December 16, 2014 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee - Regular School Board Meeting

1. Informational Items 

1.A. Informational Presentations

1.A.1) World Language Immersion Program

Assistant Superintendent Ed Crawford presented information about the World Language Immersion Program. Languages under consideration for elementary immersion include Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and French.  They would begin at the Kindergarten level in 2015-16 with a new grade level being added each year.  

1.A.2) Elementary Standards Based Report Card

Curriculum Specialists, Patti Bambenek and Susan Schmidt, presented the Elementary Standards Based Report Card.

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

2.A.1) Policy 5040 Transfers Within the School District

Assistant Superintendent Ed Crawford presented revisions to Policy 5040 Transfers Within the School District for the second reading. .

2.A.2) ISD 709 2015-2016 School Year Calendar

Assistant Superintendent Ed Crawford presented the recommended ISD 709 Calendar 2015-2016 School Year for review and approval. The recommended calendar was also presented to, and approved by, the Quality Steering Committee at their November 13, 2014 Meeting. 

2.B. Extended Field Trip Requests

Lakewood Elementary fifth grade students will be traveling to the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota from February 9-11, 2015. Students will enjoy an experiential learning opportunity, which will help them meet the Minnesota State Standards in Science and Physical Education, and develop teamwork skills and personal growth.  The total cost of the trip is $7930 and will be funded through fundraising activities, donations, and student fees.

Homecroft Elementary fourth grade students will be traveling to the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota from February 9-11, 2015.  Students will enjoy an experiential learning opportunity, which will help them meet the Minnesota State Standards in Science and Physical Education, and develop teamwork skills and personal growth.  The total cost of the trip is $11,472 and will be funded through fundraising activities, donations, and student fees.

Congdon Elementary fourth grade students will be traveling to the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota from March 25 - 27, 2015.  Students will enjoy an experiential learning opportunity, which will help them meet the Minnesota State Standards in Science and Physical Education, and develop teamwork skills and personal growth.  The total cost of the trip is $18,378 and will be funded through fundraising activities, donations, and student fees.

Myers-Wilkins Elementary fifth graders will be traveling to Deep Portage Learning Center in Hackensack, MN  from January 7-9, 2015. Students are involved in experimental science, inquiry and community/team based activities throughout each day. The total cost of the trip is $3,641.29 and will be funded through fundraising activities, donations, and student fees.

2.C. Access to Internet Student Data - Non-District Employees - None

2.D. Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools - None

2.E. Diploma Requests

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

Joseph R. Sannes, October 30, 2014