DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, February 9, 2023 Vol. 57 No. 25
*Special note from the editor: Beginning the week of February 21, the DuneNews will be on a short publication hiatus. Please look to your specific school newsletters and the district website for school and important information. The DuneNews will resume in April.
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Chesterton-Porter Rotary Club recently presented two Student of the Month awards to two Chesterton High School students.
Chesterton High School Senior Ben Shaffer was named the Rotary Student of the Month for December, 2022. Ben was nominated by the CHS Business Department Chair Matt Waters. Mr. Waters shared, Ben has taken several classes in the business department with academic success and is a positive influence in the school." The award was presented by Rotary Director of Youth Services Bonnie Hawksworth. At left, Ben Shaffer and Bonnie Hawksworth.
Chesterton High School Senior Owen Guest was presented with the award for Rotary Student of the Month for January, 2023. CHS Peer Tutoring Program Director Jessica Evans said, "Owen goes above and beyond to make great relationships and connections with the students in this classroom. He is a great leader and role model for the other peer tutors in the class. He makes an effort to socialize with the students outside of just classroom time. He is always encouraging and a great motivator." At right, Owen Guest and Bonnie Hawksworth.
Chesterton-Porter Rotary is offering three $1,500 college scholarships for 2023 Chesterton High School graduates. More information and applications are available at the CHS Career Information Center. Applications are due on Monday, April 3.
CHS Winter Guard Places at First Competition
Congratulations to the Chesterton High School Winter Guard team for achieving third place at their first competition of the season at the Naperville Central Competition on February 5. “It was exciting for us to place third at our first competition of the year. Especially since we have so many new members,” said CHS senior Evelyn Kelly after their performance.
The Chesterton Winter Guard’s 2023 show is called “Memory,” and is a story line about letting go of the past. This show is about moving forward and stepping into the next journey of life. Letting go of the past is an important part of growth and maturity in order to take on different adventures in life. This is a story about a girl realizing that she has to let go of what was, in order to find what could be. Our music and inspiration for this show is “She Used to be Mine” by Sara Baralleis. In the opening of our production, we have partners that dance together across the tarp as if they were looking in a mirror. This is to signify that we are still holding onto the person we used to be. As we progress through the show we slowly start to break away, showing that taking the step to move forward starts with letting go of the person you used to be and not letting it hinder you from what the future holds. Read more...
CHS Trojan Guard hosts Awards Night
Students from Chesterton High School’s Trojan Guard Marching Band were honored for their outstanding achievements and performances during the fall season at the school on Tuesday, February 8. With an impressive fourth place finish at State, the students, parents, and staff consistently put forth great effort and were frequently rewarded with supplementary awards such as Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Effect.
Honors for this year’s Trojan Guard members include:
Most Improved Freshmen: Rylan Fields and Cameron Pace
Most Improved Sophomores: Chloe Hall and Soren Schott
Most Improved Juniors: Owen Peffers and Mary Toms
Most Improved Seniors: Frank Augustyn, Tony Kozyra, and Samantha Williams
Most Improved Auxiliary Members: Lila Kollman, Brianna Manning, and Katie Radliff
Outstanding Musical Contribution: Connor Stadler
Outstanding Marching Contribution: Katie Billings and Nathaniel Carpentier
Outstanding Leadership: Theresa Connors and Kara Lahaie
Outstanding Attitude: Giovanni DePasquale and Olivia Vogel
DSC ISSMA Solo & Ensemble for Vocal and Piano
Over 120 Duneland School students from Liberty Intermediate, Chesterton Middle, and Chesterton High School competed at the ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Event for Vocal and Piano that was held at Valparaiso High School on Saturday, February 4. Under the direction of Kristen Garrett and Kristin Morris, the students earned a total of 64 medals. 60 gold medals and 4 silver medals.
Liberty Intermediate
- Gold medal awarded for piano solo performance: Clara Arizzi
Chesterton Middle School
- The following students won gold medals in Group 1, and qualified for State with their vocal solo performance: Left, Hannah Loving and right, Samuel Smith.
