Laura MacArthur Eagle Update

Family Newsletter- September 2022

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Message from Mr. Erickson

Message from Mr. Erickson

Laura MacArthur Families,


A very important welcome to the Class of 2035 to Laura MacArthur Elementary school and to all that are new and returning again this year. Staff at Laura MacArthur are ready and excited for our students and families to return!


Each month we will share both a digital on Facebook/School Website and a hard copy of our Eagle Update Family Newsletter in our Friday folders. This newsletter will include important information regarding current and future news as well was for you to help support your child's learning.


Please also check out our website: www.isd709.org/laura-macarthur/index and our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LauraMacEaglesRewardSchool for frequent updates. While we attempt to reach every family, we recognize that some forms of communication are better than others. Please feel free to contact your child's teacher or the school with any questions.


Thank you for your continued partnership and trusting us with your children. We are looking forward to a great year.


Jim Erickson

Principal

Message from Mr. Erickson
Forms Needed!

Forms Needed!

PLEASE RETURN ALL FORMS FROM THE BACK TO SCHOOL PACKET.


BLENDED LEARNING

Our 2022-2023 District Blended Learning forms have been made available for students to complete. Parent/Guardian permission is needed each year before students will be allowed to use district technology devices and/or utilize the software.


Hard copies are available by contacting the school.

2022-2023 Blended Learning 1 to 1 Agreement


Application for Educational Benefits Form - PLEASE COMPLETE


  • Getting all who qualify to submit this form is extremely important as it directly supports your child and relates to how much funding Laura MacArthur receives each year to support our students education. This past year our amount we receive was significantly reduced. Thank you for your support by completing this important document.


Forms Needed!
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New PTO group is starting this fall!

New PTO group is starting this fall!

We are happy to announce that we have a brand new PTO starting this fall! If you have ever wanted to be more involved in your child's education and school, this is a great opportunity. We will have opportunities for volunteers throughout the year, with something for everyone!


Our fall meet and greet will be Monday, September 26th at 5:30pm in the media center. We would love for you to come and check out what PTO is all about!


We want to make Laura MacArthur the best place to be for our students and their families, and we need you to help make that happen!

New PTO group is starting this fall!
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Spirit Week- September 19-23, 2022



Let’s celebrate a new school year together!



  • Monday: Pajama Day! (Please no blankets, or stuffed animals)
  • Tuesday: Sports Day! (Wear your favorite sports gear!)
  • Wednesday: Wacky Day! Wear your best mismatched outfit and crazy hair!
  • Thursday: Hat Day!
  • Friday: School Pride Day! Wear your best Laura MacArthur gear( blue and yellow) and let's celebrate our school!
Backpack Program Information!

Backpack Program Information!

Dear Parents/Caregivers:

We would like to invite your child to participate in a program called the Backpack Program. This program is a partnership between the Duluth Public Schools, Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, local volunteers and generous funders from throughout the community.

The BackPack Program provides a small bag of nutritious, non-perishable food for your child to eat during the weekend when school isn’t in session throughout the school year. Each bag contains a variety of items including main entrees, breakfast items, fruit, vegetables, snacks and often juice or shelf-stable milk.

Once enrolled in the BackPack Program, your child will receive a small bag of food at the end of the day, before school dismisses, at the end of the school week. Teachers and school staff will help remind students when and where to pick up their items. The food will be packed in a plastic bag which will be easy to put in a backpack or book bag. The food is intended to be used during the weekend.

What’s more, the BackPack Program food will be provided at no cost to your child.


If this program would be helpful as you work to provide for your family, please complete and return a consent form to Cal Harris or the main office. Every effort will be made to keep this confidential. In addition, if your circumstances should change after you have enrolled, you may opt out of the program at any time during the school year by letting your school contact know.


For More Information:

Cal Harris

Integration Specialist

Laura MacArthur Elementary school

218-336-8845 x2186

Backpack Program Information!

TRANSPORTATION

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  • Bus Transportation was mailed home to those students receiving transportation. Routes may still be adjusting due to new enrollments. If you have questions about transportation, please contact the school office and we will do our best to assist you.


