/Cisar.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764001128/mcask12inus/pe7vcoptcwl3p1jchgps/Cisar.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764001128/mcask12inus/pe7vcoptcwl3p1jchgps/Cisar.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764001128/mcask12inus/pe7vcoptcwl3p1jchgps/Cisar.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764001128/mcask12inus/pe7vcoptcwl3p1jchgps/Cisar.png","width":1350}])
Congratulations to our Pack Pride spotlight this month: Mrs. Brooke Cisar! The Coolspring Food Service Tech, nominated by Principal Patrice Huley, is being recognized for her commitment the school.
![PACK PRIDE Staff Spotlight: Kendall Summers-Pipkin]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761675926/mcask12inus/h8nzbgqmvlzjuv54fyv6/Summers-Pipkin.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761675926/mcask12inus/h8nzbgqmvlzjuv54fyv6/Summers-Pipkin.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761675926/mcask12inus/h8nzbgqmvlzjuv54fyv6/Summers-Pipkin.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761675926/mcask12inus/h8nzbgqmvlzjuv54fyv6/Summers-Pipkin.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761675926/mcask12inus/h8nzbgqmvlzjuv54fyv6/Summers-Pipkin.png","width":1350}])
Meet our November Pack Pride Spotlight: Kendall Summers-Pipkin!
![PACK PRIDE Staff Spotlight: Michelle Hamilton]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759237587/mcask12inus/c5zd882lc3gwoa1m7gf2/Hamilton1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759237587/mcask12inus/c5zd882lc3gwoa1m7gf2/Hamilton1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759237587/mcask12inus/c5zd882lc3gwoa1m7gf2/Hamilton1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759237587/mcask12inus/c5zd882lc3gwoa1m7gf2/Hamilton1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759237587/mcask12inus/c5zd882lc3gwoa1m7gf2/Hamilton1.png","width":1350}])
Say hello to our October Pack Pride Spotlight employee: Mrs. Michelle Hamilton! Hamilton teaches physical education at Marsh Elementary.
![PACK PRIDE Staff Spotlight: Ashlyn Palmer]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1756402214/mcask12inus/o6rmhiihqoanvdgflxtq/Palmer-September2025.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1756402214/mcask12inus/o6rmhiihqoanvdgflxtq/Palmer-September2025.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1756402214/mcask12inus/o6rmhiihqoanvdgflxtq/Palmer-September2025.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1756402214/mcask12inus/o6rmhiihqoanvdgflxtq/Palmer-September2025.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756402214/mcask12inus/o6rmhiihqoanvdgflxtq/Palmer-September2025.png","width":1350}])
Meet our (first-ever!) Pack Pride Spotlight employee: Ashlyn Palmer. As an instructional coach at Knapp Elementary, Palmer strives to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for all, inspiring students to grow and teachers to feel confident and valued in their craft.