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April 7, 2024
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Volume 3; Issue 27; April 7, 2024. (Semester 2)
April 8, 2024 Eclipse Extrordinaire
TVA Families,
The upcoming eclipse on April 8, 2024, presents a unique opportunity for all of us to experience the wonders of the universe right here on our doorstep. As the moon passes in front of the sun, we will have the chance to witness an extraordinary celestial event.
Personally, I am looking forward to the momentary transformation of daytime into nightfall. As the eclipse creates a unique atmosphere and the world around us dims, pay attention to the sounds of nature at night during the day. Enjoy the chance to witness this phenomenon, and make sure to wear approved glasses for safety.
Thank you for choosing TVA! Sending cosmic appreciation your way!
Christy Jarka,
TVA Director
Onsite Testing Starts Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Same testing schedule--different format
PLEASE LET US KNOW YOU ARE RETURNING FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
REMINDER: COMPLETE BY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2024
Please take a moment to complete the Intent to Return form for the 2024-2025 School Year. Completing the form, helps us to plan for the upcoming school year.
All current K-11 families should complete this interest form by April 10, 2024:
TVA Intent to Return Form Fall 2024.
SPECIAL NOTE - for our current juniors (Class of 2025)
- Seniors are asked to make a full year commitment to TVA.
- Students enrolled in TVA will receive a Duneland School Corporation diploma.
- TVA will hold its own graduation ceremony.
- Seniors at both Chesterton High School and TVA will start the year in their respective schools and then graduate from either TVA or CHS.
- Students may not move between CHS & TVA midyear.
Should you have any questions about this feel free to contact me directly via email at cjarka@duneland.k12.in.us or via phone at 219-983-3743.
Thank you again for choosing TVA this year. It has been our pleasure to serve and work with all of our families and are looking forward to another year serving our school community.
Graduating this year? Click below to read Class of 2024 Newsletter!
All ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE ON MAY 28, 2024
GRADES 6 - 12 PACING GUIDE
6-12 should be on Days 61-65
KINDERGARTEN and GRADES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 PACING GUIDE
K - 5 should be on Days 141 - 145
TVA Students: Are you currently in Grades 8 through 12 & live in Duneland?
Then, you can sign up for summer school!
TVA Students who are currently in grades 8 through 12 grade and reside in the Duneland District have the opportunity to enroll in summer school courses offered at Chesterton High School. These courses enable students to earn credits to either remain or get back on track for graduation.
The link below allows you to see the schedule for summer school classes. You will also be able to sign up for classes, too. Students will have access to meals at CHS as well as limited transportation.
Not sure what courses you should take? Contact TVA School Counselor, Mrs. Michelle Bruss, at mbruss@duneland.k12.in.us or 219-983-3743 to learn more.
Required for Every Senior: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Every Senior is Required to file the FAFSA or Opt Out
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a vital step in securing financial assistance for college, apprenticeship programs, cosmetology and trade schools, scholarship opportunities and more!
The State of Indiana is also now requiring that every senior file the FAFSA.
The deadline to file the FAFSA is April 15, 2024.
or
If you are opting out of filing, please complete the attached form and return to the Trojan Virtual Academy office by April 1, 2024: FAFSA Opt-Out Form
The application is available online at www.fafsa.gov, and it is recommended to complete it as soon as possible to maximize the potential for financial aid. To start the process, both the student and parent will need to create their own FSA ID: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
We understand that the FAFSA process may seem daunting, but there are numerous resources available to assist you:
College Goal Sunday (free direct help filing FAFSA on February 25, 2024): https://www.collegegoalsunday.org/locations/
INvestEd Indiana (provides free FAFSA Assistance): https://www.investedindiana.org/funding/completing-the-fafsa/
Federal Student Aid Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/FederalStudentAid
CHS Financial Aid Night Presentation:
Financial Aid Info Sheet: https://learnmoreindiana-1f63e.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023_FAFSA_One-Pager_11-14-23a.pdf
Center of Workforce Innovations
Center of Workforce Innovations isexcited to facilitate the 3rd Annual NextGEN YOUTH Expo taking place at the Higher Institute of Arts and Technology (HIAT) on April 18th, 2024. This event is specifically designed to help young people explore various career paths by interacting with community leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to discover, explore, and connect with various professions by asking questions about educational paths, job roles, and prospects. The Expo will also include hands-on simulations and giveaways to make the experience more interactive and enjoyable.
