DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, February 16, 2023 Vol. 57 No. 26
*Special note from the editor:
Beginning the week of February 21, the DuneNews will be on a short publication hiatus. Please look to your specific school newsletters and the district website for school and important information. The DuneNews will resume in April.
NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
There will be no school for all Duneland School students on Friday, February 17 and Monday, February 20 to observe a winter break and the Presidents' Day holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 21.
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Sandpipers - Grand Champions
Above, members of the The Sandpipers and The Business with their award.
This past Saturday, the CHS Show Choirs competed at the Carroll Classic at Carroll High School in Ft. Wayne. An incredible day of show choir with the groups competing against some of the most recognized programs in the state of Indiana.
Junior Luke Housman placed third overall in the solo competition that was held adjunctly with 56 participants.
The Drifters and The Business competed in a division stacked with talent coming away with second Runner-Up and a Best Band award. Sophomore Jane Maddex was named the group's Outstanding Performer.
The Sandpipers and The Business earned Grand Champion honors of their division, as well as a sweep of the captions that included Best Vocals, Best Visuals and Best Band. Junior Sofia Cunningham was named the group's Outstanding Performer.
This is one of the first times in the last twelve years of the program, under the helm of current Director Kristin Morris, that the groups have been able to achieve such collective success and that the Sandpipers have been able to achieve back-to-back Grand Championships, the Drifters consistent placements in the top three and The Business Band with their three consecutive Best Band Awards.
The CHS Show Choirs are so thankful for the support from school administration, the community, and all their families and friends. "It takes a village to foster the continued success and motivation needed to keep pushing yourself to be the best," said Morris. "Our program is surrounded by an incredible village, who not only travels with us to cheer us on, but also makes sure the students are striving to be their best both on and off the stage. I received so many compliments, not only on our students' performances, but also on their kindness and respect - that one is always my favorite comment to receive. Just so thankful to continue to work with these incredible students and be surrounded by the support that we are."
The CHS Show Choirs are off to one of the best collective starts in recent history, and look forward to continuing their season. Up next, Chesterton High School will host the 10th annual Trojan Classic Show Choir Competition this weekend , Feb. 18, 2023 beginning at 8 a.m. Groups from across the Midwest will compete on the Chesterton High School stage will in exhibition style (with non-competitive performances by the Drifters & The Business at Noon and Sandpipers & The Business at 6:15 p.m.). Ticket cost is $15 for the Preliminary Round, $20 for an All-Day Pass and $10 for Finals entry.
Above, members of the The Drifters and The Business with their award.
SPEECH
Chesterton Debate defends event title; finishes third in state
Above, crowned State Debate Champions, left to right, Zander Fish and Saanya Agarwal.
The Chesterton High School Debate team finished its season with a third place finish at the Indiana School Speech and Debate Association (ISSDA) state finals held at Marian University. The team managed to successfully defend last year’s event title in Public Forum debate with seniors Saanya Agarwal and Zander Fish being crowned champions.
Agarwal and Zander were the top seed coming out of a competitive prelim series which included
them sweeping last year’s state runners-up as well as rival West Lafayette’s top team. They
were the only team to go undefeated among their first six judges. Chesterton found its first
batch of bad luck when the pairings came out for the Octafinal round, as Agarwal/Fish were
forced to debate and subsequently knock out their teammates Bennett Proffit and George Rone.
Meanwhile CHS sophomores Darek Shatat and Greenlee Black narrowly lost a 2-1 decision to
Carmel’s top team to end their incredible run as the tournament’s 4th overall seed. As the lone
advancing team from CHS into Quarterfinals, Agarwal and Fish had to run the gauntlet to the
title; defeating West Lafayette by a 3-0 decision to advance to Semifinals where they were
surrounded by three teams hailing from Fishers High School. Taking the position of the
negation in both the semis and finals, Agarwal and Fish were able to convince enough judges
that the US should not significantly increase its diplomatic presence within West Asia due to the
destabilizing effect that it would have upon the region because it would require granting
concessions to Iran. This is the second consecutive title in the event of Public Forum for CHS
and the seventh overall for the program. Agarwal and Fish were semi finalists last year and will
finish their stellar career at the National Tournament in June.
