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August 22, 2018
ISD 709 School News
CHUM and Duluth Public Schools will host a Back to School Fair on Thursday, August 23, 9AM - 2PM at three locations: Laura MacArthur, Myers-Wilkins and Congdon Park Elementary. Open to all Duluth children ages K-12. Families with limited resources can receive the school supplies and backpacks they need, please bring an ID for each student.
Valento was one of only 52 educators selected to participate in the 2018 National Gallery of Art Teacher Institute on Storytelling and the Visual Arts held in Washington, DC.
The six-day seminar brought together K-12 teachers from across the country to explore the connection of storytelling to learning and the ways teachers can use art objects with storytelling activities in the classroom.
A great opportunity to explore a new hobby, learn a new skill, meet new people. Something for everyone!
>>Arts, Crafts, Hobbies: Felting, Drawing, Rosemaling, Baskets, Bracelets, More...
>>Computers & Technology: Internet, Google, Facebook, Pinterest, Web Design, More...
>>Cooking: Sushi, Cookies, Thai, Vegetarian, More...
>>Dance: Swing, Ballroom, Belly, Folk, More...
>>General Interest: Astronomy, Bridge, Astrology, Cards, Gardening, More...
>>Health & Wellness: Tai Chi, Meditation, First Aid, CPR & AED, More...
>>Language: German, Mandarin, Spanish, More...
>>Music: Guitar, Ukelele, Piano, Band, More...
>>Swimming Pool Activities: Swimming Lessons, Aqua Aerobics, Aqua Zumba, More...
>>Sports & Exercise: Fitness, Zumba, Walking, More...
>>Yoga
>>Project Access: Courses designed specifically for adults with disabilities.
Advocates for School Funding
Duluth Superintendent Bill Gronseth joined Minnesota school leaders at the state Capitol this week to advocate for changes to the way special education services are funded.
In order to meet the needs of all students and provide the best education possible, they urged the state to fully fund statutory obligations to special education.
School leaders testified before the Senate E-12 Policy Committee in St. Paul. Tom Melcher, Director of the Program Finance Division at the Minnesota Department of Education, presented information to the Committee, clearly showing how current funding formulas negatively impact school districts, including Duluth.
They're asking the state to change current policies, increase special education funding and allow districts more general fund dollars that could help lower class sizes and support opportunities for all students.
We appreciate the opportunity to present this information and to be heard by our leaders at the state level.
Duluth Education Levy - November 6, 2018
The Duluth School Board unanimously approved three questions for the November ballot - one asks voters to consider renewal of the current levy, two and three ask voters to consider increasing the current levy.
Increasing local education funding would help support community priorities and goals.
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Question 1: Renewal
• Maintain current levy investment of 16-18 full-time teacher positions to support class size
• This does not result in a property tax increase
• If Question 1 fails, Questions 2 & 3 automatically fail.
Question 2: Class Size
• Adds approximately 25 teachers district-wide to manage class size, increase site funding for specific supports based on needs
• Increase of $8.64 per month for the average home*
• If Questions 1 and 2 fail, Question 3 automatically fails.
Question 3: 1 to 1 Classroom Technology Across the District
• Provide students and teachers with devices and infrastructure, staff development, curriculum support and upgrades
• Additional Increase of $5.03 per month for the average home*
*Average Duluth Home $150,000
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If the renewal doesn’t pass, schools will lose about $3.3 million in local education funding and class sizes would rise significantly over time. There would be slow or no updates to classroom technology.
The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be for ten years.
New School and District Websites Update
You’ll still find us at www.ISD709.org, it's a different website, designed to be more user friendly and work well with mobile and assistive devices (ADA compliant).
SCHOOL WEBSITE ADDRESSES HAVE CHANGED!
Please change your publications, web and social media links, etc. and let school families know your new school web address. We're pushing out this information via district communication tools, too, thanks for your help.
Congdon Park Elementary - www.isd709.org/congdon-elementary
Homecroft Elementary - www.isd709.org/homecroft-elementary
Lakewood Elementary - www.isd709.org/lakewood-elementary
Laura MacArthur Elementary - www.isd709.org/laura-macarthur
Lester Park Elementary - www.isd709.org/lester-park-elementary
Lowell Elementary - www.isd709.org/lowell-elementary
Myers-Wilkins Elementary - www.isd709.org/myerswilkins-elementary
Piedmont Elementary - www.isd709.org/piedmont-elementary
Stowe Elementary - www.isd709.org/stowe-elementary
Denfeld High School - www.isd709.org/denfeld
Duluth East High School - www.isd709.org/duluth-east
AEO Online High School - www.isd709.org/aeo
Lincoln Park Middle School - www.isd709.org/lincoln-park
Ordean East Middle School - www.isd709.org/ordean-east
Area Learning Center - www.isd709.org/area-learning-center
Residential/Day Treatment - www.isd709.org/residential-day-treatment
Early Childhood - www.isd709.org/for-new-families/birth-to-pre-k
Please update your bookmarks. Email kathleen.kaufman@isd709.org if you have questions.
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