  • Any routes added after August 30, will not be starting until Thursday. Thanks for your patience and understanding as the transportation department works through this process.


Bus Loading Zone at School Location

Students will enter and exit buses from the Central Ave. Bus Loading Zone

Please - No cars or student drop off in this area.

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ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES


DOORS OPEN 7:30 AM


Once your child arrives at school, they should proceed as indicated below:


ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Parent Drop Off

  • Families will enter the driveway from Central Ave only.

  • All cars will stay on the right side of the driveway closest to the sidewalk.

  • Pull Forward and allow students to exit (on the right side only).

  • Students will stay on the sidewalk and go directly into the main door.


  • Grades 3-5 will go directly to cafeteria to have breakfast and then go to their classrooms.

  • Grades K-2 will go directly to their classrooms and then will go to breakfast with their classrooms.

  • Families can drop off students in the front circle. Please be advised that the building does not open before 7:30 am. Please share this with anyone who is picking up a Laura MacArthur student.


  • Families, please stay in line, remain in your vehicle , and try to keep the line moving as you are dropping off your child. This parking lot is very busy especially during our drop off/pick up times


  • Once your child(ren) is safely out of your vehicle, we ask that you promptly pull away from the building as we will have several vehicles in line each day.


  • No parking is allowed in the circle drive during parent drop-off.


  • Cars will exit onto Central Place and then to 54th Ave or Central Ave.


These procedures when followed by all, will work well to keep our students,

staff and families safe. Thank you for your cooperation!

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

  • All teachers will check their mailboxes /email/phone msg, prior to 1:00 for student changes (home with parent, etc.) Please call contact the school before 1:00 with any afternoon changes.

  • Busers will be picked up on Central Ave and leave Laura MacArthur no later than 2:20 p.m.

  • Walkers will be dismissed from Central Ave doors and leave no later than 2:15. Families please remain outside to expedite this process.


CAR PICK UP PROCEDURES: (Parent Pick up, please complete and return form ASAP)

  • Families will be provided a number to put in their vehicle window that will correspond with the child(ren)’s pick-up number. Families may use their number from last year!


  • Families will drive on 54th Ave. W beginning at 2:15

  • Families are to remain in their vehicle to expedite this process. Thank you for your cooperation.


  • A staff member will identify you and your vehicle number, and radio to a staff member waiting inside with your child(ren) in the designated waiting area. Inside staff members will send your child(ren) out to meet you.


  • Once your child is safely in your vehicle, we ask that you promptly pull away from the building as this is a very congested area.


  • Please continue ahead and exit onto Grand Ave. to keep traffic flow moving.


  • Anyone other than the identified vehicle/license plate picking up your child will be questioned for appropriate identification.


  • Please notify the office or your child’s teacher of any changes by 1:00. All students who have not been picked up by 2:30 will be waiting inside the office area.


  • PRE SCHOOL STUDENTS will be exiting from the North end of the building using either a classroom exit or building emergency exits. Pre School teachers will be providing instructions to families.


These procedures when followed by all, will work well to keep our students,

staff and families safe. Thank you for your cooperation!

AFTERNOON PARENT PICKUP ROUTE

FOR PARENT PICKUP

We ask vehicles to line up on N 54th Ave W, wrapping around towards ElinorSt/ and exiting onto GRAND AVE. Arrows have been placed on the map below to indicate direction.


  • Please enter N. 54th from W. 5th St. for easier traffic flow. Vehicle numbers will be provided by request and students will be exiting out the playground door and walking to the vehicles on 54th.
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Reporting an Illness?

Reporting an Illness?

  • Please contact the school attendance office if your child is ill.
  • Contact 218-336-8900 option 2.
  • If the illness is COVID related, we will forward you to our school nurse.
Reporting an Illness?

Appointment during School?

We understand that appointments during the school day are sometimes unavoidable. Please send a note with your students child or call the office to make arrangements for appointments during the school day.

Student Attendance/All Call Message

All Call Message

If students have not been at school before 8:30, an all call message will go out to families at 9:00 for those students absent. Please have your child check into the office anytime after 8:15 am.


