DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, October 29, 2020 Vol. 55 No. 10
Message from the Superintendent...
Thank you for your efforts in helping to curb the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks, practicing social distancing, washing hands frequently and honoring isolation and quarantine recommendations. We are observing an increase in COVID-19 cases at the local, state and national level. Our medical experts indicate this is likely to continue during the winter months.
Contact Tracing and Quarantine
Each time there is a positive COVID-19 case within our schools, Duneland School Corporation (DSC) staff members conduct contact tracing measures in coordination with the Porter County Health Department (PCHD). To date, PCHD medical experts believe transmission of COVID-19 is not taking place within our schools. Exposures are happening outside of the school setting. As a result, both DSC and PCHD officials believe mitigation efforts are producing the desired result. Moving forward, it is anticipated that additional students and staff members will need to quarantine or isolate due to testing positive for COVID-19 or being designated a ‘close contact’ to someone that has tested positive. In instances where the entire classroom is determined to be in close contact with one another, it is reasonable to expect the entire class and teacher to be quarantined for a period of time. In that instance, it is plausible that the teacher could provide remote instruction to students while in quarantine.
State and Local Metrics
On October 14th, the PCHD adjusted school reentry benchmarks to align with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). Porter County has been back and forth between Blue and Yellow since DSC schools opened on August 28th and just this week Porter County entered the ISDH ‘Orange Zone’ on Wednesday, October 28th.
Indiana State Department of Health COVID-19 Information
Porter County Health Department Guidance
In collaboration with PCHD, DSC will remain at our current Level 3 plan of providing 4-days of in-person instruction per week as long as data indicates that spread of the virus is not being transmitted at school during Orange or Red designations. With that in mind, there may be times in which a one to two-week ‘reset’ at a school building(s) is needed. A reset may be implemented to allow for increased mitigation efforts of students and staff while allowing active cases and/or elevated isolations/quarantines to subside.
School Reset Criteria:
- One (1) percent of the combined total of in-person students and staff have an active COVID-19 case (minimum of four active cases per building) AND/OR
- Evidence that transmission may be happening within the classroom or school and cannot be maintained without school-wide quarantine OR
- DSC is unable to appropriately staff a building due to an elevated number of isolations and/or quarantines impacting employees.
Unless receiving direction from PCHD or ISDH to close a school to prevent the current rate of spread, DSC will continue to operate under the reset criteria listed above during an Orange or Red designation.
Communication
Throughout the pandemic, DSC has issued a telephone call to all families of an impacted school and an email to all DSC students, families and staff every time an in-person student or staff member reports a positive test result for COVID-19. Moving forward, DSC will only send out an email to notify students, families and staff of an active case, though those needing to quarantine will be directly contacted. This adjustment is being made to preserve the phone messaging system for school-based emergencies that may need immediate attention or action except for the one-time per week communication sent from the principal of the school. As a reminder, All COVID-19 cases are documented on the DSC website.
Mitigation Efforts
Thank you to students, families and staff for following necessary protocols when out in public and around others outside of your immediate household. We must continue to work together to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Your support is critical for schools to remain open as we move into the winter months.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chip Pettit
Superintendent of Schools
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
CHS WINS THREE SEMISTATES ON SATURDAY!
Boys & Girls Cross Country Teams are Semistate Champs
Both teams will advance to the State Finals at LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terra Haute next Saturday. Girls will run at 10:30 a.m. Central Time and the Boys at 2 p.m. Central Time.
(Student masks were removed momentarily to achieve a team photo for this achievement)
CHS Boys Soccer Team Semistate Champs
Pictured are front row, left to right, Nick Biel and Charlie Eaton. Row 2, John Kovalan, Gavin Baile, Ryan O'Dell, Liam Grimes, Josh Wadowski, Kevin McCoy, Danny Serianni, Tommy Oros, Eric Sparks, Jacob Perkins and Sebatian Kogl. Row 3, Ethan Schlyer, Ethan Boedeker, Benicio Alvarez, Zack Bowser, Matt Lane, Anthony McCrovitz, Quin Haggerty, Josh Pearson, Will Auricchio and Matteo Guerrero. Back row, Asst. Coach Tom Biel, Athletic Traner Marnee Smith, Asst. Coach Scott Bartlett, Hayden Stott, Kaden Donnella, David Jugovic, Gage Kruper, matt Marmolejo, Gage Torres, Manager Vinnie Campaniello, Head Coach Lucas Sabedra and Asst. Coach Austin Haire.
