CMS Friday Focus
Chesterton Middle School - April 9th Newsletter
Message from Mr. Hamacher
Good evening CMS families. This is Mike Hamacher, principal at Chesterton Middle School, with the Friday Focus.
We are getting ready to take the ILEARN state standardized assessment. The Practice Test was already given school-wide to in-person learners on April 6. One thing that is extremely important to address is the possession of electronic devices on testing days. Students are encouraged to leave their cell phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices at home during ILEARN testing. If they absolutely need to bring them to school, all electronic devices will need to be completely powered off and placed in their lockers or backpacks, or teachers will be collecting them. Smartwatches cannot be worn during testing and are considered electronic devices. Teachers will be required to have students show that they are not wearing Bluetooth-enabled earbuds/AirPods, smartwatches, and do not have phones in their pockets. Please help us by discussing this with your children.
Be sure to follow CMS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and our school website for recent happenings. If you need any assistance, please contact our Media Center Assistant, Nadia Komp, via email at nkomp@duneland.k12.in.us.
Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend!!!
I-Learn Testing Information
Students at Chesterton Middle School will take the ILEARN test, an Indiana state-wide summative assessment, in April and May. Please mark the dates on your calendar. Our hope is to have all of our students in attendance on testing days. Additionally, research shows that proper rest and a healthy breakfast help students focus. Please be sure that your children get ample rest the night before and eat breakfast. We provide free breakfast for students in the school cafeteria from 7:45-8:15 a.m. if needed. Thank you very much for your partnership in your child’s education.
Required Materials For Testing:
- Fully charged iPad
- iPad charger
- Earbuds / Headphones without Bluetooth capabilities
- Two #2 Pencils
Below is the testing schedule for Chesterton Middle School:
ILEARN Remote Learners Testing Schedule:
Wednesday, April 21st- 8:25-2:55 ELA ILEARN --Grades 7 & 8
Wednesday, April 28th- 8:25-2:55 Math ILEARN --Grades 7 & 8
Wednesday, May 12th- 8:25-12:30 Biology ILEARN—***only for 8th-grade students enrolled in the high school credit Biology Honors course
ILEARN In-Person Learners Testing Schedule:
ELA & Math ILEARN- April 6th -Practice Test-school wide, period 1 --Grades 7 & 8
ELA ILEARN- April 19th & 20th-testing will take place during English class –Grades 7 & 8
ELA ILEARN- April 22nd & 23rd -testing will take place school-wide, period 1 –Grades 7 & 8
Math ILEARN- April 29th-30th & May 3rd-testing will take place during Math class -Grades 7 & 8
Math ILEARN- May 4th- testing will take place school-wide, period 1
Biology ILEARN---------Only for 8th-grade students currently enrolled in Biology Honors---------
Biology ILEARN- May 6th - Practice Test- - during Biology class
Biology ILEARN- May 11th- period 1 with Biology teacher
DSC Remote/Virtual Learning Interest Survey (2021-2022)
Duneland Families,
The Duneland School Corporation (DSC) intends to be back to 5-day per week, in-person learning to begin the 2021-22 school year on August 11th. With that in mind, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many challenges for students, parents, teachers, and staff. One of the more challenging aspects of the pandemic has been delivering remote/virtual education opportunities for students. The DSC recognizes that virtual/remote instruction has worked better for some students than others. The DSC also recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic may change the way students/parents think about learning environment options moving forward.
The DSC is investigating the interest level of students/parents in a tuition-free off-campus remote/virtual education program for students in grades K-12 for the 2021-22 school year. There are a number of implications to providing a virtual opportunity for students, not because of a crisis or pandemic, but because of demand from DSC families. It is clear the Indiana state legislature will continue to promote school choice and the concept of "dollars following the student" as the base component of the school funding formula. As a result, the DSC is compelled to examine different learning environment options based on market-driven factors with attention being given to the quality of instruction, curricular resources, social-emotional support, etc.
If there is interest, the DSC will attempt to develop a financially scalable model to support the wishes of students and parents. The first step in this process is to survey DSC families to gauge their interest in a virtual option for students that may be best served in a nontraditional learning environment. The tentative format of the program can be found at the link listed below.
Please take a few moments to complete this non-binding survey.
DSC 2020-2021 Calendar Changes
ATTENTION PARENTS:
The Duneland School Corporation has made TWO (2) changes to the 2020-2021 DSC Calendar.
- Since there are no elections scheduled in Porter County on Tuesday, May 4, the eLearning day that was previously scheduled on May 4 will be moved to Wednesday, May 5.
- 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 PTO Fundraiser
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.
CMS Student Announcements
DEF to host Family-Fun Virtual Cooking Class Fundraiser
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.
DEF to host Virtual Trivia Night
To Benefit The Duneland Education Foundation
Saturday, April 24, 2021
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Join the Fun!
Prizes Awarded!
$200.00 per team (up to 8 participants)
Tickets can be purchased on
Please consider making a donation or
taking part in the game!
If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Grimes at cgrimes@dunelandeducation.org
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
Many of our upcoming SEL lessons will focus on having a growth mindset and the concept of neuroplasticity. Encourage your child to continue to try, even when something is difficult, and remind them that their brain is always capable of learning new things!
