DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, May 5, 2022 Vol. 56 No. 37
A Message from the Superintendent...
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM REVIEW
Duneland School Corporation (DSC) is committed to providing excellent programs and services for all students. Over the past four months, DSC has been working with an outside consultant to evaluate special education programs, services, and budget.
A timeline of the review process is outlined below.
Jan. 13 Communication sent to all stakeholder groups with purpose statement for program analysis
Stakeholders - Special education parents, special education teachers and staff, general education teachers, school administrators
Jan. 18-21 Surveys sent to all stakeholders
Feb. 10-18 Focus group discussions with stakeholders
February - April Budget Analysis
May 2 Presentation of Executive Summary at School Board Meeting
Program Review
Links to the Executive Summary of the program review and Slide Presentation from Monday night’s Duneland School Board Meeting are available below for review.
The special education program review confirmed many strengths and also highlighted some of our challenges. By far, the greatest strength (as identified by all groups) is our special education staff. Special education teachers and staff are viewed as a dedicated group of professionals who are knowledgeable, skilled, support one another, work as a team, and provide care for their students. This is true of all DSC and PCES teachers. We have had quite a two-year run that has stretched everyone to their limits. Our teachers and staff have responded, as they always do, with passion, creativity, and a desire to do ‘whatever it takes’ to support our students. They are the backbone of the school corporation. Please consider letting them know how important they are by sending an email, card, virtual award, shout-out on social media, video message or letter to show your appreciation this week (Teacher Appreciation Week), or during our final month of the school year.
Next Steps
DSC belongs to the Porter County Education Service (PCES) Interlocal with six other Porter County school districts for special education and vocational education services. The current Agreement dictates that special education teachers and staff are hired by PCES with separate salary and benefit structures and different evaluation and professional development expectations. As DSC considers possibilities for special education, we would like to participate in conversations with the other six PCES districts to decentralize many of the current special education programs, services and/or personnel. Ideally, these conversations will lead to preserving programs and positions that provide unique student supports that cannot be replicated in individual districts. It is our hope that substantial changes within the existing Agreement may be reached which balances the needs and desires of individual districts with the commitment to a shared responsibility for county-wide initiatives. Ultimately, students with disabilities will be the beneficiaries.
Specifically, we seek a model for special education in which teachers and staff working in our schools are employed by DSC. We would also like to begin transitioning away from providing services to students at a segregated, self-contained facility (SELF School). We believe that students with disabilities should be educated with their non-disabled peers and in general education settings whenever possible. DSC will begin pursuing adjustments to the current model for implementation in the Fall of 2024. We are hopeful this can be done as part of the PCES interlocal, but recognize there is the possibility that PCES is unable to make adjustments within the existing Agreement that align with DSC long-term goals. To that end, DSC has protected the ability to offer special education services independent of the interlocal as early as the start of the 2024-25 school year.
Sincerely,
Chip Pettit, Ed.D
Superintendent
Duneland School Corporation
STUDENT RECOGNITIONS
The following students were recognized by the Duneland School Board members at their Monday, May 2 meeting.
CHS Boys' Basketball Team
Congratulations to the Chesterton Boys Basketball Team for an unbelievable season. The team won the Noblesville Holiday Tournament along with the DAC title enroute to an undefeated regular season. In addition they won their second IHSAA Sectional championship in four years. They then defeated South Bend Adams and Penn to win the school’s first ever Regional Championship and followed that with a victory over Kokomo to win the Semi-State Championship. The Trojans finished the year with an overall record of 29-1 and were the Class 4A Runner-Up. In addition to the team accomplishments Travis Grayson was a finalist for Mr. Basketball and was named an Indiana All-Star along. Chris Mullen won the IHSAA Arthur L. Trester Mental Attitude Award. Coach Marc Urban was named Coach of the Year by multiple media outlets and by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association for District 1. Congratulations on an outstanding and wonderful season. We certainly enjoyed the ride you took us on this year.
