The Eagle's Eye
May 25, 2022
Duluth Public Schools Academy is dedicated to the achievement of
academic and personal excellence for every student.
Raleigh Academy
5905 Raleigh Street
Duluth, MN 55807
218-682-0697
Eddie the Eagle
North Star Academy
3301 Technology Drive
Duluth, MN 55811
218-728-9556
Thoughts for Uvalde
We are all overwhelmed with sadness and shock regarding the senseless mass shooting at a Texas elementary school yesterday afternoon. Nearly 20 students and two adults were murdered in yet another attack on our schools. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, students and educators in Uvalde. It is truly heartbreaking.
When we see such acts of violence, it is natural to ask what our schools are doing to ensure safety, as well as to ask how we can talk to our children about this.
- Duluth Edison staff have been trained on intruder scenarios which includes ALICE training.
- We have secured entrances at each of our schools, which requires buzz in entry. Only one door is accessible at each building.
- We have a Crisis Plan in place and is throughout the year.
- We also know that relationships and mental health care are extremely important in avoiding such situations and have invested deeply in social-emotional learning, positive behavior interventions and supports, and other mental health supports.
Below are some resources which may help in talking with your child (ren):
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) tips for parents and educators to talk with children about violence suggests adults:
- Reassure children they are safe and review safety procedures
- Create a sense of safety by returning to normal, predictable routines as soon as possible
- Make time to talk and listen to the concerns and feelings of children
- Limit the use of media consumption of these events to lower their stress and to maintain balance and perspective
- Acknowledge that sleep difficulties are common and can lead to fatigue and poor participation
The American Psychological Association (APA) has tips for managing your own distress following a mass shooting including:
- Reaching out for support from other adults (friend or professional)
- Honoring your feelings and taking time for yourself, especially if you’re experiencing personal loss or grief
- Limiting your amount of media coverage of these events
- Find ways to help in your community
Call the National Parent Helpline at 1-855-4A PARENT (1-855-427-2736) to get emotional support from a trained Advocate. They are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The APA recommends honesty with children – acknowledging that bad things do happen but reassuring them with the information that many people are working to keep them safe.
Helping Children Cope With Terrorism from NASP offers tips for families and educators. Translations of this handout are available in Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. There is also a companion infographic.
Common Sense Media has suggestions on how to talk to kids about school shootings in a way that’s age appropriate and helps them feel safe again.
We have social workers and counselors available at each building. If you would like your child to talk to one of them, please email:
Heather Rappana at heather.rappana@duluthedison.com.
Golden Feather Winners
The Duluth Edison Charter Schools Golden Feather Award was established by the School Board to allow DECS families to recognize the hard work and dedication of the men and women that make our schools special.
Congratulations to the following staff members for receiving the Golden Feather awards from the DPSA Board.
Raleigh: Kathy Haldorsen and Rachael Stigsell
North Star K-2: Sheila Kruger and Jamie Alexander
North Star 3-5: Robbie Phillips and Eve Garramone
North Star 6-8: Shanna Lancour and Rylee Newton
Raleigh Important Dates
Week of May 30 - June 3
May 30: No School, Memorial Day
June 1: Field Day, Irving Park
June 2: PBIS Family Picnic (4:30-6:00)
June 2: 4th Grade Aquarium Field Trip (8:30-2:30)
June 2: 5th Grade Graduation (1:30)
June 3: SLC Prep/Golf Scramble
Week of June 6 - June 9
June 6, 7 and 8: Raleigh and NS 5th Grade to Wolf Ridge
June 7: 2nd grade trip to Jay Cooke (9:30-2:00)
June 7: K-1 Field Trip to Irving Park
June 7: 4th grade Poetry Slam
June 8: K Graduation (1:30)
June 9th: Half Day, Last day of School for students
June 10: Madeline Island Professional Development
North Star Important Dates
Week of May 30 - June 3
May 30: No School, Memorial Day
May 31: 8th Grade graduation
May 31: Thorson/Larson to Snake River
June 1: Francisco to Snake River
June 1: 8th grade Valleyfair trip and last day of school
June 2: 4th Grade to Adventure Zone
June 2: 1st grade to Great Lakes Aquarium
June 3: No School for Students
Week of June 6 - June 9
June 6, 7 and 8: NS and Raleigh 5th Grade to Wolf Ridge
June 6: Senior Alumni walk 10:15-10:45
June 6: Kindergarten Water Day
June 7: 4th Grade to World of Wheels
June 7: 6th and 7th Grade to Chubb Lake
June 8: 6th and 7th Grade Amazing Race
June 8: NS Kindergarten Graduation
June 9: Half Day, Last day of School for students
2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Transportation Planning for 22-23 school year
As this year draws to a close, we are looking ahead and planning for the upcoming school year. One critical part of this work is collecting transportation plans from our families.
