Hello Students and Families,

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Spring Break. We are excited to jump back into learning and are looking forward to a busy and successful spring ahead.

As we return to school, we are gearing up for an important time of year with our spring testing window just ahead. First up is ILEARN, which will take place during the week of April 21. We have finished the pilot program for the ILEARN Checkpoints and are now ready to see how our students perform on their final ILEARN assessments. This is an important opportunity for our students to shine and demonstrate all they’ve learned this year! To ensure they are set up for success, regular attendance during this week will be key.

We are confident in our students' abilities and can’t wait to see them give their best effort. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make this a positive and successful time for all!

Together we shine brighter!

Have a wonderful week,

Mrs. Hardwicke

Principal

PTO is sponsoring a FLASH Fundraiser! Order your favorite chocolates and candies and get them in time for Easter! All orders are due by THIS FRIDAY. Order forms and envelopes should have come home with your child today. They can stop by the office this week if they need a new one.

All students that turn in the bottom half of their order form and money collection envelope, with one or more orders, will be invited to an extra recess next week. They will also have their name entered in a drawing for a $50.00 cash prize.

Our school participated in the South Bend Cubs Reading Club, earning your child a free ticket to a South Bend Cubs game. Your family can also purchase discounted tickets. The game that our school will be highlighted at will be taking place on Saturday, May 10. Students who attend will be recognized on the field before the game. We hope your family can attend this fun game to celebrate the hard work your child is putting forth at school.

Scan the QR code to get your complimentary ticket with at least 1 paid ticket. Additional tickets cost $12.50 each. Enjoy an evening at the ballpark with your family!

*Please note, all times listed are on Eastern time. The parade starts at 2:15 and the game begins at 3:05.

Summer School Registration Opens Monday

Registration for DSC 2025 Summer School programs is now open. New this year is the ability for parents to register for summer school via the Skyward Family Access. For directions on how to register your child please follow the links below based on the current grade level of your student.

Instructions for Grades K-7 - Registration Open March 17 - April 15

Instructions for Grades 8-12 - Registration Open March 17 - May 2

Note: Students in grades 8-12 who are interested in taking PE should review the additional information on the Flex PE Credit and reduced diploma requirements prior to registering.

Grades PreK-7 Summer School will take place at Liberty Elementary School from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Session 1 Only. Grades 8-12 Summer School will take place at Chesterton High School from 7:30 a.m. - 12:55 pm for both Session 1 and 2.

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

During the first weekend of Spring Break, one of our Liberty Intermediate robotics teams traveled to the Indiana State Fairgrounds to compete at the state competition. C.C. Fryer, Caleb Curiel, Isaac Anderson, and Harriet Hennigar represented LIS. Throughout the event, our students embraced the theme of "Shining Bright at State," demonstrating perseverance, creativity, and sportsmanship. While the competition was tough, the experience was invaluable, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication. Way to go, Liberty Robotics!

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 [school or district name]. 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.

PTO has opened up a spiritwear shop online. Orders can be placed throughout the year.

4/1 5th Grade Spelling Bee

4/4 Kona Ice - Purchase During Lunch

4/21-4/25 ILEARN Testing Week

4/23 Porter County Spelling Bee

4/25 Kona Ice - Purchase During Lunch

4/29 6th Grade “Welcome to Middle School” Presentation (During Trojan Time)

4/29 Drama Club Performance

5/2 LIS Fun Night

Sixth grade students will have the opportunity to participate in both LIS intramural sports and Liberty Middle School athletics. If your child wants to participate in middle school sports, they must have a current physical on file, dated after 4/1/24. Sixth grade students can ONLY participate in Middle School Cross Country, Westling, and Track and Field. Below is a link to the Liberty Winter Sports page. This spring, students can participate in Middle School Track and Field. Mr. Nick Bamber is the athletic director for Liberty Campus. Please reach out to Mr. Bamber with any questions.

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.

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students, we want to inform you about an important update regarding students who are injured and wearing medical devices such as walking boots, crutches, casts, slings, or splints. Effective immediately, any student with a medical device will be required to provide a doctor’s note confirming that they are cleared to participate in both gym class and recess. If a doctor advises against participation for any specified duration, the student will need to provide a subsequent note from the doctor clearing the student to resume these activities once they are healed.

This update is designed to ensure that all students can safely engage in physical activities while also considering their health and recovery. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Health Clinic. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Cell Phones, Smart Watches, Earbuds, & Earphones Usage

5th and 6th grade students are not allowed to use their personal communication devices (cell phones and smart watches) during the instructional day. Items used for communication should be stored in lockers to be kept safe throughout the day. If students need to contact a parent/guardian during the day, they are welcome to do so from the office. Classrooms also have phone access. Similarly, students are not permitted to wear personal earbuds with bluetooth capabilities attached to their phones (e.g. Air Pods, etc.). Students will need to use their school-issued iPad earphones for Exact Path lessons and select ILEARN testing sessions. The only time audio ear pieces are permitted are for teacher-assigned classwork and medically-approved needs.

iPad Use

• iPads are the property of Duneland Schools. Students should keep the devices in operable condition.
• Students should refrain from downloading apps, pics, etc. that are not permitted under school and/or corporation policy.
  
• Students are required to bring their charged iPads to class. Intermediate curriculum is designed to utilize iPads for lessons and enrichment activities.

Information regarding student bus transportation for the 2024-2025 school year is available on DSC website under the Transportation Department.

TRACK STUDENT'S BUS WITH MYSTOP APP

The Duneland School Corporation Department of Transportation has now made My Stop available to our families.

My Stop is a web-based application which will allow parents to access live bus GPS information using a smartphone, tablet, or computer and securely view the current location of your child’s bus on routes. The system also provides the bus’s estimated time of arrival at your child’s bus stop.

Please read the attached letter to parents for more information on how to use My Stop to track your child's bus.

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.

DuneNews

You can access the most current issue of the DuneNews by clicking here.

LIBERTY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

School Website: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Domain/13

Address: 50 W. 900 N. Chesterton, IN 46304

Phone: 219-983-3690

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