Believe and Achieve Times

As we approach the SAT exam on Wednesday, March 5, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of this opportunity for our students. The SAT is not just another test—it plays a key role in college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and meeting Indiana’s established benchmarks for graduation pathways.

Achieving the required benchmarks on the SAT can open doors to post-secondary opportunities, whether through college acceptance, trade school, scholarship opportunities, or meeting state graduation requirements. Taking the exam seriously and preparing diligently can make a significant difference in each student's future.

Here are a few important reminders:

• SAT Test Day for juniors is Wednesday, March 5th
• Seniors are exempt from attendance on SAT Test Day, and will not report to CHS. They should use the day for college/career/volunteer opportunities
• All 11th, 10th, and 9th grade CHS students will report to their Advisory classes in the morning
• While 11th grade students test, 9th and 10th grade students will have a resource/study period in their Advisory
• CTE transportation will not be available for testing juniors on SAT Test Day
• If a student has their own transportation, they may report to their CTE placement after testing, but cannot leave their testing room until the testing time period for the entire room has elapsed
• 5th, 7th, and 8th block classes will run as normal for 9th, 10th, 11th grade students.

We encourage all students to put forth their best effort on this important exam. If you have any questions, please reach out to the CHS counseling office.

Let's work together to make this a successful experience for our students!

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/

CHS will be hosting a Robotics tournament on Saturday, March 1 and we are seeking volunteers for this event. Specifically we are looking for scorekeepers. There is no experience necessary!!!! We have morning and afternoon shifts available. You will be taught what to do and it is a great way to engage with students in a positive way! Please contact our CHS Robotic coaches, Dr. Jay Drew at jdrew@duneland.k12.in.us or Isaac Torres at itorres@duneland.k12.in.us if you are interested!

The Chesterton High School dance team made a strong showing at the National Dance Alliance (NDA) National Championship in Orlando last week, proudly representing their school and community. The team achieved two impressive finishes, bringing home national accolades.

In the Small Varsity Kick division, the ten-member team earned a spot in the “Circle of Champions” taking a bronze medal, scoring 90.9. The Small Varsity Kick Division is renowned for its high level of competition, as it takes extreme precision, technique, and lots of athleticism. The routine, choreographed by award winning choreographer and coach, Amity McKiddy, received compliments not only for the entertaining choreography to “Roxanne” from Moulin Rouge but also the striking costumes, featuring a distinctive half-female, half-male design.

Additionally, the team placed seventh in the highly competitive Team Performance division with a final score of 89.022. This performance, also choreographed by McKiddy presented a unique challenge by incorporating four distinct dance genres into a single piece; including Pom, Kick, Jazz and Hip Hop. Coach McKiddy expressed gratitude to local dance instructors Kristen Denakas, Krystal Kaszuk, and Kailyn Oganovich for their invaluable assistance in preparing the team.

The Chesterton Dance Team Boosters extends their appreciation to all sponsors for their support throughout the year; the top sponsors and supporters include Michele Brown at Eclipse Performing Arts, Glazer Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Source Healing, Wright Properties and the Adent Family, Trout Glass, The UPS Store- Chesterton, Third Generation Management and Lubeznik Family, LAN Cam, and Wellsand Landscape and Hardscapes. The dancers and parents truly appreciate all the support from all sponsors and supporters throughout this season; “The generosity of our community made it possible for our team and their families to go to nationals and proudly represent CHS and our town“ says Jennifer Adent, Treasurer of the Chesterton Dance Team Boosters. “The support from our families, friends, and the school has been overwhelming," expressed Marley Mayer, a senior member of the team and one of the 3 captains. “We loved the ‘Good Luck Video’ from our school principals. Knowing that we have the entire school and community cheering us on really pushed us to give our best performance.”

The Chesterton dancers, who perform at football and basketball games, continue their competitive season with IHSDTA, Indiana High School Dance Team Association through mid-March. Tryouts for the next season are tentatively scheduled for the end of April or beginning of May. Follow Chesterton Dance Team Boosters on Facebook and Instagram for all upcoming events.

Competition Team Members;

Captains; Amelia Kelly, Marley Mayer and Suzanne Adent

Members; Ashely Bafia, Mallory Billings, Lana Glazer, Mackenzie Kogl, Zoe Komp, Sydney Johnson, and Georgia Peterson.

The Boys' Swim and Dive Team finished 2nd at the Valparaiso Sectional this past Saturday. The following swimmers and divers have advanced in the state tournament!

200 yd freestyle: Luke Wheele / 2nd place / 142.64

Diving: Luke Hawkins / 2nd place

100 yd freestyle: Luke Wheele / 3rd place / 47.30

200 yd freestyle relay: Luke Wheele, Aaron Guzzo, Tyler Scalf, Calan Berrier / 2nd place / 1:28.79

400 yd freestyle relay: Luke Wheele, Greydon Pieroni, Calan Berrier, Aaron Guzzo / 3rd place / 3:14.39

The CHS gymnastics team finished 6th at the DAC invite. Sophomore Sammie Boster won the all-around competition and is now the best overall gymnast in the DAC!

Congratulations to CHS Choir Senior Megan Hadenfelt on her Gold Medal Solo Performance at ISSMA Vocal State Solo/Ensemble Contest!