Tardy vs. Absent

Students are considered tardy before 8:15 and considered absent at 8:16 unless an excused absence from a parent or family.

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

BREAKFAST & LUNCH


  • Beginning in August 2022, the Child Nutrition Department will change back to the way it operated before March 2020. Breakfast will be free for all students. Lunch will not be free to all students. That means that families will need to complete the Free and Reduced-price Family application to qualify for free or reduce-price meals. Students who do not qualify for free or reduce priced meals must pay full price for lunch. Lunch prices are: Elementary Schools--$2.70 Middle and High Schools--$2.95 Students that wish to bring lunch from home and purchase milk from the school, the price for milk is $.50. Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.


  • To apply, complete the enclosed Application for Educational Benefits following the instructions. A new application must be submitted each year. The income tables change yearly, so a new application must be processed each school year. At public schools, your application also helps the school qualify for education funds and discounts. State funds help to pay for reduced-price school meals, so all students who are approved for either free or reduced-priced school meals will receive meals at no charge. Return your completed Application for Educational Benefits to: Child Nutrition Department, Denfeld High School, 401 North 44th Ave. W, Duluth MN 55807 or for faster processing, Complete an on-line application at https://paypams.com/OnlineApp.aspx.


  • Students will be enter their assigned lunch code right away. Staff will be available to help them if needed.
  • Students are allowed to bring their lunch to school, a carton of milk can be purchased for 50 cents.



There are three ways to put money in your child's lunch account:

  1. PayPams Online: A secure, convenient online payment system. Check account balances and monitor what your student is choosing to eat at any time. A convenience fee of $1.95 per student is charged by the site for each payment submitted online. To use PayPams, create an account at paypams.com. The site will take a credit card for payment or receive payments from your bank account.
  2. Check - Write a check to Child Nutrition and mail to 401 N 44th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55807, or send with your student to school. Student name and student number are required on the check memo line.
  3. Cash - Send cash in a sealed envelope with your student's name printed on the envelope. Your child's teacher will send it to the school cafe for deposit. Your student may also pay cash on a daily basis at the register.



Application for Educational Benefits Form - PLEASE COMPLETE


  • Getting all who qualify to submit this form is extremely important as it directly relates how much funding Laura MacArthur receives to support our students education. This past year our amount we receive was significantly reduced


BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Emergency Response/Crisis Management 22-23 Family Information

Emergency Response/Crisis Management 22-23 Family Information


We of course hope that we never have to implement an emergency response plan, but we want our families informed of our plan if a crisis response was ever needed. Please read this important information regarding our evacuation plan.


We are required to practice 5 fire drills and 5 lockdown/evacuation drills each year. Our staff work hard at making these practices non-threatening and age appropriate. Our first fire drill is done the first week of school.


In the event of an emergency situation where students need to evacuate Laura MacArthur, we have several sites designated as evacuation sites.


On-Site Outside Assembly Areas & Rally Points

  • (For times when students must exit but able to remain close to the building)
      • Our Saviors Lutheran Church parking lot
      • Tennis Court & Field


      Two Off-Site Emergency Evacuation Locations

    • (For times when students must exit and move away from the building site and need shelter)
      • Stella Maris School-Gym
      • 715 North 57th Ave West, Duluth, MN 55807
      • Denfeld High School
      • 401 N 44th Ave W, Duluth MN, 55807


      Student-Parent Reunion Procedure

      If a evacuation is required, a Student-Parent Reunion Coordinator role has been developed to sign out students to parents in the event of a serious emergency. The location would be identified, shared with families via school messenger, and the established process would be implemented for reuniting students and parents.

      Emergency Response/Crisis Management 22-23 Family Information

      ALICE TRAINING

      Over the past several years we have seen a dramatic increase in school violence and school shootings. As the experts analyze these horrific events it is apparent that we need to do more, not only taking steps in an attempt to prevent the event from occurring but training of students and staff on procedures that we all need to survive an active shooter in our schools.


