Believe and Achieve Times

CHS is holding a toy drive for Lurie's Children's Hospital. We are seeking toy's in their original packaging, along with new stuffed animals, puzzles, and coloring books. Please bring donations to the Main Office!

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 Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF) is pleased to announce that Samuel Macker has been named a recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Porter County: Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

“Samuel is a dedicated student and community member. We are proud to recognize them as 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars and are confident they will be successful in college and beyond,” said Bill Higbie, PCCF President and CEO.

Samuel Macker, a senior at Chesterton High School, has excelled both in and out of the classroom. He has demonstrated a sincere commitment to school, athletics, and community activities, and his strong work ethic has set an example for his peers. Macker plans to attend Purdue University or the University of Notre Dame and become an aerospace engineer.

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.

In determining Porter County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, the scholarship committee considered academic excellence, leadership and engagement in school activities and community involvement. The committee interviewed each of the finalists then submitted the nominees to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

“All of the finalists impressed the scholarship committee,” said Higbie. “Porter County is lucky to have many accomplished young people who excel academically and seek to improve their communities.”

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has benefitted 103 Porter County students since its creation for the 1997-98 school year totaling nearly $7 million in aid.

The primary purposes of the program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

In addition to nominating local students for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, PCCF offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for first year and continuing college students. Applications will be available in January 2025 and are due March 31, 2025. Visit PCCF.gives to learn more.

The Porter County Community Foundation collaborates with community members to support their favorite causes by creating and managing permanent endowment funds that make it possible for generosity to last forever. Since 1996, PCCF has awarded over $45 million in grants and scholarships to organizations and students in our community. To learn more about how you can make a lasting difference for your favorite causes, contact PCCF at 219-465-0294 or visit the foundation online at PCCF.gives.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

As we approach the end of the first semester, we would like to take a moment to inform you about the upcoming final exam schedule and set some expectations to ensure a smooth and successful conclusion to the semester.

Final Exam Schedule: (See Below)

The final exam schedule has been carefully crafted to provide ample time for students to review and prepare for their exams. Please find the detailed schedule below. We encourage both parents and students to review the schedule and take note of the dates and times of each exam.

Preparation and Study Tips:

To optimize performance during the exams, we recommend that students:

• Create a Study Schedule: Plan study sessions well in advance, covering all subjects with a focus on challenging topics.

• Review Class Notes: Go through class notes, textbooks, and any provided study materials to reinforce key concepts.

• Practice Past Papers: Utilize past exams or practice questions to familiarize yourselves with the exam format and time constraints.

• Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure proper sleep, nutrition, and regular exercise to support overall well-being and concentration.

Exam Day Expectations:

On the day of the exams, we request your cooperation in ensuring the following:

• Punctuality: Arrive at the examination venue on time. Late arrivals or absences will negatively impact your child’s grade on this exam.

• Materials: Bring all necessary materials, including pens, pencils, school issued computer device, and any approved resources.

Attendance:

All students are expected to participate in final exams for their classes. Students will not be dismissed from a class for a scheduled appointment until all students in that class have finished the exam. If you have any questions please contact your child's Assistant Principal.

Our faculty and support staff are here to assist and guide students through this period. Should you or your child have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the respective teachers or the school administration.

We appreciate your continued support in fostering a positive and focused exam environment. Together, we can ensure that our students finish the semester on a high note and enter the well-deserved break with confidence.

Best wishes to all students as they prepare for their final exams. We believe in their abilities and are confident in their success.

Final Exam Schedule:

Tuesday, December 17

Wednesday, December 18

Thursday, December 19

Friday, December 20

Throughout November, Chesterton High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) and International Baccalaureate (IB) students collected 83 pairs of slippers to donate to Dunes Hospice patients.

In the photo, IB students Jiovon'e Sanchez, Jackson Leasure-Bender and Avey Ricks are joined by NHS members Luke Sparks, David Shook, Emmalise Adcock, Logan Snyder, Claire Demeter, Sam Macker and Quinn Fleming, along with NHS Sponsor and IB teacher Mr. Bryan Nallenweg.

Additional students who were instrumental in the collection effort but not pictured include Lily Boyter, Elena Clark, Patrick Mochen, Devin Throw, Alaina Henderson, Hannah Hopkins, Payton Ciszewski, Gaby Dunlap, Addisyn Rodriguez, Carmen Stark, Abigail Huijon, Giszell Pfeiffer, Madeleine McCarthy, Anthony Lozano, Vincent Mueller, Lilyanne Ward, and Isis Spruth.

2025-2026 FAFSA Now Open
Students are encouraged to file before Indiana's April 15 deadline

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced today a statewide completion goal for the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Commission’s goal is to have at least 60 percent of high school seniors complete the current FAFSA by Indiana’s deadline of April 15, 2025. The 2025-2026 FAFSA form is currently open.

