Believe and Achieve Times

Help VOTE Chesterton High School 'Best Public High School' for the 3rd year in a row! Voting opened TODAY. Participants may vote one time daily in each category today through March 23. Click on the image below of this link to vote today!

https://www.nwitimes.com/exclusive/readerschoice/best-of-the-region-ballot-2025/

Seniors who are six credit hours away or less from earning the Indiana College Core (ICC) certificate have the opportunity to take courses for FREE through Ivy Tech. Students can register for the second spring 8 week session by March 14th. Classes begin March 17th. Students can also register for summer sessions to complete the ICC certificate. Contact Victoria Palomo, our Ivy Tech College Connections Coach, at vpalomo@ivytech.edu, with questions and assistance registering for classes. Students earning the ICC certificate will receive a cord to wear at graduation. Earning the ICC is equivalent to starting college as a Sophomore and saving families up to $10,000!

Summer School Registration will open on Monday, March 17th in a new Skyward portal. Families interested in enrolling in one of Duneland's PreK-12 Programs should look for email communication next week with detailed instructions on how to register.

Separate registration processes will be shared for invitation only Kinder Camp and Grades 1-4 High Ability programs. PreK-7 Summer School will take place at Liberty Elementary from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Session 1. Grades 8-12 Summer School will take place at CHS from 7:30 a.m.-12:55 p.m. in both sessions. See below for the scheduled dates of this year's schedule.

At state this weekend, the speech team placed 3rd overall in the AAA division. We started the day with 18 entries; 6 of those reached quarterfinals, 3 advanced to semis, and 5 made it to the finals!

Carmen Thomas – State Champion in Original Oratory, 3rd in Broadcasting

Damion Lopez – State Runner-Up in Broadcasting, 3rd in Original Performance
El Thompson – State Runner-Up in Original Oratory

Congratulations to Sammie Boster on another outstanding day at the IHSAA Regional Championship at Portage which resulted in an a Regional Beam Championship (9.725). In addition, Sammie finished the day fourth on the Vault (9.475) and second on the Floor Exercise (9.600) as well as fourth in the All Around (37.075). Sammie qualifies for the IHSAA State Finals next Saturday at Ball State’s Worthen Arena. Great job Sammie and keep Believing and Achieving!

The Chesterton speech team had 4 national qualifiers last weekend, all of whom placed 1st in their events: Maddi Morton in Dramatic Interpretation, Isabel Durkin in International Extemp, Carmen Thomas in Original Oratory, and Patrick Hansen in US Extemp. These students have advanced to the NSDA national tournament in June.

Additionally, El Thompson was 3rd in OO and 4th in Humor. Lilly Demmon placed 4th in Programmed Oral Interpretation and 6th in Humor. Dex Trzaska earned 6th in Informative Speaking.

Academic Super Bowl was successful at the PNW Invitational on Wednesday, March 5. Theme Ireland, including:

The Dubliners by James Joyce
The Playboy of the Western World by John M. Synge

On Every Tide: The Making and Remaking of the Irish World by Sean Connolly

Discrete math such as Graph Theory and Modular Arithmetic and Quarternions

The potato famine and mass migration

Ernest Walton and High Voltage Multipliers

Fine Arts placed 2nd (Dominic Sylvester, Mia Tsugawa, Mina Arlandu, Sloane Colburn). Math won (Luke Sparks, Quinn Flemming and Sam Macker). Science placed 2nd (Jacob Anderson, Peytan Belegal, Janie Zhang).

Congratulations to CHS swimmers Brenley Bonez, Adalyn Laughner, Tegan Werner, and Peyton Ostertag on being named to the DAC All-Conference girls team in the following events:

*50 FREE: Brenley Bonez.

*100 FREE: Adalyn Laughner.

*100 BACKSTROKE: Adalyn Laughner.

*400 FREE RELAY: Tegan Werner, Peyton Ostertag, Brenley Bonez, Adalyn Laughner.

