OCTOBER 20, 2024
Dear NWI Families,
In our virtual school setting, we strive to prioritize the safety and well-being of every student. Bullying is a concern that can affect individuals of all ages, and Northwest Indiana Online School (NWIOS), along with the Duneland School Corporation, is dedicated to ensuring a nuturing, respectful and inclusive learning environment. This week's NWI News reminds stakeholders of our collective commitment to bullying prevention, fostering empathy, and ensuring every student feels secure and valued with our educational community.
As defined by Indiana statute IC 20-33-8-.2, bullying, means overt, unwanted, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications or images transmitted in any manner (including digitally or electronically), physical acts committed, aggression, or any other behaviors, that are committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the other targeted student and create for the targeted student an objectively hostile school environment that:
- places the targeted student in reasonable fear of harm to the targeted student's person or property;
- has a substantially detrimental effect on the targeted student's physical or mental health;
- has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student's academic performance; or
- has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, and privileges provided by the school.
To continue, per Indiana Code 20-19-3-11.5, Cyberbullying, refers to bullying (IC 20-33-8-.2) that occurs through the use of data or computer software accessed through a:
- computer;
- computer system;
- computer network; or
- cellular telephone or other wireless or cellular communications device.
As a caregiver here are some tips to help your child not become a bully and avoid being bullied:
- Take bullying seriously. Ensure your kids understand that you will not tolerate bullying at home or anywhere else.
- Teach kids to treat others with respect and kindness. Educate your child it is wrong to mock differences like race, religion, appearance, special needs, gender, or economic status.
- Familiarize yourself with your child's social life, their circle of friends and their families.
- Get involved in your child's digital world (Are you aware of all of the different social media apps your child might be using?).
Included in our newsletter is a video and written materials on bully prevention available thrugh Indiana Department of Education. Families can choose to view the lessons that align with their child's grade level.
Remember, if you ever feel like you're experiencing bullying or require support, don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for choosing Northwest Indiana Online School for your child(ren).
Mrs. Christy Jarka, Director, & The NWIOS Team
Login to Academy - Genius
Login to Edmentum. Click the button to the above or type
Mrs. Lorenz, Success Coach
Miss Lewis, Success Coach
Mrs. Christy Jarka, Director
Mr. Doug Adams, Mental Health Counselor - for Duneland
Mrs. Michelle, Palko, Administrative Assistant
DSC Developmental Preschool is Hiring!
Instructional EXL Aide - Preschool
Duneland School Corporation's Developmental Preschool is looking for staff to work in an instructional aide capacity. If interested, please visit the DSC website for more information.
https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/administration/employment-opportunities
Candy Collection for U. S. Troops
Once again, Hurst Orthodontics, PC will collect Halloween candy in our schools to be donated to a non-profit organization called Supporters of the Military (SOM). For the last 22 years, the candy has been shipped to US soldiers serving both domestic and abroad. This year, many Indiana veterans will also enjoy the candy. Many of the candy recipients have been Indiana National Guard members, as well as members of the US Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.
Last year Hurst Orthodontics, PC, with the help of local schools, other community organizations and the public collected a total of 632 pounds of candy for the troops.
Candy donation boxes will be placed in each school beginning on Tuesday, October 29 - November 7. Donations from the public are welcome. Letters and cards for the troops from the students would be very welcome as well.
What is the Early Learning HUB?
Come explore and learn about Porter County’s first Birth-to School Duneland Early Learning HUB! Hosted by the Duneland School Corporation.
Contact the Duneland School Corporation IT department via one of these methods:
- Open a IncidentIQ ticket by sending an email to: helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us
- Log into IncidentIQ and submit a request duneland.incidentIQ.com
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.
