Believe and Achieve Times

CHS Senior Alaina Welsh McGrogan was named an Indiana Academic All-Star on Thursday, April 24. Alaina was named was one of the top 40 students in Indiana for her academic accomplishments. Alaina chose her biology teacher, Mrs. Katie Mueller, as her most influential educator:

Achievements:

National Merit Commended Student, Rising Star of Indiana, AP Scholar with Distinction, National German Exam Bronze Medalist.

Activities:

Academic Spell Bowl, Academic Super Bowl, Team Captain of the Speech and Debate team, Team Captain of the Science Olympiad team, Team Captain of the Cross-Country team, Track and Field member, Natural Helpers, Hospital Volunteer, Sending Sunshine Chapter Leader, and Indiana Youth Advisory Council for District 4.

Alaina plans to attend the University of Chicago in the fall and study to become a Neurosurgeon. Congratulations Alaina!

We would like to inform you that the access road next to the soccer field will be closed on Monday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 6. The closure is necessary so crews can complete important work to tie into the water main for the construction of our new athletic building.

• The road will close after 8:30 AM on Monday, May 5.

• It will remain closed through the end of the day on Tuesday, May 6.

• Normal access will resume on Wednesday, May 7.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue to improve our facilities. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your cooperation!

On April 23, 2025-The SAVE Promise club hosted a mental awareness event during SRT. The first session was from 9:50 to 10:20 and the second session was from 10:25 to 11:00 in the media center. Each SRT teacher was given 2 passes for each session. The passes are to be handed out to any Junior and/or Senior that is interested in attending from your SRT. There were tables set up in the media center with resources, presentations, and demonstrations on how to help students reduce stress. Such as acupuncturist, therapeutic dog, brain-break activities, nutrition, and how to improve your sleep etc. This was our first year hosting this event. We had limited space and limited time. Thank you! Save Promise Club Members

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 2: Senior Decision Day: - All lunches

May 3: Prom: 6-10pm - Duneland Falls

May 7: 5% Banquet - Invitation only: 6pm - Spa

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

Registration for DSC 2025 Summer School programs will open up on Monday, March 17. New this year is the ability for parents to register for summer school via the Skyward Family Access. For directions on how to register your child please follow the links below based on the current grade level of your student.

Instructions for Grades K-7 - Registration Open March 17 - April 15

Instructions for Grades 8-12 - Registration Open March 17 - May 2

Note: Students in grades 8-12 who are interested in taking PE should review the additional information on the Flex PE Credit and reduced diploma requirements prior to registering.

Grades PreK-7 Summer School will take place at Liberty Elementary School from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Session 1 Only. Grades 8-12 Summer School will take place at Chesterton High School from 7:30 a.m. - 12:55 pm for both Session 1 and 2.

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

he "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

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.