DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, November 11, 2021 Vol. 56 No. 16
STUDENT RECOGNITIONS
CHS Trojan Guard Marching Band - 4th Place at State Finals
The Chesterton High School Trojan Guard Marching Band were recognized for competing in the 2021 Indiana State School Music Association Scholastic Finals competition where they placed 4th out of 21 bands in performance at the event. This Trojan Guard performance finish marked one of the groups highest placements since competing in the Scholastic Class beginning in 2013. In addition to finishing in the top 5 of the class, the Trojan Guard scored among the top two in our region of Northwest Indiana with their highest score of the season.
CHS Boys Tennis - DAC and Sectional Champs
The CHS Boys Tennis team was recognized for completing a successful winning season 13-4, followed by winning the Duneland Athletic Conference for a second year in a row; and then winning the Sectional by defeating Portage and Valparaiso each by a score of 5-0.
The accolades for this team also includes the selection of four (4) athletes selected into the DAC All-Conference Team: Fabio Haiduc, Brock Redman, David Archbald and Drake Redman
Fabio Haiduc and Drake Redman also received All-District Team recognition for being one of the Top-12 singles players in District 1.
Congratulations to Coach Bour, Coach Garrison and the entire team for their success in winning Conference and Sectional championships this year.
CHS Girls Soccer Team - DAC Champs
The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team was recognized for their undefeated Duneland Athletic Conference Season.
Accolades for this team also includes the selection of three athletes to All-District - 1st team: Carley Balas, Grace Bamber and Kaitlyn Kogl. And two to the All-District - 2nd Team: Gina Geenen and Adie Schneider
Also named to All-State this past Sunday, November 7 were Carley Balas and Grace Bamber, both to 2nd Team All-State and Kaitlyn Kogl to 3rd Team All-State.
In addition to their success on the field, there were several girls who demonstrated the true student-athlete meaning with their selection to the Academic All-State Team. Those players who shine in the classroom as well as on the field include:
Grace Bamber, Hannah Crews, Gina Geenen, Molly Hadenfelt, Meghan Haggergy, Ingrid Hurst, Kaitlyn Kogl, Emma Pape, Emily Richardson, Lilliana Sensibaugh; and Emma Vetroczky.
Duneland School Corporation 1st Quarter Honor Rolls
Click the link below to view:
Westchester Intermediate School
Chesterton Middle School - Coming Soon!
UPDATED! Chesterton High School
DISTRICT RECOGNITION
Duneland Schools Receive Purple Star Designation
All 10 schools in the Duneland School district were designated as Purple Star schools in an announcement by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) on Wednesday morning.
The 36 named Indiana schools receiving the Purple Star designation were awarded for their significant display of commitment to service members, veterans, students and families connected to our nation’s military.
The newly designated Purple Star schools join 60 schools that were a part of Indiana’s inaugural Purple Star designation in 2020. This designation is valid for three years.
Schools receiving the Purple Star designation must meet the following criteria:
- Assigned point of contact for military families
- Training requirement for point of contact
- Dedicated webpage
- Annual military program (e.g., Veterans Day, 9/11, etc.)
- Public military display
- School Board resolution publicizing support for military students and families
- Employment of military service members and their immediate family members
“In Indiana, we are especially thankful for our state’s commitment to our service members,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “This Veterans Day, it is an honor to award an additional 35 schools with the Purple Star designation. These schools work year-round to honor our service members and their families, as well as prepare students to pursue their dreams after high school, including the pursuit of enlistment leading to service.”
For more information visit DSC Military and Veteran Resources
Veterans Day Tributes - Thank You For Your Service
Duneland School Corporation
Bailly Elementary
Brummitt Elementary
Jackson Elementary
Liberty Elementary
Yost Elementary
Liberty Intermediate
Westchester Intermediate
Chesterton Middle
Chesterton High School
CHS Students and Staff Celebrate Veterans
A special all-school announcement was read, including the reading of the names of CHS faculty and staff members who are veterans. Immediately following, "Taps" was played and an extended moment of silence.
