Update:
For ISD 709 Faculty & Staff 9/17/20
From John Magas, Superintendent
Dear Colleagues,
Prior to starting this position I spent time talking with people, learning about our city and schools. When I asked, “What’s the best thing about Duluth Public Schools?” I heard the same answer - great teachers, staff and administrators. People spoke enthusiastically, voices lifting as they shared stories of connections, caring and the drive people have to help serve children.
After spending over two months here, I’m learning why people respond that way.
Some say that change is slow in education. Right now, for Duluth, that’s the farthest thing from the truth! Most of you have been back for just two weeks. In that brief time, we are completely overhauling the way that we teach and serve students. Teachers are quickly developing curriculum, reaching out to students and families, learning new technology and teaching skills. Facilities employees have created new structures to ensure safe and clean schools. Food service workers are providing nutritious meals to all who need them. Paraprofessionals are providing childcare for essential workers in addition to supporting students. Bus drivers are preparing to get students to school in a safe and distanced manner.
There is no perfect plan for returning to learn in a pandemic. I am well aware of the concerns and areas that still need to be worked on and improved.
As superintendent, the responsibility of educating our students well and keeping us safe falls squarely on my shoulders. We will continue to work to address the challenges that remain. Together. And, we will emerge from this stronger than ever.
Everything I heard about you is true; you are amazing - and, you are much appreciated!
Sincerely,
John
If you have questions or thoughts about what's going on in our school district, email: Superintendents@isd709.org
Digital Learning Days End Friday
Elementary Hybrid In-Person Learning
There's a web page to help families understand in general what to expect when students are in school. Each elementary is sharing additional information with families, too, please check with your school if you have questions.
Deadline for Requesting Individual Elementary Student Model Switch: 12Noon 9/30/20
As the school year begins we're seeing families switching between distance learning and elementary in-person hybrid, in both directions. We appreciate families wishing to find the best model for their student.
We want to provide teachers and students in both models the best opportunity for stability and to build relationships as the school year begins.
Schools will accept requests for individual student model switches through Noon on September 30. After that date, changes will only be considered for emergency situations. Thank you for your understanding.
Academic Content Weeks Kickoff
This week Duluth middle and high schools worked hard to get students and families connected through Canvas and Infinite Campus. This work continues as they strive to access all students. Academic Content Weeks begin Thursday, September 17. One week of instruction and course work is released in Canvas by 9AM. Work is due back in Canvas the following Wednesday by noon.
Time with Teachers Online
While students aren't required to report to their online class at a certain time each day, it's important to spend time online with teachers and classes each week. Opportunities may include:
- Re-teaching for extra support
- Discussion opportunities
- Working through problems together
- Presentation opportunities
- One to one help
- Small group help
- Review for tests and quizzes together
- Open for drop in time for any who need to connect.
Back to School Safety
COVID Reporting, Response
Crystal Diehl, MSN, RN, PHN is our District Lead Nurse and works to coordinate notification and response. The district follows MN Department of Health guidelines:
- Gathering information per the guidelines
- Following notification procedures per the guidelines
- Making sure we're following HIPAA/FERPA data privacy laws.
- Following guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting
ISD 709 Staff Frequently Asked Questions
If a Person Has COVID Symptoms:
COVID-10 Decision Tree for People In Schools, Youth and Child Care Programs
MDH COVID-19 Attendance Guide for Parents & Families
Staying home when you are sick is one of our best ways to fight COVID-19. Keeping sick children and children who are exposed to COVID-19 away from others helps stop the spread of the virus to other children, staff, and the surrounding community. Parents and guardians can use this guide to understand when their child can attend school, youth programs, and child care during COVID-19.
MN Department of Health: COVID-19 Attendance Guide for Parents & Families
Families Need to Submit Free/Reduced Price Lunch Application
Even though breakfast/lunches are free for families right now, it's still important that they complete a Free/Reduced Price Lunch Application (called Application for Educational Benefits).
It impacts many aspects of school funding in addition to providing family benefits. Failure to turn in a completed application will forfeit a child’s ability to have a free/reduced lunch, waiver of instrument rental fees, waiver of activity and athletic fees, etc.
Families who would like support completing this application, please contact the Child Nutrition office at 218-336-8789.
Fill out the form online OR Download an application, submit to school.
Superintendent John Magas and Child Nutrition Supervisor Pam Bowe shared information with local TV stations about free meals and the importance of filling out the form.
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.
- Click here for distribution locations and times.
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.
2020 Return to Learn Resources
ISD 709 News
NEW! Duluth Community Education Course Catalog
Duluth Community Education provides opportunities for all ages through classes and activities serving people’s social, recreational, enrichment and academic needs.
Classes offered in a variety of formats including in-person, online and at-home kits with instructional videos
Make felted luminaries, walking sticks; learn digital photography, geocaching, ecstatic dance, ballroom dance, beginning backpacking for women, meditation, stress management, guitar, ukelele, banjo lessons, Zumba, fitness 101, weighted Hula Hoop, yoga, aqua fitness, swim lessons, much more.
Register for classes online using VISA, MasterCard or Discover.
Many thanks to Cub Foods for their donation of 42 bags of school supplies for Stowe students. This will make a big difference to children and families this school year!
#Inspire709 #CommunitySupport
Denfeld, Duluth East Super Soccer Teams
Denfeld goalkeeper Julia Schaefer made a remarkable save late in the second half against Duluth East in a high school junior varsity match at historic Public Schools Stadium. The Greyhounds scored with less than eight seconds remaining in regulation en route to a 1-0 victory.
#Inspire709 #GoHunters #GoHounds
Hunters Succeed
Denfeld senior midfielder Keegan Chastey played the ball with his right foot against Hibbing-Chisholm in a high school soccer match at historic Public Schools Stadium.The Hunters won 9-0, powered by four first-half goals from senior Xavier Decker and a pair of goals by Chastey, to improve to 2-1 overall.
#Inspire709
Go Hounds!
Duluth East defeated Proctor 3-0 in a high school boys soccer match at beautiful Ordean Stadium.
Kai Hoffman, Beckett Sherman and Grady Downs had goals for the Greyhounds, who improved to 4-0 and still haven't allowed a goal-against all season.
#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