Committed to Inspiring Excellence, Igniting Curiosity and Unlocking Potential for All

Committed to inspiring excellence, igniting curiosity and unlocking potential for all.

601 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, Indiana 46304 (219) 983-3600 www.duneland.k12.in.us A MESSAGE from the SUPERINTENDENT Chip Pettit, Ed.D. The Duneland School Corporation hosted a commencement ceremony for 460 Chesterton High School graduates on June 9, 2021. This culminating event was not just for graduating seniors, but a celebration for the community and our 5,800+ students and 750 faculty and staff members. Together, we work in concert to provide 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. We wish our graduating seniors well, and know they are prepared to pursue college and career opportunities.

During the 2021-2022 school year, over 40% of CHS students will be participating in internships and pre-service programs through the Porter County Career Center and community partnerships prior to graduating from high school. Thank you for your support in helping to provide these important opportunities for our students.

Student achievement continues to be at the core of our work together. We are committed to inspiring excellence, igniting curiosity, and unlocking potential for all students. This past year, Duneland students continued to shine in the classroom and in co- and extra-curricular activities. Teachers and staff continued to expertly guide students through International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses and award-winning programs in the World Languages, Speech & Debate, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Athletics, radio broadcast (WDSO) and Robotics. We are committed to maintaining and improving upon the tremendous opportunities available for students into the future.

In 2021-22, Duneland Schools will continue to develop a K-12 Social-Emotional Learning program that focuses on educating the whole child. Focused attention will be given to Sensory Motor Integration, Insight, Regulation, Collaboration, Connec- tion, Critical Thinking & Mindset with programming centered around building relationships based on trust and respect with neuroscience training being introduced to all students.

Thank you for your support, and entrusting your children to us. This is an exciting time for the Duneland Schools. We look forward to continuing our work together to Inspire, Engage and Empower our students.

Sincerely, Chip Pettit, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools DSC Social-Emotional Learning Framework DUNELAND SCHOOL CORPORATION 601 W Morgan Avenue • Chesterton, Indiana 46304 • 219.983.3600 ADMINISTRATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Chip Pettit, Supt. of Schools Mr. Brandon Kroft, President Mr. Robert McDermott, Assistant Supt. / Operations Mrs. Alayna Lightfoot Pol, Vice President Ms. Lynn Kwilasz, Assistant Supt. Business / CFO Mr. Tom Schnabel, Secretary Mrs. Amanda Hicks, Executive Assistant Mr. Red Stone, Member Mr. Tim McGinty, Member DISTRICT DIRECTORS Mrs. Donna Biggs, Teaching & Learning, K-12 Mr. Greg Lindy, Support Services Mrs. Christy Jarka, Grants, Assessments & Special Programs Mrs. Bridget Martinson, PR & Marketing Mrs. Regan Keating, Human Resources Mr. Kevin Wilson, Technology A MESSAGE from the SUPERINTENDENT DSC STRATEGIC PLAN In the Spring of 2020, a team of over 50 Duneland School Corporation (DSC) stakeholders helped cre- Chip Pettit, Ed.D. ate a new Strategic Plan for the district. On Monday, June 8, 2020, the DSC Strategic Plan 2020-2023 was approved by the Duneland School Board of Trustees.

The Duneland School Corporation strategic plan provides the focus and alignment for the district over the next 3-4 years. Developing this plan was a comprehensive process that brought together teachers, students, staff, parents, and community stakeholders for input and development for the future of Dune- land. Five goal areas were developed based on data available within the corporation and from survey results and focus group interviews conducted in the spring of 2020. Collecting feedback from a wide variety of sources was instrumental to the process. The DSC vision, mission, core values, and goals were redefined and action plans were developed.

In the end, this plan is about the students and better preparing them for their individual futures in a world that is constantly changing. This strategic plan is also ever evolving and the Duneland School Board and Administration will continue to reach out to community members for input with the intent of making Duneland the best possible school district it can be for the students. The development, implementation, and accomplishment of the DSC strategic plan is, and will continue to be, a shared commitment.

