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From the Office of the Superintendent 9/5/19
Weekly Briefing for ISD 709 Faculty & Staff
Dear Colleagues,
Happy New Year, thanks for all you do to get our students off to a great start!
We appreciated a visit from Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan this week, she took time to help serve lunch at Lowell and accept a t-shirt from students and staff in the Misaabekong Ojibwe Language Immersion program. Many thanks to Jen Larva, Principal; Pam Bowe, Child Nutrition Manager and Lowell Child Nutrition staff for assisting with the visit.
The first week of school sets the tone for the rest of the semester or year. Taking time to establish relationships and share positively stated behavioral expectations are foundational building blocks to a successful year. We know that students who have positive relationships with at least three adults outside of their family are much more likely to succeed. That friendly hello in the hallway, taking an interest in student’s activities, or the occasional check in goes a long way.
Thank you for all of the ways you let our students know that they matter and that you care. Best wishes for the new school year.
Kind Regards,
Bill
If you have questions or thoughts about what's going on in our school district, email: Superintendents@ISD709.org. Twitter: @billgronseth
Special School Board Meeting to Review Process to Fill Board Vacancy
The Duluth School Board will hold a special meeting Monday September 9 to review the process to fill a school board vacancy. Josh Gorham, At-Large member and Clerk, announced his resignation from the school board September 4, 2019.
Per Minnesota statute, the Duluth School Board may seek applicants for the vacancy and appoint an individual to hold the Board seat. A special school board election would be conducted in November 2020 and a board member elected to fill the seat in January 2021.
“We appreciate Member Gorham’s service to Duluth’s students and schools and wish him the best as he leaves his position,” said Rosie Loeffler-Kemp, Duluth School Board Chairperson.
ISD 709 News
Rosie Loeffler-Kemp is an elected Duluth School Board member, chairwoman of the board, and the parent of four children. She wrote the following column for the Duluth News Tribune in celebration of the start of the new school year.
2019 First Day, Happy New Year
Stowe Elementary Principal Nathan Glockle exchanges a high-five with a returning student on the first day of classes for Duluth schools Tuesday morning. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
www.isd709.org/Stowe-Elementary
www.ISD709.org
Duluth News Tribune: https://bit.ly/2lyipbO
Minnesota's Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan visited Lowell Elementary and helped serve lunch to students in celebration of the first day of school. Staff and student representatives from the school's Misaabekong Ojibwe Language Immersion program presented the Lt. Governor with a Misaabekong t-shirt.
Thank you, Lt. Governor Flanagan, we appreciate opportunities to share our schools with state leaders and talk about the importance of public education! Many thanks to Principal Jen Larva and the child nutrition staff at Lowell for helping with the visit.
Denfeld high school players, super fans and students greet Piedmont Elementary students on the first day of school. #Inspire709
Teachers, Principal Help Support Student Success
Myers-Wilkins Elementary asks for donations to help literacy among students. For just $10, one student could receive a new book each month for nine months. The books will be for students to take home and keep.
Welcome, Brian Kazmierczk, Principal, Lincoln Park MS
Lincoln Park Middle School's new leader wants to focus on inclusion and equity
“I don’t think you can talk about anything else that we have going on unless you also talk about equity and being very deliberate in all that we do in our school,” Brian Kazmierczk said. “When you have a welcoming school and inclusive school, it has to be equitable."
Thank You, School Supporters
Many thanks to all people in booster clubs, foundations, parent/family leadership organizations, event and fundraising groups that work to support Duluth students and schools.Thank you, Denfeld Link Crew student leaders, helping create a safe and welcoming environment for incoming freshman. Denfeld juniors and seniors are trained to mentor 9th graders during their transition into high school.
Thanks to Duluth East Hound Pack student leaders for supporting the new freshman class - your help makes a big difference. Hound Pack students are trained to mentor 9th graders during their transition to high school.
Explore a new hobby, learn a new skill, meet new people. The gift of lifelong learning, something for everyone!
BROWSE & REGISTER ONLINE: https://bit.ly/2P2awEN
>>Arts, Crafts, Hobbies: Walking Sticks, 2-D Felted Painting, Beginning Drawing, Intro to Gingerbread, Poetry Corner, More...
>>Computers & Technology: Computers for Adult Beginners, Web Design, More...
>>Cooking: Sushi, Cookie Bake & Take, Taste of Mexico,Thailand, More...
>>Dance: Swing, Ballroom, Belly, International, More...
>>General Interest: Astronomy, Astrology, Cabin Life, Get Organized, Preserving Garden Herbs, Vegetable Gardening, More...
>>Health & Wellness: CPR/AED Training, Better Balance Exercises, Tai Chi, More...
>>Language: French, German, Sign Language, More...
>>Music: Banjo, Ukulele, Voice, Community Band & Orchestra, More...
>>Swimming Pool Activities: Swimming Lessons, Aqua Aerobics, Scuba Diving, Lifeguarding, More...
>>Sports & Exercise: Abs & Stretches, Body Fitness, Zumba, Walk Fitness, More...
Denfeld, Duluth East Athletics
Spotlight: Denfeld's Blake Eaton
An elite athlete himself, Blake Eaton has fit in nicely in his first season as Duluth Denfeld boys soccer's student manager."He's a pure athlete, a great guy who set records in the state track meet, and all the guys have a ton of respect for him," Hunters boys soccer coach Scott Anderson said of the personable sophomore after the team's game at Duluth Marshall. Said Eaton, "I'm having fun hanging around the guys, keeping stats and stuff. This is a special team."
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