DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, April 22, 2021 Vol. 55 No. 31
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
CMS Student wins World Creativity and Innovation Week Poetry Showcase Contest
Over 50 students from all over Northwest Indiana entered the contest and Ashley took 1st place at her grade level.
She was featured reading her poem yesterday morning on Michigan City's WIMS Radio and in the next few weeks she will also be asked to read her poem on Lakeshore Public Radio's "Art on the Air".
World Creativity and Innovation Week programs are sponsored each year in Michigan City and across northwest Indiana by The Center for Creative Solutions
CABIN NIGHTS
Consumed in the dark of night
The only light is the stars
They shine so bright
Distant noises of far off cars
Moist cool air surrounds me
My flip flops on the crunch gravel
Echoing as I walk back home
And adore the luscious scenery
One last whiff of fresh cool air
Before the cabin's light consumes me
Ashley Rose Bafia
Chesterton Middle School 7th Grader
Tina Clindaniel, teacher
CHS Students Earn National Technical Honor Society Award
Chesterton High School has announced and is celebrating the accomplishment of 13 of its students who have earned the National Technical Honor Society Award.
The National Technical Honor Society is an educational non-profit that exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in Career & Technical Education. As the honor society for Career & Technical Education, NTHS serves over 100,000 active members annually in both secondary and postsecondary chapters across country.
NTHS helps schools recognize students for their achievement in career and technical education. Members receive a membership certificate in a professional presentation portfolio. In addition, members receive an official NTHS diploma seal, graduation tassel, lapel pin, and window decal to show their affiliation with NTHS.
The following CHS students will be recognized in a virtual event on May 4:
Delaney Bontrager, Ashly Carlson, Robert Geiss, Lillian Hampton, Zander Hansen, Lydia Martz, Jacob Noel, Brianna Rodriguez, Evan Sprang, Samantha Stringham, Aidan Turner, Lillian Vaughan and Scott Wilmsen.
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.
Quick Reference Guide for Attendance
Check out this...
COVID Screening Tool
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.
Duneland Schools 3rd Quarter Honor Rolls
Click the link below to view:
Liberty Intermediate School
CHS Showchoir Competes Virtually and In-Person with Successful Results
Above photo: The Drifters in the Grand Champion performance at Mt. Zion. - Show Choir photo by Tanya Smith
The accolades include:
Virtual Competition - Chicagoland Showcase
DRIFTERS
Grand Champion of Division
Best Vocals
Best Visuals
Best Blocking w/Costume Colors
Best Prop Usage
Best Show Design
Best Use of Costumes
Best Stage Crew
SANDPIPERS
1st Runner-Up in Division
Best Female Soloist within a Show - Julia Larson
Best Use of Theme
Best Costuming
Best Transitions
Best Ladies Number
Most Stylized Choreography
THE BUSINESS
Best Instrumental Ensemble Overall
Best Horn Section - Unisex Division
Best Horn Section - Open Mixed Division
In-Person Competition - Mt. Zion
DRIFTERS
Grand Champion of Division
SANDPIPERS
3rd Runner-Up in Division
Photo at Left: The Sandpipers taking the stage for their outstanding season ending 3rd Runner-Up performance at the Mt. Zion Invitational. - Show Choir photo by Tanya Smith
THE BUSINESS
1st Runner-Up for Best Instrumental Ensemble
Julia Larson - Tied for 1st Place in the Solo Competition
Outstanding Performers: Kayla Szymanski & Cadence Orange
Photo at right: Members of The Business await their performance at the Mt. Zion show choir invitational (Skylar Peffers, Alaina Wring, John Petro, Noah Fletcher, Anna Fletcher, Anthony Miskus, Brayden Gray) - Show Choir photo by Tanya Smith
WDSO Hosts 30th Annual Radiothon through April 23
Chesterton High School’s radio station, WDSO-FM 88.3 will be holding their 30th Annual Radiothon from April 19 – 23 from 7 am – 4 pm daily during High School Radio Week. If you like the music and the local programs you hear on Chesterton High School’s radio station, please consider making a donation to the station. Most regular programming will still be broadcast at their scheduled times during the week.
Radiothon is the time of year when listeners can make a contribution to support the station. WDSO members will be collecting pledges now through April 23. Stop by the CHS security desk or students can stop by WDSO to make a pledge or call it in at 983-3777. Money collected will be used for station operation or additional equipment.
Along with pledges, music requests will be taken each day by the DJ’s on-air. Monday’s DJ will be Nathan Bunning. On Tuesday, DJ Emily Chisholm. On Wednesday we are taking a mid-week break from fundraising. On Thursday, Drew Malapanes. Closing out the week will be Charlie Bryd. There will be a special live broadcast from 4 - 9 p.m. on Friday. Assisting the DJ’s will be Hamza Sahli and Ethan Kroft. All of the DJ’s are juniors or seniors at Chesterton High School.
