WIS Weekly
May 16, 2022
A Message From Mr. Longacre
Dear Families,
I would like to address a few "housekeeping" issues in this week's newsletter...
First, we have concluded our ILEARN and NWEA Assessments. Our window for make-ups has also closed. The Westchester staff would like to thank those students and families who prepared for each day of testing by getting a good night's rest and starting the morning with a nutritious breakfast. While there are many variables that govern the success of each student, individuals do perform better when they are prepared cognitively, physically, and emotionally. Approaching each assessment with a focused, positive mindset sets the stage for confident testing sessions. Official results will be out soon.
Second, as you know, many industries are facing staffing issues. Unfortunately, our transportation department is not immune to this problem and now faces significant shortages of bus drivers and personnel. This has led to a reevaluation of current bus routes. Effective with the 2022-23 school year, DSC will no longer provide after-school transportation via bus from Bailly Elementary, Westchester Intermediate, and Chesterton Middle Schools to the Boys & Girls Club. Families are encouraged to begin considering other arrangements to transport their students to the B&G Club after school each day. Should the transportation staffing outlook improve, DSC administration will reinstate this service. We appreciate your understanding.
Finally, Nurse Sosby has asked me to contact families with relevant information regarding the ending of this school year and the beginning of the fall. Please carefully read her notes below.
As the year is quickly coming to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for entrusting your child’s health care to me and your continued support of keeping me updated on all their health concerns. There are a few things I need to address before the end of the year:
Medication pick up:
All medications that have been brought to school for your student must be picked up by Thursday, May 26, 2022, before 3:30 pm. After this time I will be disposing of all medications. ... Due to construction and the planned move of the nurse’s office, I will not be able to hold on to any medications past this time. Please plan accordingly to pick up medication within the designated time frame.
Health Condition Action Plans:
I will be sending home health condition letters and action plans (Allergy, Asthma, Seizure and Diabetic Management Plan) to the students who had them on file this year with daily or emergency medication. I am providing the forms for the new school year so you have them on hand prior to making your health appointments this summer with your primary care physicians and/or specialists. Forms are on the Duneland website under Health Service Forms as well. ... All letters and forms will be sent home Monday, May 16th, with your students. Please be sure to ask them for it.
Immunizations for 6th grade:
In the beginning of February, I sent home letters with all 5th grade students that informed you of the immunization requirements for 6th grade. Along with this letter, I attached a copy of your student’s most up to date immunization and specifically indicated what immunizations your student needs to receive. Please make your appointment and update your child’s immunization over summer break, rather than waiting till the start of school. It will be much easier on you and your student if they are completed early,
Immunizations are to be completed and due by the first day of school, which is Wednesday, August 10, 2022, and submitted to the nurse. The State of Indiana allows children to be in school 20 days from the first day of school without updated immunization, after which they will be excluded from school until immunizations are received. Exclusion Day is Thursday, September 8, 2022. For your student to remain in school, I will need an appointment card with date, time, and location your student(s) will be receiving their immunizations.
The only exception is if your student is not 11 years of age at the start of school. Children must be 11 years old to receive the required immunizations. Families are required to provide an appointment card with date , time, and location where they will be receiving them.
After your student receives their immunizations, you may email them to me at tsosby@duneland.K12.in.us or bring in the record on the first day of school.
Registration 2022-2023:
The Health Service Forms will now be mandatory to fill out and not allow you to progress any further with the registration process. Please answer all the health forms completely and thoroughly. School nurses use this information to provide the best care to your students. It is very important to have the most up to date information to provide care.
Health Questionnaire: Please review each health condition carefully. If you mark a health concern in the past but your student no longer has issues with it, please do not mark it. When your student reaches 5th/6th grade, the nurse only needs to know what the child is actively dealing with. They can then move past issues to the student's history.
Medications: Please note all current medications, dosage, and times they take it, as well as for what health reason the med is being used.
If you mark yes to a health concern, please expand with further information or indicate that follow up from the nurse is needed.
Thank you in advance.
Nurse Tina Sosby
And, as always, comments and concerns can always be directed to me at slongacre@duneland.k12.in.us.
