The Duluth Public Schools announced Tuesday that Tom Tusken would be the next principal of Denfeld High School. These websites are still in the process of being tweaked and built out, so please have some patience in the meantime. We believe this is not a credible threat as the call came from out of state. The tournaments are free and open to the public to watch. In addition, grants are awarded to staff to provide valuable resources to enhance students' high school educational experiences. After a thorough search process, former Assistant Principal Tom Tusken has been picked to serve as the new Denfeld Principal and will begin his new position in August. With a population of almost 85,000, the city of Duluth provides diversified business, professional and industrial services to northeastern Minnesota. The 2,000 sq. The complaint alleges that the district repeatedly retaliated against principal Sconiers for her speech, reprimanding her in December 2018, then suspending her without pay in March and May of this year.. writes Roxy Olsen-Hurst. We consider it an honor to provide educational services for your child and look forward to preparing them for a successful future in the home, community and workplace. Sconiers received another letter of suspension on April 30 and was given a one-day unpaid suspension and was warned that she may face immediate discharge, the complaint claims. Tonya Sconiers filed a lawsuit against the Duluth school district, superintendent Bill Gronseth and assistant superintendent Jeff Horton, claiming a violation of First Amendment rights and discrimination based on race and sex. Winners are chosen by three judges, all Denfeld staff, based on audience reaction. An advocate of team teaching, Tusken has used hands-on and group activities, as well as passion and humor, to motivate those who find it difficult to attend school and complete routine assignments, according to the foundation. more >>. Documentation required in order to register: Note: To obtain a birth certificate for a child born in St. Louis County, contact the St. Louis County Recorder Vital Statistics, Room 101 Court House, Duluth, MN. At the same time, he provides challenging learning opportunities to those who are ready for more advanced work.. Sconiers has since filed a federal lawsuit against ISD 709 claiming that she was retaliated and discriminated against for speaking out against district leadership regarding policies and practices as well as the hiring of Duluth School District Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Horton. Denfeld is a community high school providing 21st Century classrooms and facilities, experienced teaching staff and excellent educational programs. To accommodate the new addition, Denfeld's signature brick chimney had to be removed. Sconiers was given the opportunity to fight the termination through arbitration but decided to withdraw her request for arbitration on Monday. These websites are still in the process of being tweaked and built out, so please have some patience in the meantime. When the school moved into today's MacArthur West school building at 725 North Central Avenue in 1915, its name was changed to honor Robert E. Denfeld, superintendent of Duluth schools from 1885 to 1916. Schools will not send children outdoors if the wind chill is 18 degrees below zero or less. Denfeld High School's auditorium was built at a cost of $25,000 and is another of its most prominent features. More information >>, Follow Denfeld on Facebook The district treated principal Sconiers differently as a black woman, going so far as to criticize things like the volume and the tone of her voice, Kwan said. more of the story, 2019: Duluth's only black principal sues district for discrimination, Northern Waters Smokehaus will move, but not far, Two Harbors residents renew 20-year fight for Lighthouse Point, MnDOT plans major construction project on Duluth's North Shore gateway, Man fatally shot by Duluth police officer last week identified, Feds to conduct two-year study of Park Point beach erosion in Duluth. Playoff Hockey Hair: A Minnesota Phenomena, All The Buzz In The Northland, Weekend of March 3, 2023. With a population of almost 85,000, the city of Duluth provides diversified business, professional and industrial services to northeastern Minnesota. Knapp had retired in 2016. Twitter (opens in new window/tab) Family Student Handbook (opens in new window/tab) Directory; Sconiers, along with her attorneys, held a news conference Monday morning. In the spring of 2007, restructuring of Duluth's elementary, middle and high schools was discussed. In service since 1977, the 465-mile line has reached the end of its life, but a $700 million upgrade could boost its capacity from 500-900 megawatts and ready it for 1,500 megawatts or more. Denfeld was instrumental in the creation of a two-year program to train teachers which eventually grew to become the University of Minnesota Duluth. 