Update:
For ISD 709 Faculty & Staff 1/21/21
From Superintendent John Magas
Dear Colleagues -
This week was an extremely busy time as we prepare for some pretty exciting changes as we start second semester on Monday January 25.
As you know, we will begin in-person instruction for our pre-kindergarten through second grade students on that day. This will represent the first opportunity we’ve had for full in-person instruction for any grade level in nearly 10 months. Two weeks later, our third through fifth grade students will also return. The preparations were intense, and, although there are some definite feelings of nervousness and anxiety, I am fully confident that we are ready to safely serve our students.
At our secondary sites, we will be implementing a much more robust synchronous learning schedule. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of our teachers, staff, and leadership we have the devices, learning management system, and most importantly, the expertise to do so. I am very proud of the work that has been done to take this important step as a district.
I also realize that many questions are still before us. We will continue to try to answer them as well as possible as we move into this new phase of learning.
This week, we also took part in a pilot COVID vaccine program with the state of Minnesota. While we wish that we had far more than the 32 initial doses that were allocated, we are very hopeful that more are coming very soon. This would allow us to shorten the 4 1/2 month estimate that has been given until our educators can be vaccinated. As a pilot opportunity, it also allows us to create systems and increase capacity to administer them.
Each of these developments leave me feeling very hopeful and thankful.
Sincerely,
John
If you have questions or thoughts about what's going on in our school district, email: Superintendents@isd709.org
Staff 1/20 Voluntary Informational Meeting
Many thanks to all who provided questions for the January 20 Voluntary Staff meeting and to all who joined the session live. We will plan to hold additional question and answer sessions throughout the year, and beyond if helpful, as we seek to ensure clear communication and opportunities for us to listen and learn from each other. For those who were not able to watch on Thursday, the meeting is available for viewing online.
View the Q&A SessionUpdate: COVID Vaccines for Schools
On Monday 1/18, Governor Tim Walz announced Minnesota is piloting a community COVID-19 vaccine program, creating nine pilot sites which will serve prekindergarten through grade 12 educators, school staff and child care providers.
Duluth Public Schools received an allotment of 32 vaccines through this pilot. We know, and Governor Walz knows, that this is not an acceptable rate for educators to be receiving the vaccine. The Governor is doing everything he can to get more vaccines to Minnesota.
- Due to the minimal supply Minnesota has received from the federal government, we have had to prioritize which educators and staff receive these first doses.
- We followed guidance from the state to prioritize for this first round of vaccine doses.
- If you received a slot for a vaccination, you will already have received an email with further instructions on how to schedule your appointment.
- Vaccinations are administered at one of the nine pilot sites. Duluth is not currently a pilot site.
Governor Walz has assured us that once Minnesota receives more vaccine from the federal government, the doses for educators and school staff will increase. The state is working across Minnesota to set up infrastructure that will accommodate mass vaccination so we will be ready when there is an uptick in supply.
The vaccinations that will begin this week are pilot site programs and we will be new to this as well. Let’s all be kind and patient with one another as we take this significant step forward in curbing the pandemic.
ISD 709 Staff COVID Testing
- This includes teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, support staff, nutrition staff, bus drivers those working in-person in early childhood, child care or school-age care programs and others.
- The State has engaged Vault as the testing vendor; all staff wishing to participate in saliva testing will be required to create an account with Vault.
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First Three Saliva Test Days
January 27, February 10, February 24
Test dates to follow every other week
Testing Sites
9 Elementary Public School Sites, 7:15AM-9:15AM and 1:15PM-3:15PM: Please complete the Saliva test where your home office is located if working in one of the 9 elementary schools.
Denfeld and Duluth East, 10:00AM - 1:00PM: Secondary, Residential, HOCHS, Facilities and Transportation please complete the Saliva test at one of the two High School locations.
Due to a limited supply, please continue to take the Saliva test at the same site every two weeks. If an exception is needed please contact your home health office or Crystal Diehl in advance to discuss options.
Please do not show up outside of the testing window to take a Saliva test, the test will not be administered.
Who should take Saliva tests?
All staff who interact with students in-person are eligible to be tested. Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Early Childhood Staff, Support Staff
Lead School Nurse COVID Update
From Crystal Diehl, MSN, RN, PHN
Lead School Nurse
Happy New Year! We are looking forward to transitioning elementary students back to school starting next week! The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) have released several updates to guidance for schools. I have noted several for you to be aware of moving forward.
Please check this link for the detailed COVID update.
