Believe and Achieve Times

We are thrilled to announce that Chesterton High School has been voted "The Best Public High School in the Region" for the third consecutive year! 🎉

This incredible honor is a direct reflection of the amazing students, dedicated teachers and staff, supportive parents, and the phenomenal Duneland community that stands behind us every step of the way. Your continued belief in our mission to provide an outstanding education and prepare students for life beyond high school means everything to us.

At CHS, we don’t just strive for excellence—we live it daily through academic achievement, character, service, and opportunity. Being recognized once again is a celebration of what we’ve built together.

THANK YOU for your unwavering support, school spirit, and partnership.

It’s great to be a Trojan, and it’s even better to share this journey with a community that truly believes in the power of public education.

Brent Martinson - Principal
#WeAreChesterton

Chesterton High School hosted the annual Senior Honors Night on Monday, May 12, 2025 in the CHS Auditorium. Dozens of students were honored with a variety of awards and scholarships.

Department Awards
Department awards went to: Aiden McConnell, Business;

Elayna Doede, Business Technology; Holly Anton, Career Exploration: Internship; Tyler Hardsock, Career Exploration: Work Study; Carmen Thomas, English; Olivia West, Family and Consumer Science; Leo Zairis, Industrial Technology; Lillian Boyter, International Baccalaureate; Natalie Leensvaart, World Language: American Sign Language; Jane Maddex, World Language: French; Dylan Glines, World Language: German; Carmen Thomas, World Language: Japanese; Caroline Mills, World Language: Spanish; Luke Sparks, Mathematics; Archer Lohman, Music; Leo Zairis, Physical Education; Izdel Burruecos Huerta, Science; Michael Shumate, Social Studies; Oliver Dudek, Special Education; Ben Aitchison, Visual Arts; Owen Edlen and Miata Henderson, Athletes of the Year.

US Military Cords were presented to Matthew Carpentier (US Marines), Nicholas Carpentier (US Navy), Russell Dzugas (US Navy), Owen Edlen (US Air Force Academy), MacKenna Freeman (US Army), Sanders Hamilton (US Coast Guard), Paul Logan (US Air Force), Aiden Rogers (US Air Force), Jasmine Santos (US Army), and Nicholas Sutera (US Marines).

IB Stoles were earned by Andrew Adams, Alonzo Anderson, Lillian Boyter, Elena Clark, Alaina Henderson, Hannah Hopkins, Jane Maddex, Marley Mayer, Madeline McCarthy, Madison Morton, Milani Penning, Giszell Pfeiffer, Aubriana Pulsoni, Dex Trzaska, and Kennedy Williamson.

Indiana College Cords were earned by Emmalise Adcock, Samantha Ames, Holly Anton, Hunter Austin, Kieran Barnewall, Ethan Baruth, Calan Berrier, Greenlee Black, Lillian Boyter, Beck Brandstetter, Tyler Brown, Eli Carden, Peyton Chlebowski, Kathleen Coleman, Willem Connors, Dane Cooper, Kolvin Dade, Bethany Delong, Dylan Dixon, Chris Driscoll, Makayla Erickson, Niyelli Estrada, Anisa Faroh, Gabrielle Finke, Colin Fladeland, Nicholas Foust, Jodie Geenen, Savannah Grant, Samuel Griffin, Juliana Guerrero, Megan Hadenfelt, Rilee Henry, Abigail Huijon, Isabella Kelly, Amadeo Kincaid Rivadeneyra, Garett Koch, Mo Koelm, Amelia Leneave, Joseph Lucken, Aiden McConnell, Chloe McGowan, Luke McKee, Gwyneth Medley, Cierra Moore, Colin Neuschafer, George O'Connor, Chloe-Joi Pablo, Gabriela Pappas, Juliana Perez, Ava Persin, Spohia Persin, Kylia Peterson, Ayden Pickering, Aaron Resto, Addisyn Rodriguez, Elian Rodriguez, Marissade Roe, Annette Ruiz-Moreno, Samantha Schmidt, Gabriella Serrano, Madison Soffin, Autumn Spencer, Carmen Stark, Lindsey Stott, Olivia Sundquist, Breanna Wheat, Veronica Wilgocki, and Robert Williams.

