more >>. Duluth police deemed the Denfeld threat not credible. This home is located at 311 Superior St Unit 705 in Duluth, MN and zip code 55802 in the Downtown neighborhood. Students wear maroon and/or gold clothing and accessories. According to a recent press release, Tusken has previous experience as Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, Barr Program Coordinator, PBIS Team Member & Coach, and football coach for Denfeld High School, District Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, and Social Studies teacher for both Denfeld and Duluth East High Schools. Sconiers said she was saddened to be at odds with the district leadership and school district. Denfeld High School Attn: Activities Office 401 N 44th Ave West Duluth, MN 55807 Or have your student drop it off at the front office or activities office. 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. Read 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. Submit completed forms to yourneighborhood schoolor(if school is not in session)to the Assistant Superintendent's Officeat 4316 Rice Lake Road, Suite 108, Duluth MN 55811. Central would be used as the lone high school after being expanded to accommodate 3000 students. 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. DULUTH Law enforcement officials in Duluth and Carlton County responded to swatting incidents at Denfeld and Esko high schools on Thursday. The grant will allow students at the college to work with local producers to study the impact of rice hulls as mulch for crops. 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. 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. 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. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. Winners are chosen by three judges, all Denfeld staff, based on audience reaction. Dell Daedo (1948 to 1963) The school is known for its architecture, including a historic auditorium and a 120-foot clock tower visible from Grand Avenue. The remaining students enter the military or the work force. The now-former Denfeld High School principal filed a federal lawsuit against Duluth Public Schools and key leaders Monday morning. Ordean Middle School would be turned into a high school with both buildings being remodeled and expanded to accommodate 1500 students. Denfeld is a community high school providing 21st Century classrooms and facilities, experienced teaching staff and excellent educational programs. 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. Serving over 1000 students from grades nine to twelve, Denfeld High School has become a West Duluth landmark. It saddens me that the district attempted to silence me by threatening me, then suspending me and now firing me, Sconiers said. She was appointed to principal in July 2012. 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.. 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. At the same time, he provides challenging learning opportunities to those who are ready for more advanced work.. Perhaps the most iconic feature of the Denfeld High School building is its 120-foot clock tower. Submit family and student information electronically to enroll students from Birth to Grade 12. Its face was designed by Carl Shroer, a teacher at Central High School, and was completed by Denfeld students who welded together four sections cast in aluminum by the Duluth Brassworks Company. It saddens me that the district attempted to silence me by threatening me, then suspending me, and now firing me. The lawsuit claims Sconiers was retaliated against for aligning herself with this group; for asking that zero hour no longer be offered and funds allocated elsewhere; for questioning hiring practices; and for reporting the district to the Minnesota Department of Education for misuse of funds. It relies on assumptions and information provided . It saddens me that the district would rather retaliate and discriminate than listen, she said in September when the suit was filed. Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten is the regional editor for Duluth Media Group, overseeing the Cloquet Pine Journal and the Superior Telegram. The Greater Denfeld Foundation's purpose is to support. To say the very least, the video is shocking. With a population of almost 85,000, the city of Duluth provides diversified business, professional and industrial services to northeastern Minnesota. Sullivan designed the H-shaped English Gothic style building which features medieval carvings by Duluth master stone carver George Thrana. Previous alumni who served as principal were . DULUTH, Minn. Duluth Public Schools officials announced on Tuesday that a new principal has been chosen for Denfeld High School. 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. The award was presented to Tusken during an unexpected assembly, the purpose of which was unknown to students and staff. Schools will not send children outdoors if the wind chill is 18 degrees below zero or less. 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. Based on the representations Ms. Sconiers and her counsel have made to the media, the district vehemently denies the allegations that any of its administrators engaged in discrimination or violated Ms. Sconiers free speech rights, the statement said. Former Denfeld High School principal Tonya Sconiers speaks at a news conference Monday about a lawsuit she filed against the Duluth school district and two of its leaders. To accommodate the new addition, Denfeld's signature brick chimney had to be removed. 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. Career Development. On Friday, the video of the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, who died after a traffic stop by police, was released by Memphis officials. 2021 Golf. Denfeld High School is located in Duluth, Minnesota next to the shores of Lake Superior. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. Public; 9-12; 4.5 mi; Show More GreatSchools scores are based on a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 is above average. 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. Dr. Wayne Samskar (1970 to 1984) 2004 Boys Soccer Section 7A champions, State participants. 