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December 7, 2018
ISD 709 School News
The Duluth Debate Team (students from Denfeld and Duluth East) competed in Eagan, earning several top awards – proud of our team, coaches and program!
Thanks to coach Jill Lofald for the photos and info.
#worththehardworkandlongbusrides #hunterpride #greyhoundstrong
Local Scholarships Available! Applications Due January 15
Now is the time to apply for the huge bounty of local scholarships available to graduating high school seniors. Some are based on academics, others recognize community volunteerism or focus on student need. With over 50 scholarships, there are opportunities for everyone.
Applications are due by January 15, 2019 but the application will take some time to complete, so start early. Detailed information can be found on the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation website or by phone to 218-726-0232.
Laura MacArthur Elementary Receives $500 for FIRST Lego Robotics Team
The award supports the school's FIRST Lego Robotics team through the planning and implementation stage of competition.
The Northland Foundation’s KIDS PLUS Youth In Philanthropy Program have awarded more than $8,000 in 13 grants during its 2018 fall round of grant-making to support youth-driven projects across the region. The board is made up of 15 high school students from Cloquet, Duluth, Ely, Hibbing, McGregor, Moose Lake, and Superior, WI, and four adult mentors.
Youth In Philanthropy receives key funding support from the Minnesota Power Foundation, the Northland Foundation, and others. The remaining two rounds of grants have application deadlines of January 1 and April 1, 2019. Learn more at www.northlandfdn.org/kids-plus/youth-programs.php.
Greg Irons Teacher/Staff Award Nominations Due January 15
Know a great educator who deserves special recognition? Consider nominating them for the Greg Irons Teacher/Staff Award. Named after a former ISD 709 teacher, the Award recognizes teachers/school staff who ‘demonstrate their belief that all students have worth and the desire to succeed and that responsibility, sincerity, honesty and hard work are the foundation of a person's life.’ Past winners have received a cash award of $500.
Nominations may be made by students, teachers, other school staff, parents or community members and are due by January 15, 2019. Forms are available at www.dsacommunityfoundation.com/forms-and-applications and can be submitted electronically. For more information, contact the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation at scholarships@dsacommunityfoundation.com or 218-726-0232.
Denfeld's Maroon 16 is singing and spreading cheer throughout the Northland community - this chamber choir already has five performances under its belt this holiday season, with many more to go!
Pictured are Maroon 16 students performing at Greysolon Plaza and Barkers Island Inn. From "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" to "I'll Be Home for Christmas," Denfeld students are having a positive impact with the music they make.
You can hear them perform at the Denfeld Holiday Concert on Monday, December 17 at 7:00pm in the Denfeld Auditorium. $5 for adults, and $3 for students at the door.
Thanks to Paul Christensen for the info and photo.
Duluth School Board Represents at State Conference
The Northland, including Duluth Public Schools, had good representation at the Minnesota School Board Association Delegate Assembly which helps build the Association's legislative platform to support public education. School leaders from Duluth, Barnum, Mesabi East, Moose Lake and Virginia attended.
Lincoln Park MS Principal Brenda Vatthauer (center) in collaboration with The College of St. Scholastica, accepts a grant from Rotary Club 25 to support STEM Camp - Science, Technology, Engineering, Math.
Many thanks for this community support and partnership!
Through Our Eyes: Growing Our Way
Three Lowell Elementary students, Elizabeth, Bradley and Alexis Goodsky, were featured in the Through Our Eyes: Growing Our Way Indigenous Youth Photography Exhibition. The event reflects themes of food sovereignty, culture, the sacredness of water, and youth leadership and coincides with the 2019 AICHO Calendar Release.
Thank you, Sheryl Van Scoy, for the photo and info.
In the News
Patience Thompson, Myers-Wilkins Elementary School, also participated in the Growing Our Way exhibition and was interviewed for Minnesota Native News, a weekly radio segment covering ideas and events relevant to Minnesota’s Native American communities.
Listen at Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota's Communities
Thank you, Ivy Vainio, for the information and link.
Ordean East Students Share With Community
Harmony Bridge students from Ordean East Middle School, making a positive contribution to the well-being of their community. Grade 6-8 Band connecting with seniors through music at Mount Royal Pines.
Denfeld, Duluth East Robotics Teams Host Workshops
The Duluth East Daredevils and Denfeld DNA Robotics Teams presented and attended workshops at Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, MN. ICC is an annual workshop held by the college for FRC (First Robotics Competition) teams in the area. It's an opportunity for teams to get together and share tips and information.
Presentations are related to communication, team management, strategy, fabrication and design, among others. Duluth East's CAD (Computer Aided Design) department presented on use of the new CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machine, Electronics talked about the “do’s and don'ts” of electronics, Safety hosted a round table discussion and the Drive team provided training on how to drive a robot and systems.
Thank you, Duluth East Daredevils, for the info.
Creativity Rocks at Rockridge
Art students at Rockridge Academy kicked off the holiday season by making and decorating ginger bread houses. Over several days they rolled, cut out and baked pieces, put them together with royal icing and then decorated - a true test of patience. Yes, they ate a little candy, but most were so into decorating, they didn't get carried away! " Many students plan to give them as gifts so they took great care in their work." said art teacher Kelly Dupre.
Thank you, Denise Clairmont, for the photos and info.
Homecroft Student Essays Selected for Tree of Lights Ceremony
Each year Essentia Health invites students from across the area to submit essays for their Tree of Lights program. They review the essays and choose several to be recognized at their Tree of Lights ceremony.
This year four students from Homecroft Elementary were chosen, congratulations Griffin Porter, Lilly Porter, Adelaide Sadowski and Zac Stratioti (unable to attend). Their teacher is Ken McNulty. We're so proud of our Homecroft Hornet kids!
Thank you Coleen Norwall for the photos and info.
From UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Program:
Youth Winter Wonderland Day Camp
No school on January 18? Register your child, age 5-12, for a fun-filled day of winter activities with the UMD KIDSROCK camp staff. Sledding, winter crafts, decorating cookies, hot cocoa, and more.
Friday, January 18, 7:45AM– 5:30PM
Meets at the Bagley Classroom
$30/Child on or before January 4, 2019
$40/Child after January 4, 2019
To Register: Call 218-726-7128 or visit 153 Sports & Health Center M-F 8am - 4pm (Semester Break Hours)
Event registration is limited to 32 children so sign up early.
Stay Connected
Email: info@ISD709.org
Website: www.ISD709.org
Location: 215 N. 1st Avenue East, Duluth MN
Phone: 218-336-8700
Facebook: www.facebook.com/duluthpublicschools/
Twitter: @ISD709News