

DuneNews
Duneland School news for parents, students and teachers

Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022 Vol. 57 No. 18
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Three CHS Speech Champions at Bradley University
Pictured, left to right: Jackson Dudek, Joshua Hoover, TiffanyNichole Nolasco and Caibhan McClure.
The Chesterton Speech team crossed state lines to compete at the nationally-renowned Bradley University invitational tournament in Peoria, Illinois over the weekend. The tournament is one of few with competition on both Friday and Saturday, allowing students to compete in up to four different events at a single tournament. Schools as far as California joined the fun and duked it out for top honors. Chesterton brought 21 students who competed with 37 different entries. 19 of those entries advanced to the final round, earning a 5th place team finish overall.
There were 3 first-place champions from Chesterton, including TiffanyNichole Nolasco (11) in novice prose interpretation, Caibhan McClure (12) in novice radio speaking, and the team of Joshua Hoover (12) & Jackson Dudek (12) in varsity duo interpretation. Read more...
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITIONS
The following students were recognized by the Duneland School Board members at their Monday, Dec. 5 meeting.
DSC 2022 Winter Card Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the Duneland School Corporation 2022 Winter Card Contest for grades K-8. A winning card design was selected from the elementary, intermediate and middle school level submissions. The winning card designs from each level will be used as the 2022 DSC holiday cards.
2022 Winter Card Winners are:
ELEMENTARY LEVEL
Winner: Arrow Collazo, Brummitt Elementary School, Kdg.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Winner: Dilynn Mahoney, Liberty Intermediate School, 6th grade
MIDDLE LEVEL
Winner: Sloane Colburn, Chesterton Middle School, 8th grade
Each of the winners received art supplies and 10 copies of their cards compliments of Duneland School Corporation, and a gift certificate compliments of the Chesterton Art Center. Submitted holiday cards are on display through January 6, 2022 at the Duneland Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Avenue, Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
CHS Boys Cross Country - IHSAA State Finals
Congratulations to the Boys Cross Country Team on their outstanding season which culminated in a 9th place finish at the IHSAA State Finals. In addition to the team success, three individuals were selected All-DAC: Evan O’Connor, Jackson Tuck and Josh Tuck. In addition all three, along with Bobby Berger, were selected to the All-Sectional, All-Regional and All-Semi-State Teams, as well. Congratulations gentlemen, on your Semi-state Championship and Top 10 finish at the State Meet!
Boys Cross Country team members are: Ben Aitchison, Trevor Arlington, Bobby Berger, Drew Carpenter, Tyler Herzog, Ray Hundt, Matthew Long, David McGrogan, Evan O'Connor, Jackson Tuck, Josh Tuck and Oliver Wilgocki. Coaches are Tim Ray and Tom Moeller.
Gigi Hanner earns NSDA Honor Society Premier Distinction
Congratulations to Chesterton High School Senior Gigi Hanner for earning ‘Premier Distinction,’ the highest degree in the National Speech & Debate Association Honor Society. Fewer than 3% of NSDA members earn Premier Distinction prior to graduation. This milestone is a celebration of the hundreds of hours Gigi has spent preparing, practicing, and competing to hone her communication and leadership skills. At this time, I would like to invite Gigi to come forward for recognition.
School Board Retirement - Ronald ‘Red’ Stone
This past Monday evening was the final meeting for longtime school board member, Red Stone. Red has served on the Duneland School Board for the past 16 years. He began his service to the Duneland Schools on February 6, 2007 after applying for a board-appointed Liberty Township seat following the resignation of Bob Rhoda. After finishing out Bob’s term, Red was re-elected for four consecutive 4-year terms. As we know, Red did not run for re-election in the latest election, instead opting to run, and win, a seat on the Porter County Town Council.
During his 16-years on the school board, Red served as Secretary of the Board for 10 and Vice President of the board for one year in 2020. Red has been an active member of the Indiana School Board Association, receiving several awards for his service and training. In 2010, he received a ‘Level 2’ status as part of the ISBA’s Certification Awards Program for voluntary participation in training activities. In 2019, Red was one of 20 school board members in the state of Indiana to advance to ‘Exemplary’ designation as part of ISBA’s Exemplary Governance Awards program. This designation is bestowed upon those members demonstrating exemplary leadership and serving as models for other board members through continuous engagement in ISBA’s professional development programs. Throughout his time on the school board, Red has been a strong advocate for fiscal transparency, student mental health initiatives, career and technical education, and extracurricular activities.
From the DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT...
