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From the Office of the Superintendent 2/15/18
ISD 709 School News for Families
"I felt most proud of the success of the Apollo mission. They were going to the moon and I computed the path to get there."
Katherine Johnson
#BlackHistoryMonth #MakeHistory
The Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals presented Darcy Motschenbacher with their 2018 Office Professional of the Year Award, recognizing the critical support she provides to Duluth East administrators, students and staff.
Congratulations, Darcy!
>>From the MASSP Website<<
Community members, staff and students speak in glowing terms when asked to comment on Darcy's skill sets and a common theme emerges: "We would be lost without her!" Known for "endless" patience, problem solving strategies and organizational strengths, several school members marveled at her ability to provide individual support even when her schedule was overflowing.
A student summed up Darcy's profile perhaps best of all; "You can see the positive influence she has on students all the time. She is kind and devoted, even during chaotic times. She is a ray of sunshine on our darkest day!"
Photo, left to right: Darcy Motschenbacher, Danette Seboe, Duluth East Principal
Katie East, Denfeld High School, signed her national letter of intent to play soccer at Southwest State Minnesota University.
Duluth East Speech Team Success
The team took 1st Place at the Hibbing Speech Tournament, along with individual ribbon and medal winners, congratulations!
Answering Children's Questions When Crisis Occurs
Our thoughts are with the children, families, teachers and staff impacted by the senseless tragedy that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. There are no words to express the sorrow we're all feeling.
Every day we enter our schools and classrooms, doing our best to keep children safe.
We practice lock downs drills, participate in staff training, collaborate with local and state law enforcement and emergency responders, install safety equipment, review emergency response plans and best practices, work to provide welcoming environments and more. We'll continue to do so.
We know young people may hear about and ask questions about what they see in the news. The American Psychological Association offers the following advice:
>>Talk and listen to your children. It's important to validate feelings, be honest that bad things do happen, and help children and teens understand they are part of a family, school, and community that cares about them and works hard to keep them safe.
>>Limit exposure to news coverage. Monitor and limit how much exposure a child has to any traumatic event. It's okay to be honest and to prepare, continually viewing traumatic events however can be harmful.
>>Know the signs that children need assistance. Most children are quietly resilient, returning to routines and activities relatively quickly. Changes in school performance, attendance, or relationships with teachers/peers, changes in sleep, nightmares, headaches, or stomach aches, loss of appetite, or excessive worry - all are signs someone might need more assistance.
Additional Resources:
National Association of School Psychologists: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers
American School Counselor Association: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors/professional-development/learn-more/helping-kids-during-crisis
Denfeld Music Listening Team Success
Logan Griggs, Phoenix Ocean and Hannah Feyen took 3rd Place at the 2018 State Music Listening Contest! This is the 'knowledge bowl' contest of Music, with excerpts to master, a music history and biography study guide to know as well as mystery pieces. Congratulations, Logan, Phoenix and Hannah and Coach Clare Chopp! Thank you, Clare for the photo and info.
Denfeld Speech captures 2nd Place Team in their division at St. Michael Albertville, with 6 speakers in final round. Great Denfeld Hunter pride!
Updating High School Required Reading List
As you're aware, we're preparing to change and update the required reading list for high school English classes next year.
Please know that "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" are and will be readily available in schools for anyone who wants to read them.
Many can understand how the racial slurs and content of these books can affect people differently based on their own perspective and life experiences. Racism is a divisive social construct designed to strip all of us of our humanity by providing power, privilege and access to some while simultaneously limiting it for others.
As educational leaders and teachers, we have a responsibility to work to change this dynamic by using a more responsive curriculum that acknowledges multiple perspectives on important societal issues, and we're confident this is a positive change to support the success of all students.
Teachers and staff will drive the identification of alternative novels that represent the goals of our School District and support the encouragement of literary engagement, historical context, and meaningful analysis for students and staff alike.
Lincoln Park Middle School Team Spirit
The Girls' Basketball Team finished their winning season with record of 9-2. Way to go ladies, Coach Grant, and Coach Sackette!
Congratulations as well to the 8th Grade Boys' Basketball Team on a great season and thank you to the Kilroy family and LPMS for sharing their photos!
Stowe students raised $1420.65 for the American Heart Association's Jump Rope for Heart event! They pledged to increase activity, eat more fruits and vegetables and choose water instead of sugary drinks. Thank you, Linda Puglisi, for the photos and info.
