December 13, 2024
Westchester Middle School Newsletter
Message from Mrs. Seiss
Dear Westchester Middle School Families,
We have had a productive and exciting week here at Westchester Middle School as we wrap up the Middle of Year (MOY) NWEA testing. Students will be reviewing their results with their ELA and Math teachers to review goals and track their growth as we move forward.
As a reminder, the second quarter will end next Friday, December 20. Students should ensure that all classwork and assessments are completed and turned in before this date. Let’s finish the quarter strong!
Before we head into winter break, we are excited to share that the SAVE Promise Club has partnered with Student Council to organize a fun and meaningful Spirit Week! Here are the daily themes:
- Pajama Day: “Put violence to bed.”
- Ugly Sweater Day: “Your sweater is ugly, but violence is uglier.”
- Holiday Character Day: “Even the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes—stay cheerful this holiday season.”
- Red & Green Day: “Show cheerful colors and advocate for mental health!”
- Hat Day: “Put a lid on violence.”
We hope all students will participate and help spread positivity and cheer as we close out the calendar year!
Winter Break will begin on Monday, December 23, and students will return to school on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Thank you for your continued support this school year. We hope you enjoy some well-deserved time together as a family over the break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025 to finish this school year strong—together!
Wishing you all a safe, happy, and restful holiday season.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Lauren Seiss, WMS Principal
DEF 5th Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser
The Duneland Education Foundation will host their 5th annual Trivia Night on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 5-9 p.m. at the Chesterton Moose Lodge, 602 Broadway in Chesterton. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and trivia will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Teams are strongly encouraged to dress up and decorate their table according to this year’s theme is The Great Outdoors. The cost is $30 per person (age 21 and over) which includes dinner. The maximum team size is eight (8) persons.
First place prize $500; Second place $250; Special Prizes for Best Theme Costumes, Best Theme Table Decor, and Best Team Name; 50/50 Raffle, Heads or Tails, and more.
Buy your tickets now at https://25deftrivia.eventbrite.com/
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:
- Open a IncidentIQ ticket by sending an email to: helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us
- 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
Say Something
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.
DSC Strategic Plan 2024-2028
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.
Emergency School Closing Procedures
As we approach the winter season, please review the procedures for school closings and/or delays that may occur due to inclement weather.
NEW! 2025-2026 DSC Calendar
The Duneland School Corporation School Board of Trustees approved next school year's 2025-2026 district calendar
Click the link above or the image to the right to view or print the 2025-2026 DSC Calendar.