PROGRAMS: Duneland will engage students in programs focusing on ensuring college and career readiness with community-based partnerships providing models of real-world success. Students will advance their educational experiences by engaging in academic and career courses offering dual credit, advanced placement, and International Baccalaureate credits. PRACTICES: Duneland is committed to providing a focused and challenging curriculum in a blended learning environment. Emphasis will be placed on providing an engaging instructional program for all students by differ- entiating instruction to meet student needs, relevant real-world instruction, empowering students through critical thinking and problem-solving, and utilizing technology to create, connect, and communicate. TECHNOLOGY: Duneland supports the use of technology for anywhere, anytime learning through our blended learning curriculum. Our technology enabled environment ensures data-driven decisions result in student growth and achievement and operational effectiveness. GENERAL OPERATING REFERENDUM On May 7, 2019, residents living in the Duneland School Corporation boundaries voted to continue a twenty-two cents ($0.22) tax levy originally approved in 2012, for the purposes of maintaining the current educational and operational programs of the Duneland School Corporation. This general operating referendum will expire in 2026. The Duneland School Corporation thanks the community for their support, and in turn, pledges to be inno- vative and responsible stewards. Each month, the school corporation has highlighted the different initiatives or programs being funded by referendum dollars in the district newsletter, DuneNews. These programs and initiatives are also displayed and detailed on our district website. The following referendum supported programs are: • Dunes Learning Center Programs • School Resource Officers • International Baccalaureate Diploma Program • Registered Nurses in Every School Building • Leader In Me Program • Media Specialists • High Ability Teachers and Aides • Elementary School Counselors • Student / Teacher Ratios • Instructional Coaches • Positive Life Program • Reading Specialists • 1:1 Student Device Integration • Security Camera Upgrades LONG-TERM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Projects to Meet Student Learning Environments Timeframe Milestone Introductory Programming for New 5-8 Schools May 26 ✓ CMS, LIS, WIS Leadership Input Meeting Elementary & Intermediate/Middle School Grades 5-8 June 4 ✓ Staff Input Meeting ✓ Review/Confirm [Building] Program alignment with instructional spaces across District July 14* Community Forum Meeting 1 (details listed below) August 11* Community Forum Meeting 2 (details listed below) August CHS Input Meetings; Functional Criteria Additional Input Meeting for Functional Criteria of Fall 2021 Instructional Spaces/Rooms (All Schools) Spring 2022 Begin Construction 2023-2025 Projects Completing

COMMUNITY FORUM *The DSC Administrators invite students, parents and the community to come and learn more about these projects and provide input and feedback at the Community Forum Meeting being hosted at Chesterton Middle School Auditorium, 651 West Morgan Avenue, Chesterton Wednesday, August 11, 2021 - 6:00 p.m.

ELEMENTARY IMPROVEMENTS • New Yost Elementary School • Media Center as “Hub of Learning” • Safety and Security Updates - Large Group Instruction • Eliminate PODs and Room Disruptions • Maker Space • Student Cubbies • Student Support • Restroom Wash Stations in Corridors - Counselor’s Office • Extended Learning Areas - Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Office - Small Group Instruction (SGI) - Calming Room - FLEX Classrooms

MIDDLE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS • Safety and Security Updates Additional Opportunity Areas: • Separate 5/6 and Grade 7/8 • Performing Arts Area - Grade Level Houses • Update Special Needs Areas • Student Support Areas • Media Center as “Hub of Learning” • Cafeteria Services • Maker Space/STEM & Robotics • Appropriate Site Traffic Planning • Individualized Instruction Spaces • Extracurricular & Field

HIGH SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS • Safety and Security Updates • Life Fitness (Performance Lab) - New Drive • Access to Main Gym Mezzanine Upper - Secure Building Entry at Performing Level Arts and Athletics • Fieldhouse Updates & Gymnastics Area • Performing Arts Improvements • Outdoor Athletic Site Improvements • Add Robotics/STEM Area CHESTERTON HIGH SCHOOL Chesterton High School is dedicated to quality education for all students and is committed to developing lifelong learners who will value themselves and others, contribute to their community, and achieve individual success in an ever-changing world.

