April 14, 2024
Volume 3; Issue 28; April 14, 2024. (Semester 2)
School Board Approves a New Name
TVA Families,
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Duneland School Board approved the renaming of the Trojan Virtual Academy. We're thrilled to announce that beginning in August 2024, TVA will be known as the Northwest Indiana Online School, or NWI Online. The new name will not impact any credits or work completed in the past. In addition, we will continue to use the same product through Edmentum.
Thanks to your support, we've witnessed consistent enrollment and success with our online school, and we're ready to further increase our enrollment. By renaming the school, our objectives are to:
- Enhance visibility
- Expand enrollment
- Increase out-of-district enrollment
- Improve keywords to streamline internet searches
The map below illustrates the locations of other online schools in Indiana. Notice that a majority of the markers are in the middle or southern part of our state. We aim to generate interest among families in neighboring Northwest Indiana communities, whose students may currently be enrolled in online schools farther south.
Thank you for choosing TVA!
Christy Jarka,
TVA Director
The application for new students for NWI Online will open by the end of April!
Shout out to the April 10th student testers!
Students and families that made it to onsite testing on April 10, 2024 -- thank you!
If you didn't hear, after students arrived, it was discovered that the iLearn testing site was down for the enitre state. The students and staff were flexible as we had to pivot from our original plan of taking the required practice test. We were able to administer the first two tests for NWEA instead!
We will resume testing on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, with both the required practice test and the actual test for English Language Arts. Remember, students will need to arrive by 8:45 am. They should bring their fully-charged school-issued device, charger, headphones, water and a snack and/or lunch. We anticipate testing to end aroud 2:00 pm.
Testing Schedule Below
Same testing schedule--different format
Graduating this year? Click below to read Class of 2024 Newsletter!
All ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE ON MAY 28, 2024
Grades 6 -12 Pacing Guide
Kindergarten through Grade 5 Pacing Guide
TVA Students: Are you currently in Grades 8 through 12 & live in Duneland?
Then, you can sign up for summer school!
TVA Students who are currently in grades 8 through 12 grade and reside in the Duneland District have the opportunity to enroll in summer school courses offered at Chesterton High School. These courses enable students to earn credits to either remain or get back on track for graduation.
The link below allows you to see the schedule for summer school classes. You will also be able to sign up for classes, too. Students will have access to meals at CHS as well as limited transportation.
Not sure what courses you should take? Contact TVA School Counselor, Mrs. Michelle Bruss, at mbruss@duneland.k12.in.us or 219-983-3743 to learn more.
Required for Every Senior: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Every Senior is Required to file the FAFSA or Opt Out
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a vital step in securing financial assistance for college, apprenticeship programs, cosmetology and trade schools, scholarship opportunities and more!
The State of Indiana is also now requiring that every senior file the FAFSA.
The deadline to file the FAFSA is April 15, 2024.
or
If you are opting out of filing, please complete the attached form and return to the Trojan Virtual Academy office by April 1, 2024: FAFSA Opt-Out Form
The application is available online at www.fafsa.gov, and it is recommended to complete it as soon as possible to maximize the potential for financial aid. To start the process, both the student and parent will need to create their own FSA ID: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
We understand that the FAFSA process may seem daunting, but there are numerous resources available to assist you:
College Goal Sunday (free direct help filing FAFSA on February 25, 2024): https://www.collegegoalsunday.org/locations/
INvestEd Indiana (provides free FAFSA Assistance): https://www.investedindiana.org/funding/completing-the-fafsa/
Federal Student Aid Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/FederalStudentAid
CHS Financial Aid Night Presentation:
Financial Aid Info Sheet: https://learnmoreindiana-1f63e.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023_FAFSA_One-Pager_11-14-23a.pdf
Center of Workforce Innovations
Center of Workforce Innovations isexcited to facilitate the 3rd Annual NextGEN YOUTH Expo taking place at the Higher Institute of Arts and Technology (HIAT) on April 18th, 2024. This event is specifically designed to help young people explore various career paths by interacting with community leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to discover, explore, and connect with various professions by asking questions about educational paths, job roles, and prospects. The Expo will also include hands-on simulations and giveaways to make the experience more interactive and enjoyable.
The NextGen Youth Expo is an event that aims to showcase the wide range of career opportunities available in the region. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about the skills and education required for various job roles. Our primary objectives for organizing this event are to connect employers with their prospective workforce and to assist young adults in making informed and inspired decisions about their future.
