DuneNews

The EMPOWER award is based on Trojans who demonstrate exemplary growth and/or achievement. This is demonstrated by resilience and excellence in the pursuit of academic success.

Three Liberty Intermediate School students and one Liberty Middle School student were awarded with the EMPOWER Award for achieving a perfect score on their ILEARN assessment last year while attending Liberty Intermediate School.

Congratulations to Porter Blythe, Michael Tarnow, Micah Nieves, and Isaac Holmes for their outstanding achievements! Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have not only led to their success but also serve as an inspiration to their peers.This outstanding accomplishment reflects not only their academic abilities but also their perseverance and determination.

Also, receiving EMPOWER awards were students, Audrey Hoffman, Julian Fulkerson and Gabriella Lawson.

• Audrey Hoffman was honored for demonstrating exemplary growth and academic achievement. Audrey prgresses in all academic areas, is always prepared for class, and her work ethic and dedication to learning are truly inspiring. She consistently pushes herself to master new skills and seeks feedback to further improve, always striving for excellence. Her commitment to understanding academic material and growing as a student has set her apart.
  
• Julian Fulkerson is being recognized for remarkable growth on both the Maze and NWEA assessments, demonstrating his strong work ethic and commitment to success. He is always proactive in completing his work and staying organized. Julian is a responsible and determined student who takes the initiative to complete unfinished work independently. His resilience and strong work ethic set him apart, as he consistently overcomes challenges. His commitment to education not only enhances his learning but also inspires his peers, making him a valuable asset in the classroom.
  
• Gabriella Lawson also has made impressive strides on the Maze and NWEA assessments, and her growth in class is equally remarkable. Gabby demonstrates a strong work ethic, and is beginning to confidently advocate for herself when she needs help. She has made significant strides in her writing skills and has found joy in self-expression through this subject. Her growing confidence is evident in the quality of her work.

In addition, Mrs. Nicole Bell was recognized with the EMPOWER Award.

• Liberty Intermediate is incredibly fortunate to have Mrs. Bell as its Reading Specialist. As a key member of the Liberty team, Mrs. Bell plays a crucial role in analyzing student data and identifying individual student needs. She collaborates with teachers to implement targeted supports that ensure our students show continuous growth and academic success. As the leader of our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team at LIS, she is an advocate for our students' needs, helping ensure they receive the support they need to thrive. Mrs. Bell builds strong connections with the students she works with and is always by their side, cheering them on and encouraging them to do their best. She enjoys working with small groups of students and pushing into classrooms to support instruction. Her dedication, expertise, and passion for student success make her an invaluable asset to our school community.

The INSPIRE award is based on Trojans who demonstrate exemplary leadership. These leadership qualities embody the mindsets, behaviors and skills to succeed in school and beyond.

Tonight we are honoring Quinn Ellis and Emelia Kincaid and with the INSPIRE Award.

• Quinn Ellis was recognized for her exceptional leadership at Liberty Intermediate School. With unwavering drive, determination, and perseverance, Quinn consistently strives for excellence while maintaining a positive attitude. As the producer for our News Crew, she not only creates and edits our student news videos but also leads with a level of maturity and responsibility that goes above and beyond. Leadership is truly an understatement when describing her—Quinn inspires others to be their best. Her effective communication skills, kindness, and dedication to the best interest of every situation make her a standout role model in our school community. We are fortunate to have her as a student leader at LIS!
• Emelia Kincaid is also being recognized for her exemplary leadership skills. Emmie sets very high standards for herself, which sets a strong example for others around her, motivating them to strive for excellence as well. She is always quick to volunteer and offer help to others. Her willingness to take initiative and support her peers makes her a true leader in our school community. We are proud of Emmie’s dedication and the positive impact she has on those around her!

Also recognized with the INSPIRE award was Mrs. Sarah Smenyak, our school counselor, for her exemplary leadership with our SAVE Promise Club. Under her guidance, an incredible group of 21 fifth and sixth-grade students is making a profound impact by fostering a positive and welcoming environment at LIS. The SAVE Promise Club plays a vital role in welcoming new students to our building. The club members begin by giving our new students tours and walking them through their schedules. They make sure they are included during lunch and recess and help ensure that they feel welcomed. Mrs. Smenyak and the SAVE Promise Club also highlight students and staff members with shout-outs and actively finds ways to recognize the positive actions happening at LIS. Mrs. Smenyak’s dedication to building a supportive school community is truly inspiring, and her leadership is helping to create an atmosphere of kindness and inclusivity at Liberty Intermediate School.

