CMS Friday Focus
Chesterton Middle School - May 28th Newsletter
Message from Mr. Hamacher
Good evening CMS families. This is Mike Hamacher, principal at Chesterton Middle School, with the Friday Focus.
Remote learners who are in 8th grade will need to bring their iPads and chargers and receive their new devices for high school. All remote learners in grades 7 and 8 will need to turn in any textbooks, library books, or materials as well. On Monday, June 7, we will have an easy, one-stop site to do all of this. It will be at CMS, in the East Gym, from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Please enter the building through Door 2, the auditorium entrance, on Morgan Ave.
Duneland School Corporation will be having in-person Summer School for grades 6-8. Please visit the Duneland homepage to register!
There is a full lost and found bin located in the main office. Students are encouraged to stop by and see if any missing items have been in there. The bin will be emptied and disposed of after the last day of school. The main office also has a couple of pairs of glasses that are at the main desk.
Congratulations to the 8th Grade Award recipients and members of the National Junior Honor Society! Videos are posted below!
Please be sure to see our Upcoming Events section in this newsletter.
Thank you! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!!
8th Grade Awards Program
National Junior Honor Society Virtual Presentation
8th Grade Student Devices
This is a note regarding student devices for CMS students in grade 8.
On June 3, students in grade 8 will be required to return their iPad, keyboard case, power block, and power cord. Students will then receive their new HP x360 Windows Laptop and power cable.
It is important that students currently in grade 8 take a few moments to save anything that they would like to preserve to their Google Drive. For more information on saving items to their Google Drive please see the following guide:
Moving iPad Files to Google Drive - https://bit.ly/3f39F6V
Upcoming Events
May 28
Science Finals
Awards Ceremony- Virtual (After School)
National Junior Honor Society Virtual Induction (Virtual Presentation)
June 1
End of The Year 8th Grade In-Person Student Picnic
June 2
Math Finals
Bio Finals
June 3
Bio Finals (Part 2)
8th Grade iPad exchange (Auditorium) During Health Classes
Bio Students will exchange iPads at 1:45 p.m. (Auditorium)
June 4
Last Day of School!!!!
Student Achievements
Trojans of the Week
The All Star Squadron Team Trojan of the Week
Congratulations, Kamille Spencer! You more than earned the title of All-Star Student! Kamille is a hard worker, reliable student, and a solid citizen. When there is a question asked, Kamille is always ready to answer. When there is a class discussion, Kamille is always participating. She frequently helps others with various tasks, helping them to be their best. Kamille leads by example, works to be her best, be a positive influence, and continues to grow each day. There are too many great things to say about her! Well done, Kamille! You are most definitely an All-Star!
The Avengers Team Trojan of the Week
Team Incredibles (Related Arts)
In the music video category, Hannah Armstrong placed first by singing a capella, "Tanoshii Hinamatsuri" in Japanese. It was recognized by the Association of Indiana Teachers of Japanese and her video will be posted on the website as soon as it's ready. Congratulations, Hannah!
Team Titans Trojan of the Week
The Guardians of the Galaxy Team Trojan of the Week
Wyatt perseveres through every assignment in English and asks for help in class and during e-learning.
The Justice League Team Trojan of the Week
Guardians Of the Galaxy
Annie has consistently improved over the course of the year in class. She is willing to help her classmates, she always likes to chat with me "before the bell rings" and she is always well behaved in class.
The X-Men Teams Trojan of the Week
Team X-Men is proud to celebrate Lila Kollman as their Student of the Week! We are very lucky to have Lila on our team. She inspires everyone around her, student and teacher alike, with her kindness, compassion, hard work, determination, and perseverance. Lila makes it her goal to make everyone’s day brighter, and we are so thankful for her!
In her free time, Lila enjoys playing with her dog, Louie, and she loves spending time with family and friends. She is also very dedicated to practicing her violin, playing tennis, and learning about the Japanese culture. Lila has spent time in Japan, and she plans on continuing her Japanese studies and participation in Japanese Club next year. Keep doing your best, Lila! We are so proud of you!!!
The Incredibles Trojan of the Week
Clayton Ames - 7th grade
Clayton is a helpful, funny and caring 7th grade student.
His kindness to others is displayed when he holds our classroom door open at the beginning of the class period for students to enter. His efforts are appreciated by many! Way to go Clayton!!
