Duneland Schools Update, September 8, 2017

Duneland-Schools-Update-09-08-17Westchester Intermediate Receives Foundation Grant
The Duneland Education Foundation (DEF) recently presented a $5000 check to Westchester Intermediate for a MakerSpace room (potentially two) where students will be able to engage in hands-on STEM/STEAM/STREAM learning. The space will be used to create/engineer products; use the scientific method for experiments; share creations and learning through class presentations; and learn from their peers.

MakerSpaces will provide teachers with a suitable space for extended projects, storage for science materials and student work, as well as provide a place to display student work. Left to right, DEF Director Allison Kroft presents the check to WIS fifth grade teachers Bobbi Hall, Kaitlyn Toweson and Kristina Buhring, along with DEF President Joseph Day and Principal Shawn Longacre.

All Duneland Schools designated Gold Star Schools
The Indiana Department of Education has announced the 2017 Gold Star Schools. All of the Duneland Schools are now Gold Star Schools. Chesterton High School was designated as a Gold Star School in 2005 and is a Gold Star Renewal Recipient this year. Joining CHS this year are Bailly, Brummitt, Jackson, Liberty and Yost Elementary Schools; Liberty and Westchester Intermediate Schools; and Chesterton Middle School.

“Receiving the Gold Star designation is evidence of the collaboration it takes among educators and staff for students to be successful,” said Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction. “I want to recognize and commend these schools for understanding the tremendous impact school counselors and school and community members have in helping our students become fully prepared for life beyond high school.”

Created in 2004, the Gold Star designation has been awarded to nearly 300 Indiana elementary, middle and high schools. To receive the award, schools undergo a rigorous process to raise student achievement and improve overall student success by creating local school-community advisory groups that review student data, set specific student goals, and commit to maximizing the time and skills of the school counselor. A total of 104 schools received the 2017 designation, of which 22 renewed their Gold Star status.

The official award presentation will take place in November at the Indiana School Counselor Association fall conference.