Weekly Newsletter
February 9, 2024
Dear families,
Much of my role as superintendent is “inward facing”, having to do with internal leadership of the district related to academics and the daily operations of our schools. This is quite often the more obvious role, but is only part of the responsibilities that I do my best to try to fulfill. It might be weighing in on teaching and curricular decisions, working with our transportation department, or spending time in schools with our staff and students.
The “outward facing” aspects of the job are sometimes less apparent. These include community engagement, representing the school district publicly, building partnerships with local organizations and advocating for district needs. This week, much of my time has been spent in these roles.
On Monday, we held a press conference to launch our new referendum effort for the May 14 election. Updated information can be found at our futureforward709.org website. Many people have been asking, why this, why now? To be blunt, we wouldn’t be asking the community to weigh in again if our needs for Career and Technical Education, safety, and technology were not extremely pressing.
Later in the week, I met with the school board to finalize our legislative platform focusing on the broad needs of the district, asking the state for funding of many of the priorities that are also part of our referendum. I want to ensure that our bases are covered and that, if possible, we can reduce the impact on local taxpayers.
Today, we held school board meeting with our local legislative representatives, Senator McEwen, Representative Koslowski and Representative Olson to share our platform and advocate for the needs of our students and families. They have assured us that they will continue to partner in championing education at the capitol.
Finally, we are launching our new district branding video, which does a fantastic job of sharing some of the many things that are great about Duluth Public Schools. You can watch our new video by clicking here.
I always love to roll up my sleeves and work with our staff and students. Spending time to focus externally as we share what is great and what is needed for Duluth Public Schools can be important as well.
I hope that each of you enjoys this weekend as a few flakes of snow remind us that it is, indeed, still February!
With appreciation and gratitude,
John Magas
Superintendent
Thursday, February 15 5-6:30pm at Piedmont Elementary (2827 Chambersburg Ave.)
We will spend time in our infant/toddler room having a meal and playing. You will learn how to respond with interest and sensitivity to your child’s cues. You will also learn how to balance your needs with your child’s needs. We will spend time in discussion together. Come with your child!
If you are pregnant and/or parenting and working towards (or interested in working towards) a high school diploma or GED we would love for you to join our group!
RSVP: Meghan (218)269-7488 (text or call)
Limited cabs available: Contact Meghan
Over the past two years we have been working in partnership with teachers and staff to create a new schedule at the middle school level that would allow us to meet state requirements around art as well as give your students more choice.
We heard during our strategic planning process that parents want their students to have relevant and engaging academic learning experiences that support multiple pathways. Our students say they want to have multiple options for courses and want to have fun and feel like they belong.
I would like to invite you to learn more about this new schedule and the new course offerings we will be able to provide to your students. A family presentation will be held at 6 p.m. on March 7 in the Ordean East Auditorium.
Please join me to learn more about the positive transformation of middle school to enhance students’ learning experiences and foster a more engaging academic environment.
Thank you,
Jen Larva
Directory of Secondary Education
Teaching, Learning and Equity
Meetings are held virtually via Google Meet and in person at the district service center, 709 Portia Johnson Drive, room 102A.
Meeting Schedule:
- Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m.
- Thursday, May 2 at 4:15 p.m.
Visit www.isd709.org/academics/special-education for more information.
The Duluth East Spanish Club lead by junior Jackson Whitehill brought The Pulsera Project to Duluth East High School January 23 through February 2.
The Pulsera Project is a nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness of social justice issues and workers’ rights in Latin America and educates, empowers and connects Central American artists with students across the U.S. through the sale of “Pulseras,” colorful hand woven bracelets.
Jackson and the Spanish Club raised more than $1,200 that The Pulsera Project will use to fund and support educational programs, employment and housing for these artists and their families and to create lasting change in their communities.
¡Muchas gracias! to Jackson, Ashley Laurion from our East Activities Office, the Spanish Club and to all of our students, staff and community members who helped “Color the World” by supporting this project.
