DuneNews

Wishing students and families a restful and relaxing holiday break.

Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The next issue of the DuneNews will be published on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The second quarter/first semester will end, and Winter Recess will begin at the end of the school day on Friday, Dec. 20. All classes will resume on Tuesday, January 7. Report cards will be available in the Skyward Parent Portal on Friday, January 10 at 3:00 p.m.

This is an important notice regarding an upcoming change to the Duneland School Corporation Skyward system. We will be migrating Skyward from our on-premises servers to a hosted environment. This transition will take place from December 23, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

In preparation for the migration, DSC will also be backing up Skyward 3x a day at 6 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. beginning Friday evening, December 20 at 10:00 p.m. and continuing until the beginning of the Skyward migration. During this time Skyward WILL become unavailable until the backup is done. After the backup is finished Skyward will be available again.

Why are we making this change?

Moving to a hosted environment offers several benefits, including:

• Improved system performance and reliability: Expect faster response times and greater system stability.
• Enhanced security: A hosted environment provides increased protection against data breaches and cyberattacks.
• Reduced maintenance: This allows our IT staff to focus on other critical tasks, improving overall efficiency.
  
  

What to expect during the migration:

Skyward will be unavailable during the migration period from December 23 - December 31, 2024. We understand that this downtime may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption this may cause. We have carefully selected this timeframe to minimize the impact on our users, as it falls within the school holiday break.

Above, front row, left to right, Janny Zhang and Mackenzie Kania. Back row, Patrick Mochen and Mara Huneryager.

The Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) is proud to present the Class of 2026 Rising Stars of Indiana recognition program. Each Indiana high school was invited to recognize up to four students currently in the eleventh grade, based on their academic achievement. The IASP congratulates these students on all they have already achieved, as well as offering support and encouragement as they continue their accomplishments and expand their knowledge, growth and leadership skills well into the future.

These Chesterton High School junior recipients, Mara Huneryager, Mackenzie Kania, Patrick Mochen, and Jany Zhang have received the Class of 2026 Rising Stars of Indiana. They are four of 940 high school Juniors from 235 schools are being honored.

Please join IASP in congratulating these students on all they have already achieved, as well as offering support and encouragement as they continue their accomplishments and expand their knowledge, growth and leadership skills well into the future.

Chesterton High School student volunteers, left to right, Kylia Peterson, Ava Cunningham, Carmen Stark, Isabella Kelly, Jane Maddex, and Bethany DeLong represented the internship program at Sunset Hill’s Winter Lights Christmas With Santa Event. Students did face painting, and sang carols for the event. The CHS Internship Program also sponsored a decorated tree.

Last week, German students in Herr Knauff and Herr Martinson classes visited the Christkindlmarket in Chicago.

Duneland School Corporation Early Learning HUB students ages 0-5 visited the Duneland Administration Center to sing a few holiday songs and to spread some holiday cheer.

In keeping with our Core Values, Duneland School Corporation is committed to fostering partnerships to improve the quality of life in our community. One of our most important partnerships is with our families. As we strive to continue to build upon and strengthen our family partnerships, DSC is applying for renewal from the Indiana Department of Education as an IDOE “Family Friendly Schools” corporation. In doing so, we will continue to “focus on addressing students' academic, physical, emotional, and social needs while providing the needed resources and fostering the active involvement of their families through schools and the community.” (Indiana Department of Education Family Friendly Schools Handbook)

Please help us as we continue to support our students and community by completing the IDOE online survey by December 20, 2024

Your ongoing support in educating the children of our community is greatly appreciated!

SURVEY LINKS AND INSTRUCTIONS:

Survey Links:

• 2025-2026 Family Friendly Survey Questions for Families

• 2025-2026 Family Friendly Survey Questions for Families-Spanish

School Name: choose your school from the drop-down list

School Corporation: 6470 Duneland School Corporation

School Liaison Name: MICHELLE PALKO

School Liaison email: mpalko@duneland.k12.in.us

School Codes for your convenience:

6928 - Bailly Elementary School

6819 - Brummitt Elementary School

6817 - Jackson Elementary School

6823 - Liberty Elementary School

6941 - Newton Yost Elementary School

6821 - Liberty Intermediate School

6927 - Westchester Intermediate School

6925 - Chesterton Senior High School

6926- Northwest Indiana Online School (Trojan Virtual Academy)

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.

Click on the image below to register by Monday, Dec. 23, 2024

Click on the image below to register students in grades K-4

Click on the image below for more information and to register for Trojans Baseball Holiday Camp 2024.

