DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, May 12, 2022 Vol. 56 No. 38
CMS Robotics Team at VEX Worlds
The three Chesterton Middle School Robotics teams competed in the VEX World Championship in Dallas, TX on May 3-5. The nine CMS students had three very full days of prepping, practicing, coding, and competing against teams from all over the United States and the world. They displayed perseverance, good sportsmanship, and humor and were great representatives of Duneland as a whole.
It was an incredibly competitive field of 500 plus teams, but CMS teams competed well. For each match a team is paired up with another team (selected randomly) to form an alliance. The alliance competes against another alliance to score the most points. Each two-minute match starts with 15 seconds of autonomous driving (code).
Team B (Paige Engels, Kenzie Kania, and Lincoln Rhoda) came in 64th in their division, winning 3 and losing 7. Team F (Ray Hundt, Alex Kozinski, and Will Roberson) came in 61st, also winning 3 and losing 7. Both teams were very competitive and had many close matches. Team E (Ethan Glassman, William Morgan, and Keith Ward) came in 14 in their division with a record of 7-3. They advanced to the next level of competition but lost in the round of 16.
All three teams posted great skills scores. The skills field allows teams to try and score as many points as they can in 1 minute with only their team on the field. Students get 3 driving runs and 3 autonomous runs. Team B and F both earned a score of 200 and were 191 and 192 respectively out of 400 teams here. Team E ended up in 41st place with a score of 332. This is even more impressive when you consider that there are 2,000 teams worldwide!
After closing ceremonies, CMS students were already strategizing for next year's event.
Thank you to the Duneland community for your support of Chesterton Middle School's Robotics teams!
Trojan Virtual Academy Young Citizenship Award
Above, left to right, Duneland Exchange Club representatives Maria Bachuchin and Bob Capehart, mother Sriya Krishnamoorthy, sixth grade recipient Vishva Bharath, father Bharath Ganesh Babu, TVA Director Kevin Zeck and teacher Traci Urban. (DSC photo)
The Duneland Exchange Club recently presented Trojan Virtual Academy sixth grade student Vishva Bharath, center, with the Young Citizenship award. This award, presented this year by Duneland Exchange Club representative Maria Bachuchin, is given to a student who is an all-around good citizen. The club presents this award to one fourth grade student at each of the Duneland elementary schools, at the sixth grade level at each of the intermediate schools and at the eighth grade level at Chesterton Middle School.
Jackson Elementary Young Citizenship Award
Above, center front with certificate is fourth grade recipient Colby Woudema. Back, left to right, Principal Sam Marshall, Duneland Exchange Club Representative and presenter Maria Bachuchin, Colby's teacher Elisa Hoffmann, his family - brother Clayton Woudema, parents Jillian and Dane Woudema, sister Sawyer Woudema, and Duneland Exchange Club representative Bob Capehart.
The Duneland Exchange Club recently presented Jackson Elementary School fourth grade student Colby Woudema, center, with the Young Citizenship award. This award, presented this year by Duneland Exchange Club representative Maria Bachuchin, is given to a student who is an all-around good citizen. The club presents this award to one fourth grade student at each of the Duneland elementary schools, at the sixth grade level at each of the intermediate schools and at the eighth grade level at Chesterton Middle School.
CHS Music Students Honored for Gold Performances at ISSMA
Wind Ensemble
Congratulations to the CHS Music Department students for their Gold winning performances on April 23 and April 30 at ISSMA Organizational Contest! The CHS Bel Canto & Drifters, Camerata & Sandpipers, String Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble all returned home from competition with Gold! The Choirs traveled all the way to Jefferson HS in Lafayette, IN, while the Bands and Orchestras competed at Penn HS in Mishawaka, IN.