INSPIRE | ENGAGE | EMPOWER
LIS Robotics Team Qualifies for State
Liberty Intermediate School robotics team 94645B qualified for the State Tournament with an alliance score of 67 at Kingsford Heights. They also scored a combined total of 62 points in the Skills challenge. This included driver skills and coded skills. Team members, left to right, Jake Fryer, Calvin Rossi, and Devin Prokopis.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Donation to Duneland Building Trades
Above, The Duneland Building Trades, LLC (DBT) recently received a generous $22,000 donation from the Steel Erectors and Machinery Association for their school program. Red Stone, owner of Metropolitan Steel, center, presenting a check to Duneland Building Trades Instructor Kevin Ortiz.
Front row, left to right, Craig Green; Ryan Mahaffey; Ceth Bain; Kaleb Bain; Brian Lewandowski, owner of A-1 Construction; Red Stone; Kevin Ortiz; Audra Peterson, director of Porter County Career and Technical Education; and CHS Principal Brent Martinson. Back row, Building Trades students Tegan Pede, Nate McSpadden, William Nowicki, Joseph Garland, Masun Connaway, Griffin Watkins, Jacob Benzer, Mason Castro, Cooper Watkins, Tristen Goins and Paul Shinn, president of DBT.
From the Desk of...
K-4 Standards-Based Grading
Duneland Elementary Parents,
Our K-4 teams have been exploring different ways to measure student performance, and we wanted to take some time over the remainder of this school year to bring you up-to-speed on our discoveries and where we are headed with regard to student grading at the elementary level. The Indiana Department of Education has adopted challenging standards over the years. Teachers in Duneland classrooms have been building curriculum and using instructional strategies designed to promote student mastery of each standard. During this process, it has become clear that we need to update how we assess student learning so that it supports student mastery of these standards.
As we work to make these adjustments, we have been investigating ways to best communicate student progress to families. Currently, our grading practices do not fully support the responsive teaching and learning that is happening in our classrooms. As a result, we have found that a Standards-Based Grading approach may best align with our goals.
What is Standards-Based Grading (SBG)?
Standards-Based Grading is an approach to grading that highlights students’ strengths and areas of improvement by individual standard. This approach measures how well a student understands the material and how they are progressing with their learning goals. The focus is on what a student currently can do, not how long it takes them to get there. Through this approach, we will build consistent grading practices for grades K-4 throughout our school district.
There are four key elements to SBG:
Student performance is clearly communicated with numbers
The focus is on true student understanding rather than completing tasks
Students have multiple opportunities to prove they have met learning goals
Learning is specific and purposeful
Why use Standards-Based Grading (SBG)?
Standards-Based Grading helps to create a more meaningful and fair learning environment. Students learn criteria they need to meet in order to show they have mastered specific skills. Student learning is measured by how well they meet these criteria (rather than by averaging scores for the entire grading period). Additional factors, such as behavior, are communicated separately. In short, Standards-Based Grading is used to provide clarity on progress towards specific skill development on a standard.
Will Standards-Based Grading (SBG) eventually be used in Grades 5-12?
DSC teachers will continue to use some Standards-Based Grading strategies in all grades, but we will still use traditional letter grades (A, B, C, D, or F) in Grades 5-12. This is due to credit attainment and grade point average reasons that are specific to the secondary level.
Over the next four months, messaging on Standards-Based Grading will be shared with K-3 families for the purpose of developing familiarity with the process before implementation in grades K-4 during the 2023-2024 school year.
Yours in education,
The Department of Teaching & Learning
STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Bus Driver Appreciation Day
Help the Duneland School Corporation celebrate the outstanding teachers and employees that make up this district. Each year, DSC conducts the Teacher and Employee of the Year Recognition Program with the mission of inspiring and celebrating those in the education industry. Nominations will be accepted for the following categories:
- Elementary Teacher- Grades K-6
- Secondary Teacher- Grades 7-12
- Employee of the Year- Classified Staff Employee
Students, former students, parents, colleagues, administrators, or members of the community may nominate DSC teachers and/or classified employees. There is no limit to the number of teachers or classified employees a person may nominate. Please complete a separate nomination form for each teacher and/or classified employee you wish to nominate. Click here to read the rules and to access the nomination forms
VOTE TODAY!