It includes:
- Updated School COVID Documents
- Quarantine for Close Contact
- Transportation
- AAP Return to Play Recommendations
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Travel Recommendation
- Face Shields'
- Daily Symptom Screening
- Reporting Test Results
Elementary In-Person Learning
As we return elementary schools to in-person learning, the safety of students, teachers and staff is of utmost importance..
We’re following a rolling start process (required by MDH and MDE) in which students are gradually brought back in the building.
Monday, January 25: Pre-Kindergarten through second grade return
Monday, February 8: Grades three through five return
Families may choose to remain in distance learning if they wish.
A web page is prepared to help families understand in general what to expect when students are in school. It may be updated with new information as necessary. Each elementary is sharing school-specific information with families, too, please check with your school if you have questions.
Update: Bagged Meal Distribution Changes Beginning January 25
Beginning Monday January 25, Free Bagged Meal distribution school sites and meal bus hubs will change. Elementary schools will no longer provide bagged meals for pickup.
Distance learning families can pick up free bagged breakfast and lunches at the following school sites between 11:30AM and 1:00PM:
- Denfeld High School, 401 N. 44th Avenue West
- Lincoln Park Middle School, 3215 W. 3rd Street
- Ordean East Middle School, 2900 E. 4th Street
- Duluth East High School, 301 N. 40th Avenue East
The following bus hubs are also available for meal pickup:
- 9:34AM - 2410 W 4th Street
- 9:42AM - 88th Ave West at Hilton
- 10:16AM - 9428 Grand Ave East Entrance
- 10:29AM - 3614 Grand Avenue ( Wheeler Field)
- 10:31AM - W 11th Street @ N Lake Avenue
- 11:03AM - 799 Upham Road
- 11:46AM - Lismore and McQuade Road
Lifting Up COVID Safety
Denfeld, Duluth East, Proctor and Superior students, teachers, coaches and community members are encouraging citizens to continue to follow COVID safety guidelines to help our Northland communities.
COVID safety is more important than ever, as local schools begin bringing students back to in-person learning and athletics and activities resume.
More COVID Safety Tips: staysafe.mn.gov
Many thanks to all who are helping slow the spread of COVID-19.
CSS Tutoring Now Available
Free tutoring services are now available for students participating in distance learning through partnership with the College of St. Scholastica!
Here is a video tutorial on how to sign up for a tutor.
Here is the link to book a tutor.
Questions? Please contact the College of St. Scholastica.
Online Cultural Education Forum Feb 2 & 3
Join this two-day interactive Cultural Education Forum which responds to Minnesota's growing education disparities among Black scholars (students).
The African American Leadership Forum (AALF) and Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) will host this virtual Forum to increase scholar, caregiver, and educator engagement in Black/Afro centric education. Educators, scholars, parents/caregivers are welcome to join both or either days.
If you are in a position to promote among scholars, please share promo code STUDENT in order to waive their registration fee.
LEARN MORE (https://mnhum.org/event/educating-and-nurturing-the-brilliance-of-our-black-scholars-students/)
FACEBOOK (https://www.facebook.com/events/149411086950800)
Contact:
Eden Bart | Humanities Officer | she/her/hers
Minnesota Humanities Center | 987 Ivy Avenue East | Saint Paul, MN 55106
PH 651-772-4261 | 866-268-7293 ext.261 | FAX 651-774-0205
Sources of Strength: Week 9
Recap: This school year is not what any of us expected, and the pandemic has significantly impacted the physical and Mental Health of the people we care about.
We want to be sure you know that it’s ok not to be ok. And it won’t always feel this way. When life feels difficult or overwhelming, we always want to honor and acknowledge what is happening and then turn to our Strengths. We all have strengths and we can lean into them in times when the big emotions of anxiety, anger and sadness creep in.
Over the last 8 weeks we have shared the Sources of Strength along with conversation starters and activities you can do at home to practice strengths.
Activities to strengthen each of these strengths are linked below:
Family Support, Generosity, Positive Friends, Spirituality, Mentors, Physical,
Health/Medical Access, Healthy Activities, Mental Health Activities
For additional information, please contact Marnie Thompson, Sources of Strength Coordinator.
612-221-9385
We're Hiring!
As we look forward to students returning in-person, we're seeking to add to our roster of talented substitute staff. Substitute Teachers make it possible for our students to continue learning in the classroom in the absence of the classroom teacher.
ISD 709 News
ISD 709 School Nurses received training from the St. Louis County Health Department on how to conduct COVID saliva testing.
COVID-19 saliva testing will be offered on a bi-weekly basis for all ISD 709 staff interacting with students in-person. This includes teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, support staff, nutrition staff, bus drivers those working in-person in early childhood, child care or school-age care programs and others.
#Inspire709 #WeCanNorthland
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