Use the QR code to register:
DSC Parent Meeting for Exceptional Learners
The Department of Exceptional Learning will host our spring Parent Ambassador meeting for the parents of exceptional learners on Tuesday, April 16th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Duneland School Corporation Administration Center, 601 W. Morgan Avenue. At this meeting we will discuss:
- EXL Program expansions around the district
- Professional Development initiatives for teachers and staff
- Ways we are supporting students in inclusive environments
Please RSVP or request more information by calling Lisa Ilgin, administrative assistant for Exceptional Learning at 219-983-3600 (Ext. 1026) or by emailing lilgin@duneland.k12.in.us
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Students entering 6th grade require additional immunizations by the State of Indiana.
Required immunizations for students entering 6th grade are as follows:
- Tdap: Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine
- MCV4: Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
- A student that is 11 years old is eligible to receive these vaccines.
Required immunizations for students entering 12th grade are as follows:
- MCV4: Meningococcal Vaccine
- A student that is 16 years old is eligible to receive the second meningococcal vaccination.
Porter County Health Department: 219-759-8239 (Portage office) or 219-465-3525 (Valparaiso office).
For any questions, please contact Marie Kirchner, RN at 219-983-3730.
We Need Your Help! Please Complete the Cognia Survey!
Cognia (School Accreditation) Surveys - We Need Your Help!
Duneland School Corporation is currently conducting a series of surveys with our students, families, and staff. Information from these surveys will be used for school improvement and district strategic planning. Additionally, these results will be used as part of our Cognia (formerly AdvancED) accreditation processes.
Input from our families is critical to our process to set goals for improvement. We thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts. This survey should take 20-25 minutes to complete and includes some ranking questions as well as open-ended questions at the end.
Use this link to take the Survey: Family Survey Spring 2024
Please note the following when taking the surveys
You need only complete one survey per household.
When selecting a school, select the school of your youngest child.
The term “governing body” refers to our school board.
The term “stakeholders” refers to all those with an interest in the school including students, families, community members, and school staff.
We truly appreciate you setting aside the time to offer your thoughts before Monday, April 29, 2024.
DSC to Host a Job Fair Event on April 18
Did you know that there are more jobs than just teachers 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) positions in Transportation and Child Nutrition services. The event will be hosted on Thursday, April 18 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Chesterton High School, 2125 S 11th Street, in the southwest parking lot.
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 offer a wide variety of schedules that are perfect for those with children so you can ‘earn while your children learn.’ No nights, weekends, holidays or school breaks so you can be home with your family.
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.
2024-2025 School Start & End Times
As a family enrolled in Trojan Virtual Academy, this information may not directly affect your daily school routine. However, we wanted to keep you informed. During the School Board meeting on January 8th, the following school start and end times for in-person schools in Duneland School Corporation for the 2024-2025 school year were approved.
- Elementary (K-4) 7:30 – 2:20
- High School (9-12) 8:10 – 3:10
- Intermediate/Middle (5-8) 8:50 – 3:50
DSC 2024-2025 Calendar
The new 2024-2025 Duneland School Corporation Calendar has been adopted by the Duneland School Board of Trustees. Click the link above to see all the date for next school year.
DSC Procedures for Closing Schools
Click on the button below to learn more about the procedures.
Community Connections
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.
April 20 - Event - Duneland Exchange Club Youth Talent Showcase
The Duneland Exchange Club is proud to present the 32nd Annual Youth Talent Showcase on April 20, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Chesterton High School Auditorium. Auditions for the Talent Show will be held on March 6 and March 7, 2024 at the Chesterton Middle School Auditorium. You must complete and submit an audition application...
DSC School Fundraisers/Camps/Activities
For more information on ALL the current Camps being offered at CHS visit Athletic Camps/Events on the CHS Athletics webpage.
Mrs. Lorenz, Success Coach
Email: slorenz@duneland.k12.in.us or "Coach Sara"
Miss McKee-Lewis, Success Coach
Email: gmckeelewis@duneland.k12.in.us or "Coach Gabby"
Mrs. Shalonda Henderson, Teacher of Record; Exceptional Learners
Mrs. Michelle Palko, Administrative Assistant
Email: mpalko@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-983-3743
Mrs. Michelle Bruss, School Counselor/Social Worker
Email: mbruss@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Christy Jarka, Director
Email: cjarka@duneland.k12.in.us