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From the Office of the Superintendent 3/2/18
ISD 709 School News for Families
Denfeld Debate & Speech Team Success
Congratulations to Denfeld debaters for their top 30 finish at the Harvard Tournament! The competition started with 298 teams, we are beyond proud to have the Denfeld team best many of the strongest debate schools in the country. Thank you, Jill Lofald, for the information and photos.The Duluth East Boys Hockey Team took the Section 7AA title and head to the State Tournament!
MN Department of Education Shares 2017 Graduation Rates
This week the Minnesota Department of Education released data which shows progress in increasing the 4-year, on-time graduation rate for Duluth Public Schools:
- Denfeld High School’s graduation rate increased from 73.86 in 2016 to 80.36 in 2017.
- Duluth East’s 92.94 graduation rate outperforms the state average of 82.68.
- Graduation rates for most student groups increased
- The district's overall 4-year, on-time graduation rate increased from 75.13 in 2015-2016 to 76.04 in 2016-2017.
- The district's 5-year graduation rate was 78.03, the 6-year rate was 80.95, and the 7-year rate was 80.67.
We appreciate everything you do to help students graduate on time! The work we’re doing to use data and collaboration to identify what each students needs and providing that support will continue. While this is good news there’s much yet to do to ensure all students have an opportunity to be successful and graduate on time.
Note that Minnesota is using a new method for calculating graduation rates. All rates dating back to 2011-2012 have been recalculated so they are comparable from year-to-year. These changes are a part of the state's transition to its approved plan under the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Save the Date, Share Your Voice!
Think Kids Community Conversations:
Our Schools, Our Community, Our Future
We do best when we work together to support education in Duluth. Learn more about what's happening now, what needs to be done and help identify priorities as we prepare for renewal of the 2013 Education Levy.
Find a community meeting near you:
o Monday March 26: Lincoln Park MS, 3215 W. 3rd Street, 5:30PM - 8:00PM
o Wednesday March 28: Myers-Wilkins, 1027 N. 8th Avenue East 5:45PM - 8:00PM
o Thursday March 29: Duluth East HS, 301 N. 40th Avenue East, 5:30PM - 8:00PM
· Groups and organizations are encouraged to schedule a meeting of their own through the Office of the Superintendent at 218-336-8752.
Online, Email, Mail:
Even if you can’t attend a meeting, please let us know what you think:
o Online Info and Survey at www.ISD709.org (available mid-March)
o Email: Info@ISD709.org
o Mail: Office of the Superintendent, ISD 709
215 North 1st Avenue East
Duluth, MN 55802
For information: 218-336-8752
Note: The first meeting, originally scheduled for March 19, had to be cancelled. This is the most current, up to date meeting list.
Thank You, Duluth School Bus Drivers!
This week we celebrated Minnesota School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, honoring those who take on the important job of getting students to and from school safely each day - in Duluth, that's over 7,300 kids!Governor Dayton proclaimed February 28 a day of appreciation of school bus drivers saying, "In darkness and daylight, on dirt roads and multi-lane highways, from frigid winter mornings to warm spring afternoons, Minnesota school bus drivers safely transport more than 760,000 students to and from school each day...they bookend a student's day at school and can have a positive influence on a child's educational experience."
February School Board Agenda Items - Detailed Information Online
(This is not a comprehensive list of Board agenda items)
>>The Duluth School Board has a Committee of the Whole FY19 Budget Planning meeting scheduled Tuesday March 6, 2018 6:00PM, HOCHS Board Room - 2nd Floor. It's a public meeting and an opportunity to hear an update as budget planning continues.
>>RCI Presentations: Representatives from Piedmont Elementary and Denfeld High School provided their Record of Continuous Improvement presentations, thank you!
>>Secondary Schedule Task Force Update: The Board heard information regarding how the middle and high school days could be scheduled to provide more student opportunities and what costs may be incurred. Click here to see the presentation.
>>Career & Technical Education Update: The Board received information regarding Career & Technical Education programs. Click here to see the presentation.
Kateri Little received the TRIO Distinguished Service Award from The College of St. Scholastica Upward Bound Program. The award recognizes Kateri's advocacy, knowledge and expertise, providing data to support TRIO grant programs. Congratulations, Kateri!
Kindergarten Roundup Events March 15 - 30!
During Kindergarten Roundup, register your child for the September 2018 school year, meet the teachers and principal and learn more about ISD 709 elementary schools.
• Free All Day, Every Day Kindergarten
• Strong Academics
• Music, Art, Physical Education, Media
• Time for Creative Play and Recess
• Emphasis on Family Partnerships
• Social, Emotional Learning and Support
• Comprehensive support to enhance reading and math skills
• Misaabekong Ojibwe Language Immersion and Nueva Vision Spanish Language Immersion at Lowell Elementary
Learn More, Find a Kindergarten Roundup Event: http://www.isd709.org/kindergarten
Duluth Public School 10th graders attended the Construct Tomorrow Event at the DECC, a great hands-on opportunity to learn more about good-paying careers in the trades. They took part in setting tiles, laying bricks, pounding nails, walking on beams, and trying a variety of virtual reality activities like welding and operating a front end loader. Thanks to district staff and community partners who make this annual event a reality!
An Inspiring Night!
Thanks to all who shared their wonderful school and educational experiences during the February School Board meeting. Board members heard from Career & Tech Ed students, three Duluth nominees for 2018 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, students and teachers who took part in Starbase STEM programs and others.
Congratulations, Darcy Motschenbacher, honored by the Duluth School Board for receiving the MASSP 2018 Office Professional of the Year Award! #Inspire709
For more information and to register:
www.duluthcommunityed.org or www.duluthymca.org
Phone: 218-336-8900 x2
Program Dates: Mon June 18 to Fri August 24 (closed July 4)
Program Hours: 6:30AM to 6:00PM
Summer Sites: Congdon Park, Laura MacArthur, Lester Park, Myers-Wilkins
Program Rates: $39 daily rate per child (includes field trips/transportation)
$30 registration fee due at time of registration (registration fee waived if child is currently attending 2017-18 Key Zone program)
Open to all children who have completed K-5th grade.
Field Trips: Explore exciting places in your community
Find Your Passion: On site enrichment and STEAM activities
Make Friends: Be with your friends, find new ones
Little Einsteins: Support your learning goals
INVITATION, Please join us!
Open House: Rockridge Academy
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
4:00PM – 6:00PM
4849 Ivanhoe St, Duluth, MN 55804
· See inside the newly updated, newly re-opened facility
· Learn more about the educational program
· Learn about The Hills Youth and Family Services
· Meet leadership and teachers
· Refreshments provided
Questions? Please call 218-336-8955
Duluth East One Act Play success!
Duluth East Hockey Victory
A Duluth East student fan holds up a photo of Greyhounds hockey standout Ian Mageau.
The students had a blast presenting their Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre production of “Robin Hood” in the beautiful Denfeld High School Auditorium.
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