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. Sconiers, along with her attorneys, held a news conference Monday morning. According to the settlement agreement, Sconiers. Sconiers was placed on administrative leave by the Duluth school district in June.. These websites are still in the process of being tweaked and built out, so please have some patience in the meantime. Denfeld's Spirit creates a safe and welcoming environment that provides opportunities for all. 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. Enrollment for kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year is open and meet and greets have been scheduled. . Also in 2007, he won the $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. 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. A warm welcome to you and your family! View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. The auditorium was renovated for $1,200,000 and reopened in late 2006 after being closed for nearly a year. Sconiers is seeking monetary relief, with the amount to be determined by a jury. Denfeld High School - Principals. Denfeld High School serves approximately the western half of the city and has been in existence since 1905. The Carlton County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident. Sconiers, along with her attorneys, held a news conference to make a statement and answer questions from the media. Denfeld High School, along with three other schools in St. Louis County have received a threat. Its ongoing mission is to sustain alumni relations and celebrate the spirit of Denfeld High School and western Duluth. 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. 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. "Difficult challenges mean difficult decisions and courageous leadership. When Tusken's name was called, he received a standing ovation from the audience. Serving over 1000 students from grades nine to twelve, Denfeld High School has become a West Duluth landmark. They learned honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. 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. The schools are only about 11 miles away from one another. Van Kleek (1963 to 1970) DULUTH Law enforcement officials in Duluth and Carlton County responded to swatting incidents at Denfeld and Esko high schools on Thursday. Parker Chastey (class of '23) named a Minnesota Mr. Soccer Finalist, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 13:18. . Denfeld High School. Denfeld High School. has taken over the role at Denfeld on a substitute basis. 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 districts disciplinary decisions related to Ms. Sconiers, including her discharge, were based solely on Ms. Sconiers inappropriate conduct.. We see that you have javascript disabled. He received his principals licensure from St. Marys University in 2007. While more than 14 listings in Duluth, MN in January . 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The tournaments are free and open to the public to watch. Denfeld High School is located in Duluth, Minnesota next to the shores of Lake Superior. Public figures who've visited in the auditorium include Richard Nixon and Johnny Cash. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. accomplished in 2018 after a resolution was passed by the School Board, has taken over the role at Denfeld on a substitute basis, Speech competition for high school girls in Minnesota welcomes applications through March, Duluth Polar Plunge makes a splash for Special Olympics. Read More about Meet the new assistant principal at Lowell. Course Offerings; . Central Principal Lisa Mitchell-Krocak retired this summer. Nathan Anderson started as the new assistant principal at Lowell Elementary Oct. 24. Dr. Chester Wood (1945 to 1948) 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. To submit an event to the community calendar, email news@pinejournal.com. 218-336-8830. I will not be silenced. 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. Tusken has served in his current position as assistant principal for two. Login; Search; Sitemap; Logins. About 20 minutes after the call in Carlton County, a similar incident was reported at Denfeld High School in Duluth. Applicants will be able to choose which option they want want to apply for: a half-time superintendent or a merged superintendent and principal position. Principal: Thomas Tusken Assistant Principals: Joanna Sackette, Eric Stang Activities Director: Tom . The now-former Denfeld High School principal filed a federal lawsuit against Duluth Public Schools and key leaders Monday morning. There are two ways to enroll new students in school. If you would like to provide feedback or have questions, please email communications@isd709.org. In addition, grants are awarded to staff to provide valuable resources to enhance students' high school educational experiences. The numbers on the face were painted silver and the clock hands were gold painted wood. Dr. Stephen Seyfer (1984 to 1991) To accommodate the increased student population, two new additions to the school were built. On Monday, Sconiers withdrew her request for arbitration. Read the latest news in the Carlton County, Dontcha Know newsletter published every Friday. Approximately 34% of graduating seniors go on to four year colleges or universities and 37% go on to two year schools. Communication with parents and staff per individual student . Sconiers was given the opportunity to fight the termination through arbitration but has decided to withdraw her request for arbitration on Monday. 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. Knapp had retired in 2016. I will not be silenced. MN. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. (Adelle Whitefoot /. Principal; Staff Directory; Hours and Attendance; Denfeld High School History; Safe and Welcoming; School Resource Officers; Academics. Our school community strives to provide high achievement and a welcoming environment for all. Everyone stands throughout the entire assembly. 