School Safety
CMS has two full-time counselors. Mrs. Lamb is the 7th grade counselor. Her email address is dlamb@duneland.k12.in.us. Mrs. Herrod is the 8th grade counselor. Her email address is lherrod@duneland.k12.in.us.
CMS has a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO). Officer Joe Christian of Chesterton Police Department is currently serving as SRO for CMS.
The CMS Tipline is up and functional for students and parents to use to notify school administrators about any social-emotional issue, safety issue, or any other concern. This voicemail will also be monitored regularly. The phone number for the CMS Tipline is 219-983-3765. In the case of an emergency and the need for immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1.
The CMS Tipbox has been installed in the hallway next to the cafeteria for students to anonymously notify guidance counselors of any type of social-emotional issue. The box will be monitored regularly. If there is a need for immediate help, the issue must be reported to the main office immediately.
Sherrif's Camp
7th Annual Northwest Regional Sheriff's Camp
**2021 Northwest Regional Sheriff's Camp**
Sheriff Reynolds is announcing the dates and open application for our 7th Annual Northwest Regional Sheriff’s Camp for 2021!
The dates for this year’s camp are August 3rd-5th at the Indiana Dunes State Park from 8:00am-3:00pm.
The cost of the camp is $40.00 per camper.
This year’s camp will be for the first time campers as we are looking to accept only those that have not attended the camp in the last 6 years.
Unless food allergies are an issue, lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided each day to the campers.
This is a great opportunity during the summer just before the kids head back to school.
They will have a positive learning experience with our First Responders, see the different aspects of Law Enforcement and other Emergency Services, with plenty of hands on opportunities along with team building.
The camp is put on by the Porter County, Jasper County, LaPorte County and Lake County Sheriff’s Offices as well as Indiana Conservation and South Haven Fire and Rescue.
The camp is open to children from all four counties between the ages of 9 and 14. Space is limited and the camp fills up fast, so be sure to mail your completed application to the Porter County Sheriff’s Office: 2755 S St. Rd 49, Valparaiso, IN 46383, or drop it off in person during business hours.
The deadline is July 9th, 2021 by 4:00pm or when the camp is filled, whichever occurs first.
The checks covering the application fee ($40.00) need to be made out to Porter County Government with ˜Sheriff’s Camp" in the memo section.
We look forward to another successful camp and seeing new faces!
CLICK HERE to download the Application
CLICK HERE to download the Waver
CLICK HERE to download the Covid19 waver
Any questions regarding the camp can be forwarded to Laura Meyer at 219-477-3112
DSC 2020-2021 Calendar Changes
ATTENTION PARENTS:
The Duneland School Corporation has made TWO (2) changes to the 2020-2021 DSC Calendar.
In order to provide time for teachers to submit student grades, the eLearning day that was previously scheduled on Wednesday, June 2 will be moved to the last day of the school year for students on Friday, June 4.
CMS PTO
8th Grade Picnic
The Middle School would like to celebrate our 8th grade students who will be moving on to High School next year! CMS will be hosting an 8th grade Picnic for in-person students on Tuesday, June 1st from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. outside on the field. Food services will be providing hot dogs and chips. Kona Ice will be sold for $1.00 and students who purchase a Kona Ice will have their name put in the raffle for an 8th grade T-Shirt.
2020-2021 Yearbooks
Attention CMS Students:
Pre-ordered yearbooks will be handed out during first period on Tuesday, June 1. If you did not pre-order a book and wish to purchase one, they will be on sale for cash or check (payable to CMS) for $40 on a first come first serve basis. The sale will be held in the auditorium lobby on Tuesday, June 1.
- Remote students who pre-ordered a book can pick it up in the main office at any time beginning on June 1.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL at CMS
CMS has begun integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum to meet the new Indiana state competencies. Research has shown that social-emotional learning interventions increase academic performance. Social-emotional learning is also important in helping students develop the skills employers are seeking in job candidates. SEL activities take place during a student's Health Class and SRT.
Click HERE to see what we will be doing each week!
Parent and Student SEL Tips
Parents
We are in the midst of the heavy state testing sessions! We know that these testing situations can increase anxiety, and we are working hard to help our students remain calm in the testing environment. Check out the image below that includes tips on helping your student reduce testing anxiety.
