DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 Vol. 57 No. 16
Thanksgiving Break - November 23-25
There will be no school for all Duneland School students on November 23-25 to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. Classes will resume on Monday, November 28.
Due to the shortened week for Thanksgiving break, the next DuneNews issue will be released on Thursday, December 1.
Enjoy a wonderful holiday break with family and friends!
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Spirit of Japan Competition
Several CHS Japanese students received top three awards in various categories in the 2022 Spirit of Japan competition hosted by the Association of Indiana Teachers of Japanese. The categories included art, music video, haiku, New Year’s cards, how to video, cosplay, and manga. All students receiving awards were Summer Machnik, Amalia Escalante, Haley Jalovecky, Eden Huber, Katie Billings, Savannah Demis, Piotr Chmura, Sal Garcia-Rogers, Matt Hruskocy, Liam Heneghan, Freedom Eiden, Bryce Thoma, Nick Van Wagner, Edith Estridge, and Gretta Burke.
Above, left to right, Summer Machnik, Eden Huber, Piotr Chmura, Nick Van Wagner and Haley Jalovecky.
Above, front row, left to right, Edith Estridge, Freedom Eiden and Gretta Burke. Back row, Matt Hruskocy, Liam Heneghan, Sal Garcia-Rogers, Bryce Thoma and Katie Billings.
INSPIRE | ENGAGE | EMPOWER
Above, left to right: Jackson Dudek, Joshua Hoover, Caibhan McClure, Carmen Thomas, Gigi Hanner, and TiffanyNichole Nolasco.
Five Champions for Chesterton Speech
In its first official weekend of competition, the Chesterton speech team had five student entries emerge as champions. A partial squad of fifteen students traveled to Kokomo High School, earning fifth place overall, despite being outnumbered.
The team was led by Gigi Hanner (12) and Carmen Thomas (10) who tied for first place in the event of original oratory. Hanner spoke on the issue of creating narratives and Thomas urged her audience to embrace vulnerability. The pair of Joshua Hoover (12) and Jackson Dudek (12) were crowned champions in original performance, in which they satirized the state of speech and debate in Indiana.
The team also had champions in two novice divisions, including Caibhan McClure (12) in novice dramatic interpretation and TiffanyNichole Nolasco (11) in novice prose reading.
Other top six placings were Katie Asbury (11) placing 6th in humor, Gigi Hanner (12) placing 4th in radio broadcasting, Damion Lopez (10) placing 5th in radio broadcasting and 3rd in original performance, Maddi Morton (10) placing fifth in original performance, and Dex Trzaska (10) placing 6th in novice informative speaking.
The previous weekend, both speech and debate competed at Crown Point High School, both earning first place in the team sweepstakes competition. Champions that weekend were Kat Markwart (10) and Jonathon McClure (12) in policy debate, Katie Asbury (11) in original spoken word poetry, Jackson Dudek (12) in extemporaneous reading, and Gigi Hanner (12) in radio broadcasting.
“This team is full of kids who are dedicated to lifting each other up,” said speech coach, Aaron Drew. “That’s why these early wins are just going to snowball over the next five months.”
The speech team thanks alumna, Dylan Leavitt, and parent, Bob Mueller, for their volunteer work judging at the tournament.
INSPIRE | ENGAGE | EMPOWER
WIS Student Receives Young Philanthropist Award
Congratulations to Westchester Intermediate fifth grader, Izzy Orlando, who was recently nominated for the Young Philanthropist award by the United Way of Northwest Indiana. She raised money through lemonade stand and art sales to support Lakeshore PAWS and the Boys and Girls Club. Though she is allergic to dogs, Izzy feels the next best thing to having a dog is to support them through PAWS.
Kasie Tenbarge, Chief Development Officer at United Way said, "She has donated to purchase Boys and Girls Club memberships for three students who couldn't afford it. Izzy is an inspiring example for other youth and our community as a whole."
Tenbarge shared that she felt compelled to nominate Izzy for this award. "She was outside all summer long at the end of her driveway selling lemonade, despite the high temperatures. Her commitment to her cause was exemplary," Tenbarge added.
