WIS Weekly
August 29, 2022
A Message From Mr. Longacre
Who do we value and teach? Our Kids!
Who do we support at home, in school, and in the community? Our Kids!
Who will shape the future of our society and our world in the years to come? Our Kids!
Dear Families,
A new social media fad has recently been brought to the attention of Duneland School administrators. The fad is called “Dunking” and frequently takes place in schools. It is often recorded for posting on social media sites in the hopes of gaining attention, likes, or popularity. Despite what its name implies, dunking has nothing directly to do with basketball. Instead, dunking is an act of violence perpetrated by one or more individuals on an often unsuspecting victim. The goal of the attacker is to strike the victim with as many hits as possible in just a few seconds, causing the victim to collapse, trip, or otherwise lose balance and fall to the ground. The event is typically recorded by a witness as “proof” that an attack took place. Attackers may or may not know the victim, and incidents of dunking have affected both genders.
I want to emphasize that dunking is a form of bullying, and bullying or any behavior of physical violence is expressly forbidden-- It will not be tolerated at Westchester. As stated in our student handbook, students are expected to be respectful, responsible, and safe at all times. At no time should students engage in negative behaviors or acts of aggression that humiliate, intimidate, or harm another student. All students have the right to a positive school experience that enhances their cognitive, physical, and social/emotional well-being. Any student(s) who targets and interferes with another student’s ability to participate in and benefit from the services, activities, and benefits of our school will be dealt with swiftly.
I also want to remind parents that Westchester staff members remain vigilant in the classroom, hallways, and places on our school campus where students congregate. Because Our Kids deserve the benefits of a gentle and kind environment, I’m asking parents and families to partner with us in reinforcing these values. Please share with your child our school expectations and discuss the importance of individual integrity, especially when they are with their peer group.
More information regarding behavior and consequences can be found in the Duneland Intermediate Schools handbook located on our Westchester Intermediate School website under the “Our School” tab (https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/cms/lib/IN01001867/Centricity/Domain/295/IntermediateHandbook.pdf)
As always, please reach out to me anytime.
Mr. Longacre
***********************************
Health News
************************************
Immunization
Health Curriculum
Fentanyl Awareness
***********************************
WIS ANNOUNCEMENTS
***********************************
Robotics Call-out Meeting
If at all interested in robotics, go to the parent-student meeting and get your application in by August 29!
Thank you!
Spell Bowl Contestants
It’s time to prepare for the 2022 WIS Spell Bowl! 5th and 6th grade students may try out on Monday, August 29th in Mrs. Mitchell’s room (141) 3:15-3:45 PM. When tryouts are over, students may be picked up at the main entrance (8) on the north side of WIS. We will wait outside on the porch if the weather permits. Otherwise, we will remain in the building until we see your car.
The spell bowl team will be announced on AM 8:15 on Friday, September 2nd.
The 2022 Spell Bowl competition will be held on Monday, November 14th at Dold Gym, Washington Township Elementary School. More information about the competition will be provided to team members.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Calvert at scalvert@duneland.k12.in.us or Mrs. Mitchell at smitchell@duneland.k12.in.us.
Spell Bowl Dates
Tryouts: Monday, August 29, 2022 (3:15-3:45)
Practices: (3:15-3:45)
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Monday, September 12, 2022
Monday, September 19, 2022
Monday, September 26, 2022
Monday, October 3, 2022
Monday, October 10, 2022
Monday, October 17, 2022
Monday, October 24, 2022
Monday, October 31, 2022
Monday, November 7, 2022
Competition: Monday, November 14, 2022 (5:30 PM)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My WIS student has permission to stay after school for tryouts for the 2022 WIS Spell Bowl Team.