- Gold medals awarded for vocal solo performances: Peytan Belegal, Ava Bozak, Sloane Colburn, Annaliese Coppler, Emmersynn Curran, Carly Decker, Annebell Haas, Anna Holmes, Allie Longacre, Macey Mauke, Morgan Steele, Stella Strupeck, Isabel Torres, and Emma Wahl.
- Gold medals awarded for vocal ensemble performances: Mallory Billings, Ava Bozak, Taytumm Brunker, Valeria Chavez, Janiella Clark (2 ensembles), Sloane Colburn, Annaliese Coppler, Addison Deal (2 ensembles), Carly Decker, Giacomo Depasquale, Elijah Fletcher, Ava Garland (2 ensembles), Oliver Good, Casey Green, Annebell Haas, Kasey Hedrick, Anna Holmes, Mia Jakich (2 ensembles), Angelina Johnson, Emma Kaegebein, Jordan Keefover, Grace Klaiber, Andie Kollar, Allie Longacre, Macey Mauke, Addison Pack, Alexi Prybylla, Isabella Rebac, Cole Santillon, Maverik Simmons, Samuel Smith, Morgan Steele, Pebble Stojakovich, Stella Strupeck, Alina Summer, Isabel Torres, Peyton Tratta (2 ensembles), Emma Wahl (2 ensembles), Brayden Wallen, and Caprie Wilson.
- Gold medals awarded for piano solo performances: Miles Gast, Mia Jakich, Hannah Loving, and Talan Lipke.
Chesterton High School
- The following students won gold medals, and qualified for State with their vocal solo performance: Natalie Arney, Ian Condes, Melissa Cook, Sophia Cunningham, Julia Dietrich, Lizzy Gray, Luke Housman, Gannon Michna, Kassidy Miller, Hailey Nervious, Maggie Oksimowicz, Cadence Orange, Karleigh Pawyszyn, and Aubree Williams.
- Gold medals, and state qualification, awarded for vocal ensemble performances: Andrew Adams, Natalie Arney, Ayden Bozak, Ian Condes (2 ensembles), Sam Conrad, Melissa Cook, Lizzy Gray, Brayden Gray (2 ensembles), Sophia Gudino, Luke Housman, Sierra Jones, Gannon Michna, Kassidy Miller, Maggie Oksimowicz, Cadence Orange, Skylar Peffers, River Przygoda, Gavin Rivera, Kevin Schmidt (2 ensembles), Olivia Vogel, Emily Willis, and Chris Woods (2 ensembles).
- The following student won a gold medal and qualified for State with a piano solo performance: Toby Ison.
- Gold medals awarded for vocal solo performances: Lilly Boyter, Kristen Cartergine, Marian Cook, Genene Engles, Megan Hadenelt, Jordan Huneryager, Mara Huneryager, Archer Lohman, Jane Maddex, Emerson McCready, Matelyn Richerson, Gavin Rivera, and Ella Taylor.
- Gold medals awarded for vocal ensemble performances:
Andrew Adams, Ayden Bozak, Annabell Bulger (2 ensembles), Audrey Butler, Sam Conrad, Julia Dietrich, Genene Engels, Niyelli Estrada (2 ensembles), Natalia Fuentes (2 ensembles), Luke Housman, Lila Kollman (2 ensembles), Lauren Kroft (2 ensembles), Olivia Kumar, Gina Lafever, Emerson McCready, Natalie McGrogan (2 ensembles), Gannon Michna, Jennifer Rader, Gavin Rivera, Terri Robinson (2 ensembles), Emma Rust (2 ensembles), Allyson Schmitt, Liv Thatcher, Maxie Wallen (2 ensembles), and Veronica Wilgocki (2 ensembles).
- Silver medals awarded for vocal solo performances: Olivia Vogel
- Silver medals awarded for piano solo performances: Emmalise Adcock and Adrian Dooley.
- Silver medals awarded for vocal ensemble performances: Audrey Butler, Julia Dietrich, Genene Engels, Abigail Foster, Olivia Kumar, Gina Lafever, Emerson McCready, Jennifer Rader, Matelyn Richerson and Allyson Schmitt.
