Dear Westchester Middle School Families,

This week, our 8th-grade students had the opportunity to attend a Career Fair at CHS, hosted by the Porter County Career Center and CHS school counselors. It was a fantastic experience that allowed high school students to showcase the many opportunities available to our 8th graders in the coming years. We encourage you to ask your student about the careers they explored and to look into the classes and coursework that can help guide them toward their future goals.

Additionally, our IT Department has shared an important message about Staying Safe Online: A Message About VPNs. With the increasing use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), it is essential to understand their implications for online safety and security. See below to read the full statement and learn more about how to help keep your student safe online.

We would also like to remind parents and students that, per our Westchester Middle School Handbook, students are not permitted to carry backpacks, drawstring bags, crossbody purses, or small purse backpacks from class to class. However, students may use a trapper keeper or pencil pouch to hold necessary items. We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines.

Family Friendly Survey – Deadline Approaching!
The IDOE Family Friendly Schools Survey will close on Sunday, March 2nd. Please take a few moments to complete the survey and provide valuable feedback. Please click the link to access the survey: Family Friendly Schools survey (link).

Finally, help us celebrate our DSC Child Nutrition staff during National Nutrition Month, beginning March 1st! This is a great opportunity to thank the Child Nutrition Associates in our school for their dedication to keeping our students nourished and ready to learn.

Thank you for your continued support!

Respectfully,

Mrs. Lauren Seiss, WMS Principal

Reminders:

• 48-Hour Attendance Policy for Call Off(s) - Parents/Guardians will have 48 hours to excuse their students absence, after which time it will be considered unexcused.

• Parents who are picking up their child or dropping something off for their child must present a driver's license or state ID to our office staff in order to do so. Also, if a parent sends someone else to pick their student up or drop something off for them, they must not only present identification but must also be on the list in Skyward as a family or emergency contact.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

3/8 - Westchester Robotics Competition

3/14 - Kona Ice - During Lunch

3/14 - End of 3rd Nine Weeks

3/17 - 3/18 - LMS/WMS Band ISSMA Preview Concert at 7:00pm @ CHS Auditorium

3/21 - Report Cards Accessible Online

3/24-3/28 - NO SCHOOL- Spring Break

3/31 - Classes Resume

Upcoming ATHLETIC Dates to Remember:

3/3 (A) 7th Gr. Girls Basketball Game vs. Willowcreek at 5:00pm @ Willowcreek

3/3 (H) 8th Gr. Girls Basketball Game vs. Willowcreek at 5:00pm @ WMS

3/4 (H) 7th Gr. Girls Basketball Game vs. Taft at 5:00pm @ WMS

3/4 (A) 8th Gr. Girls Basketball Game vs. Taft at 5:00pm @ Taft MS

3/6 (A) 7th Gr. Girls Basketball Game vs. Ben Franklin at 5:00pm @ Ben Franklin MS

3/6 (H) 8th Gr. Girls Basketball Game vs. Ben Franklin 5:00pm @ WMS

3/10 - (H) 7th Gr. Girls Basketball Game vs. Hobart at 5:00pm @ WMS

3/10 - (A) 8th Gr. Girls Basketball Game vs. Hobart at 5:00pm @ Hobart

3/11 - (H) 7th Gr. Girls Basketball Game vs. Thomas Jefferson at 5:00pm @ WMS

3/11 - (A) 8th Gr. Girls Basketball Game vs. Thomas Jefferson at 5:00pm @ TJ MS

3/13 - (A) 7/8 A Team Girls Basketball Game vs. Krueger at 5:00pm @ Krueger MS

3/15 - (A) 7th Gr. B Team Girls Basketball Invite at 8:30am @ Thomas Jefferson

3/15 - (A) 8th Gr. B Team Girls Basketball Invite at 9:00am @ Ben Franklin

3/18 - (A) 7th Gr. Girls Basketball Conf. at 5:00pm @ Ben Franklin

3/18 - (H) 8th Gr. Girls Basketball Conf. at 5:00pm @ WMS

3/19-20 - (A) 7th Gr. Girls Basketball Conference Semifinals at 5:00pm

3/19-20 - (A) 8th Gr. Girls Basketball Conference Semifinals at 5:00pm

Q: What is the highest grossing movie of all time?

A: Avatar

WMS Robotics attended its fourth competition of the season in Crown

Point, IN. This competition was a middle school only competition so they were competing

against other students their age! Most competitions are blended combining high school and

middle school teams. All of the teams did a fantastic job competing and saw major

improvements over their last competition. All 4 of the teams made it to the round of 8. Each

team saw their skills score go up drastically which is needed to qualify for state. All teams really

worked hard and it paid off. The teams next and last competition is March 1st at Chesterton

High School

Team A took home the Design Award. The Design Award recognizes an organized and

professional approach to the Engineering Design Process, project and time management, and

team organization. Student demonstration of the Engineering Design Process is fundamental to

the educational value of REC Foundation programs. The Design Award recognizes a team's

ability to document and explain their Engineering Design Process via an Engineering Notebook

and Team Interview.

The B team was runner up at the Liberty Tournament this past weekend. Way to go Lady Trojans!

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.

Help CHS get third year in a row!

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:

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

Please call our main office at 219-983-3780 to report your student absent with in 48hours.

Attendance questions should be directed to Amanda Ray amray@duneland.k12.in.us

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 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.

Westchester Middle School 7th grade Math students and Liberty Middle School 8th grade ELA students will be participating in the ILEARN Checkpoint pilot this year. Assessments will be condensed and focus on limited standards during each of the three checkpoints

The Duneland Exchange Club is thrilled to announce the 33rd Annual Youth Talent Showcase, an exciting event designed to spotlight the incredible talents of students in grades K-12. Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, perform magic, or have another unique talent, this is your time to shine!

