education

Reading with Mr. Rhino: Nearly Five Years of Weekly Storytelling

Jeff Reinemann, AKA, Mr. Rhino, Reports to Read with Students at Lakewood Elementary Tuesdays & Thursdays

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re just days away from the official kick-off of “I Love to Read Month,” but that’s not stopping elementary students at Duluth’s Lakewood School from getting a jump start on their lessons. A frequent special guest is keeping the love of learning going all year long. “Setting that foundation and skills for reading early on is a…

School Closings, Delays for Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022

Closed:  Bayfield Schools – Closed Bessemer Area School District – Closed Maple Schools – Closed Northwood School District – Closed Solon Springs School – Closed South Shore School District – Closed Superior School District – Closed Opening 2 Hours Late:  Lake Superior School District – 2-hour delay Early Dismissal: Ashland School District – Elementary released at 1 p.m., Middle and…

Michigan Urges Schools to Delay or Make Large Events Remote

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan’s health and education departments are urging schools to postpone or make virtual large gatherings, including sporting events if they are not “essential” – as COVID-19 cases spike across the state. The recommendation is intended to keep schools open when classes resume after the winter break next week. It was included in a letter to K-12…

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…

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…

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…

Biden to Discuss Proposed Plan, Lowering Cost of Child Care for American Families

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden plans to highlight his plan to lower the cost of child care for most American families as he makes the case for his stalled social spending bill during a visit to Connecticut. Biden will visit a child development center in Hartford on Friday to promote his proposal to make such carefree for lower-income families….

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…

Vaccination Rates Vary Widely on UW-System Campuses

UW-System Promotes Scholarship Drawing Aimed at Boosting Vaccination Rates Among Students

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – University of Wisconsin officials say student vaccination rates for COVID-19 vary widely among the system’s campuses. At the Madison campus, 91% of students are fully vaccinated, the highest number among the system’s universities. The lowest number of vaccinated students are at UW-Parkside where 38% have been inoculated. Other campuses range from 75% at La Crosse to…

Pfizer: COVID-19 Vaccine Works in Children Ages 5 to 11

The Vaccine Maker Plans to Seek Authorization in U.S., Britain, and Europe

(Associated Press) – Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11. The vaccine maker said Monday it plans to seek authorization for this age group soon in the U.S., Britain, and Europe. The vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech already is available for anyone 12 and older. But many parents are anxiously awaiting…

ISD #381 to Require Masks for All Elementary Students Starting Monday, Sept. 20

The Requirement Comes Amid a Spike in COVID-19 Cases in Lake County

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Starting Monday, Sept. 20, masks will be required for elementary students in Lake Superior School District #381. This includes schools elementary grades in Two Harbors and Silver Bay. The district’s superintendent says due to an increase in new COVID-19 cases in the county, their only option was to make masks a requirement for elementary grades due…

Teamwork Takes Center Stage During Recent Youth in Action Retreat

The Retreat Took Place at Camp Esquagama in Gilbert, Minnesota

GILBERT, Minn. – The saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work. During a recent Youth in Action retreat on the Iron Range, over 30 students from St. Louis County connected, in person, to help each other build and grow as good stewards of the community. “I was a little bit nervous coming in actually,” said Lauryn Biondi, a junior at…

Healthy Breakfast, Lunch Options as Students Head Back to School

Mary Cherne, St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian, Offers Tips to Help Parents and Children Ahead of the Return-to-Learn

DULUTH, Minn. – Without a healthy lunch, kids can have trouble concentrating, lack energy for after-school activities, and may end up filling up on low-nutrient snacks. St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian Mary Cherne offers these tips to get started packing health lunches your kids will actually eat. Get kids involved. Let them pick out their lunch box and let them choose…

‘H2O: Watersheds at Work,’ Set to Replace Aging Water Table Exhibit at Great Lakes Aquarium

Demo Will Begin After Labor Day; The New Exhibit is Expected to be Open by November 20

DULUTH, Minn. – Chances are if you’ve visited the Great Lakes Aquarium over the past 21 years of its existence, you’ve submerged yourself in the interactive water table exhibit, learning firsthand why H2O is so important to life on earth. Now since opening in 2000, change is coming to one of the aquarium’s most engaging displays. “It supports life, it…

Minnesota Discovery Center Optimistic for Strong Future Ahead

The COVID-19 Pandemic Provided Staff at the Minnesota Discovery Center Time to Rethink Their Mission & Impact on Visitors

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Staff at a museum on the Iron Range is thankful, and making a big impact as they work to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever before. They say the silver lining is shining bright at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. “I think they’re excited to explore and run around, ride the trolley, and play…

Registration Now Open for St. Louis River Alliance Canoe Trip

The Excursion is Taking Place Saturday, Aug. 7

DULUTH, Minn. – After being sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is bringing back its annual canoe trip. The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Paddlers will set sail from Woodstock Bay Landing in Superior. Participants are encouraged to register by Aug. 4 at 4…

Learning Life Lessons During Nature Night in Gary New Duluth

Nature Nights Will Continue Through the Summer for Youth in the Duluth Area

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – Getting kids off cell phones, and into the forest. It’s a goal of one teacher in the Gary New Duluth neighborhood as the community’s rec center continues to host Nature Nights. “In spring, kids should smell like dirt,” said Leslie Bucar, youth director at the Gary New Duluth Rec Center. You can practically smell the…