Camerata Ensemble 1
State Qualifying Ensemble in Group 1
Front row, left to right, Olivia Vogel, Melissa Cook, Ayden Bozak, Andrew Adams, Lizzy Gray and Maggie Oksimowicz. Back row, Natalie Arney, Gannon Michna, Ian Condes, Kevin Schmidt and Sierra Jones.
Camerata Ensemble 2
State Qualifying Ensemble in Group 1
Front row, left to right, Cadence Orange, Kassidy Miller, Luke Housman, Skylar Peffers and Emily Willis. Back row, Brayden Gray, Sophia Gudino, Sam Conrad, Gavin Rivera, River Przygoda and Chris Woods.
INSPIRE | ENGAGE | EMPOWER
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Chesterton-Porter Rotary Donates to DSC Robotics Program
This past week, Chesterton-Porter Rotary was treated to a presentation by Duneland School Robotics Coaches Katie Guess and Brad Sweet and an interactive demonstration by seven talented Westchester Intermediate students. The club is proud to support this important and growing program with a donation presented by Chesterton-Rotary President Barbara Black, pictured with Chesterton-Porter Rotary youth services director, Bonnie Hawksworth, Ms. Guess, Mr. Sweet, and students.
STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Celebrating School Resource Officers
SROs are full-time law enforcement officers with sworn law enforcement authority, trained in school-based policing and crisis response and assigned by an employing law enforcement agency to work with schools using community-oriented policing concepts.
Our school resource officers serve as important bridges between youth, law enforcement, and the communities they serve. The Duneland Schools recognizes the important role these individuals play in our schools and school community.
Amber Tarnowski - Teacher of Excellence
Congratulations to Jackson Elementary School second grade teacher Amber Tarnowski who was selected as a February 2023 Teacher of Excellence!
Kenneth J. Allen Law Group supports Northwest Indiana teachers who go above and beyond for their students and honors them for their outstanding contributions to education. To learn more about the educators who are Teachers of Excellence or if you know of someone who should be recognized as a Teacher of Excellence, please nominate your favorite by following this link.
View all DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website.
Duneland Schools welcomes Marianne Orfanos to Leadership Team
The Duneland School Corporation welcomes Marianne Orfanos to its leadership team as the district’s new Director of Exceptional Learning/Special Education. This appointment comes as Porter County Education Service (PCES) interlocal school districts are bringing special education teaching and paraprofessional staff directly under their respective umbrellas in 2023-2024. Orfanos will begin her new role on March 10.
“Marianne is a proven leader and outstanding educator. We are very excited to welcome her to the Duneland School Corporation,” said Superintendent Dr. Chip Pettit. “Our students, families and staff will benefit greatly from the leadership that Marianne will provide to our schools.”
“We are thrilled to have Marianne join our team. We can’t wait for her to get started,” said Duneland School Corporation Board President Alayna Lightfoot Pol.
“I am encouraged by the steps PCES has taken through a collaborative improvement process to decentralize programs and services for students beginning with the 2023-24 school year. Bringing teachers and building-level paraprofessionals into employment agreements with individual districts will promote unity among staff, streamline communication for families and align curriculum, assessment, evaluation, and professional development initiatives to best support students,” said Dr. Pettit.
Marianne Orfanos – DSC Director of Exceptional Learning/Special Education
For the past 18 years, Marianne Orfanos has spent her professional career in the service of students with disabilities, their teachers and families. Her roles have included instructional assistant, special education teacher, dean of special education in preschool and elementary, consultant with the Indiana IEP Resource Center and her most recent position, as the Secondary Coordinator of Exceptional Achievers with the School Town of Munster. Each role she has served in has expanded her knowledge and skills to lead and train staff as they instruct students. She places a high value on connection to the classroom, and believes that each student can realize their potential when the right support is provided to students and their teachers. “I have a passion for serving in this field, and I look forward to serving the Duneland School Corporation as a leader building a successful team based on trust and a shared vision,” said Orfanos.
Nominations are now OPEN!
