CMS Friday Focus
Chesterton Middle School - May 21st Newsletter
Message from Mr. Hamacher
Good evening CMS families. This is Mike Hamacher, principal at Chesterton Middle School, with the Friday Focus.
CMS celebrated World Day for Cultural Diversity on Friday, May 21. Each SRT 2 Class participated in an activity created by the CMS Social-Emotional Learning Team. Click HERE for more details!
The Porter County Health Department is hosting a vaccination clinic here at CMS on May 24th from 2-4 pm in Goldsborough Gym. If you completed and turned in a Parent Consent Form, you may come anytime between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. CMS students who have registered will be excused from class to receive the vaccination at 2:00 pm. Please call the CMS Main Office at 983-3776 if you have signed up but do not want your student(s) to take the vaccine during the school day and would prefer it be after school. PCHD will schedule the second Pfizer shot at the time the participants receive their first. We will use Entrance #22 on Morgan Ave. for those who are coming in from outside the building.
Parents who completed and turned in consent forms for the vaccination clinic will receive an appointment confirmation from the PCHD. Please be aware that it may say the appointment is at the Expo. Disregard that part of the message. They are trying to correct this automated message error, as it causes confusion. This vaccination clinic is at CMS.
Duneland School Corporation will be having in-person Summer School for grades 6-8. Please visit the Duneland homepage to register!
Please be sure to look at our Upcoming Events section in this newsletter.
The CMS Anti-Bullying Poster Competition winners are Emily Ponce (7th grade) and Caroline Mills (8th grade).
CMS is in the process of expanding the scope of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and transitioning into a Parent Ambassador Team. This team will meet periodically throughout the year to discuss school initiatives and happenings in addition to traditional PTO activities. If you are a parent of a current 7th grader, please see the email I sent you earlier this week with information regarding our next meeting.
Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
8th Grade Student Devices
This is a note regarding student devices for CMS students in grade 8.
On June 3, students in grade 8 will be required to return their iPad, keyboard case, power block, and power cord. Students will then receive their new HP x360 Windows Laptop and power cable.
It is important that students currently in grade 8 take a few moments to save anything that they would like to preserve to their Google Drive. For more information on saving items to their Google Drive please see the following guide:
Moving iPad Files to Google Drive - https://bit.ly/3f39F6V
Upcoming Events
May 21
2:00 p.m. Band Concert at CHS
May 24
ISP Digital Safety Presentation during Health and P.E. in the Auditorium
2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Vaccination Clinic in the Gold's Gym
May 25
8:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. 8th Grade Music Tour
English Finals
May 26
P.E. Finals
May 27
Social Studies Finals
Health Finals
May 28
Science Finals
Awards Ceremony- Virtual (After School)
National Junior Honor Society Virtual Induction
June 1
End of The Year 8th Grade In-Person Student Picnic
June 2
Math Finals
Bio Finals
June 3
Bio Finals (Part 2)
8th Grade iPad exchange (Auditorium) During Health Classes
Bio Students will exchange iPads at 1:45 p.m. (Auditorium)
June 4
Last Day of School
Student Achievements
Trojans of the Week
The All Star Squadron Team Trojan of the Week
Callie Auten is, without a doubt, an All-Star, so it is about time she got recognized for it! Since moving to CMS, Callie has really come out of her shell and showed everyone what a delightful, kind, and hard working student she is! Her attitude is wonderful, and she seems genuinely excited to learn, participate, and grow. Callie helps others achieve their best as well, being a solid group leader and helping everyone succeed. The list of amazing qualities is endless, so congratulations, Callie, on being an All-Star!
The Avengers Team Trojan of the Week
Team Incredibles (Related Arts)
Team Titans Trojan of the Week
The Guardians of the Galaxy Team Trojan of the Week
Presley Rhyne
Presley does a great job in class, she works hard and is a great mentor for other students.
The Justice League Team Trojan of the Week
Kennedy Williamson is the Team Justice League student of the week! Kennedy's teachers appreciate that she works hard in class, attends faithfully, and engages with what is being done in class. Kennedy sets a great example of encouraging other students and a positive attitude that hasn't gone unnoticed. Way to lead, Kennedy!
Guardians Of the Galaxy
Sierra Grant
Sierra works extremely hard in class, and is very motivated in her school work. She is also helping to mentor other students
The X-Men Teams Trojan of the Week
My student from Team X-Men is Matteah Burgeson. Matteah has floated between remote and in-person learning all year and has thrived in every setting. She is the type of student, and person, who is resilient, kind, and hardworking. Her personality can light up a room and it has been an absolute pleasure to have Matteah in class this year!