(Student masks were removed momentarily to achieve a team photo for this achievement)
GO TROJANS!
Liberty Intermediate Student Council 2020-2021
(Student masks were removed momentarily for each individual student photo)
CHS Students Honored as 'Students of the Quarter'
The Porter County Career Center recognized four Chesterton High School students as ‘Students of the Quarter’ for their work in career and technical fields during the 1st 9-week grading period. Students recognized for outstanding work are: Allison Dumelle (Health Occupations), Kennedy Olson (Cosmetology), Evan Sprang (Automotive) and Riley Stasny (Machining). College and Career Ready!!
Allison Dumelle
Health Occupations Program
Kennedy Olson
Cosmotology
Evan Sprang
Automotive Program
STAFF RECOGNITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Duneland Schools Honor Special Education Teacher Retiree
Duneland Schools will recognize Lorie Morgan, a Porter County Education Services faculty member serving at Liberty Elementary for the past 14 years, who decided to retire in September. Her years of service will be recognized by the Duneland School Board at their regular meeting on Monday, November 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chesterton Middle School Auditorium.
Lorie Morgan – Special Education Teacher serving Liberty Elementary (14 years)
Lorie received her undergraduate degree from Concordia College in Seward Nebraska and her graduate degree from Valparaiso University.
She began teaching in 1980 in Lutheran Schools in Arizona and Illinois. She took a break from teaching and worked as a resident hall director at Valparaiso University. She also worked at Porter Starke Services as an experiential therapist and then a teacher and education supervisor in the day treatment program for children in grades 2-12. From there she transitioned to Porter County Education Services (PCES) and taught at Special Education Learning Facility (SELF) school in Valparaiso for two years before being assigned to serve at Liberty Elementary. Lorie worked with children with behavioral and emotional challenges for 11 of her 14 years at Liberty Elementary.
Lorie stated that teaching at Liberty was full of blessings. It provided opportunities to build relationships with amazing students and co-workers, working with leaders who were dedicated to do what was best for each child, and caring teachers who were driven on developing the whole child – academically, emotionally, and socially. She also added that having the unending support of co-workers, principals, and the special education team made being at Liberty the best place to be. She will always feel like Liberty is her school and she will be popping in regularly whether they want to see her or not!!
In-School Student Day on Wednesday, November 4
View the updated DSC Calendar to see the changes that reflect the transition to Level 3.
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 from Level 1 start times). 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
COVID-19 Dashboard
The DSC administration has established a COVID-19 dashboard that can always be found on our COVID-19 Support Center webpage. This dashboard will be updated as active cases are announced and/or as they are 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 postings.
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 two different instructional models (remote and in-person) or 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
TONIGHT'S EVENT!
Chesterton High School (CHS) Student Government will host an outside Halloween Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, October 29 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the CHS front parking on the south side of Entrance #1, 2125 S.11th Street.
All ages are welcome to attend. The event is free of charge, but donations will be taken and proceeds will go to an anti-bullying charity.
All participants will be required to wear masks in the Trunk or Treat area and the participating clubs will be wearing masks and gloves. Efforts will be made to ensure proper distancing. Parking for the event will be available in the front north parking lot and in the northwest parking lot by Entrance #34.
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.
Quick Reference Guide for Attendance
School Meals TO GO!
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a waiver to allow all children under the age of 18 to receive school meals at no cost. This program is now in effect.
In-person Learning Model Students
All students participating in the in-person learning model can pick up a free meal during breakfast and lunch daily Monday-Friday (M-F)when at their school. On days that those students are remote learning from home, their meals can be picked up following the Remote Learning Model instructions listed below.
Remote Learning Model Students
All students in the remote learning model will be able to pick up daily free meals between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the following sites:
Liberty Intermediate - 50 West 900 North
Enter the parking area at the west entrance (next to Liberty Elementary), follow the horse shoe left around the parking spaces. Pick up is at the Main Entrance of the Intermediate School.
