Classrooms
- Administration
- Fifth Grade
- Sixth Grade
- Exceptional Learners
- Related Arts
- PLTW
- Student Services
- Online Textbooks
- Items for Student Success
Administration
Email: slongacre@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mr. Shawn Longacre, Principal
In the early years of his career, Mr. Longacre first taught fourth grade for the School City of Hobart before coming to the Duneland School Corporation to be a fifth grade instructor. After teaching at Westchester for a number of years, he was subsequently promoted to his first administrative position at Chesterton High School to serve as assistant principal. In 2009 he was promoted again to the position of principal at Westchester Intermediate School where he continues to serve in that role. When he’s not at WIS, he enjoys spending time with his family, exercising outdoors, and watching Notre Dame Football.
Mr. Longacre would like to extend a gracious “Thank you” for visiting Westchester Intermediate School’s website and learning about our school. Westchester has an excellent academic record and prides itself on developing the fifth and sixth graders of our community. The staff of WIS is comprised of educators who promote student growth in the areas of academics, social/emotional learning, and community service/participation. The intermediate school model is designed to meet the developmental needs of the early adolescent student who is transitioning from the elementary stage to the secondary level. The staff of Westchester constantly search and plan for innovative opportunities to help the students become better equipped for the ever-changing global life in which they will live. We are eager for you to get to know our school. Please feel free to contact Mr. Longacre so that you can plan a visit to learn more about our dynamic school environment.
Email: khernandez@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mr. Kyle Hernandez, Assistant Principal
My name is Kyle Hernandez, and this is my eighth year in education. Previously, I have taught grades three through six, while working in four school districts throughout my professional career. I have completed my bachelor's degree from Purdue Northwest, and my master's degree from Ball State, where I studied to be a building level administrator. This will be my first year as an assistant principal, and second year at Westchester.
Fifth Grade
Email: kbuhring@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Buhring
I have been teaching at Westchester Intermediate for fifteen years. I attended Indiana University where I got my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. I also received my Master's Degree from Indiana Wesleyan. Throughout my time at WIS, I have taught Math, Science, and Social Studies. I currently teach 5th grade Math and Science.
I love spending time with my family.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: scalvert@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Casey
I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and my Master’s degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. Previously I taught at Clinton Central Elementary in Michigantown, Indiana, and Frank H. Hammond Elementary and James B. Eads Elementary in Munster, Indiana. I have been teaching at Westchester Intermediate School since 2002. I also sponsor the Spell Bowl team.
I enjoy spending time with my family, crafting, playing cards and board games.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: jconway@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Qualifications: WABASH COLLEGE - 1993 Psychology/Religion
Mr. Jason Conway
Education has always been and continues to be important to Mr. Conway and his family. His parents were both educators and he feels that part of who he is today is a direct result of having grown up in that environment. Mr. Conway appreciates all the work that the students, parents, and teachers put into our children's education and he always looks forward to working with our Westchester families.
Email: ldarnell@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Darnell
I graduated from Purdue University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. With this degree I can teach Historical Perspectives, Psychology, and Government and Citizenship. During the 2012-13 school year, I earned my Elementary Generalist certification through Marian University, giving me the ability to also teach grades K-6. Prior to beginning my teaching career, I was an aide for five years at both Brummitt Elementary and Westchester Intermediate. I began teaching 5th grade at Westchester Intermediate in 2014. I currently teach English Language Arts.
I have been married to my husband (Roy) since 2006. We have two boys, Myles (13) and Cooper (9). During my spare time, I enjoy visiting the beach and many of the nearby parks, as well as hiking, camping, and traveling.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: kguess@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Guess
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University in 2015. I then went on to earn my Master's degree in Math Education from Ball State University in 2021. I have spent my entire seven- year teaching career at Westchester Intermediate School. I also coach the Westchester Intermediate School Robotics teams.
In my free time, I love reading, traveling, playing and watching sports, and spending time with my family!
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: smitchell@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Mitchell
I have lived in Chesterton for most of my life. I was lucky enough to live in North Carolina for four years while my husband served in the Air Force, but we decided to move back to the area to raise our children. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Purdue University North Central and my Master’s degree at Indiana Wesleyan. I have taught both fifth and sixth grade at Westchester Intermediate School.
I currently teach fifth grade Social Studies and Language Arts. I also sponsor the WIS Spell Bowl team and work on the yearbook.
I enjoy reading and going for walks in my free time.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: dschmiegel@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Schmiegel
Mrs. Schmiegel earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University. She served as an aide in Indianapolis prior to becoming a sixth grade instructional aide for Westchester. In 2018 she became a full-time teacher here at Westchester where she teaches fifth grade math.
