DuneNews

Students entering Kindergarten: DTaP, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella

Students entering 6th Grade: Tdap, MCV4 (Meningococcal) *Note: Students who are 11 years old are eligible to receive these vaccines

Students entering 12th Grade: MCV4 (Meningococcal) *Note: Students who are 16 years old are eligible to receive the 2nd dose of this vaccine

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! If you haven’t already registered, please log into your Skyward Parent Access to complete your registration. We are aiming to have all registrations completed by the last day of school, May 29, 2025.

Incoming Kindergarten students who enrolled at 2025 Kindergarten Round Up should also complete the registration process.

Need help or more details? Visit DSC 2025-2026 registration site for all the info you need under Helpful Information for all families including tips for using Skyward Parent Access.

During school hours you can also contact your child’s school for help and support if needed. We appreciate you taking the time to get this completed!

NWIOS Online School Application

The Liberty Middle School Academic Super Bowl team competed this past Saturday, May 3 at the Junior Academic Super Bowl area competition hosted at LaPorte Middle School. The students competed in math, science, social studies, and English. The topic this year was Ireland.

LMS Math coach Mrs. Kim Connelly and her team of “Mathletes,” (pictured at right) Aidan Harris, Chloe Brosas, and Jake Sessions, earned first place.

English team members, coached by Mrs. Tina Clindaniel, were Chloe Brosas, Samantha Huijon, Aiden Scobey, and Michael Roberts. The English team also earned first place.

The LMS social studies team of Jake Sessions and Zac Racette coached by Mr. Luke Eliser, placed third.

The Science team of Michael Roberts and Zac Racette, coached by Mrs. White, brought their best during their rounds, but met tough competition.

As a separate way to recognize academic achievement, the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) will award a certificate to the Overall Top 10 schools in each enrollment class based on the cumulative scores of all five rounds. Based on their scores, the LMS Math team placed 8th overall and will be awarded a certificate for being in the top10 schools. The English team placed 11th overall.

Top photo, honored recipients, front, left to right, Andrew Adams, Logan Arthur, Lillian Boyter, Nicholas Carpentier, Caroline Carrillo, Elena Clark, Willem Connors, Claire Demeter, Elayna Doede, Kaitlyn Downs, Gabrielle Dunlap,and Quinn Fleming. Back row, honored educators Justin Martinson, Dan Smith, Bryan Nallenweg, Stephanie Nichols, Tom Bour, Blake Soller, Kim Goodman, Brian Hennigar, Brian Grenier, Jacob Lukach, Mark Anderson and Matt Wagner.

Honored recipients, front, left to right, Rian Goins, Amadeo Kincaid Rivadeneyra, Lucas Koch, Samuel Macker, Jane Maddex, Caroline Mills, Giszell Pfeiffer, Luciana Raffin, Elian Rodriguez, Luke Sparks, Carmen Thomas, and Alaina Welsh McGrogan. Back row, honored educators Jaime Sensibaugh, Taylor McGuirl, Bob DeRuntz, Jon Christensen, Rachel Blythe, Mike Livovich, Cary Knauff, Amy Weil, Kaylene Arizzi, Chris Hackett, Dannielle Hunt and Katie Mueller.

Several Chesterton High School and Liberty and Westchester Middle School students participated in the 51st annual Tri-County Jr./Sr. High School Art Exhibition at South Shore Arts in Munster, Indiana. Their work will be on display at South Shore Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd., Munster, Indiana through May 11.

Liberty Middle School eighth graders Brittany Anderson, Rowan Cashmer, Adrienne Clemons, Kinsley Barich, Elena Harrinton, Sydney Johnson, Madelinn Miles, and Abby Roper; and seventh graders Adrienne Clemons, Peyton Hamilton, Brooklyn Hardsock, Lily Huneryager, Izabella James, Rebecca McCord, Serenity Vargas, Lauren Spiess and Victoria Wojtaszek. LMS teacher is Jason Gast.

Westchester Middle School eighth graders are Malaki Goodner, Emery Ho, Averie Kucala, Sophia Lugo, Morgan Millis, Charlotte Morgan, Ella Rak and Ella Rone; and seventh graders Piper Adler, Emily Carnes, Sophia Hailey, Zoey Maldonado, and Olivia Vereb. WMS teacher is Katherine Jones.

