Update:
For ISD 709 Faculty & Staff 4/1/21
From Superintendent John Magas
Dear Colleagues,
Today marks our first day of in-person teaching for our secondary schools. Having spent some time at sites, it was certainly a pleasure to see students in our halls and classrooms, smiling, chatting, and learning together. Admittedly, some of the students, after a year away, looked a little tired, but still happy to be in school. It was a good reminder that we need to check in regularly with them to see how they are doing and how they are feeling as we transition.
Speaking of transitions, several grade levels at the elementary level are beginning to reach capacity. As some families are considering transitioning from distance learning to in-person, we encourage them to please inform us as soon as possible. It may become more challenging to accommodate these requests as time progresses.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of watching the East Boys Basketball team compete in the State Semi-Finals. They did well against Wayzata, and although the tide eventually turned, they can be very proud of their season and how well they represented Duluth!
We're also celebrating National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! As I have mentioned before, our paraprofessionals have taken on so many additional responsibilities this year, from childcare to supporting our distance learning and in-person students. Both my wife and I have worked as paraprofessionals, and so, knowing the role, I want to let our paraprofessionals know how much we all appreciate the countless ways that they support our students, staff and families.
With deep respect and appreciation,
John
If you have questions or thoughts about what's going on in our school district, email: Superintendents@isd709.org
First Day! 4-Day In Person
Today, Thursday April 1, marks the first day of the 4-day in-person model for middle and high schools. We're grateful for the work of principals, teachers, staff, students families and all who make this possible.
Students and families should have received detailed information from their schools regarding this model and what to expect. Please contact your school if you need this information.
- April 1 & 2: In-Person Student Days
- Week of April 5 until further notice: In-Person Student Days, Mon/Tues & Thurs/Fri
- Families may choose to continue in all distance learning if they wish.
Thank You, Duluth Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals provide essential, supportive services to students and their families, especially during the pandemic - instructional assistants, Title I paraprofessionals, pupil support assistants, special education paraprofessionals, job coaches, lunch room and playground assistants, hall monitors, media center assistants and health office assistants and more.
We appreciate everything you do everyday, many thanks.
Resources to Support School Communities
From the MN Department of Education:
Last year, feelings of anger, grief, frustration and sorrow followed the death of George Floyd while he was in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department. There is no doubt that as the trial of Derek Chauvin continues, tensions will rise and the feelings that many felt last May will return.
We understand the difficulty that students, educators, staff and families may encounter throughout the trial. Many of you may be looking for ways to continue to support your students, staff and families throughout the trials. Below are some resources that may be helpful as a starting point:
- Resources to Help Educators, Adults Respond to Racism, Violence and Trauma and Support Students.
- Resources for Educators during the Trials of the Former Officers Involved in the Death of George Floyd.
Additional resources are available on MDE's Responding to Trauma and Tragedy webpage.
Bagged Meal Changes
As more students return to in-person learning, bagged meal distribution will change.
Please note the dates and changes below:
- Beginning Thurs April 1 and until further notice: Mon/Tues, Thurs/Fri at Denfeld and Ordean East, 11:30AM - 1:00PM.
- Beginning Wed April 7 and until further notice: Each Wed at Denfeld, Lincoln Park, Ordean East and Duluth East, 11:30AM to 1:00PM.
ISD 709 District Wear
From Melinda Thibault, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
We are opening up the District Wear shop again until Monday, April 12. We included some additional colors in the masks, and there is a size chart included with the color choices.
September 2021 Kindergarten
ISD 709 Elementary Schools provide a rich learning experience for students grades K-5. Schools are scheduling Kindergarten Registration Events for families, check ISD709.org/Kindergarten for details.
21-22 KEY Zone Registration Opens
21-22 ECFE Registration Opens
NEW! Duluth Community Education Course Catalog
Duluth Community Education provides opportunities for all ages through classes and activities serving people’s social, recreational, enrichment and academic needs.
Classes offered in a variety of formats including in-person, online and at-home kits with instructional videos
Take a ceramics, watercolor, beginner crochet, amigurami or CPR/AED class; learn beginning backpacking for women, how to navigate with a map and compass, Tai Chi, Yoga, guitar, banjo, Zumba, golf; take aqua fitness, swim lessons, much more.
Register for classes online using VISA, MasterCard or Discover.
Vaccine Opportunity
From Mary Junnila, Executive Director, Lighthouse Center for Vital Living:
The County has asked us to publicize that vaccines slots are available Friday April 2 at Life House Annex (16 North 1st Avenue West) from 12:30-3:00pm. They are offering 1st dose of Pfizer and have quite a few slots open.
This is for anyone who is 16+ and who is LGBTQ, BIPOC, a person with a disability or a person who is homeless. People can self-register at the link below OR contact the Lighthouse Center for Vital Living for assistance, 218-624-4828.
https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us//reg/3361605292
Questions? Call 218-624-4828
We're Hiring!
ISD 709 News
In The News
NDN Sports: Zaaga'Igan Buffalo, leading Duluth East Greyhound basketball team to gichi-niimi'idiwin (The Big Dance).
Photo: NDN Sports
Photo: Duluth News Tribune
Photo: Duluth News Tribune
State Bound Huskies & Hounds
Congratulations to the following students moving on to the Minnesota State Virtual History Day 2021 Competition!
Ordean East Middle School
Hannah Mason - Averting Disasters At Sea: The Wireless Ship Act of 1910
Margaret Johnson - Margaret Hamilton’s Code: Communication from Earth to Space
Duluth East High School
Natalie Miller - Our Bodies, Ourselves: How The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective Communicated Women’s Health in a Time of Little Understanding
Elly Rectenwald - The Deep Space Network - Communicating Beyond Earth
Emma Ambrosi - The Photography of Ansel Adams: The Key to Understanding the importance of the American Wilderness
Garin Hackbarth & Samuel Phillips - Packet Switching: The Foundation of Technological Communication
Each of these students took on the challenge to work on their History Day project from home, great job and best of luck at the virtual state competition on April 3!
Piedmont Students Explore STARBASE
The rigorous and engaging standard based activities focus on science, math, technology and engineering. The students had a fantastic learning experience and a whole lot of fun.
Thank you, Mrs. Schweiger, for bringing Piedmont students on this week-long, hands-on learning journey each year.
From the STARBASE webpage:
At STARBASE, we imagine students as future scientists and engineers. Then we develop an experience so they will, too. The STARBASE experience puts STEM in students’ hands. Then lets them use it. Engaging activities are standard in every STARBASE program. Fun experiences rooted in math, science, technology and engineering launch student energy and focus on a path toward bright futures.
#Inspire709 #STEM #PantherProud
Learning Lab for Congdon Students
It's full STEAM ahead for students at Congdon Park Elementary as they engage in fun learning activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.
#Inspire709
Our Duluth school community gave the Duluth East Boys Basketball Team a warm send-off to the state tournament, including outdoor visits to Lester Park and Congdon Park elementary schools, a parking lot assembly for friends and family and an escort to the highway.
69-78 the final, a tough loss but a great game to end a fantastic season and strong effort! Proud!
#Inspire709 #GreyhoundProud
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