The Incredibles Trojan of the Week
BOOK FAIR
Here is the parent link to the fair where you can sign up for eWallet and find other information relating to the fair...https://www.scholastic.com/bf/chestertonmiddleschool
VACCINE CLINIC
It’s Finally Your Turn!
All students 12 and older are now eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Even though students are at a lower risk for complications, you now have the opportunity to protect yourself and those around you.
Get the vaccine for yourself as well as your family and friends!
Also, did you know… Once you are fully vaccinated, you no longer have to quarantine if you’ve been exposed to a person with the virus.
This means more time out with friends, more time participating in extracurricular activities and the chance to get back to your regular life. Don’t miss out!
Duneland School Corporation is planning a local vaccination clinic at Chesterton Middle School on May 24th from 2:00 – 4:00. More information coming soon!
School Safety
CMS has two full-time counselors. Mrs. Lamb is the 7th grade counselor. Her email address is dlamb@duneland.k12.in.us. Mrs. Herrod is the 8th grade counselor. Her email address is lherrod@duneland.k12.in.us.
CMS has a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO). Officer Joe Christian of Chesterton Police Department is currently serving as SRO for CMS.
The CMS Tipline is up and functional for students and parents to use to notify school administrators about any social-emotional issue, safety issue, or any other concern. This voicemail will also be monitored regularly. The phone number for the CMS Tipline is 219-983-3765. In the case of an emergency and the need for immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1.
The CMS Tipbox has been installed in the hallway next to the cafeteria for students to anonymously notify guidance counselors of any type of social-emotional issue. The box will be monitored regularly. If there is a need for immediate help, the issue must be reported to the main office immediately.
Sherrif's Camp
7th Annual Northwest Regional Sheriff's Camp
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**2021 Northwest Regional Sheriff's Camp**
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Sheriff Reynolds is announcing the dates and open application for our 7th Annual Northwest Regional Sheriff’s Camp for 2021!
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The dates for this year’s camp are August 3rd-5th at the Indiana Dunes State Park from 8:00am-3:00pm.
The cost of the camp is $40.00 per camper.
This year’s camp will be for the first time campers as we are looking to accept only those that have not attended the camp in the last 6 years.
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Unless food allergies are an issue, lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided each day to the campers.
This is a great opportunity during the summer just before the kids head back to school.
They will have a positive learning experience with our First Responders, see the different aspects of Law Enforcement and other Emergency Services, with plenty of hands on opportunities along with team building.
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The camp is put on by the Porter County, Jasper County, LaPorte County and Lake County Sheriff’s Offices as well as Indiana Conservation and South Haven Fire and Rescue.
The camp is open to children from all four counties between the ages of 9 and 14. Space is limited and the camp fills up fast, so be sure to mail your completed application to the Porter County Sheriff’s Office: 2755 S St. Rd 49, Valparaiso, IN 46383, or drop it off in person during business hours.
The deadline is July 9th, 2021 by 4:00pm or when the camp is filled, whichever occurs first.
The checks covering the application fee ($40.00) need to be made out to Porter County Government with ˜Sheriff’s Camp" in the memo section.
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We look forward to another successful camp and seeing new faces!
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CLICK HERE to download the Application
CLICK HERE to download the Waver
CLICK HERE to download the Covid19 waver
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Any questions regarding the camp can be forwarded to Laura Meyer at 219-477-3112
DSC 2020-2021 Calendar Changes
ATTENTION PARENTS:
The Duneland School Corporation has made TWO (2) changes to the 2020-2021 DSC Calendar.
In order to provide time for teachers to submit student grades, the eLearning day that was previously scheduled on Wednesday, June 2 will be moved to the last day of the school year for students on Friday, June 4.
CMS PTO
8th Grade Picnic
The Middle School would like to celebrate our 8th grade students who will be moving on to High School next year! CMS will be hosting an 8th grade Picnic for in-person students on Tuesday, June 1st from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. outside on the field. Food services will be providing hot dogs and chips. Kona Ice will be sold for $1.00 and students who purchase a Kona Ice will have their name put in the raffle for an 8th grade T-Shirt.
2020-2021 Yearbooks
There is still time to order a yearbook for your student! Follow the link to be directed to the Jostens website to place your order.
Yearbooks will all be ordered online, but will be distributed at school the last days of school.
Don't let your student be left out! Order today here.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL at CMS
CMS has begun integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum to meet the new Indiana state competencies. Research has shown that social-emotional learning interventions increase academic performance. Social-emotional learning is also important in helping students develop the skills employers are seeking in job candidates. SEL activities take place during a student's Health Class and SRT.
Click HERE to see what we will be doing each week!
Parent and Student SEL Tips
Parents
We are in the midst of the heavy state testing sessions! We know that these testing situations can increase anxiety, and we are working hard to help our students remain calm in the testing environment. Check out the image below that includes tips on helping your student reduce testing anxiety.
