DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, January 21, 2021 Vol. 55 No. 19
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
CHS Show Choirs Showcase Competition Performances
This past Saturday, January 16, the CHS Show Choir program premiered their competition shows on their home stage at Chesterton High School. The Show Choir program consists of the Drifters, Sandpipers and The Business Band.
Due to COVID, the evening held two performances instead of the traditional one, in order to accommodate seating for immediate family members of the performers.
“This event is always such an exciting one for the students,” said Director Kristin Morris. “We start learning these shows at our camps in the summer and work on them the entire first semester. It is a long process that, due to our current situation, was made even trickier but the students rose to the occasion and are doing a tremendous job of adapting to all of the challenges and changes."
"At first it was really difficult to sing and dance in masks, but Miss Morris has helped it become something that we are used to and that hinders us as little as possible,” said Sandpiper member Hannah McElroy (11). Delaney Mitchell (12), member of Drifters added, “The masks don’t bother me that much anymore, it has just become something that we all have gotten used to. I know we are all just so excited to continue to have the opportunity to do what we love, even if it looks a little different.”
The students begin their competitive season next weekend at Pendleton Heights High School in Pendleton, IN. Follow them on Facebook (Chesterton Show Choirs) to catch any livestream links and performance updates.
Photos compliments of Beth Fletcher Photography. Below, top photo, CHS Sandpipers and Drifters, bottom photo, during their performances.
Students Have Fun While Learning Physics Concept
The goal of the activity was primarily to have some fun, but to also work on a practical application of a rather complex physics concept and gain some experience with the design-build process of engineering.
Students first designed and built model catapults out of popsicle sticks to become familiar with catapults and then, once they had things dialed in, they built their full-size catapults. The goal was to launch a small bean bag as far as possible, but their grades were not dependent on distance.
Students submitted their ideas, designs, design changes, and three video logs to explain how they came up with their ideas, how things worked out, and how they were going to change their final catapult based on what they discovered with their model.
Below: Students in Dr. Jay Drew's Physics Class with their catapult projects.
CMS Trojans of the Week
CMS Trojans of the Week
Congratulations to CMS Trojans of the Week listed below:
The Guardians of the Galaxy team celebrate George Bernth as their Student of the Week. George is always on task completing his work. He is helpful in class and online. George is polite to everyone. He sets a great example for other students.
The Avengers team is proud to celebrate Madison Boatright as their Student of the Week. Madison is a class leader with her participation and enthusiasm, both in-class and remotely. She also asks great questions and doesn't hesitate to help her fellow classmates.
The Incredibles Team celebrate Phoenix Bridegroom as their Student of the Week. Phoenix was chosen because she is an awesome student who always comes to school with a smile on her face and a positive attitude that rubs off on her peers. Phoenix makes a positive difference in the lives of others around her.
The All Star Squadron team is proud to celebrate Anisa Faroh as their Student of the Week. Anisa is an excellent choice to be the first student of the team to be named the All-Star Student of the Week! Not only is Anisa a solid student who participates, works hard, asks questions, and does what she needs to improve herself, but she is also a great person! She never misses a moment to encourage others or help them be their best, just like her! Congratulations, Anisa!
The Titans team is proud to celebrate Alaina Henderson as their Student of the Week. Alaina values not only to her academics and classrooms, but also to her friendships and peer relationships. Alaina never fails to cheer up a friend! Her hard work in class, energy, and endless positivity brighten each classroom she is in. Mr. Tudor, Mrs. South, Ms. Graupner, and Mr. Tuzinski all appreciate Alaina's dedication to academics and positive attitude in our classes. - Titans teachers
The X-Men Team celebrates Julian Torrez as their Student of the Week. Julian has worked very hard on improving his performance in class and is always willing to ask for help and clarification when necessary. Julian is always one of the first students to ask if he can help with something in the classroom. "He always asks me how my day is when he comes in and tells me to have a good day when he leaves," said Mrs. Ramian. "I am excited to watch his growth the rest of this school year."
The Justice League has selected Luke Wheele as its Student of the Month. Luke is a hard working student who asks a lot of questions, always puts forth his best effort, and is not afraid to dig deep to work through a difficult problem. Luke livens up the classroom with his humor and positive attitude and brings a great attitude to class every single day.
Chesterton High School Mid-Year Graduates 2021
Chesterton High School has announced that 23 students will graduated mid-year this January 2021. Those 15 graduates choosing to receive their diplomas in January are: Zachary Deegan Bell, Alexis Pamela Boone, Riane June Brown, Christian James Conder, Christian Tyler Gonzalez, Riley Lynn Hoekema, Hannah Grace Massey, McKenna Tracey Dell Middendorf, Jessica Ann Mitchell, Amelia Jane Rettew, Matthew Kyle Shinkle, Jessica Nichole Stewart, Angelina Marie Unland, Daniel Anthony Vega, Thomas Joseph Wellensiek.
