DuneNews

Click on the links below to view the first quarter honor rolls at each school.

Liberty Intermediate School

Westchester Intermediate School

Liberty Middle School

Westchester Middle School

Chesterton High School

The following students and staff members were recognized by the Duneland School Board members at their Monday, November 11 meeting.

Congratulations to the boys’ soccer team on winning the DAC Championship for the 7th year in a row! Team members are: Alex Amaya, Dakota Baughman, Zach Bernal, Will Burkhart, Cody Ello, Quinn Fleming, Nate Kitchel, Robbie Lange, Sam Macker, Elliott McEvoy, Oliver Nelson, George O’Connor, Ryan Postelnik, Aaron Resto, Isaac Seifrig, Zarek Sierazy, Declan Shannon, David Shook, David Shumate, Michael Shumate, Luke Sparks, Raymond Stringham, Cal Stuckert, Hutch Stuckert, Jacob Walker, and Jackson Whalen. Coaches are Lucas Sabedra, Jon Christensen, Austin Haire, Patrick Kovalan, Caleb Haire, and Sam Weller.

CHS Girls Golf - Sectional ChampsCongratulations to the Chesterton High School Girls Golf team for winning the Sectional with a score of 353 and taking the top 4 individual places. Team members are: Kristin McCoy, Madison Soffin, Chris Driscoll, Cori Schultz, Elizabeth Dodds, Genevieve Driscoll, Taylor Kisic and Caitlyn Robison. Coaches are Rob Dorsey and Toby Gentry.

Congratulations to the Chesterton Boys Tennis Team on being crowned DAC champs for the 5th year in a row! Team members are: Luke Sorgic, Peytan Belegal, Izdel Berruecos Huerta, Jake Bell, Shane Henry, Hayden Matthys, Brady McWhirter, Logan Arthur, Hunter Austin and Colin Smith. Coaches Tom Bour and Scott Garrison.

The following students and staff members were recognized by the Duneland School Board members at their Monday, November 11 meeting. During the 2024-25 school year, each school will be celebrating and honoring the work of its students and staff through recognition aligned to the three tag words identified in the Strategic Plan: Inspire, Engage, and Empower.

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.

Bailly Elementary 3rd grader Jacie Albright was honored with the Empower Award for receiving a perfect score on the IREAD assessment as a second grader.Her hard work and dedication to doing her best has resulted in quite a remarkable achievement.

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.

Brummitt Elementary's Inspire Award was given to fourth grader Cece McGranahan for her outstanding leadership at the school. Cece is known for her positive attitude, hard work ethic, and goal-driven mindset in and out of the classroom. She helps her teacher and peers willingly, participates in Girl Scouts, and reads to shelter animals, showcasing her confidence, kindness, and respect as a leader.

In addition, Administrative Assistant Lisa Ribar was also honored with the INSPIRE Award for her leadership and service at Brummitt. She approaches tasks with enthusiasm and expertise, wearing many hats with grace and dedication. Lisa anticipates challenges, communicates effectively, and ensures a smooth operation at the school. Her initiative, dedication, and inspiration make her a valuable leader.

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.

Yost teachers Cassie Nay, Crystal Koss, and Kasey Johnson received the Engage award for hosting a pilot kindergarten program at Yost. The program involved student placement at the beginning of the school year. This program was a collaboration among the kindergarten teaching team and the entire staff. Students were not immediately placed in a kindergarten class. The goal was to create a caring, inclusive community where students could get to know all their classmates and teachers before being placed in a class. This approach allowed teachers to assess students' development and learning in a more natural way, helping them determine the best fit kindergarten placement for each student. Yost believes in a holistic approach to child development, ensuring that all aspects of a child's needs are considered - physical, social, emotional, and intellectual. Through this pilot program, the kindergarten team developed effective implementation procedures, data collection methods, and processes for successful implementation. The team worked hard and created a welcoming environment for new students.

All Region Orchestra students, above, left to right, Natalie Hargarten, Makenzie Soto, Aubrey Forsythe, Madison Skafgaard, Ryan Seaman, Job Hennigar, Hunter Mayer, Daniel Vidt, Liam Nieves, and Claire Rogers. Absent from photo is Isaac Higgins.