Students
The student council members came up with this newsletter with helpful tips and tricks all by themselves!
Guidance Department
ATTENTION ALL 8TH GRADE STUDENTS
Any 8th Grade student who is interested in Speech and Debate next year can pick up information from their English teachers.
Summer School PE Forms are online or available in the Guidance Office. First session fills up quickly! If you are looking to do Summer P.E. please do not delay! When completed, you may return it to the CMS guidance office.
2021 Summer School PE will be IN-PERSON!
Feeling stressed? Need a break? Take a trip to CMS Virtual Mindfulness Room!
21st Century Scholar Program - the 21st Century Scholar Program provides Indiana income eligible students an opportunity for a college scholarship that covers tuition and regularly assessed fees for up to 4 years.at an Indiana college or university. The program supports students and families to provide the tools for college, on time graduation and a start toward a successful career path. This scholarship is awarded annually and does not cover the cost of books and supplies. It also does not cover room and board but provides support and resources to help the scholar find ways to pay for these additional costs. Please visit Scholars.IN.gov/enroll for more information.
Student Services and Information (SSI) - Just a reminder that all students have access to the canvas course with one of the resources being the CMS guidance /counseling office. Parents who have set up Parent Observer accounts are able to receive information from the guidance/counseling office via canvas. Students can schedule appointments or email with his/her counselor through the canvas course.
Technical Support
NEW! After-Hours IT Support
Duneland School Corporation is happy to announce that we will now be offering after-hours technical support to our Duneland School community. Call 219-983-3759 Tuesday-Thursday until 7:00 PM.
Internet Access
Please click on the following link for information regarding help for accessing the internet from home. Internet Access for Duneland School Corporation Families
CMS Football Fall 2021
DSC Athletic Camps
Chesterton Girls Summer Basketball League
CHS Girls Soccer for Interested 8th Grade Girls Has Begun!
Zoom meetings are Spring fitness workouts. You will need to dress athletically including shoes. They will be Mondays & Thursdays from 3:30-4:30
Zoom Meeting Link or copy and paste the following link in your browser...
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83884296986?pwd=aVh1M25WVmVzSTk1aUlFRUhuOWZQQT09
Zoom info is as follows:
Mondays - 3:30-4:30
Meeting ID: 838 8429 6986
Passcode: CHSgirls
Thursdays - 3:30-4:30
Meeting ID: 894 3898 4846
Passcode: CHSgirls
Remind Instructions for Girls Soccer Group below
CHS Volleyball Summer Camp
Chesterton High School will host a Summer Volleyball Camp in the CHS Main Gym from May 24-27 for the following grades:
Grades 4th-6th (fall 2021): 4:30-6 PM
Grades 7th & 8th (fall 2021): 6-8PM
Follow this link to sign up for summer camp: https://form.jotform.com/210825263018146
For more information contact amber.mccaw@gmail.com
Assessment
Indiana Department of Education
Health & Wellness
Please continue to notify the school if your child or family member tests positive to covid 19. When school resumes please notify the school if your student is symptomatic (Student Daily Screening Tool ) or is a close contact to a positive case. You can call the building at 983-3776 (x 4) or email the school nurse at mkirchner@duneland.k12.in.us with details or questions.
NorthShore Clinic Services Available
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:
Currently M, T, Th, and F from 8-3.
Summer Hours (beginning June 7th): Monday and Thursday 8-12
Beginning August 2nd, Monday-Friday 8-3
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.
Department News
English
We will be finished reading the novel this week and have our final exam next Tuesday. Mrs. Fath's students created Instagram profile pages for a character in the novel using symbols and quotes from the text.
Eighth grade students are in the middle of "The Outsiders" and enjoying it. We are nearly completed with NWEA makeups and looking forward to the end of the year activities.
A variety of projects will begin afterward, before comparing the novel to the movie. Students are also attending the BOGO (Buy one get one) Book Fair in their geography classes this week, so be sure to support your child's summer reading fun!
Math
8 Math has been working on finding the y-intercept and graphing linear inequalities.
8th Honors and Algebra Honors are finishing the year with Radical Expressions and Equations.
All math classes will be NWEA testing next week. Remote students need to join their classes Zoom meets to get the login information.
Social Studies
Mr. Stark speaking to Mrs. Bullock's 7th grade World Geography students today about South Korea. He has previously taught in South Korea.
Robotics
The CMS Robotics teams concluded their season at the VEX World Championship. This event was held virtually due to COVID instead of traveling to Texas. CompetingTeams from across the United States and Foreign countries including China, Australia, Canada, Germany and others were present at this year's competition. Official results were not available at deadline but the preliminary results are as follows:
L to R Alex Kozinski, Raymond Hundt and
Aiden Sweet race
against time to do a repair between
runs. Each team had one hour
to complete 6 runs (3 driven and 3 autonomous.)