The remaining graduates have chosen to be recognized and receive their diplomas in June are: Sean Terry Dardeau, Jr., Isabella Amedea Davison, Marie Elena Favela, Addison Renae Joiner, Mackenzye Diana Kuhnle, Rachel Ann Moore, Jackson Scott Syren, Kiley Marie Tubbs.
STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Wilt to Serve Association of Indiana School Library Educators (AISLE)
Chesterton High School Library Media Specialist, Emily Wilt, has been selected to serve as the chair-elect of the Association of Indiana School Library Educators (AISLE)*.
AISLE, a school-library-specific subdivision of the Indiana Library Federation (the state-level organization for all library staff, from public to school to academic to special) has an average membership of over 200 and focuses on school librarian advocacy and support.
This board appointment is a six-year commitment in addition to her duties as the media specialist at Chesterton High School. Wilt will serve two years as chair-elect, learning more about the organization as well as responsibilities and supporting the current chair. In 2023, she will take over as chair, and in 2025 she will transition into a two-year role as past chair before rotating off the AISLE board.
Responsibilities will include membership retention & outreach, local and state advocacy, revising the AISLE evaluation rubric, helping plan annual mini-conferences (AISLEcamp) and the school library strands at the state conference (ILF Annual), helping educate their members on implementation of their national school library standards (the AASL standards), and more.
“I'm excited to take this new step in my career,” said Wilt. “It definitely helps to have awesome people to work with, both at Duneland and at AISLE.”
*Fun DSC fact: Yost Elementary Library Specialist, Kris Borrelli, helped coin the AISLE acronym years ago when the association was in need of an updated name.
DSC Teacher & Employee of the Year 2021
Mark Your Calendar...Kindergarten Sign Up
Prospective Duneland students who will be five years old on or before August 1, 2021, may register for the 2021-2022 school year at their respective school on Wednesday, March 3 during one of these convenient times:
9:00-11:00 a.m. / 1:00-3:00 p.m. / 5:00-7:00 p.m.
More information detailing the enrollment process will be available soon.
DSC Strategic Plan Timeline Adjustments
Recently, these DSC Strategic Plan GANTT timeline charts were adjusted by district leaders to reflect progress and necessary changes. View the Revised Strategic Plan Timelines on the district website.
NEW!! DSC 2021-2022 School Calendar
3rd Quarter In-Person and Remote Learning Environment Assignments
Requests for third quarter transitions from in-person to remote or remote to in-person are now being processed.
Information regarding class assignment changes, if any, will be communicated through your student's school.
Thank you again for your flexibility and willingness to help the Duneland School Corporation meet the challenges that this school year has brought our way.
Student Progress Reports Available on January 25 at 3 p.m.
Parent-Teacher Conferences for Grades K-6
The Duneland School Corporation understands the importance of establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships between parents and teachers. Despite the pandemic, our commitment to this remains unchanged.
The parent-teacher conferences originally scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2020, were postponed because of the switch from Level 4 (hybrid) to Level 3. Beginning in January, K-6 teachers will be reaching out to their students’ families to offer a phone or virtual parent-teacher conference. These conferences may take place in January and/or February.
Conferences are a great opportunity to:
discuss your student’s academic performance, social-emotional progress and/or overall school experience
share information regarding your student’s strengths, needs, behaviors, and learning styles
share enrichment or intervention strategies to support the student’s learning
examine issues that may be interfering with students' learning and growth
NOTE: Families with students in grades 7-12 should reach out directly to teachers via email or by phone with concerns or questions.
DSC Appointed Vacancy - WPL Board of Trustees
School Meals TO GO!
Meals will continue to be free for all children through the end of the school year. Beginning January 6, 2021 there will no longer be daily meal pickup. Meal pickup will be as follows:
IN-PERSON LEARNERS
Students who participate in the In-Person Learning Model will be eligible for Free Breakfast and Free Lunch each day while in school. An order form will be available online to preorder 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch to be picked up on the Wednesday E-Learning day each week. Meals can be picked up between the hours of 9:30am and 10:30am each Wednesday. The form must be submitted online by 9am each Tuesday to receive meals.
Wednesday Meal To Go Order Form
REMOTE LEARNERS
Free Meal Pickup for Remote Learners will consist of 5 breakfast and 5 lunch meals with instructions to be prepared at home and will be distributed once a week on Wednesdays between the hours of 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm. (Child must be fully remote to receive the weekly meals.) An order form will be available online to preorder meals. The form must be submitted each week by Monday at 9am to receive meals.
