Dear Westchester Middle School Families,

This week has been full of celebration, gratitude, and achievement!

First, A heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible teachers here at Westchester Middle School for the dedication, compassion, and creativity you bring to our classrooms each day. Your impact on our students' growth, confidence, and success is truly immeasurable. We Model Success!

Also, a heartfelt thank you to our amazing Westchester PTO and all the parents who donated snacks and treats during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your kindness and support mean the world to our staff!

We’re also thrilled to share that Ms. Jones was awarded "Best Overall School Presentation" at the Tri-County Jr/Sr High School Art Exhibition—a fantastic honor for our school. Congratulations to her and to all the talented student artists who were recognized:

• 8th Graders: Malaki Goodner, Emery Ho, Averie Kucala, Sophia Lugo, Morgan Millis, Charlotte Morgan, Ella Rak, and Ella Rone

• 7th Graders: Piper Adler, Emily Carnes, Sophia Hailey, Zoey Maldonado, and Olivia Vereb

Our Academic Super Bowl team also performed exceptionally well this past weekend, and we're eagerly awaiting the state results.

In other important news, online registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Please log into your Skyward Parent Access account to complete the registration process at your earliest convenience.

Finally, a special note for our 8th grade families: This has been a unique year! Since Westchester and Liberty Middle School 8th graders were together last year at Chesterton Middle School, we’ve decided to host a combined 8th Grade Farewell Dance (for this year only). The dance will take place on May 23, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Westchester Middle School.

• Tickets are $10 per student

• Attire is semi-formal

• Sales begin Wednesday, May 14, during morning arrival and lunch/recess

We’re looking forward to a great end of the school year and thank you for your continued support!

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:

5/13 - Incoming 7th gr./new families Parent Meeting @ 5:30pm

5/13 - Choir Concert in Gym B @ 7pm

5/14 - Football Callout Meeting durning advisory

5/19 - Band Spring Festival at 7pm @ CHS

5/21 - 8th Grade Award Ceremony in Gym B @ 6pm

5/22 - Orchestra Concert in Gym B @ 7pm

5/23 - 8th Grade Farewell Dance

5/29 - Last day for students

Upcoming ATHLETIC Dates to Remember:

5/5 - (A) Tennis at 5:15pm @ Lake Central

5/5 - (H) Boys Track & Field vs. Taft at 5:00pm @ WMS

5/5 - (A) Girls Track & Field vs. Taft at 5:00pm @ Taft

5/8 - (H) Boys Track & Field vs. Fegely at 5:00pm @ WMS

5/8 - (A) Girls Track & Field vs. Fegely at 5:00pm @ Fegely

5/10 - (H) Chesterton Tennis Invite Home at 10am @ CHS

5/10 - (A) 7/8 Boys & Girls Red Storm Relays at 9:00am @ Lincoln Junior High School

5/12 - (H) Girls Track & Field vs. Liberty at 5:00pm @ WMS

5/12 - (A) Boys Track & Field vs. Liberty at 5:00pm @ LMS

5/14 - Girls Track & Field Conference at 5:00pm @ WMS

5/15 - Boys Track & Field Conference at 5:00pm @ Crown Point

Q: A Hyundai, or the "Moonlight" composition you might listen to while you drive it

A: Sonata

This past Saturday, Westchester Middle School’s Academic Super Bowl teams proudly represented their school at the Regional Super Bowl Contest, bringing home impressive results. The History Team and Science Team each captured first place in their divisions, showcasing their hard work, teamwork, and deep understanding of complex topics. The English Team also delivered an impressive performance, securing a third place finish. The Interdisciplinary Team fought hard in a thrilling, down-to-the-wire competition to earn an outstanding second place, highlighting their ability to make connections across subjects under pressure. The Math Team competed in an especially close contest and finished just shy of third place after a tie-breaker—demonstrating remarkable skill and perseverance in a highly competitive field. State results are pending and will be announced soon.

Congratulations to all team members and coaches for their hard work, determination, and outstanding achievements!

Nurses Day, observed annually on May 7th, is a day dedicated to honoring the vital contributions of nurses to the healthcare system and to society as a whole. This observance is part of National Nurses Week, which runs from May 6th to May 12th in many countries, culminating on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Nurses Day is a moment to recognize the compassion, dedication, and expertise that nurses bring to their work every day. Whether in hospitals, clinics, schools, communities, or homes, nurses play a crucial role in delivering patient-centered care, advocating for public health, and supporting the emotional and physical well-being of those in need.

In recent years, especially during global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the heroism and resilience of nurses have been brought into sharper focus. They have stood on the front lines, often working long hours under difficult conditions, to protect and care for others.

