Believe and Achieve Times

As we approach the SAT exam on Wednesday, March 5, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of this opportunity for our students. The SAT is not just another test—it plays a key role in college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and meeting Indiana’s established benchmarks for graduation pathways.

Achieving the required benchmarks on the SAT can open doors to post-secondary opportunities, whether through college acceptance, trade school, scholarship opportunities, or meeting state graduation requirements. Taking the exam seriously and preparing diligently can make a significant difference in each student's future.

Who should attend?

• All juniors will take the College Board SAT exam on Wednesday, March 5th, at Chesterton High School.
• All 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students should also report to CHS on SAT Test Day.
  • Please arrive at the normal time; juniors arriving after 8:20 AM will not take the SAT test on Wednesday.
• Seniors are exempt from attendance on SAT Test Day, and will not report to CHS. They should use the day for college/career/volunteer opportunities.

What will the schedule at CHS look like?

• All 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students will report to their Advisory classes in the morning.
• 11th grade testing students will receive an email prior to testing, which will indicate their testing location. These will also be printed and displayed by the main office on SAT Test Day.
• 11th grade students at RISE Academy will SAT test at CHS; they should check in inside Door #1 for their testing location.
• Once testing, testing juniors will not be permitted to exit their testing locations or leave school until the end of the testing time window has elapsed. Emergency situations are the exception to this rule, but conflicting appointments should be rescheduled to accommodate testing.
• While 11th grade students begin testing, 9th and 10th grade students will have a resource/study period in their Advisory class until 9:38 AM.
  • 9th and 10th grade students will have the opportunity to begin the dual credit application process during this time. Students will apply for a college number (C#) through Ivy Tech Dual Enroll. 9th and 10th grade students will need their Social Security Number to apply. Applying for a C# is the first step in the process for your student to take dual credit courses at CHS.
• While 11th grade students finish testing, 9th and 10th grade students will report to their 5th block for regular class from 9:44 AM until 11:12 AM
• 7th, and 8th block classes will run as normal for 9th and 10th grade students, as well as 11th grade students testing in standard time. Accommodated testers may run a little later, and will report to their 7th block classes after testing is complete.

What about CTE?

• CTE (Career & Technical Education) transportation will not be available for testing juniors on SAT Test Day.
• If a student has their own transportation, they may report to their CTE placement after testing, but cannot leave their testing room until the testing time period for the entire room has elapsed.

Here is a link to a Smore newsletter with more information on SAT Test Day. Have a great day!

Help VOTE Chesterton High School 'Best Public High School' for the 3rd year in a row! Voting opened TODAY. Participants may vote one time daily in each category today through March 23. Click on the image below of this link to vote today!

https://www.nwitimes.com/exclusive/readerschoice/best-of-the-region-ballot-2025/

Seniors who are six credit hours away or less from earning the Indiana College Core (ICC) certificate have the opportunity to take courses for FREE through Ivy Tech. Students can register for the second spring 8 week session by March 14th. Classes begin March 17th. Students can also register for summer sessions to complete the ICC certificate. Contact Victoria Palomo, our Ivy Tech College Connections Coach, at vpalomo@ivytech.edu, with questions and assistance registering for classes. Students earning the ICC certificate will receive a cord to wear at graduation. Earning the ICC is equivalent to starting college as a Sophomore and saving families up to $10,000!

The CHS Dance Team won the IHSDTA State Championship this past weekend in the AA Jazz category!!!!! The team also placed second in the AAA Kick! Congratulations to all members of the team!

Seniors: Marley Mayer, Amelia Kelly

Juniors: Suzanne Adent, Ashley Bafia

Sophomores: Lana Glazer, Mackenzie Kogl, Zoe Komp, Georgia Peterson

Freshman: Mallory Billings

Coach: Amity McKiddy

Dance Team Captains: Amelia Kelly, Marley Mayer, and Suzanne Adent

Dance Team Members: Ashely Bafia, Mallory Billings, Lana Glazer, Mackenzie Kogl, Zoe Komp, Sydney Johnson, and Georgia Peterson.

The CHS Gymnastics team finished 6th at the IHSAA Sectionals this past weekend and sophomore Sammie Boster advanced to the regionals by claiming the Sectional Championship in Vault, Beam, and Floor! Best of luck to Sammie this coming weekend at the Regional competition at Portage High School.

Vault: Sammie Boster - 9.650 - Sectional Champion!

Beam: Sammie Boster - 9.675 - Sectional Champion!

Floor: Sammie Boster - 9.650 - Sectional Champion!

All-Around: Sammie Boster - 37.775 - Sectional Runner-up!

