DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, April 21, 2022 Vol. 56 No. 35
STUDENT RECOGNITIONS
WIS Math Bowl
Congratulations to the Westchester M.A.T.H. Bowl team for placing 12th out of 70 teams at the Indiana Math Bowl Competition sponsored by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) and Purdue University. The event was hosted this year at Portage High School on April 12.
Out of 31 questions, the team was able to answer 27 correctly. This included a perfect round by one of the individual squads. 27 was the highest score at this particular site. After the scores were compared to the other schools of comparable school sizes across the state, WIS was awarded 12th out of 70 teams.
This year's team was made up of 15 fifth graders and five sixth graders. Team members are: Kylie Bagwell, Colton Beckwith, Adelyn Booras, Addie Dunkle, Lilly Duracz, Ava Flores, Dagny Gniadecki, Herschel Hardwick, Jackson Hehman, Job Hennigar, Ben Hiestand, Leah Lewis, Levi McDowell, Morgan Millis, James Peschke, Sam Puglisi, Ella Rone, Alice Scharp, M.J. Scharp, and Ryan Seaman. Co-coaches are teacher Mrs. Candi Kautz and Mrs. Bobbi Hall.
For more information visit: https://iasp.org/students/math-bowl/
Bailly Elementary Young Citizen
Above, front row, left to right, recipient Nathan Mercon and his sister Emily (gr. 2). Back row, Duneland Exchange Club representative and presenter Lorelei Weimer, her teacher Anne Stillman, parents Michelle and John Mercon, and Principal Carey Storm.
The Duneland Exchange Club recently presented Bailly Elementary School fourth grade student Nathan Mercon, center, with the Young Citizenship award. This award, presented this year by Duneland Exchange Club representative Lorelei Weimer, is given to a student who is an all-around good citizen. The club presents this award to one fourth grade student at each of the five Duneland elementary schools, at the sixth grade level at each of the intermediate schools and at the eighth grade level at Chesterton Middle School.
Bailly Second Grade Class helps spread Kindness
Recently, Kathy Ahrendt's second grade class, pictured above, was studying empathy during a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lesson, and she thought it would be a teachable moment to have her students participate in a random act of kindness.
She had her students make and send birthday cards to a woman in Florida, that she read about on Facebook, whose wish was to receive 95 birthday cards from 95 different countries for her 95th birthday.
Recently, Mrs. Ahrendt was contacted by a newspaper reporter who sent a link of a follow-up article where her class was mentioned. Read the follow-up story from the Port Charlotte, Florida Sun newspaper
INSPIRE • ENGAGE • EMPOWER
STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Educators complete Apple Learning Coach Certification
Congratulations to Duneland School educators, above, left to right, Sara Atkinson and Kim Marshall, who have completed a four-month online course to become certified as Apple Learning Coaches.
Apple Learning Coach is a free professional learning program that trains instructional coaches, digital learning specialists, and other coaching educators to help teachers get more out of Apple technology. It’s a dynamic mix of self-paced lessons, workshop sessions, and personal creative projects — and participants may be eligible to receive continuing education credits.
Atkinson is currently serving DSC as an Instructional Coach at Liberty Elementary School and Marshall is the district's Instructional Technology Coordinator.
All Duneland Schools earn Family Friendly School Designation from IDOE
Congratulations to each of the Duneland Schools for earning the designation of Family Friendly School from the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Family Friendly Schools Program is a state recognition program for schools that excel in the involvement of families and communities in their children’s education. The purpose of the program is to focus on addressing the academic, physical, emotional, and social needs of students while providing the needed resources and fostering the active involvement of their families through schools and the community.
3rd Quarter Honor Rolls
eLearning Day on May 3
All Duneland School students will participate in eLearning on Tuesday, May 3 due to elections at the schools.
Instructional content will be posted in Canvas by 8:00 am. Attendance activities will be due the day they are posted.
DSC Family Survey - Spring 2022
Duneland School Corporation is currently conducting a series of surveys with our students, families, and staff. Information from these surveys will be used for school improvement and district strategic planning. Additionally, these results will be used as part of our Cognia (formerly AdvancED) accreditation processes.
Input from our families is critical to our process to set goals for improvement. We thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts. This survey should take 20-25 minutes to complete and includes some ranking questions as well as open ended questions at the end.
Use this link to take the Survey: Family Survey Spring 2022
Please note the following when taking the surveys
You need only complete one survey per household.
When selecting a school, select the school of your youngest child.
The term “governing body” refers to our school board.
The term “stakeholders” refers to all those with an interest in the school including students, families, community members, and school staff.
