WIS Weekly
April 25, 2022
A Message From Mr. Longacre
Dear Families,
As the weather breaks and spring begins to slowly reveal itself, students and staff alike are excited about the prospect of warmer days as we transition to more outdoor activities. During this time, Westchester itself will also begin a change. Starting in May, construction on our building renovation will begin in earnest. Do not be surprised to see equipment, supplies, and tradesmen in and around the Westchester campus as the building site is prepared. The entire transformation will be completed in phases and, as indicated in previous press releases, will include work on the interior, exterior, and surrounding grounds of the physical structure. This will be the fourth change that Westchester has undergone in its 56-year history, having been built originally as a junior high school.
During the renovation process at Westchester, I want to assure you that all protocols for student and staff safety will be put in place. While construction projects are often confronted with challenges (e.g. supplies, “hidden” pipes, etc.), we are hopeful that all phases of the construction process will be finished by the fall of the 2023-24 school year. When complete, our new Westchester will house two schools: Westchester Middle School (grades 7 & 8) and Westchester Intermediate School (grades 5 & 6). I am particularly excited about the positive impact that the new facilities will have both on the ability to provide improved curricular programming and the opportunity for students to participate in activities. I am thankful and proud that the Duneland School Corporation is committed to providing our community with 21st century schools that meet the needs of today's students!
We hope that you are as excited as we are about this opportunity to see Westchester grow into an even better learning facility for our students and school community. As always, if you have any questions regarding this or any other school topic, please contact me at slongacre@duneland.k12.in.us.
Respectfully,
Mr. Longacre
******* WESTCHESTER IN ACTION *******
Chesterton Robotics
Rectangular Prisms
ILEARN TESTING ENVIRONMENT REMINDERS
*Don't forget your iPad-connected ear buds.
*Smartwatches, phones, Bluetooth-enabled earbuds, etc. will not be permitted during testing.
*Test-taking tips:
1. Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test, eat a solid breakfast the morning of the test, and drink plenty of water the day of the test.
2. Be positive about the test. Think to yourself, "I can do this."
3. Read directions slowly and carefully. Make sure you understand the question before answering.
4. Try to think of the correct answer before reading the answer options.
5. If you feel yourself becoming anxious, then try to relax by counting backwards from five to one while breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth... slowly.
ELA Review TIME
******* THIS WEEK AT WIS *******
5th Grade
Language Arts
- We will continue reading the novel Holes. Students will need to keep up with their journal entries as they continue to read. During this week we will read chapters 18-29. Journal questions will cover characterization, summarizing, flashbacks, and making predictions.
- IRAs: During this week we will study the writer's craft. Students will analyze how the author holds the reader's attention. The books we will read are Firebird: Ballerina Misty Copeland Shows a Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebird and Black Dog.
Math
Last week we completed our unit on Geometry. Students worked hands-on with unit cubes to make different types of rectangular prisms and compound shapes to explore volume. The Volume quiz was on Friday.
This week we will be doing various activities to give our skills a refresher before taking the ILEARN Math test next week.
Social Studies
Last week students completed the social studies ILEARN test. Thank you for encouraging your child to do a good job.
This week we began chapter 7. Please see the chapter 7 family email for details on quizzes, vocabulary, and the test. The test for chapter 7 is optional.
In science students continued to learn about roles in an ecosystem. To demonstrate their understanding, the students designed a food chain that consisted of an energy source, producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer, and decomposer.
In health students continued with the PLTW Infection Detection Module. Students had to create a graphic organizer that represented the symptoms being shown in a PLTW case study. This graphic organizer will be used next week when we complete the module.
6th Grade
- During this week students will work on concepts and standards from quarters 1, 2, and 3. Students will review and strengthen their understanding of previous material.
Science
This week we will be using the engineering design process and investigative skills. At the start of the week, students will design a space craft with specific constraints and criteria. At the end of the week, students will use investigative skills in a field of forensic science to solve a mystery.
Social Studies
- As the South America unit comes to an end, students will be making a political map on which they will be labeling the countries, capitals, major bodies of water, key, and a compass rose. At the end of the week, students will have an assessment on South America, including the location of the countries.
Language Arts
- During this week ELA students will take the ELA ILEARN tests on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students will also start reading a class novel and participate in a wide variety of learning experiences that focus on mystery and investigation.
Related Arts
Art
- 5th graders are completing their woven pouches by cutting them off their looms and sewing on buttons.
- 6th graders are making circle looms inspired by expressionism, and will be using a new weaving technique.
PE
- Students will continue working through the Baseball/Softball Unit. We will play some lead-up games and then end with some Wiffle-ball games.
Music
- Students will be completing their ABA Form Compositions, and they will continue to learn and practice our Orff instrument ensemble pieces.
******* ANNOUNCEMENTS *******
Duneland Exchange Club
Lady Trojans
NORA Dance
Survey
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.
Resource Fair
Orientation for incoming 7th graders
Cell Phones, Earbuds / Earphones, iPads
Construction Begins Soon
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
Support WIS PTO
Chesterton Art Center
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.
NorthShore Clinic
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.
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/