Megan performed her solo Caro Mio Ben and received a gold rating for her work! We are so proud of her!

This week the CHS Show Choir Program headed west to sunny California for some team building and to compete at the Esperanza Spectacular! It was such an incredible experience that we are so grateful for!

The Drifters captured 2nd Runner-Up in their Division alongside an INCREDIBLE performance by The Business Show Choir Band and Hannah Loving was named the outstanding performer.

The Sandpipers and The Business earned Grand Champion honors and the award for Musicianship in their division - both the Sandpipers and the Business boasted their best performances of the season. The Quartet of Ava Cunningham, Emme Curran, Hannah Loving and Jane Maddex was named the groups Outstanding Performer!

In addition to experiences California show choir the kids were able to go to Disneyland, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Blvd and the Griffith Observatory!

A generous alumni also sent us a monetary gift that we were able to use towards a celebratory pizza party after our incredible success at the competition!

Special thanks to our INCREDIBLE Do-Dads who Drove our equipment across the country, our chaperones who helped keep all of the children safe and the many, many parents and friends who were able to make the trip and cheer us on!

What a wonderful experience and we can’t wait to travel to Marysville, OH in two weeks for our next competition!

Help us celebrate DSC Child Nutrition staff during National Nutrition Month and beginning on March 1. Take this time to thank the Child Nutrition Associates in your school for all they do in keeping our students nourished.

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.

Help us celebrate our DSC Transportation Appreciation Day on Friday, February 21, for National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Every day, either as children or parents, we appreciate school bus drivers. They are always there to make sure that kids go to and from school, safely and on time.

We are excited to announce that the nomination process is now open for the DSC Teacher of the Year and DSC Employee of the Year awards! This is your opportunity to recognize an outstanding teacher or staff member who has made a meaningful impact on our students and school community. We encourage all students and parents to take a moment to nominate someone who goes above and beyond to support, inspire, and make a difference. Click the link below to access the nomination form and show your appreciation for our incredible DSC educators and staff!

https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/about-us/dsc-teacher-employee-of-the-year

NOW is the perfect opportunity to start (or continue) training for the ACT and SAT and PSAT. I cannot emphasize enough how critical it is to prepare for these exams. Colleges accept BOTH ACT and SAT tests, so there are two keys to unlock the same door when it comes to college admission and college scholarship $. Students in IN are required to take the PSAT and the SAT (Junior year) at school.

I wanted to inform you that Dr. Carlin of drscottcarlin@gmail.com

will be offering his popular SAT Course at Valparaiso High School beginning WED FEB 12 at 6:10 p.m. CST. This is a 3-session, 7-hour course (see details below).

IN ADDITION, All Registrants will receive an additional 15 hours of BONUS Classes (via LIVE or ON DEMAND Webinar) with completely different SAT practice tests. 22.5 hours total prep.

REGISTER @ https://www.drcarlinstestprep.com/store/p/valparaiso-high-school-sat-prep

Dr. Carlin does an outstanding job presenting both the strategy and content of these complex exams at a fraction of the cost of bigger test prep companies, and he gets results. This course can help students maximize their scores, opening the doors to more competitive colleges as well as bigger money scholarships.

SEE COURSE DETAILS BELOW:

SAT Prep Course @ Valpo HS (FEB 2025)

Instructor: Dr. Scott Carlin, Ph.D.

Dates: Wednesdays FEB 12, 19, & 26 (three-session, 7.5-hour course)

Time: 6:10-8:30 p.m. CST

Location: Valpo HS (Valparaiso, IN)

Room: RD102

Cost: $289

(Includes BONUS SAT Prep sessions of 15 hours via webinar)

Register: @ https://www.drcarlinstestprep.com/store/p/valparaiso-high-school-sat-prep

Dr. Carlin will let parents know if a book is recommended and provide each student all other necessary class materials as part of the course.

To give you some background about Dr. Carlin, he is the Founder & CEO of Dr. Carlin's Test Prep and College Consulting based in Buchanan, Michigan. He has been regularly hosting SAT and ACT courses at roughly 30 Michigan and Indiana high schools (and now online in Live, Webinar format) for the past 10 years. He has been working with students on the SAT, ACT, & PSAT both individually and in formal classes for the past 18 years.

Dr. Carlin is a Buchanan High School Grad ('93), a University of Notre Dame B.A. ('97) and M.Ed ('03) and earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State ('10). He also works with high school staffs on Professional Development and how to incorporate the SAT and ACT into the classroom curriculum throughout the year. In addition, he assists students and parents on the college application process, including essay revision, resume pieces and scholarship applications.

Dr. Carlin will continue to send you updates on the course as it proceeds (including materials that will help in their preparation) what we are doing in each session, what students could be doing to PRACTICE between sessions and what this all means in the "big picture" from a college perspective.

ONLINE ENROLLMENT is NOW OPEN for incoming Duneland Kindergarten students for the 2025-2026 school year. Families are asked to complete online enrollment prior to attending Kindergarten Round-Up on Thursday, February 27, 2025. To get started please visit: DSC Kindergarten Enrollment 2025-2026

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

###

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.