DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, October 13, 2022 Vol. 57 No. 11
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Trojan Guard advances to Scholastic State Finals
The Chesterton High School Trojan Guard Marching Band earned a Gold Rating this past weekend at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) Scholastic Prelims Contest hosted at Chesterton High School. The band also received the designation of “With Distinction'' for their high scores in visual performance. Receiving the highest score in their class, the Trojan Guard will advance to the Scholastic State Finals Competition at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis on Oct 22.
For additional information regarding the Trojan Guard or any band activity, please contact the CHS Music Department at (219) 983-3730.
SATURDAY: Guard Community Performance
The Chesterton High School Trojan Guard Marching Band will host a Community Performance of their 2022 competitive show, 'Something Blue', on Saturday, October 15 at 4 p.m. at the CHS Stadium. Admission is free. The community is welcome to come and cheer on the Trojan Guard for this 40- minute program followed by a meet and greet of the students following the performance.
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITIONS
The following students were recognized by the Duneland School Board members at their Monday, Oct. 10 meeting.
2023 National Merit Semifinalists
Congratulations to three Chesterton High School seniors who were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, left to right, Bridget Raffin, Riley Hawksworth and Giovanni DePasquale. Each of these students were one only 16,000 Semifinalists recognized in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) competition from over 1.5 million students entering the competition by taking the 2021 PSAT. They have now completed the first step in the competition for one of 7,500 Merit Scholarships, worth more than $30 million in scholarship money, to be named next spring. Each of the students received a certificate and a yard sign to display at their home.
2023 National Merit Commended
Congratulations to three Chesterton High School seniors who were named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2023 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 PSAT. Senior recipient Connor Engels is pictured with school board members. Absent from the photo are senior recipients Saanya Agarwal and Ian Condes.
STAFF RECOGNITION
School Board Celebrates DSC Accomplishments
Duneland Early Learning HUB
In an effort to strengthen our programming for families and in the spirit of building a strong educational foundation for our students, the Duneland Early Learning HUB was created for families to support children from birth to age 5.
The HUB is committed to providing our young Trojans and their families with activities and resources that promote positive family interactions and developmentally appropriate activities, while also providing support, guidance and educational opportunities for children and caregivers.
The focus areas during the first year of the HUB were to build awareness, community and family engagement. This was deemed a success by the increased demand and class sizes that far exceeded the expectations and the involvement of community and families engaging in the program.
The DSC is excited to see The HUB continue to grow and expand to reach even more families in the future. The following team members recognized were (pictured above), left to right, HUB co-coordinator Tonia Kitchel; DSC Advisor to The HUB and Director of Grants, Assessments and Special Programs Christy Jarka; and HUB co-coordinator Amy Curtis. Back, Board President Tom Schnabel, Superintendent Chip Pettit, board members Tim McGInty, Brandon Kroft and Vice President Alayna Lightfoot Pol. Absent from photo is Consultant Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer and CHS interns Lanie Kitchel and Elle Stone.
Brummitt Elementary Third Grade
Continuing on the path towards building a strong foundation for our students is where our elementary schools come into play. The five Duneland elementary schools work diligently each day to support DSC students and grow each learner as an individual.
The district is proud to share that Brummitt Elementary School’s third grade team has earned the top spot within their League of Comparable Schools for their 2022 ELA AND Math ILEARN scores. There are 31 schools within Brummitt’s league that are comparable by size, socioeconomic status and achievement, and this group has progressed from the 39th percentile in 2019, to the 94th percentile in 2021, and now to the 99th percentile in 2022.
Brummitt’s vision is true to their commitment of inspiring excellence, igniting curiosity and unlocking learning potential for all.
The following team members recognized were (pictured above), left to right, Brummitt third grade teachers Brandi Beckwith, Ann Frump, Sharon Haussman and Brummitt Principal Nino Cammarata with school board members, front left, President Tom Schnabel. Back row, Superintendent Dr. Chip Pettit, and Board Members Tim McGinty and Brandon Kroft.
Liberty and Westchester Intermediate Fifth grade
The district also honored the work of fifth grade social studies teachers from both the Liberty and Westchester Intermediate campuses. This collective group of educators have worked within their buildings as well as across campuses and content areas to align not only their social studies curriculum, but also collaborate with our ELA departments to ensure that ELA standards are incorporated into their social studies curriculum. Additionally, our community partnership with the Chesterton-Porter Rotary Club affords each of our students the opportunity to obtain their own copy of the United States Constitution. Students are then encouraged to write a brief essay on what the Constitution means to them. We are thankful for this community partnership in education and reinforcement of DSC's social studies curriculum.