      If you look at what has occurred in our schools and colleges throughout the country it is evident that if an armed intruder wants to get into any school building, there is a good chance that they probably will succeed. The fact is, even though the Duluth Public Schools has taken great steps in the matter of securing our school buildings, i.e. installing monitored entry systems and installing additional cameras throughout our school buildings, one question still needs to be answered. What if?


      Duluth Public Schools has adopted and implemented ALICE district-wide. We recently held a two day training to certify over 40 staff members who will then train all staff members throughout the district to make sure we are prepared if something were to happen in any of our schools.


      What is ALICE?


      Alert

      • Get the word out! Armed Intruder in the building instead of the use of any codes. Use clear, concise language to convey the type and specific location of the event.


      Lockdown

      • Good starting point. We will continue to Lockdown students in secure areas by barricading the doors and spreading out in the classroom away from the door.

      Inform

      • Continuation of the use of clear, concise language to convey the type and specific location of the event. Communication keeps the Shooter off balance and allows for good decision-making.

      Counter

      • Apply Skills to Distract, Confuse and gain Control. This is only taught at the high school level.


      Evacuate

      • Reduce the number of Potential Targets for the shooter, and reduce chances of victims resulting from friendly fire when help arrives.

      The philosophy of ALICE is to use technology and information in a way so that staff and students can make informed decisions in a crisis, remove as many people as possible from the danger zone, and provide realistic training so that those involved have a better chance of surviving.


      In short, using the above ALICE method we will teach our students and staff multiple tools to use in order to evade an armed intruder/active shooter/killer who enters our school, including:


      1. Listen carefully to the location and type of event.


      2. Get to and/or remain in a secure area until it is safe to evacuate.


      3. Should an armed intruder/active shooter invade their area, apply skills to Distract, Confuse and Gain Control.


      4. As soon as it is safe to do so, Evacuate.


      Please understand, in NO WAY are we asking or teaching our students or staff to make any attempt to subdue an armed gunman outside of their secure area. However, we will provide them the knowledge that if faced with a life or death situation there are methods that can be applied to greatly enhance their chance of survival. The methods that will be taught in the event an armed gunman directly confronts them are:


      • Cause distractions to interfere with the ability to shoot accurately

      • Cause as much chaos in the room as possible to create sensory overload

      • Do not be a stationary target

      • How to control the attacker using body weight, not strength (not for younger children)

      • How to interact with responding Law Enforcement


      Younger students need constant reminders of safe practices (much like you may already do for ‘stranger danger’), in order for them to make good decisions related to their personal safety. Parents can prepare their child(ren) for the ALICE plan by helping them understand the following objectives at home:

      • There are people, of all ages, color, and types that can be mean and may wish them harm.

      • Self-confidence comes from trying things that are hard and getting better each time.

      • There are many solutions and options when faced with a problem.

      • When your child is prepared for difficult situations they can make informed decisions and will have more self-control.

      • Your child is smart and capable if they have the tools.

      • Help your child identify and assess possible crisis situations.

      • Have your child demonstrate the ability to get away from someone who has their hands on them. (Stranger Danger)

      • Have your child explain the different safety drills and what they mean. (Fire, Tornado, Evacuation, Lockdown, Shelter in Place, and ALICE)

      • Help your child name where they need to go in case of evacuation.

      • Discuss the importance of following the teacher’s directions without hesitation.

      Training will emphasize that the best way to survive an active shooter is to escape. When that is not possible, being mentally prepared and having been given the authority and ability to act will save lives.


      Please contact the principal at your child’s school with any questions or concerns. Duluth Public Schools will continue to put your child’s safety as our top priority.


      Our Sincerest Appreciation,


      Duluth Public Schools

      READING EVERYDAY MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

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      School Culture & SEB (social-emotional behavior learning):

      School Culture & SEB (social-emotional behavior learning):

      • Duluth Elementary School students will engage in social-emotional learning and support regularly from our staff.

      • We will again be using Second Step curriculum. We will share more in the weeks to come.

        • Social and emotional well-being of students and staff will be highest priority from the start of the school year

        • Mental health teams have been established to prepare for higher needs at the start of the year

        • Provide support to all students through social emotional lessons

        • Provide emotional support to staff and students

      • Students will continue to be educated in PBIS initiatives (SOAR) Positive Behavior Interventions and support programming.