Receiving recognition and monetary awards this year were:

First in Media, $25 (artwork below)

Lauren Spiess, 7 - Pen/Ink

Sydney Johnson, 8 - Acrylic/Tempera

Izabella James, 7 - Watercolor

Averie Kucala, 7 - Ceramic

Best Overall School Presentation

Westchester Middle School

Katherine Jones, Teacher

The combined 8th grade ensembles from Liberty and Westchester Middle Schools had a successful day this past weekend at Music in the Parks event in Gurnee, IL. Competing against ensembles from across the Great Lakes from Wisconsin to Ohio, each group earned Superior ratings, first place in their respective categories, and Grand Champion overall. Congratulations to all these middle school musicians!

The CHS Music Department honored its dedicated and hard working students this past Monday at its annual Music Department Awards night. The department recognized students who competed at ISSMA State, Tri-M Honor Society members, and all who participated in groups like the Northwest Indiana Youth Symphony and All-State Honors Groups. Letters, Double, Triple, and Quadruple Letters were awarded, and Seniors were recognized for their years of service.

Top Awards, left to right, Madeline Jakel, Archer Lohman, Sam Ames, Makayla Erickson, Vanessa Godinez, Ryan Gray

The top awards of the night included:

National School Orchestra Award - Madeline Jakel

National School Choral Award - Ryan Gray

Woody Herman Jazz Award - Vanessa Godinez

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award - Sam Ames

Gilmore Service Award - Archer Lohman

J. P. Sousa Band Award - Makayla Erickson

Music Department Scholarship recipients, left to right, Archer Lohman - Hibbets Family Memorial Scholarship and James Monik - Castronovo Memorial Scholarship.

Recipients of the other Music Department Awards

Most Improved: Allison Marcotte (Orchestra), James Monik (Orchestra), Amelia Santiago (Choir), Emmori Schott (Choir), Lauren Kroft (Choir), Logan Arthur(Choir), Alex Brown (Band), Lyric Brown (Band), JJ Ames (Band), Carmen Stark (Band), and Lily Peschke (Winter Guard).

Outstanding Contribution: Ella Bolinger (Jazz Strings), Chloe Thurman (Int. Orchestra), Kayla Willis (Int. Orchestra), Elayna Doede (Adv. Orchestra), Emmalise Adcock (Adv. Orchestra), Ryan Gray (Camerata), Braeden Keen (Concert Choir), Allie Longacre (Bel Canto), Antonio Unpingco (CHS Choirs), Archer Lohman (Jazz Ensemble), Nat Leensvaart (Percussion), Vincent Mueller (Symphonic Band), Soren Schott (Wind Ensemble), and Makayla Erickson (Winter Guard).

Outstanding Mental Attitude: Mara Huneryager (Choir), Elsa Estridge (Band), and Vanessa Godinez (Winter Guard).

Winter Guard Outstanding Rookie: Kaylin O’Daniel

Recipients of the Quadruple Letter/Senior Award

Quadruple Letter/Senior Award:

Band: Makayla Erickson - Quintuple Letter!

Choir: Emma Bondra, Ava Cunningham, Ryan Gray, Mara Huneryager, Bella Kelly, Jane Maddex, Karleigh Pawlyszyn, Annette Ruiz-Moreno

Orchestra: Emmalise Adcock

Recipients of the Triple Letter/Outstanding Achievement Award

Triple Letter/Outstanding Achievement Award:

Band: JJ Ames, Samantha Ames, Holly Decker, Elsa Estridge, Vanessa Godinez, Liam Gray, Nat Leensvaart, Archer Lohman, Katie Newbanks, Cece Post, Mady Street

Choir: Emma Bondra, Isabelle Cain, Irene Camacho, Kathleen Coleman, Ava Cunningham, Emme Curran, Niyelli Estrada, Cooper Fowler, Ryan Gray, Megan Hadenfelt, Sophia Higgins, Mara Huneryager, Bella Kelly, Mia Larimer, Archer Lohman, Hannah Loving, Karleigh Pawlyszyn, Annette Ruiz-Moreno, Ella Taylor, Aubree Williams

Auxiliary: Brianna Manning, Lucy Rutowski

Orchestra: Emmalise Adcock, Madeline Jakel

Double Letter:

Band: JJ Ames, Cody Brewer, Lyric Brown, Tyler Cichocki, Holly Decker, Giacomo DePasquale, Rylan Fields, Vanessa Godinez, Lillian Hardwick, Addison Huffmaster, Jayden Hughes, Aleks Kantowski, Jasper Kniola, Will Liles, Rowen Love, Vincent Mueller, Katie Newbanks, Lilyanne Peschke, Noah Roberts, Zavier Santiago, Olivia Sundquist, Abigail Vidt, Tiara Wilkerson