Mrs. Schmiegel was born and raised in Indianapolis, but she loves living so close to Lake Michigan. Her two children both graduated from Chesterton High School and were involved in many of the school-sponsored activities. In her spare time she enjoys reading, swimming, graphic design, and golfing with friends and family.
Email: csteinbeck@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Steinbeck
After graduating from Purdue with my degree in Elementary Education, I came back to Duneland Schools where I have spent all 22 years of my career. Having started out teaching third grade, I moved to WIS in 2001 when it transitioned to an intermediate school. I've taught every subject across both fifth and sixth grade. I currently teach fifth grade Science and Health.
I love to be outdoors, especially in the woods. I tend to spend my free time running or hiking. I never leave home without a book in my bag.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Sixth Grade
Email: kbalon@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Balon
Mrs. Balon earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse and her transition to teaching license from Calumet College of St. Joseph. In 2020, she started teaching sixth grade Science and Math. Prior to that role, she worked at Liberty Intermediate School in the library.
Mrs. Balon was born and raised in Bloomer, Wisconsin. She has been married since 1994 to a native Chesterton graduate. She is happy to have had her five children graduate from Duneland Schools. In her spare time she enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with family and friends.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: cellerthorpe@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Ellerthorpe
Mrs. Ellerthorpe earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. She earned two Master's degrees in Educational Technology from Ball State University and Full Sail University. She started teaching sixth grade at WIS in 2004.
She was born and raised in Chesterton, and she is happy to be able to send her own children through Duneland Schools. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, hiking the local parks, and camping… all while spending time with friends and family.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: rfolliard@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Email: bhall@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Hall
I have been a teacher for 34 years. I received my elementary teaching degree and middle school Math endorsement from Manchester University. I taught grades 2, 3, and 5 early in my career at Carlin Park Elementary in Angola, Indiana. I began teaching in Duneland in 1998. I earned my Masters degree in 1999. I spent fourteen years at Jackson Elementary, where I taught grades 1 and 4. When I first started teaching at Westchester (2013), I taught 5th grade Math and Science. Currently, I am a 6th grade mathematics teacher.
I enjoy camping, reading, and walking my two rescue Chihuahuas.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas
Email: mhiestand@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Hiestand
Mrs. Hiestand earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and her Master's degree in Educational Technology from Ball State University. She started teaching sixth grade English/Language Arts at WIS in 2015. She has experience teaching first, second, and third grade– mostly at Liberty Elementary School.
She was born and raised in Chesterton, and she also sends her own children to Duneland Schools. She enjoys reading, camping, knitting, and spending time with friends and family.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: ckautz@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Email: rlevan@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mr. Levan
I am one of our sixth grade Social Studies teachers. I received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from Purdue University. I have taught in the Duneland School Corporation for 23 years.
In my free time I enjoy fishing, hiking, traveling, and going to movies and concerts.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: kmasi@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Masi
Mrs. Masi has worked in the Duneland School Corporation for the past fifteen years. She taught fourth grade at Bailly for eight years before moving to WIS. She has been teaching Language Arts at WIS since 2016.
Mrs. Masi was born in Illinois and moved to Chesterton in high school. She got her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University.. When she’s not at school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids. They love to go on hikes at the Dunes and Coffee Creek Watershed. Gardening and cooking are also hobbies of hers.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: jscroggins@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mr. Scroggins
Mr. Scroggins earned his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Management with honors in Economics from Purdue University. After a career in management, he completed the transition to teaching program at Calumet College in 2012. Later that same year, he began teaching at WIS. He first taught fifth grade Math and Science for three years before becoming a sixth grade Math teacher in 2015.
He was born and raised in Hobart, and he still resides there today. He enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, listening to music, and attending concerts.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: hwood@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Exceptional Learners
Email: mcleary@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219)983-3710
Mr. Cleary
Mr. Cleary earned a Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Science from Purdue University Northwest, and completed his Master's Degree in Special Education from Indiana University Northwest. Mr. Cleary loves teaching at Westchester Intermediate School, and you will often hear him say, "It's a great day at WIS!" When not teaching, he enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, board games, chess, going to the coffee shop to read, and listening to music. He also enjoys all things Science Fiction and loves both Star Trek and Star Wars.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: bdoolin@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mr. Doolin
Mr. Doolin earned his Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Ball State University, teaching certifications (general and special education) from Indiana University, and a Master's degree in Special Education from Purdue University. He began teaching Special Education at WIS in 2004. Before that, he taught special education at Flint Lake Elementary (Valparaiso) and Willowcreek Middle School (Portage).
