Update:
ISD 709 School News 9/24/20
From John Magas, Superintendent
Dear Families,
This week brought change as quickly as the leaves are turning colors.
Our elementary schools opened for hybrid in-person instruction for students. I was impressed with the deep planning principals, teachers and staff conducted to ensure young learners are safe and engaged.
We are hearing from families that their students’ learning experiences are improving as our teachers create rich and engaging content. In addition to this deep focus on academics, we continue to monitor safety of staff and students, along with COVID-19 rates for the county and Duluth area. Believing in continuous improvement, we know we still have many things to improve upon and we are deeply committed to ensuring that we do so.
As teachers and other staff members collaborate and focus on sharpening their skills through professional learning, they are stretching themselves to serve students in new and different ways. Through these challenging times, there are many valuable lessons that improve our understanding of education. They’ll have both immediate payoff and help improve educational outcomes for decades to come.
This is a deeply challenging and yet inspiring time to be in education. I am proud of the work of our teachers and staff and honored to serve Duluth students and families.
Sincerely,
John Magas
If you have questions or thoughts about what's going on in our school district, email: ReturnToLearn@ISD709.org
ISD 709 Family COVID Web Page
The Return to Learn web page for ISD 709 families is reformatted to include more COVID response information. It's an effort to provide information on one landing page. Is there a link you'd like to see added? Let us know at Info@ISD709.org.
Find a Return to Learn link at the top of the district home page and each school home page.
First Day, Elementary In-Person
On Monday Duluth elementary schools welcomed students who are taking part in in-person learning two days a week. It's a pleasure to see children in our schools and also a great responsibility. Principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, facilities staff, cafeteria staff, transportation staff, district leaders and many others have been working hard to prepare for this day, as have families. Many thanks to all as we move forward, and thanks to all who are supporting digital learning for students during the pandemic.
Duluth News Tribune - Photo Essay
Star Tribune - Photo Essay
Materials Distribution
A heavy lift - sometimes literally!
Communication, focus, collaboration and an abundance of patience and kindness helped bring it all together, with student needs at the forefront.
Many thanks to teachers, paraprofessionals, media specialists, clerical staff, program staff, administrators, PTSAs, volunteers, student leaders and all who pitched in to make it happen.
Thank you, JP Rennquist, for the photos.
#Inspire709
Deadline for Requesting Individual Elementary Student Model Switch: 12Noon 9/30/20
As the school year begins we're seeing families switching between distance learning and elementary in-person hybrid, in both directions. We appreciate families wishing to find the best model for their student.
We want to provide teachers and students in both models the best opportunity for stability and to build relationships as the school year begins.
Schools will accept requests for individual student model switches through Noon on September 30. After that date, changes will only be considered for emergency situations. Thank you for your understanding.
Expanding Free Meal Sites
Free Bagged Breakfast/Lunch Available to Duluth Children
NEW! Bus hubs added to distribution sites!
The Duluth School District added several bus hubs to free meal distribution sites beginning Wednesday September 23. The new sites help expand access to meals while students are in distance learning. The new bus hub sites are in addition to the school sites already distributing bagged meals.
Free bagged meals are available weekdays when school is in session to children 18 years of age and younger. Parents/guardians can pick up the bagged meal without students present.
Even though breakfast/lunches are free for families right now, it's still important that they complete a Free/Reduced Price Lunch Application.
It impacts many aspects of school funding in addition to providing family benefits. Failure to turn in a completed application will forfeit a child’s ability to have a free/reduced lunch, waiver of instrument rental fees, waiver of activity and athletic fees, etc.
Families who would like support completing this application, please contact the Child Nutrition office at 218-336-8789.
Fill out the form online OR Download an application, submit to school.
HOCHS School Closing Hearing
A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday October 6, 2020 at 6:00PM to record public comment on the possible future closure of Historic Old Central High School. Public hearings are required as part of any schoolhouse closure process.
Members of the public may present their comments in person with accommodations made to follow social distancing guidelines. The hearing will be available for viewing on the Duluth School Board’s YouTube page. The district may also accept written comments, logistics to be determined.
In 2019, the District received a feasibility report outlining the significant investment needed to address deferred maintenance issues, totaling over $48.5 million. The District then embarked on a thorough planning process to bring options to the school board. A recommendation was made to list the property in order to ensure that a responsible reuse and redevelopment of the building would occur. From the beginning, it was a priority of the District to preserve the historic character of the building and the neighborhood.
As we near the end of this process it is important not only to share District information but also to hear from our community on thoughts related to Historic Old Central.
Denfeld Hunter Sets New Pool Records
Lindsay Johnson set two pool records at a dual meet against Northeast Range/Ely in Babbitt. She won the 200 free with a time of 2:05.14 breaking the old record from 1998, and later the 100 free in a time of 56.87 by only 2 hundredths of a second to set the new records. The Hunters won the meet 46-31.
Lowell Community & Staff Support
Staff and their families, along with members from the Lowell Nature Play Committee worked on cleaning up their Nature Playscape, adding new sand to the sand pit, and cutting and creating all new outdoor classrooms throughout their School Forest. They have 40 spaces that can be used by classes throughout the day to play, learn, and enjoy fresh air.
#Inspire709
Hounds Lend a Hand
Duluth East students have been getting up early all week to volunteer as crossing guards at Lester Park School! Love to see the big kids helping out and inspiring little ones.#Inspire709
For information about Fall Into Reading, call 218-336-8711 or email olivia.kinsley@isd709.org!
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
Make felted luminaries, walking sticks; learn digital photography, geocaching, ecstatic dance, ballroom dance, beginning backpacking for women, meditation, stress management, guitar, ukelele, banjo lessons, Zumba, fitness 101, weighted Hula Hoop, yoga, aqua fitness, swim lessons, much more.
Register for classes online using VISA, MasterCard or Discover.
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