Greyhound Newsletter 12/18/20
Winter Break and the New Year
Changes Coming?
Here is what we know for sure as of today:
1. We will communicate any and all changes with you directly via email and/or phone calls!
2. Athletic practices can begin again on January 4. Game schedules have not been determined yet, and we do not have direct guidance from MSHSL at this time on start dates. NO in-person meetings or activities can happen until January 4. Watch for information from coaches and our activities director.
3. As you may have heard in the board meeting, our current plan is to begin scheduled synchronous class time at the start of second semester. We are still working to get our students and families enough devices to make this possible. Contact our office if you have more than one student at East and they are sharing a device. We do have a limited number ready to check out at this time, but please ask if you need one! We will continue to send information about this in the weeks to come, including the schedule for classes once it is determined.
Please keep doing your best to stay involved, engaged, and informed. I know how much harder this can be as pandemic closures continue.
We miss our Greyhound Family! Don't hesitate to reach out to any teacher, counselor, social worker, or administrator if you need help. We are here for you!
Semester 1 Materials Collection
Ojibwemowin Signage Project
Boozhoo!
I am very excited to announce a project to add Ojibwemowin signage to East and Denfeld High Schools. Middle and elementary schools are slated to be added in the future.
The addition of Ojibwemowin signs in school will allow students the opportunity to see the language every day in a common and familiar environment. Ojibwemowin will become a natural and expected part of the educational experience. For students of Ojibwe heritage, the addition of Ojibwemowin signage will indicate an appreciation of their heritage and the history of the land on which the school sits, as well as foster a feeling of belonging in the school.
I am inviting each of you, and any of your students or families who may be interested in participating, to join us in this exciting project.
As a first step, we would like to create a Duluth Public Schools Ojibwemowin Logo that will be consistent throughout the district. We will be inviting a local artist to assist in the creation and execution of the final logo.
We will also be deciding which items/rooms/etc. in the school will be labeled with a sign and work together on the translations.
The first meeting will be scheduled in January.
Please respond to diana.lawrey@isd709.org with your email address if you would like to participate in this project.
Weweni,
Memegwesiikwe
New Help Desk Options
Duluth Public Schools families and students have access to Help Desk support during digital learning. Help Desk Hotline 218-336-8732.
The Help Desk will be able to assist students and parents with questions related to district technical support issues, for example:
- District Chromebook support
- District AT&T hotspot support
- System login questions
- Filtering
- Limited personal devices and internet support
- Limited Digital Curriculum support
Do you have questions about how to use our Learning Management System- Canvas?
Please contact Mrs. Wipson - EHS Media Specialist - with problems using Canvas at patricia.wipson@isd709.org. Include your name, phone number, best time to reach you, and a description of the issue or concern you are having with your Canvas account. She will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the solution.
Sources of Strength: Spirituality
Spirituality is practiced in many ways, but at its core it is a driving force that gives us a sense of purpose and connection. Thankfulness is a profound way to practice Spirituality together no matter what our cultural heritage and/or spiritual tradition. Spirituality reminds us that we are connected to more than just ourselves. We can lift our spirits by practicing our faith traditions, experiencing prayer, mindfulness, and meditation, engaging in our cultural rituals, ceremonies, and customs, and by practicing gratitude. Spirituality will look different for all people.
Conversation starters for you at home:
Name three things you are grateful for this holiday season.
Where are spiritual places for you?
What traditions, practices, culture or religion help you experience Spirituality?
Activities for you to do at home:
Look at the night sky for 10 minutes; watch the sunset.
Keep a gratitude journal.
Ask yourself: What makes my spirit soar?
Check out the checklist of activities to help continue to practice growing our strength of Spirituality.
Sources of Strength Coordinator:
Ms. Marnie Thompson
Activities Office Updates
Winter teams can resume practice on January 4. We are still working on schedules for this. Coaches will help spread the word and practice times will be posted on the activities calendar on our website.
Stay safe Greyhounds!
Activities Office Contacts
218-336-8845
Alyssa Thompson, Clerical/Treasurer: ext 2304, alyssa.thompson@isd709.org
Shawn Roed, Activities Director: ext 2151, shawn.roed@isd709.org
Brave Art
Duluth Public Schools is continuing to partner with PAVSA this year and their Brave Art Initiative.
Do you know some students that love to express themselves through art? If so, we invite you to pass along this awesome opportunity for youth to share their Art with the community during the annual Brave Art event that's held every January.
What is Brave Art?
Brave Art is a free community art fair that is dedicated to raising awareness about resiliency through creativity and artistic expression. The event allows youth and other members of the community to create and submit a piece of artwork that shows what being brave means to them.
Ok, how do you participate?
Please have youth fill out this form
After that, Mel Alvar (the director of Brave Art) will follow up with the youth to give them some more information on how to submit their artwork and potentially have it featured in a storefront in the Twin Ports.
If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to Jacob.Laurent@ISD709.org
Climate Coordinator Duluth Public Schools - ISD 709 or Mel Alavar at alvar@pavsa.org.
Counseling Office Contacts:
218-336-8845
Jenn LaBelle, Registrar: ext 2143, jennifer.labelle@isd709.org
Jamie Savre, Counselor (A-G): ext 2154, jamie.savre@isd709.org
Jessica Forsman, Counselor (H-N): ext 2041, jessica.forsman@isd709.org
Robert Gagne, Counselor (M-Z): ext 3032, robert.gagne@isd709.org
Career Center Updates
Click on the button below to check out notes and reminders from the Career Center!
Career Center Contacts
218-336-8845 ext 2195
Sandra Rich: sandra.rich@isd709.org
Colleen Holliday: colleen.holliday@isd709.org
Duluth East High School
Assistant Principals: Jon Flaa, Kyle Rock
Activities Director: Shawn Roed
Email: darcy.motschenbacher@isd709.org
Website: https://www.isd709.org/duluth-east
Location: 301 North 40th Avenue East, Duluth, MN, USA
Phone: 218-336-8845
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dulutheasthighschool