He grew up in Westville and has spent his entire life in "The Region." When not in the classroom, he enjoys anything baseball– this includes his 25 + years as a member of the Deep River Grinders Vintage Baseball Team, as well as working in the summer for the Chicago Cubs. You can also occasionally find him in the Dunes State Park with his dog.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: kkeytatum@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219)983-3710
Mrs. Kay Key-Tatum
Mrs. Key-Tatum graduated from Ball State University with hopes of going to law school and becoming a family law attorney. As life would have it, she found out years later that her purpose was not only to teach but to be a special education teacher and serve those students that would need her more, so she returned to college and completed the teaching program. During this time she has had the pleasure of working in all three levels from elementary, middle, and high school. Mrs. Key-Tatum loves teaching special education and watching her students gain confidence. She says special education teachers are superheroes with invisible capes! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 4 children she birthed, and 3 bonus daughters she has been blessed to help raise. Mrs. Key-Tatum and her family love traveling, swimming, camping, reading, and scouting.
Email: momartin@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Martin
In 2010, Mrs. Martin earned a Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois majoring in Special Education for the Deaf. Her first year teaching was as a Title 1 Assistant. Then, she taught at Carle Auditory Oral School as a Deaf Educator in Urbana, Illinois for 4 years. Mrs. Martin moved to Indiana in 2015 for her husband’s job and stayed home with her children for over 2 years. In February 2018, Mrs. Martin was hired as a Teacher of the Deaf/HH with PCES and began working in the Duneland Schools. This will be her 6th school year, providing direct instruction and consultation services to students who are deaf/hard of hearing at WIS.
Mrs. Martin has been married to her husband, Thomas, for 12 years and lives in Valparaiso. They have two children who both attend Yost Elementary. She enjoys playing outside with her kids, crafting, watching K-dramas, and listening to music.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
DHH
Email: spadro@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219)983-3710
Email: jtrezak@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219)983-3710
Mr. Trezak
Mr. Trezak earned his Bachelors degree in Health Sciences and Community Health Education/Promotion from Ball State University. This education focused on promoting community wellness inclusive for all people, co-active instruction and coaching, and the teaching of lifestyle competencies. From there, he went on to acquire extensive experience in public health and wellness culminating in him becoming a community wellness advocate, grant director, and prevention coordinator for mental wellbeing, substance abuse prevention, and suicide prevention. He is a certified instructor of both Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, the QPR Model for Suicide Prevention, and Crisis Intervention Team Coordination. He believes in the power of interpersonal communication and loves working with people to enrich their lives through education. He is currently earning his second Degree in Special Education through Indiana Wesleyan University.
When he is not in the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids and pursuing creative hobbies such as cooking and playing music. He also loves athletics and researching various areas of interest.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: rzalud@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Ms. Zalud
ExL Aides
Mrs. Chisko
Email: mchisko@duneland.k12.in.us
Ms. Fulton
Mrs. Garza
Related Arts
Band
Email: rfolliard@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mr. Christensen
I graduated from CHS in 2006 and Ball State University in 2022 with a degree in Music Education. From 2006-2009, I marched in Drum Corps International followed by a four year enlistment with The Commandant's Own Marine Drum and Bugle Corps from 2010-2014. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, auto racing, board games, disc golf, and hockey.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Art
Email: phart@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Ms. Hart
Ms. Hart earned her Bachelor's degree in Visual Art Education from Indiana University and her Master's degree in Curriculum and Design from Olivet Nazarene University. She started teaching Art at WIS in 2022. Prior to that, she was a Visual Arts 6th-8th grade teacher at Fegely Middle School in Portage for the last 15 years. She has also coached and sponsored volleyball, girls basketball, cross-country, art club and junior national honor society.
In her spare time, Ms. Hart enjoys spending time with her 8 year old son and 5 year old daughter, running, working out, creating art, going to the beach, traveling and gardening.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Orchestra
Email: rkrieg@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Malott
Mrs. Malott earned her Bachelor's degree in Violin Performance and her Master's degree in Elementary
Education from Valparaiso University. She started teaching music at WIS in 2021. Prior to that, she was a fourth grade teacher, and she has also taught violin and piano lessons for many years.
In her spare time, Mrs. Malott enjoys hiking in the dunes with her dog, playing music, traveling, kayaking, and gardening.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Choir
Email: imarquez@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Physical Education
Email: nwilson@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Wilson
Mrs. Wilson earned her Bachelor's degree in Physical Education with a Minor in Health from Valparaiso University. She also earned two Master's degrees in Educational Technology from Ball State University and Full Sail University. She has taught fifth and sixth grade physical education in the Duneland Schools since 2003, with the majority of her years at WIS.