Photo above, Chesterton High School WDSO Radio DJs who will be participating in the Radiothon, left to right, Charlie Byrd, Emily Chisholm and Ethan Kroft.
Giveaways will be offered hourly for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for WDSO radio-thon.
If you need more information, please contact the station at (219) 983-3777.
WDSO is found at FM 88.3 on your radio dial or streaming live at duneland.k12.in.us/wdso.
Long-Term Capital Improvements
DSC School Board Issues Notice of Adoption of Preliminary Determination
The Duneland School Board of Trustees listened to presentations from DSC Leadership on proposed long-term capital improvements and allowed for public comment during two advertised public hearings as required by statute. The 1st Notice of Preliminary Determination Hearing was conducted on April 5 and the 2nd Preliminary Determination and Project Hearing on Monday, April 12.
Following the 2nd Preliminary Determination and Project Hearing this past Monday, April 12, 2021, the Duneland School Board made a preliminary determination to issue bonds and enter into a lease agreement for the 2021 Safety, Security, Modernization and Improvement Projects, consisting of renovation of and improvements to Chesterton High School; renovation of and improvements to Bailly, Brummitt, Jackson and Liberty Elementary Schools; renovation of or construction of a new Yost Elementary School and renovation of and improvements to Liberty and Westchester Intermediate Schools, including site improvements to all school facilities; and the purchase of real estate, equipment and technology.
Community members may review the presentation and a FAQ document that will be continuously updated throughout the Spring at the DSC website.
CHS to Present Mama Mia! on May 7-9
Those who wish to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/51841 beginning Thursday, April 22. The online ticket sales will close one hour prior to the event start time OR if the limited capacity is reached.
Online ticket purchase prices are $11 Adults and $7 Students & Seniors.
Tickets will ONLY be sold at the door pending availability on a show by show basis and will cost $1 more ($12/$8) respectively.
Come enjoy the magic of live theatre for the first time in over a year!
As a reminder, masks MUST be worn at all times while inside Chesterton High School. All seating is General Admission and will be marked to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Read more about the show and cast...
Duneland School Summer School Offerings
Duneland K-8 Summer School
Duneland 9-12 Summer School
Classes Offered
Virtually or In-Person
Registration closes June 4, 2021
Click here for more information
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 has been moved to Wednesday, May 5.
- In order to provide additional time for teachers to submit student grades, the eLearning day that was previously scheduled on Wednesday, June 2 has been moved to the last day of the school year for students on Friday, June 4.
Click on the above link or image for a downloadable PDF calendar.
Housing Resources List for Families
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.
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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS
Summer 2021 Youth and Middle School Age Football Camps
Chesterton Middle School Team Camp [May 17-20th FREE] (at CMS)!
Current 6th (W.I.S. - L.I.S. & St. Pat’s) and 7th Grade Students that intend to play Middle School or Pop Warner football next fall.
Camp times will be from 3:30-5:15
Little Trojans Football Camp [June 14-17th $60] (at CHS)
Students entering Kindergarten through sixth grade in 2021.
Camp times are K-3 1-2:30 / 4-6 2:30-4:00 pm
Position Specific Camps [Two Sessions - June 7-9 & June 14-16 $45] (at CHS)
Students entering grade 5,6,7, or 8 in 2021 with a desire to develop specific skills for the upcoming season.
Session 1
-Defensive Back and Wide Receiver Skills Camp
Mon. through Wed. June 7th - 9th (2:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
Session 2 (These two camps will run at the same time).
-Quarterback & Running Back Skills Camp
or
-Off. & Def. Lineman & Linebacker skills camp
Mon. through Wed. June 14h - 16th (2:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
We’re looking forward to seeing our Future Trojan Football Players!
Questions / Registration: Mark Peterson
Head Football Coach
Chesterton High School
219-983-3730 Ext. 7249Free 7th Grade Volleyball Clinic Offered
Chesterton 7th Grade (Fall 2021) Volleyball Clinic
WHEN: Fridays: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14. TIME: 7:00-8:30 PM
WHERE: Chesterton High School Main Gym (Door 31)
COST: Free (Just show up ready to learn and have fun!)
This year, CHS is inviting rising 7th graders to participate in the limited contact series at the high school. Training will consist of volleyball skills and concepts. Players will be coached by CHS staff and varsity athletes. This is open to anyone who lives in the Duneland School district and all skill levels are welcomed. Players should bring shoes, water bottle, kneepads, and should be dressed in athletic clothing.
For more information contact: Amber McCaw, Varsity Volleyball Coach at 219.613.2167 or
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
SAVE THE DATE: CHS Trojan Football Golf Outing Fundraiser
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
Duneland Boys & Girls Club offers Duneland Co-ed Flag Football
The Duneland Boys and Girls Club is offering Duneland Co-ed Flag Football registration now through May 7. The League will run from May 19-July 17. There are three divisions: Biddy 5-7, Junior 8-10, and Senior 11-14. The cost for all our ages is $50, and an extra $15 for a league jersey. Practices Sill be on Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m. and games will be Saturday mornings/early afternoons. If you have any questions please contact Natalie Lotz or Chris Geiger (219) 926-9770. Visit https://www.bgcgreaternwi.org/leagues/chesterton/ to learn more.