Nominations Close at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3
COMING SOON!
Kindergarten Round-Up on March 2
NEXT WEEKEND!
CMS Theater Production
Chesterton Middle School Drama Club returns to the stage for their 6th annual spring comedy! This year, 40 of CMS's greatest thespians are coming together to deliver two, one-act comedies under the direction of English teacher Liz Graupner and Art teacher Katherine Jones, with help from Chesterton High School Seniors Emerson McCready and Tanner Lipka.
The show will be at the Chesterton Middle School Auditorium on Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door.
"Everyone Gets Abducted by Aliens" by Marshall Pailet addresses some of the universe's biggest questions : Is there life on other planets? Should you be petrified for your Earthly existence? Does everyone get abducted by aliens? This play is full of answers: yes, yes, and that's the title of the show! Conspiracy Dan takes the audience on a cautionary tour through alien-infested scenarios to avoid, such as going towards the light, voting for an alien political candidate, and buying gluten-free ice cream from extraterrestrials.
"10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse" by Don Zolidis provides audience members with a handbook on how to survive when it's the end of the world and hordes of rampaging zombies are about to kill you. Learn strategies like trying kung fu, attempting to reason with the mindless killing machines, or sacrificing the weakest of your group so you can run to safety.
Students participating: Bre Burgess, Avi Burke, Skylar Burnson, Valeria Chavez, Jessica Dahlin, Stuart Deiters, Abby Demsich, Evalyn Evans, Clare Jobgen, Aubrey Leidolf, Talan Lipka, Jayden Lorenz, Vladimir Lutterman, Peyton Oswald, Adam Tenbarge, Amaya Thomas, Elizabeth Uehling, Emma Wahl, Ellie Wilcox, Kayla Willis, Noah Chavez, Giacomo Depasquale, Mia Dusenbury, Anastasia Florczyk, Emilia Franco, Kasey Hedrick, Donovan Iler, Madison Jackson, Ria Kashyup, Lacei Kuckuck, Neveah Lattanzio, Victoria Manning, Finley McCready, Destiny Rollins, Madeline Ronstadt, Landon Soller, Pebble Stojakovich, Wyatt Wellensiek, Gemma Wiatrowski, Chris Wilson and Jeremy Canfield.
NEXT WEEKEND!
CHS Family Theatre Production 2023
Come see The Neverending Story at Chesterton High School! Showtimes are Friday, Feb. 24 at 7:00 pm, Saturday Feb. 25 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for general admission / $8 for students and seniors and can be purchased at the door or online at our.show/neverendingstory
A boy, a book, and a quest to save the world. The Neverending Story follows Bastian, a young boy of 10 who finds a mysterious book at a bookstore that comes more alive with each page.
The world of Fantastica is in danger! The Childlike Empress is searching for a cure and the only hope is Atreyu, a young buffalo hunter. Along the way, he endures heartbreak, discovers joy, and encounters a cast of fascinating characters: evil creatures Gmork and Ygramul, helpful beings like Falkor and the Gnomics, crotchety old Morla, and more. While reading the story, Bastian finds out that he has more similarities with Atreyu than meets the eye. Can Bastian’s imagination alone save Fantastica from the Nothing?
Duneland Early Learning HUB
Check out what the HUB is all about at https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/earlylearninghub. Follow us on Facebook (Duneland Early Learning HUB page) to see our weekly adventures.
Scholastic orders can be placed via our class code at https://orders.scholastic.com/YDFLW. Orders will be submitted March 3rd, April 6th and May 5th.
The HUB is proud to be part of the Talking is Teaching initiative...Learning begins at birth! Learn more here: https://www.firstthingspc.org/talkingisteaching
See you at the HUB!
DSC Appointed Vacancy - WPL Board of Trustees
The Duneland School Corporation Board of Trustees is accepting letters of interest for a position on the Westchester Public Library Board of Trustees. Read more about this opportunity to represent DSC on the Westchester Public Library Board.
SCHOOL MEALS:
No Longer FREE For ALL Students
School meals are no longer free for all students during the 2022-2023 school year unless you qualify for free meals through the free or reduced-price meal benefit.*
Please note: Parent/Guardians who owe money for their child(ren)’s meals, will receive an email each day with the amount owed. Those emails will be coming from the cafeteria computer software and will show up with Solana as the sender. Excessive negative balances can be turned over for collections.
