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From the Office of the Superintendent 1/18/18
ISD 709 School News for Families
Cruz Mendoza, Supervisory Assistant/Paraprofessional for Duluth East High School, and Katie and Kayla DeWitt, students at Myers - Wilkins Elementary, are among recipients of the 2018 Drum Major for Peace Award from the Duluth, MN Branch of the NAACP and the Twin Ports MLK Tribute Committee.
The Awards were presented at the Twin Ports MLK Rally this week and recognize citizens and organizations who have gone beyond their regular duties to build awareness, speak up for justice, celebrate diversity and work towards building a better future.
Many thanks to Ivy Vainio for the photos. Congratulations to all 2018 Drum Major for Peace recipients! For more information and photos: https://www.facebook.com/duluthnaacp/
CJ Ham Day
On the cusp of the NFL playoffs, students and staff at Denfeld High School declared Friday January 12 "CJ Ham Day" in honor of the Minnesota Vikings fullback #30 who is a graduate of Denfeld High School and Augustana University.January School Board Agenda Items - Detailed Information Online
(This is not a comprehensive list of Board agenda items)
>>Preliminary FY 2019 Budget Planning Information: During a Committee of the Whole meeting, Board members received preliminary budget planning information for the next fiscal year. When looking at preliminary numbers for revenue and expense there's a difference (deficit) of about $4 million. This is the beginning of the planning process, numbers are subject to change over the course of the next several months. The Board and Administration will work with labor management teams, staff and the community to develop a balanced budget for FY 2019, a final budget will be approved in June.
>>Future Planning: Superintendent Bill Gronseth presented an overview which includes timelines for developing an Equity tool, the FY 2019 Budget, Curriculum, and working with the community on renewal of the current Education Levy. Part of preparing to put the levy up for renewal will include community conversations and a professional community survey.
>>Enhancing and Expanding Pre K - Grade 3 Programs, Staggered Start for Kindegarten: The PreK-Grade 3 Leadership Team is working to enhance and expand current programming and build greater partnerships across the Duluth community to ensure more children have access to high quality early childhood programming. Specific information regarding staggered start for kindergarten will be shared.
>>Record of Continuous Improvement (RCI): Each school has gone through a comprehensive needs assessment and developed action steps to improve student outcomes. This month Stowe Elementary reviewed the continuous improvement process for their site at the Education Committee meeting.
>>Minnesota School Funding Sources, Comp Ed: The School Board is considering a draft resolution regarding how Comp Ed funding is allocated. The draft resolution reflects a community request to see funds stay with students who are most in need of achievement support. Currently, about 50% of Comp Ed funds are distributed among schools to help manage class size.
Help Prevent Influenza (The Flu)
The flu season is definitely here, please help us keep school a healthy place to learn:
· Keep children home if they have flu-like symptoms. This includes a fever of 100 degrees or greater, including a cough and/or sore throat. If your child says they aren’t feeling well, please check their temperature to see if they have a fever.
· Keep children home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing drugs.
· Teach children to cough or sneeze into their sleeve and to wash their hands frequently.
When you report your child’s absence to their school, please indicate if your child has a fever of 100 degrees or more, including a cough and/or sore throat. This information helps us to keep track of influenza in our schools.
Detailed Information from the Minnesota Department of Health
MSBA Presenters Include Duluth Public Schools Staff, Board
The Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) provides opportunities for educational leaders to learn with and from each other.
Last week, MSBA held their annual statewide conference,providing newly elected Board members an opportunity to learn more about Minnesota School Board basics, MN school finance, student achievement strategies, school law and much more.
The conference features nationally known keynote speakers, general sessions and workshops geared toward improving public education - several were led by Duluth Public School staff and Board members.
The MSBA conference is a chance for our school district to shine in front of colleagues and peers from across the state, thanks to all who took part.
Congratulations
During the recent MSBA Conference, Duluth Board member Alanna Oswald received a Directors Award, presented to members who have attended 100 hours or more of MSBA programs within the past four years of their term.Duluth East Student Elected State Officer for SkillsUSA
Andrea Sas (center) is a student in the ISD 709 Engineering Design program and a member of the newly formed local chapter for SkillsUSA. As a State Officer she will help speak and advocate for Career and Technical Education at local, state and national levels.