CHESTERTON HIGH SCHOOL (CHS) 2125 S 11th Street • Chesterton, IN 46304 219-983-3730

PRINCIPAL ASST. PRINCIPAL ASST. PRINCIPAL ASST. PRINCIPAL ASST. PRINCIPAL Mr. Brent Martinson Mr. Robert Blumenthal Mr. Dan Caudle Mrs. Heidi Hennigar Mrs. Kristen Peterson

ATHLETIC ASST. ATHLETIC COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR (Dept. Chair) Mrs. Gretchen Arthur Mrs. Johanna Hess Mr. Jeff Hamstra Mr. Tommy Berry Mrs. Karen Moffett

SCHOOL DAY 7:40 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. ______Block Scheduling CHS utilizes block scheduling al- COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR ternating Maroon / Gold days Mr. James Moore Mrs. Julie Roytan Mrs. Amy Snyder to expand instructional periods. CHESTERTON MIDDLE SCHOOL Chesterton Middle School is dedicated to quality education and committed to developing lifelong learners who demonstrate responsibility, contribute to their community, and succeed in a changing world.

PRINCIPAL ASST. PRINCIPAL Mr. Mike Hamacher Mr. Mike Okeley

DEAN OF ATHLETIC COUNSELOR COUNSELOR STUDENTS DIRECTOR Mrs. Laura Herrod Mrs. Darcy Lamb Mrs. Tiffany Hawkins Mr. Rich Gross

CHESTERTON MIDDLE SCHOOL (CMS) SCHOOL DAY 651 W Morgan Avenue • Chesterton, IN 46304 219-983-3776 7:50 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. LIBERTY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Liberty Intermediate School provides quality teaching in a positive and safe environment, while preparing its students for life’s opportunities and respon- sibilities.

PRINCIPAL COUNSELOR Mr. Greg Guernsey Mrs. Sarah Smenyak

LIBERTY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL (LIS) SCHOOL DAY 50 W 900 N • Chesterton, IN 46304 8:15 a.m. - 3:05 p.m. 219-983-3690

WESTCHESTER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Westchester Intermediate School is dedicated to being the keystone to developing successful students.

PRINCIPAL DEAN OF COUNSELOR Mr. Shawn Longacre STUDENTS Mrs. Maureen Hurst Mr. Allen Cochran

WESTCHESTER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL (WIS) SCHOOL DAY 1050 S. 5th Street • Chesterton, IN 46304 8:15 a.m. - 3:05 p.m. 219-983-3710 BAILLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The mission of Bailly Elementary School is to work together to help students reach their personal best by learning in a safe and positive school. Our goal is to create lifelong learners, who grow into responsible citizens.

PRINCIPAL COUNSELOR Mrs. Carey Storm Mrs. Heather Kellogg

BAILLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (BA) SCHOOL DAY 800 S. 5th Street • Chesterton, IN 46304 219-983-3670 8:00 a.m. - 2:25 p.m.

BRUMMITT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Brummitt Elementary School is dedicated to academic excellence. Our common goal is to foster responsibility, creative students with a lifelong quest for learning in an ever changing world.

PRINCIPAL COUNSELOR Mr. Nino Cammarata Mrs. Lindsay Moskalick

BRUMMITT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (BR) SCHOOL DAY 2500 Indian Boundary Road • Chesterton, IN 46304 8:00 a.m. - 2:25 p.m. 219-983-3660 JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson Elementary School will provide a friendly, safe, stimulating environment that encourages effort, academic growth, problem solving, creativity, and responsible actions.

PRINCIPAL COUNSELOR Mr. Sam Marshall Mrs. Elizabeth Martin

JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (JA) SCHOOL DAY 811 N 400 E • Valparaiso, IN 46383 219-983-3680 8:00 a.m. - 2:25 p.m.

LIBERTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Together we can learn, communicate and stay safe. Together we can solve problems, be responsible, and serve our community. Together we will succeed!

PRINCIPAL COUNSELOR Mrs. Stacey Schwuchow Mrs. Kristin Bonez

LIBERTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (LES) SCHOOL DAY 50-1 W 900 N • Chesterton, IN 46304 8:00 a.m. - 2:25 p.m. 219-983-3650 YOST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL With staff, student, parent and community support: At Yost Elementary School Everybody teaches, Everybody learns, Everybody is ‘somebody’ at Yost!

PRINCIPAL COUNSELOR Mr. Josh Huwig Mrs. Susan Harmison

YOST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (YO) SCHOOL DAY 100 W Beam Street • Porter, Indiana 46304 8:00 a.m. - 2:25 p.m. 219-983-3680

TROJAN VIRTUAL ACADEMY & ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL The Trojan Virtual Academy (TVA) strives to utilize Duneland innovation to inspire, engage, and empower student success for today and the future.

The TVA is a virtual K-12 program being launched at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. The Duneland School Corporation is excited to enter into a new chapter in our history of excellence by expanding our curricular choice offerings to include this virtual K-12 program.

Chesterton High School students who need to accel- erate credit attainment for graduation have access to the alternative school program. In this program, students learn in an online environment but with in-person support from a certified teacher. With school day AM or PM options, students have flexibility to meet their schedule and their learning needs to address overall success.

SCHOOL DAY DIRECTOR COUNSELOR Mr. Kevin Zeck Mrs. Michelle Bruss K-12 TVA - Flexible Schedule HS Alternative School - ALTERNATIVE & VIRTUAL EDUCATION Two (2) Sessions: 601 W Morgan Avenue • Chesterton, IN 46304 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 219-983-3600 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. STUDENT TRANSITION PROGRAMS Trojan Blitz, a building transition orientation program for students moving from grade 4 to grade 5, will be hosted at your student’s respective intermediate school (Liberty Intermediate/Westchester Intermediate) on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 OR Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Students only need to attend one of the four sessions: August 3 August 4 Session 1: 9:00-10:30 a.m. (Non Orchestra Kids) Session 3: 9:00-10:30 a.m. (Non Orchestra Kids) Session 2: 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Session: 4: 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Trojan Connections, an orientation program for all incoming Chesterton Middle School 7th graders, will be hosted on August 3 & 4 from 8:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. at CMS. This 4-hour in-person program will give students a chance to learn about the middle school and to have a little fun while being introduced to their new school. Students only need to attend one of the two sessions.

