DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, September 17, 2020 Vol. 55 No. 4
DSC Change to Level 3 on October 5, 2020
This week's Message from the Superintendent...
On August 10th, DSC administration recommended that schools delay opening by 2-weeks until August 25th and deliver in-person instruction using a hybrid model to begin the school year. At that point in time, we were not confident that schools opening at 100% capacity would be able to stay open relative to social distancing and contact tracing recommendations. We have now observed schools opening at the state and local level for well over a month and our own schools now being open for 3-weeks. As expected, there have been challenges associated with opening schools during a pandemic.
With that said, our Reentry Plan states, “The DSC will make every attempt to move to level 3, where 100% of students who selected the in-person model will be in school at the same time, as soon as possible.”
As we assess our current hybrid model, we have observed school districts both at the state and local level work with their respective health departments to stay open. To date, we have not seen entire school districts shut down and only a handful of schools have closed for up to 2-weeks at a time. This is significant as one of our major concerns 5-weeks ago was whether we would be able to stay open due to contact tracing expectations. We were also concerned as to how our students and staff would respond to PPE requirements. As you recall, whether to wear or not wear a mask dominated conversation throughout much of the summer. To date, we have been very pleased with how our students and staff have responded to PPE requirements. We haven’t had any issues with students and staff wearing masks and taking steps to maintain social distancing whenever possible.
Our teachers have put their best foot forward to deliver instruction in two different formats, remote and in-person. We had widespread teacher participation in professional development during the summer to expand upon instructional strategies used in remote and hybrid environments. In addition, the instructional day was shortened by 35-minutes to allow for additional teacher preparation time. After observing our teachers work in this dual environment for the last 3-weeks, I am concerned as to whether we can sustain this pace much longer. I believe we need to create additional teacher preparation time. Finally, we have received feedback from the DSC school community indicating there are child care concerns that have been exacerbated with children not in school every day.
Per the previously mentioned considerations, DSC families that have selected in-person instruction will send students to campus 4-days per week beginning on Monday, October 5th.
All students, both in-person and remote, will receive instruction on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. 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. A move to a 4-day in-person instructional model brings us closer to having all students on-campus. The 4-day model also allows for increased teacher preparation time and eases some of the difficulties in arranging for child care. Social distancing is still a concern, but with approximately 30% of students opting for full remote status, class sizes, for the most part, are smaller than normal which will allow continued efforts to socially distance students and staff as much as possible.
Some may ask, why not wait until the 9-weeks comes to an end? The DSC Reentry Plan states that a 2-week notice will be given when moving to a different level. In this instance, the desire to bring more students back to school for those that have chosen in-person instruction outweighs the logistical challenges of balancing class sizes and adjusting the number of in-person and/or remote teachers that may be needed when families change their mind. We had already planned to allow families to make changes at the 9-week mark. This move pushes that date forward by 3-weeks. This will be the only time during the fall semester that families will be able to change models due to the class balancing that occurs when moves are made and the possibility of needing to adjust the number of in-person and/or remote teachers within the district. Realistically, speaking it will take 3-weeks to make this move.
We’ll then start balancing classes and making staff adjustments, so we are ready to accept in-person students 4-days per week on Monday, October 5th.
We look forward to the time when all students and teachers are back in schools. While not perfect, this is a continued step in that direction. The feedback from students, parents, faculty, staff and the Duneland community are valued and appreciated. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chip Pettit, Superintendent
DSC Learning Model (In-Person/Remote) Transition Request Process
During online registration, families had the opportunity to select the desired learning model for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. It was noted in the DSC Reentry Plan that students and families would be able to transition between the two models each quarter (9 weeks) while the pandemic is active (level 2-4). This model allowed families the flexibility to make personal decisions in accordance with their beliefs about COVID-19.
Since the DSC will be moving to Level 3 of our plan on October 5th, the transition request process that was going to take place at the end of the 9-weeks will go into effect now. If you are interested in switching your student(s) from in-person to remote or from remote to in-person on October 5th, please complete the Google form linked below:
DSC Learning Model (In-Person/Remote) Transition Request Form
However, if, you wish for your child to stay in his/her current learning model, then you do not need to complete the form. Families with more than one child must complete a separate form for each child.
The window for completing this form is September 15th – September 23rd. Requested changes will take effect on Monday, October 5th.
Based on the number of changes that take place, particularly at the elementary level, some students will receive teacher/class changes. All schedule changes will be shared by your student’s respective school.
Selections will be in effect until January 19, 2021 (end of 1st semester).
Questions should be directed to your student’s school.
Daily school opening and closing times will remain the same for Levels 2-4 :
Elementary
8:35 a.m. - 2:25 p.m.
