DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, March 11, 2021 Vol. 55 No. 26
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
CHS Gymnastics Team - Regional Champs
(Masks were removed momentarily to achieve a team photo)
CMS Robotics Teams Advance to World Competition
Team E (EWAK Bots), (pictured above-masks removed momentarily to achieve a team photo) composed of Keith Ward, Ethan Glassman, William Morgan and Ayden Bozak, was runner-up in Robot Skill. Team E was also recipient of the Excellence Award which is the highest award for the competition. Team E has qualified for the World Competition in May. Team E ended the season ranked number 1 in the State and 12th in the Nation.
Team A, composed of Luke Sparks, Bryton Oliver, Sam Macker and Addisyn Rodriguez , came in third at the State Competition in Robot Skills. Team A also received the Think Award and qualified for the World Competition in May. Team A ended the season ranked as third in the state and 25th in the nation.
Team B, Composed of Paige Engles, Mackenzie Kania and Lincoln Rhoda, was awarded the Design Award. This award qualifies Team B for the world competition in May. Team B finished the season ranked eighth in the state.
Team F, composed of Raymond Hundt, William Roberson, Alexander Kozinski and Aiden Sweet received the Amaze Award at the State Competition. Team F ended the year ranked seventh in the state in Robot Skills. (masks were removed momentarily to achieve a team photo)
WIS Robotics Teams Advance to World Competition
Team A (Ava Bozak, Michael Izguerra, Nicholas Jakel, Christian Keene, and Lela Ragnone) and
Team E (Danny Cain, Emmett Burkus, Michael Ward, and Matthew Balhoff) each won the Amaze Award, which is presented to a team that has built the most consistently high-scoring and competitive robot.
Team F (Isaiah Prater, Drew Reagor, Maddie Ronstadt, Elizabeth Uehling, and Aly Malinovsky) won the Jack Klein Memorial Award. Jack Klein was an Indianapolis Public Schools student and robotics enthusiast diagnosed with Lymphoma as a third grader. He cheerfully endured cancer treatment before his death from the disease in 2016. He's remembered for his sense of humor, commitment to fun, a knack for making friends, and love of robotics.
Team D (JP White, Adam Tenbarge, Finley McCready, and Eva Capodice) and Team B (Brady McWhirter, Macie Kania, Elizabeth Dodds, and Alina Micchia) each won the Design Award, which is presented to a team that demonstrates an organized and professional approach to the design process, project and time management, and team organization.
Team C (Vance Gaston, Andrew Klootwyk, and Colton Beckwith), Team G (Lily Linsemeyer, Allison Klootwyk, Riley Rodriguez, and Rosemary Hundt) and Team J (Liam Crum, Nolan Marin, and Zach Erwin) have also qualified for the World Championship based on their final State Skills Score.
Based upon winning these awards, all eight teams above qualified for the Remote VEX Robotics World Championship.
The Remote VEX Robotics World Championship will be held at WIS part of each day, Monday - Wednesday, May 24 - 26, but still, be a part of a worldwide event.
Westchester Robotics is coached by Miss Kaitlyn Toweson, Mr. Brad Sweet, and Mrs. Kari Balon.
Long-Term Capital Improvements
Dr. Chip Pettit, Superintendent of Schools, presented solutions to identified needs and objectives at the March 1st School Board Meeting. The Board of Trustees unanimously voted to accept the recommendation and advertise the 1st Notice of Preliminary Determination Hearing as required by statute for April 5th and the 2nd Preliminary Determination and Project Hearing Notice be advertised as required by statute for April 12th. Please review the presentation and an FAQ document that will be continuously updated throughout the Spring at the DSC website.
1:1 Devices for Students in Grades K-8
DSC will enter into a four-year lease agreement with Apple for new iPads for all students in grades K-8. These new, latest generation iPads will include rugged keyboard cases and accidental damage protection. This accidental damage protection will allow DSC to remove the cost to K-8 parents for device insurance. Students will exchange their current device with a new device prior to the end of the school. Students will be able to take new devices home over the summer.