Trojan Virtual Academy
SCHOOL/STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Family Friendly Schools Survey for Duneland School Parents
In keeping with our Core Values, Duneland School Corporation is committed to fostering partnerships to improve the quality of life in our community. One of our most important partnerships is with our families. As we strive to continue to build upon and strengthen our family partnerships, DSC is applying for distinction from the Indiana Department of Education as an IDOE “Family Friendly Schools” corporation. In doing so we will continue to “focus on addressing students' academic, physical, emotional, and social needs while providing the needed resources and fostering the active involvement of their families through schools and the community.” (Indiana Department of Education Family Friendly Schools Handbook)
Please help us as we continue to support our students and community by completing the IDOE online survey by November 19, 2021.
Your ongoing support in educating the children of our community is greatly appreciated!
Survey Link and Instructions:
Website: https://form.jotform.com/210636394920961
School Name: choose your school from the drop-down list
School Corporation: 6470 Duneland School Corporation
School Liaison Name: JENNIFER BYE
School Liaison email: jbye@duneland.k12.in.us
School Codes for your convenience:
6928 - Bailly Elementary School
6819 - Brummitt Elementary School
6817 - Jackson Elementary School
6823 - Liberty Elementary School
6941 - Newton Yost Elementary School
6821 - Liberty Intermediate School
6927 - Westchester Intermediate School
6930 - Chesterton Middle School
6925 - Chesterton Senior High School
For Trojan Virtual Academy - "Choose Other - TVA
Duneland Schools to Kickoff New Early Learning HUB
Duneland School Corporation (DSC) will kickoff their new Birth to School initiative in January.
The DSC Birth to School initiative, now coined ‘Duneland Early Learning HUB’, is a hub of resources for Duneland’s zero to five year old children and their caregivers. The term ‘HUB’ refers to the program’s vision to Help, Understand and Build connections and relationships between families, educators and the community.
Don't Miss the Annual Fall CHS Musical
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a nonstop laughfest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful, but slow-witted, courtesan named Philia for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. Tickets will be available at the door, but patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at: www.showtix4u.com
CHS Madrigal Dinner Online Ticket Sales Begin November 12
The Chesterton High School Music Department will present its 49th annual Madrigal Dinners on December 3, 4, and 5, in the school cafeteria. All seats are reserved, and tickets will be on sale for $30 per person. Ticket sales will be online only and begin on Friday, November 12. General public sales will start at 5 p.m. Ticket sales will be held until sell out or Friday, December 3rd, whichever comes first. There will be no exchanges or refunds. To purchase tickets, visit www.showtix4u.com
Performance times are as follows: Friday, December 3, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 4, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The CHS Cafeteria will be transformed into a “Greate Hall” complete with Elizabethan settings and costumes for “Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feasts.” The Madrigal is set in the 16th Century and represents the traditions of the Christmas season through spoken and musical offerings. The cast of approximately 100 CHS music students dressed in medieval costume sing, play, juggle, amuse and serve throughout each of the five performances. The students and their directors: Vince Arizzi, Adam Bess, Brian Grenier, Kristin Morris, and Laura Alonzo work each year to present a quality performance.
Included in the Madrigal along with the music and drama is a complete dinner. The dinner includes a relish tray, chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, wassail, and dessert. A nut-free plate or vegetarian plate including dessert will be available with your request at the time of ticket purchase. The meal is prepared each year by the CHS Cafeteria staff.
DSC Enrollment Equity Committee to Create Balance at Intermediate/Middle School Campuses
In the fall of 2023, the Duneland School Corporation (DSC) will serve students in grades 5-8 at renovated Liberty and Westchester campuses. Each school will serve 900-1,000 students. Without making any adjustments to current school enrollment boundaries, Westchester would have close to 1,000 students and Liberty would have just over 700 students. In order to provide maximum opportunities for all students, DSC will look to establish enrollment equity at each of the two schools.
In an effort to develop an equitable enrollment plan, DSC will form a committee consisting of parents, community members, teachers, principals, district administrators and one or two school board members. This committee will be responsible for developing options regarding possible elementary, intermediate and middle school attendance boundary adjustments for the DSC. Ideally, the goal is to have the same elementary school students matriculate to the same intermediate and middle schools as they do currently; however, the change will impact some of the elementary school boundaries as the committee strives for enrollment equity in these new 5-8 schools.