Congratulations to 11 Westchester and Liberty Middle School orchestra students who were accepted and participated in the Indiana ASTA North All Region Honor Orchestra event at Taft Middle School this past Saturday! These students rehearsed all day with students from other Northern Indiana schools and performed a beautiful final concert at the end of the day. Although one student was unable to perform due to an injury, he still came to the final concert to support his fellow musicians. Chesterton Music is so proud of all of these students!

All Region Honor Choir members, above, front row, left to rIght, Lauren Kroft, Ava Bozak, Ava Cunningham, Emmersyn Curran, Sophia Higgins, and Carson Foster. Middle row, Karleigh Pawlysyzn, Veronica Wilgocki, Samuel Smith, Finnegan Dailey, Mara Huneryager, and Archer Lohman. Back row, Niyelli Estrada, Hannah Loving, Antonio Unpingco, Joseph Lucken, Garrett Richerson, Jordan Keefover, and Logan Arthur.

Members of Chesterton High School Camerata Ensemble headed to Indiana University South Bend on Tuesday, November 5 to participate in the IMEA All Region Honor Choir for Area 1.

Selected from the top students in the region, this event included 259 selected students from over 13 area schools who came together and worked with clinician Dr. Becky Marsh from Butler University to present a concert at the end of their day together.

Above, front row, left to right, Jackson Foster, Emanuel Plaza, Jason Hopkins, Bryce Douglass, Jaden Cathey, Tanner Adkins, Adam Combs, Ryland Tolton. Back row, Danny Kozaczka, Aiden Caldwell, Luke Robertson, Owen Sularski, Adam LeNeave. Attendees absent from photo are Jacob Fuller, Tyler McKee, and Hunter McKee.

Chesterton High School students in Mr. Torres' Principles of Engineering class took a trip to the Purdue University main campus this past Saturday to attend the school's Apex event. Apex is an annual, full day event for high school students interested in engineering and an opportunity for students to talk to current Purdue engineering students, participate in engineering challenges, hear a guest lecture from one of Purdue's professors, and get a tour of campus. This year, the theme was biomedical engineering. "We had a lot of fun and one of our teams created the most efficient hospital design out of all the groups," said Torres.

Congratulations to Maddie Smith! Duneland School Corporation's very own Instructional Coach at the 5-8 Liberty Campus. Maddie is one of four Indiana finalists in the running for the nationally prestigious PAEMST award. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

INSPIRE • ENGAGE • EMPOWER

Congratulations to Chesterton High School English teacher Rachel Blythe who was selected as a November 2024 Teacher of Excellence!

Kenneth J. Allen Law Group supports Northwest Indiana teachers who go above and beyond for their students and honors them for their outstanding contributions to education. To learn more about the educators who are Teachers of Excellence or if you know of someone who should be recognized as a Teacher of Excellence, please nominate your favorite by following this link.

View all DSC Teachers of Excellence on our website.

There will be no school for all Duneland School students on November 27-29 to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. Classes will resume on Monday, December 2.

The Duneland School Corporation School Board of Trustees approved next school year's 2025-2026 district calendar

Click the link above or the image to the right to view or print the 2025-2026 DSC Calendar.

Come check out the Duneland Early Learning HUB!

The HUB is reading transportation books, participating in centers and songs about transportation. We will learn about vehicles, thanksgiving, the color brown, the shape triangle and more with our HUB families for November.

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 preschool students enjoy engaging, fun 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.

Best of all, the DSC preschool and walk-in speech services are free for qualifying children, while the Duneland Family YMCA preschool offers a nominal fee and is the only local preschool 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, 601 W Morgan Avenue, and take advantage of these amazing early learning opportunities. Register for preschool today and explore all that TLC has to offer!

Do you have questions?

Are you ready to come learn with us?

For more information about The Trojan Learning Center, call 219-983-3743.

For more information about the Duneland Family YMCA's preschool, call 219-926-4204 x2

PICTURE RETAKES:

• Northwest Indiana Online School - Dec. 3

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.