Students
The student council members came up with this newsletter with helpful tips and tricks all by themselves!
Guidance Department
ATTENTION ALL 8TH GRADE STUDENTS
Any 8th Grade student who is interested in Speech and Debate next year can pick up information from their English teachers.
Summer School PE Forms are online or available in the Guidance Office. First session fills up quickly! If you are looking to do Summer P.E. please do not delay! When completed, you may return it to the CMS guidance office.
2021 Summer School PE will be IN-PERSON!
Feeling stressed? Need a break? Take a trip to CMS Virtual Mindfulness Room!
21st Century Scholar Program - the 21st Century Scholar Program provides Indiana income eligible students an opportunity for a college scholarship that covers tuition and regularly assessed fees for up to 4 years.at an Indiana college or university. The program supports students and families to provide the tools for college, on time graduation and a start toward a successful career path. This scholarship is awarded annually and does not cover the cost of books and supplies. It also does not cover room and board but provides support and resources to help the scholar find ways to pay for these additional costs. Please visit Scholars.IN.gov/enroll for more information.
Student Services and Information (SSI) - Just a reminder that all students have access to the canvas course with one of the resources being the CMS guidance /counseling office. Parents who have set up Parent Observer accounts are able to receive information from the guidance/counseling office via canvas. Students can schedule appointments or email with his/her counselor through the canvas course.
Cafeteria
School Meals TO GO Ends - Summer Grab and Go Begins
School Meals TO GO for the school year has come to a close. Wednesday, May 26 was the LAST pick up day.
However, the Summer Grab and Go Meals will begin on Monday, June 7 for all YOUTH 18 years and younger. Meals must be pre-ordered each Thursday by 9:00 a.m. to be eligible for the Monday meal pick up. Summer Meals Grab & Go Order Form
Meals will be distributed every Monday from 1-2 p.m. from June 7-July 26, 2021. Meals will consist of 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches with heating instructions. Meals are for CHILDREN ONLY.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOUR CHILD PARTICIPATES IN SUMMER SCHOOL, THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THESE MEALS BUT CAN RECEIVE FRIDAY'S MEAL TO TAKE HOME ON THURSDAY.
Technical Support
NEW! After-Hours IT Support
Duneland School Corporation is happy to announce that we will now be offering after-hours technical support to our Duneland School community. Call 219-983-3759 Tuesday-Thursday until 7:00 PM.
Internet Access
Please click on the following link for information regarding help for accessing the internet from home. Internet Access for Duneland School Corporation Families
CMS Football Fall 2021
DSC Athletic Camps
Chesterton Girls Summer Basketball League
CHS Girls Soccer for Interested 8th Grade Girls Has Begun!
Zoom meetings are Spring fitness workouts. You will need to dress athletically including shoes. They will be Mondays & Thursdays from 3:30-4:30
Zoom Meeting Link or copy and paste the following link in your browser...
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83884296986?pwd=aVh1M25WVmVzSTk1aUlFRUhuOWZQQT09
Zoom info is as follows:
Mondays - 3:30-4:30
Meeting ID: 838 8429 6986
Passcode: CHSgirls
Thursdays - 3:30-4:30
Meeting ID: 894 3898 4846
Passcode: CHSgirls
Remind Instructions for Girls Soccer Group below
Assessment
Indiana Department of Education
Health & Wellness
Please continue to notify the school if your child or family member tests positive to covid 19. When school resumes please notify the school if your student is symptomatic (Student Daily Screening Tool ) or is a close contact to a positive case. You can call the building at 983-3776 (x 4) or email the school nurse at mkirchner@duneland.k12.in.us with details or questions.
NorthShore Clinic Services Available
Duneland School Corporation has partnered with NorthShore Health Services to establish a school-based health clinic that is now located in Chesterton Middle School.
This partnership will provide 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:
Currently M, T, Th, and F from 8-3.
Summer Hours (beginning June 7th): Monday and Thursday 8-12
Beginning August 2nd, Monday-Friday 8-3
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.
Department News
Japanese Students Win a few Events at the Spirit of Japan Festival
CMS Japanese students won multiple events at the Spirit of Japan Festival virtual competition which took the place of this year’s annual Japanese Olympiad of Indiana because of Covid.