Team E (consisting of Ayden Bozak, Ethan Glassman, William Morgan and Keith Ward) had a score of 159 and was 27 out of 125 teams.
Team A (consisting of Lucas Sparks, Sam Macker and Addisyn Rodriguez) had a score of 105 and was 79th.
Team F (consisting of Raymond Hundt, William Roberson, Aiden Sweet and Alexander Kozinski) had a score of 86 and was 102nd
Team B (consisting of Paige Engels, Mackenzie Kania and Lincoln Rhoda) had a score of 73 was 114th.
Getting into the World Tournament was not a small accomplishment. A lot of hard work was put in along with winning qualifying awards at the State Tournament in March.
Congratulations for an awesome season, Coach Yong
Teaching and Learning from the Media Center - Q4 Reading Challenge
Quarter Four (Q4) Reading Challenge is all about award-winning books. You must read four award winners, of your choice to complete the challenge. Fill out the Google Form as you complete a book. Read more about the challenge on the library website.
Reading a wide variety of literature is an Indiana State Standard 7.RL.1 and 8.RL.1
Clubs
Open Acceptance Club
Art Club
Trojan Times- Student Newspaper
CLICK BELOW FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF TROJAN TIMES
Do you fancy yourself a journalist? The Trojan Times meets every Tuesday 8:00 - 8:25 am in Mr. Tudor's room. You must have a permission slip on file prior to attending. If you are interested contact Mr. Tudor.
Reader's Club & Table Top Games
- Meetings are every Monday, in the Media Center from 3-4:00
- New members are always welcome
- See Mrs. Gish or Ms. Graupner for more information
CMS Student Services and Information (SSI) Canvas course - Be sure to check out the video announcements for CMS students. Here you will find information about clubs, sports, events, birthdays, and more. Information is updated weekly.
Chesterton Middle School
Website: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Domain/15
Location: 651 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: 219-983-3776
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chestertonmiddleschool
Twitter: @CMS_Trojans
From Around the District
Long-Term Capital Improvements
The DSC leadership, architects, and constructional management professionals have begun meeting with staff to discuss the next steps of the Long-Term Capital Improvement projects. Staff input sessions will take place prior to summer break and community forums will take place during the summer.
Community members may review the Long Term Capital Improvements information that will be continuously updated on the DSC website.
Housing Resources
School Meals TO GO! - Beginning on Jan. 6, 2021
Meals to Go changes beginning 1/6/2021
Meals will continue to be free for all children through the end of the school year. Beginning January 6, 2021 there will no longer be daily meal pickup. Meal pickup will be as follows:
IN SCHOOL LEARNERS
Students who participate in the In-School Hybrid 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 9:30am and 10:30am each Wednesday. The form must be submitted online by 9am each Tuesday to receive meals.
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 9am to receive meals.
Remote Learner Weekly Meals To Go Order Form
Yost Elementary - 100 W. Beam St., Porter
Enter the parking area from Beam St. Go left down the hill. Stay left of cones and follow the drive around to the back of the building for meal pick up at the Food Service Entrance.
Chesterton High School - 2125 S. 11th Street
Enter the parking area from 11th Street by the Football Stadium and follow signage to the back of the building for pickup.
- Please pick up meals for all children in the household at one location.
- If you will be picking up meals for a child with food allergies, please contact the Child Nutrition Director, Tammy Watkins, at 219-983-3700 for detailed information.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event of a cancellation of activities/programs on a Wednesday due to inclement weather, meal distribution will be conducted the following day, Thursday.
If picking up meals for a child with food allergies, please contact the Child Nutrition Director, Tammy Watkins, at 219-983-3700 for detailed information.
Visit this link to see the Remote Meal Menu with Heating Instructions
NorthShore Health Services
Duneland School Corporation has partnered with NorthShore Health Services to establish a school-based health clinic that will be located in Chesterton Middle School. Please see the attached document for additional information and access to the consent form. Anyone interested in using the school-based clinic for their child will need to have a signed consent form on file. Please return all consent forms to Mrs. Kirchner, CMS school nurse, in the CMS clinic. NorthShore Health Consent Form
CHS Seeking Local Businesses for 2021-2022 Student Internship Program
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.
Help prepare CHS students for life after high school while they are still in high school
For more info view the CHS Internship FlyerCelebrate Your Favorite Duneland School Teacher- 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.
Summer Camp at Sunset Hill
Hoping to get out in the fresh air and do something fun this summer? Read more about Porter County Parks and Recreation's Camp Funset at Sunset Hill Farm Park. The Camp Funset application is available on their website.