DuneNews

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

Liberty Intermediate School

Westchester Intermediate School

Liberty Middle School

Westchester Middle School

Northwest Indiana Online School

Chesterton High School

On Saturday, January 25, the WMS Science Olympiad team earned second place overall in the Crown Point Science Olympiad Invitational at Taft Middle School.

Taking home awards in their individual events were: Adelyn Booras (Ecology, Experimental Design, Potions and Poisons, Wind Power); Ben Bryak (Fossils, Metric Mastery, Optics, Reach for the Stars); Kaitlyn Calloway (Crimebusters, Disease Detectives, Tower, Write It/Do It); Alexis Dees (Crimebusters); Job Hennigar (Codebusters, Dynamic Planet, Entomology, Experimental Design, Meteorology); Ben Hiestand (Experimental Design, Meteorology, Optics, Reach for the Stars, Wind Power); Robert Hundt (Codebusters, Helicopter, Metric Mastery); Paisley Miller (Microbe Mission); Lennox Murray (Codebusters, Disease Detectives, Entomology, Fossils); Ryan Seaman (Dynamic Planet, Ecology, Mission Possible, Write It/Do It); Rylie Sizemore (Crimebusters); Avery Smith (Microbe Mission); Stella Strupeck (Crimebusters, Potions and Poisons, Tower).

The CHS Science Olympiad team competed at Purdue University on January 18 and at Crown Point on January 25.

At Purdue, Lauren Yarosz and Taryn Wellensiek placed fifth in Bungee Drop; Nicholas Carpentier and Mia Tsugawa placed fourth in Ecology; Abby Vidt and Oliver Appel placed third in Tower; and Nicholas Carpentier and Izdel Huerta placed third in Chem Lab.

At Crown Point, Taryn Wellensiek placed first in Bungee Drop: Izdel Huerta and Giacomo DePasquale placed second in Chem Lab; Jany Zhang and Lauren Yarosz placed first in Disease Detectives; Mia Tsugawa and Jany Zhang placed second in Ecology; Elizabeth Uehling and Ria Kashyap placed fourth in Fossils; Mia Tsugawa and Elizabeth Uehling placed fourth in Geologic Mapping; Oliver Appel and Oliver Wood placed fourth in Helicopter; Jany Zhang and Taryn Wellensiek placed fourth in Microbe Mission; and Abby Vidt and Oliver Appel placed third in Tower.

The CHS Science Olympiad team consists of Andrew Adams, Oliver Appel, Izdel Huerta Berruecos, Nicholas Carpentier, Giacomo DePasquale, Natalie Fry, Ria Kashyap, Alaina McGrogan, Elizabeth Tatone, Mia Tsugawa, Elizabeth Uehling, Abby Vidt, Taryn Wellensiek, Callum Webb, Oliver Wood, Lauren Yarosz, and Jany Zhang.

Congratulations to the entire team!

The CHS Show Choir Program has had a busy past three weekends, since kicking off their season. The competition this past Saturday took them to Sauk Prairie HS in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.

• The DRIFTERS & THE BUSINESS earned GRAND CHAMPION of their division and also had the highest scores for Vocals and Choreography in the Treble Division
• The SANDPIPERS & THE BUSINESS earned a spot in Finals (top 6 of 18 groups) where they earned First Runner-Up honors with the caption for BEST CHOREOGRAPHY in the Open Class Finals.
• Sophomore Hannah Loving once again earned Second Place in the solo competition; and
• Junior Karleigh Pawlyszyn took home the First Place trophy and earned an exhibition performance of her solo song to start off finals.
  

The Show Choirs are thankful for their incredible team of Do-Dads who lead with heart and a service mindset, our chaperones who tirelessly care for each kid, and their hardworking creative team who is always finding ways to grow the shows and make them better each and every week!

The groups' next performance will be Saturday, February 15 in exhibition at the Chesterton Trojan Classic Home Invitational!

Congratulations to the Chesterton High School Winter Guard team for achieving fourth place at their first competition of the season at the Plainfield High School Competition on January 25.

The Chesterton Winter Guard’s 2025 show is called “Let it Pour,” and is a cute program that preaches “a little rain never hurt anybody”. The show consists of two different songs; the first being “Singin’ in the Rain” by Gene Kelly, and the second song being a rendition of Rhianna's “Umbrella” by The Baseballs. The show begins slightly somber, while the second half is much faster and more visually striking.

Throughout the show, you'll see members dancing and spinning flags, rifles, sabers, and umbrellas

Members of the CHS Winter Guard include: Abigail Demsich, Makayla Erickson, Ava Garland, Vanessa Godinez, Madison Jackson, Abigail Krueger, Allison Lopez, Brianna Manning, Addison Mason, Morgan Millis, Natalie Newman, Kaylin O'Daniel, Kenzie O’Daniel, Baylee Parrott, Lilyanne Peschke, Lucy Rutkowski, Alina Summer, Caryss Vandiver, and Caprie Wilson.

Prop Crew members include: Holly Decker, Mady Street, Elsa Estrage, Miles, William Newman, and Hershel Hardwick.

CHS Winter Guard Director Jeffory DeHenes is assisted by Katie Radliff with technical help. Robert Mueller has been in charge of building and maintaining our amazing props.

The CHS Winter Guard is scheduled to compete next at Snider High School on February 8. For more information on this competition or any CHS Music Department event, please call Chesterton High School at 983-3730.

Duneland Schools will celebrate National School Counseling Week, February 3-7, 2025. This special week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

Each Duneland School employs at least one school counselor and each school counseling program.

