DuneNews

The second quarter/first semester will end, and Winter Recess will begin at the end of the school day on Friday, Dec. 20. All classes will resume on Tuesday, January 7. Report cards will be available in the Skyward Parent Portal on Friday, January 10 at 3:00 p.m.

Above, Team A members, left to right, John Easterday, Carter Rudzinski, Sai Jeeju, and Nathan Seaman.

Seven Westchester Intermediate robotics teams competed at Plymouth this past Saturday, December 7 for the VEX IQ competition. WIS teams (A, E and F) made the playoffs which were close matches. Team A: The Sweet Balon Bots won the competition with a combined score of 37 qualifying the team for the VEX IQ State competition at the end of March in Indianapolis.

In November, Westchester Middle School Robotics participated in their first competition in Plymouth, IN. Four WMS teams competed against 35 other teams, most of which were high school level. All of the teams did a fantastic job competing against much more experienced teams with teams B, C and D being chosen to compete at finals. All three teams were eliminated after the first round of finals.

These WMS teams will compete in Portage on December 14 and hope to hone their Skills scores in order to qualify for State in March.

The Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF) has awarded Chesterton High School senior, Samuel Macker, with the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Porter County. Sam is one of three students in Porter County to receive this scholarship.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

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

Macker 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. He 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.

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.

Above, 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

It's the most wonderful time of year! Mark your calendars for the Chesterton Music Holiday Concerts.

Located in the CHS Auditorium, join us for 3 joyful evenings of ringing in the holiday season with our Chesterton Bands, Chesterton Choirs, and Chesterton Orchestras.

CHS' concerts on Dec 13 will require selecting a FREE ticket (https://cur8.com/18609/project/125805) for either performance.

Join the Duneland School Corporation's Early Learning team on January 16, 2025 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. for a fun-filled evening to explore the world of early childhood opportunities. Jump on board at the Trojan Learning Center to interact with various early learning organizations, DSC HUB, and area preschools! This event is the perfect way for families to learn about the exciting programs and resources available to help your little one get on the track to success. From hands-on activities to informative displays, there’s something for everyone. Hop on board and discover the many pathways to a bright future for your child. Don't miss this chance to explore, learn, and have fun together—mark your calendars and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Click on the image below to sign up for the Middle School Dance Clinic. Deadline to register is Friday, Dec. 13 at 11:30 p.m.

Click on the image below to register students in grades K-4

Click on the image below for more information and to register for Trojans Baseball Holiday Camp 2024.

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 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 below to register

Come check out the Duneland Early Learning HUB! 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 winter, hibernation, migration, holidays and more with our HUB families for December. 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 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