Believe and Achieve Times

Welcome Back! As we begin the 2024-25 school year at CHS, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the wonderful journey ahead. I extend a warm welcome to both our returning families and those who are new to our community. Together, we have the opportunity to create a supportive and enriching environment where every student can thrive.

At CHS, we believe that open communication is the cornerstone of a successful school experience. We encourage parents to stay actively involved in their child's education by keeping in touch with teachers, attending school events, and participating in parent-teacher conferences. Our doors are always open, and we value your input and collaboration in making our school the best it can be.

Hard work and dedication are essential ingredients for academic success. We encourage all students to set high goals, stay focused, and give their best effort in all their endeavors. Our dedicated faculty and staff are here to support and guide students every step of the way, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Equally important is our commitment to fostering a culture of respect and kindness. At CHS, we strive to treat everyone with dignity and compassion, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. We expect our students to uphold these values, both inside and outside the classroom, and to be role models of integrity and empathy.

As we begin this new school year, let us work together to inspire, support, and challenge our students to reach new heights. Thank you for being a vital part of the CHS family. Here's to a fantastic year ahead filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences!

The CHS staff will hold our annual Open House for parents on Thursday, August 15 from 6-7:30pm. In addition, we will host a Senior Parent night at 5:15 in the Auditorium as well as a Dual Credit night for 9-11th grade students and parents in the cafeteria. This is a great opportunity to meet your child's teachers and learn about expectations at CHS. We look forward to meeting you all on Thursday, August 15!

On Wednesday, August 7 over 350 incoming freshmen and over 75 upperclassmen participated in our annual freshmen orientation program, Trojan Charge! Students learned about making positive choices, academic expectations, dual credit, met their counselors, and signed up for clubs! Students also participated in a scavenger hunt, met with upperclassmen mentors, and had a chance to find their classrooms. It was a great day and we are excited to welcome our new students to CHS!

On July 1, 2024, the Indiana Legislators enacted a new law for all K-12 schools in Indiana. The law reads as follows:

Electronic Devices (P.L. 108-1994, HEA 1202): Wireless Communication Devices

Per IC 20-26-5-40.7: the use of wireless communication devices, including but not limited to cellular telephones, tablet computers, laptop computers, gaming devices, smartwatches, etc., is strictly prohibited during academic class periods unless explicitly authorized by the teacher for educational purposes.

Students are permitted to use a wireless communication device in the event of a health or safety emergency or to manage health care as specifically defined in the student’s Individualized Health Plan (IHP), Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and/or Section 504 Plan.

A wireless communication device is defined by Indiana law as any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties.

Chesterton High School’s new policy regarding wireless communication devices includes cell phones, earbuds/headphones, smartwatches, and any other auxiliary device that can be paired with a cellular phone. When a student is directed by a teacher or staff member to follow the established classroom phone/wireless communication policy, noncompliant students will be referred to the office and are subject to disciplinary action for insubordination.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us create a focused and productive learning environment at CHS.

Dear CHS Parents and Guardians,

In our ongoing efforts to enhance the arrival and dismissal procedures at CHS, we are implementing a new drop-off and pick-up policy effective immediately.

Key Changes:

• Morning Drop-Off: All students being dropped off before 8:10 AM must be dropped off at Door 34 or Door 31.
• Afternoon Pick-Up: All students being picked up after 3:10 PM must be picked up at Door 34 or Door 31.

This change is being made to ensure that our buses can enter and exit CHS safely and on time.

We appreciate your cooperation in following this new policy and helping us maintain a smooth and efficient arrival and dismissal process for all students.

Thank you for your continued support.

Below is the new bell schedule for the 2024-25 school year!

In efforts to help with our arrival and dismissal procedures at CHS the following procedures will be implemented for all student drivers.

All student drivers must purchase a student parking pass and display visibly to park at Chesterton High School. You can purchase this pass at the main office beginning Monday, August 12, for a cost of $5.00.

Parking Guidelines:

• Students are only allowed to park by Door 31, Door 34, and in the back of the school by the tennis courts.
• Students are NOT allowed to park in the front of the building (west side), which includes the faculty lot and the visitor lot.

Failure to follow this policy could result in disciplinary action and/or loss of driving privileges.

Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines.

CHS currently offers 67 Dual Credit courses! Our goal at CHS is for 75% or more of our students to earn dual credit while they are in high school and 40% of our seniors to earn 1 years worth of college credit. We have dual credit partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue Northwest, Ball State University, University of Southern Indiana, Vincennes University, and Indiana University. Ivy Tech is our main partner for dual credit opportunities. We offer many courses through our Dual Credit partnerships that are part of the Indiana College Core (ICC) Transfer Library. This means that students who take these FREE courses will be able to transfer those college credits to any state funded institution. The current cost of a year of college at a state funded school (ex. IU or Purdue) is approximately $10,000 for tuition plus room and board. By earning these credits at CHS you could save A LOT of money!

To be eligible for dual credit, students need to apply to Ivy Tech AND earn a score of 70 or higher on both English and Math STEM Knowledge Assessments BEFORE registering for a dual credit course.

Scan the QR Code below for the steps to apply for Ivy Tech Dual Credit courses. Once you apply, you will be able to register for dual credit courses. If you have any questions or need assistance contact Mrs. Tiffany Hawkins, CHS Assistant Principal, at 219-983-3730 or thawkins@duneland.k12.in.us.

This Spring, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) released a proposal to streamline the number of high school diplomas, while maximizing flexibility for students to personalize learning pathways and experiences. This is part of the state’s ongoing, collaborative effort to rethink the high school experience, making it more learner-centric and career-relevant, and kicks off four months of public feedback to enhance the proposed plan. Please review the 20-minute presentation from DSC Assistant Superintendent, Robert McDermott, outlining the changes proposed for the new high school diploma requirement. A link to provide feedback to the IDOE is included at the end of the presentation.