April 23, 2013 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee - Regular School Board Meeting

1. Informational Items 

1.A. Informational Presentations

1.A.1) Alternatives to Suspension Grant

Denfeld High School has received a $20,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Education to explore alternative school disciplinary practices that will maintain school safety while ensuring academic engagement and success for all students.  Tonya Sconiers, Denfeld High School Principal, presented  information on the to-date progress and plans for this project.

1.B. Grant Applications

1.B.1) Edwin H. Eddy Family Foundation Grant:  Educational Therapy Materials, Update Tests, Supplies, and Updated Technology
 
The Special Services Department of Duluth Public Schools, on behalf of the sixteen District Speech/Language Pathologists, has submitted a grant proposal to the Edwin H. Eddy Family Foundation in the amount of $19,674.  If awarded, this grant will be used for the purchase of new materials, tests, supplies, and technology for children in this school district who have been identified as having very significant communication disorders.  These children range in age from birth to age 21.  Speech/Language Pathologists need to teach children in ways that the brain can learn language using different pathways.  New technology and tools allow children to make new or different connections in the brain, resulting in children making sense out of their world through language.

1.C. Regulation 3187-R - Internet Use Regulations

Revisions to Regulation 3187-R - Internet Use Regulations were present for informational purposes only. Members of the Student Policy Committee were available to answer any questions.

1.D. Proposed Closed Campus for Lunch at High Schools

Administration is recommending that beginning with the 2013-14 school year both Denfeld and East High School campuses be closed during lunch-time for all 9-12 students.  Ed Crawford, Laurie Knapp, and Tonya Sconiers were present to share information and discuss this recommendation.

1.E. Regulation 4015R - Prohibiting Harassment, and Violence and Bullying

Attached are revisions to Regulation 4015R - Prohibiting Harassment, and Violence and Bullying for informational purposes only.  Members of the Student Policy Committee were available to answer any questions.

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

2.A.1) Duluth Chargers LaCrosse Team Independent Provider Agreement Request

At the March 2013 Education Committee Meeting, Pat O'Connell and Andy Holak of the Duluth Chargers LaCrosse Team, presented information on the Team's request to enter into an Independent Provider Agreement with the Duluth Public Schools and are requesting that the Duluth School accept and approve this request at the April 23, 2013 School Board Meeting.

2.A.2) Resolution E-04-13-3086 - Purpose of ISD 709 and Draft Community Vision Document for Think Kids:  Values, Beliefs, Vision and Mission for ISD 709

Superintendent Bill Gronseth and Ron Lake presented Resolution E-04-13-3086 - Purpose of ISD 709 and Draft Community Vision Document for Think Kids - for review and adoption as the Vision, Beliefs, Values and Mission for Independent School District 709.

2.A.2)a. 2013-14 Federal Head Start Grant Application

The Federal Head Start Grant proposal for FY 13-14 was approved by the Head Start Policy Council and was presented to the Duluth School Board by Pam Rees, Director of Head Start, for review and approval for submission.

2.B. Policy 1140 - Tobacco-Free School District

Revisions to Policy 1140 - Tobacco-Free School District presented for the second reading. Members of the Student Policy Committee were present to answer any questions.

2.C. Policy 5085 - School Discipline Policy

Revisions to Policy 5085 - School Discipline Policy was  presented for the first reading.  Members of the Student Policy Committee were  available to answer any questions.

2.D. 6140.10 - Co-Curricular Activities Participation Fees

Attached are revisions to Policy 6140.10 - Co-Curricular Activities Participation Fees for the first reading.  Activity Directors, Tom Pearson and Shawn Roed, were available to answer any questions.

2.E. Resolution E-04-13-3085 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-04-13-3085 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation
Minnesota Literacy Council

2.F. Extended Trip Requests

Lowell Elementary School fourth grade students will be traveling to the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota from April 24-26, 2013, where they will participate in a variety of outdoor hands-on activities.  They will learn about the natural world and themselves and develop teaming and conflict resolution skills.  The total cost of the trip is $13,750 and will be funded with student fees.

2.G. Diploma Requests

The following students have completed all high school requirements and should be awarded a diploma:

    Brandon Joseph Willemarck - March 11, 2013
    Alyssa N. Hainline - September 18, 2012
    Jacquelyne Abigayle Rankin - January 17, 2013
    Robert Michael Baker - March 6, 2013

2.H. Policy 4015 - Prohibiting Harassment, Violence, and Bullying

Attached are revisions to Policy 4015 - Prohibiting Harassment, Violence, and Bullying.  Members of the Student Policy Committee were available to answer questions.