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. At this time the federal case is still ongoing. Finally on July 29, the district informed principal Sconiers it intended to fire her, Kwan said. Phone 218-726-2559. Former Duluth East High School Principal Laurie Knapp has taken over the role at Denfeld on a substitute basis. Working together as educators, parents and citizens, we can make a difference for every student, every day. Available from yourneighborhood schoolor print them out using the links below. This 1,550 square foot home was built in 2007. Denfeld has a long tradition of excellence and demonstrates these standards in its classrooms. They conducted a thorough search and found no injuries and no threat to safety. Central would not be used, as Ordean and a new western high school would be created to accommodate 3000 total students. The biggest event during the week besides the football game and assembly is the hall decorating contest, where the interior first floor of the building is covered in handmade posters, streamers, locker signs, balloons and other decorations. Academic Excellence Online (AEO) High School, Offer engaging and differentiated academics with multiple tiers, Foster accountability through proactive and restorative systems, Prioritize relationships through social and emotional learning. The White Plan: Denfeld and East would become middle schools capable of holding 1100 students. Personal/social development. The boys who have played for him learned more than a game. Policy Committee - Duluth School Board. I want to take this opportunity to explain why these routes were canceled and what our processes are to avoid these situations. Sconiers attorneys said her firing was retaliation for questioning and publicly speaking out against district policies and hiring practices. 55807. As a result of the construction, Denfeld and Central students both attended Central during the 201011 school year. 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. 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. T. H. Shutte (1916 to 1918) "It was determined that the threat was false and the campus was determined to be safe," Danielson said. Nobody could possibly be associated with Walt Hunting and not be better for it because he symbolizes everything great about America. In a statement, Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas thanked law enforcement for their quick response Thursday and touched on the effect of swatting calls. Adelle Whitefoot / awhitefoot@duluthnews.com. This is evident in that three quarters of our students go on to some form of further education or training. 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. Tom Tusken will. 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. Former Duluth East Principal Laurie Knapp has been serving as substitute principal at Denfeld since August. "Difficult challenges mean difficult decisions and courageous leadership. These websites are still in the process of being tweaked and built out, so please have some patience in the meantime. 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 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. Ed Crawford has returned to Denfeld as principal after serving with Laurie Knapp at East last year as co-principal. Officers who arrived at the scene helped school staff secure the campus. Adelle Whitefoot Share. 401 N. 44th Ave. W. Duluth. After a thorough search process, former Assistant Principal. Nate Burke (Class of '21) qualifies for State. They start at 9 a.m. Friday. Sconiers was first hired in Duluth in March 2000 to work as an assistant principal at Denfeld. Lisa Mitchell-Krocak (2010 to 2011) April 28, 2020 - 6:43 PM. In this pageant, anybody can enter for a chance to become Maroon & Gold King or Queen. Jill Lofald was elected as the Duluth School Board chair for 2023 at the annual organizational meeting Tuesday, Jan. 3. The "Hunters" name originates from Walt Hunting who taught, coached and was the athletic director at Denfeld from 1927 to 1956. Roxy Olsen-Hurst, Barnum Community Education. Denfeld's Maroon and Gold Day is Friday of homecoming week. Denfeld High School Counselors provide a comprehensive counseling model which serves to assist students in the following areas: Educational Planning. Blake Eaton (Class of '22), wins 2 State Titles: 100 and 200 meter wheelchair dashes. G. 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. 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.) Twitter (opens in new window/tab) Family Student Handbook (opens in new window/tab) Directory; Sconiers was the districts only black principal when she was fired last July for what her discrimination lawsuit described as immoral character, conduct unbecoming a principal, insubordination and other charges. 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. By Adelle Whitefoot via Duluth News Tribune. "While we are relieved that there was no actual threat and students were not in school at the time, we are deeply concerned about the impact false calls like this can have on students and staff," Magas said. It was later called Duluth Industrial High School. The complaint alleges that the districts reasons for principal Sconiers' discipline and discharge were ginned up to paper her file and provide the district with a cover for its real motivation, which we allege is retaliation and discrimination.. The news, analysis and community conversation found here is funded by donations from individuals. : The District has not yet had an opportunity to review the complaint in detail and therefore cannot comment on any specific allegations. After receiving the letter of termination, Sconiers exercised her right to put a hold on discharge pending a hearing pursuant to Minnesotas Teacher Tenure Act. 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. The more notice that you give your letter writer, the better. The Denfeld Alumni Association formed in the spring of 2004 and was established on Feb. 9, 2005, as a Minnesota nonprofit public charity under sections 501 (c) (3) and 509 (a) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code. 2021 Track. In September, the Duluth School District responded with a statement through its attorney Monday at Rupp, Anderson, Squires, and Waldspurger, P.A.