All four were also named to DAC All-Conference in the following events on the basis of the state medalists’ finishes:

*400 FREE RELAY: Peyton Ostertag, Tegan Werner, Adalyn Laughner, Brenley Bonez.

*100 FREE: Adalyn Laughner.

*100 BACKSTROKE: Adalyn Laughner.

*100 BREASTSTROKE: Brenley Bonez.

*50 FREE: Brenley Bonez.

*200 MEDLEY RELAY: Adalyn Laughner, Brenley Bonez, Tegan Werner, Peyton Ostertag.

Well done! Go Trojans!

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.

Congratulations to the Chesterton High School Winter Guard team for achieving third place at their fourth competition of the season at the Zionsville High School Competition on March 1.

The Chesterton Winter Guard’s 2025 show is entitled “Let it Pour,” and is a program that preaches “a little rain never hurt anybody”. Our music and inspiration for this show is something that has been put together for a while, but never came to fruition. The show consists of two different songs. The first being “Singin’ in the Rain” by Gene Kelly, and the second song being a rendition of Rhianna's “Umbrella” by The Baseballs. The show begins slightly somber and light while the second is much faster and more visually striking. Throughout the show you'll see members dancing and spinning flags, rifles, and sabers! (And umbrellas!)...and now-beach balls! The balls resemble the light at the top of a lamp post.

Members of the CHS Winter Guard include: Abigail Demsich, Makayla Erickson, Ava Garland, Vanessa Godinez, Madison Jackson, Abigail Krueger, Allison Lopez, Brianna Manning, Addison Mason, Morgan Millis, Natalie Newman, Kaylin O'Daniel, Kenzie O’Daniel, Baylee Parrott, Lilyanne Peschke, Lucy Rutkowski, Alina Summer, Caryss Vandiver, and Caprie Wilson.

Prop Crew members include: William Newman, Elsa Estridge, Miles Gast, Cohen Parrott, Natalie Leensvaart, and Levi Swart.

CHS Winter Guard Director Jeffory DeHenes is assisted by Katie Radliff with technical help. Robert Mueller has been in charge of building and maintaining our amazing props.

The CHS Winter Guard is scheduled to compete next at Franklin Central High School on March 8. In just one week on March 11, our middle school guard and high school guard will be performing In the main gym of Chesterton High School. This is an amazing opportunity for our younger performers to gain experience, and it is also an empowering send off as the high school guard heads to state finals. Official start time is 7:00pm in the main gym at the high school!

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.

Design a schedule with unique engineering sessions, a residential tour or an academic campus tour.

· Soak up knowledge from alumni in industry, eager to answer any question.

· Connect with current students to get the scoop about life in Purdue University’s College of Engineering in West Lafayette.

· Learn nitty gritty details from the Office of Admissions, Office of Future Engineers and academic departments.

· Opportunities abound for high school juniors at Exploring Engineering, a free event April 14 offered by the
Women in Engineering Program to pique interest in engineering.

· Participants, whose parents and guardians are welcome to attend, can come for a “meet and greet” on April 13
to get one-on-one meetings with students and staff from various engineering majors.

· Learn more about the program on the Women in Engineering Program website, which also has a link to register.

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.

2025-2026 FAFSA Now Open
Students are encouraged to file before Indiana's April 15 deadline

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced today a statewide completion goal for the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Commission’s goal is to have at least 60 percent of high school seniors complete the current FAFSA by Indiana’s deadline of April 15, 2025. The 2025-2026 FAFSA form is currently open.

Additionally, the Commission seeks to increase the total FAFSA filing rate including high school seniors, adult learners, and returning students by at least five percent from the previous year. For 2024, Indiana ranks second in the nation in completion rates for this year’s high school graduating class, with less than a 2-percentage point decline compared to the national average of a near 9-percentage point decline.