The Transportation Planning Form (linked below) asks for your transportation plans for the fall. Each year, the bus routes are created based on the information collected in this form. We ask that all families planning to return next year fill this out. If we do not receive a response, your students' busing may not be ready by the first day of school, Thursday, September 1.
Please complete the form below by Wednesday, June 1, even if your student will not be riding the bus. There is a spot to indicate "Will not ride."
One form per student is preferred and appreciated.
Transportation Planning 2022-23
Masks HIGHLY Encouraged
COVID rates in the Duluth area doubled over the last week.
Please watch your email as we may make the changes.
Lets work together to ensure our students can stay in school to enjoy the remainder of the school year!
Hunger Impacts Partners with local schools
Childhood hunger is a looming crisis with huge future education and health consequences for Minnesota. But it does not need to happen at all.
Federal nutrition programs and resources already exist to help those living in economic hardship – but they’re significantly under-utilized. That’s true even when children and family's quality for the programs.
The Free Meals for Kids mobile app will help families and kids find free meals at schools and other sites across Minnesota.
1. Download the Free Meals for Kids app to your cell phone.
2. Use the app to find the nearest site providing meals and meal packs by GPS.
3. Click on the nearby site and use the Meals Updates tab for more details.
Download the app at Apple App or Google Play to help kids and families locate free meals at schools and other sites across Minnesota.
It is updated regularly.
From the Health Office
If you have health related questions please send them to Lynn Hall, District Nurse.
Lynn can be reached at lynn.hall@duluthedison.com.
COVID Information
Saint Louis County Transmission Rate: HIGH
St. Louis County is predicting we may have reached our peak this past weekend. We will know more next week.
COVID updates from St Louis County:
- Week of May 8 - May 21: 85.38
- Week of May 1 - May 14: 81.05
BinaxNOW student test kits
COVID notifications
The email is covid@duluthedison.com
From the TECH Department
Chromebook Collection
We need your help making sure your student’s Chromebook and charger gets returned to their classroom teacher by May 27th.* Students with missing equipment may not be allowed to go on end of the year field trips.
The Tech Team is collecting all Chromebooks from all students. This summer we will repair and refresh devices and get them into great shape for Fall 2022.
With the pandemic and the resulting supply chain issues, power adaptors have gotten increasingly expensive. Please help us save money by making sure that your student’s Chromebook and charger make it back to school. Don’t forget to look for any spares your child may have borrowed.
Search backpacks, under beds, check that forgotten power strip, and do all you can to make sure any tech equipment makes it back to school. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Questions? Please contact your student’s teacher or email technology@duluthedison.com
*Exception for students in the Blended Learning program
Staff Shoutout
Katie Landwehr: Katie went above and beyond this week. My daughter was unable to attend the book fair, so Katie graciously shopped for her and made her day.
Thanks for all your hard work putting on the book fair and for going the extra mile to so my daughter didn’t miss out.You are as asset to Raleigh!
Scott Johanik: "Guess what mom?! Mr. Johanik was our sub today and it was like heaven!" From a 3rd grader.
Jayme Thorson and Katie Ford: My daughter is in Mrs. Thorson's class this year. When you learn who your child's teacher is, you expect to hear all about this one person. However, Paisley also has another adult in her classroom who works with the students every day. And Ms. Ford and Mrs. Thorson have made a way to let teamwork shine for the kids. I know this, because my daughter has lovely things to say about Ms. Ford and Mrs. Thorson all of the time; this is how I know they are working together and showing the kids what teamwork looks like. Thanks!
Cory Netland, Alex Nordehn and Rylee Newton: These awesome music teachers put on a fantastic concert. It's been 2 1/2 years since we have seen live music from DECS and man how we have missed these concerts. These teacher's hard work to make this happen did not go unnoticed! Thank you for keeping music fun for these kids.
Staff love receiving these shout outs! I share them with the staff member and their supervisor!
Academy Newsletters
Check out our facbook pages
Contact Information
Email: tammy.rackliffe@duluthedison.com
Website: duluthedison.org
Location: 629 W Central Entrance, Suite 102
Phone: 218-216-8965