DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
January 23, 2020 Vo. 54 No. 23
Duneland Schools to Develop Strategic Plan
A strategic plan establishes a direction for the school district, sharpens focus, develops the right goals and targets, and helps the district to concentrate its efforts. These goals and actions will provide the blueprint for future decisions and a roadmap for the next 3-5 years.
Development of this plan will require a special team of individuals who will work to:
1. Establish purpose and direction with goals aligned to our vision and mission.
2. Set priorities for resource allocation and decision-making.
3. Ensure operational efficiency.
4. Emphasize research-based strategies to promote student learning.
5. Develop systems that will build capacity for continued growth.
A group of 30-plus people are being invited to make up the Strategic Planning Team comprised of board members, the superintendent, central office administrators, teachers, principals, classified staff, students, parents and community members. This team will meet on 11 Monday evenings beginning on January 27 and will conclude with a presentation to the School Board for adoption on June 1. The work of this team will be facilitated by Howe and Associates Consulting, LLC.
Once goals are established, another group of individuals with experience and knowledge in the goal areas will be encouraged to help construct action plans followed by a leadership summit to be conducted in late spring seeking additional input into the plan.
Persons interested in participating in either of these groups should contact Melissa Jaeger, DSC executive assistant, by Friday, February 28 at 219-983-3605 or mjaeger@duneland.k12.in.us.
NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY
Jackson Township Position - Term ending December 31, 2020
The Board of School Trustees of the Duneland School is accepting letters of interest from individuals who would like to be considered to complete the remaining term for the Jackson Township seat, which will be up for election on November 3, 2020. Read more...
Social Media & Our Kids: How Bad Can it Be?
A special presentation for parents on Wednesday, January 29
Don't miss this great presentation from the Indiana State Police about the impact of social media on our students and families. This FREE event will be hosted at Westchester Intermediate School, 1050 S. 5th Street, on Wednesday, January 29 from 7-8 p.m. and is open to parents in the Duneland School Community.
Read more...
Duneland Schools 2nd Quarter Honor Rolls
Westchester Intermediate School
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Chesterton High School Big Band Bash
The Chesterton High School Music Department will once again present an evening of music and dancing that showcases the students of the Chesterton High School Jazz Ensemble.
The “Big Band Bash” offers the public a nostalgic dance, reminiscent of those held during the 1930's and 40's. The music selections will include a wide variety of familiar music, including Latin Jazz, Funk and the Big Band Swing style of the 1940's.
The Big Band Bash is a one-night event that is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, in the Chesterton High School Commons. Music and dancing will begin at 7:00 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres are available as part of the ticket price, with coffee and soft drinks available for a nominal cost. Patrons may use Entrance 31 located on the northeast side of the building. All seats are reserved. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Tickets are currently on sale by visiting jazz.chestertonbands.com. Tickets are $15 each.
For more information, please contact the CHS Music Dept. at 983-3730 ext. 7147.
Jackson student receives Riley Bear
Early this week, Jackson Elementary School was presented with a huge stuffed bear from Riley Children’s Foundation for first grader Micah Nieves. Nieves is away from school currently being treated as a patient at Riley’s Hospital.
Foundation Representative Susan Miles, presented the bear to Micah’s siblings and school representatives. The “Riley Bear” is part of the Foundation's Bear in the Chair program. Children admitted to the hospital sometimes feel isolated and disconnected from their home community. The Bear in the Chair program is designed to help eliminate feelings of loneliness by maintaining a connection between children being treated and their school.
The teddy bear will sit at Micah’s desk until he can return to class. Once he returns to school Micah’s can take his bear home.
(Photo above) Micah’s siblings, Liam (Gr. 2) and Serena (Gr. 4), are pictured with his Riley Bear; along with, back row, Principal Sam Marshall, Riley Children’s Foundation representative Susan Miles, his first grade teacher Britni Psimos, and Guidance Counselor Liz Martin. (Tribune photo by Dana Gilbertson)
DEF grant awarded to CMS Robotics Club
Duneland School Corporation 2020-2021 Calendar
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2019-2020 Procedures for Delaying/Closing School
As we approach the winter season, please review the attached letter from Superintendent Dr. Chip Pettit regarding the procedures for school closings and/or delays that may occur due to inclement weather...