Trojan Charge, a Freshman orientation program, will be hosted on Wednesday, August 4 from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Chesterton High School. The day will be filled with activities to get incoming Freshmen acclimated with CHS. Students will also get an opportunity to meet upperclassmen, sign up for clubs, have a CHS lunch, open their lockers, and walk their school schedule. REGISTRATION Online Registration opens on Tuesday, July 20. Detailed information regarding the online registration process is available at www.duneland.k12.in.us/registration TRANSPORTATION Duneland students who live outside the established walking boundaries of their respective schools may be bused to and from school. Bus routes for registered Duneland students will be available on or about Friday, August 6, 2021 via the Skyward Parent Portal. CHILD NUTRITION The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a waiver to allow ALL children under the age of 18 to continue to receive FREE school meals during the 2021-2022 school year. However, those families that need assistance with their student(s) curricular material fees, will still need to apply for free and reduced assistance unless they are currently using the food stamp program or TANF. Families, not currently approved for assistance may apply AFTER July 1, 2021 on our website at: www.duneland.k12.in.us/Page/164 EMERGENCY WEATHER INFORMATION The decision to close school and engage in an eLearning day or alter the school day is done after collaborating with multiple district personnel, local, state departments and agencies. Decisions about school delays due to inclement weather will be made as early as possible. In some instances, a school cancellation may follow a two-hour delay. In the event of a two-hour delay followed by a cancellation, DSC does its best to make the decision to cancel school before 9:00 a.m. Delay or cancellation information will be delivered through the Skylert notification system. These notifications are based on the contact information provided in the General category within your Skylert notification system. Please review and update your contact information to receive these notifications. School closing/delay information will also be posted on the DSC website (www.duneland.k12.in.us) and sent to the following media outlets: Radio: WAKE 1500 AM; Indiana 105.5 FM; WEFM 95.9 FM; WDSO 88.3 FM; WGN Radio 720; WBBM Newsradio 780; TV Channels: 2, 5, 7, 9, 32, CLTV news; Websites: www.cancellations.com; www.emergencyclosingcenter.com The following options will be considered during weather emergencies: Option 1: Start of the school day will be delayed (2-hours from Level 1 start times). Delayed start times are: Elementary - 10:00 a.m. Intermediate - 10:15 a.m. Middle School - 9:50 a.m. High School - 9:40 a.m. Option 2: Students will not report to school; students will participate in inclement weather eLearning day Option 3: Schools will dismiss early CHS ALL SPORT PASSES 2021-2022 In conjunction with the Duneland Athletic Conference, adult and student admissions to Varsity Football and Boys/Girls Basketball games have increased to $7.00 per ticket. All other sports will remain at $6.00 per ticket for adults and students. The Chesterton Athletic Department is offering all-sports passes again for the 2021-22 seasons. All sports and “punch tickets” will be sold electronically on Eventlink. The link to purchase one of the ticket options is: https://sites.eventlink.com/s/chesterton-high-school/purchase-passes The following options for an all-sports pass and “punch tickets” are available for purchase. These passes are redeemable at the ticket gate on your mobile device or on a printed barcode.

• Trojan Fan All-Sports Pass - $125 This is an all-sports pass for one individual and is nontransferable. • Duneland Student All-Sports Pass - $75 This is a Duneland student All-Sports pass for one individual and is nontransferable. • Trojan Punch Pass - $130 (30 game punch pass) This pass is transferable and can be used by multiple people. Works out to $4.33 per person. DISTRICT AND SCHOOL ACCOMPLISHMENTS National Merit Scholarship Program Six Chesterton High School (CHS) seniors Ryan Donovan, Andrew Engel, Daniel Herr, Hattie Hoham, Matthew Streeter and Marina Weinberg were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Five of the semifinalists advanced to finalists in the Spring 2021.

National Merit Scholarship Winner Ryan Donovan, CHS senior, received a college-sponsored Indiana University Bloomington National Merit Scholar- ship in the area of Biomedical Engineering. Ryan is the son of Thad and Susan Donovan of Chesterton.

2020 College Success Award CHS was one of 2,158 schools in 29 states across the country to be honored with the 2020 College Success Award. The College Success Award recognizes and celebrates high schools that demonstrate excellence in ensuring students are prepared to succeed in college. This award is based on data indicating how a school prepares students to succeed after high school, including whether they enroll in college, are ready for college-level coursework when they get there, and persist into their second year.

Commended Students Three CHS seniors, Jackson Fleming, Gavin Layman and Hunter Stewart were named Commended Students in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.

John F. Young Lamplighter Award Duneland School Assistant Superintendent/CFO Lynn Kwilasz was named the 2020 recipient of the John F. Young Lamplighter Award. The “Lamplighter Award” is IASBO’s highest award for outstanding contributions to the profes- sion of school business management.

Boys Soccer Team - State Champions The CHS Boys Soccer Team won their 2nd state championship in 3-years on Saturday, October 31 with a 7-1 win over Castle. CHS broke 8 scoring records in the victory and led the Knights, 6-0 at halftime. Zack Bowser scored 3 goals and had 2 assists. Senior, Nick Biel was named the IHSAA Mental Attitude Award for excelling in a strong mental attitude, scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability.

CHS Girls and Boys Cross Country Teams The CHS Girls and Boys Cross Country teams were very successful this past school year. The girls team won four consecutive weekend championships: DAC, Sectional, Regional and Semi-State Championships; and the boys team won three consecutive weekend championships: Sectional, Regional and Semi-State Championships. It was the first time in school history that both programs won Sectional, Regional and Semi-State Championships.

