WIS Weekly
April 18, 2022
A Message From Mr. Longacre
Dear Families,
Westchester students are getting ready to take the ILEARN standardized assessment. Having already completed the preliminary practice tests, our students will now begin taking the actual subject area assessments in accordance with the schedule below. One point that I need to emphasize is that the use of electronic devices during testing is strictly prohibited. Students are encouraged to leave their cell phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices at home during ILEARN testing as these items are not permitted in the testing environment (i.e. classroom). If electronic devices are brought to school, they will need to be completely powered off and placed in their lockers or backpacks. Note: Test proctors will collect electronic devices brought into the testing area. Smartwatches, phones, Bluetooth-enabled earbuds -- including AirPods -- and all similar products will not be permitted during testing. Again, teacher proctors will be required to ensure that this protocol is maintained. Please help us make sure that the state standards are followed by discussing the restriction of electronics with your student(s).
WIS will follow the testing timetable below:
April 21 - Science/Social Studies tests
April 22 and 25 for make-ups
April 26 ELA CAT
April 27 ELA Performance Task Part 1 & 2
April 28, 29, and May 2 for make-ups
May 4 Segment 1 CAT
May 5 Segment 2 CAT
May 6 Math Performance Task
May 6 PM - Make-ups
Week of May 9 - Make-ups
Our hope is to have all students in attendance and ready to test on each day of assessment. Parents, research shows that there are some key ways that you can give your child a testing advantage. Here are some strategies that you can implement:
- Ensure that your child gets ample rest the night before testing.
- Make arrangements for your child to eat a nutritious breakfast each morning of testing. (Note: For those students eating breakfast at school, 5th graders will eat first and 6th graders will eat second to better accommodate our testing day schedule. If interested, the WIS cafeteria provides free breakfast for students.
- Approach testing with a positive mindset.
- Stay in a familiar daily routine during the assessment window.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (slongacre@duneland.k12.in.us).
Respectfully,
Mr. Longacre
******* WESTCHESTER IN ACTION *******
ILEARN TESTING ENVIRONMENT REMINDERS
*Don't forget your iPad-connected ear buds.
*Smartwatches, phones, Bluetooth-enabled earbuds, etc. will not be permitted during testing.
*Test-taking tips:
1. Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test, eat a solid breakfast the morning of the test, and drink plenty of water the day of the test.
2. Be positive about the test. Think to yourself, "I can do this."
3. Read directions slowly and carefully. Make sure you understand the question before answering.
4. Try to think of the correct answer before reading the answer options.
5. If you feel yourself becoming anxious, then try to relax by counting backwards from five to one while breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth... slowly.
WIS CHOIR
Math Bowl Team
******* THIS WEEK AT WIS *******
5th Grade
Language Arts
- In ELA we will begin reading the novel Holes. Students will need to bring their novel to class each day. There are several characters in the book, along with several flashbacks. It is very important for students to keep up with their journals, plot mountains, and character maps daily.
- IRAs: Our focus this week will be problem-solving and resourcefulness. Our essential question will focus on the notion of why it is important to "right the wrongs" going on in our world. The books for the week are Green City and The Soda Bottle School.
Math
Last week we completed our unit on area and perimeter. We had a paper and pencil quiz on Thursday.
This week we will explore volume of rectangular prisms and cubes, as well as compound shapes. We will be working on a project and finishing with a Canvas quiz.
Social Studies
In social studies students will be taking the Social Studies ILEARN test on Thursday, April 21st. Please encourage your child to do his or her best.
We will begin chapter 7 on Friday, April 22nd. You will receive the chapter 7 email on Monday, April 18th.
Students have been studying the U.S. government and how it impacts daily life.
- Kaelyn Marin -- The purpose of government is to ensure the rights and responsibilities of the people. Some of the ways the U.S constitution and the bill of rights affect my daily life and life in my community are freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of organizing assemblies, first, I chose freedom of speech because I feel this is very important. Without this right, we would not be able to disagree with the choices our country makes or express any negative opinions about our country. For example, no one could make, watch or read any content saying people disagree with the government. Secondly, freedom of religion. I also feel this one is extremely important. In the U.S we can practice or religion we want to or choose to not practice any religious activities. In some places, you need to go to church or you get punished. Because of this, the U.S has a variety of different people who believe different things. Lastly, the freedom of organizing assemblies. This means we can group people for protests as long as we are not displaying aggressive behavior. If I believe something needs to change I could get more people that also think something should change. This is completely fine as long as we are not vandalizing or hurting anything. In conclusion, I think, these are important rights that affect my day-to-day life.