We truly appreciate you setting aside the time to offer your thoughts before Monday, May 2, 2022.
WDSO Radiothon 2022
Chesterton High School's WDSO Radio is currently hosting its 31st annual Radiothon, April 18 - 22.
Radiothon is the time when listeners can make a contribution to help support the station. All members of WDSO will broadcast and accept pledges Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.; and Friday from 7:30 a.m.- 10 p.m.
DJs will take song requests and give away prizes all week long. Give-aways will be prizes from local businesses and WDSO shirts.
During the event, listeners can make a pledge by calling the station at 983-3777 or by contacting the station through Facebook Messenger. Listen to WDSO on FM 88.3 or use this new WDSO streaming link.
LAST CHANCE: Annual Duneland Education Foundation Gala
The Duneland Education Foundation is excited to announce they will be hosting the 9th Annual Gala. The Gala will be hosted on Friday April 22, 2022 at the Spa Special Events Center in Porter from 7-10 p.m. featuring the band Jake and Jake. Tickets may be purchased at def2022gala.eventbrite.com. Deadline to purchase tickets is April 21.
A $10,000 Scholarship will be awarded that evening as well. Raffle tickets are $25.00 each and only 1000 will be sold. Tickets can be purchased at Anton Insurance, Porter Bank or by contacting Executive Director, Meg McCarel at mmccarel@dunelandeducation.org
Duneland 2022 Summer School
VOLUNTEERS Needed for Duneland Chamber’s 8th Grade Reality Check
The 8th Grade Reality Check is set for April 29, 2022 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Chesterton Middle School, located at 651 W Morgan Ave.
For more than 20 years, this event has been preparing 8th grade students from the Duneland area on how to be successful in life after graduation. Students are given a predetermined salary that they would earn in their chosen profession at age 28. During 8th Grade Reality Check, they visit tables where they pay such expenses as taxes, housing, childcare, etc. Some do end up in bankruptcy, while others may have a little money left over at the end. The ones that have remaining funds can “spend” their money on imaginary rewards such as investments, trips, concerts, motorcycles and so on.
The Reality Check is organized by the Duneland Chamber of Commerce and the Duneland School Corporation. The event takes over 100 volunteers each year. Volunteers are welcome to take part in the 8th Grade Reality Check for either a half day or whole day on April 29, 2022. Morning sessions are from 7:30 to 11:45 a.m., and afternoon sessions are from 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Breakfast and lunch is provided for all volunteers. Volunteers should contact Michelle Hunsley at the Duneland Chamber of Commerce at 926-5513 or by e-mail at michelle@dunelandchamber.org.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
TONIGHT: Incoming Freshman Night
Chesterton High School will host an Incoming Freshman Night on Thursday, April 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The night will begin in the CHS Auditorium for a brief presentation and then move to the Main Gym where students and parents can meet representatives from academic departments and a variety of CHS clubs and sports. We hope to see you there!
CHS to Host IB Information Night on May 10
Chesterton High School will host an informational meeting for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade parents and students about Duneland's International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a 2-year course of study open to juniors and seniors in high school. Families will learn about the IB student learner profile, the many opportunities IB offers to students, and how students can prepare now to enter IB as juniors. This event will be held at Chesterton High School on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Visitors are asked to enter CHS at Door #4 and head upstairs to the Large Group Instruction Room (B549).
Special Education Resource Fair at Westchester Intermediate May 11
Westchester Intermediate School in collaboration with CHS Special Education teachers and parents from the community will host a Resource Fair for students of all ages in Porter County that have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in Porter County. This resource fair will be hosted on Wednesday, May 11 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Westchester Intermediate School, 1050 S Fifth Street in Chesterton.
Parents of students with IEPs will have a chance to meet with service providers from Northwest Indiana to discover what resources are available for children now and as they transition to adulthood. Special presentations on Smart 911 and Project Lifesaver will be given at 6:00 p.m. Please enter through Door 5.
VOTE for Mr. CHS
Chesterton High School Student Government would like to introduce the 2022 edition of Mr. CHS!
Eight (8) seniors are competing to hold the honor of Mr. CHS - a senior candidate that represents Chesterton High School and embraces our high expectations to explore their talents, build on their curiosity, and become responsible, caring citizens. Each Mr. CHS candidate has picked a charity of their choice to support.
View this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yLOeIcVCTg to meet the eight senior candidates, Luke Stento, Chad Berdine, Hamza Sahli, Caleb Vannevel, Peyton Day, Chris Mullen, Nathan Ramirez and Brant Westphal. After viewing, follow the link to vote for your favorite. Each vote is $1, and you may vote as many times as you’d like. All funds raised will be given to the charity of the winner’s choice.
