School Bridge is Merrillville Community School Corporation’s community centered interview series, designed to connect families with the people, programs, and resources that support them.
Join host Cheryl Smith, Family & Community Engagement Specialist, F.A.C.E.S., of Clifford Pierce Middle School, as she talks with local leaders and organizations in conversations that equip, empower, and inspire. Each episode is informative, practical, and focused on helping families stay supported and connected.
December 2025
This episode of School Bridge: Connecting Families to Resources features a conversation with the Merrillville Fire Department focused on fire safety during the Christmas holiday season. Families were encouraged to take extra precautions with holiday decorations, lighting, candles, cooking, and space heaters, while also learning simple steps to stay prepared and keep their homes safe throughout the year.
January 2026
This episode of School Bridge: Connecting Families to Resources focuses on post-holiday stress and the emotional, mental, and financial challenges many families experience after the holiday season. The conversation offers practical strategies to help parents and students ease back into routines, manage emotional fatigue, and recover from financial stress while entering the new year with balance and encouragement.
February 2026
In this episode of School Bridge: Connecting Families to Resources, we talk about LOFT (Learning Opportunities for Transitioning Into Adulthood) A Merrillville Community School Corporation program focused on preparing students with disabilities to build practical life skills, career readiness, and independence, so students feel confident as they transition into adulthood after high school