Laura MacArthur Eagle Update
Family Newsletter - May 2019
A message from Mr. Erickson
Wow, it is hard to believe that we are wrapping up the school year already and thinking about warmer weather and summer. I want to take a moment to thank all of our families, students, and staff for making this a great school year. We did a lot especially with our Positive Behaviors and Supports initiative. We reached over 10,000 eagle feathers. In other words, there were over 10,000 student positive acts recognized by Laura MacArthur staff. Very impressive students! Congratulations students for your success and your ability to succeed and SOAR.
The 2018-2019 school year was filled with many memories and events that took place this past year. Highlights included, Prairie Fire Theater production of Sleeping Beauty, the holiday concert, Cultural Family Night, Lego Robotics, Veterans Day, Grandparents/Special Friend Day, all of the Peacemaker award assemblies, Field Day, and too many other great events to mention.
Students participated in many field trips including 5th grade to Starbase, Kindergarten to Hartley, 1st grade to Heritage Center, 2nd grade to the playhouse, 3rd grade to Heritage Center, and coming soon, 4th grade to World of Wheels, and 5th grade to Wolf Ridge. Some fantastic learning opportunities.
I'm grateful to the fantastic Laura MacArthur staff that continue to be hard working and dedicated to support the individual needs of our students. I'm also thankful to the PTA, families and parents, and guardians that have supported Laura MacArthur by supporting the classrooms by volunteering. Families, please keep in mind, we would love to have more participation by all of you. Please see our social media pages (Facebook or Twitter) how to get involved.
19-20 School year
The 1st day of school for the 2019-2020 school year will be September 3 for grades 1-5. Kindergarten students will begin on September 5. Kindergarten Parents and students will have an opportunity for a pre-start conference with their teacher on September 4. This will allow your student to feel comfortable and confident for their 1st day of elementary school.
Fall Open House
August 29, 2019 from 4-5:30 pm
Keep Reading and Learning
To quote Dr. Seuss, "The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." I strongly believe that our students can do anything they set their minds to. This starts with them reading every day, both at home and at school. I encourage you to continue reading every day with your child to help them with the many places they will go!
It is an honor to work at Laura MacArthur and to work with great students, staff, and families. I wish all of you a great summer and I'll see you in September!
Jim Erickson
Principal
School Safety Update
Before drills are conducted with students, we work with classes to help them understand what we are doing. We continue to explain to students that building staff have options, and any decision made will be based on the situation and the best information available.
We have completed our required fire drills and have one lock-down remaining for the year.
Last Practice Drill . . .
Our last drill will include practicing an evacuation of the building and meeting at our rally point located at St. James School. For those that are not able to evacuate and that need additional assistance, they will be able to remain in the building with staff supervision. Safety plans for students that need additional assistance are created by school staff throughout the school year.
Laura MacArthur Evacuation Sites (Family Reunification points)
- 1st Site Facility - St. James School - 715 North 57th Ave West, Duluth, MN 55807
- 2nd Site Facility - Denfeld High School - 401 N 44th Ave W, Duluth MN, 55807
Further safety information will be shared with families in the fall.
Free Meals for Children: 2019 Summer Breakfast & Lunch Program
Funded by the US Department of Agriculture, meals are provided to children 18 years of age and under without charge; adults accompanying their children can purchase a breakfast for $2.50 or lunch for $4.50.
No paperwork necessary, just show up for good food and friendly service!
Menus include a variety of items - hot entrees, salads, sandwiches, vegetables, fruits, bread, milk. Specific menus will be available online shortly before June 11.
Meals served June 11 – August 23, 2019 (No service July 4).
Breakfast: 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM to 1:00PM
ISD 709 Summer Meal Locations:
- Myers-Wilkins Elementary, 1027 N 8th Avenue East
- Piedmont Elementary, 2827 Chambersburg Avenue
- Laura MacArthur Elementary, 720 North Central Avenue
- Lincoln Park Middle 3215 West 3rd Street
- Lowell Elementary 2000 Rice Lake Road
- Stowe Elementary, 715 – 101st Avenue West
Note, meals must be consumed at serving sites.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Lost and Found
Thank you.
5th Grade Honors Assembly - (5th/4th Peacemaker Assembly)
Friday, May 31, 2019, 08:30 AM
Laura MacArthur Elementary School, North Central Avenue, Duluth, MN, USA
Peacemaker Awards/Assemblies
The purpose of the Peacemaker award is to recognize two students in each class that have demonstrated the following: sought to teach, to transform, to make friends, to heal, to defeat injustice and to choose love over hate. Students will be recognized on April 18th by their teachers in front of their peers and guests to receive their Peacemaker certificate. A short reception will follow the assembly.