Additionally, the Commission seeks to increase the total FAFSA filing rate including high school seniors, adult learners, and returning students by at least five percent from the previous year. For 2024, Indiana ranks second in the nation in completion rates for this year’s high school graduating class, with less than a 2-percentage point decline compared to the national average of a near 9-percentage point decline.

“Indiana ranks third in the Midwest and eighth in the nation for our need-based aid opportunities,” said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. “With legislative increases in 2023, Hoosier students have access to even more financial aid than before. Millions of dollars in additional aid are available throughout the next five years, only accessible through the FAFSA.”

The FAFSA not only determines federal grant and scholarship eligibility but is used to award state financial aid, including the Frank O’Bannon Grant, Indiana’s largest need-based financial aid award. It is also necessary for 21st Century Scholars to complete the FAFSA to receive their scholarship.

“While cost remains a high barrier for many Hoosiers looking to pursue education and training after high school, Indiana has opportunities to alleviate those challenges and make higher education accessible,” said Lowery.

FAFSA Week of Action

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) has announced December 9-13 as the FAFSA Week of Action. This week is specifically aimed at encouraging high school seniors to create their StudendAid.Gov Accounts (FSA IDs) and complete the FAFSA. The USDOE and Indiana Commission for Higher Education are encouraging high school counselors, principals and other school leaders, superintendents, after school programs, parent groups, non-profit organizations, and other local and state education organizations to commit to taking action to raise awareness about the FAFSA form.

More resources and information are available through the National College Attainment Network (NCAN).

Creating a StudentAid.Gov account (also called FSA ID account)

Students and parents (of dependent students) or spouses (of independent students) must create a StudentAid.Gov Account (FSA ID) at least three days before filing the FAFSA. Resources needed to create a StudentAid.Gov Account include:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Mailing address
• Personal email address
• A memorable username and password

How to file the 2025-2026 FAFSA

Students can file the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov. Information needed to complete the FAFSA include:

• Gov Account (FSA ID)
• Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned from 2023
• List of any federal benefits received
• Asset information including bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

Help is available

The Commission’s Outreach Coordinators are available to assist students and families in the filing process. Outreach Coordinators are strategically located in eight geographic regions in Indiana and can help students, families, and educators with questions about state financial aid and filing the FAFSA.

To send a direct message to your region’s Outreach Coordinator, visit www.learnmoreindiana.org/contact.

Additional resources:

• Hoosier families can also access free FAFSA help through INvestEd by email (outreach@investedindiana.org) or phone at 317-715-9007.
• ¿Necesitas ayuda en español? Llame al 317-715-9007.
• The U.S. Department of Education provides email and live chat assistance for FAFSA filers as well as a helpline at 1-800-4-FED-AID.

FAFSA filing events

Higher education institutions around the state are hosting FAFSA filing events for students and families.

To view the upcoming events calendar, visit learnmoreindiana.org

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About the Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Created in 1971, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education plans, coordinates and defines Indiana’s postsecondary education system to align higher learning with the needs of students and the state. The Commission also administers Indiana’s financial aid programs, including the 21st Century Scholars early college promise scholarship, which celebrated 30 years in 2020.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emily Price
463-261-7397
eprice@che.in.gov

Daniel Ayres-Kobren
317-232-1032
dayreskobren@che.in.gov

December 17-20: Final Exams

December 23 - January 5: Winter Break

January 6: No School - Teacher Records Day

January 7: School resumes

Business Professionals of America competed this weekend at its Regional Learning Conference at Kankakee Valley High School.

Fundamental Accounting: Campbell Gingrich 1st place

Payroll Accounting: Aarohi Agashe 8thplace

Banking and Finance: Sam Griffin 3rd place, Campbell Gingrich 4th place, Rebecca Adcock 6th place, Amelia LeNeave 9th place

Personal Financial Management: Grace Basich 3rd place, Anjelica Stanek 4th place

Intermediate Word Processing: Giszell Pfeiffer 2nd place

Basic Office Systems and Procedures: Logan Arthur 1st place

Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications: Rebecca Adcock 2nd place

Legal Office Procedures: Gaby Dunlap 1st place, Anjelica Stanek 4th place, Grace Basich 5th place

Business Law and Ethics: Amelia LeNeave 4th place, Aarohi Agashe 6th place, Madeleine McCarthy 7th place, Milena Letic 8th place, Jake Walker 10thplace

Computer Network Technology: Elayna Doede 2nd place

C Sharp Programming: Emmalise Adcock 1st place

Java Programming: Elayna Doede 1st place

SQL Database Fundamentals: Emmalise Adcock- 1st place

Linux Operating Systems: Ronnie Welsh 3rd place

Advanced Interview Skills: Giszell Pfeiffer 2nd place

Extemporaneous Speech: Milena Letic 3rd place

Ethics and Professionalism: Devin Throw 3rd place

Medical Coding: Cloe-Joi Pablo 2nd place

Health Insurance Billing: Stella Strupek 1st place, Logan Arthur 2nd place

Health Administration Procedures: Cloe-Joi Pablo 1st place, Madeleine McCarthy 4th place, Stella Strupek 6th place

Small Business Management: Kylie Bagwell and Devin Throw 4th place

\Entrepreneurship: Kylie Bagwell 7th place

Management, Marketing, and Human Resources: Stella Strupek 10th place

Digital Communication and Design Concepts: Stella Strupek 7th place

Health Administration Procedures: Payton Ciszewski 9th place

We want to take a moment to share how much we value your presence at school each day. Your attendance not only supports your academic success but also plays a vital role in creating a vibrant, positive school culture. Each student brings unique talents, ideas, and energy that enriches our community and makes a difference in our classrooms, hallways, and beyond.