Restructuring of Special Education Services
DSC Staff and Families,
The Duneland School Corporation (DSC) belongs to the Porter County Education Services (PCES) interlocal for special education and career and technical education programming and services. In April 2022, DSC stated the following in a letter submitted to PCES:
(We) hope to participate in conversations with the other six PCES districts to decentralize many of the current special education programs, services and/or personnel…preserve programs and positions that provide unique student supports that cannot be replicated in individual districts and/or retain personnel due to financial benefits associated with a shared model.
Any party to the Agreement may withdraw (from the interlocal) by providing notice of such intent two years prior to the expiration of a two-year term. In the event the interlocal is unable to make adjustments within the existing Agreement that align with DSC long-term goals, this letter shall serve as notice pursuant to Section 5.02 of the Agreement that DSC intends to withdraw from the interlocal effective May 1, 2024.
At the PCES Board meeting on December 6, superintendents voted to employ their own building-based special education teachers and paraprofessionals beginning in the 2023-24 school year. This means that the full-time, regular special education teachers who have previously served our district through employment arrangements with PCES, will now become direct employees of our DSC. This is a positive change that DSC has been looking forward to for some time, and it will become a reality in August 2023.
There will not be any change in the delivery of career and technical education programs and special education shared services, such as: speech and language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, deaf and hard of hearing, blind and low vision, and SELF school programming. These services will continue to fall under the PCES umbrella. The interlocal will evaluate the current shared service model during the 2023-24 school year. Any adjustments to the shared services model will not be considered until 2024-25.
What does this mean for my child?
Overall, DSC anticipates improvements in the special education services that are provided to our students and families
With direct oversight over special education staffing, the district will:
Have the ability to streamline and manage the recruitment and retention efforts for the special education staffing in our classrooms.
Have the ability to offer, lead and evaluate professional development opportunities for special education teachers and paraprofessionals.
With a Special Education Director recruited and hired by DSC, this new change will bring about organizational structure and leadership clarity.
The new director will report directly to the DSC Department of Teaching & Learning, which oversees curriculum and development for all students.
The director position will serve in the Superintendent’s leadership cabinet.
With directly employed special education teachers and paraprofessionals, as well as with the addition of the special education director position, our students and families will experience more streamlined and efficient communication channels.
Will Duneland still be a part of PCES in 2024-25?
We look forward to additional conversations about further decentralizing the current model, while preserving shared services that cannot be replicated (at scale) in individual districts. To that end, I’m hopeful we will build on this positive first step for the betterment of our students.
Sincerely,
Chip Pettit, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
TONIGHT: DSC to Host Meeting - Special Education
Decentralizing Special Ed Services in 2023-2024
The Duneland School Corporation has been in discussions with Porter County Educational Services (PCES) on decentralizing some special education services for the 2023-24 school year. Please consider joining DSC Administration on Thursday, December 8 in the Chesterton High School Auditorium from 6:00-7:00 p.m. to learn about the restructure for special education in 2023-24. The following topics will be discussed at the meeting:
- Special Education Leadership
- PCES teachers and paraprofessionals working in Duneland schools becoming DSC employees for the 2023-24 school year
- Evaluation of current programs and services
- Strategic planning
- DSC’s long-term relationship with PCES
- What does this mean for my child?
- Question and Answer
District leaders will share information with parents and the community.
The second quarter/first semester will end, and Winter Recess will begin at the end of the school day on Friday, Dec. 16. All classes will resume on Tuesday, January 3. Report cards will be available in the Skyward Parent Portal on Friday, January 6th at 3:00 p.m.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
The Duneland School Corporation celebrate the season with the 2022 Duneland Music Holiday Concerts.
TONIGHT: CHS Trivia Night
Duneland Early Learning HUB
On December 2, the HUB was invited to present to Mrs. Fortney's Principles of Teaching class at Chesterton High School. We talked about family as a child's first teacher, family engagement and cultural awareness when working with families.
We are looking forward to our Winter Wonderland Trojans Together event tonight. Next week ends quarter 2 for the HUB. Quarter 3 will begin the week of January 9. Registration is available for classes on our webpage; families must be enrolled. https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Page/1860#calendar4786/20221207/month
See ya at the HUB!
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
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.
CHS Boys Baseball Winter Camp
IMPORTANT INFO FOR PARENTS
2022-2023 Procedures for Delaying/Closing Schools
Please review the DSC Procedures for Delaying/Closing Schools in case of inclement weather.
2022-2023 eLearning Guidelines
Guidelines for Students 2022-2023 School Year
Follow the links below by grade level to find the appropriate Unplanned (Virtual - Synchronous) eLearning Day Plan for your student.