Current Meal Prices:
Elementary/Intermediate Breakfast Price - $1.45
Elementary/Intermediate Lunch Price - $2.55
Middle/High Breakfast Price - $1.60
Middle/High lunch Price - $2.95
Parent/Guardian’s can also put money on their child’s meal account through the following link: MyPaymentsPlus
*To see if you qualify for free or reduced price meals you must fill out an application. Applications can be found on the DSC Child Nutrition webpage or by calling your child’s school.
Check out the NEW
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
The goal of the Duneland School Corporation district school newsletters is to inform students, parents and the school community about school-related information.
This year, the Duneland Schools will share information that pertains to opportunities our students may be interested in outside of school on a special page on our website. These available opportunities are offered by not-for-profit partnerships and organizations within our school district boundaries and local communities. Follow this link to Community Opportunities.
DSC SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS / CAMPS / ACTIVITIES
Chesterton High School will host a Middle School Athlete Development Camp to help develop and improve Athletic Development in current 7th & 8th grade boys and girls who are interested in participating in sports at Chesterton High School. Student athletes will learn techniques associated with strength training and speed/agility training to develop athletic skills needed to compete at the highest level. Click the image to learn more. Contact Matt Wagner to sign-up for the camp.
CHS Accepting Nominations for Athletic Hall of Fame
The Chesterton High School Hall of Fame Committee has developed a program of recognition designed to honor those individuals who through their commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to the Chesterton High School Athletic Program have brought pride and distinction to our school community as a player, coach, administrator, or active supporter.
If you are interested in nominating someone for the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame, please download and complete the form below or submit the online form below.
The deadline for nominations is Monday, February 27. The 2023 Hall of Fame Class will be announced in June and honored at halftime of the Trojan football game against Warsaw on Friday, August 24. In addition there will be a dinner banquet held on Saturday, August 25, 2023 to celebrate these outstanding individuals and their success.
All submissions must be completed and submitted via this form below and submitted to the Chesterton High School Athletic Department or completed online with the link below.
IMPORTANT INFO FOR PARENTS
2022-2023 Procedures for Delaying/Closing Schools
Please review the DSC Procedures for Delaying/Closing Schools in case of inclement weather.
2022-2023 eLearning Guidelines (UPDATED 12/19/22)
Guidelines for Students 2022-2023 School Year
Follow the links below by grade level to find the appropriate Unplanned (Virtual - Synchronous) eLearning Day Plan for your student.
DSC 2022-2023 Calendar
The REVISED 2022-2023 Duneland School Corporation Calendar is available on our website. Click on the link above to open or visit our website at Resources > Documents and Forms
👀 Looking for dates for NEXT school year? Here is the NEW DSC calendar for 2023-2024
CHS Maroon & Gold Calendar/Bell Schedules
Parent Observer Account
Parents are encouraged to set up their Canvas observer accounts to monitor their students' progress.
Parents can click this link to view how to set up their Parent Observer Account
Link to the Canvas Log In
LONG-TERM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Yost Campus
Liberty Campus
Westchester Campus
At the DSC School Board meeting on Monday, February 9, school board members and the public were updated by Chris Muvceski of The Skillman Corporation on the work that has been completed in the last four weeks at each of the current worksites, as well as what will be happening in the upcoming weeks.
The most current information regarding the DSC Long-Term Capital Improvement projects, such as current concept drawings, information and preliminary timelines, are available on the DSC website. The information on the website will be continuously updated as we move forward with the process.
Community members may review the current Long-Term Capital Improvements information that will be continuously updated on the DSC website.
DSC Strategic Plan
The Duneland School Corporation Strategic Plan provides the focus and alignment for the school district over the next 3-4 year. These timelines were revised as of June 2022 to reflect the necessary adjustments to the plan.
DSC NOW HIRING!
