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April 16, 2020
ISD 709 News
Distance Learning Notes
- Accessing curriculum packets through Google Classroom, need support? Visit the Distance Learning web page and look under Help Resources to learn how to turn in an assignment in Google Classroom, use Kami (a drawing tool), and more.
- Using paper packets? To minimize trips, please feel free to wait to turn in a completed packet until a new one is available for pick up. New packets are available beginning each Monday.
A message to students from the folks at Lincoln Park Middle School - love this!
Teachers, staff, principals across our schools are finding creative ways to engage with students and families online.
Thank you, Nicole Steinsberger, for the photo.
#Inspire709
www.ISD709.org/Lincoln-Park
Many thanks for the community response to our request for cloth face coverings for essential employees. Coverings are coming in each day to our district office and to our schools. They're being used by people making and delivering free breakfast and lunch, working in emergency childcare, sanitizing buildings and working on curriculum packet distribution.
There's still a need. If you or your organization are making cloth face coverings, please consider donating them toward the work of our essential Duluth Public School employees. If you’re able to help, email covidquestions@isd709.org or call 218-336-8740. Items can be dropped off at the Third Street entrance of Historic Old Central HS, 215 N. 1st Ave East.
CDC Cloth Face Covering Info - includes sew and no-sew instructions.Note, CDC guidance specifically says the cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
Prevention Tips: Protecting Ourselves, Our Families, Our Community
- From the MN Department of Health
- From the Centers for Disease Control
- Minnesota COVID Response Website
Basics:
Wash hands frequently & thoroughly
Cough/sneeze into your elbow/sleeve
Don’t touch your face/eyes/mouth/nose.
Wear a cloth face covering in public places
Stay home and avoid gatherings with people outside of your household
Keep 6 feet of space between yourself and others when you do go out (social distancing)
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Stay home if you feel sick (fever >100, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat)
Pay Attention To Your Mental Health and Reduce Stress By:
Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise.
Creating a regular routine.
Connecting with family and friends through calls, texts, or video chats.
Getting information from reliable sources.
Reaching out if you need to talk to someone. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available:
- Call the warm line at 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511 or call 1-877-404-3190
- Call the crisis team at **CRISIS (**274747) or click here for the county numbers. Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 by texting MN to 74174
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
Summer Program:
- Open to students in the Duluth Area who have completed Kindergarten thru 5th grade.
- Sites: Lester Park, Lowell, Laura MacArthur, and Ordean East Middle School
- Activities include group games, gym time, service learning, field trips, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, and choice time.
20-21 School Year Program:
- Open to students attending a Duluth Public Elementary school during the day.
- Sites: Congdon Park, Homecroft, Lakewood, Laura MacArthur, Lester Park, Lowell, Myers-Wilkins, Piedmont, Stowe
- A typical day includes physical recreation, brain time activities/homework help, clubs and choice time.
Space is limited so please register early!
Email: mark.connor@isd709.org or call 218-336-8900 x 2
www.duluthcommunityed.org
Administrative Assistants, Clerical Staff, Paraprofessionals Support COVID Response
We're so appreciative of the people working on the complex task of compiling thousands of distance learning packets for delivery to students each week. Mikilia Carroll, Sherri Gimple, Olivia Kinsley, Joan Lancour, Lauren Lischke, Bonnie Lundberg, Judy Ronningen and Stephanie Williams are among those supporting the project. They represent the skilled, dedicated people serving as administrative assistants, clerical staff and paraprofessionals in our school district. Many thanks for their help and expertise.
#Inspire709 #Heroes
ISD 709 Paraprofessionals Support COVID Response
Paraprofessional Roger Lofald, helping with free breakfast and lunch distribution outside Denfeld High School. Meals available weekdays for students 18 years of age and younger.People working as paraprofessionals for Duluth Public Schools are helping make sure children receive nutritious meals, distance learning curriculum packets and are playing an important role in providing emergency childcare for critical workers. Many thanks!
#Inspire709 #RockStars
During spring recess, people at Stowe GND Rec worked to provide 1248 grab and go meals for youth and adults in need.
The YMCA (led by Leslie Bucar, in charge of youth activities at the REC and Key Zone) coordinated getting bags put together with support from the GND Development Alliance, Whole Foods and ZMC hotels. Nathan Glockle, Principal, and other members of the Stowe staff helped with distribution of the bags. Many thanks for all who provided support.
Thank you, Brenda Van Dell, for the photo and information.
Due to the declared health pandemic, shelter in place order, and the declared state of emergency in the City of Duluth, and pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.021, April Duluth School Board meetings will be held by teleconference or other electronic means.
Public comment for the regular school board meeting on April 21, 2020 may be submitted to schoolboard@isd709.org, no later than Monday, April 20th by 4:00 PM, and they will be read aloud into the record. The public is encouraged to watch Board meetings online at www.isd709.org/district/school-board and live on cable channel 187.
Board agendas and detailed information for upcoming meetings are on Board Book.
The state's History Day competition is hosted virtually with support from the Minnesota Historical Society and the University of Minnesota.
Congratulations:
Paper: Natalie Miller & Erin Coleman
Group Exhibit: Olivia Holsinger & Crystal Kaczmarczyk
Inv. Documentary: Audrey Linn Sr.
Inv. Exhibit: Martha Carlson Sr. Group
Documetary: Kobi Jones & Izzy Laderman
Thank you, Catherine Nachbar, for the photo and information.
#Inspire709
Congdon Park Students Receive Art Achievement Honors
The following Congdon Park Elementary students won first place in the National PTA Reflections Art Program at their school and went on to compete at the state level. Here are the results of the state competition. Those earning 1st place awards will move on to Nationals.
Literature:
K-2: 1st place, Andrew Froehle
3-5: 1st place, Juri Lubovich
Photography:
3-5: 1st place, Yupeng Chen
Visual Arts:
K-2: 2nd place, Sasha Lubovich
#Inspire709
www.ISD709.org/Congdon-Elementary
Thanks to Maglina Lubovich for the information.
Ziigwan Biinichigedaa Challenge!
Created by Laura Winter and Lowell's Misaabekong Strand, this event challenged families to clean up as many "Walmart size plastic bags" as possible and share their photos.
And of course, "don't forget to giiziibiiginingiins (wash your hands)" and practice social distancing!
#Inspire709
Students were asked to put together their best backwards outfit and share a photo. Staff said, "We can’t wait to see all of your creative outfits and most importantly, your smiling faces!! We miss our students and parents so much!" Principal Sue Lehna put on her best backwards outfit, too.
#Inspire709
Students, staff and families from Duluth East High School celebrated the distance learning roll out by sharing their school colors in a photo.
#Inspire709 #SchoolSpirit #GoHounds
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