2019 Track, Blake Eaton (Class of '22) sets State Record in 200 meter dash, wheelchair division at 35.70 seconds. At Monday's meeting, the school board accepted the resignations of Virginia Secondary Principal Lisa Perkovich and Roosevelt Elementary Principal Dan Johnson, effective Sept. 14. On Friday, the video of the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, who died after a traffic stop by police, was released by Memphis officials. : The District has not yet had an opportunity to review the complaint in detail and therefore cannot comment on any specific allegations. MN. Denfeld High School principal Tonya Sconiers, right, helps to organize students and staff in this file photo. Homecoming Week activities include daily dress-up days such as "Kid Day" (usually on Tuesday) and "Maroon and Gold Day" (every Friday for the last 100 years.) On October 11, 2007 Denfeld social studies teacher Thomas Tusken was presented with the Milken Educator Awards, established by Milken Family Foundation Chairman Lowell Milken to provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to elementary and secondary teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering excellence in education. The school is known for its architecture, including a historic auditorium and a 120-foot clock tower visible from Grand Avenue. 2021 Boys Soccer, Section 7AA runners-up. Lisa Mitchell-Krocak (2010 to 2011) Adelle Whitefoot / awhitefoot@duluthnews.com. I want to take this opportunity to explain why these routes were canceled and what our processes are to avoid these situations. The schools are only about 11 miles away from one another. To say the very least, the video is shocking. Available from yourneighborhood schoolor print them out using the links below. We consider it an honor to provide educational services for your child and look forward to preparing them for a successful future in the home, community and workplace. 218-336-8830. If you would like to provide feedback or have questions, please email communications@isd709.org. After eight swatting incidents were reported at the beginning of the week, two more were reported at northeastern Minnesota high schools on Thursday. Taylor (1918 to 1945) We will build on our shared beliefs and values of unity, high achievement and responsible use of resources to create Duluth Public Schools and classrooms that are safe, supportive and inclusive. I refuse to let another year, another month or another day go by without holding our education system accountable for fair, just and equitable actions that benefit all students in Duluth Public Schools.. Tom Tusken will step into the principals office in August after serving as the schools assistant principal. This home is located at 311 Superior St Unit 705 in Duluth, MN and zip code 55802 in the Downtown neighborhood. They conducted a thorough search and found no injuries and no threat to safety. Serving over 1000 students from grades nine to twelve, Denfeld High School has become a West Duluth landmark. Former Duluth East Principal Laurie Knapp has been serving as substitute principal at Denfeld since August. The Carlton County Sheriff's Office received a call at 10:39 a.m. indicating people were injured "due to violence at Esko High School," according to a news release sent by chief deputy Dan Danielson. The White Plan: Denfeld and East would become middle schools capable of holding 1100 students. We achieve academic success, build relationships and show respect for all, so our students can accomplish their dreams, contribute to their communities, and improve our world. The grant will allow students at the college to work with local producers to study the impact of rice hulls as mulch for crops. Staff at the sheriff's office contacted high school officials and "initiated the necessary safety and response protocols," Danielson said. Denfeld High School Principals Tonya Sconiers (2012 to present) Ed Crawford (2011 to 2012) Lisa Mitchell-Krocak (2010 to 2011) Ed Crawford (2005 to 2010) William Westholm (1995 to 2005) George F. Holliday, Jr. (1991 to 1995) Dr. Stephen Seyfer (1984 to 1991) Dr. Wayne Samskar (1970 to 1984) If paying by Credit / Debit Card: Infinite Campus Log into your Infinite Campus Account Find Fees in the menu Select student you are paying for Select current school year He received his principals licensure from St. Marys University in 2007. "Swatting calls can potentially disrupt DPDs response capabilities to real and pressing public safety emergencies, and it can cause unnecessary panic to members of our community," he said. 319 N 60th Ave W , Duluth, MN 55807-1903 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $175,000. Login; Search; Sitemap; Logins. It has been listed on Rocket Homes since February 27, 2023 and is currently priced at $639,000. 