Education

School Systems Continue To Fight Staffing Shortages and Covid

As covid continues to grip the community, some schools are talking about moving to remote learning again, with some already doing it.

DULUTH/PROCTOR, Minn. — The Duluth Public Schools, and Proctor school transportation systems are few of the many impacted by covid. Aside from positive cases, the staff shortages are also playing a role in having to move things around, to keep the learning going. As covid continues to grip the community, some schools are talking about moving to remote learning again,…

Learn Snowkiting Basics with UMD Rec Sports Outdoor Program

Snowkiting, also called kiteboarding, involves riding the wind with a big kite pulling a skier or snowboarder along.

DULUTH, Minn.- Thrill-seekers looking for another way to get the adrenaline pumping this winter can learn to catch the steady winds that blow over frozen lakes on a snowkite. UMD’S rec sports outdoor program offered introduction-sessions Friday. Snowkiting, also called kiteboarding, involves riding the wind with a big kite pulling a skier or snowboarder along. Students will learn how to…

University of Wisconsin Superior Hits New Enrollment Record

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The University of Wisconsin Superior saw a record number of students enroll for this spring semester. According to University officials, after an sharp increase in total enrollment last fall the positive trend is continued in the spring semester, with an 8% increase year-over-year, marking a five-year high in undergraduate, new and transfer students, as well as graduate students. The…

COVID Cases, Staff Shortages Could Shift Duluth Schools to Distance Learning ‘with little notice’

The district considers three key variables as criteria for determining the need to move to distance learning at a single school, an entire level, or for the entire district.

DULUTH, Minn.- As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the region, officials with Duluth ISD 709 shared the factors needed to keep learning in person, warning that a switch to virtual could happen fast. According to a press release sent out by Superintendent John Magas Friday, experts the district is consulting with forecasted that there will be “significant improvement” to…

UMD Continues Mask Requirement, Students Mixed on Duluth’s New Mandate

DULUTH, Minn. – While the City of Duluth is resuming its mask mandate Friday evening, mask requirements are nothing new for students, faculty, and staff at UMD. People have been asked to wear one, regardless of vaccination status, inside campus buildings since early August. For some students, wearing a mask elsewhere in the city will help keep everyone safe from the…

UMD Students Signing Petition to Protest Vaccine Form for Enrollment

DULUTH, Minn. – The start of the spring semester at UMD saw one recent student begin an effort to end the vaccine requirement to attend classes. Lucius Lafromboise is protesting against the form required by the University of Minnesota system that identifies a person’s vaccination status, or list a medical or religious exemption against getting one.  He chose not to fill…

Proctor Schools, Essentia Health Host Student Career Fair

PROCTOR, Minn. – Students at Proctor High and A.I. Jedlicka Middle schools got the chance to learn more about the various job opportunities the medical field has to offer. Proctor Pathways and Essentia Health showcased nearly two dozen different departments, ranging from nursing to athletic training to sterile processing tech. Organizers say this is the first time since the start…

All Superior Students Required To Mask Up Again Wednesday

According to the Superintendent, going back to masking is the best way to get ahead of the spread and go back to the low transmission they saw from September to December.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Starting Wednesday, masks are back for everyone in Superior Schools — less than a week after making masks optional when cases were low enough among students and staff. But that’s not the case anymore, and Superintendent Amy Starzecki said this change could happen, basing it all on the numbers. It may seem like a quick turnaround, but Starzecki…

UMD’s ‘Preschool at the Park’ Reopening On-Campus Nature-Based Program

The Preschool at the Park is set to open on January 10th after being closed since the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020.

DULUTH, Minn.- After almost two years UMD will be welcoming back some much younger students to their campus little preschoolers. The Preschool at the Park is set to open on January 10th after being closed since the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020. Located in the Chester Park Building, the program is nature-based enhancing the 3 to 5-year-old’s…

Duluth Schools Superintendent on Returning to School In-Person Amid Post-Holidays COVID Surge

According to the superintendent, the mask requirement on campuses that started at the beginning of the school year will remain in effect.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the omicron variant fuels a surge of COVID cases nationwide the day kids return to schools after the holidays, Duluth ISD 709 superintendent John Magas said the plan is to continue in-person learning with a heavy dose of caution. “We certainly need to take it very seriously we’re doing everything possible to make sure we’re ensuring safety…

Milwaukee Schools Going Virtual Due to Staff COVID-19 Cases

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin’s largest school district will transition to virtual instruction beginning Tuesday because of an increase in staff testing positive for COVID-19. Milwaukee public schools were scheduled to resume in-person learning Tuesday, but because of an influx of reported positive COVID-19 cases among district staff, the emergency safety measure is being implemented. The district says its goal is…