DSC is excited to share that the fifth grade Duneland social studies team achieved 7th in the state of Indiana out of 361 schools, which is in the 98th percentile. Additionally, they are 2nd out of 17 league districts across the state.
The following team members recognized were (pictured above), front, left to right, School Board President Tom Schnabel; Liberty Intermediate Interim Principal Christy Jarka; Liberty Intermediate fifth grade teachers Sheri Simmons and Michelle Olson; Westchester Intermediate fifth grade teachers Alexis Nashkoff, Sherri Mitchell and Susan Calvert. Back row, Superintendent Chip Pettit, LIS Assistant to the Principal Justin Jenks; and board members Tim McGinty, Brandon Kroft and Alayna Lightfoot Pol. Absent from photo are LIS teachers Dave Lashenik and Cris Petro and Westchester Intermediate Principal Shawn Longacre.
Chesterton Middle School (CMS) Response to Intervention (RtI)
When it comes to creative problem solving and meeting students where they are at, Chesterton Middle School is definitely deserving of recognition. Two years ago, CMS decided to take a new look at supporting students who were struggling to meet proficiency with grade level standards and created Foundations classes for math and English. Using data from NWEA assessments, students were identified and received an extra class period of support in either math or English. The Foundations class offers students a combination of preparatory and remedial approaches to meeting their needs. DSC is pleased to report that as the school year transpires, students are able to move out of the additional class and back into additional electives as they demonstrate mastery of content.
Last year 7th and 8th grade CMS students scored above the state average in ELA and Math on ILEARN.
The following team members recognized were (pictured above), front, left to right, School Board President Tom Schnabel; CMS RtI teachers Robert Morris, Carla Novreske and Carolyn Stesney; CMS Asst. Principal Tiffany Hawkins; and CMS Principal Mike Hamacher. Back row, Superintendent Dr. Chip Pettit, LIS Assistant to the Principal Justin Jenks; and board members Tim McGinty, Brandon Kroft and School Board Vice President Alayna Lightfoot Pol. Absent from photo is Communications teacher Dora Becker.
Chesterton High School Alternative School and Trojan Virtual Academy (TVA)
In the words of CHS Principal Brent Martinson, “If you believe it, you can achieve it!” No truer words could be emphasized than this when it comes to the combined efforts of Chesterton High School, Duneland Rise Academy, and the Trojan Virtual Academy.
In an effort to support our students’ success in graduating, CHS has added many layers of support for the high school students. Some of which include graduation coaches, credit recovery classes, graduation support sessions with school counselors and mentor assignments. Building strong relationships with our seniors is what makes the difference when it comes to getting everyone across the stage.
Despite the pandemic, CHS rose to our highest graduation rate in five years, not only meeting, but exceeding their goal by ultimately achieving a 95.52% graduation rate for the Class of 2022.
The following team members recognized were (pictured above), front, left to right, School Board President Tom Schnabel; CHS Principal Brent Martinson; Credit Recovery/Alt School/TVA teachers Luke Eliser and Stephanie Joll; CHS Associate Principal Kristen Peterson; and School Board Vice President Alayna Lightfoot Pol. Back row, CHS Assistant Principal (AP) Allen Cochran; Superintendent Dr. Chip Pettit; School Board Members Brandon Kroft and Tim McGinty; Alt/TVA Director Kevin Zeck; CHS AP Rob Blumenthal; teacher Pat Moody and CHS AP Mike Okeley. Absent from photo is teacher Marc Urban and former Assistant Principal Heidi Hennigar.
Extra Yard for Teachers Game Ball
Yost Elementary School Dean of Students Becky Holmen, was recently awarded an Extra Yard Game Ball for her positive impact as a special education teacher at Westchester Intermediate School last school year. Holmen was selected as the 2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year for the Duneland School Corporation in April and was then selected as one of the State of Indiana's top 25 Teachers of the Year. Holmen is currently serving as the dean at Yost Elementary and is pictured above with Yost first grade students in Mrs. Donley's class.
Kailey Holmquist - Teacher of Excellence
Congratulations to Chesterton Middle School seventh grade Science teacher Kailey Holmquist who was selected as a October 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.