Penelope Didelot -- I think that the purpose of a government was to make the U.S. stronger. One of the ways that the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights have changed my everyday life is, well first it gives freedom of speech. Also, it says that no one can tell us what type of religion to believe in. The bill also says that if I do something wrong or if I get framed for something that I did not do, can go to court instead of just going to jail. In court, I can be proven guilty or not guilty. And finally, imagine some policeman or woman came into your house took your belongings, and was breaking your things. Would you like that? I am going to assume that you would not. That is why there is a law that states that an officer or anyone can just go searching in your home without permission.
In science students participated in a three-part adaptation project. Students were randomly assigned characteristics of an environment, beast, predator, and prey by rolling a die. Based on the randomly assigned characteristics, the students had to create three adaptations that would allow their beast to survive. To end the project, an environmental catastrophe occurred causing the beast to adapt again or become extinct. Due to the extent of the project, students focused on science all week.
6th Grade
- On Monday students will take the practice ILEARN test.
- Starting Tuesday, Students will learn about box and whisker plots. The unit test will be on Friday.
Science
- During this week in science, we will continue our ILEARN review. The ILEARN is Thursday, April 21st. Please make sure your student has a good night's sleep and a fully charged iPad for the exam.
- We are reviewing homeostasis and invasive species using an interactive game. We are also going to spend a day on computer science and a day on photosynthesis. We will continue to work on graph interpretation, as well.
Social Studies
- During last week, students started learning about South America as the next unit focusing on ancient civilizations, explorers, and physical geography.
- During this week, students will begin to focus on the different colonial societies, resources, religions, economy, and leadership. In addition, they will be comparing the different cultures throughout the continent.
Language Arts
- In ELA students will be reviewing ILEARN vocabulary terms. Students will take the practice ILEARN test on Wednesday.
Related Arts
Art
- 5th graders are continuing to weave pouches out of yarn adding new techniques and steps as they go.
- 6th graders are painting portraits on plastic acetate with paper backgrounds using color schemes.
PE
- Students will be playing volleyball games at the beginning of the week. By Friday we will be starting our baseball/softball unit. We will have a Home Run Derby on Friday!
Music
- Students will be practicing their ABA Form Compositions, as well as working together in our large group Orff Ensemble.
******* ANNOUNCEMENTS *******
ATTENTION PARENTS
*F reports will be accompanied by a phone call home today.
FAMILY SURVEY
Duneland School Corporation is currently conducting a series of surveys with our students, families, and staff. Information from these surveys will be used for school improvement and district strategic planning. Additionally, these results will be used as part of our Cognia (formerly AdvancED) accreditation processes.
Input from our families is critical to our process to set goals for improvement. We thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts. This survey should take 20-25 minutes to complete and includes some ranking questions as well as open ended questions at the end.
Use this link to take the Survey: Family Survey Spring 2022
Please note the following when taking the surveys
You need only complete one survey per household.
When selecting a school, select the school of your youngest child.
The term “governing body” refers to our school board.
The term “stakeholders” refers to all those with an interest in the school including students, families, community members, and school staff.
We truly appreciate you setting aside the time to offer your thoughts before Monday, May 2, 2022.
Robotics Car Wash
Construction Begins Soon
NORA Dance
Cell Phones, Earbuds / Earphones, iPads
North Shore Clinic for 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
Support WIS PTO
Duneland Exchange
Chesterton Art Center
2022-2023 School Calendar Approved
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 menus for the Week of Nov. 15-19
Covid-19 Information
Vaccine Information
Updated vaccine information from the Indiana Department of Health is available in the resources listed below.
- Youth Pfizer Fact Sheet, ages five to 11
- Mixing Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Fact Sheet (English)
- Mixing Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Fact Sheet (Spanish)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet, individuals five and older
- Family Quarantine Fact Sheet
For questions, please email backtoschool@isdh.in.gov.
NorthShore Clinic
Consent paperwork needs to be completed prior to an office visit. The paperwork is attached and can be completed prior to the visit to save time. If you choose this option, the consent paperwork needs to be on file beforehand. If returning paperwork via email, please send to: Shawn Kroft, skroft@northshorehealth.org.
Help us Nominate WIS Teachers of Excellence today!
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
Job Opportunities in Duneland
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. Apply online at 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
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
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.
Westchester Intermediate School
WIS Mission
- WIS provides a safe and engaging environment where students are empowered to explore their talents, build on their curiosity, embrace high expectations, and become responsible, caring citizens.
WIS Vision:
- WIS inspires learners to become independent, critical thinkers collaborating in an environment where responsibility, adaptability, and reflection are modeled and developed.
Email: slongacre@duneland.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Domain/14
Location: 1050 South 5th Street, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westchesterintermediate/