DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, October 21, 2021 Vol. 56 No. 13
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Board Recognizes National Merit Commended Students
The Duneland School Board recognized four Chesterton High School seniors who were named Commended Students in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program at a meeting hosted this past Monday evening.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2021 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2022 competition by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
Those students available for recognition at Monday's meeting were, left to right, Maxwell Grimley and Hannah Estridge. Absent from photos is Madelin Billings and Eric Sparks.
(DSC photo - Masks were removed momentarily to achieve a photo of the recipients)
Tri-M Music Honor Society
The 2021-2022 Tri-M Music Honor Society Inductees are, left to right, Lydia Comfort, Giovanni DePasquale, Sylvia Coslov, Jorana Banseviciute, Julia Dietrich, Madelin Billings, Bridget Wisdom, Abbigail Atrosh, Emily Willis, Aubrey Torres, Mary Toms, Cadence Orange, Kassidy Miller and Hailey Jalovecky. Absent from photo is Melissa Cook, Amelie Dejesus, Brayden Gray and Abigail Redman.
Boys Soccer – Regional Champions!
Congratulations to the Boys Soccer Team on winning the IHSAA Regional Championship again! At Munster they defeated the #17 Mustangs this past Thursday night with a final score of 3-1. The team traveled to Goshen and defeated the #12 South Bend Adams Eagles 2-0 on Saturday afternoon to win back-to-back regional championships.
The Trojans will advance to the Semi-State Finals in Kokomo on Saturday, October 23 to play the #1 Noblesville Millers. Game time will be 4:00 p.m. CST at Kokomo High School turf Football Stadium (Walter Cross Field) at Kokomo High School on the north side of the school, 2501 Berkley Rd., Kokomo, In., 46902.
Tickets will be sold at the gate which will open an hour before the game starts and will be $10. There will be no online ticket sales for this event so be sure to show up early so you don’t miss any of the game while you have to wait in line to get your ticket.
Girls Varsity Cross Country finishes 1st in Regional; Semi-State Saturday
The Lady Trojans competed in the IHSAA Regional Cross Country Meet at Sunset Hill on Saturday. The Lady Trojans finished first as a team, winning back to back regional titles. It was a close meet with the Valparaiso Viking, 49-52. We had four girls place in the top 11. Bailey Ranta (3rd), Catherine White (5th), Ciara Bonner (8th), and Grace Carpenter (11th). Our other runners included Bella Smith (22nd), Addison Leady (27th) and Caroline Mills (39th).
The Lady Trojans are back in action Saturday, October 23 competing in the New Prairie Semi-State. The top six (6) teams advance to the IHSAA State Meet on October 30. The semi-state meet will start at 10:30 a.m. with the boys race, followed by the girls race at 11:15 a.m.
GO TROJANS!!!
eLearning Day Nov. 2 / Parent-Teacher Conferences K-6
All Duneland School students will participate in eLearning on Tuesday, Nov. 2 due to elections at the schools. This year, Parent-Teacher conferences for grades K-6 will also be hosted on this day from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. During the eLearning day, time for office hours will be available. Parent/Guardians may request a conference, or school personnel may request a conference with parents. Specific information regarding conferences is being communicated by each of the schools.
CHS Speech & Debate Hosts Annual Variety Show Fundraiser
Chesterton High School will host their annual Variety Show on Friday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
The event, talent show meets sketch comedy night, is an annual fundraiser for the Speech and Debate team and entertainment for the community. Chesterton's most talented students compete for cash prizes while the audience enjoys sketch comedy between acts, written and performed by the Speech and Debate Team. Judges will be randomly picked from the audience before the show begins.
Tickets will be available at the door for $10 each; or for $5 presale at the Front Access Desk at Entrance #1 during normal school hours.
Additionally, an online Will-Call option is available for people to reserve tickets for the day-of reservations. Use the link above or the QR code.
Fall Recess - Friday, October 22
DSC Enrollment Equity Committee to Create Balance at Intermediate/Middle School Campuses
In the fall of 2023, the Duneland School Corporation (DSC) will serve students in grades 5-8 at renovated Liberty and Westchester campuses. Each school will serve 900-1,000 students. Without making any adjustments to current school enrollment boundaries, Westchester would have close to 1,000 students and Liberty would have just over 700 students. In order to provide maximum opportunities for all students, DSC will look to establish enrollment equity at each of the two schools.
In an effort to develop an equitable enrollment plan, DSC will form a committee consisting of parents, community members, teachers, principals, district administrators and one or two school board members. This committee will be responsible for developing options regarding possible elementary, intermediate and middle school attendance boundary adjustments for the DSC. Ideally, the goal is to have the same elementary school students matriculate to the same intermediate and middle schools as they do currently; however, the change will impact some of the elementary school boundaries as the committee strives for enrollment equity in these new 5-8 schools.
The committee will be charged with developing a proposal in the Fall of 2021 to be sent to the Superintendent for consideration and ultimately, to the DSC School Board for approval. Robert McDermott, Assistant Superintendent, will serve as the facilitator for the committee. The committee structure is as follows:
Facilitator -1
District Administrators – 2
Building Principals – 5
Teachers – 4
Parents – 15 (three per elementary school)
Community Members – 2
School Board Members – 1 or 2
Committee Responsibilities - The Enrollment Equity Committee is charged with developing options regarding possible elementary, intermediate and middle school attendance boundary adjustments for the DSC.