Westchester Intermediate - 1050 S. 5th St.
Enter Parking area from 5th Street. Follow drive to the right at the fork. Circle around the median to pick up meals at door #8.
Yost Elementary - 100 W. Beam St.
Enter parking area from Beam St. Go left down the hill. Stay left of the cones and follow drive around to back of the building for meal pickup at the Food Service Entrance.
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 remember that if your child receives their free meal when they are in-school, parents are not allowed to also pick up a meal for that same child at the mobile pickup location on the same day.
Visit this link to see the Menu for Remote Learning
OCTOBER REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
Positive Life Program
The Positive Life Program provides opportunities for students to learn about positive approaches to life. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug addiction prevention and awareness education is a priority when it comes to our students making lifelong healthy decisions. In fact, the program provides K-12 prevention and awareness education. This information is shared with students through presentations from recovering addicts, addiction counselors, Porter County coroner, informational programs from the Community Action Drug Coalition and Porter County Substance Abuse Council. Substance abuse classes also visit the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. Anti-bullying campaigns and social acceptance for all are priorities as well.
For more referendum information, go to: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
(The photo above is not a current photo and features a Positive Life sponsored program from a past school year)
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY & IT SUPPORT
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.
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.
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
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 2020-2021 Calendar for Level 3 Transition
The 2020-2021 Duneland School Corporation Calendar has been updated for the Transition to Level 3 and 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
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
Register for Chesterton Elementary Wrestling League
The Chesterton Elementary Wrestling League are currently conducting online sign-ups through Saturday, October 31. See https://chestertonwrestlingclub.com for details. The program is open to boys and girls attending any school within the Duneland School System district boundaries in grades K-6. The league meets Mondays and Thursdays (except Thanksgiving) from Nov. 2 through Dec.11 from 5:45–7:00 p.m. in the CHS Wrestling Room. Participants will receive instruction from high school coaches and wrestlers, and includes friendship meets with other clubs. The league is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of wrestling as well as further develop the skills of more experienced wrestlers. Entire cost for the program is $100. For additional info contact Chris Joll at cjoll@duneland.k12.in.us
Numbers will be capped so pre-registration is important. It is preferred that participants be dropped off or that only one other family member waits at practice. Masks will be worn in accordance with USA Wrestling Guidelines.
Help Promote WDSO 88.3 FM Radio by Ordering a T-Shirt/Hoodie
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This calendar of events is subject to change
Thursday, October 29, 2020
CMS Virtual Book Fair
3 p.m. 1st Quarter Report Cards Available
4:30-6:30 p.m. CHS Family Trunk or Treat-front parking lot of CHS
Friday, October 30, 2020
CMS Virtual Book Fair
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. LIS Fall Book Fair
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. CHS Picture RETAKE day/ Fully Remote Picture Day
TBD CHS Boys JV/V SCR-IHSAA State Finals-Grand Park-Westfield
6:30 p.m. CHS Boys V FB Sectionals-Penn-H
Saturday, October 31, 2020
CMS Virtual Book Fair
4 p.m. (CST) CHS Boys JV/V SCR-IHSAA State Finals-Fishers
10:30 a.m. (CST) CHS Girls V CC-IHSAA State XC Championships-Terre Haute
2 p.m. (CST) CHS Boys V CC-IHSAA State XC Championships-Terre Haute
Sunday, November 1, 2020
CMS Virtual Book Fair
Monday, November 2, 2020
CMS Virtual Book Fair
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. LIS Fall Book Fair
6 p.m. Duneland School Board Meeting-Adm. Ctr.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Election Day (eLearning Day)
CMS Virtual Book Fair (Last Day)
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
In-School Student Day due to eLearning Day on Nov. 3
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. LIS Fall Book Fair
8:45 a.m. LIS Veterans Day Program
Thursday, November 5, 2020
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. LIS Fall Book Fair
5:30/7 p.m. CHS Girls JV BB-Highland-H
7 p.m. CHS Girls V BB -Highland-H
Friday, November 6, 2020
7:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. LIS Fall Book Fair
11:30 a.m. -12:45 p.m. LIS Cocoa Fridays
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