Greyhound Newsletter 10/19/22
Long Weekend Ahead! Term 1 Ends November 4
There is no school on Thursday, October 20 and Friday, October 21. East High School Offices will be closed.
End of Term 1 is November 4, 2022
1. They should work as hard as possible to make sure all quarter 1 work is turned in if it is still open for grading. Teachers' late work policies can vary somewhat.
2. We encourage parents and guardians to take a look at the student's grades in Canvas as much as possible and help with reminders. It was tough to return to school full time; make sure you give them a pat on the back for all they've done so far!
3. GRADES MATTER. Especially for our new 9th graders, remember that your high school grades follow you through all 4 years and into whatever you do after high school.
4. Quarter 1, Quarter 2, and the Final Exam make up the semester grade that lands on their official transcript. You'll only see quarter and exam grades on report cards that are run 4 times per year. If they struggled in Term 1, they can still pass by working hard in Term 2. If they did well in Term 1, they need to keep it up!
5. Quarter grades are used by the school for two things:
a. We use them to determine Honor Roll placement each quarter. (Only one quarter of grades is considered)
b. MSHSL Eligibility: Students who receive an F on this report card are ineligible for competition. They can still practice, but they can't compete. For students who have an F in Term 1, we'll check current grades on December 2. If they are passing at that time, they can compete again. (Remember that students must also be on track earning credits to be eligible to compete.)
Where to Watch for Grades
During the term, grades for assignments, quizzes, and tests are entered in Canvas. This is the learning management system we use. Your student should feel pretty confident using the system by now. If not, check out our resources below.
At the end of each term, teachers will transfer the final quarter grades from Canvas into Infinite Campus. This is the system we use for all other student information tracking. Attendance is in here, transcripts, credits earned, final grades, and fees and fines can all be found in Infinite Campus. Teachers will enter final grades for Term 1 by November 9. The office takes a little time to officially verify everything and then report cards are generated. During the year we typically hand them out in Monday WINs. If your student doesn't have a WIN (part time and shared time students), we will mail it home.
Please Take Our Climate and Culture Survey
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As an integral part of the school community at Duluth East High School, we want to hear your voice to improve climate and culture. This survey is specific to Duluth East and results are anonymous which means you will not be asked your name nor will we know who submitted the survey. If you do not feel comfortable answering a question you may select “I prefer not to answer.”
This information is essential feedback to help us in our work to ensure the school climate is safe, supportive, and inclusive for all families.
Thank you for considering.
https://www.pbisassessment.org/Anon/z9U100JQY00
If you have any questions feel free to contact Jody Geissler, MTSS Coordinator Duluth East High School, email jody.geissler@isd709.org, or call 218-336-8845 ext. 2280.
Career and Tech Ed in the News!
P.O.V. (Point Of View) Student Leadership at East
Did you know that East has a group made up of student leaders from all of our biggest leadership and advocacy groups? This team meets with administrators twice a month to review many topics. They are the final approval for all student activities and provide critical feedback as they advocate for all of our students and work to learn about how all of our students experience life at East.
POV also provides opportunities for our student leaders and administration to spend time together addressing any and all other topics needed. Students can bring all kinds of topics forward for the group to discuss and problem solve.
This group is in its 5th year at East and each year becomes more robust and inclusive. It's definitely a learning process and we are always impressed by our students as their leadership confidence grows and they learn more about our school community as a whole. If you'd like to learn more about POV, click to view the presentation we share with our staff and student groups each year. Duluth East P.O.V. - Building Student Leaders. There is a link to a sample agenda from last year in that presentation.
We are grateful to our student leaders for their willingness to commit this time working to make East High School a more positive experience and more welcoming for all. We know we have a long way to go and value each opportunity and process that allows us to look deeper and find ways to improve.
Hawks Ridge Learning Experience
On October 12th, ten students from Ms. Hakanson’s Plant Science class and Forestry, Fish and Wildlife Class went on a field trip to Hawk’s Ridge. We started off the day learning about banding song birds and raptors. Margie Menzies, the education director with Hawk’s Ridge, banded an Orange-Crowned Warbler, a Tennessee Warbler, and two Hermit Thrushes. Students helped to release birds, once they were weighed and measurements taken. Margie was able to tell how old the bird was by looking at certain signs in the feathers, as well as the skull; birds grow a second skull around the one they are born with!
We were also lucky enough to see a Sharp-Shinned and Red-Tailed Hawk up close! It was very exciting. Sharp-Shinned Hawks have 14 vertebrae in their necks, so they have an amazing range of motion in their heads. The coolest thing we learned about Red-Tailed Hawks is that they have a hole in their tongue so they can breathe while eating!