Art Achievement Certificates were awarded to Elsa Estridge, Anna Reichler, Bethany Delong, Chris Driscoll, Morgan Kosmatka, Alison Piskula, Samantha Schmidt, Kennedy Williamson, Hannah Armstrong, Ellie McClelland, Kaelen Mitchell, Aubriana Pulsoni and Jasmine Santos.

Business certificates were awarded to Tyler Brown, Adriana Cano, Payton Ciszewski, Jack Delacruz, Elayna Doede, Gabrielle Dunlap, Peace Eiden, Cole Eierman, Samuel Griffin, Tyler Hardsock, Max Hosier, Dallas Howard, Abigail Huijon, Braden Kennelly, Garett Koch, Liam Konopacki, Milena Letic, Damion Lopez, Aiden McConnell, Luke McKee, James Monik, Colin Neuschafer, Ayden Pickering, Eddie Riordan, Vanessa Vega, Jacob Walker, and Emmalise Adcock.

FACS Certificates were awarded to Natalie McGrogan and Kately Rehtorik.

Special Awards
Special awards included:

Ralph D Ayres Memorial Educational Scholarship - Juliana Guerrero

Bailly Elementary PTO Scholarship - Alaina Welsh McGrogan

Chesterton High School Alumni Association Scholarship - Lillian Boyter, Quinn Fleming, Alaina Welsh McGrogan, Carmen Thomas

Chesterton-Porter Rotary Club Scholarships:

Dirk Baer Scholarship - Carmen Thomas

William H. Carmichael - Isabelle Connors

George Krivisky - Claire Demeter, Willem Connors

Alfred P. Nelson Scholarship - Elena Clark

Daughters of the American Revolution Bronze Good Citizen Award - Kelly Swickard

Delta Theta Tau JoAnn Goldman Memorial Nursing Scholarship - Molly Billings

Duneland Teachers Association Scholarship - Logan Arthur, Claire Demeter, Madeline Jakel, Kendall Nelson, Kylia Peterson, Aleksa Sorgic, Marlee Wilson

Duneland United Churches Resale Scholarship - Carmen Thomas

James W. & Betty Dye Foundation Scholarship - Elena Clark, Claire Demeter, Savannah Grant, Amadeo Kincaid Rivedeneyra, Chloe-Joi Pablo, Kylia Peterson

Elks Lodge 500 Most Valuable Student Scholarship -Molly Billings, Anisa Faroh

Field Station Liz Scott Memorial Scholarship - Carmen Thomas

Christel R. Helmchen G.A.P.P. Scholarship - Kennedy Williamson

Kappa Kappa Kappa Scholarships - Alaina Welsh McGrogan, Gabrielle Dunlap, Molly Billings

Dr. Daniel Keilman Memorial Scholarship - Phoenix Bridegroom

Knights of Pythias of Indiana Scholarship - Vanessa Snyder

Adam D. Laughner Memorial Scholarship - Molly Billings

Chesterton Lions Club Scholarship - Tyler Hardsock

Manuzzi Family Scholarships - Madison Buckley, Music; Isabella Kelly, Trade/Technical

The Mighty Oak/Thomas Dubach Scholarship - Andrew Adams

National Honor Society Scholarship - Lilliam Boyter, Juliana Guerrero, Kelly Swickard and Carmen Thomas

Peer Leader Scholarship - Juliana Guerrero and Kelly Swickard

Kathryn Pokorny Memorial Scholarships - Elsa Estridge and Amadeo Kincaid Rivedeneyra, general; Milena Letic, soccer

Westchester Intermediate PTO Scholarship - Marlee Willson

Mitchell A. Winey Memorial Scholarship - Isabella Puglisi

James Van Nevel Scholarship - Amadeo Kincaid Rivedeneyra

Valparaiso Family YMCA Foundation Scholarship - Giszell Pfeiffer

Vinay Suman Das Foundation Scholarship - Alaina Welsh McGrogan and Quinn Fleming

NROTC Pre-Med Scholarship - Nicholas Carpentier

Jackson Pearson Memorial Scholarship - Aleksa Sorgic

Porter County Community Foundation Scholarships:

