Education

Duluth Public Schools Supt. Reacts to President Trump’s Order to Dismantle Dept. of Education

  DULUTH, Minn. —  Duluth Public Schools Supt. John Magas has released the following statement about President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Dept. of Education: “Duluth Public Schools is aware of the recent presidential executive order concerning the U.S. Department of Education. We are carefully reviewing the implications of this order for our district and our families. In…

‘Empty Bowl Fundraiser’ Raises $1,600 for Safe Haven Shelter

DULUTH, Minn.– A group of middle schoolers from Many Rivers Montessori School raised an impressive $1,600 for Safe Haven Shelter. Since 2022, the “Empty Bowl Fundraiser” has given students at Many Rivers Montessori a chance to help out the community. This year, the kids voted to help Safe Haven Shelters in Duluth. The 7th and 8th graders teamed up with…

U.M.D. Psychology Department Brings Mobile Neuroscience Lab to Cloquet Middle School

CLOQUET, Minn. — Students at Cloquet Middle School got a chance today to do some hands on learning about their brains. Undergraduate students from U.M.D.’s psychology department brought their mobile neuroscience lab to the middle school, and spent time teaching the seventh graders all about the brain. For one of those U.M.D. students, it was a great chance to see…

Proctor Middle & Highschool Transforms Library Space

  PROCTOR, Minn.– For over a decade, what is now the Cultural Event Center and Library was dormant. But now, Proctor Schools is finally unveiling a brand-new space for students and staff to enjoy. The new library was a two-year long project, and it solves issues related to spacing. Community members, staff and faculty pitched in both money and hundreds…

Mother Hopes To Inspire Others After Fast-Track Diploma Experience At Northwood Technical College

SUPERIOR, Wis. — We don’t always get to see the impact stories we share have on the community. We were lucky enough to have one local woman reach out to us, sharing her story of achieving an education later in life, thanks to an education institution we reported on in Superior. Now, she’s hoping to inspire others to reach for…

Inaugural Inclusivity Summit at College of Saint Scholastica

  DULUTH, Minn.– Enhancing inclusivity in both the workplace and the community was highlighted today in a gathering at Saint Scholastica. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Saint Scholastica and Lake Superior College for the Inaugural Inclusion Summit. The Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded a $190,000 grant to the Chamber of Commerce last summer. In a…

Hermantown School Board Approves of $750K in Budget Cuts for Next School Year

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Hermantown Community Schools is slashing next year’s budget by $750,000, and 6 position are being eliminated. On Monday night’s school board meeting, the school board unanimously approved of budget which looks to cut $730,000 for the 2025-26 school year. Cuts include: Two retirements ($60K) Eliminate summer days for media specialists ($3K) High School Social Studies attrition ($131K)…

Construct Tomorrow Teaches Students About Careers in Construction

  DULUTH, Minn — High Schoolers got a chance to try their hands at construction today! The DECC hosted “Construct Tomorrow”. An event aimed at getting people into construction apprenticeships. During the day local Highschoolers were there to learn and try things out. They got to meet employers, try out different tools and equipment, and talk to experts. “A lot…

‘Duluth Promise’ Promotes Workforce Partnerships with Local Students

DULUTH, Minn. — A new initiative in Duluth is planning to not only solve retention issues, but also fix a shrinking workforce. ‘The Duluth Promise’ is a new partnership between educational institutions and workforce partners to build a stronger local workforce. By linking the two, schools will be able to equip students with career paths, by teaching them in-demand skills…

“T Building” Welcomes in New Integrated Manufacturing Space at Lake Superior College

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Superior College’s downtown location for welding, mechanics, and robotics students is now part of its main campus in Duluth. The space with the “Trades and Technology” portions of the campus has been remodeled for the additional students. The area will house classrooms for everything related to Fire and EMT, Carpentry and Welding alongside other trade opportunities. In…

St. Louis River Summit Celebrates Major Cleanup Milestone

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A three-day summit looks to celebrate and educate the progress and history of the St. Louis River. The St. Louis River has been a major area of concern after parts of the tributary were contaminated by a former US Steel Superfund site. At this year’s summit, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency was proud to announce some success. Last…

Childcare Advocates Participating in “A Day Without Childcare” Rally

DULUTH, Minn.– The importance of prioritizing childcare centers and providers is being highlighted across the country today including in Duluth. Childcare providers, teachers and parents gathered at ‘Young Minds Learning Center’ to highlight the importance of properly funded childcare. A press conference, march, a rally, and multiple center closures happened in Duluth to drive the point home. The advocates are…

Local Instructors Meet for 12th Annual Lake Superior Summit on Teaching of Writing

DULUTH, Minn.– As the world continues evolving, so do the methods teachers use in the classrooms. For 12 years now The Lake Superior Summit on Teaching of Writing and English as Second Language has been gathering teachers from 6 different institutions for this collaborative event. The topics covered included teaching and learning with disabilities, communication, and workshops. Every year they…