Remote Learner Weekly Meals To Go Order Form
MEAL PICKUP SITES
Yost Elementary - 100 W. Beam St., Porter
Enter parking area from Beam St. Go left down the hill. Stay left of cones and follow drive around to back of the building for meal pickup at the Food Service Pickup Window.
Chesterton High School - 2125 S. 11th Street
Enter parking area from 11th Street by the Football Stadium and follow signage to back of the building for pickup.
Please pick up meals for all children in the household at one of these two locations.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event of a cancellation of activities/programs on a Wednesday due to inclement weather, meal distribution will be conducted the following day, Thursday.
If picking up meals for a child with food allergies, please contact the Child Nutrition Director, Tammy Watkins, at 219-983-3700 for detailed information.
Visit this link to see the Remote Meal Menu with Heating Instructions
WHY ARE MEALS FREE?
Seeking Local Business Partnerships for 2021-2022 Program
DSC COVID-19 Support Center
Looking for COVID-19 Resources?
Duneland School's Daily COVID-19 Risk Level is located on our COVID-19 INFO Home page along with many other helpful resources.
COVID-19 Dashboard
The DSC administration has established a COVID-19 dashboard that can always be found on our COVID-19 Support Center webpage. The COVID-19 dashboard (below) will now be updated once per day with all active cases reported, and/or will include cases removed from active status (conclusion of the 10-day isolation period). Below is the COVID-19 Dashboard with the latest update available at time of this publication. Please visit the COVID-19 Support Center for the most up-to-date posting.
Quick Reference Guide for Attendance - UPDATED 12/4/20
COVID-19: Not sure when a student, faculty or staff member can return to school? Check out this Quick Reference Attendance Guide located on our website under COVID-19 INFO or by clicking the image below.
Celebrate Your Favorite Duneland School Teacher
December 2020 Teacher of Excellence
Nominate DSC Teachers of Excellence today!
View DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website
JANUARY REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
School Resource Officers
In collaboration with the Chesterton Police Department, the DSC is served by three School Resource Officers (SRO) each school day. SROs are highly skilled law enforcement officers who undergo extensive training to work within the school setting. For students to achieve their full potential, safe schools are fundamental. Students who report feeling safe in school are more engaged in class, have higher academic achievement, and have lower rates of absenteeism and behavioral issues. Our SROs help foster a positive climate by establishing solid relationships with our students and staff. In addition, they help provide a safe environment in all our schools.
For more referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
eLearning on Wednesdays
All students will work independently, via a traditional eLearning day, on Wednesdays due to the teaching constraints of preparing and providing instruction in a remote-only model. The eLearning module assignments will be posted in Canvas by 8 a.m. Students will need to complete an attendance activity each Wednesday to be counted present for the eLearning day. Teachers will not be conducting live (synchronous) class sessions or holding office hours on Wednesdays.
eLearning Guidelines for Students
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY & IT SUPPORT
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.
After-Hours Technical Support
After-hours IT Support hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - until 7:00 p.m.
Call: 219-983-3759
Internet Access for DSC Families
Duneland School Corporation understands that the pandemic has placed a heavy emphasis on internet connectivity in order to access learning within Canvas (our learning management system) and that there are several factors that may prevent you from receiving this service. We have provided information from our local providers below to assist you.
Comcast Internet Essentials - https://www.internetessentials.com/
About Comcast Internet Essentials:
Internet Essentials is a program for families and other income-limited households who currently do not subscribe to Internet services at home. Xfinity Internet customers are not eligible for Internet Essentials.
For all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service has increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.
Households with outstanding debt owed to Comcast may be eligible for Internet Essentials. Comcast is waiving this qualification if you apply and are approved by December 31st, 2020 (standard eligibility rules apply).
Here are some quick links to the program and direct to the application. https://Apply.InternetEssentials.com = English Application Portal https://Aplicar.InternetEssentials.com = Spanish Application Portal
Frontier Lifeline - https://frontier.com/resources/discountprograms/lifeline-program
About the Frontier Lifeline program
If you have been living without phone service because you cannot afford it, you may be eligible for this government assistance program. Frontier is committed to helping qualified income-limited individuals pay for telephone service or qualifying internet access services by supporting the principles of Universal Service. The goal of Universal Service is to make telephone or qualifying internet access services affordable, by participating in low-income Lifeline (or Tribal Lifeline/Link Up) programs in all the states where Frontier provides service.
You can apply your Lifeline discount to qualifying standalone internet access services. If you do not have voice (traditional telephone) services with Frontier, but you have standalone internet access, you may be able to qualify for the Lifeline discount. Services and availability vary by location, so contact Customer Service and a Frontier representative will be happy to see if you have qualifying internet access services in your area.Did you know that several local businesses offer free WiFi?