Come out and see Northwest Indiana’s only competitive high school show choirs, the Drifters and Sandpipers, along with their all student back-up band, The Business, present their 2025 Winter Showcase: Competition Show Preview Night on Saturday, January 11 at 7:00 p.m. The showcase will feature the Drifters Competition Show “Shattered” and the Sandpipers Competition Show “Homecoming Spirit Week.” This is a fantastic opportunity to see the groups’ shows before they begin their competition season the following weekend. This showcase is one of three performances on our home stage for the show choir program. Snacks and Good Luck Ducks for your favorite performer will also be available for purchase. This performance acts as a fundraiser for competition season expenses, and sets the tone for our season!

To purchase tickets, click the image above or visit https://cur8.com/15468/project/128112 (or www.cur8.com and search Chesterton). Online Tickets are $12 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors. Seating is reserved; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets at the door will cost $14 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Director Kristin Morris encourages you to get your tickets early as, “We hope to pack the place! Wear your show choir or trojan spirit wear, and come out to cheer on this amazing program!”

The Duneland Exchange Club is thrilled to announce the 33rd Annual Youth Talent Showcase, an exciting event designed to spotlight the incredible talents of students in grades K-12. Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, perform magic, or have another unique talent, this is your time to shine!

The showcase will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Chesterton High School Auditorium. Proceeds from the event will directly support the Chesterton High School Natural Helpers Club, a student organization dedicated to peer support and community service.

Audition Information:
Auditions are required for participation and will be held at Bailly Elementary School on:

• Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM
• Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM

Students interested in participating can apply online by visiting the Duneland Exchange Club’s website at www.dunelandexchangeclub.com. Applications can also be accessed via the QR code on event posters.

Both group and individual acts are welcome to apply. With a professional stage at Chesterton High School, this is a fantastic opportunity for young performers to showcase their skills in front of a live audience.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible tradition. Apply today and join us for a night of fun, talent, and community spirit!

For more information about the Duneland Exchange Club and its programs, please contact mariabachuchin750@hotmail.com.

The Duneland Education Foundation will host their 5th annual Trivia Night on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 5-9 p.m. at the Chesterton Moose Lodge, 602 Broadway in Chesterton.

Teams are strongly encouraged to dress up and decorate their table according to this year’s theme is The Great Outdoors. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and trivia will begin at 6:00 p.m. The cost is $30 per person (age 21 and over) which includes dinner. The max team size is eight (8) persons.

First place prize $500, Second place $250, and Special Prizes for Best Theme Costumes, Best Theme Table Decor, and Best Team Name.

Click on the image below to register

The HUB is learning about snow, gingerbread, Earth, space and more with our HUB families for January. If you have children ages 0-5, come join in the fun M-F at the HUB. Check out this FREE program at our DSC website.

https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/programs-services/duneland-early-learning-hub

Located within the Duneland School Corporation, the Trojan Learning Center (TLC) offers a wealth of learning opportunities for young children and their families. The TLC is also home to the offices of the RISE Academy (Alternative Education) and DSC's Northwest Indiana Online School.

Did you know? Our early childhood programs feature FREE Birth-to-School activities for caregivers and children! Duneland School Corporation provides preschool options for children ages 3-5, including two classrooms for children with developmental delays and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), as well as two additional preschool rooms operated by our community partner, the Duneland Family YMCA. All of the preschool classrooms utilize a proven curriculum that helps children grow in thinking, social skills and emotional well-being ensuring each child has a fun and supportive learning experience. Additionally, all preschool students participate in engaging and enjoyable activities together!

The TLC also hosts speech services for children aged 3-5 who qualify. Families can bring their children to work one-on-one with a speech pathologist at our center.

The DSC preschool and walk-in speech services are free for qualifying children. The Duneland Family YMCA preschool is available for a nominal fee. Best of all, Duneland Family Y Preschool held at the Trojan Learning Center is the only local preschool in the area that includes swim classes!

Join us at the Trojan Learning Center, located at Door 9 on the south side of the Duneland School Corporation Administration Building, and take advantage of these amazing early learning opportunities.

Do you have questions?

Are you ready to come play and learn with us?

Come explore all that TLC has to offer ~ Call 219-983-3743 ~ to learn more.

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 Duneland School NorthShore Clinic will be CLOSED on:
December 24

December 25

January 1, 2025

January 2, 2025

January 3, 2025

Business hours are normal for non-holiday days. M and Th 6:30am-2:30pm, Tu and Friday 7:00am-3:00pm, and Wed 9:00am-5:00pm, Direct line to office is 219-983-3756.

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.

Menus will be posted on Thursday, Aug. 1

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 new Strategic Plan will guide DSC for the next five years in the areas of Student Achievement, Safety & Operations, People & Culture, and Finance & Facilities.

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