INVITATION: Celebrate Denfeld, Duluth East's Career & Technical Education Programs
February is Career & Technical Education Month, you're invited to attend a special CTE Showcase Tuesday February 27, 6:00PM at Historic Old Central High School, 215 N. 1st Avenue East.
CTE is education that directly prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers. In Duluth, that includes:
Agriculture and Forestry, Engineering and Design, Automotive and Engines
Graphic Arts and Digital Design, Aerospace Physics (Aviation), Health Occupations
Business, Marketing and Finance, Hospitality and Tourism (Culinary Arts)
Construction Technology, Educational Careers.
Awesome! Duluth artists Jonathan Thunder, Paul LeJuenesse, and Sarah Brokke are working on a mural with Lincoln Park Middle School students, thank you for this amazing opportunity! When the mural is complete, it will be installed in the Commons Area near the lunchroom in Lincoln Park Middle School. The mural should be finished in May 2018.
Ordean East Students Participate in UMD Honor Choir
They worked with Andre Heywood, Director of St. John's University Boys' Choir and CSB/SJU All-College Mixed Chorus. Students rehearsed during the day with UMD voice faculty and presented a concert for family and friends in Weber Music Hall that also featured the UMD University Singers and the UMD Jazz Choir, Lake Effect. Thank you, Sheila Shusterich, for the photos and info.
Prep for Real World Careers
Ordean East Middle School students are practicing for Biz Town interviews. They're learning how to apply for and obtain a job, engaging in hands on activities such as completing a job application, resume, and participating in practice interviews. Junior Achievement Biz Town combines in-class learning with a daylong visit to a simulated town in May.
Students Earn Top Spots at Regional Science Fair
Sixteen Ordean East Middle School students and four Duluth East High School students competed in the NE MN Regional Science and Engineering Fair. All placed first or second in their categories.
First place students are competing in the MN State Science and Engineering Fair in April. This group of young scientists also took home 30 special awards.
American Indian Science and Engineering Fair
Lucy Nelson and Ella Brisbois
Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Paper Competition
Andrew Salistad, Max Thibault, Teagan Flynn and Erin Coleman
6th Grade:
1st- Fox Zppernick-Maki and Harleigh Matara (partners), 1st- Ella Brisbois, 2nd-Ellie Stumme, 2nd-Summer Rain Redbrook
7th Grade:
1st- Hannah Caine, 1st- Emelyn Beaster and Stella Harbson, 1st- Noah Boecker and Reece Gustafson, 2nd- Eva Moren, 2nd- Lucy Nelson
8th Grade:
1st- Azure Berkey, 1st- Eric Zhou. 1st- Alex Risdahl, 1st-Andrew Salistad
High School:
1st- Max Thibault, 1st -Nabiha Imtiaz, 1st- Teagan Flynn and Erin Coleman
**Special Awards List**
American Fisheries: Emelyn Beaster and Stella Harbson, Teagan Flynn and Erin Coleman
Northwoods Women in Science Great Ideas: Emelyn Beaster and Stella Harbson, Lucy Nelson, Hannah Caine, Eva Moren and SummerRain Redbrook, Alex Risdahl
NRRI: Andrew Salistad, Eric Zhou
UMD Chemisty Award for Best Chem Project: Ella Brisbois
Lake Superior Zoo: Hannah Caine
Great Lakes Aquarium: Noah Boecker and Reece Gustafson
Northwoods Women in Science Projects of Excellence: Ella Brisbois, Ellie Stumme
UMD Biochemistry Award of Excellence: Ellie Stumme
S.St Louis County Water District: Teagan Flynn and Erin Coleman
WLSSD Environmental Award: Alex Risdahl
Air Force award of Excellence: Eric Zhou
Rotary 25 Best Overall Project: Ella Brisbois
UMD Biology Dept Best Project: Ella Brisbois
Broadcom Masters Top Projects Award: Andrew Salistad, Ella Brisbois
INVITATION, Please join us!
Open House: Rockridge Academy
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
4:00PM – 6:00PM
4849 Ivanhoe St, Duluth, MN 55804
· See inside the newly updated, newly re-opened facility
· Learn more about the educational program
· Learn about The Hills Youth and Family Services
· Meet leadership and teachers
· Refreshments provided
Questions? Please call 218-336-8955
Duluth East Open House event for 8th graders, lots of smiles and good information for incoming students.
Hands-On Learning at Homecroft
Fun, engaging activity where balance and motion = cooperation in the classroom.
Duluth Northern Stars, Denfeld & Duluth East Girls Hockey 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