Ordean East Middle School News

The start of school is so exciting and the energy in the building is amazing! This school year we have introduced a new Middle School Model schedule, which offers so many opportunities for our students and of course there are some changes and challenges that we are learning to navigate together.

Some of the new opportunities include an advisory that establishes routines and relationships with a smaller group of students and teacher; students have registered for classes that had not been offered before; and all students will experience a block schedule that allows for longer time with teachers for deeper understanding of content. Also, we will introduce a flex time that will have students experience academic relearning, enrichment and activities (AREA). So you can see there are lots of exciting things happening at OEMS.

Changes and challenges are inevitable when we introduce new schedules, new students and new faculty. We have had a few struggles this week which have included locker complications, lunch bells going off at a time that was confusing to our student body, and buses were more than 20 minutes late (just to name a few)! Through all of these experiences students and staff have been amazingly patient, kind and supportive of one another which speaks to the great community we are establishing with only a few days under our belt.

We look forward to sharing our school with students' families at Open House tonight from 4 - 5:30. Please plan to attend so your student can showcase what they are experiencing and learning at Ordean East Middle School.

Sincerely

Sue Lehna

Principal

Please fill out this year's Blended Learning Form ASAP!

The 2024-2025 Blended Learning Agreement gives your student access to school internet as well as a Chromebook for them to use. To fill out this form, you will need your student’s ID number (aka their lunch number). Feel free to reach out if you are unsure of this number. To prevent any delays in providing your student with school technology access, please have this form submitted prior to the start of school.

2024-2025 Duluth ISD 709 Blended Learning Form

We all know that students cannot be successful at school if they aren't here. Missing 2 days of instruction per month = 1 YEAR of school by the time they reach graduation. However, with the start of school comes an increase in illnesses. If you need to report your child absent from Ordean, please choose one of the procedures below:

• Call our attendance line (218)336-8940 x4201. If no one picks up, please leave a message with your child's full name, grade level, and the nature of their absence.
• Send an email to ordeanattendance@isd709.org. Please include your child's full name, grade level, and the nature of their absence.

Due to the large number of students in our building, you will not get a confirmation from our attendance secretary. If you would like to make sure your message was received, please check your child's attendance record on Infinite Campus using the instructions below:

Soon, your child will receive their district issued chromebook. Chromebooks will be distributed on the following schedule:

• Friday, September 6th - 8th grade
• Monday, September 9th - 7th grade
• Tuesday, September 10th - 6th grade

Ordean East teachers use the learning management system (LMS) called Canvas. Your child's assignments and grades will all be updated in real time through this system. YOU are able to keep track of how they're doing by becoming a Canvas Observer. Please sit down with your student and take a moment to make this important connection using the instructions below:

On the student’s Chromebook:
1. Have the student log into their Canvas account.
2. In the left-hand navigation bar, click on the Account icon.
3. In the pop-out menu, choose Settings.
4. On the right side menu, choose the Pair With Observer button.
5. A code will be displayed.

On the parent’s device:
1. Go to https://isd709.instructure.com
2. Click Parent of a Canvas User? Click Here For an Account
4. Fill in your information.
5. Under Student Pairing Code, enter the code that is displayed
on the student’s device.
6. Click the Start Participating button. You should now be paired
as an observer.

This is just a reminder that the ISD709 school district has adopted an "Away for the Day" policy regarding the use of electronic devices in schools. Away for the Day means that students are required to have their cell phones, smart watches, or other devices turned off and in their lockers from 8:40 until 3:19. We ask that you please take a moment to review this information with your child and help us reinforce this policy. It makes a huge difference in their ability to focus and learn. Thank you!

All parents, guardians and caring adults are welcome to attend the September PTA meeting! Be part of the exciting plans for the upcoming year. For more information check out the Ordean East PTA website, https://ordeaneast.givebacks.com, or email PTAOrdeanEast@gmail.com.

White Bear Lake, MN – Wildlife Forever is proud to announce the opening of the 2024-25 Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest. The annual program invites youth from around the world to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing. Since its founding in 1997, the Fish Art Contest has reached over 85,000 youth in 46 countries building future stewards of the outdoors

The free contest is accessible to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Each year, thousands of entries pour in from across the globe, reflecting the program’s widespread appeal and impact on youth.

