This Week at Jackson
September 3rd
Pictures from Jackson
Labor Day Holiday
DSC COVID-19 Response Plan Level Change
For more information, please view the COVID-19 section of the newsletter below.
Beginning of the Year Testing Continues
The window will continue to remain open for NWEA testing.
As before, there is nothing you need to do out of the ordinary with your child. We only ask that children try their best.
Schoolwide Quarter Readers Program
Our new Quarter Readers Program intends to promote a love of reading and learning for all of Jackson’s students. We will be tracking and celebrating our readers as they earn quarter coupons by reading throughout the year. Description of the program:
1. Students will earn a quarter coupon for reading and demonstrating comprehension on 25 books (or the equivalent of 25 AR points; see “Definition of Book” below) each quarter.
2. When students finish a book, please help your child work on their reading comprehension by following the the rules supplied by each grade-level. To be developmentally appropriate, these rules will vary by grade-level.
3. Once the student has demonstrated comprehension, please write the title, then sign and date the books on the reverse of the provided reading log sheet.
4. Students may read more than 25 books per quarter. Students will receive an additional coupon if they do.
Definition of Book:
For our purposes, we are defining a book as something a child can finish in a single reading session. For books that must be divided over multiple sessions (chapter books, novels, etc.), a student will receive credit for the number of books equal to the book’s Accelerated Reader (AR) point value rounded to the nearest whole number. Many of our books have the AR points written into their pages; if you cannot find the value, please visit: arbookfind.com
For example, a kindergarten student might read Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar and count it as one book on the reading log. A fourth-grade student might read Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet which is worth 7.0 AR points; this student would receive credit for seven books on the reading log, as it takes considerably longer to read a novel than a picture book.
Developing Readers:
Students that are still developing their reading skills (TRC levels PC, RB, A-D) may receive credit for reading a book with their parents/guardians if they demonstrate comprehension.
School Pictures On September 30th
If you would like to order a yearbook, please be advised that this is the time to purchase one. There will not be any extra yearbooks available in the spring.
Birthday Party Celebrations
"Birthday & Other Celebrations--The elementary schools do not allow food-related treats (e.g. cupcakes, cookies, brownies, Rice Krispies treats, fruit snacks, pretzels, etc.) to be distributed at school for children’s birthdays and other celebrations. The elementary schools will continue to welcome the enjoyment of celebrating birthdays and other special events just without food. Families are not obligated or expected to provide items for birthday celebrations. However, if you wish to do so we suggest items such as pencils, stickers, or school supplies. Some families may choose to donate a book to the class that can be shared and kept in the classroom library or in the school’s Media Center. Any food items brought into school will be returned with the student to be sent home. Individual building personnel may send home additional guidelines and opportunities for celebrations that are building specific. Party invitations may not be distributed at school."
Please assist us in this by not sending invitations to school and by making sure that food items (cookies, crackers, gum, candy, etc.) are not included in treat bags.
Help us Nominate DSC Teachers of Excellence today!
View DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website.
Ready, Set, Kindergarten of Duneland
Parents As Teachers of Porter County is currently enrolling for Ready, Set, Kindergarten!!!
Ready, Set, Kindergarten is a program developed by Parents as Teachers of Porter County to provide school readiness skills to children who have had limited preschool experiences. RSK Duneland is being offered at all elementary schools within DSC.
RSK is a free kindergarten readiness class held once a week inside the elementary schools.
Please email rskclassroom@gmail.com for more information to enroll.
PTO Directory
Pack 924 is holding an Open House
2021-2022 Related Arts Rotation Calendars
Lunch Menu
DSC COVID-19 Response Plan Level Change
On Wednesday, Governor Holcomb released Executive Order 21-24 which directed the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to modify quarantine requirements for K-12 schools who mandate masks. The new guidelines indicate that when all individuals are masked, students and staff who are close contacts of a COVID-19 positive individual do not need to be quarantined unless experiencing symptoms. Instead, close contacts will monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days while they continue to attend school.
Reducing the number of quarantines is essential to preserving 5-day per week, in-person learning and co- and extra-curricular activities during the pandemic. Since school started, over 450 students have been in quarantine (3,600+ days of missed school). At this pace, DSC will quarantine more than 4,800 students this year (38,000+ days of missed school).
In an effort to keep schools open and minimize learning disruptions related to mandated quarantine rules, the Duneland School Corporation will move to the “Quarantine Caution” level in the DSC COVID-19 Response Plan and require masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status for all students, staff and visitors, effective Tuesday, September 7, 2021. The goal will be to remove the mask requirement as soon as it is plausible to do so.
This change follows an increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the school community and a significant increase in the number of students placed in quarantine. DSC schools are required to follow quarantine protocols established by the ISDH as outlined in the Governor’s executive order. By requiring masks, DSC looks to eliminate quarantines which will increase the likelihood of preserving 5-day per week, in-person learning and co- and extra-curricular activities during the pandemic.
Staff will provide students opportunities, as is allowed by state health protocols, to remove masks at appropriate times when eating, when 6-feet of social distancing is possible and while outdoors, as well as when participating in athletics.
The DSC COVID-19 Response Plan will remain a fluid document and can and will be changed as new information becomes available during the pandemic. DSC administration will continue to consult with Porter County Health Department, monitor active cases and adjust protocols as necessary.
Homecoming Parade Call-out
Homecoming Parade call-out: Homecoming is September 10!! Any local community groups and organizations interested in participating in the annual CHS Homecoming Parade on Friday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. should contact the CHS Assistant Principal’s Office by Wednesday, Sept. 8 by calling 983-3730, or emailing Assistant Principal Robert Blumenthal at rblumenthal@duneland.k12.in.us. Please provide the name of the group, the number of participants involved and what type of transportation will be used.
Parade Route & Royalty: The CHS homecoming parade will begin at 4 p.m. (lineup begins at 3 p.m.) on Friday, Sept. 10 from the Chesterton Middle School Pool Parking lot. The parade will leave the lot traveling east on Porter Avenue to Calumet, Calumet to Broadway, Broadway to Sixth and back to CMS. The parade will be followed by the CHS home game against LaPorte. Royalty will be crowned at halftime.
CHS Homecoming Block Party for the Community
The Duneland School community is invited to participate in the annual Homecoming Block Party sponsored by the Chesterton High School Student Government on Thursday, September 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the CHS Main Office Parking Lot - Door 1.
There will be various games and booth activities. Tickets may be purchased for games and events at $3 for 5 tickets or $5 for 10 tickets.
We are Searching for Candidates
The Duneland School Corporation is seeking candidates for the following positions:
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.
Relocating: Used Paper Retriever at CHS
Jackson Elementary School
Email: smarshall@duneland.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Domain/10
Location: 811 N 400 E, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA
Phone: (219) 983-3680
Facebook: facebook.com/JacksonElementaryDSC