Choir: Irene Camacho, Marian Cook, Emme Curran, Niyelli Estrada, Olivia Evans, Carson Foster, Paige Hancock, Sophia Higgins, Mia Jakich, Lilly Koziczynski, Lauren Kroft, Allie Longacre, Hannah Loving, Emily Ponce, Madeline Prince, Sam Smith, Antonio Luis Unpingco, Veronica Wilgocki, Aubree Williams

Auxiliary: Brianna Manning, Addison Mason

Orchestra: Ella Bolinger, Madison Buckley, Elayna Doede, Madeline Jakel, Chloe McGowan, James Monik, Maeci Mullet

Letter:

Band: Gabriela Aden, Jacob Anderson, Jenna Bircher, Logan Bullard, Tyler Cichocki, James Drury

Samantha Duncan, Miles Gast, Raymond Hundt, Andrew Kazmierczak, Leah Krzan, Lex Lauzon, Kira Lopez, Will Newman, Cameron Pace, Nathanael Palmer, Lucy Rutkowski, Hazel Ann Santos, Claire Thomas, Dri White

Choir: Isabella Bigman, Ava Bozak, Ireland Carnahan, Valeria Chavez, Jolie Cleveland, Sloane Colburn, Jackson Coppinger, Finnegan Dailey, Madailein Dailey, Jessica Dahlin, Addison Deal Lillian Dedrick, Lily Grish, Elianna Hinton, Anna Holmes, Mia Jakich, Emma Kaegebein, Gina Lafever, Annalise Lewis, Joe Lucken, Macey Mauke, Kayla Perez, Maxwell Prince, Bella Schirripa, Jeremy Schmidt, Morgan Steele, Emma Wahl, Taryn Wellensiek, Carter Willis

Auxiliary: Makayla Erickson, Vanessa Godinez, Abigail Krueger, Baylee Parrott

Orchestra: Avi Burke, Jeremy Canfield, Mackenzie Dees, Claire Demeter, Lena Finck, Savannah Grant, Mackenzie Griffith, Lily Linsemeyer, Kaylin O’Daniel, Bailey Pikula, Sam Smith

CHS Senior Carmen Thomas, a 4-year member of the speech and debate team, was named Academic All-American by the National Speech and Debate Association last year and is a three-time national qualifier. This year, Carmen and her coach, Dannielle Hunt, wrote a persuasive speech to highlight a societal problem. After competing in six elimination rounds against 40 other entries, Carmen was named state champion in Original Oratory. This past Mondayt evening Carmen performed the speech she will take to Nationals in June. ONWARD TROJAN!

The following staff members were recognized by the Duneland School Board members at their Monday, May 5 meeting.

On Monday, May 5, Duneland School Corporation's final school officially became certified as a Heart Safe School, making DSC the second Project ADAM Heart Safe District in Porter County.

To become certified, a school must create a detailed cardiac emergency response plan, ensure AEDs are properly placed, easily located and properly maintained. Staff must be trained in recognizing and responding to cardiac emergencies and complete a live readiness drill observed by a Project ADAM representative with an active response from local emergency medical responders.

This past fall, Chesterton High School earned its certification became the first school in Porter County to be a Designated Heart Safe School.

CHS Nurse Brittany Smith was instrumental in guiding the rest of the DSC schools through the certification process. Smith was honored at the school board meeting for her willingness to lead this effort. "Her commitment, passion, and leadership have made our schools safer places for students, staff, and visitors alike," said Assistant Superintendent Robert McDermott.

The Duneland School board recognized the 2025 Teachers & Employee of the Year recipients at their meeting this past Monday. Left to right, school board members Alayna Lightfoot Pol, Jocelyn Hibshman, Beth Mehling, Secondary Teacher of the Year recipient George Fox, Elementary Teacher of the Year recipient Russ Hardsock, and school board members Kirk Redman and Brandon Kroft. Absent from photo is Shauna Jesse, Employee of the Year recipient.

This year's Chesterton High School Prom was hosted at Duneland Falls Banquet Center.

Congratulations to Liberty Middle School Assistant Principal (AP) Angela Grayson!

Mrs. Grayson was selected as the Assistant Principal of the Year for District I in the Indiana Association of School Principals/Assistant Principals of the Year Program. District I consists of Lake, Porter, Newton and Jasper counties.

The Indiana Association of School Principals annually recognizes outstanding school leaders in each of the 12 Indiana districts who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. These principals are acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession. The IASP will honor District Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year its annual Fall Professionals Conference on November 24.

On Wednesday, May 7 the district will celebrate National School Nurse Day. This has been set aside to recognize school nurses and to thank them for all that they do for our students. National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting.

The "Something to Smile About" Scholarship aims to support Duneland students aged 10-18 who need braces but face financial challenges in obtaining them.