Spring Career Fair at UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin – Superior held its annual Spring Career Fair today. Attendees had the opportunity to explore careers, network with potential employers, and get professional headshots. They also welcome students from all of the local colleges as well as alumni and community members. Seventy-five employers were there including many regional health care providers and law…

Superior Middle School holds its first Young Writers Conference

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Aspiring authors in Superior had a chance to learn more about writing from local authors today. Superior Middle School held its first Young Writers Conference. Middle school students were given a chance to submit a piece of writing. Fifteen submissions from each grade were chosen to attend. At the conference, students got to hear from a published…

Interim President of Northland College Speaks About Campus Closure

ASHLAND, Wis. — The Interim President of the soon-to-close Northland College is talking about the difficult decision that the university is in. On Wednesday, the college made the unexpected announcement that the 133-year-old college is shutting down at the end of this academic school year. The news came just five months after northland college officials said they received donations to…

Northland College to Close at End of 2024-25 Academic School Year

ASHLAND, Wis. — Northland College Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Wednesday to permanently close the college at the end of the 2024-25 academic school year. The college was founded in 1892, being the first to fully integrate an environmental focus with its liberal arts curriculum. But after it’s 133-year run, officials say the college is closing due to declining…

Students participate in annual winter walk to school day

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a frigid morning for those students participating in the annual winter walk to school day. On Feb. 5, schools across the state of Minnesota encouraged students to walk or bike to school if able, instead of their usual mode of transportation. Congdon Park Elementary was one such school, and had many families who lived close…

‘Climate Future’ Conference at UMD

DULUTH, Minn.– The future climate of Duluth is the center of a two-day public conference at UMD this week. Environmental experts throughout the state of Minnesota are part of the “Climate Future” conference, including the D-N-R, NOAA and ‘the institute of environment’ a U-M-D. Workshops, panel discussions and presentations are all part of the process to engage everyday citizens who…

Pass Program Begins between DTA and Duluth Public Schools

DULUTH, Minn. — High School Students in Duluth have more access to transportation around the city. Duluth Public Schools and the Duluth Transit Authority have partnered to offer all high school students and staff free bus rides through the DTA. This will help give students more ways to get to and from school. There aren’t limits on the passes, so…

‘Catastrophic Failure’ Of Pipe Causes Significant Water Damage At Keewatin Elementary

KEEWATIN, Minn. — A “catastrophic failure” of a pipe Sunday morning caused significant water damage at Keewatin Elementary, forcing the school to be closed through at least Tuesday, Jan. 28, according to Principal Dr. Rae Villebrun. Cafeteria “We are currently working with Service Master, IEA, our custodial/maintenance staff, and insurance company to ensure the building is ready for the students…

Applications Now Open For St. Louis County Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office has opened registration for its Citizens’ Police Academy. The academy is happening every Tuesday night from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. from March 4 until May 20. The free interactive presentations and tours will show you the inner workings of a dozen departments within the Sheriff’s Office, including the Jail, 911…

Proctor Middle School Principal Named MN’s Principal of The Year

PROCTOR, Minn. — One ‘awesome’ local principal has won the Minnesota Principal of the Year award. Mr. Awsumb at Proctor Middle School didn’t go into the job for winning awards, but spent some time sharing with us the dedication that led to getting that recognition. With a flurry of fist bumps for everyone who passes him, It’s no surprise that…

Duluth School District Budget Reduction Leads to Potential Layoffs

DULUTH, Minn.– Staff layoffs are taking place in the Duluth School District due to budget cuts. Superintendent John Magas says, the budget reduction is caused by pandemic relief funding ending as well as financial challenges, inflation, and rising special education costs. 83-85% of that budget is responsible for salaries and benefits. Over 50 meetings took place to discuss the best course…

Spanish Immersion Program Expands to Meyers-Wilkins Elementary

DULUTH, Minn.– Following the popularity of the Spanish Immersion Program at Lowell Elementary School. Meyer’s Wilkins Elementary is next in line. The Spanish Immersion Program is part of the Duluth Public School’s efforts to help the demand for diverse learning. Right now, this program takes place at Lowell Elementary. Lowell has 325 students enrolled in the program. For Fall of…

Stella Maris Academy Unveils New Science Wing

DULUTH, Minn. — Stella Maris Academy High School has completed phase two in its renovation process, which includes a state of the art science wing. The campus has been undergoing renovations since its purchase four years ago. Phase one in the improvements included remodeling general classrooms, and the now completed phase two consisted of the science wing. A ribbon cutting…

Solar Power Projects in Works at Duluth Public Schools

Duluth Minn — Duluth Public Schools are finalizing plans for two new solar projects on district property. One project will be installed near Lincoln Park Middle School. The other at the school’s district office. The solar power will not only help provide cleaner energy but also helps offset the costs of the energy they currently use. Students assisted in advocating…

Former Hermantown PTO Treasurer Sentenced After Stealing Over $100,000

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A Hermantown woman has been sentenced after stealing over $100,000 from the Hermantown Parent Teachers Organization (PTO). Trista Swanson, 44, was sentenced to three years of probation on four counts of felony theft. Swanson must also pay back the $103,017.41 that she stole from the PTO. She plead guilty to these charges in October. Swanson was the…