Team members include:
Nick Furmanek, Travis Grayson, Owen Guest, Greg Guernsey, Jordan Hughes, Sean Kasper, Chris Mullen, Carson Parrish, Tyler Parrish, Justin Sims, Cole Snyder, and George Vrahoretis; Head Coach Marc Urban, Assistant Coach Tim Ray, JV Coach Adam White, Freshman Coach Drew Boetel, and Volunteer Coach Nick Mullen.
CHS Dance Club Team
Congratulations to the Chesterton High School Dance Club team for their outstanding competition accomplishments this spring season. The team finished as Regional champions in AAA Kick at the Indiana High Shool Dance Team Association (IHSDTA) North Regional Competition hosted at Lake Central HS in February qualifying them for the State Championship on March 12 where the team placed Runner Up in AAA Kick. The team also attended the National Dance Alliance Nationals in Orlando, March 4-6th, placing Runner Up in Medium Varsity Kick and 13th place in Small Varsity Jazz. The CHS Dance team members team, under the direction of dance teacher/coaches Amity McKiddy and Krystal Rose, are: Suzanne Adent, Ellery Brunt, Olyvia Clark, Addie Egan, Lindsay Goad, Tori Johnson, Amelia Kelly, Kennedy Larson, Ashley Lemon, Marley Mayer, Adele Megaro, Vanessa Vega, Teagan Wheeling and Kaley Wissing.
Ria Sharma named President of Indiana HOSA chapter
Congratulations to Chesterton High School junior Ria Sharma for her accomplishments and leadership. This year, Ria formed the school’s first Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) chapter. HOSA is a large nationwide organization with the purpose of promoting career opportunities around pursuit of a health career. Ria’s goal was to provide this opportunity, not only for herself, but for her all students at Chesterton High School. Recently, she represented the Chesterton High School Chapter of HOSA at the State Leadership Convention earning first place in the Medical Law and Ethics event. In addition to forming the CHS HOSA chapter and winning first place in her event at the state convention, Ria was also elected president of the state organization at the convention, a process that involves a rigorous application and interview process.
DSC Teachers and Employee of the Year
The Duneland School Corporation is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 “Teacher of the Year” and “Employee of the Year” Recognition Program. The winners recognized by school board members are:
Employee of the Year – Danny Dolph, Bus Driver for DSC Transportation;
Elementary Teacher of the Year – Becky Holmen of Westchester Intermediate School;
Secondary Teacher of the Year – Justin Martinson of Chesterton High School
This year’s winners were notified of their award at their buildings on April 25 by DSC administrators. Each of the winners received a $500 from the following local sponsors:
McColly Real Estate (Paul Boyter) – Elementary Teacher of the Year
1st Source Bank – Secondary Teacher of the Year
Ellis Electric Inc. – Employee of the Year
In addition, a plaque honoring the winners is on display at the Duneland School Corporation Administration Center.
CHS Prom Royalty Crowned
Chesterton High School Prom Royalty crowned at Saturday evening's Prom event were, left to right, Seniors Josh Lemon and Reese Czarniecki.
Although storms raged outdoors, it was an Enchanted Garden for the Chesterton High School Junior Senior Prom 2022. Josh and Reese reigned over the evening as guests feasted on garlic and herb chicken, Alfredo pasta, loaded mashed potatoes, corn, salad and rolls. Desserts by Juliet created a peacock with chocolate and vanilla cupcake feathers; music was provided by Arrested Sounds; photo booth was provided by Joyful Booth Co.
Jardenil Named Indiana Academic All_Star
Congratulations to CHS Senior Alana Jardenil for being selected as a 2022 Indiana Academic All-Star. The Indiana Association of School Principals’ Indiana Academic All-Stars program is open to all high schools accredited by the Indiana Department of Education. Each high school may nominate one senior for consideration as an Academic All-Star. Schools are directed to select nominees based on criteria such as number of advanced classes taken (AP, IB, ACP, and/or dual credit), Standardized Test Scores, Extracurricular activities, both academic and non-academic, Leadership and Community Service and Involvement.
