CMS Friday Focus
CHESTERTON MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - September 3, 2021
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.
Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend!
Respectfully,
Mike Hamacher
CMS Principal
SEL
Please see the attached documents for more information about an upcoming student survey that Duneland School Corporation will conduct between September 20th and October 8th in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education.
If you have questions about the survey, please contact Mrs. Nicole Slack, DSC Director of Social-Emotional Learning, at nslack@duneland.k12.in.us.
CMS ELA NWEA
ELA NWEA Testing 7th and 8th Grade
September 2 – September 10, 2021
Skyward Help
CMS Back To School FAQ
NorthShore Clinic
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. CMS students can be seen in the clinic (with parent permission) without a parent being present. 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.
Duneland Schools Help Wanted!
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.
Fall Sports Picture Day!
Picture Day is: Sep 17, 2021
Order Code is: 61786K
Your link to order is: https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/61786K
2021-2022 ALL ATHLETES MUST HAVE A CURRENT PHYSICAL ON FILE TO PARTICIPATE!
ATTENTION!!!
Middle School Physicals will need to be turned coaches or the athletic department, prior to open gym, tryouts, or practices in order to participate.
There are a total of 6 forms that need to be completed. The actual physical is completed by the Dr. and the rest of the forms are completed by the parent(s) and the student. Physicals will not be accepted if there are forms missing!
*Physical checklist*
- Physical Examination from the Dr.
- History Form (It is 2 pages)
- Consent and Release Certificate (Make sure insurance information is complete)
- Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Form
- Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities Code of Conduct
Physicals and Consent Forms on the most current IHSAA documents must be dated after April 1, 2021 to be eligible for participation.
Upcoming Sporting Events
Important Athletic Information
Check out the NEW Chesterton Athletic Website with Sports updates on Middle School and High School Athletics!
Concession Workers
PTO
Chesterton Middle School PTO Spirit Wear
The PTO is selling graduation year t-shirts to help offset the costs of the events we will be sponsoring this year, such as various dances, Teacher Appreciation Week, and end of the year festivities.
Orders due September 3, 2021
CLUBS
JAPANESE CLUB
Japanese Club will meet on Thursday, September 9th from 3-4pm at Rm D146A.
We will do the "Japan Trivia Challenge".If you are interested, please join us.
Japanese Club is open to all CMS students. Please get an application form from Tsugawa Sensei or Miss. Lill and turn it in to participate.