APRIL REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
1:1 Student Device Integration
Educators today must meet the needs of a much broader, diverse group of learners than has been served in the past. As opportunities spread further in Indiana and across the country, school districts are improving the academic experience for the student by beginning to integrate blended learning into their classroom practice to help support the unique needs of each student. All Duneland School students in grades K-12 are provided with a computer device. The school corporation issues devices to users to provide a consistent user experience for the student and the teacher so that the device is not a barrier in the classroom. The addition of technology will never diminish a teacher having the professional freedom and flexibility to use a variety of blended learning models. Successful student outcomes derive from a quality classroom experience.
For more operating referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
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
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(s)
Two Duneland Elementary Teachers Selected in April
Congratulations to Liberty Elementary fourth grade teacher Lauren Mitchell and Yost Elementary Kindergarten teacher Cassie Nay for both being selected as April 2021 Teachers of Excellence.
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, April 22, 2021
4 p.m. CHS Boys V Golf-Munster
4:30 p.m. CMS Boys Track & Field @ Ben Franklin
4:30 p.m. CMS Girls Track & Field @ CMS
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys Fr Bsb-South Central
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls JV SB-Michigan City
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls V TN-M’ville-H
4:30 p.m. Unified Track & Field-Portage & Valpo@VHS Track
Friday, April 23, 2021
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls JV/V SB-M’ville-H
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys Fr Bsb-Munster-H
Saturday, April 24, 2021
8 a.m. CHS Boys V Golf LC Classic@ Sandy Pines
9 a.m. CHS B&G V TR Relays-West Lafayette
9 a.m. CHS Boys V Golf Invite-Plymouth-Pretty Lake
9:30 a.m. CHS Girls V TN-Plymouth
10 a.m. CHS Boys Fr Bsb (DH)-Penn-H
10 a.m. CHS Girls V SB-New Prairie
11 a.m. CHS Boys V Bsb (DH)-Morton-H
11 a.m. CHS Girls JV SB-New Prairie-H
Monday, April 26, 2021
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls V TN-Bremen
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys JV Bsb-Michigan City-H
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys V Bsb-Michigan City-H
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls JV SB-LaPorte (Kesling Park)
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls V SB-LaPorte (Kesling Park)
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls V TN-Michigan City-H
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys V TR-Lake Central/Michigan City@Michigan City
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls V TR-Lake Central/Michigan City@Lake Central
4:30 p.m. CMS Boys Track & Field @ CMS
4:30 p.m. CMS Girls Track & Field @ Thomas Jefferson
4:30 p.m. CMS Tennis Match @ Michigan City High School
7 p.m. LIS Spring Choir Concert - LIS
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
eLearning Day
3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. WIS/BA/BR/YO Instrument Selection Night - CMS
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys JV/V Bsb-Michigan City
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls JV/V SB-Lake Central-H
Thursday, April 29, 2021
3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. LIS/JA/LES Instrument Selection Night - CMS
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys V Golf C/CP/V-Valparaiso (Forest Park GC)
4:30 p.m. CHS Girls V TN-LaPorte
4:30 p.m. Unified Track & Field-Lk. Central/LaPorte@CHS
4:30 p.m. CMS Girls Track & Field @ CMS
4:30 p.m. CMS Boys Track & Field @ Fegely Middle School
4:45 p.m. CMS Tennis Match @ Chesterton High School
7 p.m. WIS Spring Choir Concert - WIS
Friday, April 30, 2021
CHS ISSMA State Qualifying Contest (B/O) - TBA
4:30 p.m. CHS Boys JV Bsb-Hobart
4:45 p.m. CHS Boys Fr Bsb-Lowell
5 p.m. CHS Boys V Bsb-Hobart
5 p.m. CHS Girls V TR-Princess Relays-Mishawaka
Saturday, May 1, 2021
CHS ISSMA State Qualifying Contest (B/O) - TBA
8 a.m. CHS Boys V Golf Invitational-Wawasee
TBD CHS Boys JV Bsb-Northridge/Elkhart@Northridge HS
10 a.m. CHS Boys V Bsb-Northridge/Elkhart@Northridge HS
CHS Prom - off site
Monday, May 3, 2021
5:15 p.m. CMS Tennis Match @ Lake Central High School
Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3-7
6 p.m. Duneland School Board Mtg.-CMS Aud.
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...
CHS Alumni Association Hall of Fame Perpetual Plaque
Each year, Chesterton Alumni Association seek nominations for the a CHS Alumnus, Teacher, Administrator, and Support Staff member for the Hall of Fame.
The plaque will be on display at CHS and each year the names of the recipients will be added to the plaque.
Masks were removed momentarily for the photo.
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