U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will highlight local collaboration to improve education in Michigan City, Ind. on Wednesday, April 13. During a visit to Lake Hills Elementary School, Duncan will stop by classrooms and speak to educators, students, parents, higher education leaders and community leaders about the role they have in renewing and improving schools. Duncan will be joined by Michigan City Superintendent Barbara Eason-Watkins and Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie.
The visit to Lake Hills Elementary School will showcase Michigan City Area Schools' partnerships with community organizations and higher education institutions, which together work to improve student achievement. The district will also highlight the upcoming launch of its first two magnet schools this fall including Lake Hills Elementary School, which will transition to a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focus, and Pine Elementary School, which will have a visual and performing arts theme.
Later in the day, Duncan will travel to Chicago where he will give remarks on the need to invest in high quality early childhood programs in Chicago and nationally at the Ounce of Prevention Fund Luncheon. Following his remarks, a media availability will be held from 1:15 to 1:30 p.m. CDT. The Ounce of Prevention Fund is a Chicago-based non-profit organization that provides education programs, training, evaluation and advocacy services aimed at children younger than five years of age.