Initiated through the collaboration of a local family and orthodontist, this scholarship provides an opportunity for parents or guardians to ensure their child receives professional orthodontic care, ultimately enhancing their confidence and promoting a positive self-image through a healthy smile.

General Eligibility Requirements:

• Your child is between 10 and 18 years old.

• Your total family income is 200% of the poverty level or less.

• Your child receives regular dental care and has good oral hygiene.

• Your child is not currently in orthodontic treatment or in between phases of treatment.

• Your child has not received previous orthodontic treatment.

• The family contribution is $500.

Downloadable Something to Smile About Application

The district is excited to begin implementing its new school-to-home communication called ParentSquare for the 2025-2026 school year.

Last week, parents and staff should have received the DuneNews via the current School Messenger platform and again through our new ParentSquare platform. Each week until school ends, you will receive the DuneNews in both of these platforms. This will help get everyone acclimated and onboard with the new platform beginning in June.

PLEASE NOTE: Parent contact information is fed to ParentSquare through information provided by parents/guardians in Skyward. Please review your contact information when registering your student for the 2025-2026 school year.

This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with Duneland School Corporation. It provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to:

• Send and receive school and class information

• Share pictures and files

• See calendar items

• Sign up to volunteer

• Schedule parent-teacher conferences

• and much more . . . all in one centralized place!

Parents—Getting Started Video

All district and school, grade level and classroom information will now be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text. For even more convenience, download the ParentSquare app (available for free for iOS and Android devices).

Have questions? Click the question mark in the top right corner of the desktop version or the Help tab on the app (tap the triple bar icon at the top left) to find answers to most of your questions.

The goal of the Duneland School Corporation district school newsletters is to inform students, parents and the school community about school-related information.

The Duneland Schools share information that pertains to opportunities our students may be interested in and 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.

Did you know that there are more than just teaching jobs 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) support staff positions in Transportation and Child Nutrition on Saturday, May 10 from 7-10 a.m.; and Saturday, May 17 from 8-11 a.m. Both events will be hosted at the Duneland School Transportation Center, 1012 N Old State Road 49 across from the Coffee Creek Preserve.

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 have flexible schedules, allowing parents to be home with their family and earn while their children learn.

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.

Come to the 52nd Annual All That Jazz this Saturday, May 10! Chesterton High School's annual jazz festival will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium. Enjoy an evening of music performed by Chesterton High School’s Jazz Ensemble, with special guests BONZO SQUAD! Tickets can be purchased at Chestertonbands.org

Mark you calendar for this informational evening for incoming Westchester Middle School students and parents.

Join the CHS Alumni Association for Giving Thursday on May 15, 2025 anytime between the hours of 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the 219 Taproom, 109 S Third Street in Chesterton for Fun, Fellowship and Door prizes!

All are welcome for this fun family mixer benefiting the Chesterton High School Alumni Association. Join us for some food and/or beverages and leave a generous tip. 100% of your tip goes to the Alumni Association, a 501c3 organization, committed to supporting Chesterton High School Student Scholarships and the Duneland School Corporation. If you are unable to join us, you can make a donation to the cause here:

https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_60c54684

Click on the image to purchase tickets.

Come get a better night's sleep AND support the 7th annual Chesterton MS & HS Band Program MATTRESS SALE FUNDRAISER!

Over 30 styles of quality name brand mattresses like Simmons, Beautyrest, Purple, Helix, and Therapedic are carried and priced below retail. There are also adjustable bases, pillows, sheets and more, all at discount prices and for a great cause!

This is a ONE DAY ONLY event, so help SPREAD THE WORD by inviting all of your family and friends. There will be an entire mattress store set up at CHS. Every purchase benefits the Band Program.

This event will be held in the CHS Cafeteria. Please use Entrance 31.

Link to Duneland Summer Tennis Camp

Trojan Volleyball Camp 2025 Link to registration

Link to K-6 Little Trojan Football Camp

Link to (A) Summer - Position Skills Camp Grades 5-8

Link to (B) MAY Football Skills Camp Grades 5-7 (as of spring of '25)

CHS Girls Basketball Camp 2025 Link to registration for girls in grades K-8

CHS Boys Basketball Camp 2025 Link to registration for boys in grades K-8

Join the Chesterton High School Dance Team for a Festive Summer Dance Camp! The two days of camp for grades K-5 will be filled with dancing, games, and Parade Prep! Your dancers are welcome to join CDT and walk in the Porter Parade on July 4th! Includes: Dance Instruction, T-Shirt, matching bow, waters, snacks, and an opportunity to walk in Porter 4th of July Parade with the Chesterton Dance Team: 9-11:30 July 1st and 2nd and the parade on the 4th. Sign up today!

