DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, January 12, 2023 Vol. 57 No. 21
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Bailly Elementary students are taught three school-wide expectations: to be respectful, responsible, and safe. Quarter 2 focused on students being 'responsible' - each teacher had the opportunity to select one or two Responsible Leaders. These are students who consistently take ownership over their actions, strive to get their assignments completed, and set a positive example for their peers. Congratulations to these students for their leadership!
- Not all students were present at the time of the photos.-
CHS Speech & Debate Successful at Fishers Tournament
Above, left to right, tournament champions Gigi Hanner (12) and El Thompson (9).
This past weekend, Chesterton Speech and Debate combined forces and traveled to Fishers High School to compete in the largest tournament of the season so far. 50 schools and 800 student entries fought for top honors, with the team finishing in 3rd place overall. Chesterton brought a group of nearly 50 students, and 15 students made it to the final round of speech or the top 10 in debate. Notably, freshman El Thompson was the champion of Prose and senior Gigi Hanner won the event of Broadcasting.
The tournament held five rounds throughout the day. Speech had three preliminary rounds, a semifinal, and a final round. Debate had five straight rounds. By the end of the day, some students racked up more than seven hours in rounds of competition.
This coming weekend, the speech team hosts its home tournament while debate begins preparing for its postseason run later this month.
The following students were honored for their achievements at the tournament this weekend:
Addison Botts: 4th in Dramatic Interpretation
Jackson Dudek: 4th in Programmed Oral Interpretation
Zander Fish and Saanya Agarwal: 2nd in Public Forum Debate
Freedom Eiden and Riley Hawksworth: 2nd in Policy Debate
Gigi Hanner: 1st in Broadcasting
Patrick Hansen: 10th in Policy Debate
Lucas Koch and Rian Goins: 5th in Policy Debate
Milena Letic and Alaina McGrogan: 3rd in Policy Debate
Tiffany Nolasco: 5th in Prose Reading
Carmen Thomas: 4th in Prose Reading, 3rd in Original Oratory
El Thompson: 1st in Prose Reading
The team extends a significant thank you to its plethora of volunteer judges, including Isabelle Goodman, Anna Sanders, Mattea Sklut, Daniel Lowery, Andrea Drygas, Logan Riley, Kasia Wanner, and Finn Babjack.
Bailly Elementary Recognized as Common Sense School
Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of media and technology, has recognized Bailly Elementary as a Common Sense School.
Bailly Elementary has demonstrated its commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing its students to think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate while preparing them for the perils that exist in the online realm, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying. With the right support, kids can take ownership of their digital lives, engage with real issues, and change their communities for the better. The recognition acknowledges our school's commitment to creating a culture of digital citizenship. Read more...
Report Cards
Second quarter report cards are now available in the Skyward Parent Portal. Parents will have the option of printing out their student's report card. If you have any questions, need assistance or are having trouble accessing your Parent Portal on Skyward, please contact your child's school.
DSC Second Quarter Honor Rolls
NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
There will be no school for all Duneland School students on Monday, January 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Classes will resume for all students on Tuesday, January 17.
NO SCHOOL on January 23
There will be no school for all Duneland School students on Monday, January 23, so that Duneland teachers can participate in professional development activities.
Duneland Early Learning HUB
We've had a great week back at the HUB!
You can learn more about us at https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/earlylearninghub and follow our Facebook page at Duneland Early Learning HUB to see what we've been up to!
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. Follow this link to sign up for the camp.
Duneland Education Foundation (DEF)
On Saturday, January 21, the Duneland Education Foundation is proud to host its 3rd Annual Trivia Night. The event will be from 5-9 p.m. at the Loyal Order of Moose 1623; 602 Broadway Avenue Chesterton, IN 46304. Click on the video below to learn more about the event.
Parent Opportunity
Alley Oop for Awareness
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, January 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
JANUARY REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
School Resource Officers
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 School Resource Officers.
In partnership with the Chesterton Police Department and the Porter County Sheriff's Dept., the DSC is currently served by six (6) School Resource Officers (SRO) each school day.
SROs are highly skilled law enforcement officers who undergo extensive training to work within the school setting.
For students to achieve their full potential, safe schools are fundamental. Students who report feeling safe in school are more engaged in class, have higher academic achievement, and have lower rates of absenteeism and behavioral issues. Our SROs help foster a positive climate by establishing solid relationships with our students and staff. In addition, they help provide a safe environment in all our schools.
For more referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
CMS/CHS Student PE/Strength Training Uniforms
Purchase your CMS/CHS student P.E./Strength Training uniforms (shorts and t-shirts) online and arrange to have them delivered to your home or pick up at the store.
Duneland School Corporation
Email: bmartinson@duneland.k12.in.us
Website: www.duneland.k12.in.us
Location: 601 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: 219-983-3600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunelandschools/
Twitter: @dunelandk12