• Who needs support at home, in school, and in the community? ... Every Child!
• Who needs our guidance, attention, and patience today and every day? ... Every Child!
• Who will shape the future of our world tomorrow and in the years to come? ... Every Child!

Dear WIS Family,

This is a reminder that students are not permitted to have cell phones, Apple Watches, or other personal technology devices on them during the school day. If these items are brought to school, they must be secured in the student’s locker. Keeping these devices stored ensures that students remain focused on their learning and minimizes distractions in the classroom. We appreciate your support in reinforcing this expectation with your child.

Mr. Longacre

slongacre@duneland.k12.in.us

We are striving to achieve a 96% attendance rate this year at WIS.

5th Grade 93.4918%

6th Grade 92.9336%

When needing to report a student absence, parents/guardians should call (219-983-3710) or email (mkowalecki@duneland.k12.in.us) the attendance secretary in the WIS office by 9:00 am on the day of the absence. If the school sends a student home early, then no notification is required.

We are excited to announce that this year’s yearbook will include both Westchester Intermediate School (WIS) and Westchester Middle School (WMS). Yearbooks are available for $30.00, and you can order directly through this link: Order Yearbooks Here.

Sixth grade students will have the opportunity to participate in both WIS intramural sports and Westchester Middle School athletics. If your child wants to participate in middle school sports, they must have a current physical on file, dated after 4/1/24. Sixth grade students can ONLY participate in Middle School Cross Country, Westling, and Track and Field. This fall, students can participate in Middle School Cross Country. Mr. Rich Gross rgross@duneland.k12.in.us is the athletic director for Westchester Campus. Please reach out to Mr. Gross with any questions.

Current 5th graders, this is what you have been waiting for?

Beginning Band information for Summer 2025 and next school year is ready!

Join the band and learn to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. This opportunity is available to all 5th grade students.

· In Person Instrument Try-Outs are February 25 (LIS) and 26 (WIS) at CHS

· Summer Band is August 4-7.

· Registration Forms are due February 12. Join us and be a part of the Band!

“Join Band!” Web Link

Language Arts

• Last week, we made it to the top of Plot Mountain in the novel City of Ember. This week, we'll read the exciting, surprise ending. We'll also continue to work on our grammar skills, as well as practice writing a RACE response. Honors ELA - Last week, to go along with Johnny Tremain, students got the opportunity to be silversmiths by creating their own Lyte Cup. As we continue reading, students continue to make connections between what we're learning in social studies and the novel. In addition, students are making connections between life in colonial times and the 21st century.

Math

• Students will continue to work on adding and subtracting mixed numbers this week. There will be a CSA on Thursday. Students will also review decimal division. There will be a retake opportunity for that test available at some point this week. If your student scored below 70% on the original test, the retake is mandatory and teachers will be helping your student master this skill. Next week, we will begin multiplying fractions.

Social Studies

• Last week, we concluded our unit on the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War. This week, we will be taking our CSA over the unit, and begin looking at the Constitution.

Science

• Last week we spent time learning about stars. We learned that while the sun appears to be a large star, it is classified as an average size star. We also did some research on constellations. To end the week, students participated in a lab that allowed them to create a model of the solar system using Play-Doh. This week we will begin a two week project that will require the students to create a space probe/orbiter or rover.

Language Arts

• This week students will write an argumentative essay about the three leading factors that led to the Titanic tragedy. There will be a summative test on evaluating arguments this week.

Math

• This 4-day week in math: We continue to work on ratios, rates, and proportions. We continue to work with fractions, decimals, and order of operations. Students need to continue working on getting all assignments completed on time, having a fully charged iPad, and being in attendance for class. Happy Valentine’s Day to all and enjoy the 4-day weekend.

Social Studies

• Students will continue with reviewing the roles and purposes of our government. Our main focus this week will be on the system of checks and balances and the separation of powers between the three main branches of government. Looking into the specific responsibilities held by these branches and understanding the importance of separation of powers will be stressed.

Science

• Students will be doing a lab showing reflection, refraction, absorption and transmission of light. They will also be looking at materials that are transparent, translucent, and opaque. Students will be answering questions about each station of this lab. Students will need to study for the electromagnetic and wave behavior CSA on Wednesday and Thursday. Have a great long weekend.

