Dear Westchester Middle School Parents,

As we enter the month of October, which is recognized nationwide as Bullying Prevention Month, I want to take this opportunity to remind our school community of our unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every student at Westchester Middle School.

Throughout this month, our school will be engaging in various activities and initiatives designed to highlight the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect. We will be celebrating Start with Hello week, having classroom discussions during Advisory, and other special events that focus on bullying prevention and character development. These activities are designed to empower our students to stand up against bullying and be advocates for a positive school environment.

However, we recognize that creating a bully-free school is a collaborative effort that extends beyond the classroom. We need your support to ensure our students carry these lessons into their everyday lives. Here’s how you can help at home:

1. Open Conversations: Regularly talk to your child about their day, their relationships with classmates, and their experiences at school. Encourage them to share if they see or experience any form of bullying.

2. Model Positive Behavior: Children learn a great deal from observing how adults handle conflict and treat others. By modeling kindness, empathy, and respect at home, you set a strong example for your child to follow.

3. Encourage Inclusivity: Remind your child about the importance of including others and being a friend to those who may seem different or isolated. Being kind to others can make a significant impact on their well-being.

4. Teach Problem-Solving Skills: Help your child understand the difference between conflicts and bullying, and guide them in how to respond to each appropriately. Encourage them to report any bullying to a trusted adult at school or at home.

5. Monitor Online Activity: With the increasing use of technology, cyberbullying has become more prevalent. Please be aware of your child’s online interactions and ensure they are using social media and messaging platforms responsibly.

Throughout Bullying Prevention Month and beyond, we will continue to reinforce our school’s values of kindness, inclusivity, and respect. Together, we can create an environment where every student feels safe, accepted, and empowered to succeed.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us foster a positive and bully-free school community.

Respectfully,

Mrs. Lauren Seiss, WMS Principal

Reminders:

• 48-Hour Attendance Policy for Call Off(s) - Parents/Guardians will have 48 hours to excuse their students absence, after which time it will be considered unexcused.

• Parents who are picking up their child or dropping something off for their child must present a driver's license or state ID to our office staff in order to do so. Also, if a parent sends someone else to pick their student up or drop something off for them, they must not only present identification but must also be on the list in Skyward as a family or emergency contact.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

10/7 (H) 8th Gr. Volleyball vs. Thomas Jefferson at 5:00pm @ WMS

10/7 (A) 7th Gr. Volleyball vs. Thomas Jefferson at 5:00pm @ Thomas Jefferson MS

10/8 (H) Football vs. LaPorte at 6:00pm @ CHS

10/9 (H) 7/8 A Team vs. Lake Station at 5:00pm @ WMS

10/10 (H) 7th Gr. Volleyball vs. Fegely at 5:00pm @ WMS

10/10 (A) 8th Gr. Volleyball vs. Fegely at 5:00pm @ Fegely MS

10/12 8th Gr. A Team Volleyball Invite at 9:00am @ WMS

10/15 (H) 7/8 A Team Volleyball vs. Fegely at 5:00pm @ WMS

10/21 Picture Retake Day

A: Starbucks

Please call our main office at 219-983-3780 to report your student absent with in 48hours.

Attendance questions should be directed to Amanda Ray amray@duneland.k12.in.us

Westchester Middle School 7th grade Math students and Liberty Middle School 8th grade ELA students will be participating in the ILEARN Checkpoint pilot this year. Assessments will be condensed and focus on limited standards during each of the three checkpoints

The Duneland School Corporation has adopted the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System for all grade 5-12 schools this year. The link to the Say Something Tip Line can be found on the DSC website, on the middle and high school websites, and on the DSC Safety and Security page located under Programs and Services.

The DSC Child Nutrition Department is now utilizing NutriSlice as its new 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 items at any of the Duneland Schools. This program will be developed further incorporating images of food items being served at each of the schools.

Breakfast $1.60

Lunch $2.95

ATTENTION!!!

2024-2025 ALL ATHLETES MUST HAVE A CURRENT PHYSICAL ON FILE TO PARTICIPATE!

Middle School Physicals will need to be turned in to coaches or the athletic department, prior to open gym, tryouts, or practices in order to participate.

There are a total of 6 forms that need to be completed. The actual physical is completed by the Dr. and the rest of the forms are completed by the parent(s) and the student. Physicals will not be accepted if there are forms missing!

*Physical Checklist*

• Final Forms Online parent and student
• Physical Examination from the Dr.
• History Form (It is 2 pages)
• Consent and Release Certificate (Make sure insurance information is complete)
• Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Form
• Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities Code of Conduct

Cell Phones, Smart Watches, Earbuds, & Earphones Usage:

7th and 8th grade students are not allowed to use their personal communication devices (cell phones and smart watches) during the instructional day. Items used for communication should be stored in lockers to be kept safe throughout the day. If students need to contact a parent/guardian during the day, they are welcome to do so from the office. Classrooms also have phone access. Similarly, students are not permitted to wear personal earbuds with bluetooth capabilities attached to their phones (e.g. Air Pods, etc.). Students will need to use their school-issued iPad earphones for Exact Path lessons and select ILEARN testing sessions. The only time audio ear pieces are permitted are for teacher-assigned classwork and medically-approved needs.

iPad Use

• iPads are the property of Duneland Schools. Students should keep the devices in operable condition.
• Students should refrain from downloading apps, pics, etc. that are not permitted under school and/or corporation policy.
  
• Students are required to bring their charged iPads to class. Middle school curriculum is designed to utilize iPads for lessons and enrichment activities.

Per our District and Building Safety Plan, we conduct various monthly safety drills. On September 25, 2024, Westchester Intermediate/Middle School will be conducting an Armed Intruder Drill.

Per Indiana Code (IC) 10-21-1-10, during armed intruder drills, Westchester Intermediate/Middle School will:

• Conduct the drill in a practical nature (initiate a school-wide lockdown);

• Have accommodations for students who have mobility restrictions, sensory needs, or auditory or visual limitations;

• Provide access to mental health services on school grounds following the conclusion of a drill; and

• Provide alternative exercises for students who are unable to participate in a drill.

CONTACTING IT SUPPORT

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

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 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

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

WE WANT TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO RIDE THE BUS HOME WITH FRIENDS THAT DO NOT SHARE THE THE SAME DESIGNATED BUS ROUTE. THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE UTMOST CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL OUR STUDENTS.

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.

n 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.