Bel Canto - Drifters
Camarata - Sandpipers
String Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra
CMS Honors 8th Grade Academic Accomplishments
Chesterton Middle School hosted its annual Honors Award Ceremony for eighth grade students at the school this past Wednesday evening. Receiving the Presidential Academic Achievement Award are eighth grade students who received a cumulative 3.5 grade point or higher as well as receiving high achievement on state or nationally normed reading or mathematics exams. Those students with an asterisk (*) were also honored for achieving the Principal’s Honor Roll for six out of eight terms while in seventh and eighth grade at CMS.
Those students are Suzanne Adent*, Alexander Amaya, Mason Arlington*, Ashley Bafia*, Isabel Bartkus*, Jacob Bell*, George Bernth*, Ella Bolinger*, Logan Booth*, Dylan Bradford*, William Bradford, Kennedy Burkhart*, Isabelle Cain*, Kenneth Callaway IV*, Magdalena Chmura*, Ashley Christenson*, Lorna Connor*, Tenley Davis, Holly Decker*, Makenzie Dees*, Carter Demmon*, Turner Enderle*, Paige Engels*, Alice Fancher*, Lena Finck*, Ethan Glassman*, Sierra Grant*, Liam Gray*, Robert Hanson*, Noah Haubold*, Sophia Higgins*, Omar Huizar*, Raymond Hundt*, Mara Huneryager*, Alexa Jaworski*, Elliana Johnson*, Bryce Judy*, Mackenzie Kania*, Dexter Kehle, Colin Kellogg*, Luke Kisala*, Sebastian Kozaczka*, Lauren Kroft*, Caramia Larimer*, Lexie Lauzon*, Chloe Link*, Wolfgang Lutterman*, Brianna Manning*, Elaina Markwart*, Addison Mason*, Elliot McEvoy*, Emery McKiddy*, Anna Miles*, Lila Miller*, Jacob Mitcheltree*, Eva Montes*, William Morgan*, Lux Mountford*, Maeci Mullet*, Sophia Mussatto*, Elizabeth Navarro*, Dannin Newton*, Enrico V. Ortega-Chick*, Peyton Ostertag, Cameron Pace*, Karleigh Pawlyszyn, Han Phan*, Natalie Pieters*, Bailey Pikula*, Emily Ponce*, Cecilia Post*, Addison Potts*, Lincoln Rhoda*, Presley Rhyne*, Jack Richardson*, Rylin Rietman, Olivia Roach*, Michael Rone*, Audrey Rudzinkski*, Lucy Rutkowski*, Caden Schneider*, Aiden Shatat*, Austin Shockley-Hahn*, Zarek Sierazy*, Logan Smeltzer*, Amelia Smith*, Evan Snyder*, Lukas Sorgic*, Madelyn Street, Cal Stuckert*, Sophia Sylvester*, Elizabeth Tatone*, Ella Taylor*, Allsion Van Kley*, Karina Vasquez*, Elizabeth Vrahoretis*, Keith Ward, Tegan Werner*, Aubree Williams*, Brooke Williams*, Calahan Wisniewski* and Jany Zhang*.
Honored with Department Awards for excelling in a department during their two years at CMS were Kenedi Bradley, Outstanding Athlete; Zarek Sierazy, Outstanding Athlete; Ian Gibson, Most Improved; Alexus Davaney, Most Improved; Austin Shockley-Hahn, College And Careers; Jolie Cleveland, Art; Evan Snyder, Band; Caramia Larimer, Choir; Ella Bolinger, Orchestra; Eva Montes, Physical Education; Enrico V. Ortega-Chick, Health; Cecilia Post, German; Isabelle Cain, Japanese; Brooke Williams, French; Colin Kellogg, Spanish; Makenzie Kania, Science; Lorna Connor, Social Studies; Raymond Hundt, Math; Jany Zhang, English. Receiving special recognition was Colin Kellogg for being the recipient of the Duneland Exchange Club Young Citizenship award; and those students receiving CMS Team awards Audrey Rudzinski, Indiana University; Mara Huneryager, Purdue; and Maeci Mullet, Notre Dame.
STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Celebrating our School Nurses on May 11
Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses. National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting, and is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurse Week, May 9-13. The theme for this year is School Nurses: Bridging Heathcare and Education.
Schools celebrate School Nutrition
DSC Child Nutrition staff celebrated School Lunch Hero Day last Friday. School Lunch Hero day is a chance to commemorate school nutrition professionals and the difference they make for every child who comes through the cafeteria. Here are some photos from the event.
Last Day of School - May 26
The last day of school for all Duneland School students in Thursday, May 26.
DSC Professional Development Activities
Duneland School Corporation teachers and staff members participated in professional development activities throughout the district during a scheduled eLearning day for students on May 3.
Activities of the day included:
Speaker Trevor Muir, pictured above, presented to all K-6 and 9-12 teachers in the morning. Trevor is a teacher and speaker and author of the books, The Epic Classroom and The Collaborative Classroom. He is a teacher at Grand Valley State University, was a national faculty member for the Buck Institute for Education, and is one of the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation speakers. His work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Edutopia, EdWeek, and WeAreTeachers. He gave a TED Talk titled, "School Should Take Place in the Real World," at TEDxSanAntonio. Trevor's inspiring and informative videos have been viewed over 35 million times. At the heart of Trevor’s work is the conviction that every student has the potential for greatness, and that every teacher can be equipped to unlock that potential.
In the afternoon, DSC Instructional coaches, the instructional technology coordinator and lead high ability teacher met with Trevor Muir (pictured above) to learn about Project Based Learning (PBL) to help build Duneland’s district toolbox with additional "best practice" strategies to support student learning and growth.
"From sparking curiosity through stories to engaging students in meaningful work relevant to their lives, Trevor Muir's passion for project based learning shed light on the power of learning through collaboration, inquiry, and real world audiences. After an afternoon of learning and discussion, it was evident that as we prepare students to move forward in the future, we need to be intentional in our commitment to providing our students with the best learning experiences to set them up for success." Chelsea Bramfeld, Instructional Coach
"Getting the opportunity to dive deeper into PBL with Trevor gave me a chance to really think about how we draw students into learning. He made a comparison of learning events either being the “main course” (during learning) or “just dessert” (after learning). With my focus being on tech integration - I feel like I have a firmer grasp on how to help teachers prevent tech based projects from becoming “Just Dessert.” Kim Marshall, Instructional Technology Coordinator.
Chesterton Middle School teachers and staff members participated in the OLWEUS Bully Prevention Training, based on a book by Dan Olweus. The training program’s goal is to reduce and prevent bullying problems among school children and to improve peer relations at school. The program has been found to reduce bullying among students, improve the social climate of classrooms, and reduce related antisocial behaviors, such as vandalism and truancy.
In addition, all DSC school nurses and transportation personnel underwent Seizure/Epilepsy training with Crystal Hagans Dr.PH, Epilepsy Foundation Executive Director for Ohio and Indiana. “We are always striving to continue to provide best the care for our students and stay current with best practices,” said Duneland’s Health Service Coordinator Ruthie Olson.
Duneland 2022 Summer School
CHS All That Jazz on May 14
Chesterton High School will host the 49th opus of All That Jazz, featuring dynamic and exciting jazz artists from the midwest along with the Chesterton HS Jazz Band on Saturday, May 14 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium.
This year's artists will feature: Chip McNeill (tenor saxophone), Tim Coffman (trombone), Jeffrey Brown (drums), Larry Gray (bass), Chip Stephens (piano).
Tickets are available online only for $15 via chestertonbands.org
For questions, please email Adam Bess: abess@duneland.k12.in.us
CHS Choirs to Present “SPRING REVUE 2022” on Friday, May 20
Chesterton High School Choir Department will present its annual Spring Revue on Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium. This event will feature the CHS Bel Canto, Camerata, and Concert Choirs as well as the show choirs, the Drifters and Sandpipers, and The Business Show Choir Band. This concert will feature broadway and movie music as well as performances of the 2021-2022 show choir competition shows. Solos and small group acts performed by members of the CHS choirs will be presented throughout the show as well.