End of 3rd Grading Period / Student Progress Reports
Spring Break: March 22-26
REMINDER: There will be no student lunch pickups during the week of spring break.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS - Set Clocks Ahead on Sunday
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
THIS WEEKEND: Event for the Whole Family
Chesterton High School will present the 21st annual Family Theatre Production, The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home, based on the best-selling books by Drew Daywalt, will be livestreamed only.
Showtimes are Friday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. All tickets are $10.00, and proceeds go toward future Family Theatre productions.
Once upon a time, The Crayons Quit. They, like many of us almost a year into a global pandemic, were overworked, stressed out, exhausted, and ready to give up. But as the old saying goes, the show must go on, and Chesterton High School's Family Theatre is up to the task.
Please join this year's cast for the 21st annual, first-time-ever 'livestream' event on March 12, 13, or 14 to find out exactly what made the Crayons Quit, and how their buddy, Duncan, convinces them to Come Home.
Please visit the website ( www.our.show/crayonsquit ) to purchase tickets and find out more.
Kindergarten Sign UP
DO YOU NEED TO SIGN UP YOUR INCOMING KINDERGARTENER FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR?
Kindergarten Sign-Ups are taking place for incoming students who have turned five (5) years of age by August 1, 2021. Please click the KDG SIGN UP link to the complete the information process.
CHS International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
Chesterton High School will host an IB Parent Night on Tuesday, March 16th at 7 pm in the CHS Auditorium. This event is for any interested 10th grader and their parent. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a two-year course of study unique to CHS in Northwest Indiana. IB courses are college prep with a unique learning style and course offering. Contact CHS for more info about IB Parent Night! (A remote option is available if you cannot attend in person)
School Meals TO GO!
Meals continue to be free for all children through the end of this school year. Each week, parents will preorder online. Please visit our Child Nutrition Services for detailed information regarding meals and meal pickup sites. The links to the meal to go order forms are listed below for your convenience.
IN SCHOOL LEARNERS
Students who participate in the In-School Learning Model will be eligible for Free Breakfast and Free Lunch each day while in school. An order form will be available online to preorder 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch to be picked up on the Wednesday E-Learning day each week. Meals can be picked up between the hours of 9:30 am and 10:30 am each Wednesday. The form must be submitted online by 9 a.m. each Tuesday to receive meals. Click on link below.
Wednesday Meal To Go Order Form
FULLY REMOTE LEARNERS
Free Meal Pickup for Fully Remote Learners will consist of 5 breakfast and 5 lunch meals with instructions to be prepared at home and will be distributed once a week on Wednesdays between the hours of 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm. (Child must be fully remote to receive the weekly meals.) An order form will be available online to preorder meals. The form must be submitted each week by Monday at 9 a.m. to receive meals. Click on link below.
Seeking Local Business Partnerships for 2021-2022 Program
CHS Internship Program for 2021-22 School Year
Chesterton High School is interested in establishing partnerships with Duneland businesses who would be willing to host a CHS student in an internship position for the 2021-2022 school year and beyond. If you have a business or know of any businesses that would like to participate in the internship program, please contact Chris Roof at croof@duneland.k12.in.us or 219-983-3770.
The goal of the CHS Internship Program is to provide students with structured opportunities to understand the relevance between classroom learning and the work environment, while participating as productive employees/volunteers in a company or organization. These internship opportunities allow students to explore areas of personal and career interests, acquire the skills necessary to be successful employees, and to formulate goals and plans for their futures.
CHS Football Boosters host annual "BAGS FOR BUCKS" Fundraiser
The Trojan Football Boosters will again host their annual fundraiser, "Trojan Bags for Bucks" from March 10 through April 5, 2021.
The group is hoping to meet their goal of 2500 rolls this year to assist in paying for team meals, player and family events, Gatorade, chocolate milk, protein bars, and athletic braces for the year.
All sizes of the garbage bags rolls will be sold for $13.00 each and may be purchased from CHS Football players. Quantity will vary according to the size.
Questions about orders? Please email Chsftballboosters@gmail.com or
DEF to host Family-Fun Virtual Cooking Class Fundraiser on April 11
Do you want to do something FUN with the whole family?