The committee will be charged with developing a proposal in the Fall of 2021 to be sent to the Superintendent for consideration and ultimately, to the DSC School Board for approval. Robert McDermott, Assistant Superintendent, will serve as the facilitator for the committee. The committee structure is as follows:
Facilitator -1
District Administrators – 2
Building Principals – 5
Teachers – 4
Parents – 15 (three per elementary school)
Community Members – 2
School Board Members – 1 or 2
Committee Responsibilities - The Enrollment Equity Committee is charged with developing options regarding possible elementary, intermediate and middle school attendance boundary adjustments for the DSC.
The committee will recommend boundary adjustments that conform to the following parameters:
Each school should have a total student population consistent with the number of classrooms planned to serve the general population, exclusive of rooms set aside for other uses.
When possible, recommended boundaries should take into consideration space to accommodate anticipated enrollment growth.
Consideration should be given to all schools’ demographic profiles during the attendance boundary development process.
Changes from the present attendance boundaries should be minimized.
Students with disabilities should be placed in accordance with applicable laws with consideration given to appropriate services, specialized spaces, and sound educational practices that meet students’ identified needs.
All students within the new attendance boundaries shall be required to attend their assigned school except when approved through the pre-defined DSC transfer processes where transportation is not provided.
Student travel time on school transportation should be considered.
The committee will make progress reports to the Superintendent periodically as they work toward the goal of bringing forward a final enrollment equity recommendation by December 31, 2021.
If interested in participating in this process, please email Bridget Martinson, director of Public Relations and Marketing.
Inclement Weather Information - School Closing/Delay Procedures
As we approach the winter season, please review the procedures for school closings and/or delays that may occur due to inclement weather. The decision to close school and engage in an eLearning day or alter the school day is done after collaborating with multiple district personnel, local, state departments and agencies, including: law enforcement, national weather service, highway/street departments, and transportation. In addition, other Porter County school districts are consulted due to partnerships that impact special education and career-technical education students.
Decisions about school delays due to inclement weather will be made as early as possible. In some instances, a school cancellation may follow a two-hour delay. In the event of a two-hour delay followed by a cancellation, we will do our best to make the decision to cancel school before 9:00 a.m. Delay or cancellation information will be delivered through the Skylert notification system. These notifications are based on the contact information provided in the General category within your Skylert notification system. Please review and update (if necessary) your contact information to receive these notifications. School closing/delay information will also be posted on the DSC website (www.duneland.k12.in.us) and sent to the following media outlets:
Radio: WAKE 1500 AM; Indiana 105.5 FM; WEFM 95.9 FM; WDSO 88.3 FM; WGN Radio 720;
WBBM Newsradio 780
TV Channels: 2, 5, 7, 9, 32, CLTV news
Websites: www.cancellations.com; www.emergencyclosingcenter.com
The following options will be considered during weather emergencies:
Option 1: Start of the school day will be delayed 2-hours. Delayed start times are:
Elementary - 10:00 a.m.
Intermediate - 10:15 a.m.
Middle School - 9:50 a.m.
High School - 9:40 a.m.
Option 2: Students will not report to school; students will participate in inclement weather eLearning day
Option 3: Schools will dismiss early
DSC COVID-19 Support Center
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). Daily dashboard emails will not be sent to families and/or staff members this school year. 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.
DSC Response Plan 2021-2022
Help us Nominate DSC Teachers of Excellence today!
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 DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website.
LONG-TERM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT UPDATES
At the DSC School Board meeting on Thursday, November 4, school board members and the public were updated by Jim Thompson from Gibraltar Design updated the public and board on the Westchester and Liberty Intermediate/Middle Schools and Yost Elementary School.
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
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
FRIDAY DEADLINE: DSC Winter Card Contest for Grades K-8
The Duneland School Corporation will again host a Winter Card Contest for Duneland School students in grades K-8. Contest submissions are due on Friday, November 12. Winners will be notified and invited to the Dec. 6 school board meeting to be recognized and awarded. Eligibility and rules for the contest are listed under district announcements on the Duneland website and are posted in the district’s newsletter DuneNews. Students will be returning their submissions to their respective school’s main office or they may bring their Winter Card entries to: Duneland Administration Center, 601 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. by Nov. 12.