Orlando was honored at a breakfast for National Philanthropy Day 2022 on Wednesday at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton. The breakfast was hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Northwest Indiana Chapter. The organization honors exceptional people, businesses, service clubs and foundation in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties.
INSPIRE | ENGAGE | EMPOWER
STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
Bryan Nallenweg - Teacher of Excellence
Congratulations to Chesterton High School Social Studies teacher Bryan Nallenweg who was selected as a November Teacher of Excellence!
Kenneth J. Allen Law Group supports Northwest Indiana teachers who go above and beyond for their students and honors them for their outstanding contributions to education. To learn more about the educators who are Teachers of Excellence or if you know of someone who should be recognized as a Teacher of Excellence, please nominate your favorite by following this link.
View all DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
CHS Students Thank Custodians
CHS Student Government members wanted to thank the custodial staff at the school for their dedication during this Thanksgiving season. Student Government purchased goodies and decorated the door to show their appreciation for all of their hard work. Student Government members, left to right, Maizy Swanson, Grace Bamber, Megan Wilcox, Ella Girzadas, Anisa Faroh and Saanya Agarwal. Back row, CHS Custodians (present for the picture). left to right, John Little, Tim Taylor, Nicole King, Amy Barry, Debora Linderman and Mia Baker.
Chesterton High School is hosting a Food Drive beginning on November 30 that will benefit the Westchester Neighbors Food Pantry in Chesterton. The Pantry is in need of canned fruits, egg noodles, laundry detergent, dish soap, boxed meals, and cereal. Consider helping out the Westchester Neighbors Food Pantry by donating these items between November 30 - December 7.
Donation to CMS Food Drive
Above, Chesterton Middle School art teacher Mr. Jason Gast accepting a donation of food for the CMS Food Drive from one of his former students , Keith Mitchell.
Keith Mitchell, owner of the Steak and Shake in Schererville, donated 100 cases of chili (1200 containers) to the Chesterton Middle School Food Drive to benefit the Westchester Neighbors Food Pantry in Chesterton. Keith was a former student of Jason Gast when he taught at Griffith High School. Keith, a 2009 graduate of Griffith, has been a franchise owner for three years. His donation to the school for the food drive is much appreciated.
Liberty & Yost Elementary Recognized as a Common Sense Schools
Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of media and technology, has recognized Liberty Elementary as a Common Sense School.
Liberty and Yost Elementary Schools have demonstrated their commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing its students to think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate while preparing them for the perils that exist in the online realm, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying. With the right support, kids can take ownership of their digital lives, engage with real issues, and change their communities for the better. The recognition acknowledges each of the school's commitment to creating a culture of digital citizenship. Read more by following the link to the news page for Liberty and Yost
All 10 schools in the Duneland School district are designated as Purple Star schools by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).
Indiana schools receiving the Purple Star designation are awarded for their significant display of commitment to service members, veterans, students and families connected to our nation’s military.
In keeping with that commitment, please enjoy this year's special tribute programs and presentations for veterans featuring all of our schools.
This week is American Education Week, and an opportunity to celebrate our public school community. This special week is an opportunity to honor the team of people who work in our schools, everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker, administrative staff and others.
Meet New SRO Adam Alicea...
This past week, Duneland Schools welcomed Chesterton Police Officer Adam Alicea as one of its new Elementary School Resource Officers. Officer Alicea will be serving at the Duneland Elementary Schools. Bailly Elementary will be his home school office.
Officer Alicea has been a Chesterton Police officer for over four years. Prior to working for the Chesterton Police, he was served Porter County from 2008-2018 as a Juvenile Detention Officer for approximately 2.5 years and as a Juvenile Probation Officer for 7.5 years. During the years of 2012-2016, he was assigned to the Duneland School caseload, where he served at Chesterton High School. In 2016, he was reassigned as the first Teen Court coordinator in Porter County. As part of the Teen Court program, he also taught the Juvenile Justice Jeopardy class to hundreds of students throughout all of the Porter County school districts.
Officer Alicea has been married for 14 years. His wife, Aneece, is a licensed mental health therapist who has been practicing for 18 years. Together they have three beautiful daughters ages 6, 9, and 12. He is excited to part of the Duneland Schools again!!