Grades K-4 Synchronous Plan - NEW UPDATE!
DSC 2022-2023 Calendar
The REVISED 2022-2023 Duneland School Corporation Calendar is available on our website. Click on the link above to open or visit our website at Resources > Documents and Forms
👀 Looking for dates for NEXT school year? Here is the NEW DSC calendar for 2023-2024
CHS Maroon & Gold Calendar/Bell Schedules
Parent Observer Account
Parents are encouraged to set up their Canvas observer accounts to monitor their students' progress.
Parents can click this link to view how to set up their Parent Observer Account
Link to the Canvas Log In
LONG-TERM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Yost Campus
Liberty Campus
Westchester Campus
At the DSC School Board meeting on Monday, December 5, school board members and the public were updated by Scott Cherry of The Skillman Corporation on the work that has been completed in the last four weeks at each of the current worksites, as well as what will be happening in the upcoming weeks.
The most current information regarding the DSC Long-Term Capital Improvement projects, such as current concept drawings, information and preliminary timelines, are available on the DSC website. The information on the website will be continuously updated as we move forward with the process.
Community members may review the current Long-Term Capital Improvements information that will be continuously updated on the DSC website.
DSC Strategic Plan
The Duneland School Corporation Strategic Plan provides the focus and alignment for the school district over the next 3-4 year. These timelines were revised as of June 2022 to reflect the necessary adjustments to the plan.
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.
NorthShore Clinic for DSC Students
Duneland School Corporation has partnered with NorthShore Health Services and has established a school-based health clinic that is now located in Chesterton Middle School.
This partnership provides access to healthcare for ALL Duneland School students.
Some of the services include:
- Strep Throat
- Ear Infections
- Immunizations
- Sports Physicals
- Treatment for pink eye
- Rashes
- Behavioral health services and referrals
Duneland parents interested in using the school-based clinic for their child will need to have a signed consent form on file. Consent forms are available from your Duneland school nurse or can be obtained at the NorthShore clinic where the visit is scheduled.
Currently Open:
Mondays and Thursdays - 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Tuesdays and Fridays - 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesdays - 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Thursdays - 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Fridays - 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
(Closed on school holidays)
Call: 219-983-3776 x7020 to schedule an appointment
601 W Morgan Avenue
Enter using CMS Door #7
CONTACTING IT SUPPORT
The Duneland School Corporation IT department is committed to making hybrid and remote learning models as successful as possible. To get your problems solved as fast as possible:
- Open a new Freshservice ticket:
- AV number is typically located on a sticker on the back/bottom of the device
- Serial number is also acceptable
- AV number is typically located on a sticker on the back/bottom of the device
- Open a Freshservice ticket by sending an email to: helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us
- Please be sure to include email address, student or staff name, and a description of the problem
- Please use the above best methods to contact the DSC IT Department.
Device Repair
In some cases there will be issues that cannot be resolved remotely. If you have a device that has sustained physical damage (i.e. cracked screen, broken keyboard), please fill out the form below. After submitting the form, a member of the IT department will contact you to schedule your service appointment.
Internet Connectivity
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 for as low as $9.95 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
DECEMBER REFERENDUM SPOTLIGHT
Registered Nurses in Every School Building
On May 7, 2019, residents living in the Duneland School Corporation boundaries voted to continue a twenty-two cents ($0.22) tax levy originally approved in 2012, for the purposes of maintaining the current educational and operational programs of the Duneland School Corporation. This general operating referendum will expire in 2026. Each month, the DuneNews will highlight a different initiative or program being funded by referendum dollars. The Duneland School Corporation thanks the community for their support, and in turn, pledges to be innovative and responsible stewards. This month, DSC highlights Registered Nurses in Every School Building.
The Duneland School Corporation is fortunate to have a registered nurse in each of its school buildings. Only about 50 percent of schools nationwide have a full-time registered nurse for
at least 30 hours per week and 18 percent do
not have a nurse at all.*
A skilled school nurse can be a lifesaver for teachers. School nurses have medical training to deal with the physical and mental illnesses
of students as well as the entire school population. School nurses are a vital part of the health of our schools and community.
* Taken from Building Strong Children: Why We Need Nurses in Schools, by Erin D. Maughan (www.aft.org/ae/spring2016/maughan)
For more referendum information, visit: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/domain/367
CMS/CHS Student PE/Strength Training Uniforms
Purchase your CMS/CHS student P.E./Strength Training uniforms (shorts and t-shirts) online and arrange to have them delivered to your home or pick up at the store.
Duneland School Corporation
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