Duluth Public Schools' response to Governor Walz announcement

By Kathleen Kaufman
Governor Walz released updated guidelines for secondary in-person learning today. View the updated MN Safe Learning Plan, here.

In today's announcement, the Governor shared expectations that all school districts return to some form of in-person learning by March 8.
Districts that have publicly announced a plan to transition to in-person or hybrid learning were encouraged to continue with their plans.

Earlier this month, Duluth Public Schools released plans to transition to hybrid in-person for middle and high school students beginning March 8. More information is available, here.
“We’re on track to begin a secondary hybrid in-person model by March 8,” said John Magas (pictured), Superintendent. “Our current planning aligns well with the new state guidance and we’re reviewing the updates for incorporation into the transition model. Our principals, teacher leaders and departments are finalizing plans that serve the needs of all learners, distance or hybrid, and ensure the safety and wellness of students and staff.”
Magas said middle and high school families have been asked to complete a learning model selection form by February 19 to assist with preparing for the transition. 
    
“We appreciate the continued patience and support from staff and families as we work together to bring students back to in-person learning safely,” said Magas.
Secondary Hybrid In-Person Model Overview

Details, here.

Duluth’s current plans for a middle and high school hybrid model provide students regularly scheduled in-person opportunities twice a week in the morning, 3 classes a day.

The model is intended to serve the needs of all learners, distance or hybrid

Ensure the safety and wellness of students and staff

Provide access to teachers both in-person and via Google meet synchronous learning

The model includes a rolling start process in which students are gradually brought back in the building.  
Week of March 1: 3 Transition Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Students will receive a lighter learning module and have access to teachers Monday and Friday.

Week of March 8: Start hybrid with 6th-, 9th-, 12th-graders
The ability to orient newest students to their schools is essential, as well as to prepare seniors for graduation.

Week of March 15: Phase in 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th graders
Families may choose to continue in all-distance learning if they wish.

QUOTE ME, HOWIE

Wisconsin-Superior Chancellor Renée Wachter on Governor Evers’ budget proposal: “I echo University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson’s appreciation of Governor Evers’ budget for the UW System. The increased funding is critically needed and will benefit our students and university as a whole. I also want to recognize the funding in Governor Evers’ budget for UW-Superior's Lake Superior Research Institute to create the Northern Wisconsin Environmental Health Program. Funding this new program will allow LSRI to continue collaborating with city, county and tribal communities throughout Northern Wisconsin to address specific issues that impact the health of our local environment and quality of life. I want to thank Senator Janet Bewley, Representative Nick Milroy and Representative Beth Meyers for their support and advocacy of this important initiative. This funding will help to ensure our region is a safe, healthy and clean place for all to live and enjoy.”
SPORTS

Notebook

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk of Hermantown has scored one goal and 12 points in 15 games, while playing top-four minutes.

. Defenseman Dylan Samberg of Hermantown and forward Westin Michaud of Cloquet made their professional debuts for the Winnipeg Moose of the American Hockey League on Monday night. Both were held scoreless.

. The Iowa Wild, the Minnesota Wild's top minor league team, on Tuesday recalled defensemen Phil Beaulieu of Duluth from ECHL affiliate Allen Americans. The former Duluth East and Northern Michigan standout had two goals and five points in 14 games for Allen.

Mythical Duluth Times High
School Boys Hockey League Standings
(As of Wednesday, Feb. 17)

1. Hermantown 4-0 (12). Results: W Cloquet 6-0; W Duluth East 5-1; W Grand Rapids 5-3, W Denfeld 6-3. Remaining league games: at Denfeld (Feb. 25), at Grand Rapids (Mar. 4), host Duluth East (Mar. 9), host Cloquet (Mar. 11). Predicted finish: tie 1st (7-1, 21 points)

2. Duluth East 2-2-1 (7 points). Results: T Denfeld 4-4; W Cloquet 2-1; L Grand Rapids 3-0; W Cloquet 5-1; L Hermantown 5-1. Remaining league games: host Grand Rapids (Mar. 2), at Hermantown (Mar. 9), at Denfeld (Mar. 11). Predicted finish: 3rd (3-4-1, 10)

3. Grand Rapids 2-1 (6). Results: W Cloquet 6-1; W Duluth East 3-0; L Hermantown 5-3. Remaining league games: at Duluth East (Mar. 2), host Hermantown (Mar. 4), host Cloquet (Mar. 6), at Denfeld (Mar. 16), host Denfeld (TBA). Predicted finish: tie 1st (7-1, 21)

4. Denfeld 1-1-1 (4). Results: T Duluth East 4-4; W Cloquet 7-4, L Hermantown 6-3. Remaining league games: host Hermantown (Feb. 25), host Cloquet (Mar. 8), host Duluth East (Mar. 11), at Grand Rapids (Mar. 16), at Grand Rapids (TBA). Predicted finish: 4th (2-5-1, 7)

5. Cloquet 0-5 (0). Results: L Grand Rapids 6-1; L Duluth East 2-1; L Hermantown 6-0; L Duluth East 5-1; L Denfeld 7-4. Remaining league games: at Grand Rapids (Mar. 6), at Denfeld (Mar. 8), at Hermantown (Mar. 11). Predicted finish: 5th (0-8, 0)

Editor's Note: Mythical Duluth Times High School Boys Hockey League teams collect three points for a regulation victory, two points for an overtime victory, one point for an overtime loss, and one point apiece for an overtime tie. All teams will play each team in the league twice in home-and-home series.