Academics
- Administration
- English
- Exceptional Learners
- Social Studies
- Health/Physical Education
- Mathematics
- Music
- PLTW
- Science
- Student Services
- Technology/College & Careers
- Visual Arts
- World Languages
- Course Description Guide
- New High School Diploma Presentation
Administration
Email: lseiss@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Seiss
I attended and earned my Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Masters of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision Degree from Ball State University. I began my career teaching kindergarten and second grade in SW Florida; Ft. Myers and Cape Coral. In 2012, I moved to Muncie, IN with my husband Brad and son Robert. There I was a data coach/reading specialist at Mitchell Elementary. In 2015, my family and I moved to NW Indiana. At Merrillville Schools, I taught sixth grade reading at Merrillville Intermediate School and then transitioned to data coach at Pierce Middle School. In 2018, I came to Duneland as a technology integration specialist for all K-4 buildings and then became the instructional coach at Yost Elementary.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, walking at the beach, coloring with my daughter (Sophie), and cheering for my three boys (Robert, Luke, and Matthew) in all of their sports.
Email: jtudor@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Tudor
Hello WMS families. My name is Josh Tudor and I serve as the Assistant Principal. I worked at the school district for over 10 years, before taking this role at WMS. My wife, Robin, and I have two great kids named Phoebe and Henry. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, listening to music and watching my kids play sports. Let's have a great school year. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Athletic Director
Email: rgross@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Gross
Instructional Coach
Email: msutton@duneland.k12.in.us
Ms. Sutton
Administrative Assistant
Admin. Asst./ ECA Treasurer
Registrar/Adm. Asst.
Library Media Assistant
Mrs. Faith Bennett
Email: fbennett@duneland.k12.in.us
English
Email: cblackwell@duneland.k12.in.us
Ms. Blackwell
My name is Courtney Blackwell, and I’m so excited to be part of the WMS team! As an educator, I strive to create a positive and engaging classroom environment where all students feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Teaching from Purdue University Northwest in 2021 and went on to complete my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2023 at the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, spending time with my fiancé and family, and staying active through exercise and outdoor activities.
Email: mbruner@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Bruner
I have been teaching for twenty years. I started teaching ELA in 7th and 8th grade at Bishop Noll Junior High School. I also taught 8th grade ELA and Pierce Middle School and Union Township Middle School. I then taught high school English at Wheeler and Portage High School.
I have coached girls basketball, softball, and football over my teaching career. I am currently the girls JV basketball coach at Chesterton High School.
I enjoy golfing, reading, watching sports and being a dad to my daughters, Belle and Camille.
Email: rficaro@duneland.k12.in.us
Email: astark@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Stark
I am a 1985 graduate of Indiana University Bloomington and earned my teacher's certification from Indiana University Northwest in Gary in 2004. I am licensed to teach English, Government, and Economics in grades 5-12. I have been teaching English and Advanced English at Chesterton Middle School for the past 15 years. I have been married to my husband Richard for 35 years and have 3 adult sons. We have lived in Valparaiso for the past 27 years and currently reside in Liberty Township.
I enjoy reading, knitting and visiting the area's beaches.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Exceptional Learners
Email: jbenedetti@duneland.k12.in.us
Miss Benedetti
This will be my 5th year teaching. I taught middle school social studies and science before coming to work at CMS. I used last year to gain experience working with students of all grade levels and subjects. I enjoy drawing, painting, manga, and anime. I also enjoy reading, writing, and learning.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: hwadowski@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Wadowski
I attended The University of Michigan and earned a Bachelor of Education. While teaching for three years in the Detroit Public School district I completed my Master's degree in Special Education from Wayne State University. A move to Saginaw, Michigan took me to my first middle school classroom where I taught for three years. After a move to Chesterton, Indiana, and a 15-year hiatus from teaching, I began a two-year teaching assignment at Union Township Middle School/ Wheeler High School. This is my first year teaching at Chesterton Middle School. I am thrilled to be teaching in my home district!
