Dear families,
This was a very positive and exciting week for all of us at Duluth Public Schools! With the start of school on Tuesday and our kindergarteners on Thursday, I saw so many excited students, family members and staff, thrilled with the positive energy of a fresh and vibrant start. I was able to make it to each of our traditional school sites on Tuesday and plan to visit the remaining residential schools in the coming days to complete my circuit. In each new location, something special was underway.
I think my favorite part was listening to an elementary school teacher guide her new students on hallway travel exclaim, “Now all stay close together because I would hate to lose one of you. That would just break my heart.” That sense of joy, caring and purposefulness of the first day is seldom superseded. It also expresses the “we’re in this together” attitude that is so important throughout the school year!
Every first day exposes a few issues that need to be addressed and this year was no different. We had some transportation issues that I addressed Wednesday, but for the most part, we launched a very successful school year. ALL of our certified staff positions were filled and so many more support positions were filled than at the start of the past several years.
We are always looking for paraprofessionals, bus drivers, food service, and custodian positions, however. Check out these “A Day in the Life” videos we are using to promote hiring for these important team members!
In every situation, I can assure you that people are not only working hard, but also working with heart, to ensure each and every student has a positive experience. We are so grateful to serve our students, family and community.
Based on the many wonderful things I saw this week, I am confident that this year will be a great one for Duluth Public Schools!
With deep gratitude and appreciation,
John
Digital Equity Survey
The following information is required by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to provide district-level summary data—without personal, identifying information—to MN legislators, MN agency staff and their external partners for the purpose of improving educational outcomes and digital access for public school students across the state.
Please fill in the following survey based on how you use electronic devices to complete schoolwork at your home.
We appreciate you taking the time to help us gather this valuable information!
Click here to fill out the survey.
Requirements must be met by Oct. 13, 2023
All students are required to provide proof of immunization, or appropriate documentation exempting the student from such immunization as a condition of enrollment.
Exclusion from school will occur if immunizations, medical exemption or objection requirements are not met within 30 days of the start of the school year.
If a parent/guardian is claiming an exemption for medical reasons that an immunization can not be received or because of conscientiously held beliefs, they must either submit a statement from a physician stating the immunization is not medically advised or submit a notarized statement, signed by the parent/guardian – or if the student is an emancipated person, by the emancipated person – stating that the student has not been immunized because of conscientiously held beliefs.
If the student’s school does not receive proof of immunization or exemption by Oct. 13, 2023, the child will be sent home from school and discharged from enrollment beginning Oct. 23, 2023. It will then be necessary for the parent/guardian to re-enroll the child after immunization requirements have been met before the child can return to school. If parents/guardians have any questions, please contact your child’s school nurse.
Please note that students entering kindergarten, 7th grade and 12th grade have age specific immunization requirements.
More information about required immunizations can be found at isd709.org/families/health-services.
Your Vote, Your Voice
Dear Duluth Public Schools families,
As I shared with you last week, Duluth Public Schools will hold a referendum this November that seeks to provide additional funding to protect and strengthen academic and mental health support, expand high school curriculum and invest in learning technology through the district.
This week I want to provide you with additional information on the two questions that are being presented to voters this November.
Question One would restructure existing debt to free up approximately $2.6 million annually to support academic and mental health services and new elective programming for high school students.
Question Two would authorize a new capital projects levy to provide approximately $5.3 million annually for a district-wide integrated technology plan and to free up further funds from our operating budget for other student services.
If voters approve the referendum, these investments will be supported by a tax increase on properties in our district.
By taking this approach, our district will also avoid a budget deficit, reduce the demands on the general fund and be able to invest in core services for student learning, and accelerate the repayment of current debt by four years.
I encourage you to visit our informational website - FutureForward709.org – to learn more.
Election Day is November 7, but early voting opens in just two weeks! Residents will be able to vote early via a mail-in absentee ballot, or in person beginning Friday, September 22. Full voting information can be found at FutureForward709.org/vote.
John