Denfeld Deli students, under the direction of Chef Leah Bangs, craft another delicious menu for the Duluth Federation of Teachers 2018 MN Teacher of the Year reception.
The Denfeld Deli is a course provided through the ISD 709 Career & Technical Education Culinary Arts Program.
Learn More
Duluth East Athletes Set New Records
Ryan Zelen, Duluth East, recently established a school record in the 100 freestyle of 47.34 seconds, and is well on his way to reaching a third consecutive state meet in March. Zelen also excels in the 50 free and 100 fly, though Greyhounds coach Sandy Verry would like to enter him in every event.
Diver Miles Rohrbaugh set a new diving pool record at Mesabi East with a score of 311.45, beating Chisholm's Danny Pogue’s record from 2008 of 295.45. This is the 3rd pool record Miles has set so far this year. He now holds the 6 dive pool records at Denfeld, Cambridge Isanti, Mesabi East, & Grand Rapids, and he has the 11 dive pool record at International Falls and Duluth East. He’s looking strong for a top 8 State finish this year.
Cabin Fever? Sign Up for a 2018 Winter/Spring Community Education Class!
For details & online registration click link:: http://bit.ly/2EbaDJL
How about teaching a class, sharing your special skill, talent, hobby or expertise with the community? For more information, contact one of our Community Education Coordinators at 218-336-8760 or email communityeducation@ISD709.org. You can also sign up for Becoming a Community Ed Instructor, class #2100. The class is free, you'll gain important insights into the process of becoming a Community Ed instructor.
Myers-Wilkins Elementary School welcomes families and the community:
19th Annual Steps to the Future Powwow
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Myers-Wilkins Elementary School
1027 North 8th Avenue East, Duluth
Schedule of Events
4:30pm - Career Booths Open
5:00pm - Feast
6:00pm - Grand Entry
Only invited drums and dancers in regalia will receive honoraria
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
*No Smoking, drugs or alcohol*
For more information, call the Duluth Community School Collaborative at 336-8860 x8
Or check out their Facebook and website www.m-wcsc.org
Thank you to event sponsors:
AICHO, City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department, Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, Head of the Lakes United Way, ISD 709 American Indian Education, Myers-Wilkins Elementary School, Northland Foundation, Ordean Foundation, True North AmeriCorps, Valley Youth Center, and Individual contributions.
Duluth East High School Presents:
An Evening of the ArtsJanuary 25, 2018 7:00PM
Duluth East High School
301 N. 40th Avenue East, Duluth
$5 Suggested Donation at Door
Featuring musical, theatrical, and speech performances celebrating students in the arts!
This years 35 minute one act competition piece, The Book of Everything will also be presented.
Kruk Gallery - Holden Fine Arts UW- Superior, 1805 Catlin Avenue
January 22 – February 28, 2018
Closing Reception: Wednesday, February 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Kruk Gallery Hours: M 12-6pm, T 12-6pm, W 12-6pm, Th 9am-6pm, F 9am-1pm Closed Weekends
Twin Ports Youth Poetry Slam – Preliminary
January 20, 2018 7:00PM – 9:00PM
AICHO, 202 W. 2nd Street, Duluth MN 55802
Top two Duluth poets advance to the semifinals round in the Twin Cities
Register at sites.google.com/view/arepoets
For more info contact Daniel O. (952)201-7352
College, Career Ready
Denfeld and Duluth East High Schools
Registration February 1 -25, 2018
>>Advanced placement, honors courses
>>College in the Schools: Earn College Credit in High School
>>Career & Technical Education: Engineering, Graphic Arts/Digital Design, Medical Occupations, Business/Marketing/Finance, Construction Technology, Automotive Technology, Aerospace (Aviation), Culinary Arts/Hospitality Industry, Agriculture and Forestry
>>Art and music, including Band, Orchestra, Chorus
>>Dozens of extracurricular activities including award-winning robotics, speech, music listening, business, cheer teams
>>School Spirit – Greyhound and Hunter Pride!
>>Dozens of Unique College/Post-Secondary Scholarships
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