Career Development. I also want to apologize to students and families who were negatively impacted. Our school community strives to provide high achievement and a welcoming environment for all. 3: 30 PM - 4: . Twitter (opens in new window/tab) Family Student Handbook (opens in new window/tab) Directory; Denfeld High School Counselors provide a comprehensive counseling model which serves to assist students in the following areas: Educational Planning. 2021 Boys Soccer, Section 7AA runners-up. Roxy Olsen-Hurst, Barnum Community Education. Serving over 1000 students from grades nine to twelve, Denfeld High School has become a West Duluth landmark. Additionally, the school underwent major reconstruction in order to conform to state standards. Common Application) from a college or scholarship. Denfeld High School, along with three other schools in St. Louis County have received a threat. DULUTH, Minn. Duluth Public Schools officials announced on Tuesday that a new principal has been chosen for Denfeld High School. 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. Freshmen decorate the hall near the cafeteria and sophomores decorate the other half of the hall, while juniors decorate the second floor. Upcoming Events. Dr. Wayne Samskar (1970 to 1984) On July 29, the School Board voted to terminate Sconiers. The Fond du Lac Tribal Police Department and Minnesota State Patrol also responded to the scene. more >>. G. Robert 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.. Make a gift of any amount today to support this resource for everyone. Tom Tusken is a 1990 Denfeld graduate and the fourth alumnus to serve as the principal of the high school, according to the Denfeld Alumni Association. Phone 218-726-2559. The more notice that you give your letter writer, the better. 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. reported in St. Louis County in two days, and the second at Denfeld. Denfeld High School - Principals. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it, Anyone can read, no subscription required, See 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. 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. 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 was first hired in Duluth in March 2000 to work as an assistant principal at Denfeld. 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. 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. 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.. Nate Burke (Class of '21) qualifies for State. Perhaps the most iconic feature of the Denfeld High School building is its 120-foot clock tower. Sconiers, along with her attorneys, held a news conference to make a statement and answer questions from the media. 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. The school is known for its architecture, including a . Denfeld High School Principals , Star Tribune 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. With a population of almost 85,000, the city of Duluth provides diversified business, professional and industrial services to northeastern Minnesota. To accommodate the new addition, Denfeld's signature brick chimney had to be removed. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. We believe this is not a credible threat as the call came from out of state. Tuesday March 7. MLS # Some new features include a drop-down menu of all of our school websites at the topof your screen as well as a button to navigate to our district page. 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.. Sconiers was placed on administrative leave by the Duluth school district in June.. Duluth East High School, 301 N 40th Ave E, Duluth, MN 55804, USA, UnitedHealthCare, 4316 Rice Lake Rd, Duluth, MN 55811, USA, Lakewood Elementary School, 5207 N Tischer Rd, Duluth, MN 55804, USA, Lowell Elementary School, 2000 Rice Lake Rd, Duluth, MN 55811, USA, Homecroft Elementary School, 4784 Howard Gnesen Rd, Duluth, MN 55803, USA, Congdon Park Elementary School, 3116 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55812, USA, about Enroll your kids in kindergarten now, about Threat at Denfeld High School believed to not be creditable, about Letter to families about Trye Nichols death, about Transportation Update: Jan. 25, 2023, about Jill Lofald elected as the Duluth School Board chair for 2023, about Meet the new assistant principal at Lowell, about Policy Committee - Duluth School Board, about Committee of the Whole - Duluth School Board, about HR/Business Services Committee - Duluth School Board, about Duluth School Board Regular Meeting, about Homecroft Kindergarten Meet & Greet, Academic Excellence Online (AEO) High School, Threat at Denfeld High School believed to not be creditable, Letter to families about Trye Nichols death, Jill Lofald elected as the Duluth School Board chair for 2023, Meet the new assistant principal at Lowell, Committee of the Whole - Duluth School Board, HR/Business Services Committee - Duluth School Board. Former Duluth East High School Principal Laurie Knapp Serving over 1000 students from grades nine to twelve, Denfeld High School has become a West Duluth landmark. . The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) model. It saddens me that the district attempted to silence me by threatening me, then suspending me and now firing me, Sconiers said. Career Clubs provide experiences beyond the classroom and help students connect to their schools. accomplished in 2018 after a resolution was passed by the School Board The remaining students enter the military or the work force. Sconiers was given the opportunity to fight the termination through arbitration but decided to withdraw her request for arbitration on Monday. Similarly, Ceynowa said such false reports can impact law enforcement's response to other incidents in the community. After the pageant are more skits and the winner of the hall decorating contest is announced. 