      School Culture & SEB (social-emotional behavior learning):

      CALMING CORNERS IN OUR CLASSROOMS

      A calming Corner is a designated space in a home or classroom with the sole intent of being a safe space for a child to go to when they feel their emotions. These spaces will be available to use in each classroom space. Staff will be teaching our students how to appropriately use these spaces.


      Please speak with your child's teacher if you have any questions.

      KEYZONE REGISTRATION



      • Instructions and protocols for each building will be given at the site.

      • Keyzone will be responsible for health screening students as they enter the programs.

      • Keyzone is committed to following State and Local Health Regulations.


      Keyzone fall session will begin in September. If you have questions or would like to enroll your child in Keyzone please contact the Keyzone office.

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      22-23 School Year


      • 9/6 - First day of school
      • 9/6 & 9/7: Meet & Greets with Kindergarten families
      • 9/8: 1st day of school for Kindergarten
      • 9/19-23: SPIRIT WEEK!
      • 9/26: PTO meeting 5:30 Media Center
      • 10/3-8 - Prairie Fire Theater
      • 10/6: Peacemaker Assemblies
      • 10/10-10/13- 5th Grade to Starbase - Air National Guard
      • 10/11 - PICTURE DAY GR K-5
      • 10/11 - Family/Teacher Conferences 2:45-8:00 pm
      • 10/13 - Family/Teacher Conferences 2:45-8:00 pm
      • 10/20-21: MEA-NO SCHOOL
      • 11/2: Peacemaker Assemblies
      • 11/7: Staff Development Day - NO SCHOOL OF STUDENTS
      • 11/15 - PICTURE RETAKE DAY
      • 11/24-25: NO SCHOOL
      • 12/8: Peacemaker Assemblies
      • 12/22 - Holiday Music Program 8:30-9:30
      • 12/23 - 1/2: Winter recess-NO SCHOOL
      • 1/3: School Resumes
      • 1/11: Peacemaker Assemblies
      • 1/16: MLK - NO SCHOOL
      • 1/23: End of Semester-NO SCHOOL
      • 2/3: Peacemaker Assemblies
      • 2/7 - Family/Teacher Conferences 2:45-8:00 pm
      • 2/9 - Family/Teacher Conferences 2:45-8:00 pm
      • 2/20-24: Winter Recess-NO SCHOOL
      • 2/27 - School Resumes
      • 3/1: Peacemaker Assemblies
      • 3/6-10: I Love to Read Week
      • 3/20: MCA Kickoff Assembly
      • 3/28: Kindergarten Meet and Greet
      • 4/7: Peacemaker Assemblies
      • 4/10-14: Spring Recess-NO SCHOOL
      • 4/17 - School Resumes
      • 5/12: Grandparent/Special Friend Day 11:15-2:00
      • 5/12: Book Fair
      • 5/19: Field Day
      • 5/26: Field Day (Rain Day Makeup)
      • 5/29- Memorial Day-NO SCHOOL
      • 6/1: Peacemaker Assemblies
      • 6/2: 5th Grade Honors Assembly
      • 6/7 - End of the year picnic 3:30-5:30
      • 6/8: Last Day of School with Students
      • 6/9: Staff last day of school
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      JOIN THE MOVEMENT AND LIKE LAURA MACARTHUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON FACEBOOK

      JOIN THE MOVEMENT AND LIKE LAURA MACARTHUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON FACEBOOK

      Want to see what is happening at Laura MacArthur? Like the Laura MacArthur Elementary Facebook page to get updates, see photos and videos from around our school, and get connected with our PTA.



      https://www.facebook.com/LauraMacEaglesRewardSchool/

      JOIN THE MOVEMENT AND LIKE LAURA MACARTHUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON FACEBOOK
      Jim Erickson, Principal

      Jim Erickson, Principal

      Jim Erickson, Principal

      720 North Central Avenue, Duluth, MN, USA james.erickson@isd709.org 218-336-8900 isd709.org/laura-macarthur