Ordean East Middle School News
Vol. 3 Issue 18 - May 13, 2022
Kara (KC) Pavlisich, OEMS 21-22 Gold Star Goldfine Nominee
Please join us in congratulating KC Pavlisich, OEMS 21-22 Gold Star Goldfine Nominee. She was selected by her peers for this fabulous award.
The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 26, 7:00PM, at Lincoln Park Middle School. All are welcome to attend. Congratulations, KC!
Amanda Horton named Minnesota Indian Education Association K-12 Liaison of the Year
At the Minnesota Indian Education Association Conference on April 14, Amanda Horton was named the K-12 Liaison of the Year. Ms. Horton works at Duluth East High School and Ordean East Middle School as the American Indian liaison for students.
Each year, the Minnesota Indian Education Association presents awards to deserving individuals who are working hard and doing amazing things in Indian Country providing the association with inspiration.
Ms. Horton was nominated by Olivia Kinsley, who had this to say about her:
"Ms. Horton has been an American Indian Home/School Liaison for Duluth American Indian Education program for 5 years. Throughout her tenure, she has served Indigenous students with excellence through academic support, incentives and creating a safe space for our students. Ms. Horton provides as many opportunities as she is able to prepare students for post-graduation success. Through her energy, she has been able to secure a grant that encourages students to continue secondary education or trade school by offering a scholarship for American Indian Students. An important aspect of Ms. Horton’s professionalism is to be a mentor and support her students. She has developed relationships that help promote academic goals as well as cultivate socio-emotional skills for families and students. Amanda is passionate about creating opportunities for Indigenous students to grow in cultural identity and language. Most importantly, her students respect her and have acknowledged her hard work by nominating her for a leadership award at East High School."
OEMS Students visited the Center for Equity and Inclusion at Lake Superior College
Ordean East Middle School Student places in National PTA Reflections Art Program
Abigail Froehle, an Ordean East Middle School 8th grade student, placed at Nationals in the PTA Reflections Art Program in Literature. Her piece, titled, "Heroes and Villans," received the Award of Merit.
The annual PTA Reflections Art Program encourages students to express themselves through the arts. This year's theme was "I Can Change the World By..." Nearly 300,000 students from across the country, and in American schools overseas, participate annually in the National PTA’s Reflections program. The awards program spans six arts categories (Dance Choreography, Film Production, Music Composition, Photography, Literature, and Visual Arts) across four grade divisions and the Special Artist Division.
OEMS Students Advance to the Virtual National History Day Competition
Kenna Huot and Margaret Johnson were the first place winners in the Virtual Minnesota State History Day competition in the Junior Group Website category. They worked on the project over the past five months and competed against 15,000 students throughout the state in order to qualify for the Virtual National History Day competition taking place June 12-18. Their entry "Uncle Tom's Cabin: A Subject for Debate" won first place. Congratulations!
OEMS Spring Music Concerts
Choir Concerts - Staggered by grade levels: May 19, 6:30PM 6th Grade Only & May 19, 7:10PM 7th Grade Only, 7:30PM Select Choir & 8th Grade Combined
Orchestra Concert - May 24, 7:00PM
Band Concert - May 26, 7:00PM
The Duluth Art Institute will have youth summer art opportunities at the Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building. If you are interested in summer art camp you can find more information and registration at duluthartinstitute.org/camps. Scholarships are available!
OEMS PTA Will Dissolve Unless Leadership Positions Are Filled
We are in need of volunteers for OEMS PTA leadership- President, Treasurer and Secretary this coming school year (2022-23). Current leaders have served their terms and/or their kids moving on to high school.
OEMS PTA leadership looks much different than the elementary school PTAs that some of you have been involved with. The time commitment is much less as our programming is limited to very specific areas. The activities we are involved in (Spirit Wear, Teacher Conference Night Dinners, Fall (or Spring) Fest, Teacher/Staff grants) are highly valued at OEMS and fill an important role in helping establish and maintain community among staff, students and parents.
Current PTA leadership is very happy to speak with anyone who has any interest to learn more about the duties with each role. Please contact current president Betsy Schwartz (bschwar1ster@gmail.com) for some initial information.
If we do not fill the roles we will need to disband our OEMS PTA. Thank you for your consideration!
OEMS 8th Graders will provide feedback through the Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) May 30-June 9
Ordean East Middle School
"We are focused on and committed to our students' learning."
Main Office: Anna Fridsma
Attendance: Dawn Warner
Principal: Gina Kleive
Assistant Principals: Rachel Jackson & Michael Emerson
Dean of Leadership & Student Support: Dianna Hazelton
School Counselors: Ashley Kedrowski & Sarah Seglem
School Social Worker: Tracy Litman
Email: gina.kleive@isd709.org
Website: https://www.isd709.org/ordean-east
Location: 2900 East 4th Street, Duluth, MN, USA
Phone: 218-336-8940