Celebrations on Nurses Day often include thank-you messages, award ceremonies, community events, and acts of appreciation from employers, patients, and the public. It's also a time to reflect on the challenges nurses face—such as staffing shortages, burnout, and workplace safety—and to advocate for better support, education, and working conditions.

Nurses Day is more than just a day of celebration—it's a call to recognize and invest in the people who make healing possible.

Thank you for all that you do for our students at Westchester Middle School!

Several Chesterton High School and Liberty and Westchester Middle School students participated in the 51st annual Tri-County Jr./Sr. High School Art Exhibition at South Shore Arts in Munster, Indiana. Their work will be on display at South Shore Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd., Munster, Indiana through May 11.

Westchester Middle School eighth graders are Malaki Goodner, Emery Ho, Averie Kucala, Sophia Lugo, Morgan Millis, Charlotte Morgan, Ella Rak and Ella Rone; and seventh graders Piper Adler, Emily Carnes, Sophia Hailey, Zoey Maldonado, and Olivia Vereb. WMS teacher is Katherine Jones.

Receiving recognition and monetary awards this year were:

Best Overall School Presentation

Westchester Middle School

Katherine Jones, Teacher

Something to Smile About Scholarship - The KTG Family Scholarship

The "Something to Smile About" Scholarship aims to support Duneland students aged 10-18 who need braces but face financial challenges in obtaining them.

Initiated through the collaboration of a local family and orthodontist, this scholarship provides an opportunity for parents or guardians to ensure their child receives professional orthodontic care, ultimately enhancing their confidence and promoting a positive self-image through a healthy smile.

General Eligibility Requirements:

• Your child is between 10 and 18 years old.

• Your total family income is 200% of the poverty level or less.

• Your child receives regular dental care and has good oral hygiene.

• Your child is not currently in orthodontic treatment or in between phases of treatment.

• Your child has not received previous orthodontic treatment.

• The family contribution is $500.

Downloadable Something to Smile About Application

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!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO ENROLL TODAY!

NWIOS Online School Application

At Duneland, we have spent time digging in and building a deeper understanding of what grades represent for our students. Traditionally, we know that grades evaluate student progress and hold students accountable for their academic performance. For some, it may also reinforce motivation (or not). While we still value these aspects of grading representation, research shows that grading also provides additional valuable insights. Grading also provides students with feedback regarding their progress in the learning process. A grade does not need to be an end-point, but can also represent the growth and development of students. Teacher feedback is known to significantly enhance student achievement when presented in a timely, specific, and actionable manner.

DSC teachers have identified priority achievement standards for each grade level and subject. Utilizing a targeted scope of instruction has also allowed teachers to be specific in grading and sharing feedback with students. At the elementary level, this has been accomplished by using a standards-based report card. Students are provided multiple and ongoing opportunities to demonstrate mastery of the prioritized standards. They receive feedback along the way and are active participants in understanding where they are in their learning process. With older students, this can be accomplished through the mastery learning philosophy or a competency-based framework, by allowing students the time they need to thoroughly grasp a subject or skill.

Embracing new ideas around grading practices takes time to build understanding and modify practices. Our goal is to ensure that student grades are accurate, equitable, and meaningful assessments of their learning.

Students entering Kindergarten: DTaP, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella

Students entering 6th Grade: Tdap, MCV4 (Meningococcal) *Note: Students who are 11 years old are eligible to receive these vaccines

Students entering 12th Grade: MCV4 (Meningococcal) *Note: Students who are 16 years old are eligible to receive the 2nd dose of this vaccine

Summer Reading 2025: 5th-12th grade

One Day ONLY on Saturday, May 17 from 10AM-5PM

Come get a better night's sleep AND support the 7th annual Chesterton MS & HS Band Program MATTRESS SALE FUNDRAISER!

Over 30 styles of quality name brand mattresses like Simmons, Beautyrest, Purple, Helix, and Therapedic are carried and priced below retail. There are also adjustable bases, pillows, sheets and more, all at discount prices and for a great cause!

This is a ONE DAY ONLY event, so help SPREAD THE WORD by inviting all of your family and friends. There will be an entire mattress store set up at CHS. Every purchase benefits the Band Program.

This event will be held in the CHS Cafeteria. Please use Entrance 31.

Link to Duneland Summer Tennis Camp

CHS Girls Basketball Camp 2025 Link to registration for girls in grades K-8

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

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.

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

A Common Sense School is an honor that recognizes efforts in teaching digital citizenship to young people and engaging the entire school community in this important discussion. All of the Duneland Schools currently teach digital citizenship and all five Duneland Elementary schools have received the 2024-2025 Common Sense Education recognition badge and their school media specialists are Common Sense Educators. This recognition acknowledges a school's commitment to creating a culture of digital citizenship.