“The Fish Art Contest offers a unique opportunity to connect students to the outdoors through science and creative art. Through hands-on learning, students may explore the beauty of the natural world while learning about the importance of conservation”, said Veronica Mangio, Marketing & Communications Manager at Wildlife Forever.

How to Participate:

• Step 1: Select a Fish Species: Students choose a fish species to research, focusing on its habitat, behavior, and conservation needs. Certain states have specific entry guidelines.
• Step 2: Create Original Art: After conducting research, students create an original, handmade creation of their chosen fish(s). All physical mediums are welcome.
• Step 3: Write About It (4th Grade and Above): Students in 4th grade and above are also required to submit a one-page creative writing piece that reflects what they have learned about their selected species.
• Step 4: Submit Online: Entries are submitted through the Fish Art Contest entry form page.

The 2024-25 contest is open for submissions until February 28th, 2025. Participants can find more information, educational resources, and submission guidelines at www.FishArt.org. Contact Veronica at VMangio@wildlifeforever.org for any questions or concerns.

Sept 3rd - First Day of School

Grades 1-12

Sept 5th - OEMS Open House

4 - 5:30 PM

Sept 12 - OEMS Volleyball

4:30 PM - OEMS Gym

Sept 17 - OEMS Volleyball

4:30 PM - OEMS Gym

The Knowledge Bowl Team is starting now!

• Knowledge Bowl is a Jeopardy style team that competes in the Fall.
• Knowledge Bowl questions cover a wide variety of topics from math and science to history and literature to some current events.
• An introduction meeting and practice session will be held on Tuesday, September 10th in Room 3135.
• If you have questions, see Mr. Churchill in room 3135 or send an email.

Ordean East is in need of a girls' and boys' basketball coach for the upcoming season. It begins in November and ends in January. Practices are M, T, and Th from 3:30-TBD by coach. The game schedule is being worked on. Please contact Mrs. Pioro, if you are interested. Thank you for considering!

Join us for a program that will empower you to tap into your strengths and learn important life skills, like decision making and resolving conflict. We'll run, laugh, and learn how we can be our best selves!

Our season ends with a celebratory 5K! Scan the QR code below to register now!

If you have questions, please reach out to our staff liaison Julie Teichroew. Her email is Julie.teichroew@isd709.org.

Please see below for the 2024 OEMS Volleyball Schedule (September only). Come on out and cheer on the Huskies!

9/12 - North Star Academy (Home) 4:30 - 7th & 8th

9/17 - Two Harbors (Home) 4:30 - 7th & 8th

9/19 - @ Hermantown (4335 Hawk Circle Dr Hermantown) 4:30 - 7th & 8th

9/24 - @ Esko (East Hwy 61 Esko) 4:30 - 7th & 8th

9/26 - @ Moose Lake/Willow River (8142 Pine Street Willow River) 4:30 - 7th/5:30 - 8th

The Garden Crew will be meeting after school Monday September 9th in Ms. Vang's room 3133. See you there!

Please click on the link below. Registration is open now!

https://www.dulutheastgirlsbasketball.com/

Describe your role at OEMS:

7th and 8th Grade English Teacher

What do you like to do when you are not at school?

I coach soccer almost year round! I played when I was growing up and I love sharing my passion for the sport with my teams. I also enjoy reading, playing pickleball, and trying out new recipes.

We follow BARK principles at OEMS. BARK stands for Be kind, Act responsibly, Respect others, and Keep safe. Which is your favorite BARK principle?

My favorite BARK principle is Act Responsibly. One of my favorite parts of working with middle schoolers is watching them learn how to take responsibility for their actions and education.

What advice do you have for middle school students to help them be awesome humans?

Even the smallest actions can have huge consequences- both positive and negative. Think about how your actions can be used to make a positive impact on others’ lives.

Do you want to time travel to the past or to the future? When? Why?

I would travel to the past—- there’s a lot of conspiracy theories that I’d like to debunk.

Email: ordeaneast@isd709.org
Website: https://ordeaneast.isd709.org/
Phone: 218-336-8940