The ENGAGE award is based on Trojans who demonstrate exemplary behaviors. These behaviors include using your unique talents to respectfully connect to the school and community.

Liberty Intermediate School students honored with the ENGAGE Award were Ian Mundt, Alex Cibak, Malina Simms and Lila Guljas.

• Ian Mundt is being recognized for his outstanding behavior and for positively impacting those around him. He is cooperative, responsible, and an outstanding student. Ian always makes it a priority to build strong connections with both students and staff. His encouragement and motivation inspire others to do their best and make the right choices. Ian has a positive attitude and is kind to others. He is a role model for his peers, and the respect he earns from his classmates speaks to the incredible influence he has in our school community.
• Alex Cibak is being recognized for consistently demonstrates kindness and consideration toward his classmates and adults. He does not rely on others to determine his actions—he confidently makes the right choices based on his values. His integrity and strong character make him a positive role model, and his peers look up to him as an example of how to lead with respect. We are fortunate to have him in our school community!
• Malina Simms is being recognized for her outstanding behavior and the positive impact she has on those around her. Malina consistently does the right thing, even when no one is looking, demonstrating integrity and strong character. She has a genuine desire to learn and actively participates in class, always eager to contribute and help others. She is a kind and dependable friend to everyone, offering support and encouragement to her peers. Her thoughtful actions and positive attitude make her an invaluable member of our school.
• Lila Guljas is being recognized for her outstanding behavior and the positive impact she has on those around her. Lila consistently demonstrates initiative by immediately starting tasks that benefit her learning when she enters her classrooms. She also challenges herself to build on the work she is completing by adding details and finding ways to extend her learning. Lila is not only kind and respectful to everyone she meets but is also helpful to those around her, always willing to lend a hand. She treats everyone with kindness and respect, and she handles all situations with grace and dignity. Lila’s self-motivation, thoughtful approach, and respectful nature make her a true asset to our school community.

The EMPOWER award is based on Trojans who demonstrate exemplary growth and/or achievement. This is demonstrated by resilience and excellence in the pursuit of academic success.

• Chesterton High School ninth-grade students honored were: Colton Beckwith, Adelyn Booras, and Alina Summer for achieving a perfect score on their ILEARN assessment last year while in eighth grade at Chesterton Middle School.

Also being honored for the EMPOWER Award are Jake Sessions, Brooklyn Hardsock and Arnaa Saxena.

• Jake Sessions was honored with the Empower Award for his remarkable growth and achievement.Jake has earned a solo spot in the Fall Choir concert due to his hard work and musical talent. He also exhibited leadership by giving up his place in Honors English to allow another student to lead a debate, highlighting his commitment to his peers' success. His accomplishments showcase his academic abilities, resilience, and dedication to excellence.
• Brooklyn Hardsock exemplifies dedication and resilience, as demonstrated by her remarkable achievement of making the Principal's Honor Roll in her first quarter. Her respectful demeanor towards teachers and peers, combined with her willingness to help others, highlights her strong character. We are excited to witness the outstanding person she will continue to become, as her commitment to excellence is truly inspiring.
• Arnaa Saxena never misses an assignment and regularly scores above her peers on tests. She uses all of her class and advisory time wisely to get all her work done to her highest potential - which is always impressive. Arnaa's proactive approach to a planned absence in November showcases her commitment to her education, as she not only completes her work ahead of time but also collaborates with her teachers to ensure a smooth transition . Arnaa is the sort of student any teacher would be thrilled to have in class - she brings humor, happiness, and personality to a room while also focusing entirely on her academic success.

The ENGAGE award is based on Trojans who demonstrate exemplary behaviors. These behaviors include using your unique talents to respectfully connect to the school and community.

Liberty Middle School students honored were: Kendal Hamstra, Hannah Grgic and Milena Oresik.

• Kendal Hamstra uses her unique talents to positively impact others through her heartwarming interactions on the cross-country team and through her leadership in the Ichthus Club on Fridays. By fostering camaraderie and kindness among her peers, she creates an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that resonates with all participants. Kendal's impact is indeed inspiring, showing that students can make a significant difference when they engage with others in a genuine and meaningful way.
• Hannah Grgic exemplifies the traits of an outstanding student through her consistent punctuality, dedication to learning, and positive attitude, making her a role model for her peers. Her willingness to collaborate with others and her compassion and empathy towards classmates further highlight her exceptional character. Hannah's impressive academic performance and respectful demeanor truly reflect her remarkable qualities as a student and a person.
• Milena Oresik positively impacts the classroom by showing respect and enthusiasm towards teachers and classmates. Her willingness to contribute and follow directions sets an example for her peers. Teachers value her kind nature and active participation, making her a cherised and successful eighth-grade student.