CHS Dance Team Kiddie Camp
Hometown Holiday Celebration Essay Contest
The Duneland Chamber of Commerce will conduct an essay contest to kick off our Hometown Holiday Celebration on Saturday, November 27. Sometimes with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we forget the purpose of the holidays. Whether it’s good smells, twinkly lights, warm company, or an extra sense of peace in your heart, we would like to hear from you! Share what the holiday season means to you. The winner will win a $50 gift card, conduct the Eighth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Chesterton and be the grand marshal in our Twilight Parade! The essay must be 500 words or less and written by a Duneland resident under 14. Mail the essay to 220 Broadway, Chesterton IN 46304 or email info@dunelandchamber.org. Visit our Hometown Holiday Celebration event page on our website for more information and to download the essay form. Essay forms can also be picked up at the Duneland Chamber of Commerce. The submission deadline is November 17 at 5:00 pm.
Make sure to like the Duneland Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and keep an eye on our website, www.dunelandchamber.org, to learn more! For questions about how to participate in any part of the Hometown Holiday Celebration, please call the Chamber at 219.926.5513 or email info@dunelandchamber.org.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
Winter Sports and Final Forms
Winter sports are right around the corner. Students planning to try out, please make sure…
1. You have a FinalForms...Link to Final Forms
TIP LINE
Parent Observer Account
Parents are encouraged to set up their Canvas observer accounts to monitor their students' progress.
Parents can click this link to view how to set up their Parent Observer Account
Link to the Canvas Log In
Skyward Family Access Quick Guide
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 menus for the Week of Nov. 1-5 or click the menu links below.
SCHOOL PICTURE INFORMATION
2021 Hall of Fame Nominations
The Chesterton Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2021 Alumnus, Teacher, Administrator, and Support Staff Hall of Fame. Plans are to honor recipients at an annual Alumni Association Dinner Banquet in May 2022.
“Many accomplished and dedicated individuals are not necessarily in the public eye; they are the unsung heroes and quiet warriors among us impacting students and staff every day,” said Jim Hall, CHS Alumni president. “The 2021 recognition committee invites alumni, community members, parents and others throughout the Duneland community to submit their nominations.”
Please consider nominating a candidate for Alumnus, Teacher, Administrator, and Support Staff based on the following qualities:
Excellence
Leadership
Respect
Exceptional Contributions
Citizenship
Giving Back
Collaboration
Courageous Acts
Advocacy
The CHS Alumni Association is accepting nominations for 2021 year through Wednesday, December 15 at 3 p.m. Those that wish to submit one nominee for each category must use separate nomination forms.
Nomination forms will also be available for pick up at the Duneland School Corporation Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Avenue, weekdays from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Completed nominations may be submitted electronically to CHSalumniassociation@duneland.k12.in.us; by mailing to CHS Alumni Association,
PO Box 1063, Chesterton, IN 46304; or by dropping off the at the Duneland Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Avenue, Chesterton.
NEW! - Online Nomination Form
Link to fillable nomination form (Just fill-out and print)
DSC Now Hiring..
The Duneland School Corporation is seeking candidates for the following positions:
NEW!!!
Chesterton Middle School is seeking candidates to fill the following long-term sub positions for entire second semester of 2021-2022.
- Foreign Language Teacher – Maternity Leave
- Math Teacher – Maternity Leave
These positions and more are available on the Duneland School Corporation employment website. Apply online at Click to apply online
CHILD NUTRITION
Child Nutrition associates provide nutrition services to students and staff. Benefit-eligible positions available. Apply online at 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
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
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.
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
- 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.
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.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
District events are available on the Duneland School website at www.duneland.k12.in.us. Click on CALENDAR at the top of the page for a month by month calendar. You can even customize the calendar to see events for the schools your students attend.
NOVEMBER REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
Library Media Specialists
Library Media Specialists play an integral role in providing a comprehensive 21st Century education to our students. As both licensed teachers and certified library media instructors, our Library Media Specialists have the experience and expertise to develop and deliver curriculum that works in conjunction with the classroom. This curriculum, which is aligned to the standards set forth by both the state and the American Association of School Librarians, covers the areas of Literature Appreciation, Digital Citizenship, Research and Information Literacy, Making and Design Thinking, and Computer Science and Coding. Our Library Media Specialists also take on leadership roles, frequently collaborating with classroom teachers, administrators, our technology department, and the wider community.
For more referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
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:
Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 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 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.
DuneNews
The DuneNews is emailed each Thursday afternoon to all Duneland families through their school related email address. It is also posted on our website at www.duneland.k12.in.us/dune-news along with all archived issues; and on the DSC Facebook and Twitter. If you are not receiving your emailed issue of the DuneNews each week please email Bridget Martinson.
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