Help the Duneland School Corporation celebrate the outstanding teachers and employees that make up this district. Each year, DSC conducts the Teacher and Employee of the Year Recognition Program with the mission of inspiring and celebrating those in the education industry. Nominations will be accepted for the following categories:
- Elementary Teacher- Grades K-6
- Secondary Teacher- Grades 7-12
- Employee of the Year- Classified Staff Employee
Students, former students, parents, colleagues, administrators, or members of the community may nominate DSC teachers and/or classified employees. There is no limit to the number of teachers or classified employees a person may nominate. Please complete a separate nomination form for each teacher and/or classified employee you wish to nominate. Click here to read the rules and to access the nomination forms
COMING SOON!
Kindergarten Round-Up on March 2
COMING SOON!
CMS Theater Production
CHS Family Theatre Production 2023
Come see The Neverending Story at Chesterton High School! Showtimes are Friday, Feb. 24 at 7:00 pm, Saturday Feb. 25 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for general admission / $8 for students and seniors and can be purchased at the door or online at our.show/neverendingstory
A boy, a book, and a quest to save the world. The Neverending Story follows Bastian, a young boy of 10 who finds a mysterious book at a bookstore that comes more alive with each page.
The world of Fantastica is in danger! The Childlike Empress is searching for a cure and the only hope is Atreyu, a young buffalo hunter. Along the way, he endures heartbreak, discovers joy, and encounters a cast of fascinating characters: evil creatures Gmork and Ygramul, helpful beings like Falkor and the Gnomics, crotchety old Morla, and more. While reading the story, Bastian finds out that he has more similarities with Atreyu than meets the eye. Can Bastian’s imagination alone save Fantastica from the Nothing?
DSC Second Quarter Honor Rolls
NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
There will be no school for all Duneland School students on Friday, February 17 and Monday, February 20 to observe a winter break and the Presidents' Day holiday.
Duneland Early Learning HUB
The HUB celebrated our first birthday last week. It's been so fun growing alongside our Trojan Tykes! Thanks to our special guests during our party celebration- Maria Bachuchin played the guitar and sang for our Tykes; Shannon Hough from Community Hospital chatted with our families about health tips and the importance of talking, reading and singing; and Perpetual Motion set up some Ninja circuits for the kids! We can't wait to see what the next year brings for the HUB!
You can learn more about Talking is Teaching here: https://www.firstthingspc.org/talkingisteaching
Check out our classes and resources at https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/earlylearninghub and follow us on Facebook (Duneland Early Learning HUB page).
See you at the HUB!
SCHOOL MEALS:
No Longer FREE For ALL Students
School meals are no longer free for all students during the 2022-2023 school year unless you qualify for free meals through the free or reduced-price meal benefit.*
Please note: Parent/Guardians who owe money for their child(ren)’s meals, will receive an email each day with the amount owed. Those emails will be coming from the cafeteria computer software and will show up with Solana as the sender. Excessive negative balances can be turned over for collections.
Current Meal Prices:
Elementary/Intermediate Breakfast Price - $1.45
Elementary/Intermediate Lunch Price - $2.55
Middle/High Breakfast Price - $1.60
Middle/High lunch Price - $2.95
Parent/Guardian’s can also put money on their child’s meal account through the following link: MyPaymentsPlus
*To see if you qualify for free or reduced price meals you must fill out an application. Applications can be found on the DSC Child Nutrition webpage or by calling your child’s school.
Check out the NEW
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
The goal of the Duneland School Corporation district school newsletters is to inform students, parents and the school community about school-related information.
This year, the Duneland Schools will share information that pertains to opportunities our students may be interested in outside of school on a special page on our website. These available opportunities are offered by not-for-profit partnerships and organizations within our school district boundaries and local communities. Follow this link to Community Opportunities.
DSC SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS / CAMPS / ACTIVITIES
Chesterton High School will host a Middle School Athlete Development Camp to help develop and improve Athletic Development in current 7th & 8th grade boys and girls who are interested in participating in sports at Chesterton High School. Student athletes will learn techniques associated with strength training and speed/agility training to develop athletic skills needed to compete at the highest level. Click the image to learn more. Contact Matt Wagner to sign-up for the camp.
