DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, April 15, 2021 Vol. 55 No. 30
WDSO to host 30th Annual Radiothon, April 19-23
Chesterton High School’s radio station, WDSO-FM 88.3 will be holding their 30th Annual Radiothon from April 19 – 23 from 7 am – 4 pm daily during High School Radio Week. If you like the music and the local programs you hear on Chesterton High School’s radio station, please consider making a donation to the station. Most regular programming will still be broadcast at their scheduled times during the week.
Radiothon is the time of year when listeners can make a contribution to support the station. WDSO members will be collecting pledges now through April 23. Stop by the CHS security desk or students can stop by WDSO to make a pledge or call it in at 983-3777. Money collected will be used for station operation or additional equipment.
Along with pledges, music requests will be taken each day by the DJ’s on-air. Monday’s DJ will be Nathan Bunning. On Tuesday, DJ Emily Chisholm. On Wednesday we are taking a mid-week break from fundraising. On Thursday, Drew Malapanes. Closing out the week will be Charlie Bryd. There will be a special live broadcast from 4pm until 9pm on Friday. Assisting the DJ’s will be Hamza Sahli and Ethan Kroft. All of the DJ’s are juniors or seniors at Chesterton High School.
Photo above, Chesterton High School WDSO Radio DJs who will be participating in the Radiothon, left to right, Charlie Byrd, Emily Chisholm and Ethan Kroft.
Giveaways will be offered hourly for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for WDSO radio-thon.
If you need more information, please contact the station at (219) 983-3777.
WDSO is found at FM 88.3 on your radio dial or streaming live at duneland.k12.in.us/wdso.
Special WDSO Porter County Perspective
Chesterton High School Radio Station WDSO-FM 88.3 will be airing a special interview on Child Abuse Prevention and regarding the new owner of the Chesterton Tribune on Thursday, April 15 at 4 p.m. and repeated on Friday, April 16 at Noon. The first interview on Child Abuse Prevention will be hosted by WDSO Music Director Charlie Byrd and the second interview with the new owner (above photo) Don Hurd of the Chesterton Tribune will be hosted by WDSO Program Director Hamza Sahli.
Dunebrook is a non-profit group in LaPorte County and helps families in need with young children. The Chesterton Tribune will begin publication in the coming months and is now owned by Hometown Media.
The one hour show answers questions about what is being done for Child Abuse prevention month and the second half discusses plans for the Chesterton Tribune in the future. WDSO broadcasts at 88.3 FM and streams on the web at www.wdso.org. Both programs will be available to listen to as a podcast after airing on April 15 on WDSO’s youtube channel.
DSC Remote/Virtual Learning Interest Survey (2021-2022)
The following information has been emailed to all Duneland families regarding remote/virtual learning interest for the 2021-2022 school year.
Duneland Families:
The Duneland School Corporation (DSC) intends to be back to 5-day per week, in-person learning to begin the 2021-22 school year on August 11. With that in mind, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many challenges for students, parents, teachers, and staff. One of the more challenging aspects of the pandemic has been delivering remote/virtual education opportunities for students. The DSC recognizes that virtual/remote instruction has worked better for some students than others. The DSC also recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic may change the way students/parents think about learning environment options moving forward.
The DSC is investigating the interest level of students/parents in a tuition-free off-campus remote/virtual education program for students in grades K-12 for the 2021-22 school year. There are a number of implications to providing a virtual opportunity for students, not because of a crisis or pandemic, but because of demand from DSC families. It is clear the Indiana state legislature will continue to promote school choice and the concept of "dollars following the student" as the base component of the school funding formula. As a result, the DSC is compelled to examine different learning environment options based on market-driven factors with attention being given to the quality of instruction, curricular resources, social-emotional support, etc.
If there is interest, the DSC will attempt to develop a financially scalable model to support the wishes of students and parents. The first step in this process is to survey DSC families to gauge their interest in a virtual option for students that may be best served in a nontraditional learning environment. The tentative format of the program can be found at the link listed below.
Please take a few moments to complete this non-binding survey.
https://forms.gle/98P8QVSApb7i9YgN9
This survey will close at the end of the school day on Wednesday, April 21.