CHS/CMS students win awards in Tri-County Jr/Sr HS Art Exhibition
Several Chesterton High School and Middle School students participated in the 48th annual Tri-County Jr./Sr. High School Art Exhibition at South Shore Arts in Munster, Indiana. Their work will be on display at South Shore Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd., Munster, Indiana through May 21.
Students participating are:
Chesterton High School seniors Lloyd Anderson, Liam Blazer,James Dado, Evan Dickinson, Josh Fieffer, Katrina Gonzalez, Aden Gray, Meagan Koutsopanagos, Ryan Parks, Mason Rearick, Tristan Reed, Evan Schmitt, Gabriela VanTil, Shelby Whalley; juniors Marie Matunas, Madelyn Russell, Connor Smenyak Vivian Tharp, Zane Young; sophomores Ava Komp, Reagan Krachinski, Summer Machnik, Audrey Torres, Sophia Zhang; and freshmen Lillian Boyter. Chesterton High School art teachers are Colin May, Terese Maletta, Jill Smoker, Taylor McGuirl and Adam Schultz.
Chesterton Middle School eighth graders Addison Boyd, Jolie Cleveland, Randall Deutscher, Kenzie Kania, Alexis Klusczinski, Elizabeth Tatone, Karina Vasquez, Mackenzie Vogwill, Olivia Whalen; and seventh grader Jenna Bircher, Novea Brandon, Hannah Fortner, Mia Jakich, Aubrey Leidolf, Lola Seaman, Hutch Stuckert, Jeremy Schmidt, Maddy Dursley, Reese Rarick, Sloane Colburn, Anna Holmes, Adalyn Laughner, Lela Ragnone. CMS teacher is Jason Gast.
Receiving recognition and monetary awards this year were:
CHESTERTON HIGH SCHOOL
Connor Smenyak (11) -Willow Finch Memorial Award, $250
Tristan Reed (12) - Donald H. Berwanger Award of Excellence, $250
Marie Matunas (11) - South Shore Arts Regional Awards for Young Artists (Porter Co.), $100
Reagan Krachinski (10) and Adan Gray (12) - First in Media, $50
CHESTERTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Randall Deutscher (8) - Patricia & Durward Schuetz Scholarship Award, $50
Jolie Cleveland (8), Printmaking - First in Media, $20
Kenzie Kania (8), Acrylic/Tempera - First in Media, $20
Addison Boyd (8),Charcoal - First in Media, $20
and Lela Ragnone (7), Watercolor - First in Media, $20
CHS Students Inducted into 2022 Technology Honor Society
Several Chesterton High School students participating in Porter County Career & Technical Education Program were inducted into the 2022 Technology Honor Society on Tuesday, May 3.
Those 12 CHS students are: Melanie Allison, Alissa Capehart, Jackson Claussen, Ethan Fair, Anna Hawkins, Angel Hernandez, Breyana Hornyak, Kara Lahaie, Hannah Pesce, Alejandro Quiroz, Zachary Roof and Emma Vetroczky.
The purpose of the technology Honor Society (THS) is to honor and recognize those students who have achieved excellence in their chosen technical field. THS consists exclusively of high-achieving career and technical education students who have demonstrated the highest standards of academic excellence in a technical field. Technical education plays an essential role in the total educational process. The THS rewards good citizenship, a positive work ethic, and outstanding technical skills.
CHS Hosts 5% Club Banquet
Chesterton High School hosted the 33rd annual 5% Club Banquet for those 25 students in the top 5% of the senior Class of 2022 at the Spa Special Event Center on Wednesday, May 4. The Duneland Education Foundation, Teachers Credit Union, and the Duneland School Corporation sponsored the event.
Each student in the top 5% have selected an educator who has influenced or inspired them in their educational career to attend the banquet with them. Students will receive a medallion that they will wear at graduation ceremonies as well as an engraved wooden frame to store their medallion after graduation.
