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From the Office of the Superintendent 2/2/18
ISD 709 School News For Families
Duluth East One Act Earns 1st Place at Subsection
Congratulations to the Duluth East cast and crew, earning first place in the 7AA one act subsection competition this month. They'll perform again at in the state-qualifying section competition. Break a leg to The Book of Everything team!Front Row: Kate Brinkert, Ellie Patronas, Jamie Paquette, Anna Kuronen, Payton Johnson, Fred Taallerud. Middle Row: Anna Perrelli, Corr Godfrey, Laney Goei, Emma Carlson, Pearl Elliott, Jacque Black, Justin Bock. Back Row: Grant Carl, Christian Chederquist, Agatha Pokrzywinski, Nick Van Loh, Jeeba Loonat, Maggie Geidner, Ian Frantz.
Solid Gold Makes Debut at Locopalooza
Students in Denfeld High School's Solid Gold performed at Locopalooza, a show choir competition in Altoona, WI. They debuted their set "Voice Your Mind" and will be competing again in February at Swingin' on the River in Hastings, MN.
Budget Planning for Next Year: The fiscal year 2019 budget process is well under way. Discussions include a review of all revenue sources for the district, how they are determined, and generally how the funds can be used. District expenditures and projections are also discussed.
>>Everyone, from employees to the wider Duluth community, will have several opportunities over the next two months to participate in the budget process. There is a projected deficit to address and also discussions about a referendum to renew the Education Levy and what our priorities are moving forward.
>>There are several discussions in process -- secondary scheduling options, expansion of early learning opportunities, expansion of CTE programs, class size, technology needs, educational equity, and others.
>>We will seek input through individual meetings with representatives from each school building (principal, teachers, maintenance, food service, paraprofessionals, etc).
>>We'll hold public meetings and provide online surveys to gather input on priorities for families and community members. We'll also work with a professional polling company to gather in depth information from the wider community.
We have important decisions to make and all of us need to be a part of the outcome.
Miigwech! 2018 Steps to the Future Powwow
Many thanks to the Duluth Collaborative and the area organizations and community members that work together to create the annual Steps to the Future Powwow. A Career and Higher Education Fair is integral to this event which honors educators and celebrates lifelong learning.
Miigwech to AICHO, City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department, Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, Head of the Lakes United Way, ISD 709 American Indian Education, Myers-Wilkins Elementary School, Northland Foundation, Ordean Foundation, True North AmeriCorps, Valley Youth Center, and Individual contribution.
Kyle Serrette, a national expert on FSCS's and strategies for scaling up the model, presented to the School Board and Duluth Public School teachers this week. Leaders from the district and the Duluth Community School Collaborative also met to provide an overview of the FSCS framework and how it aligns with district priorities and programs, as well what a continued scale up within our Denfeld feeder schools would involve.
Lincoln Park Middle School Hosts Health Fair
Students and staff hosted a Community Health Fair during the school's Family Fun Night. The event included a meal and a variety of health and wellness-focused activities.
Looking ahead, LMPS is excited about several upcoming after-school opportunities including:
>>Google Ignite CS, an intro to computer science class, offered in partnership with students from the College of St. Scholastica Wednesdays, February 7-March 7
>>Cooking Fun Class, offered after-school on Thursday, February 15 through partnership with Farm to School and the Lincoln Park Farmers Market.
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson met with Duluth East's youth empowerment group, Grey Girls. Mayor Larson discussed her career path, how gender played a part in her run for mayor and affects her job on a daily basis.
Pictured from left to right. Back row: Rubee Bocht, Sully Kosmas, Mahlin Brown, Mayor Emily Larson, Mia Sannes, Julianna Sala, Michaela Chabot. Front row: Ava Swor, Maddie Jouppi, Izzy Eginton. Thanks to Jessica Forsman for the photo and info.
Students Learn from Eyewitnesses to History
Students studying the Holocaust at Merritt Creek Academy read Four Perfect Pebbles, a memoir by Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan. Mrs. Lazan answered questions via e-mail to add to their understanding of the book. Students also heard guest speaker Leonore Baeumler, author of Zeit Zeuge (Time Witness). She lived in Nazi Germany and shared her experience growing up under the rule of Adolph Hitler. Thanks, Jim Jubenville, for the info.
Super School Breakfast Grant
Duluth Public School's Child Nutrition Department received targeted Super School Breakfast funding through the Midwest Dairy Council and the Super Bowl Legacy Fund. Geared toward increasing breakfast participation, the funds helped purchase additional equipment to provide "Grab & Go" breakfast at Ordean East.
Duluth East's Campbell Signs with DWU
Senior Soccer Goalkeeper Matt Campbell signed with NAIA Dakota Wesleyan University Men's Soccer Program which plays in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. Campbell led the Greyhounds to a third place finish at the MSHSL State Soccer Tournament
Photo: Front Row: Celine Campbell, Matt Campbell, Scott Campbell. Back Row: WU Head Coach Jose Lopez, East Head Coach Nick Bremer, and Asst. Coach Jorgen Munson. Thanks, Shawn Roed, for the photo and information.
Hand Drum Making
The Duluth Public Schools Office of American Indian Education Department held a hand drum making and teaching workshop for middle and high school boys. Many thanks to their instructor, Dylan Jennings from Bad River Wisconsin, and thank you to Edye Howes for the photo and information.
Invitation: Literacy Live, February 7
For families and their infants 0-12 months.
• FREE books, FREE gift bags with baby items, Snacks provided
• Learn new songs and fingerplays, Make and take infant hand prints, Read and experience books in new ways, more!
• Transportation and sibling care available
**RSVP Required** To reserve your spot call 218-336-8890 x1 We have room for 20 families, so call TODAY!
Date: Wednesday February 7th, 2018
Time: 12:30PM - 1:30 PM
Where: Washington Center ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) 310 North First Ave West Duluth, MN 55806
Duluth East Speech Team Earns Awards
They competed at Andover High School this month, the following students earned awards: Anna Huber (Drama), Mariah Loeffler-Kemp (Discussion), Marja Koos (Poetry), Ella Gish (Informative), Matthew Campbell (Creative Expression and Poetry), Elise Britton (Poetry), and Copper Petermeier (Humor). Thanks to Greg Jones for the info.
Child Nutrition Staff Take Part in Training
Duluth Public School Cafeteria Managers toured the Upper Lakes Foods Warehouse and took part in a computer training on a new grocery ordering system and heard a presentation on produce. Thanks for the opportunity!
From the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation:
Opportunity Rising: Let’s be the city that raises opportunity for all our kids.
3,346 kids in Duluth are experiencing poverty and what’s called an opportunity gap. Kids you probably see every day are facing barriers that include being able to live in a safe place, attend a quality childcare, participate in after school sports or the arts. What if every kid in Duluth had an equal opportunity to thrive in school, at home and in our community? It can happen with your help—there are hundreds of ways to get involved. Find out how you can help at opportunityrising.org.
From the City of Duluth:
Join Us For the Inaugural Cold Front February Celebration
February 1 - 4, 2018
Detailed Activity Schedule: www.coldfrontduluth.com
Our goal is to demonstrate the best of Duluth in winter with outdoor recreation like an ice skating trail (limited skates provided at no charge), food vendors, retailers, SNOGA, curling rink, a play hill and many other fun free family friendly activities.
Please share with your friends and neighbors.
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