Community voting is now open through Thursday, April 28 using this link: https://duneland.revtrak.net/student-government/ . *Please include the name of your Mr. CHS pick in the comments section of the donation form.
Students may use the link, or vote + donate with cash in the cafeteria during lunches from Monday, April 25 to Thursday, April 28.
Mr. CHS 2022 will be announced on Friday, April 29th. The winner will be decided solely on the number of votes (amount of money raised). Good luck to all of the Mr. CHS candidates!
CHS Prom and Grand March Info
The Chesterton High School junior/senior prom, “Enchanted Garden,” will be hosted at Duneland Falls Banquet Hall, 1100 IN-149 in Burns Harbor on Saturday, April 30. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with check-in from 6-7 p.m. Doors close promptly at 7 p.m. with dinner from 7-8 p.m. Dancing is from 8-11 p.m.
The Grand March will take place at Chesterton High School, 2125 S. 11th Street, on Saturday, April 30 promptly at 5 p.m. in the Field House. Admission is free for all students and spectators.
CHS Senior Celebration - Decision Day 2022
On Friday, April 29, Chesterton High School Counseling department will host a Decision Day celebration for all seniors. This celebration will be hosted in the Cafeteria during student lunch. All seniors are invited to attend this opportunity to celebrate all the seniors post-high school plans.
Do you plan to work? Do you plan to go to the military? Do you plan to go to college or vocational school? CHS wants to celebrate you! Join in on the celebration of all your hard work and your future! Seniors can stop by during their lunch period for goodies, freebies, and fun!
CHS 9-12 Annual Art Exhibit April 18-28
Representative artwork from Chesterton High School art students in grades 9-12 will be on display at the Corporation's annual exhibit at the Chesterton Art Center, 115 S. 4th Street in Chesterton. The exhibit is open to the public through Wednesday, April 27 without cost during Chesterton Art Center hours (weekdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.).
Duneland Early Learning HUB
Happenings in the Early Learning HUB
The HUB is hosting its first Trojans Together evening event on 4/27, between 4:30-6:30. It's "Dude's Night"! The HUB would like to invite male caregivers and their 0 to 5 aged children to come and play. There will be fun experiences including fort building, obstacle courses, physical fitness, music, games to name a few. Sign up for Dude's Night here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CAEAA22AAFACF8-delhub
Families with children entering kindergarten this fall or next (ages 4 and 5) are invited to the Early Learning Emporium on May 11, Kindergarten Here I Come! Caregivers and children will get to chat with Duneland kinder teachers and learn ways they can have fun this summer getting ready for school. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CAEAA22AAFACF8-delhub1
If you are new to the HUB, enrollment is required-please complete this form: https://forms.gle/DuquA2k5fWj4pft1A
ENROLL TODAY!
Enroll for Kindergarten 2022-2023
Prospective Duneland students who will be five years old on or before August 1, 2022, may enroll for the 2022-2023 school year.
Click this link to begin the enrollment process. Parents may then contact the school their child will attend to set up a time to bring in the necessary paperwork.
Help Nominate DSC 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.
View all DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website.
LONG-TERM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Yost Campus Exterior Concepts
At the DSC School Board meeting on Monday, April 4, school board members and the public were updated by Jim Thompson of Gibraltar Design on the design work taking place for the other four elementary schools for the Long-Term Capital Improvements projects.
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 Timelines
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
CHS Dance Club Team Callouts
Chesterton High School’s Dance Team will be holding a Call Out Meeting this Monday May 2 at 3:30 in the CHS LGI Room.
Try Outs will be open to incoming 8th-12th Grade Students for the 2022-2023 School Year.
Parents and interested dancers are both welcome to attend.
Spring and Summer Swim Lessons at Chesterton High School
Chesterton High School will be offering swimming lessons for Duneland School children this spring and summer. Lessons are for ages 4 and older of all skill levels.
The program will be provided by the high school swimming coaching staff, team members and led by Head Coach Mat Pavlovich. This is a great program for water safety purposes or a springboard to competitive swimming with the Duneland Swim Club. Coach Pavlovich has many aquatic certifications and is a WSI (Water Safety Instructor). The lifeguards will hold current LG (Lifeguard) certifications.
Instructional groups will be organized with the goal of four (4) students or less in most groups. Therefore, based on the number of in-water instructors we have available, sign-ups are on a first come/first serve basis and could close quickly. Classes are typically capped around 40 total students. More parental information will be available at registration.