The showcase will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Chesterton High School Auditorium. Proceeds from the event will directly support the Chesterton High School Natural Helpers Club, a student organization dedicated to peer support and community service.

Audition Information:
Auditions are required for participation and will be held at Bailly Elementary School on:

• Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM
• Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM

Students interested in participating can apply online by visiting the Duneland Exchange Club’s website at www.dunelandexchangeclub.com. Applications can also be accessed via the QR code on event posters.

Both group and individual acts are welcome to apply. With a professional stage at Chesterton High School, this is a fantastic opportunity for young performers to showcase their skills in front of a live audience.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible tradition. Apply today and join us for a night of fun, talent, and community spirit!

For more information about the Duneland Exchange Club and its programs, please contact mariabachuchin750@hotmail.com.

A Common Sense School is an honor that recognizes efforts in teaching digital citizenship to young people and engaging the entire school community in this important discussion. All of the Duneland Schools currently teach digital citizenship and all five Duneland Elementary schools have received the 2024-2025 Common Sense Education recognition badge and their school media specialists are Common Sense Educators. This recognition acknowledges a school's commitment to creating a culture of digital citizenship.

The DSC Child Nutrition Department is now utilizing NutriSlice as its new menus program. This app is available for iphone and android through your mobile app store. Parents can also access the full website for Duneland Schools on a computer via this NutriSlice link.

This app will allow parents and students to view the menus as well as the nutritional info for each items at any of the Duneland Schools. This program will be developed further incorporating images of food items being served at each of the schools.

Breakfast $1.60

Lunch $2.95

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.

ATTENTION!!!

2024-2025 ALL ATHLETES MUST HAVE A CURRENT PHYSICAL ON FILE TO PARTICIPATE!

Middle School Physicals will need to be turned in to coaches or the athletic department, prior to open gym, tryouts, or practices in order to participate.

There are a total of 6 forms that need to be completed. The actual physical is completed by the Dr. and the rest of the forms are completed by the parent(s) and the student. Physicals will not be accepted if there are forms missing!

*Physical Checklist*

• Final Forms Online parent and student
• Physical Examination from the Dr.
• History Form (It is 2 pages)
• Consent and Release Certificate (Make sure insurance information is complete)
• Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Form
• Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities Code of Conduct

Need to FIX your Skyward App?

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

Cell Phones, Smart Watches, Earbuds, & Earphones Usage:

7th and 8th 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.

iPad Use

• 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. Middle school curriculum is designed to utilize iPads for lessons and enrichment activities.

CONTACTING IT SUPPORT

Contact the Duneland School Corporation IT department via one of these methods:

1. Open a IncidentIQ ticket by sending an email to: helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us
   
2. Log into IncidentIQ and submit a request duneland.incidentIQ.com

Internet Connectivity

Families without internet due to financial hardship have access to programs from two local providers.

Comcast Internet Essentials:

• Families that qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and other programs may also qualify for the Internet Essentials program from Comcast.

• This program offers internet at a low cost per month.

• Additional options and services are also available

• More information is available at this Comcast link

Frontier Lifeline Program:

• Families that qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and other programs may also qualify for the Lifeline Program from Frontier.

• More information is available at this Frontier link

ParentSquare, the new communication platform, allows parents and guardians in DSC to receive all of their communications from the district, schools, classrooms and school activity groups in one unified app and service.

Duneland School Corporation has adopted ParentSquare as its new communication platform for the 2025-2026 school year and will begin inviting DSC families to verify their accounts over the next few months before launching in June.

ParentSquare is a communication platform designed for schools to connect with students’ families and keep them informed. It’s used by K–12 schools and districts to streamline messaging - such as announcements, attendance notifications, event reminders, one-on-one messages, and more - into a single, user-friendly interface. This decision has followed careful consideration of the needs of our school community as well as laws and regulations surrounding student data privacy. ParentSquare will help us to centralize messages and announcements to improve engagement with our students’ parents and guardians.

By unifying multiple tools into one communications app and service, ParentSquare provides a seamless experience for parents and staff. Parents will be able to keep track of news, activities and events from all their children’s schools in one place.

DSC hopes that ParentSquare’s intuitive, two-way platform will foster greater communication and family involvement. With ParentSquare, parents can enjoy photos posted by teachers, fill out forms and permission slips, sign up for parent-teacher conferences, check grades and attendance, and much more. School staff and parents can engage in both one-to-one and group messaging with real-time language translation.

“Effective school-to-home communication has never been more important, which is why Duneland School Corporation adopted the ParentSquare communication platform. We’re looking forward to reaching 100% of our families no matter where they are, unifying all our communications tools, and adopting a more eco-friendly approach by reducing the amount of paper used to send important communications,” said Bridget Martinson, DSC director of Public Relations/Marketing.

DSC’s partnership with ParentSquare will enable stronger engagement between school and home, and help empower everyone within the school community to stay connected and informed. For more information on ParentSquare, please visit www.parentsquare.com.

Parent Observer Account

Parents are encouraged to set up their Canvas observer accounts to monitor their students' progress. Parents can click this link to view how to set up their Parent Observer Account

Link to the Canvas Log In

WE WANT TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO RIDE THE BUS HOME WITH FRIENDS THAT DO NOT SHARE THE THE SAME DESIGNATED BUS ROUTE. THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE UTMOST CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL OUR STUDENTS.

n the Fall of 2023, a strategic planning team was formed to review and update the current four-year strategic plan into a five-year plan that will be used to guide the Corporation from 2024-2028. The new Strategic Plan will guide DSC for the next five years in the areas of Student Achievement, Safety & Operations, People & Culture, and Finance & Facilities.