Above, front, left to right, students Alana Jardenil, Joseph Hall, Emma Bolinger, Emily Richardson, Eric Sparks, Madelin Billings, Ellery Brunt and Mackenna Lee. Back row, honored educator Patrick Ward, Robert DeRuntz, Cassie Wallace, Rachel Blythe, Chris Hackett, Kristin Morris, Kim Goodman and Lisa Dyer.
Above, front, left to right, students Milena Veltri, Leah Rochford, Peter McNicholas, Chloe Eash, Danielle Kontos, David Jugovic, Liam Grimes, Bianna Connors, Simran Shah. Back row, honored educator Chris Lowery, Tom Bour, Kim Stahura, Adam Bess, Katie Mueller, Mike Livovich, Cary Knauff, Jack Neuliep and Courtney Smith.
Above, front, left to right, students Jacob Perkins, Mackenzie Sharp, Celia Faroh, Molly Hadenfelt, Jessica Bouche, Peyton Day, Nathan Osborn and Caitlin Kovalan. Back row, honored educator Robyn McBride, Bernie Stento, Christine Bullock, Amy Henderlong, Kim Connelly, Josh Coots and Gina Jones.
Mr. CHS Event Raises $6500 for Charities
The Chesterton High School Student Government concluded the 2022 edition of Mr. CHS this past Friday. Eight seniors competed to hold the honor of Mr. CHS—a senior candidate that represents Chesterton High School and embraces the high expectations of exploring their talents, building on their curiosity, and becoming responsible, caring citizens.
CHS students and community members joined together to vote and donate towards their favorite candidates. Each candidate picked a charity to support, and the winner’s charity received the grand prize. The boys and their respective charities are as follows:
- Luke Stento: Lurie Children’s Hospital
- Chad Berdine: Wounded Warriors Project
- Hamza Sahli: Rebuilding Together Duneland
- Caleb Vannevel: Trevor Project
- Peyton Day: Beyond Type One
- Chris Mullen: Lakeshore Paws
- Nathan Rameriz: Duneland Boys and Girls Club
- Brant Westphal: American Association For Prevention of Animal Cruelty
All of the candidates did a phenomenal job representing CHS and their charities. The boys even took the time to film a promotional video, participate in a ping pong tournament, dress up for prom spirit week themes, and more.
However, only one winner can take it all. The 2022 Mr. CHS is Peyton Day, pictured at left. The tremendous school spirit from Mr. CHS brought the Duneland community together, for a grand total of $6500 raised in just ten days. The money will go towards Peyton Day’s charity: Beyond Type One.
“My charity, Beyond Type One, means a lot to me being a type one diabetic and I’m really proud that this money is going to a great cause. I owe all of it to my friends and family that helped raise money and other candidates for making it such a fun and competitive event. I’m grateful for the Chesterton community and the opportunity to leave a positive mark” - Peyton Day.
CHS Student Government would like to thank the students and community for making Mr. CHS such a success!
STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Teacher Appreciation Week
This week, we are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week. In these difficult times, the dedication and commitment we are observing from our teachers is inspiring. We have had quite a two-year run that has stretched everyone to their limits. Our teachers and staff have responded, as they always do, with passion, creativity and a desire to do ‘whatever it takes’ to support our students. Our teachers are the backbone of the school corporation. Please consider letting them know how important they are by sending an email, card, virtual award, shout-out on social media, video message or letter to show your appreciation this week or here in the final month of the school year.
Thank you, DSC and PCES teachers!
Dr. Chip Pettit
Superintendent of Schools
Celebrating our School Nurses on May 11
Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses. National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting, and is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurse Week, May 9-13. The theme for this year is School Nurses: Bridging Heathcare and Education.
FRIDAY: School Lunch Hero Day
The 10th annual School Lunch Hero Day is this Friday, May 6. School Lunch Hero Day is a chance to commemorate school nutrition professionals and the difference they make for every child who comes through the cafeteria. Learn more about School Lunch Hero Day here.