2021 Golf. By Adelle Whitefoot via Duluth News Tribune. Teachers write these letters during their time off of school - nights & weekends. ", Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}464455N 920931W / 46.7485520N 92.1585243W / 46.7485520; -92.1585243[3], Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Letter Details District's Reasons for Firing Former Duluth Denfeld Principal", U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Denfield High School, Duluth Denfeld High School website Duluth Public Schools, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Denfeld_High_School&oldid=1133571246. Upcoming Events. Similarly, Ceynowa said such false reports can impact law enforcement's response to other incidents in the community. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it, Anyone can read, no subscription required, See She was appointed to principal in July 2012. The news, analysis and community conversation found here is funded by donations from individuals. The tower features eight buttresses. The auditorium was renovated for $1,200,000 and reopened in late 2006 after being closed for nearly a year. While more than 14 listings in Duluth, MN in January . Tonya Sconiers (2012 to present) The current building was constructed in red brick and limestone at a cost of $1,250,000 and opened in September 1926. Alumni return to Denfeld for this display, intended to build community among students -- as well as motivating the football team and fans for the annual Homecoming game at the end of the week. Sconiers said she was saddened to be at odds with the district leadership and school district. Joe Eklund (class of '22) named a Minnesota Mr. Soccer Finalist, 2022 Boys Soccer, Section 7AA runners-up. There are two ways to enroll new students inschool. Dr. Chester Wood (1945 to 1948) Former Denfeld High School principal Tonya Sconiers speaks at a press conference Monday, Sept. 9 about a lawsuit she filed against the Duluth Public Schools and two of its leaders. Kwan said six weeks after notifying the district in April that his law firm was investigating the basis of those unpaid suspensions, the district placed Sconiers on a paid administrative leave citing new allegations. Based on the representations Ms. Sconiers and her counsel have made to the media, the District vehemently denies the allegations that it or any of its administrators engaged in discrimination or violated Ms. Sconiers free speech rights. Dr. Wayne Samskar (1970 to 1984) During the assembly, the band marches from the back of the auditorium through streamers and balloons to the orchestra pit playing the cadence and school song. Staff will monitor outdoor conditions at 0 degrees and below to determine if students need to remain indoors because of cold air temperatures and/or wind speeds. Career Clubs provide experiences beyond the classroom and help students connect to their schools. Denfeld High School Counselors provide a comprehensive counseling model which serves to assist students in the following areas: Educational Planning. You will also find a button to translate the websites into over 100 languages. DULUTH Law enforcement officials in Duluth and Carlton County responded to swatting incidents at Denfeld and Esko high schools on Thursday. It relies on assumptions and information provided . For Grades 1-12, verification of your child's name and birthday will be obtained through a copyof last year's school attendance record or permanent/other scholastic school record. It was the fifth swatting incident Denfeld High School serves approximately the western half of the city and has been in existence since 1905. DULUTH, Minn. - On Tuesday, the Duluth School Board approved a settlement agreement with former Denfeld high school principal Tonya Sconiers. reported in St. Louis County in two days, and the second at Denfeld. about Speech: Varsity Meet vs Walker-Hackensack-Akeley (Away), about Basketball: Boys Varsity Section Qtr Finals vs TBA, TBA (Away), about Basketball: Boys Varsity Section Semi Final vs TBA, TBA (Away), about Speech: Varsity Meet vs Eagan (Away), about Speech: Varsity Meet vs Moorhead (Away), about Basketball: Boys Varsity Section-Final vs Duluth East, TBA (Away), about Speech: Varsity Meet vs Grand Rapids (Away), Academic Excellence Online (AEO) High School, Speech: Varsity Meet vs Walker-Hackensack-Akeley (Away), Basketball: Boys Varsity Section Qtr Finals vs TBA, TBA (Away), Basketball: Boys Varsity Section Semi Final vs TBA, TBA (Away), Basketball: Boys Varsity Section-Final vs Duluth East, TBA (Away), Speech: Varsity Meet vs Grand Rapids (Away). Van Kleek (1963 to 1970) Online Knapp had retired in 2016. Parker Chastey (class of '23) named a Minnesota Mr. Soccer Finalist, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 13:18. The Denfeld Marching Band and the Dance Team always perform during the halftime show. According to the complaint, Sconiers