The Duneland Education Foundation (DEF) will host a virtual cooking class on Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. Gina from Nana Claire's Kitchen in Valparaiso will be the chef host. She specializes in children's cooking classes.
The menu will be:
Chicken parmesan, side of pasta, roasted vegetables and angel food cake.
What a great way to end your weekend with the family, have dinner ready to go after class and support the DEF in providing educational experiences for K-12 students!
Click this link to buy the tickets for this virtual cooking class.
The Duneland Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial resources to enhance opportunities for educational experiences for all K-12 students of the Duneland community.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS
DSC Orchestra Recruiting
Beginning orchestra information for Summer and Fall 2021 is ready! Learn to play the violin, viola, cello, or orchestra bass in person or remote and be a part of the orchestra.
- In Person Fittings are April 28 and 29 at CMS (virtual fittings available)
- Summer Orchestra is August 2-6
- Sign-Ups are due April 16. Be a part of the Orchestra!
NorthShore Clinic for ALL DSC Students located at CMS
Duneland School Corporation has partnered with NorthShore Health Services to establish a school-based health clinic that is now located in Chesterton Middle School.
This partnership will provide access to healthcare for ALL Duneland School students.
Some of the services include:
- Strep Throat
- Ear Infections
- Immunizations
- Sports Physicals
- Treatment for pink eye
- Rashes
- Behavioral health services and referrals
Duneland parents interested in using the school-based clinic for their child will need to have a signed consent form on file. Consent forms are available from your Duneland school nurse or can be obtained at the NorthShore clinic where the visit is scheduled.
Currently Open: Mondays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (when school is in session)
Call: 219-983-3776 x7020 to schedule an appointment
2021 Dodgeball League
Parenting the Love and Logic Way
DSC COVID-19 Support Center
Looking for COVID-19 Resources?
Duneland School's Daily COVID-19 Risk Level is located on our COVID-19 INFO Home page along with many other helpful resources.
COVID-19 Dashboard
The DSC administration has established a COVID-19 dashboard that can always be found on our COVID-19 Support Center webpage. The COVID-19 dashboard (below) will now be updated once per day with all active cases reported, and/or will include cases removed from active status (conclusion of the 10-day isolation period). Below is the COVID-19 Dashboard with the latest update available at time of this publication. Please visit the COVID-19 Support Center for the most up-to-date posting.
Quick Reference Guide for Attendance
COVID-19: Not sure when a student, faculty or staff member can return to school? Check out this Quick Reference Attendance Guide located on our website under COVID-19 INFO or by clicking the image below.
MARCH REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
Student / Teacher Ratios
The Duneland School Corporation provides a safe and engaging environment where students are empowered to explore their talents, build on their curiosity, embrace high expectations, and become responsible, caring citizens.
In keeping aligned with its mission, Duneland hires qualified staff and provides effective professional development opportunities. This includes hiring additional support staff to assist in the classroom allowing teachers more time to spend with individual students. The more individualized attention a student receives, the greater the chance of increasing student learning and achieving academic success.
For more operating referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
Guaranteed & Viable Curriculum
The Department of Teaching and Learning continues to work with principals, teachers and staff in developing our guaranteed and viable curriculum in all courses and grade levels. Please review the linked presentation and value map outlining this outstanding work!
Birth-To-School Program
The School Corporation continues to develop a comprehensive Birth-to-School program to create outreach opportunities that will help children (age 0-5) and their families build relationships, access information, increase awareness of available resources to help foster Kindergarten readiness. The program will assist families in preparing their children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Please review the linked presentation.
eLearning on Wednesdays
All students will work independently, via a traditional eLearning day, on Wednesdays due to the teaching constraints of preparing and providing instruction in a remote-only model. The eLearning module assignments will be posted in Canvas by 8 a.m. Students will need to complete an attendance activity each Wednesday to be counted present for the eLearning day. Teachers will not be conducting live (synchronous) class sessions or holding office hours on Wednesdays.
eLearning Guidelines for Students
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY & IT SUPPORT
Contacting IT Support
The Duneland School Corporation IT department is committed to making hybrid and remote learning models as successful as possible. To get your problems solved as fast as possible:
- Open a new Freshservice ticket:
- AV number is typically located on a sticker on the back/bottom of the device
- Serial number is also acceptable
- AV number is typically located on a sticker on the back/bottom of the device
- Open a Freshservice ticket by sending an email to: helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us
- Please be sure to include email address, student or staff name, and a description of the problem
- Please use the above best methods to contact the DSC IT Department.