Professional Development
DSC Guiding Coalition Teams Meet for PD
Last week, the Duneland School Corporation Guiding Coalition teams from each of the district's K-12 schools gathered at the Chesterton Boys and Girls Club to learn about grading practices and strategies to support student efficacy. Anthony Reibel from Solution Tree provided professional development for teacher leaders with an emphasis on providing feedback to improve student performance.
Family Friendly Schools Survey for DSC Families
Deadline to complete: FRIDAY, November 18
In keeping with our Core Values, Duneland School Corporation is committed to fostering partnerships to improve the quality of life in our community. One of our most important partnerships is with our families. As we strive to continue to build upon and strengthen our family partnerships, DSC is applying for renewal from the Indiana Department of Education as an IDOE “Family Friendly Schools” corporation. In doing so, we will continue to “focus on addressing students' academic, physical, emotional, and social needs while providing the needed resources and fostering the active involvement of their families through schools and the community.” (Indiana Department of Education Family Friendly Schools Handbook)
Please help us as we continue to support our students and community by completing the IDOE online survey by November 18, 2022.
Your ongoing support in educating the children of our community is greatly appreciated!
SURVEY LINK AND INSTRUCTIONS:
Website: https://form.jotform.com/210636394920961
School Name: choose your school from the drop-down list
School Corporation: 6470 Duneland School Corporation
School Liaison Name: JENNIFER BYE
School Liaison email: jbye@duneland.k12.in.us
School Codes for your convenience:
6928 - Bailly Elementary School
6819 - Brummitt Elementary School
6817 - Jackson Elementary School
6823 - Liberty Elementary School
6941 - Newton Yost Elementary School
6821 - Liberty Intermediate School
6927 - Westchester Intermediate School
6930 - Chesterton Middle School
6925 - Chesterton Senior High School
For Trojan Virtual Academy - "Choose Other - TVA
TONIGHT, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
CHS Fall Musical
The Chesterton High School Music Department will present the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, on Thursday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 19 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium, 2125 S 11th Street in Chesterton. The amazing cast consists of 50 high school students, and a Children's Choir made-up of over 60 Duneland School students in grades 1- 8.
Based on the character of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis, “Joseph is sold as a slave by his brothers because of his ability to explain people's dreams. When the Pharaoh calls on him to break down a dream, Joseph predicts a famine and is made the Pharaoh's second hand man. When the famine hits, Joseph's brothers come to him for relief and have to pass a test to prove they've changed before he'll forgive them… A truly timeless Old Testament tale, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is set to a multitude of musical genres, spanning from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock and roll.”
Ticket prices are as follows: $10 for Adults, $8 for Students and Seniors, $5 for Elementary Students. Tickets can be purchased online only at Showtix4u.com
CHS Dance Team Showcase Fundraiser
50th Anniversary Madrigal Tickets
The Chesterton High School Music Department will present its 50th Annual Madrigal Dinners on December 2, 3, and 4 in the CHS Cafeteria. All seats are reserved, and tickets will be on sale for $35 per person. Ticket sales will be online only and begin at 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 5. Ticket sales will be held until no tickets remain or Friday, December 2, whichever comes first. There will be no exchanges or refunds. To purchase tickets, visit www.showtix4u.com
Approximately 30 tickets are remaining and available for purchase.
Performance times are as follows: Friday, December 2 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, December 3 at 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM; Sunday, December 4 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
The CHS Cafeteria will be transformed into a “Greate Hall” complete with Elizabethan settings and costumes for “Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feasts.” The Madrigal is set in the 16th Century and represents the traditions of the Christmas season through spoken and musical offerings. The cast of approximately 100 CHS music students dressed in medieval costume sing, play, juggle, amuse and serve throughout each of the six performances. The students and their directors, Vince Arizzi, Matt Christensen, Jonathan Flodder, Brian Grenier, Kristin Morris, and Laura Alonzo work each year to present a quality performance.
Included in the Madrigal along with the music and drama is a complete dinner. The dinner includes a relish tray, chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, wassail, rolls, and dessert. A gluten free plate or vegetarian plate including dessert will be available with your request at the time of ticket purchase. The meal is prepared each year by the Chesterton Child Nutrition staff.