PE

• In PE this week, we will be starting Spikeball. Students will play some lead-up games and then play actual Spikeball games.

Art

• This week in art students will wrap up their art rotation by completing our Bright Wishes Chalk Pastel projects along with our Doodle Monsters project. Students will begin a new related arts rotation next Monday.

  
  

Music

• Students will begin our new rotation this week. 5th graders will be on recorders. Students who still have their recorder from last year can bring it, otherwise one will be provided for use during class. 6th graders will begin on keyboards this week. All students in music should bring their iPad.

PLTW

• 5th graders will redesign their robots for their final Battle Bot Challenge and will also get more practice with coding. 6th graders will explore how to use lights and servo motors with the Micro:bits.

Media

• Students will begin their new RA rotation this week. 5th graders will be introduced to digital citizenship modules and 6th grade will be starting digital technology lessons.

Our Trojan Cafe has a new look! We have a new serving area with 2 lines to serve our students. We will also have new trays available for our students to use during lunch.

Please help your student memorize their student identification number, as they will need to know this number in order to purchase their lunch.

Here are the meal prices for the 2024-25 school year.

Elementary Breakfast Price: $1.45

Elementary Lunch Price: $2.55

Intermediate/Middle/High Breakfast Price: $1.60

Intermediate/Middle/High lunch Price: $2.95

• 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.
• Our Intermediate curriculum is designed to utilize iPads for lessons, remediation, and enrichment activities.

5th and 6th 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.

Westchester is committed to supporting students' use of technology. To get your problems solved as fast as possible, choose one of the following methods:

1. Open a new Incident IQ online:
   1. AV number is typically located on a sticker on the back/bottom of the device
2. Open a Incident IQ ticket by sending an email to: helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us
   1. Please be sure to include email address, student or staff name, and a description of the problem
3. Contact Westchester's tech aide (Ms. Bennett) in WIS Library/Media at 219-983-3710 or fbennett@duneland.k12.in.us.

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

Be a part of something special with Chesterton Orchestras next year in Intermediate School. Make lifelong friends, and join a fun team!

Join the orchestra and learn to play a violin, viola, cello, or string bass. This opportunity is available to all 4th grade students.

· In Person Instrument Try-Outs are February 25 (LIS) and 26 (WIS) at CMS

· Summer Orchestra is August 4-8.

· Registration Forms are due February 12. Join us and be a part of the Orchestra!

"Join Orchestra!" Web Link

Do you want to earn money but still be home with your family?

Does the cost of childcare hinder your plans to work?

Does your child participate in the many afterschool opportunities?

Would you like to spend quality time with your kids during spring, summer and winter breaks?

The raffle is for a $10,000 scholarship, which can be used for any post-secondary education or training and can be given to anyone you choose. The beneficiary does NOT need to live in Indiana or even be named until after winning. The beneficiary can also be changed at any time by the ticket winner. The raffle will be held at the DEF Gala on Saturday, April 12. You do not need to be present at the Gala to win. More information will be coming to purchase tickets for $25.00.

DUNELAND TRANSPORTATION

Information regarding student bus transportation for the 2024-2025 school year is available on DSC website under the Transportation Department.

TRACK STUDENT'S BUS WITH MYSTOP APP

The Duneland School Corporation Department of Transportation has now made My Stop available to our families.

My Stop is a web-based application which will allow parents to access live bus GPS information using a smartphone, tablet, or computer and securely view the current location of your child’s bus on routes. The system also provides the bus’s estimated time of arrival at your child’s bus stop.

Please read the attached letter to parents for more information on how to use My Stop to track your child's bus.

To make an appointment please call 219-763-8112. Let NorthShore know you are a Duneland School student or staff member and that you would like to make an appointment at the Duneland School Clinic located at the old CMS.

WIS Mission:

WIS provides a safe and engaging environment where students are empowered to explore their talents, build on their curiosity, embrace high expectations, and become responsible, caring citizens.

WIS Vision:

WIS inspires learners to become independent, critical thinkers collaborating in an environment where responsibility, adaptability, and reflection are modeled and developed.

Email: slongacre@duneland.k12.in.us
Website: https://wis.duneland.k12.in.us/
Location: 1050 South 5th Street, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westchesterintermediate/