Thank you,
DSC Administration
Long-Term Capital Improvements
DSC School Board Issues Notice of Adoption of Preliminary Determination
The Duneland School Board of Trustees listened to presentations from DSC Leadership on proposed long-term capital improvements and allowed for public comment during two advertised public hearings as required by statute. The 1st Notice of Preliminary Determination Hearing was conducted on April 5 and the 2nd Preliminary Determination and Project Hearing on Monday, April 12.
Following the 2nd Preliminary Determination and Project Hearing this past Monday, April 12, 2021, the Duneland School Board made a preliminary determination to issue bonds and enter into a lease agreement for the 2021 Safety, Security, Modernization and Improvement Projects, consisting of renovation of and improvements to Chesterton High School; renovation of and improvements to Bailly, Brummitt, Jackson and Liberty Elementary Schools; renovation of or construction of a new Yost Elementary School and renovation of and improvements to Liberty and Westchester Intermediate Schools, including site improvements to all school facilities; and the purchase of real estate, equipment and technology.
Community members may review the presentation and a FAQ document that will be continuously updated throughout the Spring at the DSC website.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
46th Annual Arts-A-Budding Virtual Exhibit 2021
The 46th annual Porter County Arts-A-Budding student art exhibit will be virtual presentation this year. Several Duneland School Corporation student artwork is featured is this year's show.
Follow this link to access this year's virtual presentation:
https://artsabudding.weebly.com/arts-a-budding-2021.htmlView the list of Duneland School students with artwork featured in this year's exhibit.
NOW OPEN: Duneland School Summer School Offerings
Duneland K-8 Summer School
Duneland 9-12 Summer School
Classes Offered
Virtually or In-Person
Registration closes June 4, 2021
Click here for more information
DSC 2020-2021 Calendar Changes
ATTENTION PARENTS:
The Duneland School Corporation has made TWO (2) changes to the 2020-2021 DSC Calendar.
- Since there are no elections scheduled in Porter County on Tuesday, May 4, the eLearning day that was previously scheduled on May 4 has been moved to Wednesday, May 5.
- In order to provide additional time for teachers to submit student grades, the eLearning day that was previously scheduled on Wednesday, June 2 has been moved to the last day of the school year for students on Friday, June 4.
Click on the above link or image for a downloadable PDF calendar.
Quick Links to the DSC Website
DSC Calendars
The REVISED 2020-2021 Duneland School Corporation Calendar
and
NEW! 2021-2022 DSC Calendar for next school year 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 (REVISED)
Check out the CHS Maroon & Gold Calendar and Bell Schedules for the 2nd Semester 2021 with REVISED changes.
Housing Resources List for Families
Kindergarten Sign UP
DO YOU NEED TO SIGN UP YOUR INCOMING KINDERGARTENER FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR?
Kindergarten Sign-Ups are taking place for incoming students who have turned five (5) years of age by August 1, 2021. Please click the KDG SIGN UP link to the complete the information process.
School Meals TO GO!
Meals continue to be free for all children through the end of this school year. Each week, parents will preorder online. Please visit our Child Nutrition Services for detailed information regarding meals and meal pickup sites. The links to the meal to go order forms are listed below for your convenience.
IN SCHOOL LEARNERS
Students who participate in the In-School Learning Model will be eligible for Free Breakfast and Free Lunch each day while in school. An order form will be available online to preorder 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch to be picked up on the Wednesday E-Learning day each week. Meals can be picked up between the hours of 9:30 am and 10:30 am each Wednesday. The form must be submitted online by 9 a.m. each Tuesday to receive meals. Click on link below.
Wednesday Meal To Go Order Form
FULLY REMOTE LEARNERS
Free Meal Pickup for Fully Remote Learners will consist of 5 breakfast and 5 lunch meals with instructions to be prepared at home and will be distributed once a week on Wednesdays between the hours of 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm. (Child must be fully remote to receive the weekly meals.) An order form will be available online to preorder meals. The form must be submitted each week by Monday at 9 a.m. to receive meals. Click on link below.