Lilly Endowment Scholarship - Samuel Macker

Hannah Grace Martinez Memorial Scholarship - Madeline Jakel

Dr. Forchetti Family Chesterton High School Scholarship - Alaina Welsh McGrogan, Alexia Franco, Molly Billings, Carmen Thomas

Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Good Citizen Award - Kylia Peterson, Lillian Boyter

Yost Elementary PTO/Karen Donley Memorial Scholarship - Paige Hancock

Dunes Learning Center Scholarship - Paige Hancock

United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School Certificate of Admittance - Owen Edlen

Liberty Elementary PTO Scholarship - Kylia Peterson

MILITARY AWARDS:

Receiving Military awards were, front row, left to right, Matthew Carpentier (US Marines), MacKenna Freeman (US Army), Paul Logan (US Air Force), Nicholas Sutera (US Marines), Nicholas Carpentier (US Navy), Owen Edlen (US Air Force Academy) and Russell Dzugas (US Navy). Absent from photo is Sanders Hamilton (US Coast Guard), Aiden Rogers (US Air Force) and Jasmine Santos (US Army). Back row, presenters Melissa Carmichael and Tricia Burns, Delta Theta Tau and CHS teacher Dr. Robert Martino.

SPECIAL NAVY ROTC SCHOLARSHIP:

Nicholas Carpentier (US Navy) received a 4-year pre-med scholarship to attend the University of Michigan from the Navy ROTC. Nicholas is pictured with US Navy presenter Senior Chief Petty Officer Dustin Coons

The Navy ROTC Scholarship Program,established to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the United States Navy, plays an important role in preparing mature young men and women for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Navy. Students who apply go through a highly competitive national selection process. With this appointment is an agreement that Nicholas will work hard to earn a top-notch education, uphold the high standards of the United States Navy, and upon his graduation, be commissioned as an Officer in the United States Navy to lead our Sailors. And the Navy agrees to fully fund his education, with additional monthly allowances of up to $400, book stipends, and other financial benefits.

DUNELAND EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS:

Receiving Duneland Education Foundation (DEF) were front row, left to right, Molly Billings - Ralph D. Ayres Memorial Educational Scholarship; Milena Letic - Kathryn Pokorny Memorial Scholarship, Phoenix Bridegroom - Dr. Dan Keilman Memorial Scholarship; Carmen Thomas - Duneland United Churches Resale Scholarship; Andrew Adams - The Mighty Oak/Thomas Dubach Memorial Scholarship; Elsa Estridge - Kathryn Pokorny Memorial General Scholarship; Quinn Fleming - Vinay Suman Das Foundation Scholarship; Sydney Morris - Kathryn Pokorny Memorial Soccer Scholarship; Alaina McGrogan, Vinay Suman Das Foundation Scholarship and Amadeo Kincaid Rivedeneyra - James Van Nevel and Kathryn Pokorny (General) Memorial Scholarships. Back row, presenters CHS Assistant Principal Robert Blumenthal, Kathryn Pokorny Memorial; Suman Das, Vinay Suman Das Foundation; Bill McCarel, The Mighty Oak/Thomas Dubach Memorial; Meg McCarel, DEF Memorial Scholarships; and Kris Van Nevel, James Van Nevel Memorial.

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS:

Receiving Memorial Award Scholarships were, front row, left to right, Isabella Puglisi - Mitchell A. Winey Memorial Scholarship; Aleksa Sorgic - Jackson Pearson Memorial Scholarship; Alaina Welsh McGrogan - Kappa, Kappa, Kappa Scholarship; Carmen Thomas - Field Station Cooperative Preschool Liz Scott Memorial Scholarship ; Alexia Franco - Forchetti Family Scholarship; and Molly Billings - Delta Theta Tau Joann Goldman Memorial and Kappa, Kappa, Kappa Scholarships. Back row, presenters Mark Babcock - Mitchell A. Winey Memorial, Liz Pearson - Jackson Pearson Memorial Scholarship, Alejandra Sierazy - Field Station Cooperative Preschool Liz Scott Memorial, and Tricia Burns and Melissa Carmichael - Delta Theta Tau Joann Goldman Memorial. Absent from photos was recipient Gabrielle Dunlap - Kappa, Kappa, Kappa Scholarship.