“Indiana ranks third in the Midwest and eighth in the nation for our need-based aid opportunities,” said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. “With legislative increases in 2023, Hoosier students have access to even more financial aid than before. Millions of dollars in additional aid are available throughout the next five years, only accessible through the FAFSA.”

The FAFSA not only determines federal grant and scholarship eligibility but is used to award state financial aid, including the Frank O’Bannon Grant, Indiana’s largest need-based financial aid award. It is also necessary for 21st Century Scholars to complete the FAFSA to receive their scholarship.

“While cost remains a high barrier for many Hoosiers looking to pursue education and training after high school, Indiana has opportunities to alleviate those challenges and make higher education accessible,” said Lowery.

FAFSA Week of Action

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) has announced December 9-13 as the FAFSA Week of Action. This week is specifically aimed at encouraging high school seniors to create their StudendAid.Gov Accounts (FSA IDs) and complete the FAFSA. The USDOE and Indiana Commission for Higher Education are encouraging high school counselors, principals and other school leaders, superintendents, after school programs, parent groups, non-profit organizations, and other local and state education organizations to commit to taking action to raise awareness about the FAFSA form.

More resources and information are available through the National College Attainment Network (NCAN).

Creating a StudentAid.Gov account (also called FSA ID account)

Students and parents (of dependent students) or spouses (of independent students) must create a StudentAid.Gov Account (FSA ID) at least three days before filing the FAFSA. Resources needed to create a StudentAid.Gov Account include:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Mailing address
• Personal email address
• A memorable username and password

How to file the 2025-2026 FAFSA

Students can file the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov. Information needed to complete the FAFSA include:

• Gov Account (FSA ID)
• Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned from 2023
• List of any federal benefits received
• Asset information including bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

Help is available

The Commission’s Outreach Coordinators are available to assist students and families in the filing process. Outreach Coordinators are strategically located in eight geographic regions in Indiana and can help students, families, and educators with questions about state financial aid and filing the FAFSA.

To send a direct message to your region’s Outreach Coordinator, visit www.learnmoreindiana.org/contact.

Additional resources:

• Hoosier families can also access free FAFSA help through INvestEd by email (outreach@investedindiana.org) or phone at 317-715-9007.
• ¿Necesitas ayuda en español? Llame al 317-715-9007.
• The U.S. Department of Education provides email and live chat assistance for FAFSA filers as well as a helpline at 1-800-4-FED-AID.

FAFSA filing events

Higher education institutions around the state are hosting FAFSA filing events for students and families.

To view the upcoming events calendar, visit learnmoreindiana.org

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About the Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Created in 1971, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education plans, coordinates and defines Indiana’s postsecondary education system to align higher learning with the needs of students and the state. The Commission also administers Indiana’s financial aid programs, including the 21st Century Scholars early college promise scholarship, which celebrated 30 years in 2020.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emily Price
463-261-7397
eprice@che.in.gov

Daniel Ayres-Kobren
317-232-1032
dayreskobren@che.in.gov

Online registration is now open for State Park Little League Baseball 2025. New or Returning players may register by clicking the State Park Little League logo at left.

Online registration for 2025 Liberty Rec. Baseball and Softball. Register by clicking the Liberty Rec. Baseball and Softball logo at left.

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.

In efforts to help with our arrival and dismissal procedures at CHS the following procedures will be implemented for all student drivers.

All student drivers must purchase a student parking pass and display visibly to park at Chesterton High School. You can pick up a student parking application in the main office. All students need to have a complete application and student parking pass by the end of the day on Wednesday, August 21. There will be no fee for the student parking pass.

Parking Guidelines:

• Students are only allowed to park by Door 31, Door 34, and in the back of the school by the tennis courts.
• Students are NOT allowed to park in the front of the building (west side), which includes the faculty lot and the visitor lot.

Failure to follow this policy could result in disciplinary action and/or loss of driving privileges.

Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines.

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.