When you’re here, you’re part of a team that values growth, kindness, and achievement. We are thrilled to see you each morning, ready to learn, connect, and make memories. Together, we build a stronger, more connected school where everyone has a place to thrive.

Thank you for your commitment to being here and for contributing to the wonderful atmosphere at our school. Let’s make this year one of connection, success, and positivity. We are so glad you’re here with us!

On Monday, October 7, 2024, the Duneland School Board approved a K-12 addendum for all school handbooks. This addendum addresses how school administration responds to threats of violence made by students. It is important that students know of the potential repercussions of their words. The schools will be addressing this addendum with students prior to it going into effect on Monday, October 14, 2024. This addendum, is also available in each of the school handbooks under Student Code of Conduct/Specific Rules of Behavior.

This past July, the Town of Dune Acres gifted Chesterton High School with a donation towards drug awareness and education for students and families. Duneland School SROs have worked closely with Chesterton administration to cultivate educational opportunities, using materials purchased through Human Media Relations, to help students who may struggle with vaping and drug pressures.

Deferment course materials, in tandem with family conferences, are aimed towards giving students more knowledge about the dangers of vaping and controlled substances, as well as establishing trusted working relationships between the school, SROs, and families.

Thank you to all of our students and parents for helping us get off to a good start regarding our arrival and dismissal procedures! We will continue to make adjustments to effectively get our buses out and on their routes. When we work together then we can accomplish anything!

Key Changes:

• Morning Drop-Off: All students being dropped off before 8:10 AM must be dropped off at Door 34 or Door 31.
• Afternoon Pick-Up: All students being picked up after 3:10 PM must be picked up at Door 34 or Door 31.

This change is being made to ensure that our buses can enter and exit CHS safely and on time.

We appreciate your cooperation in following this new policy and helping us maintain a smooth and efficient arrival and dismissal process for all students.

Thank you for your continued support.

In efforts to help with our arrival and dismissal procedures at CHS the following procedures will be implemented for all student drivers.

All student drivers must purchase a student parking pass and display visibly to park at Chesterton High School. You can pick up a student parking application in the main office. All students need to have a complete application and student parking pass by the end of the day on Wednesday, August 21. There will be no fee for the student parking pass.

Parking Guidelines:

• Students are only allowed to park by Door 31, Door 34, and in the back of the school by the tennis courts.
• Students are NOT allowed to park in the front of the building (west side), which includes the faculty lot and the visitor lot.

Failure to follow this policy could result in disciplinary action and/or loss of driving privileges.

Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines.

CHS currently offers 67 Dual Credit courses! Our goal at CHS is for 75% or more of our students to earn dual credit while they are in high school and 40% of our seniors to earn 1 years worth of college credit. We have dual credit partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue Northwest, Ball State University, University of Southern Indiana, Vincennes University, and Indiana University. Ivy Tech is our main partner for dual credit opportunities. We offer many courses through our Dual Credit partnerships that are part of the Indiana College Core (ICC) Transfer Library. This means that students who take these FREE courses will be able to transfer those college credits to any state funded institution. The current cost of a year of college at a state funded school (ex. IU or Purdue) is approximately $10,000 for tuition plus room and board. By earning these credits at CHS you could save A LOT of money!

To be eligible for dual credit, students need to apply to Ivy Tech AND earn a score of 70 or higher on both English and Math STEM Knowledge Assessments BEFORE registering for a dual credit course.

Scan the QR Code below for the steps to apply for Ivy Tech Dual Credit courses. Once you apply, you will be able to register for dual credit courses. If you have any questions or need assistance contact Mrs. Tiffany Hawkins, CHS Assistant Principal, at 219-983-3730 or thawkins@duneland.k12.in.us.

On July 1, 2024, the Indiana Legislators enacted a new law for all K-12 schools in Indiana. The law reads as follows:

Electronic Devices (P.L. 108-1994, HEA 1202): 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.

Chesterton High School’s new policy regarding wireless communication devices includes cell phones, earbuds/headphones, smartwatches, and any other auxiliary device that can be paired with a cellular phone. When a student is directed by a teacher or staff member to follow the established classroom phone/wireless communication policy, noncompliant students will be referred to the office and are subject to disciplinary action for insubordination.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us create a focused and productive learning environment at CHS.

Learn more about the Duneland Early Learning Classes at the the HUB. Click on the image below to enroll.

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.