Respectfully,
Mr. Longacre
WESTCHESTER IN ACTION
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B.I.O.N.I.C. Club
B.I.O.N.I.C. stands for Believe It Or Not I Care, and this has been a busy year for the B.I.O.N.I.C. Club members! The goal of the B.I.O.N.I.C. Club is to show Westchester's school community that people care about them through outreach activities of kindness. The students and staff in the B.I.O.N.I.C. Club recognized new students by hosting New Student Luncheons each quarter, giving school tours, and distributing welcome packets. The B.I.O.N.I.C. Loss Team delivered pies and cards to students who lost a loved one, as well as mugs of candy and cards to staff members who had also lost a family member. Lastly, members of the club learned about bullying and what they can do to help whenever they see someone being bullied. The adult sponsors wish to thank everyone who participated in the program.
Robotics Update
Two teams from Westchester Robotics competed in the VEX Worlds Championship in Dallas, TX, on May 10-12. A total of 518 teams from around the world took part in the event. There were many emotional ups and downs throughout the three days, but Team F and Team C came together and represented WIS well!
Team F (Herschel Hardwick, Matzen Finck, and Noah Hyde) won the Create Award. The Create Award is presented to the team whose robot design incorporates a creative engineering solution to the design challenges of the season’s game.
Team C (Eva Capodice, Danny Cain, and Rosemary Hundt) were in the Design Division of 57 teams. They did well and finished 8 in the division finals.
Team F was 70th out of 482 teams that attempted skills with a score of 102.
Team C was 264th out of 482 teams that attempted skills with a score of 57.
When The Weather Permits
Engineering Design Process
Student Reminders
- May 17th-- The 6th thru 12th Grade Bands will perform in concert at 7:00 pm at CHS.
- May 19th-- The WIS Orchestra Concert will be in Gym A (originally listed for Gym B).
- May 20th-- Kona Ice will be sold at all four recesses ($2-$6 per item).
- Now through the end of school-- Students should return any library/media books.
Brummitt 4th Graders Visit WIS
In The Classroom This Week
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5th Grade
Language Arts
- The novel Holes will finish this week. There will be a final test on Wednesday. Classes will compare the novel to the movie on Thursday and Friday.
- IRAs: This week we will study tall tales and legends. While studying these genres we will look at the story of Paul Bunyan and John Henry. We will compare both characters and explore the themes that can be learned through these texts.
Math
Last week students planned a 5 city road trip. They calculated mileage, gas usage, hotel and attraction costs.
This week students will be designing a restaurant, making a menu, and taking orders. They will calculate the total bill -- including tax and tip -- and give change to their customers.
Social Studies
We are continuing our study of the War of 1812 and the effects it had on early America.
- Rowan Cashmer --The War of 1812 was a war between Great Britain and America. The war begun because the British attacked American ships. The War Hawks argued for war and soon everyone agreed and Congress declared war. The Americans also thought they could force the British out of Canada. The U.S. was a new nation, so it was a huge success for them to win the war!
- Addie Dunkle --The 1812 War was a war between Britain and France. Great Britain didn't want us to trade with the French people. This led to conflict with the White House when Britain burned it down. We decided to defend ourselves and began to win more and more battles. We were winning more because we were stronger. That, kids, is what the 1812 /2nd Revolutionary War was about.
- Sierra Else -- The War of 1812 was between the U.S. and Great Britain. The war affected shipping to the U.S. At the end of the war, no one won so they decided to have peace and end the war.
Elise Engels -- This is what happened during the war of 1812: The French fought against the British over land. The United States wanted more land than the British already had. Finally, the war ended with an agreement with the British. This war was fitting-- the U.S. gained independence and freedom from the British.
Alexis Gano -- The War of 1812 was important to our nation. We defeated one of the most powerful nations. It was during this time that our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner", was created. The U.S. stood up to the British taking our soldiers. We also had a hero, Andrew Jackson.
Emery Ho -- While the British and French were at war, America tried to remain neutral, but that was very difficult since the British and French were trying to pull us in. Anything simple, such as trading with the French, seemed impossible when the British wouldn't allow it. It was a long ride through the war with the French and British constantly tugging at us to help them.
- Students continue to engage in work related to the Engineering Design Process.
6th Grade
- Sixth grade will continue to work on probability. The test will be this Friday.
Science
- This week in science we are concentrating on the digestive system and immune system. We are using Gizmos to demonstrate the way the digestive system works. We are going to do a mini day-project on vaccines and preventable diseases, and at the end of the week we will be discussing the way whales communicate.
Social Studies
- Students are studying some of the major principles of economics (e.g. currency, loans, debt, credit, etc.) and how they affect a country's productivity.
Language Arts
ELA students will be wrapping up The Westing Game.
Honors ELA will create and present a parody of King Arthur.