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. This will be Lofalds fourth year serving as board chair. 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., (From left) Former Denfeld High School principal Tonya Sconiers sits alongside attorneys Ben Kwan and Ted Haller, at a press conference Monday, Sept. 9 about a lawsuit she filed against the Duluth Public Schools and two of its leaders. 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. DULUTH, Minn. - On Tuesday, the Duluth School Board approved a settlement agreement with former Denfeld high school principal Tonya Sconiers. 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. Tonya Sconiers (2012 to present) Tom Tusken will step into the principals office in August after serving as the schools assistant principal. The current building was constructed in red brick and limestone at a cost of $1,250,000 and opened in September 1926. 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. Everyone stands throughout the entire assembly. 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. Nathan Anderson started as the new assistant principal at Lowell Elementary Oct. 24. Teachers write these letters during their time off of school - nights & weekends. 2019 Track, Blake Eaton (Class of '22) sets State Record in 200 meter dash, wheelchair division at 35.70 seconds. Brooks Johnson More information >>, Follow Denfeld on Facebook Tonya M. Sconiers (2012-Present) Ed Crawford (2005 to 2012) William Westholm (1995 to 2005) George F. Holliday, Jr. (1991 to 1995) Dr. Stephen Seyfer (1984 to 1991) Dr. Wayne Samskar (1970 to 1984) Robert Van Kleek (1963 to 1970) 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. DULUTH Law enforcement officials in Duluth and Carlton County responded to swatting incidents at Denfeld and Esko high schools on Thursday. 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. Sconiers said she was saddened to be at odds with the district leadership and school district. . 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. Dell Daedo (1948 to 1963) 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. DULUTH Law enforcement officials in Duluth and Carlton County responded to swatting incidents at Denfeld and Esko high schools on Thursday. On Monday, Sconiers withdrew her request for arbitration. 218-336-8830. Denfeld's Maroon and Gold Day is Friday of homecoming week. The complaint also alleges that the district discriminated against Sconiers based on sex and race. Nobody could possibly be associated with Walt Hunting and not be better for it because he symbolizes everything great about America. Denfeld is known for its large endowment - about $7 million currently - meant for only its students. The 2,000 sq. Principal: Thomas Tusken Assistant Principals: Joanna Sackette, Eric Stang Activities Director: Tom . To submit an event to the community calendar, email news@pinejournal.com. At this time, no arrests have been made. Taylor (1918 to 1945) Joe Eklund (class of '22) named a Minnesota Mr. Soccer Finalist, 2022 Boys Soccer, Section 7AA runners-up. This is evident in that three quarters of our students go on to some form of further education or training. 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. I will not be silenced. Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten is the regional editor for Duluth Media Group, overseeing the Cloquet Pine Journal and the Superior Telegram. 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. It can accommodate nearly 2000 people in the audience, 200 on stage and includes an orchestra pit. Programs of study are offered in 6 broad Minnesota Career Fields with exposure to over 13 career clusters and pathways. Enrollment for kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year is open and meet and greets have been scheduled. Winners are chosen by three judges, all Denfeld staff, based on audience reaction. The now-former Denfeld High School principal filed a federal lawsuit against Duluth Public Schools and key leaders Monday morning. "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. 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. 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. Ordean Middle School would be turned into a high school with both buildings being remodeled and expanded to accommodate 1500 students. ft. home is a 5 bed, 2.0 bath property. Staff at the sheriff's office contacted high school officials and "initiated the necessary safety and response protocols," Danielson said. The face was later painted black, in order to make it more easily visible from Grand Avenue. Its ongoing mission is to sustain alumni relations and celebrate the spirit of Denfeld High School and western Duluth. Denfeld High. Denfeld High School is located in Duluth, Minnesota next to the shores of Lake Superior. The now-former Denfeld High School principal filed a federal lawsuit against Duluth Public Schools and key leaders Monday morning. 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.". George F. Holliday, Jr. (1991 to 1995) Denfeld High School serves approximately the western half of the city and has been in existence since 1905. Construction began in 2009 and continued until 2011. There are two ways to enroll new students in school. Sullivan designed the H-shaped English Gothic style building which features medieval carvings by Duluth master stone carver George Thrana. 