Student Name ______________________________________
Guardian Signature __________________________________
_____ I will pick up my student by the front door at 3:45 PM.
Or
_____ My student has permission to walk or ride a bike home after tryouts.
Choir Call-out
NORA
Westchester Intermediate School
Nora Project
Parent/Guardian Information Night
The Nora Project was started in 2016 to provide an empathy-based curriculum to schools. In 2018 WIS became a Nora Project school and will again maintain this status for the 2022-2023 school-year. This after school program focuses on teaching empathy, how to focus on how to be a good friend to everyone, gain a better understanding of disability awareness, disability history, how to tell their stories, and gain skills in documentary film making.
You are invited to our Parent/Guardian Information Night to find out more about the program and how your child (and yourself) can become a part of making our school a great place to be for everyone. We would love to see you there.
Where: Westchester Intermediate School Cafeteria-- Enter on North Side, Door 8
When: Monday, August 29th at 5:00 p.m.
Any questions? Please email me:
Brian Doolin (WIS teacher and Nora School Leader)
Title I Program
***********************************
Reminders
***********************************
Look in SKYWARD for...
Car Riders: Drop Off / Pick Up... Update!
*Drop off students at door 8 (north side)=> Please do not drop off before 7:45 am.
*Pick up students at door 8 (north side)=> Post name tag near passenger side windshield.
*When entering from 5th St., take an immediate right into the student drop off / pick up lanes.
*Cones will be placed to indicate where cars should stop.
*Officer Shauna and teachers will be out assisting with traffic flow=> Please follow directions.
Walkers / Bikers
Door 2 opens at 7:45 am. No bike riding on school campus.
Parents, Don't Forget...
Hungry students can start their day in the cafeteria
Bring a Smile on Thursday, Sept. 8
The link below will take parents directly to the order.
Report updated immunization status to nurse Tina
Wait... Don't throw that empty Coca-Cola away! Help make great things happen for WIS.
***********************************
In the Classroom
***********************************
5th Grade Curriculum
Language Arts
- This week in Language Arts we started the week with our Beginning of Year NWEA benchmark assessments. This helps us to track growth and progress throughout the year, as well as focus on specific target skills. The students were excited when we were able to get back into reading with this week’s IRA titled “Smoky Night” and our return to reading our class novel Swindle. At this point, students are getting comfortable with discussing themes of stories, connections between characters, and how changes in characters impact the plot of a story. We also discussed the writing trait of voice.
- Next week we will continue reading Swindle, two more IRA stories on the theme of Empathy, and also learn more about the trait of organization in our writing.
For review:
Describe the character traits of a few of the characters in Swindle.
Explain how you cite the text while you are working and answering the questions.
- This week's priority standards:
I can determine the theme of a story, play, or poem by using evidence from the text.
I can describe characters, settings, or events in a story or play using specific details from a text.
I can identify how the characters, events, and settings affect the plot.
I can make inferences/draw conclusions from a text.
I can accurately quote a text to support my inferences.
I can explain how a character’s response to challenges in a text impact the theme.
I can summarize a story, play, or poem in my own words.
Math
- Last week: We took NWEA on Monday and started out first unit on Place Value of Decimal Numbers. We learned a few new games that support learning.
- This week: We will take a quiz on decimal place value on Thursday. This will include number forms, comparing, percents, and rounding.
Social Studies
Students will receive their textbooks in class this week, and we will begin a geography unit. If your student is absent, please have her/him/they check Canvas. If your student has any missing work, it can still be submitted through Canvas.
Science
- In science, students continued to learn about the scientific method and scientific tools. The students spent some time completing various tasks with the appropriate tools for the job. Please encourage your student to share what tool was most liked!
6th Grade Curriculum
Language Arts
Sixth grade ELA students will continue their practice of finding theme and central idea in text. This week they will add evidence to their responses.
- Students will also be coming home with their “Reader’s Notebooks” and their first book club book.
Math
This week 6th grade math students took their first CFA and NWEA/MAP tests. Students have been asked to make a couple of academic goals for this quarter. Students' goals need to be SMART (specific, measureable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Many of the goals center on multiplication and division facts. Students are encouraged to use flash cards, IXL, Get More Math, and the following site to practice -
The NWEA/MAP (measure of academic progress) test provides great information about students strengths and areas that need improvement. Students are encouraged to use IXL to focus on specific areas that need practice.