Seeking Local Business Partnerships for 2021-2022 Program
CHS Internship Program for 2021-22 School Year
Chesterton High School is interested in establishing partnerships with Duneland businesses who would be willing to host a CHS student in an internship position for the 2021-2022 school year and beyond. If you have a business or know of any businesses that would like to participate in the internship program, please contact Chris Roof at croof@duneland.k12.in.us or 219-983-3770.
The goal of the CHS Internship Program is to provide students with structured opportunities to understand the relevance between classroom learning and the work environment, while participating as productive employees/volunteers in a company or organization. These internship opportunities allow students to explore areas of personal and career interests, acquire the skills necessary to be successful employees, and to formulate goals and plans for their futures.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS
THIS SATURDAY...
DEF Virtual Trivia Night is fast approaching!
Join the Duneland Education Foundation (DEF) for a fun filled evening with Chesterton's very own Ryan Day (CHS class of 2018) as he hosts our "Virtual Trivia Night." Special performances by the CHS Bands and students from the various Duneland Schools. Come support our teachers as they navigate this challenging year!
Virtual Trivia Night to Benefit The Duneland Education Foundation
Saturday April 24, 2021
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
$200.00 per team (up to 8 participants)
Cash prizes awarded:
1st place $750.00
2nd place $500.00
3rd place $350.00
All Participating Teachers will be entered in a raffle to win a gift basket!
Tickets can be purchased at the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/.../duneland-education...
The local Craft House has graciously offered to designate an area upstairs in the restaurant for teams who desire to get together in person. Wi-Fi is available.
Please RSVP for Craft House by Wednesday April 21, 2021 to cgrimes@dunelandeducation.org so they can plan accordingly.
Please consider making a donation or taking part in the game!
If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Grimes at cgrimes@dunelandeducation.org
DSC Band Recruiting
Attention Current 5th graders: Don’t miss out on your chance! Beginning Band information for Summer 2021 and next school year is here!
Join the band and learn to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. This opportunity is available to all in-person and remote 5th grade students.
· In Person Instrument Try-Outs are April 28 and 29 at CMS
· Sign-Ups are due April 16. Join us and be a part of the Band!
· Need more information? Find it on the Chesterton Bands Website.
"Join Band!" Website for Beginning Band Sign-upsDSC Orchestra Recruiting
Beginning orchestra information for Summer and Fall 2021 is ready! Learn to play the violin, viola, cello, or orchestra bass in person or remote and be a part of the orchestra.
- In Person Fittings are April 28 and 29 at CMS (virtual fittings available)
- Summer Orchestra is August 2-6
- Sign-Ups are due April 16. Be a part of the Orchestra!
NorthShore Clinic for ALL DSC Students located at CMS
Duneland School Corporation has partnered with NorthShore Health Services to establish a school-based health clinic that is now located in Chesterton Middle School.
This partnership will provide 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 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (when school is in session)
Call: 219-983-3776 x7020 to schedule an appointment
Free 7th Grade Volleyball Clinic Offered
Chesterton 7th Grade (Fall 2021) Volleyball Clinic
WHEN: Fridays: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14. TIME: 7:00-8:30 PM
WHERE: Chesterton High School Main Gym (Door 31)
COST: Free (Just show up ready to learn and have fun!)
This year, CHS is inviting rising 7th graders to participate in the limited contact series at the high school. Training will consist of volleyball skills and concepts. Players will be coached by CHS staff and varsity athletes. This is open to anyone who lives in the Duneland School district and all skill levels are welcomed.
Players should bring shoes, water bottle, kneepads, and should be dressed in athletic clothing.
For more information contact:
Amber McCaw
Varsity Volleyball Coach
P: 219.613.2167
DSC COVID-19 Support Center
Looking for COVID-19 Resources?
Duneland School's Daily COVID-19 Risk Level is located on our COVID-19 INFO Home page along with many other helpful resources.
COVID-19 Dashboard
The DSC administration has established a COVID-19 dashboard that can always be found on our COVID-19 Support Center webpage. The COVID-19 dashboard (below) will now be updated once per day with all active cases reported, and/or will include cases removed from active status (conclusion of the 10-day isolation period). Below is the COVID-19 Dashboard with the latest update available at time of this publication. Please visit the COVID-19 Support Center for the most up-to-date posting.