received a letter of reprimand on Dec. 21, 2018, was informed she was under investigation on Jan. 4 and underwent an interview with an outside attorney for the district on Jan. 11. . Duluth police deemed the Denfeld threat not credible. Finally on July 29 the district informed principal Sconiers it intended to fire her, Kwan said. Policy Committee - Duluth School Board. Duluth Public Schools is working to inspire every student to achieve their potential and preparing students to lead productive, fulfilling lives as citizens of Duluth and the wider world. Our school community strives to provide high achievement and a welcoming environment for all. The school district said in a statement through its attorney, Amy Mace, of Rupp, Anderson, Squires & Waldsurger, P.A., that it has not yet had an opportunity to review the complaint in detail and therefore cannot comment on any specific allegations. Additional documents required when registering your child for kindergarten: Open Enrollment and Transfers- Contact the Office of the Assistant Superintendent if you have questions, 218-336-8739: Academic Excellence Online (AEO) High School, MN Dept of Education Ethnic and Racial Demographic Designation Form, Open Enrollment Application for K-12 and Early Childhood Special Education, Statewide Enrollment Options Application for State-funded Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) or School Readiness Plus (SRP) Application. Keegan Chastey (Class of '21) named a Minnesota Mr. Soccer Finalist. Its ongoing mission is to sustain alumni relations and celebrate the spirit of Denfeld High School and western Duluth. 2021 Track. This 1,550 square foot home was built in 2007. . Common Application) from a college or scholarship. T. H. Shutte (1916 to 1918) Duluth Denfeld High School, also known as Denfeld High School, is one of two high schools in Duluth, Minnesota along with Duluth East as of 2011 after the closure of Duluth Central and the previous closing of Morgan Park HS in 1982. Nobody could possibly be associated with Walt Hunting and not be better for it because he symbolizes everything great about America. "Difficult challenges mean difficult decisions and courageous leadership. Serving over 1000 students from grades nine to twelve, Denfeld High School has become a West Duluth landmark. As reported by Carlton County District Court. Former Duluth East High School Principal Laurie Knapp has taken over the role at Denfeld on a substitute basis. The more notice that you give your letter writer, the better. The Greater Denfeld Foundation's purpose is to support. What does that mean? Only 35 educators in Minnesota had received the award at that time and Tusken was just the second recipient from Duluth. To submit an event to the community calendar, email news@pinejournal.com. Public figures who've visited in the auditorium include Richard Nixon and Johnny Cash. Ed Crawford (2011 to 2012) The "Hunters" name originates from Walt Hunting who taught, coached and was the athletic director at Denfeld from 1927 to 1956. In this pageant, anybody can enter for a chance to become Maroon & Gold King or Queen. Denfeld High School, along with three other schools in St. Louis County have received a threat. Denfeld High School. At this time the federal case is still ongoing. Ceynowa urged anyone with information about potential school threats to report tips through the "See It, Say It, Send It" app created by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. In 2011, Central closed, leaving Denfeld and East as the only public high schools in Duluth. Phone 218-726-2559. Denfeld High School is located in Duluth, Minnesota next to the shores of Lake Superior. Previous alumni who served as principal were . The remaining students enter the military or the work force. 2004 Football North Country Conference co-champions, 2005 Football North Country Conference runners-up, 2006 Two-time state third-place finisher in swimming (50 free and 100 butterfly), 2007 Football North Country Conference runners-up, 2010 Football North Country Conference champions, 2013 Boys Nordic Skiing conference champions, 2013 Girls Soccer Section 7A champions, State participants, 2016 Nathaniel Rosholt (class of 2016) goes to State in Nordic Skiing, 2016 Boys Soccer Section 7A champions, State participants, 2017 Benjamin Emmel (class of 2018) goes to state in Boys' Golf, 2017 Quinten Rimolde (sophomore) and Nick Anderson (senior) qualified for the State Debate Tournament, 2018 Boys Soccer Lake Superior Conference Champions, Section 7A Champions, State Participants, 2019 Baseball, Section Champs, Goes to State. Tonya Sconiers and her attorney filed a lawsuit against Duluth Public Schools, superintendent Bill Gronseth and assistant superintendent Jeff Horton claiming a violation of First Amendment rights and discrimination based on race and sex. They learned honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. The auditorium is the annual venue for Denfeld's traditional Maroon and Gold Day assembly during the week of homecoming when the auditorium is adorned with maroon and gold decorations and the students are entertained with cheers, skits, music and school spirit. The home of the Hunters, Denfeld High School was known as Irving High School when it opened for classes on 11 September 1905. The complaint also alleges that the district discriminated against Sconiers based on sex and race. Principals. Duluth Denfeld High School, also known as Denfeld High School, is one of two high schools in Duluth, Minnesota along with Duluth East as of 2011 after the closure of Duluth Central and the previous closing of Morgan Park HS in 1982. Working together as educators, parents and citizens, we can make a difference for every student, every day. Three options were proposed: The Duluth School District ultimately chose a modified version of the Red Plan, leaving Denfeld open and adding approximately half of the Central population. The face was later painted black, in order to make it more easily visible from Grand Avenue. Ed Crawford (2005 to 2010) After a thorough search process, former Assistant Principal. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. Read More about Meet the new assistant principal at Lowell. Consequently, courageous leaders must stand up to the injustices of the status quo in policies and practices., One of Sconiers attorneys, Ben Kwan, said they filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court in Duluth Monday alleging the district and key leaders retaliated against Sconiers for speaking out as a citizen on matters of deep public concern., Issues like educational equity, the opportunity gap, the achievement gap and most recently district hiring practices, Kwan said at the news conference. Students were not at the school because of a snow day, but Duluth police Chief Mike Ceynowa said in a statement the agency "takes swatting calls very seriously as the safety of all is a top priority for DPD.". I will not be silenced. DULUTH Denfeld High School named a new principal Tuesday, nine months after the firing of Tonya Sconiers, who is currently suing the school district in federal court. Dr. Stephen Seyfer (1984 to 1991) On Wednesday of Homecoming Week, a massive bonfire takes place in Merritt Park in West Duluth during which the game of Red Rover is usually played between the upper and lowerclassmen and every cheer in the cheerleaders' book is started. Denfeld is known for its large endowment - about $7 million currently - meant for only its students. DULUTH Denfeld High School named a new principal Tuesday, nine months after the firing of Tonya Sconiers, who is currently suing the school district in federal court. Denfeld High. MLS # Students wear maroon and/or gold clothing and accessories. April 28, 2020 - 6:43 PM. Additionally, the school underwent major reconstruction in order to conform to state standards. When Tusken's name was called, he received a standing ovation from the audience. Be sure you ask them before they get an email request (i.e. The now-former Denfeld High School principal filed a federal lawsuit against Duluth Public Schools and key leaders Monday morning. "Difficult challenges mean difficult decisions and courageous leadership. Sconiers is seeking monetary relief, an amount to be determined by a jury. The numbers on the face were painted silver and the clock hands were gold painted wood. It's an extensive hiring process run internally at Duluth Police Department which includes applications from interested officers, a review of the officers character, work ethic, and suitability to work in a school environment, as well as an interview process. The Blue Plan: East and Denfeld would be transformed into middle schools. Until the fall of 2006, seniors traditionally decorated the auditorium, however after a renovation of the room in the 20062007 school year, seniors have since decorated the third floor hallway to ensure the auditorium's features remain preserved. About 20 minutes after the call in Carlton County, a similar incident was reported at Denfeld High School in Duluth. Sconiers was placed on administrative leave by the Duluth school district in June.. It saddens me that the district attempted to silence me by threatening me, then suspending me, and now firing me. Former Denfeld High School principal Tonya Sconiers' termination letter lays out multiple reasons for termination, from misusing sick leave to violating a collective bargaining agreement.. Everyone stands throughout the entire assembly. Submit family and student information electronically to enroll students from Birth to Grade 12. The districts disciplinary decisions related to Ms. Sconiers, including her discharge, were based solely on Ms. Sconiers inappropriate conduct.. George