CHS won the state championship in the third and second-year divisions at the Japanese

Olympiad of Indiana at DePauw University in Greencastle on Saturday. Additionally, the fourth-

year team was runner up. CHS has now won the Japan Bowl/Japanese Olympiad state

championship twenty-five times along with three national Japan Bowl championships and one

national runner-up.

The Japanese Olympiad of Indiana is an academic competition for second, third and

fourth-year students with categories including speaking, culture, kanji characters, proverbs,

listening, geography, history, and onomatopoeic expressions. The students also experienced an

impressive performance by an Indiana taiko drumming group.

The CHS third-year team of Michael Izguerra and Hannah Welch defeated Highland and

FW Carroll high schools in the final round to win the state championship.

In the second-year division, the team of Conleigh Murray, Emily Ilges, and Alina

Summer won their division over FW Carroll and Lafayette Jefferson high schools.

The fourth-year team of Jany Zhang, Ellie Johnson, Maeci Mullet placed second behind

FW Carroll High School, and ahead of Wabash High School.

Marissa Roe, Emily Ponce, and Rylin Rietman placed fourth in the fourth-year division.

Ria Kashyap and Alyssa Malinovsky also placed fourth at the third-year level. The teams are

coached by John Sparks and Akiko Tsugawa.

Names of students in picture:

Front Row – Emily Ponce, Jany Zhang, Hannah Welch, Conleigh Murray, and Ria Kashyap.

Back Row – Aly Malinovsky, Rylin Rietman, Maeci Mullet, Marissa Roe, Michael Izguerra, Ellie Johnson, Emily Ilges, and Alina Summer.

Five Chesterton High School seniors, all Japanese 5 students, have been selected as finalists to compete in the 39th Annual Japanese Speech Contest in Chicago, sponsored by the Consulate General of Japan. This prestigious contest welcomes Japanese learners from elementary school through college across ten Midwest states. The event will take place on Saturday, March 22rd.

Pictured left to right:

Izdel Burruecos-Huerta, Cooper Fowler, Luke Sparks, Carmen Thomas, Milena Letic

CHS freshmen Romu Biokoro was named the Duneland Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year! Romu earned a $1,250 scholarship for this honor. Romu is a leader at our local club and is passionate about stopping bullying in our society. Romu is a positive person and wants to see all treated with respect. Thank you Romu and congratulations!

On February 26th, Mr. Ortiz's Duneland Building Trades class, in collaboration with Mr. Lambersie's Framing and Finishing class, successfully completed the demolition a picnic table shelter at Lakeland Park in Burns Harbor. They completed the entire job, including cleanup and disposal into a dumpster, in just one day—an impressive achievement. The Building Trades class will now construct a new 40' x 22' shelter, set to be ready for the upcoming summer season.

Our 7th annual Reading Retreat was a great success! Over two days we hosted 180 participants who read over 11,100 pages and raised $470 for Kate's Kart, a Fort Wayne-based charity that provides books to NICU and Pediatric wards.

We would like to give a special shout-out to Senora Dyer and Mr. Anderson for bringing their classes! We would also like to recognize Kaelen Mitchell and Daniel Kozaczka-- Kaelen participated for five blocks, and Daniel read over 600 pages!

The CHS Boys' Basketball team finished the regular season with a win over Culver this past Friday. The Trojans enter the sectional competition this coming week with a 16-8 record. The Trojans will take on the Portage Indians this Friday at 6pm at Valparaiso High School! Believe and Achieve Time!!!!

Photos by CHS student Ethan Daily

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.

Design a schedule with unique engineering sessions, a residential tour or an academic campus tour.

· Soak up knowledge from alumni in industry, eager to answer any question.

· Connect with current students to get the scoop about life in Purdue University’s College of Engineering in West Lafayette.

· Learn nitty gritty details from the Office of Admissions, Office of Future Engineers and academic departments.

· Opportunities abound for high school juniors at Exploring Engineering, a free event April 14 offered by the
Women in Engineering Program to pique interest in engineering.

· Participants, whose parents and guardians are welcome to attend, can come for a “meet and greet” on April 13
to get one-on-one meetings with students and staff from various engineering majors.

· Learn more about the program on the Women in Engineering Program website, which also has a link to register.

We are excited to announce that the nomination process is now open for the DSC Teacher of the Year and DSC Employee of the Year awards! This is your opportunity to recognize an outstanding teacher or staff member who has made a meaningful impact on our students and school community. We encourage all students and parents to take a moment to nominate someone who goes above and beyond to support, inspire, and make a difference. Click the link below to access the nomination form and show your appreciation for our incredible DSC educators and staff!

https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/about-us/dsc-teacher-employee-of-the-year

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.