Several local businesses in both Chesterton and Valparaiso offer free WiFi for community members. For locations please see this map. https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1RlCX9awpwFhyLyo6cU252WWRFg10nC9T&usp=sharing
Families that continue to experience issues receiving internet service or if you have other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you please contact your building principal to discuss alternative options.
Anonymous Tip Line
Do you have a safety or security concern at Duneland that you'd like to make us aware of? Please contact us by email or phone (contact information below), or use our anonymous tip line.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
REVISED - Remote Learning Student Expectations for 2020-2021
Required Face Coverings/Daily Screening Tool
Reentry Plan 2020-2021
Questions about school, procedures, daily schedules during the 2020-21 school year. Please consult the DSC Reentry Plan for details
DSC Calendars
The 2020-2021 Duneland School Corporation Calendar and the NEW! 2021-2022 DSC Calendar is available on our website. Click on the link above to open or visit our website at Resources > Documents and Forms
Maroon & Gold Calendar/Bell Schedules For Semester 2
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
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This calendar of events is subject to change
Thursday, January 21, 2021
5:30 p.m. CHS Girls JV BB Crown Pt.-H
6 p.m. CHS Girls Fr BB (DH)-Portage
6 p.m. CHS Girls V GYM-Lowell Senior Fieldhouse CT 1&2
7 p.m. CHS Girls V BB-Crown Pt.-H
7:15 p.m. CHS Boys Fr BB (DH)-Portage
Friday, January 22, 2021
5:30/7:00 p.m. CHS Boys JV/V BB-Crown Pt.-H
Saturday, January 23, 2021
9 a.m. CHS Girls V SW-DAC Swim/Dive-Valpo Aquatic Ctr
10 a.m. CHS Boys V SW-DAC Swim/Dive-Valpo Aquatic Ctr
4 p.m. CHS Mid-Year Graduation - CHS Auditorium
6/7:30 p.m. CHS Boys JV/V BB-South Bend Adams
Monday, January 25, 2021
3 p.m. 2nd Quarter/1st Semester Report Cards Available
6 p.m. CHS Girls Fr BB-Hammond Gavit-H
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
5 p.m. CHS Girls JV BB-Knox-H
5:30 p.m. CHS Boys V SW-M’ville-H
6 p.m. CHS Girls V GY-Mich. City -H
6:30 p.m. CHS Girls V BB-Knox-H
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
eLearning Day
LIS Penny War Starts-Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
4:45 p.m. Duneland School Board Executive Session-Adm Ctr
Thursday, January 28, 2021
6 p.m. CHS Boys Fr BB-Lake Central -H
6 p.m. CHS B&G V SW-Munster-H
Friday, January 29, 2021
5:30/7:00 p.m. CHS Boys JV/V BB -Lake Central-H
5:30/7:00 p.m. CHS Girls JV/V BB-Andrean
Saturday, January 30, 2021
TBA CHS Show Choir Competition @ Pendleton HS
9 a.m. CHS Boys V SW-DAC Championship Meet-Lake Central HS Pool
9 a.m. CHS Boys V WR-IAA WR Sectional-LaPorte
11 a.m. CHS Girls V GYM C Invitational-H
Monday, February 1, 2021
6 p.m. CHS Boys Fr BB-Valpo-H
6 p.m. Duneland School Board Mtg.-CMS Aud.
Opportunities for Students
DSC NOW HIRING...
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. Click to apply online
CUSTODIAL POSITIONS
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. Click to apply online
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS*
Duneland School Corporation is seeking substitute teachers for all grade levels. Requirements include:
- Completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and verified by an original transcript from the accredited institution; or
- Completion of 60 semester hours or more college credit from an accredited institution verified by an original transcript from the accredited institution; or
- Completion of 30 semester hours or college credit from an accredited institution verified by an original transcript form the accredited institution and at least one year of successful additional work experience with children within the last three years.
- "Additional work experience" may be satisfied by the applicant having completed (within the last three (3) years) at least one (1) year of instructing and/or supervising children in a classroom as a teacher aide in a public or private school, working in a nursery school, coaching and/or primarily working with children at YMCA, Boys' or Girls' Club, camp counseling, etc.
Duneland Schools Spirit Store
Did you know that Duneland Schools has an online Spirit Wear Store where you can buy your Duneland spirit wear?
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.
Join the CHS Alumni Association!
Have you been thinking about joining the Chesterton High School Alumni Association, but just haven't gotten around to it? Would you like to help support the enhancement of the Duneland School Corporations' educational processes and scholarships for graduating seniors at Chesterton High School. Your dues in the organization and support of our fundraising efforts will help the group to continue to grow and present more and more of our graduates college assistance.
Visit the Duneland School Corporation's website at this link: Download an application to join today.
Duneland School Corporation
Inspire | Engage | Empower
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