Registrations and Classes: Chesterton High School Pool/Entrance 34
SPRING LESSONS
SPRING REGISTRATION: Thursday April 14, 2022 from 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Spring Session Dates: Monday-Thursdays (April 18 - April 21) (April 25-28)
(5:45-6:30 p.m.) (6:45-7:30 p.m. available if 5:45 class fills up and there is interest)
Spring Cost: $80.00 1st Child, $40.00 2nd Child
SUMMER LESSONS
SUMMER REGISTRATION: Tuesday May 17, 2022 from 5:45-6:45 p.m.
*Summer Session Dates: May 31, June 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, & 17, 2022
Summer Session Times: 8:45-9:30 a.m.; 9:45-10:30 a.m.; 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Summer Cost: $70.00 1st Child, $35.00 2nd Child
*Information updated and corrected on 4/6/2022 12:15 p.m.
Summer 2022 Youth and Middle School Age Football Camps
Chesterton Middle School Team Camp
[May 16-19 FREE] (at CHS)!
Current 6th (W.I.S. - L.I.S. - St. Pat’s & Discovery) 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 site TBA!
Little Trojans Football Camp [June 13-16 $60] (at CHS)
Students entering Kindergarten through sixth grade in 2022.
Camp times are K-3 1-2:30 / 4-5 2:30-4:00 pm
Position Specific Camps
[Two Sessions - June 20, 22 & 23 & June 27, 28 & 29 $50] (at CHS)
Students entering grade 5,6,7, or 8 in ‘22 with a desire to develop specific skills for the upcoming season.
- SESSION 1
- Defensive Back and Wide Receiver Skills Camp
Mon. through Wed. June 20, 22-23 (Noon - 1:30 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 27 - 29 (Noon – 1:30 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. 7249
CHS Boys Summer Basketball Camp 2022
Chesterton High School will again offer Summer Basketball camp. For more information and to register visit https://www.chestertonbasketball.com/
Yost Elem. to Sponsor Red Cross Blood Drive
Yost Elementary School will host a Red Cross blood drive at the school, 100 W. Beam Street in Porter, on May 11th from 2-7 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Please schedule appointments through redcrossblood.org.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
NEW! DSC Calendar for 2022-2023
Need to know dates for next school year? The Duneland School Corporation 2022-2023 School Calendar was approved at the December 6 school board meeting. Click on the image or the link above to downloadable a PDF calendar for next school year.
Current 2021-2022 School Calendar
Food Assistance for Parents/Community
Looking for food assistance? FoodFinder can help.
FoodFinder is a map of food pantries nationwide. Click on the image to the right for access to a Food Assistance site map where individuals can enter a zip code to find the nearest area food pantries.
SCHOOL MENUS/MEALS
*SCHOOL MEALS UPDATE*
Due to ongoing effects of the COVID Pandemic, many industries are suffering from labor shortages which is causing disruptions and shortages in the food chain. At present, Duneland School's Child Nutrition Department is experiencing unprecedented food order shortages causing many last minute changes to the breakfast and lunch menus. In an effort to communicate these changes to families in a timely manner, we ask that you please check this website daily for any changes to the menu.
Thank you for your patience as we work through these setbacks!
Visit the DSC Child Nutrition page for links to the Second Semester menus.
DSC NOW HIRING!
The Duneland School Corporation is seeking candidates for the following positions:
LEVEL II TECHNICIAN
A Level II Technician is a Technology/Computer Technician who serves as the second tier of technical support in the district. This position will be responsible for the implementation, repair, and maintenance of district information technology assets. This position requires the person to be highly adaptable to any situation and maintain a strong sense of teamwork and communication. Click to apply online
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.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
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
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.
- 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.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR TROJAN VIRTUAL ACADEMY STUDENTS DURING THE DAY:
Mrs. Bye, TVA'S administrative assistant, can assist TVA students with technical issues during the school day. Please email jbye@duneland.k12.in.us or call our new line at 219-983-3743. Mrs. Bye will answer and then work with the IT Department to find a resolution.
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 referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
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 (updated):
Monday & Thursday from 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Friday from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday from 10:00 a.m.-6 p.m.
Call: 219-983-3776 x7020 to schedule an appointment
Pictured at right is nurse practitioner and Chesterton resident Shawn Kroft taking a student's blood pressure at the clinic.
Duneland School Corporation is located in Northwest Indiana and serves over 5875 students from a 92 square-mile area including Westchester, Jackson, Liberty and parts of Pine Townships, all located in Porter County.