(School building open for student drop-offs at 8:15 a.m. at South Entrance)
Intermediate
Middle School
8:25 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. (School building open for students at 7:45 a.m. at Door #2)
High School
8:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. (School building open for students at 7:30 a.m. at Doors #31 & 34)
DSC COVID-19 Support Center
Looking for COVID-19 Resources?
New! COVID-19 Dashboard
The DSC administration has created a COVID-19 dashboard that can be found on our COVID-19 Support Center webpage. The 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).
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
CHS Merit Semifinalists Honored by School Board
On September 9, Chesterton High School announced six seniors who are among the nation’s 16,000 Semifinalists announced in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) competition. These students have completed the first step in the competition for some 7,600 Merit Scholarships, worth more than $30 million, to be offered next spring.
Based on selection index scores on the 2019 PSAT/NMSQT, those CHS students cited in the 66th annual competition are Ryan Donovan, Andrew Engel, Daniel Herr, Hattie Hoham, Matthew Streeter and Marina Weinberg.
These CHS Merit Semifinalists were invited to the September 14 School Board meeting hosted at Chesterton Middle School to be honored publicly. Each of the students received a yard sign to display at their homes throughout this school year. Available to attend on Monday were, left to right, Ryan Donovan, Marina Weinberg and Matthew Streeter. Students removed their masks momentarily and socially distanced for the photo. Absent from the photo were Hattie Hoham, Andrew Engel and Daniel Herr.
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.
Hybrid Learning Model Students
All students participating in the in-school 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
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.
READY, SET, KINDERGARTEN GOES VIRTUAL!
LIBRARY BOOK RETURN
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.
Have You Completed the 2020 Census?
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
REVISED DSC 2020-2021 Calendar
The Revised 2020-2021 Duneland School Corporation Calendar 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
Chesterton Basketball League
Chesterton Trojan Baskeball is excited to start its first year in-house Chesterton Basketball League. The goal is to provide an opportunity for kids in grades K-6 to develop as an overall basketball player within our basketball program.
View this link for more information about the league and how it will be set up: Chesterton Basketball League flyer
We are looking forward to working with your son and the future of our basketball program.
TO REGISTER or MORE INFORMATION VISIT: chestertonbasketball.com
Scouting Opportunity for Boys and Girls in grades K-5
Cub Scout Pack 929 will host a registration for new scouts on Sunday, September 20 from 2-3 p.m. at the Chesterton United Methodist Church, 434 S. 2nd St. Pack 929 is open to boys and girls in grades K-5. Child should accompany their parent to the registration. Participants are asked to wear masks. For more information, please email cub.scout.pack929.chesterton@gmail.com; visit their facebook page Cub Scouts Pack 929; or contact Emily Dondlinger, committee chair by phone/text at 219.242.4491.
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This calendar of events is subject to change
Thursday, September 17, 2020
4:15 p.m. CHS Boys V TN-Mich. City-H
5 p.m. CHS Girls JV/V SCR-K. Valley-H
5 p.m. CHS Girls FR/JV/V VB-LaPorte
6 p.m. CHS Boys Fr FB-LaPorte
Friday, September 18, 2020
CMS School Pictures- East Gym
8 a.m. - 11a.m. BA Picture Day
9 a.m. CHS Girls V Golf Sec-Valpo CC
4:15 p.m. CHS Boys V TN-Hanover Central-H
7 p.m. CHS Boys V FB-Valpo
Saturday, September 19, 2020
8 a.m. CHS Boys & Girls V CC Inv.-New Prairie
9 a.m. CHS Boys V TN Inv.-Penn
10 a.m. CHS Boys JV FB-Valpo
10/11:30 a.m. CHS Boys JV/V SCR-Bishop Noll
1 p.m. CHS Girls JV/V SCR-Highland-h
Monday, September 21, 2020
4:15 p.m. CHS Boys V TN-Lowell
5 p.m. CHS Boys JV/V SCR-M’ville-H
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
4:15 p.m. CHS Boys V TN-Lake Central-H
5 p.m. CHS Girls JV/V SCR-Portage-H
5 p.m. CHS Girls FR/JV/V VB-Lake Central
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
5 p.m. CHS Boys JV/V SCR-Portage
Thursday, September 24, 2020
4:15 p.m. CHS Boys V TN-Munster
5 p.m. CHS Girls FR/JV/V VB-Valpo-H
6 p.m. CHS Boys FR FB-Valpo
Friday, September 25, 2020
CHS TG Perform @ FB Game-CHS
7 p.m. CHS Boys V FB-Portage-H
Saturday, September 26, 2020
TBD CHS Girls V Golf Regional-Battle Ground CC
9 a.m. CHS Boys & Girls V CC Inv-Highland
10 a.m. CHS Boys JV FB-Portage
11 a.m. CHS Girls JV/V SCR-Northridge-H
3:30 p.m. CHS Boys JV/V SCR-Concord-H
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