DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 Vol. 56 No. 10
STUDENT ATHLETE RECOGNITION
CHS Girls Varsity Soccer – DAC Champions
CHS Boys Varsity Soccer - DAC Co-Champions
CHS Boys Varsity Tennis - DAC Champs
Congratulations to the Boys Tennis Team on back-to-back Duneland Athletic Conference Championships. The team beat Portage 5 – 0 in the 1st Round of Sectionals and will play this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. against Valparaiso @ Portage.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Chesterton High School Civil War Camp
Each year, Chesterton High School Social Studies teachers host a Civil War camp for U.S. History classes to learn about the Civil War through a living history style of presentation and education in the school's courtyard. Bob DeRuntz and Anna Zervos transform the courtyard into a soldier camp and where students can sit and listen to presentations simultaneously about life during the civil war.
It was 17 years ago that a grant from the Duneland Education Foundation (DEF) provided the initial cost to create this camp. Over a two-day period, all US History classes visit three stations in the camp. Students learn about the Union and Confederate camps, clothing and equipment, battle tactics, food, medicine and hear a recitation of the Gettysburg Address.
In addition, other CHS students and staff members were able to take advantage of this learning opportunity at the school during their lunch periods.
WDSO Staff Visits Students at Yost Elementary School
Chesterton High School's WDSO Radio Program Director Hamza Sahli and Promotions Director Emily Chisholm along with News Director Nathan Bunning, PSA Director Evan Schmitt, and member Camren Fancher visited Yost Elementary this past Friday at a request from Principal Josh Huwig, who is a long-time WDSO fan.
The WDSO team coordinated coming to visit during the lunch period where they interacted with the students, played music, engaged in conversation and answered questions. "I hope that we can get the next generation of students excited about WDSO and all that it offers," said Huwig. CHS newspaper students also attended to take photos and cover the event.
National Suicide Prevention
CHS StuGov Leads Campaign at School
Bracelets, stickers, water bottles, and candy were distributed to students and informational resources (cards and pamphlets) were also available. Many of the students enjoyed participating in a ring toss game at the campaign event (photos below).
Student government continuously strives to represent and give a voice to the CHS student body, provides opportunities for the school and community to grow, and positively impacts the lives of students on a regular basis. "It was absolutely amazing to see everyone unite together in a positive light to raise awareness for such a crucial and sensitive subject, said Celia Faroh, one of the student government organizers.
Celebrate Your Favorite Duneland School Teacher(s)
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.
First Grading Period Ends October 8
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
Long-Term Capital Improvement Updates
Yost Elementary and the two 5-8 buildings (LIS/WIS) will be the first locations to begin construction in early 2022.
Community members may review the current Long-Term Capital Improvements information that will be continuously updated on the DSC website.
DSC Strategic Plan Timelines
Important Information Parents Need to Know
Safe School - 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
Need some help in navigating your Skyward Parent Portal? Here is a Quick Guide with helpful videos attached to guide parents in familiarizing and utilizing Skyward.
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 Oct. 4-8 or click the menu links below.
SCHOOL PICTURE INFORMATION
Student Fall Pictures for Grades K-8
BR - www.mylifetouch.com Use school id: EVT4D7P3W
JA - https://inter-state.com/order Use order code: 60705JB
LES - https://inter-state.com/order Use order code: 60497TB
YO - https://inter-state.com/order Use order code: 60501W
LIS - https://inter-state.com/order Use order code: 60182BA
WIS - https://inter-state.com/order Use order code: 60183YB
CMS - https://inter-state.com/order Use order code: 60170XB
CHS - https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/60114T
Trojan Virtual Academy (TVA) - Oct. 4 from 2-6 p.m.
Photo Retake Dates
BA - Nov. 5
JA - Nov. 16
LES - Nov. 18
YO - Nov. 18
LIS - Oct. 26
WIS - Oct. 28
CHS - Oct. 15 Link to order is: https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/60116C
Red Cross Blood Drive at Yost Elementary on Oct. 14
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.
Link to fillable nomination form (Just fill-out and print)
Link to Printable form
DSC Now Hiring..
The Duneland School Corporation is seeking candidates for the following positions:
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.
Ready, Set, Kindergarten Registration for 2021-2022
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.
SEPTEMBER REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
Dunes Learning Center Programs
Each year, Duneland Elementary 4th grade students embark on a learning experience called Frog in the Bog at the Dunes Learning Center with their teachers. In addition, the 3rd grade participates in the Winter Program. These unique learning opportunities are made possible through a partnership between the Dunes Learning Center and the Flora Richardson Foundation. Dunes Learning Center programs utilize a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach offering outdoor experiences and minds-on discovery to engage a variety of learning styles. The learning adventure begins at school with materials and activities provided by the Dunes Learning Center. At camp, students explore a classroom without walls where lessons come to life in nature. Follow-up activities allow students to transfer their experiences back into their studies, school and 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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
CHS Cheer Camp
Chesterton Baskeball Club
DEADLINE to register is Sept. 26, 2021.
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