Device Repair
In some cases there will be issues that cannot be resolved remotely. If you have a device that has sustained physical damage (i.e. cracked screen, broken keyboard), please fill out the form below. After submitting the form, a member of the IT department will contact you to schedule your service appointment.
After-Hours Technical Support
After-hours IT Support hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - until 7:00 p.m.
Call: 219-983-3759
Internet Access for DSC Families
Duneland School Corporation understands that the pandemic has placed a heavy emphasis on internet connectivity in order to access learning within Canvas (our learning management system) and that there are several factors that may prevent you from receiving this service. We have provided information from our local providers below to assist you.
Comcast Internet Essentials - https://www.internetessentials.com/
About Comcast Internet Essentials:
Internet Essentials is a program for families and other income-limited households who currently do not subscribe to Internet services at home. Xfinity Internet customers are not eligible for Internet Essentials.
For all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service has increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.
Households with outstanding debt owed to Comcast may be eligible for Internet Essentials. Comcast is waiving this qualification if you apply and are approved by December 31st, 2020 (standard eligibility rules apply).
Here are some quick links to the program and direct to the application. https://Apply.InternetEssentials.com = English Application Portal https://Aplicar.InternetEssentials.com = Spanish Application Portal
Frontier Lifeline - https://frontier.com/resources/discountprograms/lifeline-program
About the Frontier Lifeline program
If you have been living without phone service because you cannot afford it, you may be eligible for this government assistance program. Frontier is committed to helping qualified income-limited individuals pay for telephone service or qualifying internet access services by supporting the principles of Universal Service. The goal of Universal Service is to make telephone or qualifying internet access services affordable, by participating in low-income Lifeline (or Tribal Lifeline/Link Up) programs in all the states where Frontier provides service.
You can apply your Lifeline discount to qualifying standalone internet access services. If you do not have voice (traditional telephone) services with Frontier, but you have standalone internet access, you may be able to qualify for the Lifeline discount. Services and availability vary by location, so contact Customer Service and a Frontier representative will be happy to see if you have qualifying internet access services in your area.Did you know that several local businesses offer free WiFi?
Several local businesses in both Chesterton and Valparaiso offer free WiFi for community members. For locations please see this map. https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1RlCX9awpwFhyLyo6cU252WWRFg10nC9T&usp=sharing
Families that continue to experience issues receiving internet service or if you have other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you please contact your building principal to discuss alternative options.
Anonymous Tip Line
Do you have a safety or security concern at Duneland that you'd like to make us aware of? Please contact us by email or phone (contact information), or Use our Anonymous Tip Line
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Celebrate Your Favorite Duneland School Teacher
Nominate DSC Teachers of Excellence today!
View DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This calendar of events is subject to change
Thursday, March 11, 2021
LIS Class & Panoramic Pictures
CMS NWEA
4:30 p.m. CMS Girls 7&8 Grade Girls BB Game @ Krueger
7 p.m. WIS Choir/Orchestra Concert - WIS
Friday, March 12, 2021
11:30 am - 12:45 p.m. LIS Spirit Day
CMS NWEA
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys & Girls V TR-Trojan Distance Invite-H
7 p.m. CHS FAMILY THEATRE PRODUCTION - Livestream - visit website for details
Saturday, March 13, 2021
CMS Wk1 ISSMA Organization Contest (B/C/O) - TBA
CHS IBA All-State Band - TBA
TBD CHS Boys V IHSAA BB Regionals-Michigan City
Noon CHS Girls V GYM-IHSAA State Championship-Ball State Univ.