Class of 2022 Rising Stars Four CHS juniors, Madelin Billings, Emma Bolinger, Alana Jardenil and Eric Sparks, were recognized as Class of 2022 Rising Stars of Indiana as part of the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) recognition program.

National Speech and Debate Recognition The CHS Speech and Debate team was named one of the Top 100 schools in the National Speech and Debate As- sociation in January 2020 for the 2019-2020 school year due to the incredibly high number of students involved in the program and degrees the students have earned through competition. CHS ranked 29th out of more than 3,000 schools nationwide. This is the most prestigious membership award the Association can bestow upon a school. Additionally, CHS earned membership in the Association’s prestigious Pentagon Club, for achieving 500 or more strength points - a significant milestone that demonstrates outstanding commitment to teaching students essential life skills--including communication, research, listening, writing and organization.

Gibson wins 2021 NWI Youth Symphony Concerto Competition CHS senior, Libby Gibson, was selected as the winner of the 2021 Northwest Indiana Youth Symphony Concer- to Competition. She won the honor by working and memorizing a viola solo and then auditioning and competing against the best musicians of the Northwest Indiana Youth Symphony. As the winner of the concerto competition, she was the featured soloist with the Northwest Indiana Youth Orchestra at their spring concert in May.

Prudential Spirit of Community Award CHS senior, Isabella Auricchio, was selected to receive an engraved bronze Distinguished Finalist medallion in The 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program for her outstanding volunteer work. Isabella was chosen as one of the top Indiana runners-up in the 2020 program for her work in creating the Indiana Dunes Beach Cleanup group to rid the beach of litter. She hosted eighteen total cleanups over three months collecting an average of 90 gallons of litter during each visit. Girls and Boys State Swimming The CHS Swim teams had a successful conclusions to their season. The Girls team finished the season as Confer- ence and Sectional team champions. At the IHSAA State Finals, the team improved from 10th place a year ago to 3rd place overall. The Boys team also finished the season as Conference and Sectional team champions. At the IHSAA State Finals, the team earned a spot in the Top Ten finishing 7th overall.

Dance Team Finishes 4th at State Finals The first-year CHS competitive Dance team placed fourth in the state finals in March. Placing 2nd in the senior solos was Ellery Brunt and placing 6th in junior solos was Olyvia Clark.

Wrestling Team finishes 2nd at State Finals The CHS Wrestling team finished 2nd at the IHSAA state finals two weekends ago. Three Trojans qualified for semi- state with 8 Trojans placing at the state meet: Brandon Bolin - Semi-state qualifier; Ethan Contreras - Semi-state qualifier; Cade Johnson - Semi-state qualifier; Aidan Torres - 132 lbs. - 8th Place; Hayden DeMarco - 113 lbs. - 6th Place; Ethan Kaiser -145 lbs. - 5th Place; Gavin Layman - 182 lbs. - 5th Place; Gage DeMarco - 195 lbs. - 4th Place; Evan Bates - 220 lbs. - 3rd Place; Brock Ellis - 145 lbs. - State Runner-up; and Sergio Lemley - 120 lbs. - State Cham- pion.

Gymnastics Team Earns 5th Consecutive DAC Title; 3rd Place State Finish The CHS Girls’ Gymnastics team completed their season with a DAC title for the 5th consecutive year and a 3rd place finish at the state finals. Senior Mia Pak achieved her 3rd consecutive State Champion in the Bars event. She is also one of only 4 girls in the history of Indiana High School gymnastics to win 3 consecutive state titles on a sin- gle event, and the 2nd gymnast to accomplish this on bars since 1980.

Indiana Academic All-Star Olivia Kroeger was one of 40 seniors from throughout Indiana to be selected in the 2021 Indiana Academic All-Stars, a program of the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). She was selected from a field of 280 outstanding nominees from the state’s private and public accredited schools. Academic All-Star distinction recognizes seniors who excel in the classroom first and foremost, but who also are actively involved in their schools and communities, and take on leadership roles in those activities.