F. Holliday, Jr. (1991 to 1995) After the school song is played, the National Anthem is sung followed by several skits, speeches by alumni and the Maroon and Gold Day Pageant. The boys who have played for him learned more than a game. Central would not be used, as Ordean and a new western high school would be created to accommodate 3000 total students. Tusken has served in his current position as assistant principal for two. Enrollment for kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year is open and meet and greets have been scheduled. (Adelle Whitefoot /. We see that you have javascript disabled. Principal: Thomas Tusken Assistant Principals: Joanna Sackette, Eric Stang Activities Director: Tom . Ed Crawford has returned to Denfeld as principal after serving with Laurie Knapp at East last year as co-principal. It saddens me that the district attempted to silence me by threatening me, then suspending me and now firing me, Sconiers said. AS Login; TS Login; Also in 2007, he won the $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. As principal, I have been entrusted by the parents and our community to ensure that decision-making, financing and hiring, which impact our students, are always made in their best interest, Sconiers read from a prepared statement. Denfeld High School is located in Duluth, Minnesota next to the shores of Lake Superior. They start at 9 a.m. Friday. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) model. The lawsuit claims trouble for Sconiers started as far back as 2017 when she aligned herself with the Community-Based School Equity Initiative, a group of parents and community members who call for equity among the district. There are two ways to enroll new students in school. . The complaint alleges that the district repeatedly retaliated against principal Sconiers for her speech, reprimanding her in December 2018, then suspending her without pay in March and May of this year.. On July 29, the School Board voted to terminate Sconiers. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Sconiers is seeking monetary relief, with the amount to be determined by a jury. Sconiers was given the opportunity to fight the termination through arbitration but has decided to withdraw her request for arbitration on Monday. The award was presented to Tusken during an unexpected assembly, the purpose of which was unknown to students and staff. No State games due to COVID-19 restrictions. By 2004 Boys Soccer Section 7A champions, State participants. He was for several decades a social studies teacher at Denfeld and has served as football coach, dean of students and as the districts social studies curriculum specialist. Enroll - Denfeld High School Enroll Enroll How to Enroll A warm welcome to you and your family! This is evident in that three quarters of our students go on to some form of further education or training. At this time, no arrests have been made. . Sconiers attorneys said her firing was retaliation for questioning and publicly speaking out against district policies and hiring practices. Programs of study are offered in 6 broad Minnesota Career Fields with exposure to over 13 career clusters and pathways. The district treated principal Sconiers differently as a black woman going so far as to criticize things like the volume and the tone of her voice, Kwan said. He carved for 40 years in sandstone, granite, marble and limestone and his work is featured on many Duluth buildings including the Lyceum Theater, Old Central High School, Glensheen, the Board of Trade Building, St. Louis County Courthouse and the St. Louis County Jail. Jill Lofald was elected as the Duluth School Board chair for 2023 at the annual organizational meeting Tuesday, Jan. 3. DULUTH Law enforcement officials in Duluth and Carlton County responded to swatting incidents at Denfeld and Esko high schools on Thursday. William Westholm (1995 to 2005) The 48-year-old educator graduated from Denfeld in 1990, the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1994 and earned a masters degree from the University of Wisconsin Superior in 2001. Finally on July 29, the district informed principal Sconiers it intended to fire her, Kwan said. Foster (1905 to 1916), Over thirty years ago, Dick Gastler's habit of wearing a ratty old leisure suit to class caught fire in more ways than one. Roxy Olsen-Hurst, Barnum Community Education. 2020 Boys Soccer, Section 7A Champions. The lawsuit also claims Sconiers was retaliated against for doing an on-camera interview with a documentary crew in October 2017, talking about opportunity gaps among students without permission from the district. On June 18, Sconiers was informed she was being put on administrative leave following allegations against her, allegations the complaint claims Sconiers still isnt aware of. You will also find a button to translate the websites into over 100 languages.