Bus Driver Appreciation Day
Today is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Be sure to thank your bus driver today.
#dscinspireengageempower
#dscbusdriverappreciation2022
Duneland 2022 Summer School
THIS WEEK and WEEKEND:
CHS Theater to present The Election, May 5-8
Chesterton High School Theater will present the spring play, The Election, by Don Zolidis on May 5-8 at the Chesterton High School Auditorium. Performances will be Thursday, May 5; Friday, May 6; and Saturday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. with a Sunday, May 8 matinee at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Tickets will be available at the door. Cash only.
The Election is a two-hour performance including intermission. The synopsis of the show: After an embattled student body president resigns in disgrace, Mark Davenport figures he will cruise to victory in the special election. After all, his only opponent is nerdy Christy Martin, who wants to eliminate football. But when a mysterious Super PAC gives her an unlimited budget, things start to get very ugly. Mark must face total annihilation or accept the services of a slick professional campaign manager with questionable ethics and a million-dollar PAC of his own. A hilarious and timely satire on the contemporary political scene.
The cast, crew, and production team includes students Sam Ames, Katie Asbury, Jayne Bartlett, Addison Botts, Phoenix Bridegroom, Anna Burton, Kyle Casey, Aiden Corral, Julia Dietrich, Lilly Ewen, Brayden Gray, Ryan Gray, Gigi Hanner, Josh Hoover, Ava Johnson, Taylor Layman, Elsa Leady, Dylan Leavitt, Abby McCarthy, Caibhan McClure, Madison Morton, Robert Mueller, Heidi Nittner, Tiffany Nolasco, Natalie Nuñez, Hannah Pesce, Spencer Poole, Alex Reed, Krystina Santiago, Daniel Shade, Linnea Sundquist, Jaden Torres, Victoria West, Destiny Williams, and Samantha Williams.
This production is being directed by CHS teacher Dakota McCoy (2011 CHS grad).
CHS All That Jazz on May 14
Chesterton High School will host the 49th opus of All That Jazz, featuring dynamic and exciting jazz artists from the midwest along with the Chesterton HS Jazz Band on Saturday, May 14 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium.
This year's artists will feature: Chip McNeill (tenor saxophone), Tim Coffman (trombone), Jeffrey Brown (drums), Larry Gray (bass), Chip Stephens (piano).
Tickets are available online only for $15 via chestertonbands.org
For questions, please email Adam Bess: abess@duneland.k12.in.us
CHS Choirs to Present “SPRING REVUE 2022” on Friday, May 20
Chesterton High School Choir Department will present its annual Spring Revue on Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium. This event will feature the CHS Bel Canto, Camerata, and Concert Choirs as well as the show choirs, the Drifters and Sandpipers, and The Business Show Choir Band. This concert will feature broadway and movie music as well as performances of the 2021-2022 show choir competition shows. Solos and small group acts performed by members of the CHS choirs will be presented throughout the show as well.
Patrons of the 2022 Spring Revue will enjoy an exciting, fast-paced performance with outstanding music and dance. Featured acts will include vocal solos and small groups prepared by members of CHS choirs who were selected by audition to perform at the Spring Revue. The show will also include the annual recognition of senior members of CHS choirs.
“Spring Revue is always one of my favorite performances of the year because the kids just have so much fun being on stage with each other for the final time and getting to sing such fun music,” said CHS Choral Director Kristin Morris. “We’re excited to be able to perform for friends, neighbors, alumni, and the Duneland community which provides our students with so much support, especially during this incredibly difficult time for students and education. This performance will be a wonderful ending to a very successful year!”.