In the music video category, Hannah Armstrong placed first by singing a capella, "Tanoshii Hinamatsuri" in Japanese. The CMS Japanese Club placed third for dancing "Algorithm Taiso". The club members include Carmen Thomas, Izdel Berruecos Huerta, Taryn Wellensiek, Olivia Belcher, Noah Roberts , Lila Kollman, Lexi Lauzon, McKenna Hogan, and Delilah Bachman.
Their videos will be posted on the Association of Indiana Teachers of Japanese website soon.
Teaching and Learning from the Media Center - Q4 Reading Challenge
Quarter Four (Q4) Reading Challenge is all about award-winning books. You must read four award winners, of your choice to complete the challenge. Fill out the Google Form as you complete a book. Read more about the challenge on the library website.
Reading a wide variety of literature is an Indiana State Standard 7.RL.1 and 8.RL.1
Clubs
Open Acceptance Club
Art Club
Trojan Times- Student Newspaper
CLICK BELOW FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF TROJAN TIMES
Do you fancy yourself a journalist? The Trojan Times meets every Tuesday 8:00 - 8:25 am in Mr. Tudor's room. You must have a permission slip on file prior to attending. If you are interested contact Mr. Tudor.
Reader's Club & Table Top Games
- Meetings are every Monday, in the Media Center from 3-4:00
- New members are always welcome
- See Mrs. Gish or Ms. Graupner for more information
CMS Student Services and Information (SSI) Canvas course - Be sure to check out the video announcements for CMS students. Here you will find information about clubs, sports, events, birthdays, and more. Information is updated weekly.
Chesterton Middle School
Website: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Domain/15
Location: 651 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: 219-983-3776
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chestertonmiddleschool
Twitter: @CMS_Trojans
From Around the District
Summer Opportunities
Long-Term Capital Improvements
The DSC leadership, architects, and constructional management professionals have begun meeting with staff to discuss the next steps of the Long-Term Capital Improvement projects. Staff input sessions will take place prior to summer break and community forums will take place during the summer.
Community members may review the Long Term Capital Improvements information that will be continuously updated on the DSC website.
Housing Resources
School Meals TO GO! - Beginning on Jan. 6, 2021
Meals to Go changes beginning 1/6/2021
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 SCHOOL LEARNERS
Students who participate in the In-School Hybrid 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
FULLY REMOTE LEARNERS
Free Meal Pickup for Fully 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
Yost Elementary - 100 W. Beam St., Porter
Enter the parking area from Beam St. Go left down the hill. Stay left of cones and follow the drive around to the back of the building for meal pick up at the Food Service Entrance.
Chesterton High School - 2125 S. 11th Street
Enter the parking area from 11th Street by the Football Stadium and follow signage to the back of the building for pickup.
- Please pick up meals for all children in the household at one location.
- If you will be picking up meals for a child with food allergies, please contact the Child Nutrition Director, Tammy Watkins, at 219-983-3700 for detailed information.
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
NorthShore Health Services
Duneland School Corporation has partnered with NorthShore Health Services to establish a school-based health clinic that will be located in Chesterton Middle School. Please see the attached document for additional information and access to the consent form. Anyone interested in using the school-based clinic for their child will need to have a signed consent form on file. Please return all consent forms to Mrs. Kirchner, CMS school nurse, in the CMS clinic. NorthShore Health Consent Form
CHS Seeking Local Businesses for 2021-2022 Student Internship Program
Chesterton High School is interested in establishing partnerships with Duneland businesses who would be willing to host a CHS student in an internship position for the 2021-2022 school year and beyond. If you have a business or know of any businesses that would like to participate in the internship program, please contact Chris Roof at croof@duneland.k12.in.us or 219-983-3770.
The goal of the CHS Internship Program is to provide students with structured opportunities to understand the relevance between classroom learning and the work environment while participating as productive employees/volunteers in a company or organization. These internship opportunities allow students to explore areas of personal and career interests, acquire the skills necessary to be successful employees, and to formulate goals and plans for their futures.
Help prepare CHS students for life after high school while they are still in high school
For more info view the CHS Internship FlyerCelebrate Your Favorite Duneland School Teacher- 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.
Summer Camp at Sunset Hill
Hoping to get out in the fresh air and do something fun this summer? Read more about Porter County Parks and Recreation's Camp Funset at Sunset Hill Farm Park. The Camp Funset application is available on their website.