The committee will recommend boundary adjustments that conform to the following parameters:
Each school should have a total student population consistent with the number of classrooms planned to serve the general population, exclusive of rooms set aside for other uses.
When possible, recommended boundaries should take into consideration space to accommodate anticipated enrollment growth.
Consideration should be given to all schools’ demographic profiles during the attendance boundary development process.
Changes from the present attendance boundaries should be minimized.
Students with disabilities should be placed in accordance with applicable laws with consideration given to appropriate services, specialized spaces, and sound educational practices that meet students’ identified needs.
All students within the new attendance boundaries shall be required to attend their assigned school except when approved through the pre-defined DSC transfer processes where transportation is not provided.
Student travel time on school transportation should be considered.
The committee will make progress reports to the Superintendent periodically as they work toward the goal of bringing forward a final enrollment equity recommendation by December 31, 2021.
If interested in participating in this process, please email Bridget Martinson, director of Public Relations and Marketing.
Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31
The National Family Partnership sponsored Red Ribbon Week, scheduled October 23-31, is the nation's largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign. In an effort to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities, many of the Duneland Schools are participating in this year’s National Red Ribbon Week Theme, Drug Free Looks Like Me, by scheduling activities/events at their schools. This theme is a reminder that everyday Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free!
Inclement Weather Information - School Closing/Delay Procedures
As we approach the winter season, please review the procedures for school closings and/or delays that may occur due to inclement weather. The decision to close school and engage in an eLearning day or alter the school day is done after collaborating with multiple district personnel, local, state departments and agencies, including: law enforcement, national weather service, highway/street departments, and transportation. In addition, other Porter County school districts are consulted due to partnerships that impact special education and career-technical education students.
Decisions about school delays due to inclement weather will be made as early as possible. In some instances, a school cancellation may follow a two-hour delay. In the event of a two-hour delay followed by a cancellation, we will do our best to make the decision to cancel school before 9:00 a.m. Delay or cancellation information will be delivered through the Skylert notification system. These notifications are based on the contact information provided in the General category within your Skylert notification system. Please review and update (if necessary) your contact information to receive these notifications. School closing/delay information will also be posted on the DSC website (www.duneland.k12.in.us) and sent to the following media outlets:
Radio: WAKE 1500 AM; Indiana 105.5 FM; WEFM 95.9 FM; WDSO 88.3 FM; WGN Radio 720;
WBBM Newsradio 780
TV Channels: 2, 5, 7, 9, 32, CLTV news
Websites: www.cancellations.com; www.emergencyclosingcenter.com
The following options will be considered during weather emergencies:
Option 1: Start of the school day will be delayed 2-hours. Delayed start times are:
Elementary - 10:00 a.m.
Intermediate - 10:15 a.m.
Middle School - 9:50 a.m.
High School - 9:40 a.m.
Option 2: Students will not report to school; students will participate in inclement weather eLearning day
Option 3: Schools will dismiss early
DSC COVID-19 Support Center
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). Daily dashboard emails will not be sent to families and/or staff members this school year. 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.
DSC Response Plan 2021-2022
Help us Nominate DSC Teachers of Excellence today!
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 DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website.
Long-Term Capital Improvement Updates
At the DSC School Board meeting on Monday, October 4, school board members and the public were updated on the progress of site plans and floor plan concepts for Liberty and Westchester Intermediate/Middle Schools.
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.
Yost Elementary and the two 5-8 buildings (LIS/WIS) will be the first locations to begin construction in early 2022.
Community members may review the current Long-Term Capital Improvements information that will be continuously updated on the DSC website.
DSC Strategic Plan Timelines
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
Recycling Art: Porter County Students Invited to Join America Recycles Day Contest
Recycled art is at the spotlight as the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County kick-starts America Recycles Day celebrations with an invitation to an upcycle art contest for Porter County students.
The contest is open to all K-12 grade level students in Porter County. This year’s theme prompts “What Can You Create with Recycled Materials?” Porter County students are asked to create projects using recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, newspapers, aluminum cans and more.
1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners will be selected by the Recycling & Waste Reduction District. Top place winning students will nominate a teacher that’s inspired their project. Selected teachers will receive $100.00 eBay gift card for classroom purchases.
Winning artwork will be showcased on selected billboards across Porter County and also featured within the Times of Northwest Indiana print and digital publications.
“This is a great opportunity for students to explore and reuse recyclable goods in everyday living and tap into their creativity,” said Keri Marrs Barron, Executive Director of Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County.
America Recycles Day held annually on November 15, is the only recognized date in the U.S dedicated to celebrating the importance of recycling. The date has also been formerly known as National Recycling Day and began on November 15, 1994.
Porter County students are encouraged to recycle more and recycle right.
“Recycling everyday objects, such as newspaper, bottles and magazines saves energy and helps our environment in Porter County. We encourage all students to be mindful of the items they consume, and understand ways on how to properly recycle products,” said Keri Marrs Barron, Executive Director of Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County.
