Believe and Achieve Times

If you’ve got kids in the Duneland Schools, you’re almost certain to have run into his or her School Resource Officer.

If your kids have been attending the Duneland Schools for any length of time, you’ve probably rubbed shoulders with three or four SROs.

You’ve see them in the hallways and the car lines, at athletic and musical events, joshing with the kids, always smiling, always vigilant.

Today, Thursday, Feb. 13, the Duneland School Corporation celebrated National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day (which actually falls this year on Saturday, Feb. 15).

“SROs are full-time law enforcement officers with sworn law enforcement authority, trained in school-based policing and crisis response, and assigned by an employing law enforcement agency to work with schools using community-oriented policing concepts,” DSC said. “Our school resource officers serve as important bridges between youth, law enforcement, and the communities they serve. The Duneland Schools recognizes the important role these individuals play in our schools and school community.”

All six of Duneland’s SROs are serving officers with the Chesterton Police Department, and all six are a welcome and reassuring presence in this community’s schools.

DUNELAND’S ALL-STAR SRO LINEUP

*LT. JOE CHRISTIAN: Westchester Intermediate School.

*SGT. CHRIS SWICKARD: Chesterton High School.

*SGT. ANTONIO ALFARO: Liberty Intermediate School.

*CPL. JACOB RAY: Westchester Middle School.

*OFFICER SHAUNA JESSE: Chesterton High School.

*OFFICER ADAM ALICEA: Bailly Elementary School.

Hats off to all of our SROs! Thank you for keeping Duneland students, faculty, staff, and administrators safe!

Each of the 11 Duneland School Corporation schools, in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Education, are working toward renewing distinction as a Family Friendly School. The purpose of this initiative is to ensure that each DSC school is demonstrating excellence in engaging families in their children’s education.

Launched in 2015, the Family Friendly Schools initiative focuses on addressing the academic, physical, emotional, and social needs of students, while providing the needed resources and fostering the active involvement of their families through schools and the community. The program recognizes and honors schools that welcome all families into the school community, communicate effectively, support student success, speak up for every child, share power and collaborate with the community.

As part of this process, students in grades 5-12 will be asked to take a 5-minute Family Friendly Schools survey (link). Students will take this survey at their school sometime between Feb. 18 - March 2.

Thank you for your support!

The CHS Girls' Swim and Dive Team finished as the 8th best swim team in the state of Indiana this past weekend! The following placed at the state meet:

200 yd freestyle relay: 1:44.54: 6th place: Adalyn Laughner, Brenley Bonez, Tegan Werner, Peyton Ostertag

50 yd freestyle: 23.50: 5th place: Brenley Bonez / 15th place: 24.04: Tegan Werner

Diving: 345.90: 16th place: Bayley Fowler

100 yd freestyle: 52.56: 8th place: Adalyn Laughner

500 yd freestyle: 5:08.44: 15th place: Miata Henderson

100 yd backstroke: 56.81: 8th place: Adalyn Laughner

100 yd breaststroke: 1:02.83: 4th place: Brenley Bonez

400 yd freestyle relay: 3:28.14: 4th place: Peyton Ostertag, Tegan Werner, Adalyn Laughner, Brenley Bonez

Congrats to the entire team on a great season!!!!!

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!

CHS Earth Club Clothing Drive

On Saturday, February 22 the CHS Earth Club will host a clothing drive for the Duneland community in the upper gym at Chesterton High School. The event will run from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with entry through Door 31.

Community members can select clothing for a suggested donation of $5. All proceeds will go to the Clean Clothes Campaign, supporting sustainable and ethical clothing initiatives. This event is open to everyone in the Duneland Community and especially to those that are in need of clothing.

Congratulations to the Chesterton High School Winter Guard team for achieving second place at their second competition of the season at the Snider High School Competition on February 8. The Chesterton Winter Guard’s 2025 show entitled “Let it Pour,” is a cute program that preaches “a little rain never hurt anybody”.

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: Holly Decker, Mady Street, Elsa Estrage, Miles, William Newman, and Hershel Hardwick.

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 Carroll High School on February 15.

Chesterton High School

The following students won gold medals, and qualified for State with their vocal solo performance: Emmersyn Curran, Ryan Gray, Megan Hadenfelt, Sophia Higgins, Mara Huneryager, Mia Larimer (left, pictured with her medal), Sam Smith, Ella Taylor, Antonio Unpingco, and Aubree Williams.

Gold medals, and state qualification, awarded for vocal ensemble performances: Anthony Alvarez, Logan Arthur, Ava Bozak, Ayden Bozak, Ava Cunningham, Emmersyn Curran, Niyelli Estrada, Carson Foster, Ryan Gray, Sophia Higgins, Mara Huneryager Jordan Keefover, Lauren Kroft, Archer Lohman, Hannah Loving, Joseph Lucken, Karleigh Pawlyszyn, Garrett Richerson, Samuel Smith, Antonio Unpingco, Veronica Wilgocki.

Gold medals awarded for vocal solo performances: Ava Bozak, Isabelle Cain, Marian Cook, Annaliese Coppler, Anna Holmes, Lauren Kroft, Macey Mauke, Emily Ponce, Emmori Schott, and Emma Wahl.

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.

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.

Where is the Skyward Family Access Link?

Did you know that a link to the Skyward Family Access Portal is conveniently located on each school's main website page and on the district main website page? A row of 'Quick Find' link icons are located just under the image on the district and each schools website page (see example below).

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

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

StateParkLittleLeague2025

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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.

LibertyRec.BaseballandSoftball2025

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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.