Lake Superior College Awarded $200,000 Grant for Accessibility

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Superior College has been awarded a $200,000 grant, to help provide continued accessibility for all students. The funds from the 2024 Inclusive Higher Education Grant will be going towards implementing an inclusive higher education program. The program itself is called ‘PACE’. Right now, the money is being used to help map this program out to see how it…

Superior High School Students Create and Sell Christmas Wreaths

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Superior High School Northland Academy students are getting into the holiday spirit by crafting and selling wreaths. For the past 8 years, the Northland Program has been teaching kids all of the steps to creating wreaths. From mapping out a harvesting plan in spring, to putting the wreaths and swag together in the winter. The goal is to…

Lincoln Park Middle School Students Learn About STEM Career Field

DULUTH, Minn. — An event inspiring students to look into a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math field took place on Monday. The Lincoln Park Middle School in Duluth hosted a STEMpathy Career Fair. 6th and 7th graders learned from local professionals about their career paths. Representatives from Essentia and Aspirus-St. Luke’s, a forensic scientist, and different engineering companies were in…

Duluth Public Schools District Reduces Budget by 5 Million Dollars

  DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Public School District will be reducing their overall budget by 5 million dollars. There are several reasons for the 2025-2026 school year budget reduction. The end of federal pandemic relief funding, financial challenges, inflation, and rising special education costs are a few. Currently, state funds for education have increased 2 -3% each year. And the…

Superior Schools Referendum Passed

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the recent elections, a referendum was passed to support Superior schools. The approved 5.5-million-dollar referendum will go toward continuing to cover operational expenses, as well as maintain programs, and keep class sizes low. Superior School District Administrator Dr. Amy Starzecki tells us, the goal with the referendum was to “maintain status quo”. “I think last year was…

WI State Superintendent Tours Cooper Elementary

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly took a tour of Cooper Elementary in Superior. This is part of a statewide tour to explain her 2.5 million-dollar 2025-2027 biennial budget. Underly emphasized Cooper Elementary as one of the schools that was able to maintain critical staffing and programs. She is pushing for these opportunities for all Wisconsin schools. With the funding…

2nd Annual Youth Wellness Leadership Summit

SUPERIOR, Wis. — An event encouraging youth to learn more about wellness and mental health took place in Superior on Wednesday. The Northwest Wisconsin Lung Health Alliance hosted its second annual Youth Wellness Leadership Summit. The event took place at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. About 125 middle and high school students participating. The day consisted of breakout sessions and information…

Lake Superior School District Celebrates $44.1 Million Renovations

SILVER BAY, Minn. — A year’s long dream to update William Kelley School in Silver Bay has finally come to fruition. Voters in the Lake Superior School District approved the $44.1 million district improvement plan back in 2021. Updates to learning tools, like interactive white boards, new science equipment and even general infrastructure improvement have been in the works ever…

Results Are In For Ordean East Middle School Mock Election

DULUTH, Minn. — The results are in for a mock election by Ordean East Middle School students. The mock election is a program run with the Secretary of State’s Office. Over 400 schools participated in Minnesota. The whole process included 6th through 8th grade students researching candidates before Election Day to compare issues and determine who they would vote for….

UW-Superior Celebrates 3rd Annual Sonia Kovalevsky Day

SUPERIOR, Wis.– UW-Superior held their 3rd annual Sonia Kovalesky Day to highlight mathematical activities for young girls. 76 girls from schools throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota met today to rotate through workshops, run by mathematics professors. The gathering designed to celebrate Sonia Kovalevsky. The first woman in Europe to receive a PHD. The event is also included career exploration, where students…

Duluth Public Library Hosts Mini Monster Mash

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Library hosted a ghoulish party on Thursday. The Mini Monster Mash focuses on kids ages 5 and under. The program includes a dance party, decorating hats and jack-o-lanterns and fun games. But the best part is a costume parade for the young ones to show off their costume and go trick or treating around…

UMD Students Host 2nd Annual Mock Election

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD students are encouraging new voters to make their voice heard come Election Day. The Political Science Association hosted its 2nd annual mock election. It’s a chance for students to see what it looks like to vote but also gives them an opportunity to think about who they’ll vote for ahead of big day. This event highlights…

DECC Hosts Annual MCEA Conference

DULUTH, Minn. — 500 community educators from all over the state gathering at the DECC Wednesday. They got to learn from one another and improve local school districts and communities. The Minnesota Community Education Association meets every year. In 2020, the most recent Duluth conference was cancelled. But now, the DECC is hosting the largest MCEA since the pandemic. Breakout…

UW-Superior Students De-Stress with Therapy Dog

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With the stress that school can bring, what better way to unwind than by spending time with a furry friend! This event is all part of UW-Superior’s monthly de-stress day they’re doing this fall. With having the dog on campus, students are able to learn healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress. In addition, they learn about resources…