7 p.m. CHS FAMILY THEATRE PRODUCTION - Livestream - visit website for details
Sunday, March 14, 2021
CHS IBA All-State Band - TBA
2 p.m. CHS FAMILY THEATRE PRODUCTION - Livestream - visit website for details
Monday, March 15, 2021
7 p.m. WIS Band March Madness Concert - WIS
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
4:15 p.m. CHS Boys & Girls V TR-Portage-H
4:30 p.m. CMS Girls 7&8 Grade Girls BB Conference Game @ Hobart Middle School
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
eLearning Day
4:30 p.m. CMS Girls 7&8 Grade Girls BB Conference Game @ BF or Taft (TBD)
Thursday, March 18, 2021
4:30 p.m. CMS Girls 7&8 Grade Girls BB Conference Game @ BF or Taft (TBD)
Friday, March 19, 2021
End of 3rd Grading Period (43 days)
Saturday, March 20, 2021
CMS Week 2- ISSMA Organization Contest (B/C/O) - TBA
Monday, March 22, 2021
NO SCHOOL - Spring Recess thru 3/26/21
Monday, March 29, 2021
CLASSES RESUME
DSC NOW HIRING...
Duneland School Corporation Transportation positions (Bus Drivers, Sub Bus Drivers) require eligible persons to operate all school vehicles or (Sub Bus Aides) to assist in the transportation of all special students needing additional attention. These positions are highly responsible roles in transporting and dealing with students and staff on a regular basis. Transportation personnel interact with individuals both inside and outside of the corporation and therefore, must have the ability to present a professional and organized image at all times. Click to apply online
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS*
Duneland School Corporation is seeking substitute teachers for all grade levels. Requirements include:
- Completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and verified by an original transcript from the accredited institution; or
- Completion of 60 semester hours or more college credit from an accredited institution verified by an original transcript from the accredited institution; or
- Completion of 30 semester hours or college credit from an accredited institution verified by an original transcript form the accredited institution and at least one year of successful additional work experience with children within the last three years.
- "Additional work experience" may be satisfied by the applicant having completed (within the last three (3) years) at least one (1) year of instructing and/or supervising children in a classroom as a teacher aide in a public or private school, working in a nursery school, coaching and/or primarily working with children at YMCA, Boys' or Girls' Club, camp counseling, etc.
Duneland Schools Spirit Store
Did you know that Duneland Schools has an online Spirit Wear Store where you can buy your Duneland spirit wear?
Purchase your CMS/CHS student P.E./Strength Training uniforms (shorts and t-shirts) online and arrange to have them delivered to your home or pick up at the store.
$50 Special Offer Lifetime Alumni Association Membership
Thinking about joining the Chesterton High School Alumni Association, but just haven't gotten around to it? Are you wondering why you should join this newly formed organization?
COVID-19 has limited our fundraising efforts this past year, so the Chesterton High School Alumni Association would like to offer an opportunity to former alumni, present and past faculty and staff members of the Duneland Schools to join the Association for only $50 for a Lifetime charter membership. This limited special membership opportunity will be available from March 1, 2021 through February 28, 2022.
The CHS Alumni Association was formed to help support the enhancement of the Duneland School Corporation’s educational processes and scholarships for graduating seniors at Chesterton High School. Your dues in the organization will help the group to continue to grow and present more and more of our graduates college assistance. We will also enshrine teachers, administration, support staff and graduates (alumni) into their respective ''Halls of Fame”. Just recently the Alumni Association inducted three retirees into the Hall of Fame - Becky Dunbar, support staff member; James Cavallo, teacher; and Garry Nallenweg, administrator. Read more...
FUNDRAISER FOR CHS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS - 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast
The Chesterton High School Alumni Association will host its 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast. Mark you calendar for Saturday, April 17 from 7:00-10:00 a.m. Drive-through only at George's Gyros in Chesterton.
CHS REUNIONS
If you are on a planning committee for your Chesterton High School reunion, please email us with reunion information so that we can include it on the DSC Website. Please include a daytime telephone number in case we need to contact you by phone.
For additional information on the currently planned reunions visit the website link above.
Duneland School Corporation
Inspire | Engage | Empower
Email: bmartinson@duneland.k12.in.us
Website: www.duneland.k12.in.us
Location: 601 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: 219-983-3600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunelandschools/
Twitter: @dunelandk12