W.E.B. (Where Everyone Belongs) Leader Training is underway! Training #1 was filled with fun learning and team building!

Our W.E.B. Leaders are so excited to be a major support for our incoming 6th grade students and other new students!

This is just a friendly reminder that Ordean has a no cellphone policy. Cellphones are to be placed in your child's locker during the school day. If your child is not feeling well, please encourage them to see our school nurse. This is to promote active learning and engagement. We appreciate your cooperation and support to help us create an enriching learning environment.

Animals are coming to Ordean on May 29th from 3:20-4:10 p.m. Did you know that about 70% of people reported reduced stress and anxiety while around animals? With the end of the school year around the corner we’ve decided to team up with Animal Allies to hold this “pawsome” event. If you are interested in attending, you must fill out a permission slip found in Ms. Seglem’s room (or Ms. Costley's or Ms. Kedrowski's, and have your guardian sign it. Be sure to turn it in to your counselor by May 23rd

Work Cited

“Americans Note Overwhelming Positive Mental Health Impact of Their Pets in New Poll; Dogs and Cats.” American Psychiatric Association, 1 March 2023, https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/News-Releases/Positive-Mental-Health-Impact-of-Pets. Accessed 28 April 2023.

8th grade Global Studies students at OEMS did a simulation where we walked to our nearest water source, filled up a jug and then walked back to Ordean. This year one of our reoccuring themes has been access to safe and clean water. We just finished reading the book by Linda Sue Park, A Long Walk to Water.

During and after our walk we pondered:

• How am I impacted by my access to water?

• What can you do to raise awareness of the water crisis around the world?

• How many trips would it take to get the water you & your household would need each day?

The 8th grade Environmental Science class took their second trip to Hartley Nature Center to study water quality on Tischer Creek. This is part of an ongoing study that started in February. We received a mini grant to allow us to go a second time and complete our water quality study (thank you to MN Sea Grant!)

The kids had a ton of fun catching some macroinvertebrates to study (such as leeches, crayfish, and dragonfly nymphs) as well as some juvenile vertebrates (tadpoles!).

7th grade Visual Arts got their finished clay vessels back! Students learned to use the coiling technique to construct them. Then they hand sculpted totems that represent themselves and their backgrounds. Everyone's turned out so unique, they did a great job!

Congratulations to all runners! We coaches are proud of you!

There are two meets remaining this season, May 14th at East High School and May 21st at Denfeld High School

Enjoy these photos from Pioro's English class!!

Fine Arts Night will be Friday, May 30th from 5:30-7 PM. Jazz Band, Orchestra small groups, visual arts, graphic arts and snacks! In the OEMS Cafeteria. Free with cash donation for snacks.

Please view the Parent Square message regarding our 8th grade Valley Fair trip.

The Permission Form on Parent Square & money turned in to your student's advisor should be done by Thursday May 15th. The permission slip is DUE Friday MAY 16th.

We are excited to have a wonderful day with our 8th graders as we send them to high school next year!

Thanks,

8th Grade Team

Orchestra Spring Pops concert is on Thursday, May 22 at 5 P.M., OEMS gymnasium. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and students are free.

Who ever your art teacher is, we are thrilled with our grandsons clay sculpture! Love it!

Bernadette and James Ballard

Volunteers will be needed to help during our last day of school activities. Watch the Smore newsletter and ParentSquare for sign-ups coming soon.

We need your help to plan a fun last day of school for our outgoing 8th graders! 8th Grade Event Planning Committee volunteers will work with OEMS Student Council, MTSS Coordinator and staff to organize some fun activities for the last day of school just for our outgoing Huskies! There will be a few meetings (probably virtual) to brainstorm and divvy up tasks. Sign up to help here: https://signup.com/go/vkuZQUY

The Congdon Park PTA is holding the annual Bike Rodeo on Tuesday, May 20th, from 5-7pm. We are looking for many volunteers to help us have a great safety event for our students and families. There will be several stations for kids/families to rotate through, including registration and raffle tickets, bike safety table, name plate crafts, basic bike mechanic station, agility courses, food trucks, and MORE!

https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/521955802093/true#/invitation

May 20th - Duluth East Girl's Volleyball Informational Meeting

May 22nd - Orchestra Spring Pops Concert

May 30th - Fine Arts Night

For any interested in trying out for Duluth East Girl's volleyball in the fall: There will be an informational meeting in the East library on May 20th at 6pm. Parents and players are encouraged to attend. Information about tryouts, expectations, and summer opportunities will be shared. Contact Coach Susan Schmidt at East with any questions.

From now until the end of the school year, any student that takes the bus to East High School after school needs to take bus number 525. It will be near the front of the line of buses. This will be the designated bus that will take Ordean students to East High School for after school activities.

The Garden Crew continues to meet after school Mondays in Mrs. Vang's room. We recently planted Kale, Spinach, and Radish. These vegetables are hardy vegetables and can withstand colder temperatures. In Duluth, it is typically normal to plant and transplant other crops after Memorial Day Weekend. Our Farm to School Coordinator, Renee Willemsen, is a big help in educating staff and students on keeping up a school garden. Thank you Renee!

This summer the greyhounds are hosting a baseball camp for 7-14 year olds.

The ultimate goal of our summer program is to provide the players within our program a great basketball experience at a low price. We strive to improve the fundamentals of each player in the program by working on footwork, ball handling, finishing, shooting, and overall defensive skill. These are essential components in becoming a better basketball player. When it comes to building a basketball player, there is NO more important time! We need our kids in the gym!

The Link Center at UWS Superior is launching a new educational camp for the summer of 2025. These programs are thoughtfully crafted to offer middle and high school students a mix of learning and recreation, fostering personal growth and career exploration. To learn more, visit https://www.uwsuper.edu/community-engagement/youth-and-high-school-programs/educational-summer-camps/

If you have any questions, please contact the Link Center at link@uwsuper.edu.

UMD will be hosting its Annual Football Youth Camp this year on July 10th - 11th from 9am-4pm each day. Please see below for the flyer and link for registration.

UMD will be hosting its Padded Development Camp for incoming 8th and 9th graders on July 10th-11th. Please see below for the flyer and link for registration.

If you would like to learn more about summer programs and activities through Duluth Public Schools, please see the link below.

Please see the flyer below if you would like to learn more about YMCA's summer opportunities for kids and families.

The program is for ages 10-18 and allows them to come into the facility for free Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30-6pm. It is staffed and there’s a snack provided.

Children aged 10 & 11 would need to stay with the Teen Thrive staff (unless in the pool with the lifeguard supervision), but 12+ can feel free to utilize the facility on their own!

https://www.duluthymca.org/programs/family-and-community/community-programs-duluth-area/thrive

On the last Friday of each month, YMCA hosts Teen Night at their Hermantown location for ages 10-18. This event includes concessions, games, open swim, and more—a great way for teens to have fun in a safe and welcoming space.

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