CHS Madrigal Alumni Gathering & Sing-A-Long
Duneland Early Learning HUB
Talking is Teaching
The HUB team attended Talking is Teaching training with First Things First Po Co. This is an amazing initiative that focuses on the early development of Po Co's 0-3-year-olds. Talking is teaching...learning begins at birth! We can't wait to share this initiative with you all.
Duneland Early Learning HUB spirit wear orders are due this Friday- https://delhubwinter2022.itemorder.com/shop/home/?fbclid=IwAR0UAKzPyqYDdOVAsEAPeJnRweTy7E6BLySEYgyqrl7zmJlZr2YsmecVlC4
Scholastic Book Orders due by 12/2-https://clubs.scholastic.com/home?eml=SBC/CAC/YDFLW/
Remember, no PALS, Tykes Gold or Trojan Time next week- we wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday filled with family and friends.
School Picture Retakes
Duneland School Picture Retake Dates
PICTURE RETAKES:
Bailly Elementary - Thursday, November 17
Jackson Elementary - Thursday, November 17
Yost Elementary - Tuesday, November 29
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
The goal of the Duneland School Corporation district school newsletters is to inform students, parents and the school community about school-related information.
This year, the Duneland Schools will share information that pertains to opportunities our students may be interested in outside of school on a special page on our website. These available opportunities are offered by not-for-profit partnerships and organizations within our school district boundaries and local communities. Follow this link to Community Opportunities.
IMPORTANT INFO FOR PARENTS
2022-2023 Procedures for Delaying/Closing Schools
Please review the DSC Procedures for Delaying/Closing Schools in case of inclement weather.
2022-2023 eLearning Guidelines
Guidelines for Students 2022-2023 School Year
Follow the links below by grade level to find the appropriate Unplanned (Virtual - Synchronous) eLearning Day Plan for your student.
Grades K-4 Synchronous Plan - NEW UPDATE!
DSC 2022-2023 Calendar
The REVISED 2022-2023 Duneland School Corporation Calendar is available on our website. Click on the link above to open or visit our website at Resources > Documents and Forms
👀 Looking for dates for NEXT school year? Here is the NEW DSC calendar for 2023-2024
CHS Maroon & Gold Calendar/Bell Schedules
Parent Observer Account
Parents are encouraged to set up their Canvas observer accounts to monitor their students' progress.
Parents can click this link to view how to set up their Parent Observer Account
Link to the Canvas Log In
LONG-TERM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Yost Campus
Liberty Campus
Westchester Campus
At the DSC School Board meeting on Monday, October 10, school board members and the public were updated by Scott Cherry of The Skillman Corporation on the work that has been completed in the last 4 weeks at each of the current worksites, as well as what will be happening in the upcoming weeks.
The most current information regarding the DSC Long-Term Capital Improvement projects, such as current concept drawings, information and preliminary timelines, are available on the DSC website. The information on the website will be continuously updated as we move forward with the process.
Community members may review the current Long-Term Capital Improvements information that will be continuously updated on the DSC website.
DSC Strategic Plan
The Duneland School Corporation Strategic Plan provides the focus and alignment for the school district over the next 3-4 year. These timelines were revised as of June 2022 to reflect the necessary adjustments to the plan.
Chesterton High School Class of 2012 - 10 Year Reunion
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
7 p.m. - Midnight
Moose Lodge, 602 Broadway Ave., Chesterton, IN
Looking forward to bringing the Class of 2012 back together! Join us at the Moose Lodge for fun and reminiscing.
Facebook Event link for more updates: https://facebook.com/events/s/2012-class-reunion/272780384952154/
Fee: $10 a person
Food and drink: Cash beverages, hot dogs, midnight snack at 9 p.m.
DSC NOW HIRING!
