Update:
For ISD 709 Faculty & Staff 9/10/20
From John Magas, Superintendent
Dear Colleagues,
This is an exciting week as we open our doors physically and virtually for students.
On Tuesday morning, I watched children entering Tier 1 child care at Lincoln Park Middle School. Some dashed in, smiling and excited to rejoin friends and start the school year. Others hung back as family members worked to ease their anxieties. This combination of excitement and anxiety mirrors the feelings all of us have experienced over the past several weeks.
We do what we do because supporting children in their learning is our calling. This year, the unknowns about what returning to school means to each of us, personally and professionally, can be unsettling. I've heard this mentioned by people and I've felt this way as well. As your superintendent and as a district we'll continue to put safety at the forefront of our efforts, along with quality teaching and learning.
The smiles we get from students, the work they do that demonstrates something important is learned, the meals served to hungry children, and the clean, well-prepared hallways and classrooms all give us strength to continue doing this important work.
In my mind, no other job is so vital to the success of our community.
Thank you so much for everything you have done to prepare for this week and will do in the weeks to come. I am beyond grateful for your dedication and service.
With utmost respect,
John
If you have questions or thoughts about what's going on in our school district, email: Superintendents@isd709.org
ISD 709 HR COVID Resources for Staff
Please be advised that updated information has been added to the Human Resources/Coronavirus Response for Staff page to include guidance on exclusion for those in schools, youth and child care programs, COVID-19 Case reporting, and Staff FAQs. Please keep in mind this information is subject to change based on updated information from the CDC, MDH, MDE and others.
Staff Frequently Asked Questions
ISD 709 Curriculum Digital Learning Resources for Staff
Digital Learning Resources for Families
Helpful information and login links for the new digital learning platforms SeeSaw and Canvas can be found at www.ISD709.org/Digital-Learning. Information includes an introductory video to SeeSaw for families.
Free Breakfast & Lunch for Children
FREE Breakfast & Lunch Available to Children During Digital Learning
Due to a state/federal change, free bagged meals are available weekdays when school is in session to children 18 years of age and younger.
- Parents/Guardians can pick up the bagged meal without students present.
- Even though meals are free, we encourage families to fill out the Application for Free/Reduced Price Meals.
- Qualifying for free or reduced price lunch may also qualify your family to pay a lower fee or no fee for school activities.
- Students who qualify take the ACT Test at school for free.
- Families who qualify are helping Duluth schools receive additional education funds and discounts.
- Click here to apply for Free/Reduced Price Lunch.
Distribution Sites 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Congdon Elementary, 3116 E. Superior Street
Homecroft Elementary, 4784 Howard Gnesen Road
Lakewood Elementary, 5207 N. Tischer Road
Laura MacArthur Elementary, 720 N. Central Avenue
Lester Park Elementary, 5300 Glenwood Street
Lowell Elementary, 2000 Rice Lake Road
Myers-Wilkins Elementary, 1027 N. 8th Avenue East
Piedmont Elementary, 2827 Chambersburg Avenue
Stowe Elementary, 715-101st Avenue W.
Lincoln Park Middle School, 3215 W. 3rd Street
Ordean East Middle School, 2900 E. 4th Street
Denfeld High School, 401 N. 44th Avenue W.
Duluth East High School, 301 N. 40th Avenue E.
Questions? 218-336-8707. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
From the MN Association for Children's Mental Health:
World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, we've compiled resources designed to spark important conversations around suicide and mental health.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is free, confidential and available to everyone:
1-800-273-8255
1-888-628-9454
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio
Chat options for those who are deaf or hard of hearing
Free fact sheets cover information on the most common mental health disorders experienced by youth, including anxiety, bipolar disorder ADHD, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and autism.
News & Resources
+ Avatar-Based Suicide Prevention Program Available for Minnesota Educators
+ MN Crisis Text Line - Free 24/7 Support
+ A Guide for Recovery After a Suicide Attempt
+ Trans Lifeline - Peer-Support Crisis Hotline
ISD 709 News
Photo Essay: Denfeld's 'Flipped' Freshman Orientation
Teachers and staff from Denfeld High School delivered welcome packages to incoming 9th grade students. Many thanks to Duluth News Tribune photographer Clint Austin for this inspiring piece. KQDS-TV21 and WDIO-TV10 also covered the event.
First Day Photos
Music from Denfeld Band Director Josh LeHigh. Child nutrition workers in school before sunrise, preparing hundreds of bag lunches for children. Denfeld staff passing out materials. Lowell staff prepping Chromebooks for distribution. Hotspot distribution at Ordean East. Child care staff and students exercising body and mind.
Thank you, students, families and staff as we start the new year.
Thank you, JP Rennquist, Sofia Woyno and Anthony Bonds for the photos and info.
Myers-Wilkins team, handing out backpacks and supplies at the annual distribution event at CHUM. Thank you to our community for the continued support!
#Inspire709
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