Duneland School Spirit Wear Online Store
Did you know that the Duneland School Corporation has an online store for ordering all of your Duneland School spirit wear? For your convenience, all of your orders can be shipped to your home for a nominal fee or you can pick-up your online order at Blythe's Team Sports in Valparaiso.
Parents can also purchase P.E. uniforms for students in grades 7-12 and Body Conditioning for 9-12. The uniforms will no longer be available for purchase at CMS / CHS.
The CHS / CMS P.E. and Body Conditioning Uniforms (t-shirt and shorts) are the only items that will be shipped within a few days of ordering. Orders can be sent directly to your home within a few business days for a nominal fee or you can choose to pick up your online order at Blythe's Team Sports in Valparaiso.
Other spirit wear on the site can be ordered during a 14-day window. Orders will then be processed and shipped. Further information is located on the online store site.
Click the button below to enter the online 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? Or, are you wondering why you should join this newly formed organization?
The CHS Alumni Association was formed 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 will help the group to continue to grow and present more and more of our graduates college assistance. We will also enshrine teachers, administration, support staff and graduates (alumni) into their respective ''Halls of Fame” at our first annual banquet to be held on May 7, 2020 at Chesterton High School. Mark your calendar to support our next fundraiser--An Alumni Association All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 14 from 7-10 a.m. at George's Gyros Spot in Chesterton.
Interested in getting involved in the Alumni Association? The group welcomes the help of our membership to assist us in achieving our mission to raise funds for student scholarships. Please join us for our next meeting on Thursday, February 13 at 4 p.m. at the Duneland Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Avenue in Chesterton.
The Chesterton High School Alumni Association welcomes all former CHS alumni, and present and past faculty and staff members of the Duneland Schools to join the Association. Annual membership dues is $15 per alumni or Lifetime membership is a one-time fee of $150.00 minus your age. (Example: $150.00 less your age of 60 years would equal dues of $90.00).
Visit the Duneland School website at www.duneland.k12.in.us and download an application to join today.
Join us on Facebook The REAL Chesterton High School Alumni Association
Did You Know...
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: https://www.internetessentials.com/
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: https://frontier.com/resources/discountprograms/lifeline-program
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
A scheduled Duneland School Board public meeting will be hosted on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of interviewing the candidates to fill the Board of Trustees vacancy.
The regular Duneland School Board meeting was moved to Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the Duneland Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Avenue, to conduct business and to appoint and swear in new school board member. Duneland School Board meetings are normally scheduled for the first Monday of the month unless noted differently.
Open Swim: Chesterton High School offers open swim every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost is $1 for school children and $2 for adults. Please use Entrance 34 at Chesterton High School. Children must be within arms reach at all times. Check out the the full 2019-2020 schedule
Scholarship Information: Scholarship information can always be found on the CHS College and Career Center site: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=786
Duneland Swim Club: 2019-2020 FALL WINTER SEASON Online Registration Now Open at Duneswim.com for returning members for our season that runs through February 14, 2020. Try out to become a full member, or for the Trial Program for New Swimmers: TRIAL #6-January 27. Tryouts are mandatory for all new swimmers at the Chesterton Middle School Pool through Door #9 or on the first day of the designated trial dates from 4:30-5:15 p.m. All new swimmers must be four (4) years of age and swim 12 ½ yards without touching bottom or side. Please bring a copy of their birth certificate. New swimmers practice from 3:45-4:30 p.m. Visit www.Duneswim.com for returning member practice schedules and more information. Email Coach Christy at kallayfamily@comcast.net with any questions.
