Greyhound Newsletter 4/16/21
Spring Break: No School April 19-23
During Spring Break, Bagged Meal Service is Paused
EHS Added to Minnesota's "Cases in PreK through Grade 12 Schools" List
This week East High School is listed on the state's "Cases in PreK through Grade 12 Schools" list. This means the school has reported 5 or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in students or staff who were in the building while infectious during a two-week reporting period.
- Per the state's website, parents can continue to send their children to school even if the school is listed.
- School buildings that have not reported a new case for 28 days will be removed.
Check the MN Department of Health Website Q&A for more detailed information.
By wearing a mask, social distancing and getting tested regularly, we can help limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep our schools and school activities open.
The combination of continuing to follow COVID safety protocols and the increasing availability of vaccines is helping schools, athletics and activities, hospitals, nursing homes, area businesses - everyone. It’s amazing to see what can be done when our community works together.
If We Switch to Hybrid Model It's Different - Check Your Days!
As we navigate the challenges of the pandemic it’s our goal to provide as many in-person learning opportunities for students as safely possible.
Our schools are also prepared to dial back if necessary. As we approach spring recess next week (April 19 - 23) local COVID rates are at almost 40 and health officials are projecting those rates to rise.
This rise would not impact the current elementary school model. However, if local numbers reach 50, middle and high schools will need to dial back to a hybrid model.
The middle and high school hybrid model would be different from the half-day hybrid we used in early March. It looks like this:
Bell schedules will remain the same as 4 Day In-Person.
Groups A & C attend school together in-person Monday and Thursday.
Groups B & D attend school together in-person Tuesday and Friday.
Wednesday is a distance learning day for all.
We’ll continue to meet with local health officials over break, and update middle and high school families no later than Thursday April 22 as to whether students are coming back in 4 Day In-Person or Hybrid. Communication will include email and automated phone message and a post at www.ISD709.org/Updates. We’ll also share the information with local media.
COVID VACCINE INFO
Students ages 16 and 17 years old are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Getting people vaccinated helps keep students in class, participating in sports and activities and continuing on the road to normalcy.
Two weeks after their final dose, individuals are considered fully vaccinated and no longer have to quarantine from school or extracurricular activities if they have close contact with an individual who tests positive for Covid-19. (The exception is if they develop symptoms of COVID. No vaccine is 100% effective, and we know that breakthrough cases are possible.)
Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID Vaccines
If you have additional questions about the vaccines, St. Louis County Public Health offers a COVID Information Line, which you are encouraged to call: 218-625-3600.
Online signups through hospitals/pharmacies are a good start, but it may be more effective to also call and inquire about openings for shots. If you are registering a 16-17 year old, be sure it’s for the Pfizer vaccine. You can find a list of vaccine administrators in your area at mn.gov/covid19/vaccine.
You can get the vaccine anywhere in Minnesota. So if you’re having trouble finding an open appointment near you and are willing to travel to another community where slots are available, that’s absolutely okay. (Just know that you’ll have to make the trip again for the second dose.)
You can find a list of vaccine administrators in your area at mn.gov/covid19/vaccine.
Sharing the following message from St. Luke's regarding vaccine opportunities:
Hello,
We wanted to reach out and make you and your community aware of COVID-19 vaccine opportunities at St. Luke’s.
We have been receiving a more consistent supply of primarily Pfizer vaccine, which is the only vaccine currently available that can be given to people 16 and over (those under 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian).
Anyone can get vaccinated at St. Luke’s, regardless of where they regularly go for care, or where they live. With the upcoming break, and summer just around the corner, now could be a great opportunity for your older students to get vaccinated.
For current appointment availability and scheduling options:
Visit slhduluth.com/COVIDVaccine or call our recorded info line at 218.249.4400
We update both of the above regularly, so you’ll always have access to the latest information. To learn about other vaccination opportunities in your area, visit VaccineConnector.mn.gov or call 1.833.431.2053.