Click on the image below to sign-up

WHEN: Saturday, July 12, 2025

WHERE: Spa Special Events Center - 333 N Mineral Spring Road, Porter, IN

TIME: 6-10 p.m.

Click for more details on the Class of 1990 Reunion

CHS Class of 1974 is turning the page on the big reunions of the past…mark your calendar for the third Saturday in July this year and every year after!

Who: CHS Class of 1974, Spouse/Guest
What: First Annual Reunion
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 5pm
Where: Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria
371 Indian Boundary Rd.
Chesterton, IN 46304
(A collection for the buffet will be taken day of)
Reach out to the Class email with contact information updates and/or questions at: chestertonclassof1974@gmail.com

The Duneland School Corporation Early Learning HUB is proud to be the first birth-to-school initiative in Porter County. It’s a special place where caregivers and children can come together to learn, play, and grow.

This May, the HUB is exploring exciting topics like bugs,animals, dinosaurs, and so much more with our families. If you have children ages 0-5, we invite you to join us Monday through Friday at the HUB for some fun and engaging activities!

Don’t miss out on this FREE program—visit our DSC website to learn more and get involved!

DSC Duneland Early Learning HUB

The Trojan Learning Center (TLC) provides a variety of educational opportunities designed to support young children and their families. Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:

• Duneland Early Learning HUB
  A FREE program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers, offering birth-to-school educational experiences. Learn more about this exciting initiative here: Duneland Early Learning HUB.
• Preschool Programs
  Tailored programs for children ages 3-5 with developmental delays and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Duneland Family YMCA Partnership
  In collaboration with the Duneland Family YMCA, we offer two additional preschool classrooms, expanding learning options and enhancing the educational experience.

Our preschool programs are grounded in a research-based curriculum that promotes children’s social skills and emotional development. At TLC, we ensure every child is immersed in a nurturing, engaging environment with activities designed to bring all preschoolers together!

Ready to make a difference in the lives of students? Interested in a fulfilling and rewarding position with no required evening or weekend work? Looking to enjoy the same summer and holiday schedule as your kids? The primary responsibilities of Exceptional Learning (EXL) Instructional Aides range from sharing smiles, making connections, building confidence, encouraging learning, supporting students with instruction in & out of the classroom, and assisting children with self help & self management skills.

DSC is currently searching for select individuals to serve as EXL Instructional Aides. Available positions can start at $19.00, $17.00 or $15.00 per hour. Opportunities exist at elementary, intermediate and secondary levels and can:

• be full-time/benefit-eligible
• be part-time and follow the student school day
• involve sharing the day with a single student
• involve engaging with multiple learners in a classroom setting
• 
  

Did you know that Duneland Schools has an online Spirit Wear Stores where you can buy your Duneland all school spirit wear? Check out our Spirit Wear Store platform at: https://dunelandschoolsopenstores.itemorder.com/shop/home/

The DSC Child Nutrition Department utilizes NutriSlice as its 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 menu item at any of the Duneland Schools. This program will be developed further incorporating images of the actual food items being served at each of the Duneland schools.

In the Fall of 2023, a strategic planning team was formed to review and update the current four-year strategic plan into a five-year plan that will be used to guide the Corporation from 2024-2028. The Board of School Trustees for the Duneland School Corporation approved the new DSC Strategic Plan at its December 4, 2023 regular meeting. The plan will guide DSC for the next five years in the areas of Student Achievement, Safety & Operations, People & Culture, and Finance & Facilities.

These timelines were revised as of December 2024 to reflect necessary adjustments to the plan and to ensure the continued success and growth of our educational community.

Click this link to view the new 2024-2028 Strategic Plan

Contact the Duneland School Corporation IT department via one of these methods:

1. Open a IncidentIQ ticket by sending an email to: helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us
   
2. Log into IncidentIQ and submit a request duneland.incidentIQ.com

Families without internet due to financial hardship have access to programs from two local providers.

Comcast Internet Essentials:

• Families that qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and other programs may also qualify for the Internet Essentials program from Comcast.

• This program offers internet at a low cost per month.

• Additional options and services are also available

• More information is available at this Comcast link

Frontier Lifeline Program:

• Families that qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and other programs may also qualify for the Lifeline Program from Frontier.

• More information is available at this Frontier link

Email: bmartinson@duneland.k12.in.us

Website: www.duneland.k12.in.us
Location: 601 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: 219-983-3600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunelandschools/
Twitter: @dunelandk12