2025-2026 FAFSA Now Open
Students are encouraged to file before Indiana's April 15 deadline

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced today a statewide completion goal for the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Commission’s goal is to have at least 60 percent of high school seniors complete the current FAFSA by Indiana’s deadline of April 15, 2025. The 2025-2026 FAFSA form is currently open.

Additionally, the Commission seeks to increase the total FAFSA filing rate including high school seniors, adult learners, and returning students by at least five percent from the previous year. For 2024, Indiana ranks second in the nation in completion rates for this year’s high school graduating class, with less than a 2-percentage point decline compared to the national average of a near 9-percentage point decline.

“Indiana ranks third in the Midwest and eighth in the nation for our need-based aid opportunities,” said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. “With legislative increases in 2023, Hoosier students have access to even more financial aid than before. Millions of dollars in additional aid are available throughout the next five years, only accessible through the FAFSA.”

The FAFSA not only determines federal grant and scholarship eligibility but is used to award state financial aid, including the Frank O’Bannon Grant, Indiana’s largest need-based financial aid award. It is also necessary for 21st Century Scholars to complete the FAFSA to receive their scholarship.

“While cost remains a high barrier for many Hoosiers looking to pursue education and training after high school, Indiana has opportunities to alleviate those challenges and make higher education accessible,” said Lowery.

FAFSA Week of Action

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) has announced December 9-13 as the FAFSA Week of Action. This week is specifically aimed at encouraging high school seniors to create their StudendAid.Gov Accounts (FSA IDs) and complete the FAFSA. The USDOE and Indiana Commission for Higher Education are encouraging high school counselors, principals and other school leaders, superintendents, after school programs, parent groups, non-profit organizations, and other local and state education organizations to commit to taking action to raise awareness about the FAFSA form.

More resources and information are available through the National College Attainment Network (NCAN).

Creating a StudentAid.Gov account (also called FSA ID account)

Students and parents (of dependent students) or spouses (of independent students) must create a StudentAid.Gov Account (FSA ID) at least three days before filing the FAFSA. Resources needed to create a StudentAid.Gov Account include:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Mailing address
• Personal email address
• A memorable username and password

How to file the 2025-2026 FAFSA

Students can file the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov. Information needed to complete the FAFSA include:

• Gov Account (FSA ID)
• Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned from 2023
• List of any federal benefits received
• Asset information including bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

Help is available

The Commission’s Outreach Coordinators are available to assist students and families in the filing process. Outreach Coordinators are strategically located in eight geographic regions in Indiana and can help students, families, and educators with questions about state financial aid and filing the FAFSA.

To send a direct message to your region’s Outreach Coordinator, visit www.learnmoreindiana.org/contact.

Additional resources:

• Hoosier families can also access free FAFSA help through INvestEd by email (outreach@investedindiana.org) or phone at 317-715-9007.
• ¿Necesitas ayuda en español? Llame al 317-715-9007.
• The U.S. Department of Education provides email and live chat assistance for FAFSA filers as well as a helpline at 1-800-4-FED-AID.

FAFSA filing events

Higher education institutions around the state are hosting FAFSA filing events for students and families.

To view the upcoming events calendar, visit learnmoreindiana.org

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About the Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Created in 1971, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education plans, coordinates and defines Indiana’s postsecondary education system to align higher learning with the needs of students and the state. The Commission also administers Indiana’s financial aid programs, including the 21st Century Scholars early college promise scholarship, which celebrated 30 years in 2020.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emily Price
463-261-7397
eprice@che.in.gov

Daniel Ayres-Kobren
317-232-1032
dayreskobren@che.in.gov

Online registration is now open for State Park Little League Baseball 2025. New or Returning players may register by clicking the State Park Little League logo at left.

Online registration for 2025 Liberty Rec. Baseball and Softball. Register by clicking the Liberty Rec. Baseball and Softball logo at left.

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.

In efforts to help with our arrival and dismissal procedures at CHS the following procedures will be implemented for all student drivers.

All student drivers must purchase a student parking pass and display visibly to park at Chesterton High School. You can pick up a student parking application in the main office. All students need to have a complete application and student parking pass by the end of the day on Wednesday, August 21. There will be no fee for the student parking pass.

Parking Guidelines:

• Students are only allowed to park by Door 31, Door 34, and in the back of the school by the tennis courts.
• Students are NOT allowed to park in the front of the building (west side), which includes the faculty lot and the visitor lot.

Failure to follow this policy could result in disciplinary action and/or loss of driving privileges.

Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines.

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.