Tickets for Spring Revue 2022 may be obtained online by visiting www.showtix4u.com (search Chesterton) with prices of $12 for general admission seating and $10 for Students and Seniors. Family passes (2 General Admission and 2 Student/Seniors) are available for $40.00. Tickets may be sold at the door pending availability.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
CHS to Host IB Information Night on May 10
Chesterton High School will host an informational meeting for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade parents and students about Duneland's International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a 2-year course of study open to juniors and seniors in high school. Families will learn about the IB student learner profile, the many opportunities IB offers to students, and how students can prepare now to enter IB as juniors. This event will be held at Chesterton High School on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Visitors are asked to enter CHS at Door #4 and head upstairs to the Large Group Instruction Room (B549).
Special Education Resource Fair at Westchester Intermediate May 11
Westchester Intermediate School in collaboration with CHS Special Education teachers and parents from the community will host a Resource Fair for students of all ages in Porter County that have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in Porter County. This resource fair will be hosted on Wednesday, May 11 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Westchester Intermediate School, 1050 S Fifth Street in Chesterton.
Parents of students with IEPs will have a chance to meet with service providers from Northwest Indiana to discover what resources are available for children now and as they transition to adulthood. Special presentations on Smart 911 and Project Lifesaver will be given at 6:00 p.m. Please enter through Door 5.
CMS 7th Grade Orientation
Duneland Early Learning HUB
Happenings in the Early Learning HUB
The HUB will be hosting May PALS (Play and Learn) and May Trojans Together-Family Picnic. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CAEAA22AAFACF8-delhub1
Families with children entering kindergarten this fall or next (4 and 5 year olds) are invited to the Early Learning Emporium on May 11, Kindergarten Here I Come! Caregivers and children will get to chat with Duneland kinder teachers and learn ways they can have fun this summer getting ready for school. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CAEAA22AAFACF8-delhub1
Check out our virtual series (Trojan Tales, Trojan Tunes) on our webpage and Facebook. Check out our special series Trojan Training with our history making CHS basketball team! Special thanks to the players and Coach Urban for spending some time with us, Lanie Kitchel for her editing skills and CHS choir and band students for the intro jingle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5cphUS2JaA
You can learn more about the Early Learning HUB at https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/earlylearninghub. If you are new to the HUB, enrollment is required-please complete this form: https://forms.gle/DuquA2k5fWj4pft1A
See you at the HUB!
ENROLL TODAY!
Enroll for Kindergarten 2022-2023
Prospective Duneland students who will be five years old on or before August 1, 2022, may enroll for the 2022-2023 school year.
Click this link to begin the enrollment process. Parents may then contact the school their child will attend to set up a time to bring in the necessary paperwork.
Help Nominate DSC Teachers 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 him or her by following this link.
View all DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website.
LONG-TERM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Yost Campus Exterior Concepts
At the DSC School Board meeting on Monday, May 2, school board members and the public were updated by Scott Cherry of The Skillman Corporation on the project timelines.
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 Timelines
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Grades 7-12 Sport Physicals June 7 & 8
The Chesterton High School Athletic Department is sponsoring physicals for next year's 7-12 grade students. For details and more information visit Sport Physical Exam Nights at CHS
Registration for Summer Swim Lessons at CHS on May 17
Chesterton High School will be offering swimming lessons for Duneland School children this spring and summer. Lessons are for ages 4 and older of all skill levels.
The program will be provided by the high school swimming coaching staff, team members and led by Head Coach Mat Pavlovich. This is a great program for water safety purposes or a springboard to competitive swimming with the Duneland Swim Club. Coach Pavlovich has many aquatic certifications and is a WSI (Water Safety Instructor). The lifeguards will hold current LG (Lifeguard) certifications.
Instructional groups will be organized with the goal of four (4) students or less in most groups. Therefore, based on the number of in-water instructors we have available, sign-ups are on a first come/first serve basis and could close quickly. Classes are typically capped around 40 total students. More parental information will be available at registration.
Registrations and Classes: Chesterton High School Pool/Entrance 34
For more information, contact Mat Pavlovich at mpavlovich@duneland.k12.in.us
SUMMER LESSONS
SUMMER REGISTRATION: Tuesday May 17, 2022 from 5:45-6:45 p.m.