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS:

Recipients of community scholarships were, front row, left to right, Molly Billings and Anisa Faroh - Elks Lodge 500 Most Valuable Student Scholarship; Tyler Hardsock - Chesterton Lions Club Scholarship; Carmen Thomas - Chesterton-Porter Rotary (Dirk E. Baer Scholarship); Chesterton-Porter Rotary Scholarships: Elena Clark (Alfred P. Nelson Scholarship), Claire Demeter and Willem Connors (George Krivisky Scholarship), and Isabelle Connors (William H. Carmichael Scholarship). Absent from photos was recipient Vanessa Snyder - Knights of Pythias of Indiana Scholarship. Back row, scholarship presenters Robert McCasland, Elks Lodge; Barb Wilson, Lions Club; and Barbara Black and Bonnie Hawksworth, Chesterton-Porter Rotary.

Additional recipients of community awards and scholarships were, front row, left to right, Kelly Swickard - Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award; Kylia Peterson and Lillian Boyter - Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Good Citizen Award; Alaina McGrogan and Molly Billings - Kappa Kappa Kappa Scholarship; Madison Buckley (Music), Isabella Kelly (Trade/Technical/Business) - Manuzzi Family Scholarships; Giszelle Pfeiffer - Valparaiso Family YMCA Scholarships. Absent from photo was Gabrielle Dunlap - Kappa Kappa Kappa Scholarship. Back row, presenters Tacy Borgman - Daughters of the American Revolution; Wayne Carr and Lowell Black - Sons of the American Revolution; Principal Brent Martinson and Assistant Principal Robert Blumenthal.

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS:

Recipients of school and community scholarships were, front row, left to right, Lillian Boyter and Alaina Welsh McGrogan - CHS Alumni Association Scholarship; Marlee WIlson, Aleksa Sorgic, Kendall Nelson and Madeline Jakel - Duneland Teachers' Scholarship; Quinn Fleming - CHS Alumni Association Scholarship; Logan Arthur and Claire Demeter - Duneland Teachers' Scholarship; Carmen Thomas - CHS Alumni Association Scholarship; and Kylia Peterson - Duneland Teachers' Scholarship. Back row, presenters Assistant Principal Robert Blumenthal; and Lindsay Moskalick; Duneland Teachers' Scholarship; and Principal Brent Martinson - CHS Alumni Association.

SCHOOL AND PTO SCHOLARSHIPS:

Receiving school and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) scholarships were, front, left to right, Kelly Swickard - Peer Leader Scholarship; Marlee Wilson - Westchester Intermediate PTO; Kylia Peterson - Liberty Elementary PTO Scholarship; Alaina Welsh McGrogan- Bailly Elementary PTO Scholarship; and, Lillian Boyter and Carmen Thomas - National Honor Society Scholarship. Back row, presenters Shawn Longacre - Westchester Intermediate PTO and Bryan Nallenweg- National Honor Society.

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! If you haven’t already, please log into your Skyward Parent Access to complete your registration. We are aiming to have all registrations completed by the last day of school, May 29, 2025.

Need help or more details? Visit our registration website for all the info you need, including tips for using Skyward Parent Access.

Duneland 2025-2026 Registration

During school hours you can also contact your child’s school for help and support if needed. We appreciate you taking the time to get this completed!

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All 12th grade students are required to have a meningitis booster by senior year which would mean a total of two meningitis vaccines. Additionally, 2 doses of the meningococcal type B vaccine are strongly recommended. After your student has been vaccinated, please provide a copy of the vaccine date to the health clinic at CHS.