Debate State Championship in Policy Debate CHS finished the Indiana virtual debate season with an individual State Championship in Policy debate and enough points overall to finish in 4th place. CHS Juniors Milena Veltri and Mark Jewison were the last team standing after winning their final round against Carmel High School by a 3-2 count. This is the 4th state title in a row in Policy De- bate and the 6th in the past 7-years.

Speech Team Places at State The CHS Speech Team placed 3rd at the State finals. Individual state champions were: Mattea Sklut - Radio Broadcasting; and Lily Roberts - Prose Reading and Programmed Oral Interpretation.

2021 Best High School Chesterton Senior High School is a 2021 Best High School, based on rankings that U.S. News & World Report pub- lished in April.

Robotics Teams Advance to State and World Competitions After competing at the State Robotics virtual competition three (3) Chesterton Middle School (CMS) and 10 West- chester Intermediate School Robotics teams advanced to the World VEX and World VEX IQ Competitions. The CMS Robotics Team E, competed in the State Robotics Tournament and was runner-up in Robot Skill, and recipient of the Excellence Award - the highest award for the competition. Team E also ended the season ranked #1 in the State and 12th in the Nation qualifying them for the World Competition in May where the team scored 159 and was 27 out of 125 teams.

Girls Track Team Seven CHS Girls Track Team members successfully participated in the State finals. Camryn Dunn led the way finishing 4th in the 400 with a school record time of 56.9 seconds and 6th place in the 100.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools Four Duneland Schools recently earned PLTW Distinguished Program recognition for 2020-2021. Those schools were: Yost Elementary, Liberty Intermediate, Westchester Intermediate and Chesterton High School. PLTW’s recognition program celebrates districts and schools committed to helping students unlock their potential and own their education by increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN 2021-2022 Move to Level 1: On May 28, 2021, Governor Holcomb issued Executive Order 21-15. The order states that as of July 1, 2021 school corporations will determine the type of mitigation measures and restrictions deemed necessary and prudent to address the impact and spread of COVID-19. Based on consultation with the Porter County Health Department and daily monitoring of school, community, county and statewide cases, Duneland School Corporation will move to Level 1 (Green) of its COVID-19 Response Plan. • Level 1 (Green) - Based on the advice of state and/or local government health officials, the COVID-19 pandemic no longer requires the use of face coverings. - In-person learning will emphasize good hygiene. Face covering use is optional. - Students and staff members who travel in DSC buses/vehicles must still wear a face covering per federal guidelines. Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, Duneland School’s risk level may change at any time. DSC administration will continue to provide COVID-19 information through email, phone messages, district and school-wide news- letters and the corporation website that is relevant for students and families. COVID-19 Resources Duneland families can access our COVID-19 Support Center by visiting the DSC website at www.duneland.k12.in.us and clicking on the COVID-19 INFO link at the top of the page. This link is also available on each school’s website in the same location. Duneland School’s Daily COVID-19 Risk Level is located on the COVID-19 INFO Homepage along with many other helpful resources.

DSC COVID-19 Risk Level as of July 1, 2021

Duneland School Corporation Non-Profit Org. 601 West Morgan Avenue US Postage Chesterton, Indiana 46304 Paid Permit 134 Valparaiso, IN

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KINDERGARTEN KICKOFF (Device distribution/informational event for incoming Kindergarten students at their respective buildings) Date and Time - Soon to be announced

BACK-TO-SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES

ELEMENTARY GRADES K-4 (at respective buildings) Tuesday, August 10, 2021 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

INTERMEDIATE GRADES 5-6 (at respective buildings) Monday, August 9, 2021 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

CHESTERTON MIDDLE SCHOOL 7-8 Monday, August 9, 2021 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

CHESTERTON HIGH SCHOOL 9-12 Wednesday, August 18, 2021 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Visit our website at www.duneland.k12.in.us