This Week at Jackson
August 5th
Friday, May 19th
Pictures From This Week
Jackson Township Position - Term Ending December 31, 2024
The Board of School Trustees of the Duneland School is accepting letters of interest from individuals who would like to be considered to complete the remaining term for the Jackson Township seat, which will be up for election on November 5, 2024. (See the Porter County Board of Elections: https://www.porterco.org/170/Elections-Registration)
For more information, follow this link to the Jackson Township position located on the DSC website.
Standards-Based Grading Update from the Department of Teaching & Learning
Dear Duneland Elementary Parents,
Upon conclusion of our research into Standards-Based Grading, we have established the goal is to empower students with grading that guides the learner to deeper understanding and mastery of concepts and standards, with all students demonstrating mastery by the end of the school year. We know that children and their learning are too complex to be reduced to a simple letter grade.
Through our research of the Standards-Based Grading approach in grades K-4 we noted that a highlight of this grading system is the strengthening of student self-efficacy by building understanding and confidence in student learning. With this visible learning approach, students know and understand what it is they are learning and their progress towards mastery. This focus empowers students to continue working toward their goals until they achieve them. Research shows that students with high self-efficacy attribute their success to effort vs ability. They know that if they work hard, they will eventually “get it” no matter how challenging the obstacle.
Standards-Based Grading strengthens the family-school connection at the K-4 level by making it easier for families to understand how their children are growing academically and giving students the time they need to grow as learners. Traditional grades are averages of student performance in multiple skills and concepts. With Standards-Based Grading, families have access to the levels of mastery students have achieved on every individual priority standard. It is easier for families to support their children’s academic growth because the information shared is more specific, timely and actionable.
More specific information will be shared at the start of the 2023-2024 school year so students and parents will know what they can expect to see when report cards are posted at the end of the first quarter.
Yours in education,
The Department of Teaching & Learning
Last Day of Family Groups
Today was our last day of Family Groups. Throughout the year, our fourth grade students, with some assistance from Jackson teachers and staff, have been leading their younger peers in various activities once a month. Students finished the year by making blankets to donate to those that need the warmth and comfort they can provide.
We hope your child enjoyed their Family Group this year. We've seen a huge growth in the sense of community at Jackson this year as the members of the Family Groups recognize each other as they go throughout their school day.
4th Grade Orientation Video from LIS
On Friday, May 12th, the 4th grade class visited Liberty Intermediate School (LIS) to start preparing for the fall. The video they prepared for students is available below, in case your child was absent or would like to see things again.
4th Grade Track Meet
The 4th Grade Track Meet was held this Tuesday. Thank you to Mrs. Bamber for organizing the meet with her fellow PE teachers, as well as to all of the parent volunteers that helped with the events.
End of Year Events
This next week will be full of fun events for students and staff.
Monday: Field Day
Mrs. Bamber has organized Field Day for all grades. We ask that students put on sunscreen, wear gym shoes, and bring a labeled water bottle with them. All families have previously been asked to select whether students will be bringing a sack lunch or if they'll be purchasing a sack lunch from the school. We also ask that all students bring a change of clothes with them.
Wednesday: Quarter Readers Party
Students that met all the requirements for participation in the Quarter Readers Program at Jackson should have received (or will receive on Monday) an invitation to the Quarter Readers Party after school. This is an invitation-only event to reward students that did extra reading this school year. Students that stay for the party will need a ride home that afternoon at 3:30pm.
Thursday: Fly-Up
Thursday morning while our fourth grade students are in related arts, all of our other students will move up a grade level to meet with their future teachers as a grade-level group. The teachers will talk to students about the transition they'll experience in the fall and will answer any questions students have.
Thursday: 4th Grade Farewell and Bus Parade
Thursday afternoon, we will say goodbye to our fourth grade students with a parade through the halls and onto the buses. We ask that our car line remain still once we release the buses. The buses will make their traditional parade, looping through our parking lot several times so that the kids can wave goodbye to the staff and their friends in the car line one last time. Once the buses pull away, the car line is welcome to pull forward. We'll have the car riders waiting under the trees out front.
Jackson Reading Program
The celebration will take place Wednesday, May 24, directly after dismissal. All students that attend the celebration will need a ride home, as they will not be able to ride the buses that night.
Story on the Announcements
This morning, we read Dan, The Taxi Man written by Eric Ode and illustrated by Kent Culotta. Mrs. Caudle's students joined us as the live studio audience and led the school in singing "Onward, Trojans."
Summer School Bus Stops
LIMITED transportation will be provided for Summer School students. Centralized bus stop locations throughout the district are determined based on ridership. The Session 1 bus stops are now available on the DSC website.
Looking Ahead to Next School Year: Capital Improvements
As soon as school gets out this summer, contractors will begin the process of renovating Jackson as part of Duneland's Long-Term Capital Improvements Plan. When the students return in the fall, some of the building will already look different, as our kindergarten rooms and main office are scheduled for completion before the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
Throughout the remainder of the year, we will take turns displacing teachers from their current locations so that the building can be renovated and improved for years to come before they move back to their completed rooms. Renovations are scheduled for completion prior to the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
PTO Calendar
Easy Ways to Support the PTO
Snacks for the Staff
Jackson Meals Menu
MyPayment Plus for School Meals
Need to add money to your students school meal account on MyPaymentsPlus? Click on the image below to access
Related Arts Rotation
Our students rotate through their related arts classes every two days. The below charts will help you to know what is happening with your child each day.
DSC 2022-2023 Calendar
DSC 2023-2024 Calendar
CHS Gymnastics Camp
Lady Trojans Basketball Camps
The Lady Trojans Basketball Program will be hosting a basketball camp for players in grades K through 4 and grades 5-8. Click on the links or the images below for more information on dates and times of the specific camps and to register.
K-4th Camp Link: K-4th Basketball Camp Registration Link
5th-8th Grade Link: 5th-8th Basketball Camp Registration Link
CHS Basketball Camp
Football Summer Camp
Employment
DSC NOW HIRING!
The Duneland School Corporation is seeking candidates for the following positions:
CHILD NUTRITION
Child Nutrition associates provide nutrition services to students and staff. Benefit-eligible positions available. Click to apply online
CUSTODIAL
Duneland School Corporation Custodians are required to clean and sanitize all corporation facilities. This position has a highly responsible role in providing custodial services and dealing with students and staff on a regular basis. Custodians interact with individuals both inside and outside the corporation and therefore, must have the ability to present a professional and organized image at all times. Custodians may be required to work in other Duneland School Corporation facilities. Benefit-eligible positions available. Click to apply online
TRANSPORTATION
Duneland School Corporation Transportation positions (Bus Drivers, Sub Bus Drivers) require eligible persons to operate all school vehicles or (Sub Bus Aides) to assist in the transportation of all special students needing additional attention. These positions are highly responsible roles in transporting and dealing with students and staff on a regular basis. Transportation personnel interact with individuals both inside and outside of the corporation and therefore, must have the ability to present a professional and organized image at all times. Benefit-eligible positions available. Click to apply online
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Seeking substitute teachers for all grade levels. To apply for a substitute teaching position, please apply in person at the Duneland Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Ave. in Chesterton to complete an application.
Paraprofessional Positions Available in Duneland
Chesterton High School Athletics
Duneland Community Opportunities
The goal of the Duneland School Corporation district school newsletters is to inform students, parents and the school community about school-related information.
This year, the Duneland Schools will share information that pertains to opportunities our students may be interested in 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.