In September of 2024, the Chesterton High School Counseling Team completed Indiana’s Comprehensive School Counseling Initiative, Carrying the Torch to Student Success, at the highest level possible - Gold Star. Schools who successfully complete the Gold Level programming qualify for RAMP recognition as well. CHS is currently working toward achieving the American School Counselor Association RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) recognition this summer.

All of the other Duneland School Counselors are working toward earning this new Indiana Comprehensive School Counseling initiative.

ONLINE ENROLLMENT is NOW OPEN for incoming Duneland Kindergarten students for the 2025-2026 school year. Families are asked to complete online enrollment prior to attending Kindergarten Round-Up on Thursday, February 27, 2025. To get started please visit: DSC Kindergarten Enrollment 2025-2026

Click on the image below to learn more. Nominations begin at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025.

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. Application deadline is Feb. 11, 2025

Vacancy Announcement and Application

The Chesterton High School (CHS) Alumni Association has announced the recipients of the 2024 CHS Alumni Association Hall of Fame (HOF) award. The recipients will be recognized and presented with plaques by the CHS Alumni Association members on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 at the CHS Boys Basketball home game against Crown Point between the first and second quarters.

The 2024 recipients are:

Carol Biel - Teacher

Carol Biel, retired teacher recipient, left an indelible mark on her students as a dedicated English teacher and influential debate coach, inspiring countless individuals to excel in literature, grammar, and critical thinking. Her passion for education and commitment to understanding her students’ unique strengths not only fostered a love for learning but also guided many towards successful careers in law, business, and academia, ultimately transforming their lives and shaping future leaders.

Dennis Jannelle - School Staff Member

Dennis Jannelle, retired staff member recipient, was a dedicated custodian at CHS for over 30 years. Dennis left a lasting impact on students and staff alike through his joyful demeanor and genuine interactions. His commitment to his work and his ability to connect with individuals of all ages helped foster a positive school environment, enriching the lives of many with his kind words and friendly smile. Even after retirement, Dennis continues to cherish these relationships, reflecting his passion for nurturing a supportive community within and beyond the school.

Jim Goetz - Administrator

Jim Goetz, administrator recipient, is retired from his role as CHS Assistant Principal and then Principal. Jim was highly respected by his nominator for fostering strong relationships with students, demonstrating exceptional commitment, excellence, and leadership that significantly benefited both the student body and the Duneland community.

Aaron Robinson - Alumnus

Aaron Robinson, CHS 1993 Alumnus recipient, exemplifies the qualities of a true community leader and role model, dedicating his time and resources to uplift those around him. His unwavering commitment to volunteerism, whether through monetary donations or hands-on support in activities like show choir, showcases his selfless nature and respect for others. A skilled problem solver, Aaron not only contributes positively in his professional life but also ensures that everyone he encounters feels valued and loved. His kind heart and passion for helping others make him not just a hero to those who know him, but also an inspiration for everyone he meets.

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

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.

Click the image below to view the schedule.

Chesterton High School’s Music Department will host its annual Big Band Bash on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7 & 8. Big Band Bash is TWO evenings of music and dancing, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the CHS Cafeteria.

Friday night is the Big Band Bash Gala with countless raffles and hours of great music! Saturday night is Dance Night featuring an expanded dance floor and Swing Dance Lessons at 6:30 p.m. Visitors will enter through Door 31 and are able to partake in raffles, enjoy drinks and appetizers, and dance the night away to music performed by Chesterton High School’s Jazz Ensemble and Maroon Jazz Band.

The “Big Band Bash” offers the public a nostalgic dance reminiscent of those held during the 1930’s and 40’s. The musical selections will include melodies from the “Great American Song Book” arranged in the style of the dance tunes from the Big Band era. In addition to the well-known melodies from the Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, Louis Prima, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Woody Herman bands, the CHS Jazz Ensemble will fill out the evening’s dance book with some familiar offerings from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Reserved seating (tables of 6) is available on both nights. General Admission tickets are available Saturday only, and CHS, LMS, and WMS students can receive a discount. General Admission tickets will be available at the door on Saturday, but Reserved tickets must be purchased online.

Tickets are now available for purchase, at a cost of $20 for Reserved Seating, $20 for Saturday General Admission, and $15 for Saturday Student Tickets, all at https://cur8.com/projects/15971

Proceeds from the Big Band Bash will benefit the upcoming All That Jazz performance on May 10 with special guest artists Bonzo Squad!

Help the CHS Save Promise Club in their endeavors to promote the importance of SaySomething and to support events and activities to encourage all students to speak up.

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 feeling, Valentine’s Day, community and more with our HUB families for February. 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

Discover Duneland School Corporation’s Trojan Learning Center

Located within the Duneland School Corporation,

the Trojan Learning Center (TLC) offers a wealth of learning opportunities for

young children and their families. Here is what we offer:

• Duneland Early Learning HUB is a FREE Birth-to-School program for children from 0-5 and their caregivers. Check out the Duneland Early Learning HUB for more information.
• Duneland School Corporation provides preschool options for children ages 3-5 for children with developmental delays and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Operated by our community partner, the Duneland Family YMCA, also has two additional preschool rooms.

All of the preschool classrooms utilize a proven curriculum that help children grow their social skills and emotional well-being. The TLC ensures each child has a fun and supportive learning experience. Additionally, all preschool students participate in engaging and enjoyable activities together!

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
• 
  

To find out more about this opportunity, please see the Instructional Aide EXL job postings on our employment opportunities webpage at: Duneland School Corporation - Frontline Recruitment (applitrack.com)

Do you want to earn money but still be home with your family?

Does the cost of childcare hinder your plans to work?

Does your child participate in the many afterschool opportunities?

Would you like to spend quality time with your kids during spring, summer and winter breaks?

https://www.applitrack.com/dune.../onlineapp/default.aspx...

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