Quick Reference Guide for Attendance
COVID-19: Not sure when a student, faculty or staff member can return to school? Check out this Quick Reference Attendance Guide located on our website under COVID-19 INFO or by clicking the image below.
APRIL REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
1:1 Student Device Integration
Educators today must meet the needs of a much broader, diverse group of learners than has been served in the past. As opportunities spread further in Indiana and across the country, school districts are improving the academic experience for the student by beginning to integrate blended learning into their classroom practice to help support the unique needs of each student. All Duneland School students in grades K-12 are provided with a computer device. The school corporation issues devices to users to provide a consistent user experience for the student and the teacher so that the device is not a barrier in the classroom. The addition of technology will never diminish a teacher having the professional freedom and flexibility to use a variety of blended learning models. Successful student outcomes derive from a quality classroom experience.
For more operating referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
1:1 Devices for Students in Grades K-8
DSC will enter into a four-year lease agreement with Apple for new iPads for all students in grades K-8. These new, latest generation iPads will include rugged keyboard cases and accidental damage protection. This accidental damage protection will allow DSC to remove the cost to K-8 parents for device insurance. Students will exchange their current device with a new device prior to the end of the school. Students will be able to take new devices home over the summer.
Guaranteed & Viable Curriculum
The Department of Teaching and Learning continues to work with principals, teachers and staff in developing our guaranteed and viable curriculum in all courses and grade levels. Please review the linked presentation and value map outlining this outstanding work!
Birth-To-School Program
The School Corporation continues to develop a comprehensive Birth-to-School program to create outreach opportunities that will help children (age 0-5) and their families build relationships, access information, increase awareness of available resources to help foster Kindergarten readiness. The program will assist families in preparing their children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Please review the linked presentation.
eLearning on Wednesdays
All students will work independently, via a traditional eLearning day, on Wednesdays due to the teaching constraints of preparing and providing instruction in a remote-only model. The eLearning module assignments will be posted in Canvas by 8 a.m. Students will need to complete an attendance activity each Wednesday to be counted present for the eLearning day. Teachers will not be conducting live (synchronous) class sessions or holding office hours on Wednesdays.
eLearning Guidelines for Students
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY & IT SUPPORT
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.
After-Hours Technical Support
After-hours IT Support hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - until 7:00 p.m.
Call: 219-983-3759
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), or Use our Anonymous Tip Line
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Celebrate Your Favorite Duneland School Teacher
Nominate DSC Teachers of Excellence today!
View DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This calendar of events is subject to change
Thursday, April 15, 2021
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys JV Bsb-Bishop Noll-H
4:30 p.m. Unified TR-Portage/Crown Pt@Portage
4:45 p.m. CHS Girls V TN-Plymouth HS-H
5 p.m. CMS Tennis Match @ Crown Point High School
7 p.m. CHS Academic Awards - CHS Auditorium
Friday, April 16, 2021
5 p.m. CHS Girls JV SB-Bishop Noll
Saturday, April 17, 2021
7-10 a.m. CHS Alumni Association Drive-Thru Pancake Breakfast-George’s Gyros
8:30 a.m. CHS Girls V TN Invitational-East Noble
10 a.m. CHS Boys Fr Bsb (DH)- Andrean-H
10 a.m. CHS B&G V TR-Chesterton Relays-H
1 p.m. CHS Boys V Golf-Marquette
Monday, April 19, 2021
4:30 p.m. CMS Boys Track & Field @ CMS
4:30 p.m. CMS Girls Track & Field @ Willowcreek
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls JV SB-Valpo-Flint Lake SB Field
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls V SB-Valpo SB Field
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys V TR-Valpo
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls V TR-Valpo-H
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys Fr Bsb-Munster-H
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys JV/V Bsb-M’ville-H
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls JV/V SB-M’ville-H
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
eLearning Day
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys Fr Bsb-Munster
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys JV Bsb-M’ville
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys V Bsb M’ville