Patrons of the 2022 Spring Revue will enjoy an exciting, fast-paced performance with outstanding music and dance. Featured acts will include vocal solos and small groups prepared by members of CHS choirs who were selected by audition to perform at the Spring Revue. The show will also include the annual recognition of senior members of CHS choirs.
“Spring Revue is always one of my favorite performances of the year because the kids just have so much fun being on stage with each other for the final time and getting to sing such fun music,” said CHS Choral Director Kristin Morris. “We’re excited to be able to perform for friends, neighbors, alumni, and the Duneland community which provides our students with so much support, especially during this incredibly difficult time for students and education. This performance will be a wonderful ending to a very successful year!”.
Tickets for Spring Revue 2022 may be obtained online by visiting www.showtix4u.com (search Chesterton) with prices of $12 for general admission seating and $10 for Students and Seniors. Family passes (2 General Admission and 2 Student/Seniors) are available for $40.00. Tickets may be sold at the door pending availability.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
CMS 7th Grade Orientation
Duneland Early Learning HUB
Happenings in the Early Learning HUB
Learn more about the Early Learning HUB at https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/earlylearninghub.
Check out our virtual series (Trojan Tales, Trojan Tunes. Trojan Training); links can be found on our webpage and Facebook. The Resources link offers fun summer activity ideas for your early learners.
The HUB has one open event left in May- Trojans Together-Family Picnic on May 24 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Each family is invited to bring their own picnic and join us at the HUB (outside, weather permitting) for social engagement and play! Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CAEAA22AAFACF8-delhub1
The HUB will be traveling this summer! Come see us on Wednesdays at local parks and school playgrounds. Check our schedule below for dates, times and locations.
If you are new to the HUB, enrollment is required-please complete this form: https://forms.gle/DuquA2k5fWj4pft1A
See you at the HUB!
ENROLL TODAY!
Enroll for Kindergarten 2022-2023
Prospective Duneland students who will be five years old on or before August 1, 2022, may enroll for the 2022-2023 school year.
Click this link to begin the enrollment process. Parents may then contact the school their child will attend to set up a time to bring in the necessary paperwork.
Help Nominate DSC Teachers 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 him or her by following this link.
View all DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website.
LONG-TERM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Yost Campus Exterior Concepts
At the DSC School Board meeting on Monday, May 2, school board members and the public were updated by Scott Cherry of The Skillman Corporation on the project timelines.
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 Timelines
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Registration for Summer Swim Lessons at CHS on May 17
Chesterton High School will be offering swimming lessons for Duneland School children this spring and summer. Lessons are for ages 4 and older of all skill levels.
The program will be provided by the high school swimming coaching staff, team members and led by Head Coach Mat Pavlovich. This is a great program for water safety purposes or a springboard to competitive swimming with the Duneland Swim Club. Coach Pavlovich has many aquatic certifications and is a WSI (Water Safety Instructor). The lifeguards will hold current LG (Lifeguard) certifications.
Instructional groups will be organized with the goal of four (4) students or less in most groups. Therefore, based on the number of in-water instructors we have available, sign-ups are on a first come/first serve basis and could close quickly. Classes are typically capped around 40 total students. More parental information will be available at registration.
Registrations and Classes: Chesterton High School Pool/Entrance 34
For more information, contact Mat Pavlovich at mpavlovich@duneland.k12.in.us
SUMMER LESSONS
SUMMER REGISTRATION: Tuesday May 17, 2022 from 5:45-6:45 p.m.