As we prepare for the upcoming soccer renovation construction project, I want to inform you of necessary parking adjustments that will take effect on Monday, March 31, and remain in place for the remainder of the school year.

Key Changes:

• The parking lot between the soccer field and tennis courts, as well as the 28 spaces in front of the soccer stadium, will be closed for the remainder of the school year.

• All staff who currently park in these areas will now park in the faculty lot on the west side of the building.

• All PM vocational students will be issued a laminated parking pass, which must be displayed at all times. These students are the only students permitted to park in the faculty lot, specifically in the last row closest to 11th Street.

• Students who fail to park in their designated area may face disciplinary consequences, including the potential loss of driving privileges at CHS.

While we recognize that construction projects can cause temporary inconveniences, this renovation will ultimately enhance a majority of our programs and provide all of our students with more field space, benefiting CHS for years to come.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work through these necessary improvements. I appreciate your flexibility, and I hope you all have a wonderful and restful Spring Break!

May 12: Senior Honors Night: 6pm - 12th grade by invitation only - Auditorium - Door 31

May 23: Senior Banquet: 6pm : CHS Cafeteria

May 23, 27, 28, 29: Final Exams

May 29: Last day of school

Dear Families,

We are excited to announce that we have adopted a new form of school-to-home communication at called ParentSquare for the 2025-2026 school year. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with [school or district name]. It provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to:

• Send and receive school and class information

• Share pictures and files

• See calendar items

• Sign up to volunteer

• Schedule parent-teacher conferences

• and much more . . . all in one centralized place!

Parents—Getting Started Video

All district and school, grade level and classroom information will now be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text. For even more convenience, download the ParentSquare app (available for free for iOS and Android devices).

Have questions? Click the question mark in the top right corner of the desktop version or the Help tab on the app (tap the triple bar icon at the top left) to find answers to most of your questions.

This communication addresses the increasing prevalence of Virtual Private Network (VPN)

usage and aims to provide clarity on its implications for online safety and security.

What is a VPN?

A VPN establishes a secure, encrypted connection between a user's device and the internet.

This encrypted "tunnel" can enhance privacy by masking internet traffic, potentially

protecting browsing history and location data.

Why are we talking about VPN’s?

We have observed a rise in VPN usage among students. While VPNs can offer certain

benefits, it is important to select reputable providers to mitigate potential risks.

Key Considerations:

● Data Transmission and Trust: When utilizing a VPN, internet traffic is routed

through the provider's servers. Selecting an untrustworthy provider may compromise

sensitive information, including browsing history and credentials.

● Server Infrastructure and Security: The security and location of VPN servers

significantly impact data protection. Providers utilizing servers in insecure or

unknown locations increase the risk of unauthorized access.

● Limitations of Anonymity: It is important to understand that VPNs do not

guarantee complete online anonymity. Less reputable VPN providers may still collect

and track user data. Free VPN’s almost certainly collect and track user data AND

expose account information to the provider.

Recommendations:

We strongly advise careful consideration before utilizing any VPN service, particularly those

from unknown sources and free VPN’s. Please prioritize thorough research to identify reliable

and trustworthy providers.

Our primary objective is to foster a secure online environment for all students. Should you

have any inquiries or require further clarification, please contact our helpdesk at helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us.

Capital Improvements for 2025

The Duneland School Corporation will continue to improve current facilities to enhance the student experience with the following capital improvements in 2025: playground replacements at Bailly, Brummitt, Jackson, and Liberty elementary schools and soccer stadium renovations and carpet replacement at Chesterton High School. This presentation below provides additional details on the scope of each project. Concept drawings and timelines regarding 2021-2025 capital improvement projects are available on the DSC website.

We want to take a moment to share how much we value your presence at school each day. Your attendance not only supports your academic success but also plays a vital role in creating a vibrant, positive school culture. Each student brings unique talents, ideas, and energy that enriches our community and makes a difference in our classrooms, hallways, and beyond.

When you’re here, you’re part of a team that values growth, kindness, and achievement. We are thrilled to see you each morning, ready to learn, connect, and make memories. Together, we build a stronger, more connected school where everyone has a place to thrive.

