DuneNews

Did you know Artificial Intelligence (AI) dates back to the 1950s? John McCarthy introduced the term while his computer science team explored the notion that machines, just as humans, should be able to use information and reason to solve problems and make decisions. By the 1970s, computers were the “wave of the future” and demonstrated the ability to think abstractly and mirror human language processing. In the 1980s, work to connect information from a user’s experience to computers began. This enhanced the experience and connection beyond technology’s ability to share information and added a personalized humanistic component. The 2000s brought us to where we are today with access to Generative AI models that can create human-like content that is trainable through advanced human interaction and feedback.

This small bit of background information brings us to today and the impact that AI is having on our classrooms. Although AI may seem like a new concept, it has been slowly making its way into our lives for many years, and it’s certainly not going away. So, how do educators seek to understand the world that our students are living in and best prepare them for what their future looks like concerning technology? In Duneland, we began by accepting the potential impact of this “new” tool and built opportunities for students to practice using AI in appropriate ways in the classroom.

Duneland School Corporation formed an AI committee this school year, and their first task was to create usage guidelines for students. The team was comprised of teachers, school administrators, and district administrators. Together, they worked to build the Generative AI Acceptable Use Scale. This scale will be used in classrooms to establish expectations for classroom AI use and teach students how to use AI appropriately. The next charge of the committee is to establish guidelines for teacher usage as it pertains to providing students with feedback and grading student work.

There are still many unknowns, and we need to continue to work through some uncharted territory to land in the right spot. Ultimately, we want to support our students in their preparation for future enrollment, employment, and enlistment, while staff continue to learn how to use and support AI in the classroom.

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

Student Enrollment is the one-time process of arranging to attend Duneland School Corporation. Once a student is enrolled with Duneland School Corporation, they are eligible to proceed with registration.

Registration is the yearly process of reviewing and updating student information completed electronically prior to the start of school.

The 2025-26 online registration has opened earlier this year so that ALL DSC students are registered by the end of the 2024-2025 school year. To register your children online visit: Parent Access Portal through Skyward. Thank you for your time in reviewing and editing this vital information regarding your student(s) for the schools.

Incoming Kindergarten students who enrolled at 2025 Kindergarten Round Up should also complete the registration process.

Click on the links below to view the third quarter honor rolls at each school:

Liberty Intermediate School

Westchester Intermediate School

Liberty Middle School

Westchester Middle School

Chesterton High School

Left to right, mother Rachel Perry; brother Eric Breden;Young Citizenship recipient Alexander Breden; Christy Jarka, administrator of NWIOS; and Duneland Exchange Club representatives Bob Capehart and Maria Bachuchin.

The Duneland Exchange Club recently presented eighth grader Alexander Breden of the Northwest Indiana Online School with the Young Citizenship award. This award is given to a student who is an all-around good citizen. The club presents this award to one fourth grade student at each of the five Duneland elementary schools, at the sixth grade level at each of the intermediate schools and at the eighth grade level at each of the middle schools and NWI Online School.

Alexander has been enrolled in Duneland's online school since 2021. He has continually been on pace with his assignments and in good status with attendance for classwork and in-person assessments. He is an exemplary NWIOS student.

The Duneland Exchange Club recently presented fourth grader Paisley Tesanovich of Liberty Elementary School with the Young Citizenship award. This award is given to a student who is an all-around good citizen. The club presents this award to one fourth grade student at each of the five Duneland elementary schools, at the sixth grade level at each of the intermediate schools and at the eighth grade level at each of the middle schools and NWI Online School.

Essay winner Grace Hodsden, center, with Assistant Principal Angela Grayson and Principal Mike Hamacher

Congratulations to LMS eighth grader Grace Hodsden for winning first place in the middle school division of the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) sponsored Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. Hodsden will receive a $500 prize for winning first place. Grace's winning essay

Each year, the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) sponsors an essay contest for students in middle school and high school. Students entering the contest are asked to write an essay based on a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Up to five essays may be submitted by a member school. This year’s topic was to explain what Dr. King’s quote meant to them: "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” In addition, students had to explain how his legacy would change their lives.

In January, Mrs. Clindaniel's English classes were asked to write an essay using this prompt. Five Liberty Middle School student essays were chosen to be entered into the contest. Those students are: Oliver McEvoy, Grace Hodsden, Vishva Bharath, Makenzie Soto, and Elizabeth Bugajski.

Congratulations to all of the Duneland School students who won the Duneland Exchange Club Talent Show on April 12!

The Duneland Exchange Club hosted its annual Recognition Breakfast at Sand Creek Country Club to honor students.

Left to right, DEC Representative Jackie Ruge-Perkins, Duneland Schools Superintendent Dr. Chip Pettit, Recipient Sam Macker, parents Nick and Ann Macker, and CHS Principal Brent Martinson,

Duneland Exchange Club's (DEC ) Annual Talent Show financially supports the Natural Helpers at Chesterton High School. Left to right, Maria Bachuchin, DEC representative presented a check to CHS Club Sponsor Cary Knauff.

Left to right, Duneland Schools Superintendent Dr. Chip Pettit, father Shawn Thomas father, Accepting the Challenge of Excellence (ACE) Award Recipient Carmen Thomas, mother Elizabeth Thomas and CHSS Principal Brent Martinson.

Congratulations to Dr. Chip Pettit for being chosen by members of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents as the 2026 Superintendent of the Year for District I.

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

Separate invitations will be provided for families interested in KinderCamp, our Pre Kindergarten Program.