Thursday, May 30 - MEDIA CENTER
8:00 - Gr. K/1
9:00 - Gr. 2nd/3rd
Friday, May 31 - Gym
8:30 - Gr. 4th/5th
Important Changes to Campus Portal: Campus Portal will be removed on June 30, 2019 and replaced with Campus Student and Campus Parent.
What does this mean for the Campus App?
Campus Student and Campus Parent will replace our old app, Campus Mobile Portal. “This app will be retiring soon. Download your new Infinite Campus App: Campus Student or Campus Parent."). Campus Mobile Portal will be removed from the app store June 30, 2019. All app users will need to download Campus Parent or Campus Student.
Questions? Answers to frequently asked questions and links to documentation.
Promote Campus Student and Campus Parent! Be sure to access and use this press kit to promote the new apps.
Pathways 2Learning - Denfeld Mentors with 2nd Grade!
END OF THE YEAR PICNIC!
WHEN: Wednesday, June 5
TIME: 3:30 – 5:30pm
ALL FAMILIES AND STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND FOR FOOD, GAMES, AND FUN!
Keyzone Summer Dates - June 17-August 23, 2019
KEYZONE
To ensure enrollment, register early!
Open to area children (need not attend ISD 709).
For students who have completed kindergarten through completed 5th grade.
Field Trips, Enrichment & STEAM Activities, Physical Activities & Team Sports, Support for Learning Goals, more.
Program Dates: Monday June 17 - Friday August 23 (closed July 4)
Hours: 6:30AM - 6:00PM
Summer Sites: Congdon Park, Laura MacArthur, Lester Park, Lowell KEY Zone Outdoors
Rate: $39 Daily Rate (includes weekly field trips). $30.00 registration fee for each child (only if you did not participate in the school year program)
**NEW** KEY Zone Outdoors at Lowell Elementary
Be active in the outdoors, learn and play in a nature-based setting. Build forts, learn about plants & animals, hike, garden and more.
For information and to register for Summer KEY Zone, www.duluthcommunityed.org or Phone 218-336-8900 ext. 2
Summer Excel Program at Laura MacArthur!
EXCEL Summer 2019
SUMMER LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
WHAT is EXCEL?
Students currently in grades K-5 will have the opportunity to develop their reading, writing and math skills in preparation for the upcoming school year. Classroom teachers will work with students to focus on their areas of greatest need in reading and math. The goal of the Excel Summer Program is to provide students with the tools necessary to be successful during the regular school year and beyond!
Excel will be offered 4 days per week:
Monday - Thursday from 8:30 - 11:30 AM for 3 weeks
July 8-11
July 15-18
July 22-25
Summer programming is planned for all sites. Families may register for any site they prefer. A minimum of 18 registered students are required to run the class. If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, families may select another site. This decision will be made and communicated to all students impacted by May 24th.
It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to transport students to Excel at 9:00 am and from Excel at 12:00 pm, should you choose a location that does not offer the K.E.Y. Zone program.
Students who participate in Excel can access the summer K.E.Y. Zone program at a reduced rate of $25/day (during the days of Excel) when they elect to attend EXCEL at Laura MacArthur, Lowell, Congdon, or Lester Park. County assistance is accepted for those who qualify. The K.E.Y. Zone program runs at these four sites from 6:30 am until 6:00 pm. For more information and to register, please contact Mark Connor at 218 336-8900 x 2.
What is K.E.Y. Zone? K.E.Y. Zone is an academic and enrichment out-of-school time program for students in Grades K-5, offered in collaboration with the Duluth Area Family YMCA and ISD 709 Community Education Department. K.E.Y. Zone Summer Program components include: High-quality school age care, academic enrichment clubs and activities, group games, field trips, service learning opportunities, physical recreation, healthy snacks and team building activities.
We believe this is important support for your child as he/she prepares for next school year. To register your child, please complete the attached paper and return it to your school by April 29th. Contact your school principal if you have questions.
Complete the Summer Registration Form below and return to Laura MacArthur Office or classroom teacher!
Mental Health Resources and Support for Students and Families
Please contact our school Social Workers at school 336-8900
Addie Smith, Ext. 2227
Christine Ziegler, Ext. 3124
or the main office
Depression might be more common than you think
There are 19 million Americans living with depression, and it affects everyone differently. Not all treatments work the same for every person, but with an accurate diagnosis, effective medication, attention to health and wellness, and peer and family support, there is hope for recovery.
If you consistently feel down most of each day and most days for more than two weeks, seek professional help. Below are a few ways people commonly treat depression, and a physician can help decide which way is best for you.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are medicines that your doctor may prescribe for depression. Medicine helps up to 70 percent of people, especially those experiencing severe depression, or those who have experienced mild or moderate depression for a long time.