CHS Accepting Nominations for Athletic Hall of Fame
The Chesterton High School Hall of Fame Committee has developed a program of recognition designed to honor those individuals who through their commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to the Chesterton High School Athletic Program have brought pride and distinction to our school community as a player, coach, administrator, or active supporter.
If you are interested in nominating someone for the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame, please download and complete the form below or submit the online form below.
The deadline for nominations is Monday, February 27. The 2023 Hall of Fame Class will be announced in June and honored at halftime of the Trojan football game against Warsaw on Friday, August 24. In addition there will be a dinner banquet held on Saturday, August 25, 2023 to celebrate these outstanding individuals and their success.
All submissions must be completed and submitted via this form below and submitted to the Chesterton High School Athletic Department or completed online with the link below.
IMPORTANT INFO FOR PARENTS
2022-2023 Procedures for Delaying/Closing Schools
Please review the DSC Procedures for Delaying/Closing Schools in case of inclement weather.
2022-2023 eLearning Guidelines (UPDATED 12/19/22)
Guidelines for Students 2022-2023 School Year
Follow the links below by grade level to find the appropriate Unplanned (Virtual - Synchronous) eLearning Day Plan for your student.
DSC 2022-2023 Calendar
The REVISED 2022-2023 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
👀 Looking for dates for NEXT school year? Here is the NEW DSC calendar for 2023-2024
CHS 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
LONG-TERM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Yost Campus
Liberty Campus
Westchester Campus
At the DSC School Board meeting on Monday, February 9, school board members and the public were updated by Chris Muvceski of The Skillman Corporation on the work that has been completed in the last four weeks at each of the current worksites, as well as what will be happening in the upcoming weeks.
The most current information regarding the DSC Long-Term Capital Improvement projects, such as current concept drawings, information and preliminary timelines, are available on the DSC website. The information on the website will be continuously updated as we move forward with the process.
Community members may review the current Long-Term Capital Improvements information that will be continuously updated on the DSC website.
DSC Strategic Plan
The Duneland School Corporation Strategic Plan provides the focus and alignment for the school district over the next 3-4 year. These timelines were revised as of June 2022 to reflect the necessary adjustments to the plan.
DSC NOW HIRING!
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. 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
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
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.
NorthShore Clinic for DSC 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:
Mondays and Thursdays - 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Tuesdays and Fridays - 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesdays - 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Thursdays - 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Fridays - 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
(Closed on holidays)
Call: 219-983-3776 x7020 -or- the call center at (219) 763-8112 to schedule an appointment
601 W Morgan Avenue
Enter using CMS Door #7
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.
Internet Connectivity
Families without internet due to financial hardship have access to programs from two local providers.
Comcast Internet Essentials:
Families that qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and other programs may also qualify for the Internet Essentials program from Comcast.
This program offers internet for as low as $9.95 per month.
Additional options and services are also available
More information is available at this Comcast link
Frontier Lifeline Program:
Families that qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and other programs may also qualify for the Lifeline Program from Frontier.
More information is available at this Frontier link
FEBRUARY REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
Elementary School Counselors
On May 7, 2019, residents living in the Duneland School Corporation boundaries voted to continue a twenty-two cents ($0.22) tax levy originally approved in 2012, for the purposes of maintaining the current educational and operational programs of the Duneland School Corporation. This general operating referendum will expire in 2026. Each month, the DuneNews will highlight a different initiative or program being funded by referendum dollars. The Duneland School Corporation thanks the community for their support, and in turn, pledges to be innovative and responsible stewards. This month, DSC highlights Elementary School Counselors.
Research shows elementary school counseling programs have a positive impact on student achievement. While in elementary school, students begin to develop their academic self-concept and feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family.
Elementary counselors are trained in child development, learning strategies, self-management and social skills. The elementary counseling program provides education, prevention and intervention activities. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success.
For more referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
NEW!
Did you know that Duneland Schools has an online Spirit Wear Store where you can buy your Duneland all school spirit wear? Apparel for all ages, stadium seats, accessories and more.
Duneland School Corporation
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