Update:
For Elementary Families 9/1/20
Dear ISD 709 Elementary Families:
As the first day of school approaches, we’d like to update you on timelines and what to expect.
This, as you know, is not a normal school year. We are developing new and different ways of doing things and even now there are still a few questions we’re working on and need to answer. This work will likely continue as the school year begins.
Many thanks to families for registering their students. Elementary principals are working with that information and the Human Resources Department to finalize staffing and schedules. It’s a top priority to share this information with families.
As soon as possible: If you haven’t already done so, please print, sign and return the Children’s Online Privacy Protection ACT (COPPA) form to your school. Click here to download. As a parent or guardian of a child under 13 years of age, we must notify you and receive consent for your child to use district approved online resources for instructional purposes. As soon as we receive your authorization, your child’s email and SeeSaw learning management system account will be activated. We cannot communicate with your child via email or SeeSaw until the COPPA form is completed. Please return the signed form to your school as soon as possible.
September 3 or 4: If you responded that your household needs an internet hotspot for the upcoming school year you have already received a registration email. Please make sure to preregister to pick up your hotspot device for either Thursday, September 3rd at Lincoln Park Middle School or Friday, September 4 at Ordean-East Middle School (parking lot off of Hawthorne Rd, near the field). Pick up time will be between 11:00AM and 6:30PM. Please allow 20-30 minutes for the whole pick up process. Please keep your order number to provide at the event.
By Friday September 4:
Elementary schools will email and/or call to inform families and students when schedules are open for viewing in Infinite Campus.
For families using child care services, schedules regarding KEY Zone or Tier 1 Child Care will be available from Duluth Community Education/KEY Zone.
Tuesday September 8 - Friday September 11:
Elementary grades 1 - 5 students begin in distance learning Sept 8, Kindergarten students begin Sept 10.
Teachers will reach out to contact elementary students and families and conduct meet and greets.
Your child will be asked to participate in learning activities.
Teachers will contact Kindergarten families to schedule Kindergarten Connection meetings. They can be scheduled either virtually or in-person.
School breakfast/lunch pickup at each school will begin, between 11:30AM & 1:00PM.
Schools will focus on ensuring all families have the tools and information related to distance learning and can be training on the new platforms.
Schools will also call and/or email to share information about chromebook pick up and other details.
Details regarding the elementary hybrid model will be shared.
Teachers will be learning about safety precautions for COVID 19 in preparation for elementary in-person hybrid learning and building content for the second week of school.
We appreciate your patience and support as we address the challenges of the pandemic. Please know how much we value the opportunity to work in partnership with you on your child’s education.
Please Apply for Free/Reduced Price Lunch
There's no difference between students who receive free/reduced price lunch and those who don't. All children use the school lunchroom keypad to input their student number when receiving meals.
Applying for free or reduced-price lunch is easy and confidential.
Apply online at www.paypams.com/onlineapp, it's safe, secure, convenient, available 24/7.
OR hard copy forms are available from the school office, from the Child Nutrition Office or download an Application for free and reduced meals.
- Qualifying for free or reduced price lunch may also qualify families to pay a lower fee or no fee for school activities.
- Students who qualify take the ACT Test at school for free.
- Families who qualify are helping Duluth schools receive additional education funds and discounts.
- Children in households participating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Plan (MFIP), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and foster children can get free school meals without reporting household income.
- Also, children can get free or reduced price meals if their household income is within the income shown for the household size on the instructions.
A new application must be submitted each school year. Approval for school meals is good for the school year.
Questions about Free or Reduced Price meals? Please call us at 218-336-8807, we're happy to help!