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

Ready to make a difference in the lives of students? Interested in a fulfilling and rewarding position with no required evening or weekend work? Looking to enjoy the same summer and holiday schedule as your kids? The primary responsibilities of Exceptional Learning (EXL) Instructional Aides range from sharing smiles, making connections, building confidence, encouraging learning, supporting students with instruction in & out of the classroom, and assisting children with self help & self management skills.

DSC is currently searching for select individuals to serve as EXL Instructional Aides. Available positions can start at $19.00, $17.00 or $15.00 per hour. Opportunities exist at elementary, intermediate and secondary levels and can:

• be full-time/benefit-eligible
• be part-time and follow the student school day
• involve sharing the day with a single student
• involve engaging with multiple learners in a classroom setting

To find out more about this opportunity, please see the Instructional Aide EXL job postings on our employment opportunities webpage at: Duneland School Corporation - Frontline Recruitment (applitrack.com)

Did you know that there are more than just teaching jobs at DSC? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive a school bus, or work in a school kitchen?

The Duneland School Corporation will host a job fair event featuring classified (non-teaching) support staff positions in Transportation and Child Nutrition on Saturday, May 10 from 7-10 a.m.; and Saturday, May 17 from 8-11 a.m. Both events will be hosted at the Duneland School Transportation Center, 1012 N Old State Road 49 across from the Coffee Creek Preserve.

The Transportation Department will offer an opportunity to drive a bus around the parking lot with one of Duneland School’s bus trainers and enjoy a cup of coffee and a donut while you speak with Transportation staff members. Personnel will be available to answer your questions and provide information on hours, benefits, and other opportunities within the Duneland School Corporation.

In addition, staff members will also be available from Duneland’s Child Nutrition Department for those attendees who may be interested in a job opportunity in the school kitchens. Child Nutrition positions have flexible schedules, allowing parents to be home with their family and earn while their children learn.

Have little ones and no babysitter? Not a problem, bring them along. DSC staff will provide a coloring station and staff members to watch over the little ones as you learn more about these Duneland School employment opportunities.

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

Need to FIX your Skyward App?

Since the Skyward migration has been completed, the mobile app should automatically pull the new URL. Parents who are not getting the new URL, should remove the current account from the Skyward app and add the account back.

You can verify that the app is using the new URL by performing the following steps in the app:
1. Accounts--Edit
2. Click District. Review the URL under "Connection will be attempted using:"

You can delete the existing connection by performing the following steps in the app:
1. Accounts--Edit
2. Delete

DSC's new Skyward uses the following link: https://skyward.iscorp.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsedudunelandscin/seplog01.w

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.

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

ParentSquare, the new communication platform, allows parents and guardians in DSC to receive all of their communications from the district, schools, classrooms and school activity groups in one unified app and service.

Duneland School Corporation has adopted ParentSquare as its new communication platform for the 2025-2026 school year and will begin inviting DSC families to verify their accounts over the next few months before launching in June.

ParentSquare is a communication platform designed for schools to connect with students’ families and keep them informed. It’s used by K–12 schools and districts to streamline messaging - such as announcements, attendance notifications, event reminders, one-on-one messages, and more - into a single, user-friendly interface. This decision has followed careful consideration of the needs of our school community as well as laws and regulations surrounding student data privacy. ParentSquare will help us to centralize messages and announcements to improve engagement with our students’ parents and guardians.

By unifying multiple tools into one communications app and service, ParentSquare provides a seamless experience for parents and staff. Parents will be able to keep track of news, activities and events from all their children’s schools in one place.

DSC hopes that ParentSquare’s intuitive, two-way platform will foster greater communication and family involvement. With ParentSquare, parents can enjoy photos posted by teachers, fill out forms and permission slips, sign up for parent-teacher conferences, check grades and attendance, and much more. School staff and parents can engage in both one-to-one and group messaging with real-time language translation.

“Effective school-to-home communication has never been more important, which is why Duneland School Corporation adopted the ParentSquare communication platform. We’re looking forward to reaching 100% of our families no matter where they are, unifying all our communications tools, and adopting a more eco-friendly approach by reducing the amount of paper used to send important communications,” said Bridget Martinson, DSC director of Public Relations/Marketing.

DSC’s partnership with ParentSquare will enable stronger engagement between school and home, and help empower everyone within the school community to stay connected and informed. For more information on ParentSquare, please visit www.parentsquare.com.

Beginning in June, DSC will begin migrating to ParentSquare. All communication to parents, staff and students will utilize this platform only beginning on July 1, 2025. If you have not signed up yet, please get the App (iOS or Android) or sign in via the Invite that was sent to your school-related email address. Check out the Parents—Getting Started Video or this Quick Guide

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.

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.