Mask Mandate To Be Lifted For Superior School District Jan. 3

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District is ditching its mask mandate after the holiday break, Supt. Amy Starzecki said in an email Tuesday evening to the Spartan community. Starting Monday, Jan. 3, students, staff and visitors can choose whether to wear a mask in any of the district’s buildings because Starzecki says COVID cases have been on the decrease…

Educational Event Held About Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Domestic Violence

DULUTH, Minn. — An event was held Saturday evening at the Radisson Hotel to continue the conversation of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and to educate the public about the domestic violence that many of them face. “There are quite a few people in our city that have gone missing or have been murdered, my cousin being one of them…

Grad Walk Ceremony Celebrates UWS Fall Graduates

Around 50 students participated in the grad walk at the Yellowjacket Union.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Saturday, dozens of UWS Yellowjackets walked in their cap and gowns to receive their diplomas in person for their fall graduation ceremony. 327 students graduated Saturday and even though the university is not back to traditional ceremonies just yet, they still wanted to recognize students in some way for their accomplishments. Around 50 students participated in the…

UMD Students Head Home After Last Day of Last Semester of 2021

The first semester back to full operations after the pandemic forced UMD to limit the number of face-to-face classes last academic season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students wrapped up their final day of classes for the semester today. It was the first semester back to full operations after the pandemic forced UMD to limit the number of face-to-face classes last academic season. It was a quiet last day on campus, as many students wrapped up their final tests and prepared to head home…

Duluth Public Library Launches ‘Get Wrapped Up In A Good Book’

DULUTH, Minn. – “Get Wrapped Up In A Good Book” is on display at the Duluth Public Main Library. In the spirit of the holiday season, the display features a selection of wrapped books targeted for teens, with each book giving a small description of what to expect inside. As people walk by the display, library staff encourage visitors to…

ISD 709 Addresses Concern Of School Threats Stemming From Disturbing National TikTok Trend

DULUTH, Minn. — The ISD 709 superintendent is addressing the issue of school threats being made over social media, causing safety concerns for students, parents, and campus staff in the city. In an email sent on Thursday, superintendent John Magas passed along the information that was sent to all school districts in Minnesota from the state’s Department of Public Safety…

Bill Allows UW System To Negotiate Tuition Reciprocity

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A bipartisan bill introduced in the state Assembly would give the University of Wisconsin System authority over tuition reciprocity with Minnesota. The legislation would also let UW campuses keep additional revenue from students paying Minnesota tuition rates, revenue that is currently deposited into Wisconsin’s state budget. The reciprocity agreements between Wisconsin and Minnesota have been in…

LSC Art Show Includes 300-Plus Pieces From Students

DULUTH, Minn. – If you like supporting art in the community, Lake Superior College is the place to be Wednesday. More than 300 pieces of artwork are on display from students there. They include jewelry, digital drawing, digital photography, digital graphic designs, ceramics, and painting. Some students are even putting their artwork up for sale. “I came to the art…

COVID Concerns, Staffing Shortages Extend Winter Break For Duluth Public Schools

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board approved an extended winter break of an additional two days during a special meeting Tuesday evening. The two days include Wednesday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Jan. 3, which is district-wide. District officials say the extended break will help deal with staffing shortages and student safety involving COVID. “With general staffing shortages, many unfilled…

Bluebird Foundation Celebrates Youth in Arts, Local Holiday Album Release

6 regional high school-aged students were awarded $5,000 in grants and scholarships for excelling in dance, music, theater, and new this year, the culinary arts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local high schoolers in the performing arts were celebrated while rocking out to the newest local holiday hits at the Greysolon Ballroom in Downtown Duluth. At their Fall Scholarship Ceremony, the Bluebird Foundation premiered their annual “Christmas by the Lake” album, featuring music from 14 local performers. 6 regional high school-aged students were awarded $5,000 in grants and…

Area School Districts Facing Staffing Shortages

DULUTH, Minn. — As we approach the end of the 2021 school year area districts like Duluth and Hermantown are concerned about their substitute teacher staffing moving forward. Not only subs but bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians people behind the scenes who lift the educations system for the students. It all affects the district’s ability to keep students learning in person,…