The Chesterton High School Music Department will present Bring It On: The Musical, music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, lyrics by Amanda Green and Miranda, and book by Jeff Whitty, on Thursday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 22 at 7:00 pm., and Saturday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bring it On Arena also known as the CHS Auditorium, 2125 S 11th Street in Chesterton.

Bitingly relevant, sprinkled with sass, and inspired by the hit film, Bring It On: The Musical takes audiences on a high-flying journey that is filled with the complexities of friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness. The musical follows Campbell Davis, cheer-royalty at Truman High School, whose senior year should prove the most cheertastic, as she's been named captain of the squad! But, an unexpected redistricting has forced her to spend her final year of high school at the neighboring Jackson High School, where she hardly knows anyone and worse: they don’t have a cheerleading squad! Along with the headstrong and hardworking dance crew leader, Danielle, a powerhouse squad is formed for the ultimate competition, the National Championships. Bring It On: The Musical focuses on the challenges and unexpected bonds of friendship formed through the thrill of extreme competition.

Ticket prices are as follows: $12 for Adults, $8 for Students and Seniors. Tickets can be purchased online only at www.cur8.com

The cast includes: Destiny Blackwell, Emma Bondra, Taytumm Brunker, Isabelle Cain, Irene Camacho, Ireland Carnahan, Valeria Chavez, Sloane Colburn, Ava Cunningham, Emmersynn Curran, Madailein Dailey, Lillian Dedrick, Kendall Doede, Niyelli Estrada, Cooper Fowler, Porter Fowler, Elianna Hinton, Mara Huneryager, Gianna Iovino, Bella Kelly, Mia Larimer, Annalise Lewis, Allie Longacre, Hannah Loving, Jane Maddex, Macey Mauke,Karleigh Pawlyszyn, Kayla Perez, Emily Ponce, Madeline Prince, Maxwell Prince, Isabella Schirripa, Samuel Smith, Morgan Steele, Ella Taylor, and Antonio Luis Unpingco.

CHS Pit Orchestra students include: Madison Buckley, Rylan Fields, and Rowen Love.

Directing the musical is Kristin Morris, with Pit Orchestra Director Brian Grenier, and Accompanists Cindy Hansen & Kay Hight.

On Monday, there were recognition programs honoring the veterans in the Duneland community. All of the Duneland schools carry the Purple Star designation from the Indiana Department of Education for displaying a significant commitment to service members, veterans, and students and families connected to our nation’s military. DSC is thankful for the sacrifice the many service men and women have made to secure our freedom. Please enjoy this short slide presentation recognizing the current Duneland School Corporation staff members that have served in the military.

Liberty Middle School (LMS) hosted its first Veterans Day community recognition program on Monday, November 11, 2024 at the school.

Westchester Intermediate School (LMS) hosted its Veterans Day community recognition program on Monday, November 11, 2024 at the school.

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
• 
  

The Chesterton High School Alumni Association is seeking nominations from the community to be considered for the CHS Alumni Association Hall of Fame for 2024.

“Many accomplished and dedicated individuals are not necessarily in the public eye; they are the unsung heroes and quiet warriors among us impacting students and staff every day,” said Mike Anton, CHS Alumni president. “The 2024 recognition committee invites alumni, community members, parents and others throughout the Duneland community to submit their nominations.”

Please consider nominating a candidate for Alumnus, Teacher, Administrator, and Support Staff based on the following qualities:
Excellence
Leadership
Respect
Exceptional Contributions
Citizenship
Giving Back
Collaboration
Courageous Acts
Advocacy

The CHS Alumni Association is accepting nominations for 2024 now through Friday, November 1 at 3:00 p.m.

Learn more about the past Hall of Fame recipients and about the CHS Alumni Association at the CHS Alumni Association website.

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/

To make an appointment please call 219-763-8112. Let NorthShore know you are a Duneland School student or staff member and that you would like to make an appointment at the Duneland School Clinic located at the old CMS.

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 new Strategic Plan will guide DSC for the next five years in the areas of Student Achievement, Safety & Operations, People & Culture, and Finance & Facilities.

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