I have three children who all attend the Duneland schools. I love watching them play sports. My favorite genre of books is Historical Fiction. You can always find a book somewhere near me that I am reading.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: rzalud@duneland.k12.in.us
ExL Aides
Mrs. Chisko
Ms. Hawe
Social Studies
Email: kgalloway@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Galloway
I obtained an Associates degree in Anthropology from Indiana University Northwest along with my Bachelors in History / Art History. After completing these degrees I went to Valparaiso University to get my Masters in History. While attending VU I also had the pleasure of living in England for a semester. I am working towards a Masters in Education from IUN as well. Education never ends! My personal interests include travel, listening to all sorts of music, and attending concerts. I enjoy movies, mostly science fiction and horror.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: cgood@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Good
I received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Communications from Valparaiso University, a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University, and a Masters of Liberal Studies in History and English from Valparaiso Univerisity. I enjoy traveling, walking/hiking, photography, flying RC aircraft, crafting, and reading.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: zpizer@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Pizer
I attended Purdue University Northwest and obtained my Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education: History. I am currently attending Ball State's Masters program in "Educational Leadership" to obtain my administrative license.
I married my high school sweetheart and together we have a daughter (Opal) and one on the way. We love going to Disney World with Opal and seeing it through the eyes of a toddler.
I was the head varsity baseball coach at Highland High School for 2 years where we won a Sectional title. I love watching and coaching sports as I also coached elementary and middle school basketball and baseball.
Email: hpleasant@duneland.k12.in.us
Miss Pleasant
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Math and Education from Valparaiso University.
I love to spend time with my family, read, and watch movies!
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas
Health/Physical Education
Email: rgross@duneland.k12.in.us
Email: mpavlovich@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Pavlovich
I have taught students of all ages in a variety of settings, and I am very excited to be joining the Westchester team of teachers!
Learning about living a healthy lifestyle is important for our students now and throughout a lifetime.
My wife Elaine and I live in Chesterton, and our oldest daughter attends Brummitt and will be entering the 3rd grade. Our youngest daughter will be starting her second year of pre school at St. Pats. We also have an English Labrador named Mickey!
I am eager to start the 2025/2026 school year and beyond.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: astafford@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Stafford
I have been teaching Physical Education in Duneland, most of my time at Chesterton Middle School, going on 25 years. I have achieved a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Valparaiso University. I have also received a Master of Education from Indiana Wesleyan University.
In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing and spending time with my family.
Mathematics
Email: ljohnson@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Johnson
I have a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Evansville. I came to Duneland Schools with 11 years of teaching under my belt. All of my years of teaching have been teaching middle school math, which I have loved every minute of it
Outside of school I love spending time and traveling with my husband and our 4 kids. I also love to crochet, sewing, and make crafts. We also have some fur babies in our family which we adore. We have 1 dog, a Corgi (Sakura), and 6 sugar gliders.
Email: lodell@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. O'Dell
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University, West Lafayette in Actuarial Science and I worked downtown Chicago for 6 years before taking a break to raise my children. I took courses through Indianan Wesleyan University for my teacher certification to teach, then started my career teaching High Ability classes at Jackson Elementary for a year. I transferred over to CMS to teach math and I am now in my 10th year. I am also a co-sponsor for the CMS Student Council. During my summers, I work for the Chesterton Park Department as the Supervisor of the Summer Fun Park Program located at the park next door, for which I just completed my 6th year!
I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my youngest son play soccer, and spending summers at the park! I also enjoy walks on the beach, hiking, biking, home improvements, and gardening!
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: smitchell@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Skolak-Mitchell
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas
Music
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.
Choir
Email: imarquez@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Isabella Marquez
Ms. Bella Marquez directs the choral program at Westchester Intermediate/Middle School and also serves as the assistant for the Chesterton High School show choirs, the Sandpipers and Drifters. She graduated with honors from Butler University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education. When she’s not sharing her musical passion with students, Ms. Marquez enjoys unwinding with her family and her dog Ozzie.
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.
PLTW
Science
Email: tkeilman@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Keilman
I am excited to be teaching science at CMS. I graduated with degrees from Valparaiso University and Purdue University. I have also taught Project Lead the way, Design & Modeling, and Medical Detectives. I have coached many extra-curricular activities but am currently involved with Science Olympiad and Cross-Country. I enjoy following the interests of my 3 children, science, technology, fitness, recipes, & music.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: dsiford@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Siford
I have taught science in the Duneland School Corporation for the past 27 years, and am currently the CMS science department chairperson. I am a graduate of Laporte High School, hold a BS degree from Ball State University, and hold an MS degree from Indiana University at South Bend. I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. I enjoy gardening and the great outdoors.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Email: szucker@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Zucker
I received my B.S. from Valparaiso University, majoring in Biology and Secondary Education. I also have a minor in Special Education. I began teaching at Culver Community High School as a Chemistry teacher in Culver, Indiana. I then moved back home to Chicago after Culver and became the Biology, Physical Science, and Forensic Science teacher at Luther North College Prep. I am very excited to be a part of the Chesterton Middle School community.