The NextGen Youth Expo is an event that aims to showcase the wide range of career opportunities available in the region. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about the skills and education required for various job roles. Our primary objectives for organizing this event are to connect employers with their prospective workforce and to assist young adults in making informed and inspired decisions about their future.
Use the QR code to register:
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Students entering 6th grade require additional immunizations by the State of Indiana.
Required immunizations for students entering 6th grade are as follows:
- Tdap: Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine
- MCV4: Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
- A student that is 11 years old is eligible to receive these vaccines.
Required immunizations for students entering 12th grade are as follows:
- MCV4: Meningococcal Vaccine
- A student that is 16 years old is eligible to receive the second meningococcal vaccination.
Porter County Health Department: 219-759-8239 (Portage office) or 219-465-3525 (Valparaiso office).
For any questions, please contact Marie Kirchner, RN at 219-983-3730.
DSC TO HOST JOB FAIR FAIR EVENT ON APRIL 13 & 18
Did you know that there are more jobs than just teachers at DSC? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive a school bus, or work in a school kitchen?
The Duneland School Corporation will host a job fair event featuring classified (non-teaching) positions in Transportation and Child Nutrition services. The event will be hosted on Saturday, April 13 from 7-10 a.m. at the Duneland School Transportation Center, 1012 N Old State Road 49 across from the Coffee Creek; and again on Thursday, April 18 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Chesterton High School, 2125 S 11th Street, in the southwest parking lot.
The Transportation Department will offer an opportunity to drive a bus around the parking lot with one of Duneland School’s bus trainers and enjoy a cup of coffee and a donut while you speak with Transportation staff members. Personnel will be available to answer your questions and provide information on hours, benefits, and other opportunities within the Duneland School Corporation.
In addition, staff members will also be available from Duneland’s Child Nutrition Department for those attendees who may be interested in a job opportunity in the school kitchens. Child Nutrition positions offer a wide variety of schedules that are perfect for those with children so you can ‘earn while your children learn.’ No nights, weekends, holidays or school breaks so you can be home with your family.
Have little ones and no babysitter? Not a problem, bring them along. DSC staff will provide a coloring station and staff members to watch over the little ones as you learn more about these Duneland School employment opportunities.
2024-2025 School Start & End Times
As a family enrolled in Trojan Virtual Academy, this information may not directly affect your daily school routine. However, we wanted to keep you informed. During the School Board meeting on January 8th, the following school start and end times for in-person schools in Duneland School Corporation for the 2024-2025 school year were approved.
- Elementary (K-4) 7:30 – 2:20
- High School (9-12) 8:10 – 3:10
- Intermediate/Middle (5-8) 8:50 – 3:50
DSC 2024-2025 Calendar
The new 2024-2025 Duneland School Corporation Calendar has been adopted by the Duneland School Board of Trustees. Click the link above to see all the date for next school year.
DSC Procedures for Closing Schools
Click on the button below to learn more about the procedures.
Community Connections
The goal of the Duneland School Corporation district school newsletters is to inform students, parents and the school community about school-related information.
This year, the Duneland Schools will share information that pertains to opportunities our students may be interested in outside of school on a special page on our website. These available opportunities are offered by not-for-profit partnerships and organizations within our school district boundaries and local communities. Follow this link to Community Opportunities.
Want your event/activity/camp posted on this page? Submit a request by email with the flyer/information to the Duneland Schools Administrative Center to ahicks@duneland.k12.in.us and bmartinson@duneland.k12.in.us.
April 20 - Event - Duneland Exchange Club Youth Talent Showcase
The Duneland Exchange Club is proud to present the 32nd Annual Youth Talent Showcase on April 20, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Chesterton High School Auditorium. Auditions for the Talent Show will be held on March 6 and March 7, 2024 at the Chesterton Middle School Auditorium. You must complete and submit an audition application...
DSC School Fundraisers/Camps/Activities
For more information on ALL the current Camps being offered at CHS visit Athletic Camps/Events on the CHS Athletics webpage.
Mrs. Lorenz, Success Coach
Email: slorenz@duneland.k12.in.us or "Coach Sara"
Miss McKee-Lewis, Success Coach
Email: gmckeelewis@duneland.k12.in.us or "Coach Gabby"
Mrs. Shalonda Henderson, Teacher of Record; Exceptional Learners
Mrs. Michelle Palko, Administrative Assistant
Email: mpalko@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-983-3743
Mrs. Michelle Bruss, School Counselor/Social Worker
Email: mbruss@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Christy Jarka, Director
Email: cjarka@duneland.k12.in.us