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we are grateful for all you have done to curb the spread and keep our communities as safe as possible.
When to Stay Home
To keep us in-person for the rest of the school year we need to take appropriate steps. Please remember that if any of the following apply, you MAY NOT come onto school grounds, ride the bus, or in-person classes:
- You have tested positive for COVID-19
- You have been identified as a close contact (school nurse will tell you when you may return)
- You are WAITING on a COVID-19 test and have symptoms
- You have symptoms of COVID-19
- Household member has symptoms and is getting tested for COVID-19
Students Who Must Quarantine
Please remember that we are doing the best we can to enact the mandates around COVID safety. We know that no one WANTS to have to quarantine but we are following state, county, and district guidelines. Try to remain patient and understanding when a nurse calls you.
Students in quarantine must remain in quarantine until the date the nurse determines they can return. While in quarantine students cannot participate in in-person activities, both school based and community based. They should not travel and should quarantine from others in the household as much as possible. Do not hesitate to reach out to our health office with questions about quarantine.
If the student tested positive for Covid in the past 90 days OR if they are two weeks past their second dose of the vaccine, they may not have to quarantine. Ask those questions of the nurse when you get that call. Do not send them back to school until you have spoken with the nurse and have clearance for them to return.
Counseling Office Notes
Counseling Office Contacts:
218-336-8845
Jenn LaBelle, Registrar: ext 2143, jennifer.labelle@isd709.org
Jamie Savre, Counselor (A-G): ext 2154, jamie.savre@isd709.org
Jessica Forsman, Counselor (H-N): ext 2041, jessica.forsman@isd709.org
Robert Gagne, Counselor (M-Z): ext 3032, robert.gagne@isd709.org
Career Center Updates
Click on the button below to check out notes and reminders from the Career Center!
Career Center Contacts
218-336-8845 ext 2195
Sandra Rich: sandra.rich@isd709.org
Colleen Holliday: colleen.holliday@isd709.org
Scott Anderson Leadership Form: Applications Open!
Applications for the Scott Anderson Leadership Forum are available starting today from Mr. Zwak in room 3041 here at East. They will remain available through Wednesday, April 21st. You can request an application by emailing Mr. Zwak as well (william.zwak@isd709.org).
All current 10th and 11th graders are eligible to apply. Only 10 will be selected.
The Forum is held at The College of St. Scholastica and takes place the week of June 14-18. If you cannot attend all five days of the Forum you are not eligible.
The application process requires a nomination from one of your teachers so get your application early to allow time for teachers to fill out their nomination form.
There is a $200 fee for the Forum. Financial aid is available if needed. All parts of the application are due by Monday, April 26th.
Once again, applications for the Scott Anderson Leadership Forum are available now from Mr. Zwak in room 3041 or you can request one via email.
Activities Office Updates
Activities Office Contacts
218-336-8845
Alyssa Thompson, Clerical/Treasurer: ext 2304, alyssa.thompson@isd709.org
Shawn Roed, Activities Director: ext 2151, shawn.roed@isd709.org
Next Duluth East High School Blood Drive is MAY 5!
Nearly 100% of the blood used by patients in Northland hospitals is donated by Northland blood donors with Memorial Blood Centers.
Give hope to hospital patients in your community.
What?
East High School Blood Drive
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Where?
Buses Parked at School
301 North 41st Avenue East
Duluth, MN 55804
Visit MBC.org or Contact Trudy to Sign Up!
(218) 740–1542 or Trudy.Youngren@innovativeblood.org
Double your donation, double the lives saved! Double red cell donations are available
at your blood drive. You’re the right type if you are O+, O-, A-, or B-.
From the East PTSA
Duluth East High School
Assistant Principals: Jon Flaa, Kyle Rock
Activities Director: Shawn Roed
Email: darcy.motschenbacher@isd709.org
Website: https://www.isd709.org/duluth-east
Location: 301 North 40th Avenue East, Duluth, MN, USA
Phone: 218-336-8845
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dulutheasthighschool