Mrs. Wilson and her husband have three daughters who attend Duneland Schools. She also coaches All-Star Cheer at The Courts in Valpo. In her spare time she enjoys reading, hiking, working on puzzles, and hanging out with family and friends.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
PLTW
Email: ctroy@duneland.k12.in.us
219-983-3710
Mrs. Troy
Teaching is a second career for me! I originally earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Valparaiso University. After spending some time in human resources, I decided to enroll in the Transition to Teaching program to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. This is now my 11th year of teaching. I taught 2nd grade for five years and then I taught Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to K-4th grade students for five years in LaPorte, Indiana. I will now be teaching PLTW to the 5th and 6th grade students at both Liberty and Westchester Intermediate Schools. I received my master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan and I also earned the National Certificate for STEM Teaching from NISE (National Institute of STEM Education).
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading.
Student Services
Counselor
Email: mhurst@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Hurst
Mrs. Hurst earned a Bachelor's degree from Miami University and a Masters degree in School Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. She has been the school counselor at Westchester Intermediate School since 2011. Her job is to design a school counseling program that helps all students in the area of academics, college & career readiness, and social & emotional learning. Mrs. Hurst feels very fortunate to work at WIS with so many caring teachers and staff.
Mrs. Hurst and her husband have three children who all attended WIS. Mrs. Hurst loves to travel, snow ski, and play & watch sports.
ELL
Email: krutkowski@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Rutkowski
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education (French and Spanish) and a Master's Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. I have been teaching in the Duneland School Corporation for four years. Prior to teaching in the Duneland School Corporation, I worked as an EL aide for three years. Additionally, I have taught French in the School City of Hammond Schools, Spanish and French in the Grand Rapids Public Schools, and I have taught English as a New Language to both adults and children through the Migrant Education Program in Sparta, Michigan. I currently teach English Language Learners in grades K-12 in the Duneland School Corporation.
Instructional Coach
Email: msutton@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Ms. Sutton
Ms. Megan Sutton earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Saint Joseph’s College. In addition, she has a Master’s in Educational Leadership and her Education Administration Certification from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has taught at the intermediate level for the last 16 years in various subject areas including math, science, social studies, and health.
Ms. Sutton graduated from Chesterton High school. She has a son and a daughter who also attend Duneland schools. In her spare time, Ms. Sutton enjoys watching her kids participate in a variety of sports and activities and going camping with family and friends.
Media Specialist
Email: pnapier@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mr. Paul Napier
He earned a B. A. from Valparaiso U.,
And a Masters from Indiana and Purdue...
But despite three degrees,
And many A's and B's,
Chesterton’s schools taught him most of what he knew.
So to Duneland he returned for his career,
Teaching English and Library for years...
He taught Special Ed., too,
Was dean in 2022,
As well as a coach, sponsor, and volunteer.
For fun, he enjoys hiking and biking,
And the buzzing of drumming and beekeeping…
But cool classic cars,
And dark chocolate bars,
Are other interests he finds to be engaging.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Title I
Email: ankelly@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mrs. Kelly
Mrs. Kelly earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Elementary Education from Iowa State University. She earned her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University. This is her first year at Westchester Intermediate as the Reading Specialist. Prior to coming to WIS, Mrs. Kelly taught 30 years in Chicago and East Chicago.
She moved to Chesterton with her husband to raise their two children. Both children attended school in Chesterton. She is excited to be teaching in the same school that her children attended. In her spare time, Mrs. Kelly enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with her family.
For assignments and classroom information, please log in to Canvas.
Online Textbooks
Fifth Grade Textbooks
- Login Here
- User name: First letter of first name, last name, last four digits of student ID ex: jsmith0000
- Password: d plus student ID (example: d1234567)
Pearson Easy Bridge (Science and Social Studies)
- Login Here (Auto logon)
*The textbook editions available online may not be the same editions as our printed textbooks. Content may be somewhat different.
Sixth Grade Textbooks
- Login Here
- User name: First letter of first name, last name, last four digits of student ID ex: jsmith0000
- Password: d plus student ID (example: d1234567)
Pearson Easy Bridge (Literature and Social Studies)
- Login Here
- User name is the same as Google Login (First letter of first name, last name, last four digits of student ID ex: jsmith0000)
Example: jsmith0000@myduneland.org - Password: d plus student ID (example: d1234567)
Big Ideas Math (6th Grade)
-
Login Here (Auto logon)