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. Post High School Planning. 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. At this time the federal case is still ongoing. 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. ", 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. 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. 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. This 1,550 square foot home was built in 2007. It was later called Duluth Industrial High School. As a result of the construction, Denfeld and Central students both attended Central during the 201011 school year. . In 2011, Central closed, leaving Denfeld and East as the only public high schools in Duluth. (Adelle Whitefoot /. 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. 1926 Football Head of the Lakes champions, 1990 Soccer's inaugural season, unofficial "Area" Champs as local teams were only HS Club level until '91, 1994 Boys Soccer Lake Superior Conference Champions, North Sub-Section 4 champions, Section 4 runners-up, 1996 Football Sea Range Conference champions, 2002 Boys Soccer Lake Superior Conference champions, 2003 Boys Soccer Lake Superior Conference champions. 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. Course Offerings; . . 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. Finally on July 29, the district informed principal Sconiers it intended to fire her, Kwan said. Tusken has served in his current position as assistant principal for two. 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. 319 N 60th Ave W , Duluth, MN 55807-1903 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $175,000. Knapp had retired in 2016. 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. A warm welcome to you and your family! The Duluth Public Schools announced Tuesday that Tom Tusken would be the next principal of Denfeld High School. Read the latest news in the Carlton County, Dontcha Know newsletter published every Friday. The tournaments are free and open to the public to watch. Principals are responsible for implementing cold weather guidelines for their school building. Communication with parents and staff per individual student . Denfeld was instrumental in the creation of a two-year program to train teachers which eventually grew to become the University of Minnesota Duluth. April 28, 2020 - 6:43 PM. 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. If you would like to provide feedback or have questions, please email communications@isd709.org. 401 N. 44th Ave. W. Duluth. The Blue Plan: East and Denfeld would be transformed into middle schools. 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 see that you have javascript disabled. 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 was determined that the threat was false and the campus was determined to be safe," Danielson said. The tower features eight buttresses. The grant will allow students at the college to work with local producers to study the impact of rice hulls as mulch for crops. has taken over the role at Denfeld on a substitute basis As reported by Carlton County District Court. Available from yourneighborhood schoolor print them out using the links below. 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. Denfeld High School is located in Duluth, Minnesota next to the shores of Lake Superior. . Denfeld's Spirit creates a safe and welcoming environment that provides opportunities for all. Dr. Stephen Seyfer (1984 to 1991) What does that mean? Principals. Read More about Meet the new assistant principal at Lowell. MN. 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. Scott 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. 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. 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. The Denfeld Marching Band and the Dance Team always perform during the halftime show. 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. Minnesota Power seeks $25 million from Legislature for power line upgrade, Carlton County, Dontcha Know: A local language 'nest,' a robotics competition, a Bison NLI signing and more, Community Calendar: Poultry for Beginners Class, Health Care Fraud Prevention class and more, Carlton County 4-H Federation sends care packages to troops, Wrenshall Schools seek superintendent candidates, Levy increase of nearly 4% proposed for Thomson Township, Community Education Corner: Register for 'The Prom' today, Northland robotics teams to compete at DECC, Threats to Denfeld, other Northland schools deemed not credible, State extends sunset date for Carlton County Jail, Cloquet Board to hold special session for athletic facility project. Adelle Whitefoot / awhitefoot@duluthnews.com. We see that you have javascript disabled. They start at 9 a.m. Friday. Tom Tusken will. Submit family and student information electronically to enroll students from Birth to Grade 12. Serving over 1000 students from grades nine to twelve, Denfeld High School has become a West Duluth landmark. 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. 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. She was appointed to principal in July 2012. Construction crews cafefully removed the bricks, and the school planned to preserve some bricks for historical purposes. 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.. Public figures who've visited in the auditorium include Richard Nixon and Johnny Cash. Features: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. When Tusken's name was called, he received a standing ovation from the audience. 2021 Golf. Denfeld High School.