The INSPIRE award is based on Trojans who demonstrate exemplary leadership. These leadership qualities embody the mindsets, behaviors and skills to succeed in school and beyond.

Honored were Liberty Middle School students Mack Kozinski, Kobe Donaldon and Rocco Iovino.

• Mack Kozinski has been honored with the Duneland Distinction Inspire Award for his exemplary leadership at Liberty Middle School. Mack has inspired the LMS community through his dedication to being kind to everyone. His peers nominated him as National Junior Honor Society President because he encourages others with his sense of responsibility and willingness to lead by example. Mack's efforts embody the core values of leadership, service, and community spirit.
• Kobe Donaldson is an enthusiastic student who always comes to class ready to learn. He is very conscientious of his work and puts in the effort to always do well. Kobe is an active participant during class, always raising his hand to answer questions. Not to mention, he is very respectful toward his peers and all adults in the building. Kobe also displayed leadership qualities while participating on the LMS football team, dedicating his time to helping the team throughout the season. He’s a true role model for other students to follow on Team IU!! His efforts embody the core values of leadership, service, and community spirit.
• Rocco Iovino is an exemplary student-athlete. In the classroom, Rocco’s work always comes first. He does his best on all his assignments, and he makes sure to get his work done on time. He also steps up to help struggling classmates stay on task and work hard. During his time in football, he is always engaging in the practices, working hard, and willing to do whatever it takes to benefit his team. His efforts embody the core values of leadership, service, and community spirit. Rocco's all-around great attitude is greatly appreciates at Liberty Middle School.

Also being honored with the INSPIRE Award was school nurse Samantha Hunter.

• Nurse Sam was recognized for significantly impacting student health and well-being; and demonstrating exceptional dedication, compassion, and leadership. She actively supports and advocates for the health needs of students, as well as providing students, staff, and parents with valuable health education and resources. Nurse Sam always demonstrates empathy and understanding while interacting with students and their families. She effectively manages health crises and emergencies ensuring student safety during many medical emergencies. She is an amazing colleague willing to do whatever she can to support the team. Nurse Sam was recently named the DSC district Health Services coordinator.

The CHS Applied Arts class is excited to exhibit cubism self-portraits at their upcoming "Outside the Box" gallery show. The exhibition will feature oil pastel drawings by 21 students celebrating uniqueness and diversity through creativity. The class is taught by CHS art teacher Colin May.

The show will be hosted at The Das' Gallery (Country Inn & Suites, 2020 Laporte Ave. Valparaiso, IN) from December to February 2025 with an opening reception on Thursday, January 30 at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Pictured at left with his artwork is CHS student Nicholas Christian.

Congratulations to both Liberty and Westchester Intermediate and Middle schools for receiving a heart safe school designation from Project ADAM this past Friday. They join Chesterton High School who previously received their designation this past August.

Project ADAM (Automated Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory) is a nationally recognized program dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in schools. Named in honor of Adam Lemel, a high school student who tragically lost his life to SCA, the initiative focuses on raising awareness, training staff, and providing schools with necessary tools to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.

Chesterton High School Nurse Brittany Smith, RN, completed the high school designation alongside CHS Nurse Marie Kirchner. Smith assisted in the coordination of the program at both the Westchester and Liberty campuses. The initiative was supported by the school district and will be implemented throughout all Duneland schools in the next two years. Smith stated, “Implementing this initiative throughout the district promotes cardiac awareness and provides a strategic plan in the event of a cardiac emergency for Duneland’s staff, students, and community.”

Additional AEDs have been placed throughout both campuses as well as directional signs making access to life saving equipment readily available. Chesterton Police Dept. Sergeant Chris Swickard serving CHS coordinated efforts with the Chesterton Fire Dept. Chief Sean O’Donnell and Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Dept. Chief Brian Duncan were both present while the drill was conducted at both campuses. Collaboration by both parties was needed in order to be successful with implementing emergency cardiac plans.

The Duneland School Corporation Board of Trustees is accepting letters of interest for a position on the Westchester Public Library Board of Trustees. Read more about this opportunity to represent DSC on the Westchester Public Library Board.

Vacancy Announcement and Application

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.

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

Click on the image below to purchase tickets

Click on the image below to register

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 at right register

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 School Corporation Early Learning HUB is proud to be the first birth to school initiative in Porter County. The HUB is a place for caregivers and their children to learn, play and grow together.

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 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 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