COMING SOON: Sweetheart Swirl: Annual Father/Daughter Dance: The Chesterton Lions Club will host their 13th Annual Father/Daughter Dance on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Chesterton High School. A fun filled evening with dinner, dancing and memories. All proceeds from this event benefit services provided to the Duneland community. For more information contact Robin Smith at 219-916-4549. To order tickets visit www.sweetheartswirl.chestertonlions.org
“NO LIMITS” MAGIC SHOW FOR ALL AGES! The Duneland Family YMCA will host a family fun magic show featuring Magician Chandler Maglish on Saturday, February 22 in the Chesterton High School Auditorium. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the show starting at 6:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit our website or stop by the Y at 215 Roosevelt St. in Chesterton. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact Toni Biancardi, 926-4204, for more information. Click here to register online!
The new 2020-2021 Duneland School Corporation Calendar is available on our website. Click on the link above to open or visit our website at www.duneland.k12.in.us
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Thursday, January 23, 2020
5:30 p.m. CHS Girls JV BB-Crown Pt
6 p.m. CHS Girls Fr BB-Portage-H
6 p.m. CHS Girls V GYM-Lowell and New Prairie-H
6 p.m.-7 p.m. CHS Junior Parent Night-CHS Cafeteria
7 p.m. CHS Girls V BB-Crown Pt
7-8 p.m. District Parent Program: ‘Social Media & Our Kids’@WIS
Program above rescheduled to Wednesday, Jan. 29
Friday, January 24, 2020
10:30 -12:30 p.m. BA Frozen Friday
5:30 p.m. CHS Boys JV BB-Crown Pt.
7 p.m. CHS Boys V BB-Crown Pt.
6 p.m.-9 p.m. CHS Corn Hole Tournament Fundriaser for NHS-CHS Cafeteria
Saturday, January 25, 2020
8 a.m. CMS 7B Girls BB-Lincoln Jr. High, Plymouth, IN
8:30 a.m. CMS 7A Girls BB Invite-H
11 a.m. CHS Girls V SW-DAC JV Swim and Dive Meet-Lk Central
5 p.m. CHS Boys JV BB-South Bend Adams-H
6:30 p.m. CHS Boys V BB-South Bend Adams-H
Monday, January 27, 2020
6 p.m. CHS Girls Fr BB-East Chicago Central-H
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
4:30 p.m. CMS 7A&B Girls BB-Pierce-H
4:30 p.m. CMS 8A&B Girls BB-Pierce
5 p.m. CHS Girls JV BB-Knox
5:30 p.m. CHS Boys V SW-M'ville
6 p.m. CHS Girls V GYM-Mich. City
6:30 p.m. CHS Girls V BB-Knox
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
LIS Penny Wars Start
5 p.m. CHS Solo & Ensemble Recital Night
6 p.m. CHS Boys Fr BB-Bishop Noll
6 p.m. CHS Girls Fr BB-Bishop Noll-H
7-8 p.m. District Parent Program: ‘Social Media & Our Kids’@WIS
Thursday, January 30, 2020
4:30 p.m. CMS 7&8A Girls BB-Morgan Twp.-H
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys V WR-Trojan JV Scramble-H
6 p.m. CHS Boys Fr BB-Lk Central
6 p.m. CHS Boys V SW-Munster
6 p.m. CHS Girls V SW-Munster
Friday, January 31, 2020
5:30/7 p.m. CHS Boys JV/V BB-Lk Central
5:30/7 p.m. CHS Girls JV/V BB-Andrean-H
Saturday, February 1, 2020
9 a.m. CHS Boys V SW-DAC SW&D Champ. Meet -Valpo
9 a.m. CHS Boys V WR-IHSAA Sectional-LaPorte
11 a.m. CHS Girls V GYM Invitational-H
Monday, February 3, 2020
7:30-2:45 p.m. CHS Spring ISTEP Retakes
5 p.m. CMS 7A&B Girls BB-Wilbur Wright
5 p.m. CMS 8A&B Girls BB-Wilbur Wright-H
6 p.m. CHS Boys Fr BB-Valpo
Child Nutrition Services
To check out our school lunch menus click here
Not familiar with our Child Nutrition Services account payments and charging policy? Click here to view it now.
Have you read this month's publication of Nutrition Nuggets? This publication, a parent's guide to food and fitness for a healthy child, is available free on our Child Nutrition Services webpage.