CSS Reveals Major Fundraising Accomplishment with Annual Lighting Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. — The College of Saint Scholastica held its 26th annual lighting ceremony Tuesday evening which was followed by the president’s holiday reception, where a major fundraising announcement was made. CSS held their annual advent vespers service, and lighting tradition ceremony Tuesday evening. Crowds showed up to listen to President Barbara McDonald speak along with Christmas carols sung by…

Three Duluth Elementary Schools Showcase New Nature Playscapes

Students will use the Nature Playscapes Throughout the Academic Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The preschool program at Duluth Public Schools is celebrating a big outdoor milestone. Three new nature playscapes are being unveiled to students under the age of five this week. The campuses receiving the new spaces include Myers Wilkins, Piedmont, and Laura MacArthur Elementary Schools. For the Duluth Public Schools early childhood coordinator, this opportunity is about providing…

Exhibit at UWS Meant to Teach and Shed Light On Refugees

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Students of international politics at UWS showed off an exhibit today focused around the lives of refugees. It’s called the ‘Refugee for 50 Minutes Exhibit: from Afghanistan to Germany.” The students had a goal to teach people about the definition of refugees, their legal protections, and their experiences. “The idea is that we can all do something,…

UMD Undergrad Students Showcase Research Projects

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of UMD undergraduate students had the chance to showcase their recent research projects to the public today. The Undergraduate Research and Artistic Showcase takes place each November and April. Students participating are awarded a $1,500 scholarship to use toward their research project. For one student, the research was pandemic-related, specifically looking at zoom fatigue, and…

UMD Police Officers Now Sporting Body Cameras, UWS to Follow in 2022

Both Police Chiefs say, holding officers, as well as civilians accountable, is important in even the safest of environments.

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- For the first time UMD’S Police Department has gotten body-worn cameras this year. This as the police chief across the bridge at the University of Wisconsin Superior also announced they’re set to receive body cameras in February of 2022. “It was something that we wanted to do for quite some time,” UMD Police Chief Sean Huls said. After several…

Piedmont Students Take Learning to New Heights Launching Weather Balloon to Space

The students attached science experiments to the balloon, to see how they will react in the stratosphere.

DULUTH, Minn.- Piedmont Elementary School science students are once again taking their learning up, up, and away launching a weather balloon into space today. The balloon is equipped with a high-altitude computer so the students can study the altitude, temperature, and barometric pressure here on earth. But this year, the 5th grade students wanted to do more than just go…

‘Product Used in Utility Work’ Being Investigated in Spooner Middle School Illness-Causing Odor Incident

The Spooner Area School District announced Friday that in-person instruction will not resume at Spooner Middle School until they complete the investigation.

SPOONER, Wis.- The Spooner Area School District announced Friday that in-person instruction will not resume at Spooner Middle School until they complete an investigation into an illness-causing odor which sent students and staff home Wednesday. Since the evacuation didn’t allow students to gather computers, materials, or other devices before leaving the building, families will be able to pick up materials…

Duluth Library Foundation Reaches $100,000 Goal Towards Educational Readiness Program

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Library Foundation has hit a major milestone a year earlier than expected involving its “Every Child Ready Duluth” program. Two philanthropists, Karen and Royal Alworth offered to match gifts and donations to the program dollar for dollar up to $100,000, and because the goal has been met already, they’re extended the match through the end…

Approved Referendum Means Big Improvements For Lake Superior School District

There is no time frame for the completion of the projects. 

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The Lake Superior School District up the north shore received the go-ahead on one part of a two-question referendum Wednesday night. 61% of voters approved a multi-million dollar plan to make major improvements to the infrastructure of three schools. “I floated out of the building to be honest last night to be honest,” Lake Superior School…

U of M Offering Free, Reduced Tuition to Native American Students on All Campuses

First-year or tribal college transfer undergrads from families making under $75,000 will be eligible to have 100% of their tuition waived. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota will be offering free or reduced tuition for Native American students at all five campuses, including UMD. In the Native American Promise Tuition Program, first-year or tribal college transfer undergrads from families making under $75,000 will be eligible to have 100% of their tuition waived. Students from higher-earning families (up to $125,000 annually) will…

Duluth School District to Start Voluntary Vaccination Clinics for Elementary Students

It would allow students a better chance of not contracting the virus and learning in person.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth school district could become one of the first districts in the state to host voluntary vaccine clinics for 5 to 11-year-olds. Pending FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group on Tuesday, the district is poised to become one of three districts in the state of Minnesota to offer these clinics. The superintendent…