I enjoy playing all kinds of sports which include basketball, football, and baseball. I am an avid runner and plan on running many road races. I also listen to all kinds of music and enjoy going to many concerts in the summer. Family and friends are very important to me and I like to spend as much time as possible with them.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Student Services
Counselor
Email: dlamb@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Lamb
I graduated from Indiana University to earn my School Counseling license. I started out my first few years as a high school counselor. I then spent the next 7 years in a middle school prior to CMS. I am starting my 4th year here at Chesterton Middle School! I enjoy spending my time with my husband, children, family, and friends when I am not at work.
For Counseling Department information, please log in to Canvas.
Media Specialist
Email: pnapier@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Mr. Paul Napier
I 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.
ML
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.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, quilting, and spending time with my family.
DHH
Email: spadro@duneland.k12.in.us
Phone: (219)983-3710
Technology/College & Careers
Email: bmyers@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Myers
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Home Economics Education from Valparaiso University. I have a graduate (Master's) degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette. Currently, I am Department chair for Family and Consumer Science (FACS) and Technology departments. I have taught at Liberty Middle School, Westchester Middle School, and Chesterton Middle School.
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, working on crafts, reading, and watching movies.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Visual Arts
World Languages
French
Email: lhageman@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Hageman
have been teaching French at the middle and high school levels since 2005. My first degree is a B.A. in French: International Studies from Purdue University Northwest (previously Purdue Calumet), for which I completed an immersion program through the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi in 1997. I returned to Purdue Northwest to obtain my teaching license in French. The students refer to me simply as Madame, and I teach French Level 1 at CMS and French Levels 1, 4, and 5 at CHS.
In my free time, my husband and I enjoy traveling both in the U.S. and abroad. We are often adopted by animals who need a home, and currently have 2 cats and a dog. My hobbies include needlework and genealogy, and I have been playing the flute for more than 30 years.
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
German
Email: cknauff@duneland.k12.in.us
Mr. Knauff
I began my teaching career here in Duneland in 2011. It has been a wonderful place to teach! I teach German Level 1 here at CMS, then I spend the rest of my day teaching upper level German at CHS. I enjoy reading and IU Hoosiers Sports. I am a Cubs & Bears Fan, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to concerts, and watching movies.
Classes Taught: German
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
Spanish
Email: kprater@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Prater
This school year I will begin my 14th year of teaching. I graduated from Anderson University with a degree in Sports Medicine and Spanish, and went on to earn my Masters degree in Education through Valparaiso University while working as an Athletic Trainer. I began my teaching career at Boone Grove High School and Middle School teaching introductory courses as well as all levels of Spanish. I am excited to be back at the middle school level this year and in the Duneland School District!
It is my goal, not only to share the culture of countries around the world, and the Spanish language with my students, but to also connect with them and provide a safe place for them. I truly believe that when students feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment, their curiosity and desire to become a lifetime learner increases exponentially. I aim to make my classroom a place that my own children would feel comfortable in and in which my children would feel driven to learn and explore.
When I am not teaching, I am a mom to 4 children, as well as a wife to my husband of 16 years. While a big chunk of my time is spent chauffeuring kids to different extracurricular activities, I love to be outdoors, explore, and workout in my free time.
Japanese
Email: atsugawa@duneland.k12.in.us
Mrs. Tsugawa
I am a Japanese native speaker. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Physical Education, and English from Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan, and my Master's Degree in Secondary Education from IUN. This is my 14th year teaching for Duneland School Corporation (both CMS and CHS). I previously worked for Highland Schools. I currently sponsor the CHS Japanese Club, CMS Japanese Club, and CHS Anime Club. I received the 2018 "Japanese Teacher of the Year" from Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association (IFLTA). I also received the 2019 "Secondary Teacher of the Year" for IFLTA.
I love to do yoga, dance, travel, and read.
Classes Taught: Japanese
For assignments and class information, please log in to Canvas.