*Summer Session Dates: May 31, June 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, & 17, 2022
Summer Session Times: 8:45-9:30 a.m.; 9:45-10:30 a.m.; 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Summer Cost: $70.00 1st Child; $35.00 2nd Child
Summer 2022 Youth and Middle School Age Football Camps
Little Trojans Football Camp [June 13-16 $60] (at CHS)
Students entering Kindergarten through sixth grade in 2022.
We’re looking forward to seeing our Future Trojan Football Players!
Questions / Registration: Mark Peterson, CHS Head Football Coach mapeterson@duneland.k12.in.us
219-983-3730 Ext. 7249
Football Program brochure and form is attached below.
CHS Boys Summer Basketball Camp 2022
Chesterton High School will again offer Summer Basketball camp. For more information and to REGISTER visit Chesterton Basketball Summer Camp
Westchester Township History Museum Camp
WPL Summer Reading Program
Yost Elem. to Sponsor Red Cross Blood Drive
Yost Elementary School will host a Red Cross blood drive at the school, 100 W. Beam Street in Porter, on May 11th from 2-7 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Please schedule appointments through redcrossblood.org.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
NEW! DSC Calendar for 2022-2023
Need to know dates for next school year? The Duneland School Corporation 2022-2023 School Calendar was approved at the December 6 school board meeting. Click on the image or the link above to downloadable a PDF calendar for next school year.
Current 2021-2022 School Calendar
Food Assistance for Parents/Community
Looking for food assistance? FoodFinder can help.
FoodFinder is a map of food pantries nationwide. Click on the image to the right for access to a Food Assistance site map where individuals can enter a zip code to find the nearest area food pantries.
SCHOOL MENUS/MEALS
*SCHOOL MEALS UPDATE*
Due to ongoing effects of the COVID Pandemic, many industries are suffering from labor shortages which is causing disruptions and shortages in the food chain. At present, Duneland School's Child Nutrition Department is experiencing unprecedented food order shortages causing many last minute changes to the breakfast and lunch menus. In an effort to communicate these changes to families in a timely manner, we ask that you please check this website daily for any changes to the menu.
Thank you for your patience as we work through these setbacks!
Visit the DSC Child Nutrition page for links to the Second Semester menus.
DSC NOW HIRING!
The Duneland School Corporation is seeking candidates for the following positions:
LEVEL II TECHNICIAN
A Level II Technician is a Technology/Computer Technician who serves as the second tier of technical support in the district. This position will be responsible for the implementation, repair, and maintenance of district information technology assets. This position requires the person to be highly adaptable to any situation and maintain a strong sense of teamwork and communication. Click to apply online
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.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
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
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.
- 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.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR TROJAN VIRTUAL ACADEMY STUDENTS DURING THE DAY:
Mrs. Bye, TVA'S administrative assistant, can assist TVA students with technical issues during the school day. Please email jbye@duneland.k12.in.us or call our new line at 219-983-3743. Mrs. Bye will answer and then work with the IT Department to find a resolution.
MAY REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
High Ability Teachers and Aides
At the elementary level, a high ability teacher and instructional aides provide students identified as high ability with educational opportunities to ensure they reach their highest level of academic achievement in reading and math. The licensed, high ability teacher oversees the elementary program and designs the curriculum for the identified students who receive pull-out services. These services are also provided by trained high ability aides in our schools. The high ability teacher provides professional development to educators on the academic needs and social characteristics of the high ability learner.
For more referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
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 (updated):
Monday & Thursday from 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Friday from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday from 10:00 a.m.-6 p.m.
Call: 219-983-3776 x7020 to schedule an appointment
Pictured at right is nurse practitioner and Chesterton resident Shawn Kroft taking a student's blood pressure at the clinic.
Duneland School Corporation is located in Northwest Indiana and serves over 5875 students from a 92 square-mile area including Westchester, Jackson, Liberty and parts of Pine Townships, all located in Porter County.