U of M Offering Free Or Reduced Tuition To Native American Students

(University of Minnesota) MINNEAPOLIS, (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota is offering free or greatly reduced tuition for Native American students on any of its five campuses. Starting in Fall 2022, the U of M will provide a scholarship covering full tuition at the Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester or Twin Cities campus for first-year or Tribal college transfer undergraduate…

Lights On Afterschool Highlights Programs Who Help Beyond The Classroom

DULUTH, Minn. — An after school program collaboration between Duluth Public Schools and the YMCA has been around since 2012, but Thursday, one of these programs took a chance to recognize the importance of them. Lights On Afterschool, was recognized by the Keyzone After School Program of Piedmont Elementary School which has about 1,000 students enrolled in the program. Staff…

Best High School Singers in State Perform At UMD Honor Choir Concert

40 high school students who made auditions started rehearsing songs Monday morning for the concert later in the day.

DULUTH, Minn.- What do you get when you take some of the best high school singers from across Minnesota and put them together? Sweet music. That’s what was on display at UMD’S High School Honor Choir Concert. 40 high school students who made auditions started rehearsing songs Monday morning for the concert — just later in the day. This was…

School Board Resignations Triple in Minnesota

Nearly 70 Board Members Have Resigned in 2021, Triple the Number of Resignations in a Regular Year

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Contentious disagreements over COVID-19 policies and critical race theory have caused a significant increase in the number of local school board resignations in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota School Boards Association, nearly 70 board members have resigned from their positions this year, triple the number of resignations in a regular year. The association says that equates…

Starbase Receives $25,000 Grant From New Partner

DULUTH, Minn. — Starbase Minnesota-Duluth is excited to receive a $25,000 grant Wednesday from Enbridge Fueling Futures. Starbase is a non profit education organization that specializes in teaching area 5th graders in various branches of science, technology, engineering and math in a hands-on way. Starbase opened up their new state of the art building in September of 2020, and this…

Proctor Police Chief: County Atty. To Receive Football ‘Misconduct’ Investigation This Week

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor’s police chief told FOX 21 on Monday that his investigators worked on police reports over the weekend to wrap up their investigation into criminal misconduct allegations involving some members of the high school’s football team. Chief Kent Gaidis expects to hand over his department’s reports this week to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office for possible…

Gov. Walz Announces Gift Cards, Shot at Scholarships for Vaccinated 12-17 Year-Olds

Those between the ages of 12 to 17 can get a $200 VISA gift card if they get vaccinated, and a shot at one of 5 $100k scholarships

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz just rolled out a new incentive program for Minnesota pre-teens and teens to get the COVID vaccine. The program is called “Kids Deserve a Shot.” Those between the ages of 12 to 17 can get a $200 VISA gift card if they get vaccinated. The Governor says with covid-19 cases surging in the state…

Tonight At 9: Now-Former Proctor Football Coach Speaks Out Amid Criminal Investigation Into Some Players

PROCTOR, Minn. – In his first sit-down TV interview, former Proctor football coach Derek Parendo speaks out to FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali about what led him to resign his position amid the ongoing criminal misconduct investigation involving players of the Rails football team.  The video above is a preview from the 5:30 p.m. newscast.  See the full story…

UWS Hosting Best High School Musicians for Tri-State Jazz Festival

Aside from the Tri-State Jazz Festival, the Tri-State Band Festival is Also Happening Oct. 21 at UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior is preparing to host some of the best high school jazz musicians from throughout the Northland for the Tri-State Jazz Festival. The event is happening on Thursday, Oct. 14. “It’s a really fun event, and it’s not just me saying that,” said Greg Kehl Moore, professor of music and jazz program director. “Everyone…

UWS Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Medicine Wheel

The ceremony featured a performance from the Woodland Sky Native American Dance Group on the Medicine Wheel outside Yellowjacket Unio

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The University Of Wisconsin Superior celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day in person again this year by showcasing native culture on the campus’s Medicine Wheel and community gathering space. The ceremony featured a performance from the Woodland Sky Native American Dance Group on the Medicine Wheel outside Yellowjacket Union. Officials say the wheel, an Ojibwe tradition, is also a symbol…

Nursing Shortage Affecting St. Ann’s, Lake Superior College’s CNA Program

60 people are employed at St. Ann's Residence, when 70 is what is considered full staff.

DULUTH, Minn.- While there’s been much about pandemic-fueled stress on Minnesota hospitals, the state’s long-term care industry is now facing a workforce shortage like no other. Now schools like Lake Superior College are struggling to graduate students into more entry-level healthcare positions to fill the void. “There is a huge need locally, regionally, across the state as well as nationally…