February 28, 2025

Good evening, Liberty Middle School Parents.

On February 26, all 8th graders went on a field trip to Chesterton High School for a Career Fair from 9:00-11:00 a.m. It was a successful event, as they learned about several opportunities that are available to them in high school!

Next week, 7th grade students will be presented with information about scheduling next year's classes during Advisory class. The students will complete a survey that will ask them for scheduling preferences. They will be asked to indicate if they are in Band, Choir, or Orchestra. Additionally, they will be asked about their preferences regarding world languages, if they are going to take one (Spanish, German, French, Japanese).

We will have LMS group pictures for curricular and extracurricular clubs on March 4 at 1:00 p.m.

Our "Pack the House" night for LMS Girls' Basketball will be on Wednesday. March 5, at 5:00 p.m. for the 8th grade games against Kankakee Valley! Students can purchase tickets at lunch in the cafeteria from the LMS Student Council. Tickets are $2 and the students will get a free snack from the concesssion stand.

The CHS administration held a parent information meeting to share the new Indiana Diploma Requirements on February 5, 2025 at CHS. The presentation is available on the CHS website.

Our online fan store is open with all kinds of LMS spirit wear and accessories! Items will be added periodically throughout the year and the store will remain open all year. Find the link below for all of the details!

Make sure to check out the LMS Student Announcements that are linked below! The students put a lot of work into it and do a great job!

Respectfully,

Mike Hamacher, LMS Principal

In accordance with Indiana Code, please see the new cell phone policy below. Please take some time to share this with you child. Thank you!

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.

Electronic devices can aid or hinder the learning experience in a school environment. With this in mind, cell phones are not permitted to be visible/audible in the classrooms, hallways or lunchrooms at any time.

WE WANT TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO RIDE THE BUS HOME WITH FRIENDS THAT DO NOT SHARE THE THE SAME DESIGNATED BUS ROUTE. THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE UTMOST CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL OUR STUDENTS.

Each of the 11 Duneland School Corporation schools, in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Education, are working toward renewing distinction as a Family Friendly School. The purpose of this initiative is to ensure that each DSC school is demonstrating excellence in engaging families in their children’s education.

Launched in 2015, the Family Friendly Schools initiative focuses on addressing the academic, physical, emotional, and social needs of students, while providing the needed resources and fostering the active involvement of their families through schools and the community. The program recognizes and honors schools that welcome all families into the school community, communicate effectively, support student success, speak up for every child, share power and collaborate with the community.

As part of this process, students in grades 5-12 will be asked to take a 5-minute Family Friendly Schools survey (link). Students will take this survey at their school sometime between Feb. 18 - March 2.

Thank you for your support!

• March 14 - End of the 3rd Quarter
• March 24 - March 28 - Spring Break

• Tuesday, March 4 - Girls BB 7th vs. Thomas Jefferson @ 5PM - Away
• Tuesday, March 4 - Girls BB 8th vs. Thomas Jefferson @ 5PM - Home
• Wednesday, March 5 - Girls BB 7th vs. KV @ 5PM - Away
• Wednesday, March 5 - Girls BB 8th vs. KV @ 5PM - Home

Click the image below for the direct link. Or use the QR Code!

LMS students have a busy spring semester ahead.

*Then on April 26th, 8th grade girls will be offered the opportunity to attend a NEW conference. This event focuses on the non-traditional employment for women. Girls will get to see and understand what career options are available besides the traditional female jobs. More information will follow.

*Finally, our 8th grade students will participate in the Reality Store. This is a role playing career exercise that will take place in May. As the time gets closer there will be more information shared.

The Duneland School Corporation has adopted the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System for all grade 5-12 schools this year. The link to the Say Something Tip Line can be found on the DSC website, on the middle and high school websites, and on the DSC Safety and Security page located under Programs and Services.

The Duneland School Corporation will continue to improve current facilities to enhance the student experience with the following capital improvements in 2025: playground replacements at Bailly, Brummitt, Jackson, and Liberty elementary schools and soccer stadium renovations and carpet replacement at Chesterton High School. This presentation below provides additional details on the scope of each project. Concept drawings and timelines regarding 2021-2025 capital improvement projects are available on the DSC website.

ATTENTION!!!

2024-2025 ALL ATHLETES MUST HAVE A CURRENT PHYSICAL ON FILE TO PARTICIPATE!

Middle School Physicals will need to be turned coaches or the athletic department, prior to open gym, tryouts, or practices in order to participate.

There are a total of 6 forms that need to be completed. The actual physical is completed by the Dr. and the rest of the forms are completed by the parent(s) and the student. Physicals will not be accepted if there are forms missing! Physical packets are available in the main office.

*Physical Checklist*

• Physical Examination from the Doctor
• History Form
• Consent and Release Certificate (Make sure insurance information is complete)
• Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Sheet
• ALL FinalForms documents MUST be completed.

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students, we want to inform you about an important update regarding students who are injured and wearing medical devices such as walking boots, crutches, casts, slings, or splints. Effective immediately, any student with a medical device will be required to provide a doctor’s note confirming that they are cleared to participate in both gym class and recess. If a doctor advises against participation for any specified duration, the student will need to provide a subsequent note from the doctor clearing the student to resume these activities once they are healed.

BREAKFAST

$1.60

LUNCH

$2.95

The DSC Child Nutrition Department is now utilizing NutriSlice as its new menus program. This app is available for iphone and android through your mobile app store. Parents can also access the full website for Duneland Schools on a computer via this NutriSlice link.

This app will allow parents and students to view the menus as well as the nutritional info for each items at any of the Duneland Schools. This program will be developed further incorporating images of food items being served at each of the schools.

To make an appointment please call 219-763-8112. Let NorthShore know you are a Duneland School student or staff member and that you would like to make an appointment at the Duneland School Clinic located at the old CMS.

44 WEST 900 NORTH

CHESTERTON, IN 46304

OFFICE # - (219) 983-3740

FAX # - (219) 983-3753