DSC Annual Winter Card Contest
DSC Announces Winter Card Contest for Grades K-8
The Duneland School Corporation will again host a Winter Card Contest for Duneland School students in grades K-8. Contest submissions are due on Friday, November 11. Winners from each grade level will be notified and invited to the Dec. 5 school board meeting to be recognized and awarded. Eligibility and rules for the contest are listed under district announcements on the Duneland website and are posted in the district’s newsletter DuneNews. All submissions are due to their respective school’s main office on or before the end of the school day on Nov. 11.
Student Progress Reports
The first grading period ended on Friday, Oct 7 and report cards will be available on the Skyward Family Access Parent Portal on Friday, October 14 at 3 p.m. Parents have the option of printing out their student's report card. Parents needing access assistance to their Parent Portal on Skyward, should contact their child's school directly.
NEXT WEEK: Fall Break Oct. 20 & 21
NEW! Duneland School 2023-2024 Calendar
Planning ahead? The Duneland School Board approved the 2023-2024 Calendar at the October 10 meeting. Click on the image to download a PDF of this calendar.
Duneland Early Learning HUB
The HUB will be participating in the CHS Hall-o-ween Trick or Treat event on October 27 from 5-7 p.m. (Enrolled families can use our sign up link to indicate your plan to attend). We will also be at the Chamber downtown trick or treat on October 28 from 4-6 p.m. We are currently taking candy and non-candy donations for these two events. Items can be brought to the HUB during class times or dropped off at our office (CMS Door 9).
The HUB will be closed during the week of October 17 for Quarter 2 planning. The HUB schedule resumes for our Quarter 2 on October 24. Be sure to check out our webpage for updated class descriptions, the HUB class calendar, enrollment and registration information- https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Page/1857
2022-2023 eLearning Guidelines
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.
School Picture Retakes
Duneland School Picture Retake Dates
PICTURE RETAKES:
Brummitt Elementary - Thursday, Oct. 27
Chesterton HS - Friday, October 28
Chesterton MS - Friday, November 4
Liberty Elementary - Monday, November 7
Westchester Intermediate - Wednesday, November 9 (Revised date)
Liberty Intermediate - Tuesday, November 15
Bailly Elementary - Thursday, November 17
Jackson Elementary - Thursday, November 17
Yost Elementary - Tuesday, November 29
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
Click on the images below for more information on these camps and activities for students in our community.
Parent Meeting for Marine Bio Trip for Grades 9-12
For 16 years, the Chesterton High School Marine Biology program has conducted a summer SCUBA diving trip to Key Largo, FL under the direction of CHS teachers Dan Paff and Adam Schultz.
A special opportunity to participate in this program is now being offered to all current CHS students in grades 9-12. The dates for the 2023 summer program are Tuesday, June 20 - Saturday, June 24.
Trick or Treat at CHS
Chesterton High School Student Government will host their annual Trick or Treat event at the school on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m. Please use Chesterton High School Entrance #1. This event is for students in grades K-6. Entry per family is $10.00* (please bring a canned/non-perishable item to be donated to the Westchester Neighbors Food Pantry.
Chesterton Dance Football Kiddie Camp
Come out to the first ever Chesterton Dance Team Football Kiddie Camp on October 14! Dancers will learn a routine that will be performed at the CHS Varsity Football Game...
More student opportunities...
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.
IMPORTANT INFO FOR PARENTS
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
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, October 10, school board members and the public were updated by Scott Cherry of The Skillman Corporation on the work that has been completed in the last 4 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.
Chesterton High School Class of 2012 - 10 Year Reunion
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
7 p.m. - Midnight
Moose Lodge, 602 Broadway Ave., Chesterton, IN
Looking forward to bringing the Class of 2012 back together! Join us at the Moose Lodge for fun and reminiscing.
Facebook Event link for more updates: https://facebook.com/events/s/2012-class-reunion/272780384952154/
Fee: $10 a person
Food and drink: Cash beverages, hot dogs, midnight snack at 9 p.m.
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.
(Closed on school holidays)
Call: 219-983-3776 x7020 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
OCTOBER REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
Above, CHS IB students working in the Community Garden
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 our International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP).
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a challenging two-year program for juniors and seniors that focuses on an internationally-minded education. In congruence with other CHS courses, students take a combination of six IB classes, along with a “core” that involves an extended essay, a Theory of Knowledge course, and a service learning component called CAS, which stands for Creativity, Action, and Service. DP graduates boast higher rates of acceptance to universities across the nation. As well, due to the comprehensive skill development DP students encounter, they are better able to adjust to the rigors of university coursework compared to their non-DP counterparts.
For more referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
CMS/CHS Student PE/Strength Training Uniforms
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.
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