For more information on official contest entry and submission guidelines contact the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County at (219) 510-1124, or visit www.PorterCountyRecycling.org.
Trick or Treat at CHS on October 28
Chesterton High School Student Government is hosting the annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat on Thursday, October 28 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The event will take place INSIDE the CHS Building this year. Those attending should enter at Entrance #1. Proper face masks are required.
Chesterton Wrestling Club
Parent Meeting for CHS Marine Bio Trip for Grades 9-12
For 15 years, the Chesterton High School Marine Biology program has conducted a summer SCUBA diving trip to Key Largo, FL under the direction of CHS teachers Dan Paff and Adam Schultz.
A special opportunity to participate in this program is now being offered to all current CHS students in grades grades 9-12. The dates for the 2022 summer program are June 23 - 27.
This educational trip will focus on marine ecology. Students will learn about coral reefs, seagrass/mangrove systems, fish identification, and ecosystem functioning. Instruction will be given through lectures, labs, and field work (SCUBA/snorkel). This is a great opportunity for students to get a hands-on approach to marine science and ecology, all while enjoying five (5) days SCUBA diving in the Florida Keys. If a student has ever wanted to become a SCUBA diver or wanted to learn more about marine science, this is the perfect program opportunity.
A parent meeting for this program will be hosted on Thursday, October 21 at 6:00 p.m. at CHS Room C593 for all those interested in this great opportunity. Attendees please use Entrance #1. Anyone who would would like more information prior to the meeting should contact Mr. Paff (dpaff@duneland.k12.in.us) or Mr. Schultz (aschultz@duneland.k12.in.us).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
TIP LINE
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
Skyward Family Access Quick Guide
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 Oct. 18-22 or click the menu links below.
SCHOOL PICTURE INFORMATION
Photo Retake Dates
BA - Nov. 5
BR - Oct. 26 Link to order: mylifetouch.com School Id: EVTNCBRD7
JA - Nov. 16
LES - Nov. 18
YO - Nov. 18
LIS - Oct. 26
WIS - Oct. 28
CMS - Oct. 28 Link to order is: https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/60171M
CHS - Oct. 15 Link to order is: https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/60116C
2021 Hall of Fame Nominations
The Chesterton Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2021 Alumnus, Teacher, Administrator, and Support Staff Hall of Fame. Plans are to honor recipients at an annual Alumni Association Dinner Banquet in May 2022.
“Many accomplished and dedicated individuals are not necessarily in the public eye; they are the unsung heroes and quiet warriors among us impacting students and staff every day,” said Jim Hall, CHS Alumni president. “The 2021 recognition committee invites alumni, community members, parents and others throughout the Duneland community to submit their nominations.”
Please consider nominating a candidate for Alumnus, Teacher, Administrator, and Support Staff based on the following qualities:
Excellence
Leadership
Respect
Exceptional Contributions
Citizenship
Giving Back
Collaboration
Courageous Acts
Advocacy
The CHS Alumni Association is accepting nominations for 2021 year through Wednesday, December 15 at 3 p.m. Those that wish to submit one nominee for each category must use separate nomination forms.
Nomination forms will also be available for pick up at the Duneland School Corporation Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Avenue, weekdays from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Completed nominations may be submitted electronically to CHSalumniassociation@duneland.k12.in.us; by mailing to CHS Alumni Association,
PO Box 1063, Chesterton, IN 46304; or by dropping off the at the Duneland Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Avenue, Chesterton.
Link to fillable nomination form (Just fill-out and print)
DSC Now Hiring..
The Duneland School Corporation is seeking candidates for the following positions:
NEW!!!
Chesterton Middle School is seeking candidates to fill the following long-term sub positions for entire second semester of 2021-2022.
- Foreign Language Teacher – Maternity Leave
- Math Teacher – Maternity Leave
These positions and more are available on the Duneland School Corporation employment website. Apply online at Click to apply online
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.
Ready, Set, Kindergarten Registration for 2021-2022
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
- 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.
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.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
District events are available on the Duneland School website at www.duneland.k12.in.us. Click on CALENDAR at the top of the page for a month by month calendar. You can even customize the calendar to see events for the schools your students attend.
OCTOBER REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) is a challenging two-year program for juniors and seniors that focuses on an internationally-minded education. In congruence with other CHS courses, students take a combination of six IB classes, along with a “core” that involves an extended essay, a Theory of Knowledge course, and a service learning component called CAS, which stands for Creativity, Action, and Service. DP graduates boast higher rates of acceptance to universities across the nation. As well, due to the comprehensive skill development DP students encounter, they are better able to adjust to the rigors of university coursework compared to their non-DP counterparts.
For more referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
NorthShore Clinic for ALL DSC Students located at CMS
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:
Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 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 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.
DuneNews
The DuneNews is emailed each Thursday afternoon to all Duneland families through their school related email address. It is also posted on our website at www.duneland.k12.in.us/dune-news along with all archived issues; and on the DSC Facebook and Twitter. If you are not receiving your emailed issue of the DuneNews each week please email Bridget Martinson.
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