Monday students will take a summative assessment over decimals (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). Students will then move on to fractions.
Social Studies
This week we will be studying the six themes in world history: human-environment interaction, rise of civilizations, growth and changes in societies, development of political institutions and ideas, belief systems, and interconnectedness of societies. Studying history with these themes in mind will help students make connections among events and interpret the past.
Science
- This week in 6th grade science, we are doing a lab on the Mobius Strip to work on improving communications skills by writing good hypotheses and conclusions. We will also be borrowing a Science Olympiad even to use in class called "Write it-Do it" which we modified for the classroom. The purpose of this activity is to improve communication skills when writing. We are going to work on conversion of measurements within the metric system as well. On Friday, we will have the first science test. We will work on preparing for this exam during the week also.
Related Arts... ALL RELATED ARTS WILL ROTATE THIS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST.
- This week in music class, fifth graders and sixth graders are learning folk songs from around the world on the xylophones and glockenspiels.
- Fifth graders will be learning rhythm counting techniques.
- Sixth graders will be reinforcing their note reading skills.
Art
- 5th grade art classes will be wrapping up their Reversed Painting Portraits and
- 6th grade will be completing their Personalized Digital Shoe Project.
- We will welcome our new rotation of students on September 1st!
PE
- This week in PE students will be finishing our frisbee unit with Ultimate Frisbee. On Thursday, new students will come to PE. We will start to learn our routines and procedures, and then play some fun games.
***********************************
Technology
***********************************
Tech Help
Westchester is committed to supporting students' use of technology. To get your problems solved as fast as possible, choose one of the following methods:
- Open a new Freshservice ticket online:
- 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
- Contact Westchester's tech aide (Mrs. Michael) in WIS Library/Media at 219-983-3710 or fmichael@duneland.k12.in.us.
iPad Use in the class
*Students should keep the devices in operable condition and refrain from downloading apps, pics, etc. that are not permitted under school and/or corporation policy.
*Students are required to bring their charged iPads to class unless directed otherwise by their teachers. 5th and 6th grade curriculum is designed to utilize iPads for lessons and enrichment activities.
Cell Phones, Earbuds & Earphones Usage
***********************************
General WIS Updates
***********************************
Construction
Parent Teacher Organization
***********************************
Corporation Announcements
***********************************
Duneland Schools Resources
Community Opportunities
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
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.
2022-2023 School Calendar
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
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/
Spell Bowl
It’s time to prepare for the 2022 WIS Spell Bowl! 5th and 6th grade students may try out on Monday, August 29th in Mrs. Mitchell’s room (141) 3:15-3:45 PM. When tryouts are over, students may be picked up at the main entrance (8) on the north side of WIS. We will wait outside on the porch if the weather permits. Otherwise, we will remain in the building until we see your car.
The spell bowl team will be announced on AM 8:15 on Friday, September 2nd.
The 2022 Spell Bowl competition will be held on Monday, November 14th at Dold Gym, Washington Township Elementary School. More information about the competition will be provided to team members.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Calvert at scalvert@duneland.k12.in.us or Mrs. Mitchell at smitchell@duneland.k12.in.us.
Spell Bowl Dates
Tryouts: Monday, August 29, 2022 (3:15-3:45)
Practices: (3:15-3:45)
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Monday, September 12, 2022
Monday, September 19, 2022
Monday, September 26, 2022
Monday, October 3, 2022
Monday, October 10, 2022
Monday, October 17, 2022
Monday, October 24, 2022
Monday, October 31, 2022
Monday, November 7, 2022
Competition: Monday, November 14, 2022 (5:30 PM)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My WIS student has permission to stay after school for tryouts for the 2022 WIS Spell Bowl Team.
Student Name ______________________________________
Guardian Signature __________________________________
_____ I will pick up my student by the front door at 3:45 PM.
Or
_____ My student has permission to walk or ride a bike home after tryouts.