February 26, 2019 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee - Regular School Board Meeting

1. Informational Items - These items are provided for informational purposes only and no action is required.

1.A. Assistant Superintendent's Report

The purpose of this report is to provide regular updates to the Education Committee regarding teaching and learning. Assistant Superintendent Jeff Horton shared current information regarding implementation of district initiatives and school operations.

1.B. Curriculum and Instruction Report

The purpose of this report is to provide regular updates to the Education Committee regarding teaching and learning. Director of Curriculum and Instruction Gail Netland shared current information regarding the status of the work of the curriculum and instruction department.

1.C. Career Technical Education (CTE) Program Update

February is CTE Month. CTE Month is a public awareness national campaign held each February to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of Career and Technical Education programs and students across the country. In honor of CTE Month, Bradley Vieths, Vocational Program Coordinator, provided an update regarding the Career Technical Education (CTE) Program within Duluth Public Schools. https://www.flipsnack.com/CTEduluth/cte-annual-report-2019.html

1.D. Grant Applications

1.D.1) Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Grant Application

Phil Thouin, Area Learning Center, has submitted a grant application to the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation in the amount of $2,525. If awarded, funds will be used in continued support of the Rivers2Lake Program, which integrates Lake Superior watershed curriculum into local education through inquiry and place-based learning, environmental literacy, stewardship, and ecosystem restoration. Together, we developed a series of field experiences for students to visit local nature reserves, parks, and organizations. These trips were also supported by the Office of Education Equity (of Duluth Public Schools), which advocates for racial and economic integration, academic achievement, and equitable opportunities for all students. To continue forward and further grow this program next school year, we request support for transportation, entry fees, equipment, and other material needs while exploring these natural areas around Duluth-Superior. 

1.D.2) Duluth Public Schools Endowment Fund Grant Application

Christine Valento, Lincoln Park Middle School, has submitted a grant application to the Duluth Public Schools Endowment Fund in the amount of $1,086. If awarded, funds will be used to purchase materials and supplies for Art Club at Lincoln Park Middle School.

1.D.3) National Endowment for the Arts Grant Application

Christine Valento, Lincoln Park Middle School, has submitted a grant application to the National Endowment for the Arts in the amount of $2,000. If awarded, funds will be used to cover sub costs, registration and travel expenses related to a professional development opportunity in Utah.

1.D.4) Bush Foundation Grant Application

Callie DeVriendt, Lincoln Park Middle School, has submitted a grant application to the Bush Foundation in the amount of $200,000. If awarded, funds will be used at Lincoln Park Middle School to support Restorative Practice (RP) training, revamping the ISS and PAWS room to be more restorative as well as supplies for classrooms that may be interested, consultation money to partner with Mickelson Consultants for RP, and to pay for money for transportation/food/child care to engage stakeholders in meetings around RP. Money also to pay for sub costs for staff to participate in RP training.

1.D.5) Education Minnesota Foundation Grant Application

Becky Gamache, Lowell Preschool, has submitted for and been awarded a grant from the Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in the amount of $2,458. Funds will be used to purchase STEM materials (magnet board and accessories) for the Magnificent Magnets project at Lowell Preschool.

2. Action Items

2.A. Policies

2.A.1) 5123 - Crisis Management Policy - DELETION

Administration is recommending the deletion of Policy 5123 - Crisis Management Policy, which will be replaced with Policy 806 - Crisis Management Policy.

2.A.2) NEW Policy 806 - Crisis Management Policy

Attached is Policy 806 - Crisis Management Policy for the second reading. This policy would replace Policy 5123 - Crisis Management Policy.

2.A.3) NEW Policy 535 - Counseling Regarding Pre-Career and Technical Programs

Attached is Policy 535 - Counseling Regarding Pre-Career and Technical Programs for the second reading.

2.A.4) 1083 - Weapons Free Zone - DELETION

In moving to the MSBA Model Policies, administration is recommending the deletion of Policy 1083, which will be replaced with MSBA Policy 501 - School Weapons Policy.

2.A.5) NEW Policy 501 - School Weapons Policy

Attached is revised MSBA Policy 501 - School Weapons Policy, for the first reading. This policy would replace Policy 1083 - Weapons Free Zone.

2.A.6) 5085 - School Discipline Policy - DELETION - The first reading of this policy was not approved and policy was not postponed to a future date

In moving to the MSBA Model Policies, administration is recommending the deletion of Policy 5085, which will be replaced with MSBA Policy 506 - Student Discipline.

2.A.7) NEW Policy 506 - Student Discipline - The first reading of this policy was not approved and policy was not postponed to a future date

Attached is revised MSBA Policy 506 - Student Discipline, for the first reading. This policy would replace Policy 5085 - School Discipline Policy.

2.B. Resolution E-2-19-3628 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-2-19-3628 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

2.C. Extended Trip Requests

2.C.1) Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center - Lowell Elementary

Fourth grade students from Lowell Elementary School will travel to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN from April 24-26, 2019. During this event, students will participate in classes lead by environmental educators both indoors and out. These classes focused on
Minnesota Science Standards, team building and building positive self confidence. The total cost of the trip is $7,050 and will be financed through fund raising activities and student and chaperon fees.

2.D. Diploma Requests

The following students have met all graduation requirements for the Duluth Public Schools and should be awarded a Diploma:

Britany Nicole Seehus - January 17, 2019
Ella Mary Costley - January 18, 2019
Catherine Rose Stingle - January 18, 2019
Elyssa Elaine Hopkins - January 18, 2019
Amy Grace Simonson - January 18, 2019
Anne Lauren Klein - January 18, 2019
Auzauria Kathriean Pennazoli - January 25, 2019
Bryce Peter Jones - February 7, 2019
Caden Nathaniel Opland - February 14, 2019

3. Future Items

Policy Updates