The day was wrapped up with learning all about the different kinds of raptors we have in northern Minnesota, along with some birding. We learned how to properly use binoculars as well. It was a beautiful day and we got to see Bald Eagles, a Northern Harrier, more Sharp-Shinned Hawks, a Kestrel, and lots of Blue Jays.
Ms. Hakanson is excited to make the trip to Hawk’s Ridge an annual tradition!
Art Students to MCAD
On Sunday, October 9, a small but mighty group of high school students from the region traveled to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design to investigate the possibilities of attending an Art college. They were able to talk to representatives from over 30 accredited colleges from around the country and engage in an informal portfolio review. Students brought samples of their best work and carefully considered questions about prospective programs. They received professional feedback and advice about curating an appealing art portfolio. A tour of MCAD was given, and students learned about the wide and wonderful array of attainable careers that can come from an Art based college education.
The comfy coach bus was funded by MCAD, and on the way back to Duluth kids enjoyed a sojourn at the Rosedale Mall. This is an annual trip and happens in the fall when the college hosts its yearly portfolio day. It is a great opportunity for students and teachers from the region to get together and talk about ideas and artmaking!
-Sophie Spehar, Duluth East Art Teacher
Saturday School and Prescription for Success
Prescription for Success during Saturday School is an opportunity for students to complete unfinished school work, complete projects or tests and quizzes, and to receive tutoring from an East National Honor Society Student. The Prescription for Success is a voluntary agreement between teacher and student that allows for work to be made up during Saturday School. Quality work completed during that time will be given at least 60% credit. Students can be assigned a specific tutor to assist while at Saturday School. Students should see their classroom teacher if they would like to take part in Prescription for Success or would like a tutor for Saturday School.
Saturday School also provides an opportunity for students who have lost credit due to excessive absences and tardies to meet time requirements to earn those credits back.
Remaining Saturday School Dates for 22-23 School Year:
- October 29th
- November 19th
- December 10th
- January 7th
- February 11th
- March 11th and 25th
- April 22nd
- May 20th
Attendance Concerns Contacts:
Main East High School Number (218)336-8845
David Clark: Dean of Students Ext 3044, david.clark@isd709.org
Kyle Rock: Assistant Principal Ext. 2348, kyle.rock@isd709.org
Jon Flaa: Assistant Principal Ext. 2325, jon.flaa@isd709.org
Congratulations to our students!
Everything you need to know about yearbook sales, advertising, and senior portraits! The $85 goes up to $90 on October 22. Senior grads are due October 28.
Counseling Office Notes: Welcome, New Counselors!
SENIORS: Common App Reminder
Have you started applying to college through the Common App?
If so, please make sure that you have added your counselor as a Recommender so that the counselors can complete your required school report and upload your official transcript within your application!
*Please note that counselors need two weeks to complete your school report- That means, if you have a November 1st deadline you must add your counselor by today (10/19/22)!
Counseling Office Contacts:
218-336-8845
Jen LaBelle, Registrar: ext 2143, jennifer.labelle@isd709.org
Jamie Savre, Counselor (A-E): ext 2154, jamie.savre@isd709.org
Jessica Forsman, .8 Counselor (F-Ka): ext 2041, jessica.forsman@isd709.org
Alaina Abraham, Counselor (Ke-Q): ext 1121, alaina.abraham@isd709.org
Laura Horton, Counselor (R-Z): ext 2148, laura.horton@isd709.org
Dave Bergan, Counselor (9th Grade): ext 1345, david.bergan@isd709.org
Activities Office News
Activities Office Contacts
218-336-8845
Lynn Carlson, Clerical/Treasurer: ext 1321, lynn.carlson@isd709.org
Shawn Roed, Activities Director: ext 2151, shawn.roed@isd709.org
Notes and Resources from Outside Agencies (Not ISD 709)
Duluth East All-Night Grad Party 2023
If you are interested in joining the committee, please join us at our first meeting where we will recap last June's ANGP, brainstorm ideas for the Class of 2023, and review areas of oversight and opportunities for involvement.
Opportunities include
- Food Coordinator
- Entertainment
- Fundraising and Promotions Lead
- Logistics (transportation/student backpack processing)
- Treasurer
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Venue Coordinator
- Social media/communications
- Website/Registration
If you have questions or would like to confirm your participation, please contact Charity Johnson at charity.star007@gmail.com or text 218-590-8974.
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