Thank you for your commitment to being here and for contributing to the wonderful atmosphere at our school. Let’s make this year one of connection, success, and positivity. We are so glad you’re here with us!

On Monday, October 7, 2024, the Duneland School Board approved a K-12 addendum for all school handbooks. This addendum addresses how school administration responds to threats of violence made by students. It is important that students know of the potential repercussions of their words. The schools will be addressing this addendum with students prior to it going into effect on Monday, October 14, 2024. This addendum, is also available in each of the school handbooks under Student Code of Conduct/Specific Rules of Behavior.

This past July, the Town of Dune Acres gifted Chesterton High School with a donation towards drug awareness and education for students and families. Duneland School SROs have worked closely with Chesterton administration to cultivate educational opportunities, using materials purchased through Human Media Relations, to help students who may struggle with vaping and drug pressures.

Deferment course materials, in tandem with family conferences, are aimed towards giving students more knowledge about the dangers of vaping and controlled substances, as well as establishing trusted working relationships between the school, SROs, and families.

On July 1, 2024, the Indiana Legislators enacted a new law for all K-12 schools in Indiana. The law reads as follows:

Electronic Devices (P.L. 108-1994, HEA 1202): Wireless Communication Devices

Per IC 20-26-5-40.7: the use of wireless communication devices, including but not limited to cellular telephones, tablet computers, laptop computers, gaming devices, smartwatches, etc., is strictly prohibited during academic class periods unless explicitly authorized by the teacher for educational purposes.

Students are permitted to use a wireless communication device in the event of a health or safety emergency or to manage health care as specifically defined in the student’s Individualized Health Plan (IHP), Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and/or Section 504 Plan.

A wireless communication device is defined by Indiana law as any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties.

Chesterton High School’s new policy regarding wireless communication devices includes cell phones, earbuds/headphones, smartwatches, and any other auxiliary device that can be paired with a cellular phone. When a student is directed by a teacher or staff member to follow the established classroom phone/wireless communication policy, noncompliant students will be referred to the office and are subject to disciplinary action for insubordination.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us create a focused and productive learning environment at CHS.

Thank you to all of our students and parents for helping us get off to a good start regarding our arrival and dismissal procedures! We will continue to make adjustments to effectively get our buses out and on their routes. When we work together then we can accomplish anything!

Key Changes:

• Morning Drop-Off: All students being dropped off before 8:10 AM must be dropped off at Door 34 or Door 31.
• Afternoon Pick-Up: All students being picked up after 3:10 PM must be picked up at Door 34 or Door 31.

This change is being made to ensure that our buses can enter and exit CHS safely and on time.

We appreciate your cooperation in following this new policy and helping us maintain a smooth and efficient arrival and dismissal process for all students.

Thank you for your continued support.

CHS currently offers 67 Dual Credit courses! Our goal at CHS is for 75% or more of our students to earn dual credit while they are in high school and 40% of our seniors to earn 1 years worth of college credit. We have dual credit partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue Northwest, Ball State University, University of Southern Indiana, Vincennes University, and Indiana University. Ivy Tech is our main partner for dual credit opportunities. We offer many courses through our Dual Credit partnerships that are part of the Indiana College Core (ICC) Transfer Library. This means that students who take these FREE courses will be able to transfer those college credits to any state funded institution. The current cost of a year of college at a state funded school (ex. IU or Purdue) is approximately $10,000 for tuition plus room and board. By earning these credits at CHS you could save A LOT of money!

To be eligible for dual credit, students need to apply to Ivy Tech AND earn a score of 70 or higher on both English and Math STEM Knowledge Assessments BEFORE registering for a dual credit course.

Scan the QR Code below for the steps to apply for Ivy Tech Dual Credit courses. Once you apply, you will be able to register for dual credit courses. If you have any questions or need assistance contact Mrs. Tiffany Hawkins, CHS Assistant Principal, at 219-983-3730 or thawkins@duneland.k12.in.us.