DuneNews

The third nine weeks grading period ends on Friday, March 14. Student report cards will be available at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 21.

There will be no school for all Duneland School students on March 24-28 to observe Spring break. Classes will resume on Monday, March 31.

The Chesterton High School Academic Super Bowl team competed in the PNW Invitational hosted at Purdue Northwest in Westville on Wednesday, March 5.

The theme was Ireland and included:

The Dubliners by James Joyce
The Playboy of the Western World by John M. Synge

On Every Tide: The Making and Remaking of the Irish World by Sean Connolly

Discrete math such as Graph Theory and Modular Arithmetic and Quarternions

The potato famine and mass migration

Ernest Walton and High Voltage Multipliers

The Math team of Luke Sparks, Quinn Fleming and Sam Macker place first.

The Fine Arts team of Dominic Sylvester, Mia Tsugawa, Mina Arlandu, Sloane Colburn placed second.

The Science team of Jacob Anderson, Peytan Belegal, Jani Zhang placed second

At state this weekend, the speech team placed 3rd overall in the AAA division. The team started the day with 18 entries; six of those reached quarterfinals, three advanced to semis, and five made it to the finals!

Carmen Thomas – State Champion in Original Oratory, 3rd in Broadcasting (pictured at right)

Damion Lopez – State Runner-Up in Broadcasting, 3rd in Original Performance
El Thompson – State Runner-Up in Original Oratory

Congratulations to the Chesterton High School Winter Guard team for achieving 1st place in their round, and 2nd overall for the entire day out of 78 groups at IHSCGA State Prelims. The group has advanced to State Finals at Mount Vernon High School on March 15. The Winter Guard's fun show features members spinning flags, rifles, sabers, umbrellas, and even beach balls!

Their 2025 competition show, "Let It Pour", can now be seen on the Chesterton Bands facebook page, after this week's Community Night performance. The turnout was amazing, and the CHS and "CMS" teams definitely felt the unconditional support of our friends and family. It was an empowering send off as the high school guard heads to state finals!

Members of the CHS Winter Guard include: Abigail Demsich, Makayla Erickson, Ava Garland, Vanessa Godinez, Madison Jackson, Abigail Krueger, Allison Lopez, Brianna Manning, Addison Mason, Morgan Millis, Natalie Newman, Kaylin O'Daniel, Kenzie O’Daniel, Baylee Parrott, Lilyanne Peschke, Lucy Rutkowski, Alina Summer, Caryss Vandiver, and Caprie Wilson.

Prop Crew members include: William Newman, Elsa Estridge, Miles Gast, Cohen Parrott, Natalie Leensvaart, and Robert Mueller.

CHS Winter Guard Director Jeffory DeHenes is assisted by Katie Radliff with technical help. Robert Mueller has been in charge of building and maintaining our amazing props.

The Duneland Exchange Club recently presented sixth grader Ellie Scharp of Westchester Intermediate School with the Young Citizenship award. This award is given to a student who is an all-around good citizen. The club presents this award to one fourth grade student at each of the five Duneland elementary schools, at the sixth grade level at each of the intermediate schools and at the eighth grade level at each of the middle schools and NWI Online School.

Front, left to right, Pam Strudas, Duneland Exchange Club presenter; teachers Candi Kautz, Martha Hiestand, and Kari Balon; her sister and mother Madelynn and Elizabeth Scharp, recipient Ellie Scharp; her grandmother Deb Scharp and Nicole Wilson. Back row, her father and grandfather William Scharp and Doug Scharp; Bob Capehart, Duneland Exchange Club presenter; teachers Ryan Levan, Paige Hart, Joseph Nuzzo and WIS Principal Shawn Longacre.

The Chesterton High School Dance Team has achieved a remarkable feat, capturing its first championship title at Indiana High School Dance Team Association (IHSDTA) State competition in the AA Jazz category! The routine was choreographed by renowned New York Choreographer, Calli Chafin. The team’s exceptional performance last weekend showcased their dedication, talent, and artistry, culminating in a well-deserved victory.

Adding to their impressive showing, CDT also secured a stellar second-place finish in the AAA Kick category, demonstrating their versatility and strength in this routine choreographed by award winning coach and choreographer, Coach Amity McKiddy. The team's success would not have been possible without the guidance and expertise of the dedication of McKiddy. Her leadership and training have clearly fostered a winning culture within the Dance Team. Coach McKiddy expressed gratitude to local dance instructors Krystal Kaszuk, Kristen Denakas, Shannon Williams and Kailyn Oganovich for their invaluable assistance in preparing the team. The team’s double achievement is a testament to their hard work and commitment throughout the season.