*Summer Session Dates: May 31, June 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, & 17, 2022
Summer Session Times: 8:45-9:30 a.m.; 9:45-10:30 a.m.; 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Summer Cost: $70.00 1st Child; $35.00 2nd Child
CHS Boys Summer Basketball Camp 2022
Chesterton High School will again offer Summer Basketball camp. For more information and to REGISTER visit Chesterton Basketball Summer Camp
Grades 7-12 Sport Physicals June 7 & 8
The Chesterton High School Athletic Department is sponsoring physicals for next year's 7-12 grade students. For details and more information visit Sport Physical Exam Nights at CHS
Summer 2022 Youth and Middle School Age Football Camps
Little Trojans Football Camp [June 13-16 $60] (at CHS)
Students entering Kindergarten through sixth grade in 2022.
We’re looking forward to seeing our Future Trojan Football Players!
Questions / Registration: Mark Peterson, CHS Head Football Coach mapeterson@duneland.k12.in.us
219-983-3730 Ext. 7249
Football Program brochure and form is attached below.
Last Chance to Register for Pop Warner
You have ONE more chance to sign up for Pop Warner on May 17 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at the
Chesterton Moose Lodge 602 Broadway.
Tackle $250 ( jersey numbers first come first serve) ( required $250 check for equipment rental only cashed if equipment not returned, due at equipment pick up)(Tackle Includes Jersey ,Game Pants, Game socks, helmet, football pads)
Cheer $400 (includes uniform, shoes, socks bows, competition fees...ALL yours to keep!)
*Cash, check or card accepted as payment!
All forms needed to sign up and additional information is located on the Chesterton Pop Warner Facebook page.
Westchester Township History Museum Camp
WPL Summer Reading Program
Yost Elem. to Sponsor Red Cross Blood Drive
Yost Elementary School will host a Red Cross blood drive at the school, 100 W. Beam Street in Porter, on May 11th from 2-7 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Please schedule appointments through redcrossblood.org.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
NEW! DSC Calendar for 2022-2023
Need to know dates for next school year? The Duneland School Corporation 2022-2023 School Calendar was approved at the December 6 school board meeting. Click on the image or the link above to downloadable a PDF calendar for next school year.
Current 2021-2022 School Calendar
Food Assistance for Parents/Community
Looking for food assistance? FoodFinder can help.
FoodFinder is a map of food pantries nationwide. Click on the image to the right for access to a Food Assistance site map where individuals can enter a zip code to find the nearest area food pantries.
SCHOOL MENUS/MEALS
*SCHOOL MEALS UPDATE*
Due to ongoing effects of the COVID Pandemic, many industries are suffering from labor shortages which is causing disruptions and shortages in the food chain. At present, Duneland School's Child Nutrition Department is experiencing unprecedented food order shortages causing many last minute changes to the breakfast and lunch menus. In an effort to communicate these changes to families in a timely manner, we ask that you please check this website daily for any changes to the menu.
Thank you for your patience as we work through these setbacks!
Visit the DSC Child Nutrition page for links to the Second Semester menus.
DSC NOW HIRING!
The Duneland School Corporation is seeking candidates for the following positions:
LEVEL II TECHNICIAN
A Level II Technician is a Technology/Computer Technician who serves as the second tier of technical support in the district. This position will be responsible for the implementation, repair, and maintenance of district information technology assets. This position requires the person to be highly adaptable to any situation and maintain a strong sense of teamwork and communication. Click to apply online
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.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
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
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.
- 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.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR TROJAN VIRTUAL ACADEMY STUDENTS DURING THE DAY:
Mrs. Bye, TVA'S administrative assistant, can assist TVA students with technical issues during the school day. Please email jbye@duneland.k12.in.us or call our new line at 219-983-3743. Mrs. Bye will answer and then work with the IT Department to find a resolution.
MAY REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
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
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 (updated):
Monday & Thursday from 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Friday from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday from 10:00 a.m.-6 p.m.
Call: 219-983-3776 x7020 to schedule an appointment
Pictured at right is nurse practitioner and Chesterton resident Shawn Kroft taking a student's blood pressure at the clinic.
Duneland School Corporation is located in Northwest Indiana and serves over 5875 students from a 92 square-mile area including Westchester, Jackson, Liberty and parts of Pine Townships, all located in Porter County.