If it’s the first time you’re being treated with medication and you are noticing side effects, don’t just stop the medication—call your provider—there may be a number of things that can be done to help. After you start feeling better you should stay on your medicine for at least six to 12 months. If you’ve been treated with medication before, you may need to stay on it longer.
Never stop taking medicine without contacting your doctor first, even if you’re feeling better. There can be bad side effects from suddenly going off some medicines.
Therapy
For many people, talking with a mental health professional is helpful. In fact, therapy is about as effective as medicine for people with mild to moderate depression. Several studies show participating in therapies for a brief period of time helps long after the sessions are over. This is because people learn new ways to think and cope.
Exercising
Exercise, such as walking or running, has been proven to improve not only physical health, but also psychological health. It positively changes some of the same chemicals in the brain that are targeted by antidepressant medication. It also improves energy, relieves anxiety, boosts moods and helps you feel empowered. Talk to your doctor about how to start your treatment, and incorporate exercise into your plan.
Support family and friends
One way to support those you know who experience depression or other mental illnesses, is simply by talking to them and acknowledging their illness. Most people live with symptoms of a mental illness for ten years before seeking treatment, largely due to the stigma. Talking about mental illnesses is one way to help show your support and help break down the stigma.
Many don’t know how to respond when friends and family bring up their struggles with depression, or other illnesses. The good news is that there are resources that can help you, like “Make It OK”. The website offers tool kits and tips to help guide you on how to talk about mental health. For example, just ask, “What can I do to help?” or say, “I am here if you need me”. Find out more at MakeItOk.org .
Duluth Children's Museum's Play Survey for Teachers and Caregivers
The Children's Museum is looking to get input from teachers and caregivers about their views on play and the Duluth Children's Museum in general, and we are now conducting a survey in order to gather this information. The information we receive will help us decide on future exhibits and programs. We ultimately want to ensure that what we offer aligns with the needs of teachers and caregivers.
The more individuals the Children's Museum hears from the better.
Link: www.playduluth.org/survey
Thank you for your time, and I hope the end of the school year goes smoothly and that you have a wonderful summer.
Best,
Paul Schulzetenberg <pschulzetenberg@duluthchildrensmuseum.org>
Wolf Ridge Environmental Activity Center (5th Grade Only)
Monday, Jun 3, 2019, 08:00 AM
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Cranberry Road, Finland, MN, USA
- 5/27: Memorial Day-No School
- 5/28: Rain Date for Field Day
- 5/30: 4th Grade Field-trip to World of Wheels
- 5:30: Peacemaker Assembly (Gr. KG/1 - 8:00) (Gr. 2/3 - 9:00)
- 5/31: 5th Grade Graduation/Honors Program - (8:30 am)
- 6/3: 4th Grade Rocket Day
- 6/3-5: 5th Grade Field-trip to Wolf Ridge
- 6/5: End of the year School Picnic - (3:30-5:30 pm)
- 6/6: 4th Grade Field-trip to Aquarium
- 6/6: Last day of School
2019-2020 School Year
- 8/29: Open House
- 9/3: 1st day of school for grades 1-5
- 9/5: 1st day of school for Kindergarten students
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS IS THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019!
Starbase Explorers Summer Camp Opportunity
I wanted to pass along the opportunity that we will be opening up our summer camp to general public registration for four of our six summer program sessions starting today. Feel free to pass along this opportunity to families with students in the 4-6 grade age range. Registration is first-come, first-served and is limited to the first 44 students registered per session.
The STARBASE Explorers Summer STEM camp program is available to children entering grades 4, 5, or 6 in the fall of 2019. Sessions run Monday through Thursday, five hours a day. Sessions run from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM daily. There is a $75 tax-deductible contribution option per student attending, though you can elect to give more to support this program into the future for Northland students. STARBASE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the knowledge, skills, and interest of youth in science, technology, engineering and math, and relies on your support to be able to offer this unique and high quality program to you. The true cost of the program exceeds $275/child.
Register here!
Scroll down to your preferred session (Only sessions 1, 3, 5, and 6 are available for general registration). Click on the link for General Registration and you will be taken to the registration page. Complete each field and click on ‘Submit’ at the bottom of the page. If you or your spouse are an employee of one of our partner organizations listed, simply click on your employer name under your preferred session and complete the registration process.
Marshall School Summer Programs Below
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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.
Join the movement and see what happens at Laura MacArthur on Twitter
Want to see what is happening at Laura MacArthur? Go to JamesWErickson on Twitter to get updates, see photos and videos from around our school, and get connected with our PTA
Jim Erickson, Principal
Email: James.Erickson@isd709.org
Website: www.isd709.org/laura-macarthur/index
Location: 720 North Central Avenue, Duluth, MN, USA
Phone: 218-336-8900
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LauraMacEaglesRewardSchool/
Twitter: @JamesWErickson