The Duneland School Corporation is seeking candidates for the following positions:
CHILD NUTRITION
Child Nutrition associates provide nutrition services to students and staff. Benefit-eligible positions available. Click to apply online
CUSTODIAL
Duneland School Corporation Custodians are required to clean and sanitize all corporation facilities. This position has a highly responsible role in providing custodial services and dealing with students and staff on a regular basis. Custodians interact with individuals both inside and outside the corporation and therefore, must have the ability to present a professional and organized image at all times. Custodians may be required to work in other Duneland School Corporation facilities. Benefit-eligible positions available. Click to apply online
TRANSPORTATION
Duneland School Corporation Transportation positions (Bus Drivers, Sub Bus Drivers) require eligible persons to operate all school vehicles or (Sub Bus Aides) to assist in the transportation of all special students needing additional attention. These positions are highly responsible roles in transporting and dealing with students and staff on a regular basis. Transportation personnel interact with individuals both inside and outside of the corporation and therefore, must have the ability to present a professional and organized image at all times. Benefit-eligible positions available. Click to apply online
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Seeking substitute teachers for all grade levels. To apply for a substitute teaching position, please apply in person at the Duneland Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Ave. in Chesterton to complete an application.
NorthShore Clinic for DSC Students
Duneland School Corporation has partnered with NorthShore Health Services and has established a school-based health clinic that is now located in Chesterton Middle School.
This partnership provides access to healthcare for ALL Duneland School students.
Some of the services include:
- Strep Throat
- Ear Infections
- Immunizations
- Sports Physicals
- Treatment for pink eye
- Rashes
- Behavioral health services and referrals
Duneland parents interested in using the school-based clinic for their child will need to have a signed consent form on file. Consent forms are available from your Duneland school nurse or can be obtained at the NorthShore clinic where the visit is scheduled.
Currently Open:
Mondays and Thursdays - 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Tuesdays and Fridays - 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesdays - 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
(Closed on school holidays)
Call: 219-983-3776 x7020 to schedule an appointment
601 W Morgan Avenue
Enter using CMS Door #7
CONTACTING IT SUPPORT
The Duneland School Corporation IT department is committed to making hybrid and remote learning models as successful as possible. To get your problems solved as fast as possible:
- Open a new Freshservice ticket:
- AV number is typically located on a sticker on the back/bottom of the device
- Serial number is also acceptable
- AV number is typically located on a sticker on the back/bottom of the device
- Open a Freshservice ticket by sending an email to: helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us
- Please be sure to include email address, student or staff name, and a description of the problem
- Please use the above best methods to contact the DSC IT Department.
Device Repair
In some cases there will be issues that cannot be resolved remotely. If you have a device that has sustained physical damage (i.e. cracked screen, broken keyboard), please fill out the form below. After submitting the form, a member of the IT department will contact you to schedule your service appointment.
Internet Connectivity
Families without internet due to financial hardship have access to programs from two local providers.
Comcast Internet Essentials:
Families that qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and other programs may also qualify for the Internet Essentials program from Comcast.
This program offers internet for as low as $9.95 per month.
Additional options and services are also available
More information is available at this Comcast link
Frontier Lifeline Program:
Families that qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and other programs may also qualify for the Lifeline Program from Frontier.
More information is available at this Frontier link
NOVEMBER REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
Above, High Ability teacher Holly Koedyker works with High Ability students in the classroom.
On May 7, 2019, residents living in the Duneland School Corporation boundaries voted to continue a twenty-two cents ($0.22) tax levy originally approved in 2012, for the purposes of maintaining the current educational and operational programs of the Duneland School Corporation. This general operating referendum will expire in 2026. Each month, the DuneNews will highlight a different initiative or program being funded by referendum dollars. The Duneland School Corporation thanks the community for their support, and in turn, pledges to be innovative and responsible stewards. This month, DSC highlights High Ability Teachers and Aides.
At the elementary level, a high ability teacher and instructional aides provide students identified as high ability with educational opportunities to ensure they reach their highest level of academic achievement in reading and math. The licensed, high ability teacher oversees the elementary program and designs the curriculum for the identified students who receive pull-out services. These services are also provided by trained high ability aides in our schools. The high ability teacher provides professional development to educators on the academic needs and social characteristics of the high ability learner.
For more referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
CMS/CHS Student PE/Strength Training Uniforms
Purchase your CMS/CHS student P.E./Strength Training uniforms (shorts and t-shirts) online and arrange to have them delivered to your home or pick up at the store.
Duneland School Corporation
Email: bmartinson@duneland.k12.in.us
Website: www.duneland.k12.in.us
Location: 601 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: 219-983-3600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunelandschools/
Twitter: @dunelandk12