Need Skyward Support? If you need support in registering for summer school within the Skyward Arena Scheduling please call your child’s school and the Skyward/Office Administrative Assistant can provide support.

Should you have any questions about summer school programming please contact the following:

Grades PreK-7 - Call the Department of Teaching & Learning at 219-983-3656

Grades 8-12 - Contact the CHS Counseling Office at 219-983-3730

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 Duneland School Corporation. 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.

The goal of the Duneland School Corporation district school newsletters is to inform students, parents and the school community about school-related information.

The Duneland Schools share information that pertains to opportunities our students may be interested in and outside of school on a special page on our website. These available opportunities are offered by not-for-profit partnerships and organizations within our school district boundaries and local communities. Follow this link to Community Opportunities.

Want your event/activity/camp posted on this page? Submit a request by email with the flyer/information to the Duneland Schools Administrative Center to ahicks@duneland.k12.in.us and bmartinson@duneland.k12.in.us.

It's Dad's turn to tell his three rambunctious kids their bedtime stories, but when he gets fuzzy on the details, the classics get creative: a prince with a snoring problem spices up The Princess and The Pea, The Boy Who Cried Wolf cries dinosaur instead, and Rumpelstiltskin helps turn all that pesky gold into straw. You may think you know your fairy tales, but not the way Dad tells them.

As part of the Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon, a student-led philanthropic movement across the country, Chesterton High School’s own Philanthropy Club has been raising critical funds and awareness for our Children's Miracle Network Hospital, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. The student club joined this empowering movement to bring hope, stand together, and dance for those children in the face of illness. Kids can't wait so neither should you! Please join the CHS Philathropy Club members on Saturday April 26, from 5-8 p.m. at the CHS Field House, 2125 S 11th Street, Entrance 31, to celebrate the fundraising efforts of the year. The evening will feature dancing, games, pizza, and big reveal of the total donation to Lurie Children’s Hospital. Please register using the link or QR code! All are welcome to attend! Can’t wait to see you there!

Link to Duneland Summer Tennis Camp

Trojan Volleyball Camp 2025 Link to registration

CHS Boys Basketball Camp 2025 Link to registration for boys in grades K-8

Link to K-6 Little Trojan Football Camp

Link to (A) Summer - Position Skills Camp Grades 5-8

Link to (B) MAY Football Skills Camp Grades 5-7 (as of spring of '25)

Due to a program conflict, this event has been rescheduled to Wednesda,y April 30.

Please RSVP to this final Parent Ambassador meeting of the year to Lisa Ilgin at 219-983-3600 or lilgin@duneland.k12.in.us

Mark you calendar for this informational evening for incoming Westchester Middle School students and parents.

WHEN: Saturday, July 12, 2025

WHERE: Spa Special Events Center - 333 N Mineral Spring Road, Porter, IN

TIME: 6-10 p.m.

Click for more details on the Class of 1990 Reunion

CHS Class of 1974 is turning the page on the big reunions of the past…mark your calendar for the third Saturday in July this year and every year after!

Who: CHS Class of 1974, Spouse/Guest
What: First Annual Reunion
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 5pm
Where: Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria
371 Indian Boundary Rd.
Chesterton, IN 46304
(A collection for the buffet will be taken day of)
Reach out to the Class email with contact information updates and/or questions at: chestertonclassof1974@gmail.com

The Duneland School Corporation Early Learning HUB is proud to be the first birth-to-school initiative in Porter County. It’s a special place where caregivers and children can come together to learn, play, and grow.

This April, the HUB is exploring exciting topics like rainbows, plants, food, and so much more with our families. If you have children ages 0-5, we invite you to join us Monday through Friday at the HUB for some fun and engaging activities!

Don’t miss out on this FREE program—visit our DSC website to learn more and get involved!

DSC Duneland Early Learning HUB

The Trojan Learning Center (TLC) provides a variety of educational opportunities designed to support young children and their families. Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:

• Duneland Early Learning HUB
  A FREE program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers, offering birth-to-school educational experiences. Learn more about this exciting initiative here: Duneland Early Learning HUB.
• Preschool Programs
  Tailored programs for children ages 3-5 with developmental delays and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Duneland Family YMCA Partnership
  In collaboration with the Duneland Family YMCA, we offer two additional preschool classrooms, expanding learning options and enhancing the educational experience.

Our preschool programs are grounded in a research-based curriculum that promotes children’s social skills and emotional development. At TLC, we ensure every child is immersed in a nurturing, engaging environment with activities designed to bring all preschoolers together!

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
• 
  

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.

Did you know that Duneland Schools has an online Spirit Wear Stores where you can buy your Duneland all school spirit wear? Check out our Spirit Wear Store platform at: https://dunelandschoolsopenstores.itemorder.com/shop/home/

The DSC Child Nutrition Department utilizes NutriSlice as its 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 menu item at any of the Duneland Schools. This program will be developed further incorporating images of the actual food items being served at each of the Duneland schools.

In 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 Board of School Trustees for the Duneland School Corporation approved the new DSC Strategic Plan at its December 4, 2023 regular meeting. The plan will guide DSC for the next five years in the areas of Student Achievement, Safety & Operations, People & Culture, and Finance & Facilities.

These timelines were revised as of December 2024 to reflect necessary adjustments to the plan and to ensure the continued success and growth of our educational community.

Click this link to view the new 2024-2028 Strategic Plan

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

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

Email: bmartinson@duneland.k12.in.us

Website: www.duneland.k12.in.us
Location: 601 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: 219-983-3600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunelandschools/
Twitter: @dunelandk12