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls V SB-Michigan City
7:00 p.m. CHS Wind Ensemble ISSMA Preview Concert - CHS Auditorium
Thursday, April 22, 2021
4 p.m. CHS Boys V Golf-Munster
4:30 p.m. CMS Boys Track & Field @ Ben Franklin
4:30 p.m. CMS Girls Track & Field @ CMS
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys Fr Bsb-South Central
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls JV SB-Michigan City
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls V TN-M’ville-H
4:30 p.m. Unified Track & Field-Portage & Valpo@VHS Track
Saturday, April 24, 2021
8 a.m. CHS Boys V Golf LC Classic@ Sandy Pines
9 a.m. CHS B&G V TR Relays-West Lafayette
9 a.m. CHS Boys V Golf Invite-Plymouth-Pretty Lake
9 a.m. CHS Girls V TN Doubles Invite-Portage
9:30 a.m. CHS Girls V TN-Plymouth
10 a.m. CHS Boys Fr Bsb (DH)-Penn-H
10 a.m. CHS Girls V SB-New Prairie
11 a.m. CHS Boys V Bsb (DH)-Morton-H
11 a.m. CHS Girls JV SB-New Prairie-H
Duneland Schools to Participate in Local Hiring Fair on April 22
The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Duneland Family YMCA to offer a Hiring Fair on April 22 from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Duneland Family YMCA Gymnasium. The Duneland School Corporation is just one of the many businesses represented at this event.
Employers will be available at company booths at the fair, to collect resumes, chat with candidates, offer on-site interviews during the fair.
The event is free for all jobseekers interested in participating in the fair, mark your calendars for April 22 and check out the webpage for business positions available.
Duneland Community Hiring Fair (dunelandymca.org)
Any questions, feel free to reach out to cmiller@dunelandymca.org.
DSC NOW HIRING...
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. Click to apply online
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS*
Duneland School Corporation is seeking substitute teachers for all grade levels. Requirements include:
- Completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and verified by an original transcript from the accredited institution; or
- Completion of 60 semester hours or more college credit from an accredited institution verified by an original transcript from the accredited institution; or
- Completion of 30 semester hours or college credit from an accredited institution verified by an original transcript form the accredited institution and at least one year of successful additional work experience with children within the last three years.
- "Additional work experience" may be satisfied by the applicant having completed (within the last three (3) years) at least one (1) year of instructing and/or supervising children in a classroom as a teacher aide in a public or private school, working in a nursery school, coaching and/or primarily working with children at YMCA, Boys' or Girls' Club, camp counseling, etc.
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.
$50 Special Offer Lifetime Alumni Association Membership
Thinking about joining the Chesterton High School Alumni Association, but just haven't gotten around to it? Are you wondering why you should join this newly formed organization?
COVID-19 has limited our fundraising efforts this past year, so the Chesterton High School Alumni Association would like to offer an opportunity to former alumni, present and past faculty and staff members of the Duneland Schools to join the Association for only $50 for a Lifetime charter membership. This limited special membership opportunity will be available from March 1, 2021 through February 28, 2022.
The CHS Alumni Association was formed to help support the enhancement of the Duneland School Corporation’s educational processes and scholarships for graduating seniors at Chesterton High School. Your dues in the organization will help the group to continue to grow and present more and more of our graduates college assistance. We will also enshrine teachers, administration, support staff and graduates (alumni) into their respective ''Halls of Fame”. Just recently the Alumni Association inducted three retirees into the Hall of Fame - Becky Dunbar, support staff member; James Cavallo, teacher; and Garry Nallenweg, administrator. Read more...
FUNDRAISER FOR CHS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS - 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast
The Chesterton High School Alumni Association will host its 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 17 from 7:00-10:00 a.m. Drive-through only at George's Gyros in Chesterton.
Tickets are available at Anton Insurance, 155 S Calumet Rd, Chesterton, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
CHS REUNIONS
If you are on a planning committee for your Chesterton High School reunion, please email us with reunion information so that we can include it on the DSC Website. Please include a daytime telephone number in case we need to contact you by phone.
For additional information on the currently planned reunions visit the website link above.
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