The championship-winning team is comprised of a talented group of dancers, including: Marley Mayer, Amelia Kelly, Suzanne Adent, Ashley Bafia, Lana Glazer, Mackenzie Kogl, Zoe Komp, and Georgia Peterson, Mallory Billings and Sydney Johnson. The team would like to thank the high school and entire Chesterton community for their continued support. In addition, the Chesterton Dance Team Boosters extends their appreciation to all sponsors, including Michele Brown at Eclipse Performing Arts, Glazer Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Source Healing, Wright Properties and the Adent Family, Trout Glass, The UPS Store- Chesterton, Third Generation Management and Lubeznik Family, LAN Cam, and Wellsand Landscape and Hardscapes.

Drifters perform at Marysville

On Saturday, the CHS Show Choirs competed at the Marysville Showcase in Ohio.

Drifters were second in the day and earned a place in Treble finals where they captured Best Choreography and 1st Runner-Up! Ireland Carnahan was named the group's Outstanding Performer.

Sandpipers were 3rd in their division during the day and earned a spot in Finals where they captured Best Show Design and 2nd Runner-Up overall Mixed Choirs. Mia Larimer was named the group's Outstanding Performer.

Karleigh Pawlyszyn, left, won Solo Competition with a perfect score AND The Business Show Choir Band captured The Best Band award!

Most importantly, Chesterton earned the Spirit of Show Choir Award which is determined by the Marysville students, staff and parent volunteers and is given to the group who shows the most kindness, respectfulness and support of all during the day.

Sandpipers performing

Pictured below are Duneland School students in grades K-8 whose artwork was recognized at the 50th Annual Arts A Budding reception and awards presentation hosted for students and their families this past Sunday, March 9 at the Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University Campus.

Separate invitations will be provided for families interested in KinderCamp, our Pre Kindergarten Program.

Need Skyward Support? If you need support in registering for summer school within the Skyward Arena Scheduling please call your child’s school and the Skyward/Office Administrative Assistant can provide support.

Should you have any questions about summer school programming please contact the following:

Grades PreK-7 - Call the Department of Teaching & Learning at 219-983-3656

Grades 8-12 - Contact the CHS Counseling Office at 219-983-3730

Help VOTE Chesterton High School 'Best Public High School' for the 3rd year in a row! Voting opened TODAY. Participants may vote one time daily in each category today through March 23. Click on the image below of this link to vote: https://www.nwitimes.com/exclusive/readerschoice/best-of-the-region-ballot-2025/

Dear Families,

We are excited to announce that we have adopted a new form of school-to-home communication at called ParentSquare 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.

Click on the image below to register

Click on the image below to register

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Join the Duneland Education Foundation for an enchanting evening of masquerade, silent auctions, and celebrating another year of giving.

The Duneland Education Foundation is the foremost philanthropic partner of the Duneland School Corporation. DEF grants and scholarships ensure ALL Duneland students have access to a high-quality, exceptional educational experience.

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 their children can learn, play, and grow together.

This March, the HUB is exploring exciting topics like Dr. Seuss, weather, spring, and much more with our families. If you have children ages 0-5, join us Monday through Friday at the HUB for some fun!

Don’t miss out on this FREE program—head to our DSC website to learn more!

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

Discover Duneland School Corporation’s Trojan Learning Center (TLC)!

The Trojan Learning Center offers a variety of educational opportunities for young children and their families. Here's a glimpse of what we provide:

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

• Preschool Programs: Tailored preschool 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 to enhance learning options.
  
  Our preschool programs are built around a research-based curriculum that fosters children’s social skills and emotional development. At TLC, we ensure that every child is immersed in a nurturing, fun learning environment with activities designed to bring all preschoolers together!

Click on the image below for more information and to apply TODAY!

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
• 
  

Do you want to earn money but still be home with your family?

Does the cost of childcare hinder your plans to work?

Does your child participate in the many afterschool opportunities?

Would you like to spend quality time with your kids during spring, summer and winter breaks?

https://www.applitrack.com/dune.../onlineapp/default.aspx...

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