Weekly Newsletter
September 15, 2023
Your Vote, Your Voice
Dear families,
This is one of my most important columns that I have written and I ask you to please read it.
In my recent visits to schools from Lakewood to Stowe and all sites in between, I see such amazing work being done to meet the needs of our learners! It is vital that our deeply dedicated staff members have the resources they need to support our students and families.
I ask that you please consider our Future Forward plan to address the academic, mental health and technology needs of our students!
Our goal is to make sure everyone has the facts they need to make an informed vote. We encourage you to visit our dedicated referendum website – FutureForward709.org – to learn more about the plan to invest in our schools before casting your ballot.
Early voting for the Duluth Public Schools’ November referendum begins on Friday, September 22. Your voice matters for this important community decision, and early voting is an easy way to vote on your own time and skip the lines on Election Day.
There are two ways for district residents to vote early:
â—Ź Vote early from home via absentee ballot. Visit FutureForward709.org/vote to download an
absentee ballot application and learn where to submit it. Completed absentee ballots can be
submitted in person or by mail. Requested ballots will be mailed to voters beginning Friday,
September 22.
â—Ź Vote early in person. In-person early voting is available Friday, September 22 through Monday, November 6. Extended early voting hours are also available on Saturday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Monday, November 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To find your early voting location, visit FutureForward709.org/vote.
My office is in the process of scheduling meetings with all of our PTA's and community organizations to share valuable information and answer questions regarding our Future Forward referendum.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share this important information with you and am glad to answer any questions that you may have.
Thank you,
John
Immunization Requirements
Requirements must be met by Oct. 13, 2023
All students are required to provide proof of immunization, or appropriate documentation exempting the student from such immunization as a condition of enrollment.
Exclusion from school will occur if immunizations, medical exemption or objection requirements are not met within 30 days of the start of the school year.
If a parent/guardian is claiming an exemption for medical reasons that an immunization can not be received or because of conscientiously held beliefs, they must either submit a statement from a physician stating the immunization is not medically advised or submit a notarized statement, signed by the parent/guardian – or if the student is an emancipated person, by the emancipated person – stating that the student has not been immunized because of conscientiously held beliefs.
If the student’s school does not receive proof of immunization or exemption by Oct. 13, 2023, the child will be sent home from school and discharged from enrollment beginning Oct. 23, 2023. It will then be necessary for the parent/guardian to re-enroll the child after immunization requirements have been met before the child can return to school. If parents/guardians have any questions, please contact your child’s school nurse.
Please note that students entering kindergarten, 7th grade and 12th grade have age specific immunization requirements.
More information about required immunizations can be found at isd709.org/families/health-services.
Digital Equity Survey
Deadline is Friday, September 22
The following information is required by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to provide district-level summary data—without personal, identifying information—to MN legislators, MN agency staff and their external partners for the purpose of improving educational outcomes and digital access for public school students across the state.
Please fill in the following survey based on how you use electronic devices to complete schoolwork at your home.
We appreciate you taking the time to help us gather this valuable information!
Click here to fill out the survey.
Looking Ahead
Honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15 - October 15, 2023
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively.
Click here to learn more.
Save the Date!
National IT Professional Day - September 19
We have so many technology professionals in our district that do so much to support our students, families and staff in the background. On Tuesday, September 19 (more than any other day!) we would like to thank them all for their work that is seen and unseen.
Honoring Constitution Day - September 17
September 17 is designated as Constitution Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787.
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
--Preamble to the United States Constitution
📱 You're Invited
Unveiling of Walt Hunting Stadium at Marv Heikkinen Field
Starting the Season Off Right!
What an amazing way to start out the fall season with 5 perfect 25's!
Congratulations to Anja, Liam, Seiji, Caleb & Beau!
🏀 Register Now!
What's the Rookie Basketball Association all about?
The Salvation Army Rookie Basketball Association is a developmental youth basketball league for girls and boys, grades k-8, in Duluth, Minnesota. Our focus is a holistic approach to training the body, mind (attitude), and heart (effort). Through a fun sports experience, foundational individual and team skills are developed to benefit youth in sports and in everyday life.
The league offers seasonal sessions, plus 3-on-3 player opportunities and clinics. Click here to register today! Winter leagues begin October 30, 2023 and will end on March 9, 2024.
Friday Feature
Discovering Area Learning Center + Academic Excellence Online
A message from Nathan Glockle, Principal of ALC + AEO...
The Minnesota Department of Education alternative education mission is to provide viable educational options for students experiencing difficulty in the traditional system. Programs are characterized by smaller class sizes and a hands-on/experiential approach to learning.
Instruction is designed to meet individual student learning styles as well as social and emotional needs. Teachers build connections with students and focus on vocational and career skills, including independent study options.
How can someone get involved in the program?
We offer many different programs ranging from students who need credit recovery to students who are on a 4 year college bound track.
The needs are very diverse which makes the staff at ALC and AEO very flexible and adaptable to the ever-changing needs of our diverse student population.
What is the most rewarding part of your position?
The most rewarding part of my job is working with staff, students, and families. Shortly after college graduation, a friend of mine, who was in collections, shared how negative his job was. Everyday he had to go into people's homes and take things from people. He went on to say that I was so lucky because every day I could do something positive in a person's life. That piece of advice has always stuck with me. So no matter how bad the day is, I can choose to help others.
How do you hope to bring ALC + AEO to new heights?
Alternative programs are different and we exist because we need options for our students. My goal would be to work myself out of a job. Unfortunately, students are looking for something different and will go to other schools to have their needs met. Students want flexibility, engaging content, and staff who care about them as individuals. We are constantly trying to adapt our programming and meet students where they are at.
Free Classes at DAE - Register Today!
Duluth Adult Education offers *FREE* Online Classes for Adults ages 18 - 99+:
> Driver’s Written Exam Prep
> Math for the Trades
> TEAS Exam Prep
> Developing a Future Pathway
*FREE* Online Classes for English Language Learners (ESL/ELL)
> English Vocab for Driver’s Exam
> English for Healthcare
> English for CDL Exam
> English for Hospitality Careers
Classes start soon! Click here to start the registration process.