Committed to Inspiring Excellence, Igniting Curiosity and Unlocking Potential for All
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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 pro- vide a safe and engaging environment where students are empowered to explore their talents, build on their curiosity, embrace high expectations, and become re- sponsible, 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 excel- lence, 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-win- ning 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 com- munity-based partnerships providing models of real-world success. Students will advance their education- al 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 environ- ment. 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 referen- dum 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 pro- grams 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 com- mitted 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.