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July 1, 2020
ISD 709 School News
Welcome, Superintendent Magas!
While his first official day is July 1, John Magas has already spent several weeks meeting with district administrators, principals, staff and community members, observing board meetings and planning sessions and getting to know more about the community.
“I appreciate all of the help and support I’ve received during this transition,” said Magas. “We have a lot to accomplish this summer, over the course of the school year and beyond. There’s a good foundation. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, families and community to move forward.”
Both Lofald and Magas say the next two months will focus on preparing for the beginning of the school year. The MN Depart of Education and MN Department of Health directed school districts to prepare for three possible school re-opening scenarios in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The state is expected to provide further direction to school districts the week of July 27.
Magas said he will also use the summer months to meet individually with people inside and outside the school district to gather information and to hear thoughts and ideas.
Creating a strategic plan for the school district and emphasizing equity is something both Magas and Lofald say will begin this school year.
Family Distance Learning Survey, MN Depart of Education
MDE is extending the deadline to complete their Fall Planning Survey to July 6 at 5 p.m. If you haven’t already please take a few minutes to fill out this quick survey about your family’s distance learning experience this spring. We’ll be using this feedback as we plan for the 2020-21 school year. The survey will now close on July 6 at 5 p.m. The survey is available in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish here:
DEADLINE EXTENDED:
Get Help Buying Food While Schools Are Closed
This program, called P-EBT, is for students who are normally able to get free or reduced price school meals. Eligible families will receive a lump sum of $325 per child plus an additional $100 per child in August.
Children may continue to receive "grab n go" meals or emergency food at COVID-19 emergency feeding sites offered by schools and community locations, even if they are receiving P-EBT benefits. Apply by July 31.
Free Breakfast & Lunch Available Through the Summer!
This information is also available online and via flyer.
Bagged meals available weekdays to Duluth students 18 years of age and younger. No paperwork necessary. Any student can pick up a meal at any location.
July 1 - August 21, 2020 (No meal service July 3)**
Distribution at the following school sites & bus hubs:
School Locations 11:00AM – 12:30PM
Laura MacArthur Elementary, 720 N. Central Avenue
Lowell Elementary, 2000 Rice Lake Road
Myers-Wilkins Elementary, 1027 N. 8th Avenue East
Piedmont Elementary, 2827 Chambersburg Avenue
Stowe Elementary, 715-101st Avenue W.
Denfeld High School, 401 N. 44th Avenue W.
Bus Hubs (Look for the School Bus)
9:50AM 88th Ave West @Hilton Street
10:14AM 9428 Grand Ave/East Entrance Lower Side
10:55AM 3614 Grand Avenue Wheeler Field
Distribution sites are selected based on USDA Summer Meal program requirements.
Questions? 218-336-8707. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Keegan Chastey, Denfeld High School, is a recipient of the Yale Book Award. The Yale Alumni Club asks schools to present the Award to a junior, based on intellectual promise and outstanding character. Counselors at Denfeld chose Keegan as this year’s recipient, congratulations!
#Inspire709 #HunterPride
www.ISD709.org/Denfeld
Duluth East MN National History Day Success
Natalie Miller, Duluth East High School, received the Gold Medal in Senior Paper: "Too Strong for a Woman: How Bernice Sandler Created Title IX to Break Barriers for Female Faculty in Higher Education. Natalie also received a scholarship to the National History Academy in Summer 2021.Erin Coleman, Duluth East, took 6th place in Senior Paper for "Breaking Barriers in Public Health: John Snow and London's 1854 Cholera Epidemic, congratulations!
Theme for the 2020 Virtual National History Day competition: Breaking Barriers in History.
Thanks to Mr. Tracey, Mrs. Fuller, Ms. Andrews, Ms. Jensen and Ms. Nachbar for offering History Day and supporting this learning opportunity.
Duluth News Tribune
#Inspire709 #GoHounds
www.ISD709.org/Duluth-East
Hunters Giving Back to Community
Denfeld Girls Soccer Team, helping out with the annual Grandma's Marathon Cleanup...Sharing Drum Making Skills, Many Thanks
Joe Montano of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa traveled to Denfeld where he presented a workshop with Denfeld and Duluth East students and grads. It's the completion of a hand drum lesson begun in March. Jordan Hurdknapp, Austin Sundquist and Nicholas Grayhawk are among those who took part at Public Schools Stadium.Many thanks to Mr. Montano for sharing his knowledge.
Thanks, JP Rennquist & Hunter Pride DHS Twitter, for the photos.
#Miigwech #CommunitySupport #Inspire709
Thank You, Donors
Many thanks for funding a t-shirt for every Denfeld student last year! This was one way we were able to make an unprecedented year even more unforgettable for each student! #Inspire709 #CommunitySupport #thesupercavlivesStay 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