The Duneland School Corporation is seeking candidates for the following positions:
CHILD NUTRITION
Child Nutrition associates provide nutrition services to students and staff. Benefit-eligible positions available. Click to apply online
CUSTODIAL
Duneland School Corporation Custodians are required to clean and sanitize all corporation facilities. This position has a highly responsible role in providing custodial services and dealing with students and staff on a regular basis. Custodians interact with individuals both inside and outside the corporation and therefore, must have the ability to present a professional and organized image at all times. Custodians may be required to work in other Duneland School Corporation facilities. Benefit-eligible positions available. Click to apply online
TRANSPORTATION
Duneland School Corporation Transportation positions (Bus Drivers, Sub Bus Drivers) require eligible persons to operate all school vehicles or (Sub Bus Aides) to assist in the transportation of all special students needing additional attention. These positions are highly responsible roles in transporting and dealing with students and staff on a regular basis. Transportation personnel interact with individuals both inside and outside of the corporation and therefore, must have the ability to present a professional and organized image at all times. Benefit-eligible positions available. Click to apply online
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Seeking substitute teachers for all grade levels. To apply for a substitute teaching position, please apply in person at the Duneland Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Ave. in Chesterton to complete an application.
NorthShore Clinic for DSC Students
Duneland School Corporation has partnered with NorthShore Health Services and has established a school-based health clinic that is now located in Chesterton Middle School.
This partnership provides access to healthcare for ALL Duneland School students.
Some of the services include:
- Strep Throat
- Ear Infections
- Immunizations
- Sports Physicals
- Treatment for pink eye
- Rashes
- Behavioral health services and referrals
Duneland parents interested in using the school-based clinic for their child will need to have a signed consent form on file. Consent forms are available from your Duneland school nurse or can be obtained at the NorthShore clinic where the visit is scheduled.
Currently Open:
Mondays and Thursdays - 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Tuesdays and Fridays - 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesdays - 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Thursdays - 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Fridays - 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
(Closed on holidays)
Call: 219-983-3776 x7020 -or- the call center at (219) 763-8112 to schedule an appointment
601 W Morgan Avenue
Enter using CMS Door #7
CONTACTING IT SUPPORT
The Duneland School Corporation IT department is committed to making hybrid and remote learning models as successful as possible. To get your problems solved as fast as possible:
- Open a new Freshservice ticket:
- AV number is typically located on a sticker on the back/bottom of the device
- Serial number is also acceptable
- AV number is typically located on a sticker on the back/bottom of the device
- Open a Freshservice ticket by sending an email to: helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us
- Please be sure to include email address, student or staff name, and a description of the problem
- Please use the above best methods to contact the DSC IT Department.
Device Repair
In some cases there will be issues that cannot be resolved remotely. If you have a device that has sustained physical damage (i.e. cracked screen, broken keyboard), please fill out the form below. After submitting the form, a member of the IT department will contact you to schedule your service appointment.
Internet Connectivity
Families without internet due to financial hardship have access to programs from two local providers.
Comcast Internet Essentials:
Families that qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and other programs may also qualify for the Internet Essentials program from Comcast.
This program offers internet for as low as $9.95 per month.
Additional options and services are also available
More information is available at this Comcast link
Frontier Lifeline Program:
Families that qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and other programs may also qualify for the Lifeline Program from Frontier.
More information is available at this Frontier link
FEBRUARY REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
Elementary School Counselors
On May 7, 2019, residents living in the Duneland School Corporation boundaries voted to continue a twenty-two cents ($0.22) tax levy originally approved in 2012, for the purposes of maintaining the current educational and operational programs of the Duneland School Corporation. This general operating referendum will expire in 2026. Each month, the DuneNews will highlight a different initiative or program being funded by referendum dollars. The Duneland School Corporation thanks the community for their support, and in turn, pledges to be innovative and responsible stewards. This month, DSC highlights Elementary School Counselors.
Research shows elementary school counseling programs have a positive impact on student achievement. While in elementary school, students begin to develop their academic self-concept and feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family.
Elementary counselors are trained in child development, learning strategies, self-management and social skills. The elementary counseling program provides education, prevention and intervention activities. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success.
For more referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
NEW!
Did you know that Duneland Schools has an online Spirit Wear Store where you can buy your Duneland all school spirit wear? Apparel for all ages, stadium seats, accessories and more.
Duneland School Corporation
Email: bmartinson@duneland.k12.in.us
Website: www.duneland.k12.in.us
Location: 601 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: 219-983-3600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunelandschools/
Twitter: @dunelandk12