Related Arts
Art
- 5th graders are continuing to weave pouches out of yarn, adding new techniques and steps as they go.
- 6th graders are painting portraits on plastic acetate with paper backgrounds using color schemes.
PE
- This week we will be playing fun games that will focus on cardio. Some of the games will include a kickball game called Long Ball and another game called Pirate Ball.
Music
- This week students are recording their ABA Form Compositions, and we are also learning to play songs together in our Orff Ensemble.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Construction Has Started!
Orientation for incoming 7th graders
Gear Up For Robotics
To Families of Duneland 4th and 5th Grade Students,
Duneland is once again excited to host Gear Up For Robotics, the robotics camp for current Duneland 4th and 5th grade students (Fall 2022 5th & 6th Grade students). Here are the details:
When: June 27,28,29,20
Time: 8:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
Where: Chesterton Middle School
Teachers: WIS Robotics Coaches Mrs. Toweson and Mr. Sweet
If your child is interested in enrolling in this unique learning opportunity, we ask that you complete a registration form no later than May 31, 2022. The registration form can be found by following this link: Gear Up for Robotics 2022 Registration Form
Families will need to provide their own transportation to and from camp each day as this is not part of our traditional summer school programming.
As Duneland continues to build its celebrated robotics program, we hope that you will consider being a part of this year’s camp.
SUMMER SCHOOL Sign-ups
Spirit Wear
The WIS PTO is hosting a Spring Spirit Wear fundraiser. This is a quick turn around event so that your orders can be delivered before the end of the school year. Therefore, no online orders are being accepted.
Please print this attachment (paper copies available to students at school), and send it back with your check (made out to WIS PTO) or cash payment. Your order and payment must be received by Friday, May 6th at the end of the school day.
Thank you!
WIS PTO
Lady Trojans
Boys Basketball
Trojan Football
2022-2023 Middle School Football Camp Information
CMS 2022 Football Call Out meeting - Monday May 9th at 6:00 p.m.
This google meet is intended for all current 6th and 7th grade students at LIS - WIS and St. Pat's. Please contact Mark Peterson at mapeterson@duneland.k12.in.us or Evan Steiner at esteiner@duneland.k12.in.us if you have any questions prior to the meet on Monday May 9th at 6:00 p.m.!
-Plan now to join us for the google meet May 9th at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting ID: jum-sboz-rga
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 478-331-6168
PIN: 212 345 708#
Chesterton Middle School Futures Camp [May 16-19th 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 at CMS!
Middle School Football Position Specific Camps
[Two Sessions -June 20,22&23 & June 27, 28 & 29 $50 ea.] (at CHS on the Turf) Registration forms are on the CMS Athletic Website
❖ Students entering grade 6,7, or 8 in ‘22 with a desire to develop specific position specific skills for the upcoming season.
Session 1
-Defensive Back and Wide Receiver Skills Camp
Mon. Wed. & Thurs. June 20th-22nd-23rd (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 27th, 28th& 29th (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
Little Trojans Camp
Futures Camp
Position Specific Camp
Sports Physicals
Cell Phones, Earbuds / Earphones, iPads
Opportunities
Support WIS PTO
Chesterton Art Center
North Shore Clinic for 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
Consent paperwork needs to be completed prior to an office visit. The paperwork is attached and can be completed prior to the visit to save time. If you choose this option, the consent paperwork needs to be on file beforehand. If returning paperwork via email, please send to: Shawn Kroft, skroft@northshorehealth.org.
2022-2023 School Calendar Approved
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 menus for the Week of Nov. 15-19
Covid-19 Information
Vaccine Information
Updated vaccine information from the Indiana Department of Health is available in the resources listed below.
- Youth Pfizer Fact Sheet, ages five to 11
- Mixing Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Fact Sheet (English)
- Mixing Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Fact Sheet (Spanish)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet, individuals five and older
- Family Quarantine Fact Sheet
For questions, please email backtoschool@isdh.in.gov.
Help us Nominate WIS Teachers of Excellence today!
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
Job Opportunities in Duneland
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.
Westchester Intermediate School
WIS Mission
- WIS provides a safe and engaging environment where students are empowered to explore their talents, build on their curiosity, embrace high expectations, and become responsible, caring citizens.
WIS Vision:
- WIS inspires learners to become independent, critical thinkers collaborating in an environment where responsibility, adaptability, and reflection are modeled and developed.
Email: slongacre@duneland.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Domain/14
Location: 1050 South 5th Street, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westchesterintermediate/