Students
The student council members came up with this newsletter with helpful tips and tricks all by themselves!
Guidance Department
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.
Student Achievements
CMS Music Dept. Scores 'Solid Gold' at ISSMA
Over 250 students of the CMS Music Dept. recently competed in the Indiana State School Music Association Organizational Contest. This year the competition was held virtually, with competing groups submitting video recordings to be adjudicated by 3 professional judges.
Each of the six bands, choirs, and orchestras received a Gold rating, and the 7th Grade Band received the special "With Distinction" honor due to their good scores. Only 35 middle school bands in the entire state scored this well. Congratulations to all our talented student musicians and their directors, Miss Gerig (orchestra), Miss Gorski (choir), and Mr. Arizzi (band), for their hard work and impressive results!
Left to Right - Alexzander Ezra (Jazz Band), Madeline Jakel (8th Orchestra), Collin Kellogg (7th Band), Mackenna Freeman (7th Orchestra), Nathan Pace (Mixed Choir), Addison Glossinger (Treble Choir)
The Arts a Budding
Mr. Gast & Miss. Morrisroe proudly present the following student's work: Mila Beale, Alexis Cooper, Lillian Demmon, Rion Goins, Wyatt Goodwin, Audryana Kennoy, Amadeo Kincaid, Mia Larimer, Milena Letic, Marley Mayer, Elizabeth Navarro, Juliana Perez, Cece Post, Lincoln Rhoda, Karina Vasquez, Claire Vrhoretis, Victoria West & Jany Zhang
Trojans of the Week
The Incredibles Team Trojan of the Week
The Guardians of the Galaxy Team Trojan of the Week
Lexie Lauzon does a fantastic job in class. She participates in class and helps other students when needed. She often will help admit students into my live google meets when I am in the middle of teaching class. She recently turned in an outstanding World Geography project over South Asia.
The Justice League Team Trojan of the Week
The All Star Squadron Team Trojan of the Week
The Avengers Team Trojan of the Week
Team Avengers is super excited to name Jaden Cathey as our student of the week! He was remote for the first half of the year, and since coming in person has shown a desire to learn, focus, and help others who need a kind word or supportive thought! He works extremely hard on every task, comes to school with a smile on his face, and has been a wonderful addition to our in-person team!
The Titans Team Trojan of the Week
Congratulations to Cole Richards are Titan of the Week. Cole has done a great job being a remote student. He is very active member of the class and always makes sure to ask questions during the zoom or google meeting. Cole works hard to turn in his work on time and he cares about doing well. Two cheers for Cole Richards, are Titan of the week!
The X-Men Teams Trojan of the Week
Team X-Men chose Blake Bryan for student of the week. Blake always comes to class with a smile on his face and displays a positive attitude. Blake has a great work ethic, participates in class frequently, and is kind to everyone he meets. In his free time Blake enjoys playing video games, jumping on the trampoline, and skateboarding. Way to go Blake! Your team teachers are so proud of you!
The Incredibles Team Trojan of the Week
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
Upcoming Events
April 10th
Bags For Bucks Fundraiser Ends
April 14
Tennis Match @ CHS vs Hanover Central - 4:30 pm
April 15
Tennis Match @ Crown Point High School- 5:00 pm
Bags For Bucks Fundraiser
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 Cheer Tryouts
Tryout parent meeting April 6th at 6:30pm at CHS
Varsity & JV teams
April 26,27, & 29. 5:15-7:15pm CHS upstairs gym
Clinic Dates: April 13th, 15th, 20th, 22nd at 5:15 pm to 7:15 pm
7th Grade Boys Track
Track and Tennis Picture Day
Order Code is: 58519Q
Your link to order is: https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/58519Q
All orders will be done online only. If you order the day of pictures your student must let the photographer know other wise they will not know to photograph your student.
Athletic Events
Effective Wednesday February 10th Porter County has moved into the “Yellow” status. Chesterton Middle School will continue to remain at 25% capacity for home athletic events until further notice . The Porter County Health Department has implemented the following measures for K-12 athletic events to help slow the spread:
- There will be no concessions.
- No food or drinks will be allowed for spectators in the gym
- Masks are required at all times.
- Social distancing between groups of spectators is required at all times.
More information will be forthcoming as we continue to receive guidance from local and state authorities. Thank you!
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.
Department News
English
The 8th grade English classes are working on a poetry unit. Students are finding different figurative language in the poems as well as finding themes and other literary devices. Students are writing their own metaphor poems as well as writing about the metaphors found in poems that are read in class. Mrs. Becker's English class will spend a day looking at the poetry of the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States, Amanda Gorman. We will look at her inaugural poem as well as another poem she wrote. We will learn a bit more about how she overcame a speech impediment and her work in social justice through her organization "One Pen, One Page".
The 7th grade Honors English classes are working on a writing and poetry unit for the next two weeks. Students are analyzing text and drawing inferences from the text through various fiction and nonfiction excerpts.
Science
In Biology, students learn about heredity and probability by "mating" and producing offspring, then drawing pics of their "babies". (see pic)
Social Studies
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
Japanese Club
Art Club
Fiber Arts
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 alwasy 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
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.