Silver Bay PTO Encourages Shoe Donations for Fundraising Drive

The Shoe Drive will Run Through Feb. 28 with Donations Accepted During Schools Hours

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The Silver Bay Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is looking to collect 2,500 pairs of shoes, and they need your help to put one foot in front of the other. Due to COVID-19, the PTO is unable to host many of their annual in-person fundraisers, so they’re adjusting. The organization is partnering with Orlando based “Funds2orgs.” The…

Deadline Looms to Apply for ‘FOX 21 Strength in the Community Scholarship’

The Deadline to Apply is Friday, Jan. 15

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you a high school senior graduating in 2021? If so, FOX 21 Local News in partnership with many fine sponsors invite you to apply for the 2021 Strength in the Community Scholarship. The Fox 21 Strength in the Community Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to deserving students in the Fox 21 viewing area who are pursing…

UW-Superior Foundation Kicks Off $20 Million Fundraising Campaign

The Campaign Will Help Support Students, Staff, Campus Development in the Future

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The COVID-19 pandemic is not stopping the generosity of UW-Superior alumni from helping make a difference for the future of students and academics for years to come. “No gift is too large, and no gift is too small. The collective power of giving is what will make our campaign succeed,” said Jeanne Thompson, university advancement vice-chancellor. 20…

Itasca County Health Dept. Urges Caution As COVID-19 Cases Climb

COVID Questions? Contact Itasca County COVID Message Line at 218-327-6784

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Cases of COVID-19 continue to climb daily in Itasca County, according to Kelly Chandler, department manager, Itasca County Public Health. During a mass drive-thru testing event on Sept. 23 at the Itasca County Fairgrounds, 907 individuals were tested, 15 positive cases were identified, and three of those cases were asymptomatic. As of Thursday, Oct. 1, the…

Itasca County Educators Stress Preparation Before School Begins

Parents and Caregivers Are Encouraged to Practice Masking Ahead of Return to the Classroom

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Health and school leaders in Itasca County are urging parents to practice what local medical professionals are preaching to better help their children prepare for the upcoming abnormal school year. Officials stress the need for preventative action at home before students return to the classroom come September. Per Minnesota state guidelines, all students returning to in-person…

Cast Iron, Stokke’s to Host Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Fundraiser

The Fundraiser is Happening Thursday, Aug. 27 at Cast Iron Bar & Grill

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting many local businesses financially, but also non-profit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland. Many of the organizations big donors are unable to make such contributions this year due to financial issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, the Cast Iron Bar & Grill along with Stokke’s Meat…

North Shore School Districts Release Fall Learning Plans

Cook County, Silver Bay, and Two Harbors Release Back-to-School Plans Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – The Cook County School Board voted Thursday evening to begin the academic year for ISD 166 on a distance learning model for all students grades K – 12. Superintendent Bill Crandall says the School Board not only took into consideration the current COVID-19 case numbers in Cook County, but what health experts are predicting could happen…

Schools in Itasca County Provide Update on Fall Learning Plans

School Leaders in Itasca County Provide Update on District Plans for Back-to-School Learning Amid COVID-19

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – On Thursday, Superintendents from multiple school districts in Itasca County provided an update on back-to-school plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently announced a statewide decision to leave reopening plans up to district officials based on current COVID-19 data per county. Independent School District 318 (Bigfork and Grand Rapids) Based on current COVID-19…

Lakewood Elementary Teachers, Staff Say ‘Thank You’ Before Summer Vibes Sink In

Teachers, Staff Organize Drive-By Parade to Wish Students Well as the School Year Comes to a Close

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of smiling faces drove past Lakewood Elementary School in Duluth Monday. The teachers and staff recently coming up with an idea to safely see their students and say ‘thank you’ for a great year even though it didn’t get to end as planned. “I miss my teachers all I can,” said Wyatt, a first-grade student at…

Duluth School Board Approves Contract for New Superintendent

John Magas Will Officially Begin with Duluth Public Schools July 1, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools officially have a new superintendent. A three-year contract was unanimously approved Tuesday evening by the Duluth School Board. John Magas will take over as superintendent starting July 1, 2020. “John’s professional experience, especially in the areas of equity and continuous improvement, will serve our Duluth community well,” said Board Chair Jill Lofald. “He’s clearly…

OneClass Platform Helps Students Learn from Home Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The OneClass Platform was Developed Back in 2011 by COO Kevin Wu

DULUTH, Minn. – Distance learning. It’s a platform rarely practiced by teachers, staff, and students in the Northland. But it’s now becoming ‘The New Normal,” at least until Monday, May 4 in Minnesota. It’s throwing teachers, students, and parents for a loop over the last few whirlwind weeks. Kevin Wu is the COO of OneClass. OneClass is a platform to…

Glensheen Mansion Goes Digital Amid COVID-19 Closure

Glensheen Mansion Takes Part in 'MuseumFromHome' Movement

DULUTH, Minn. – With the new normal of connecting via Skype, Facebook Live, and other social media platforms, Glensheen Mansion is making changes as well. Jane Pederson, Marketing Manager at Glensheen, connected via Skype with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Tuesday morning to let residents know how they can still have an interactive experience with the mansion. Staff has launched Glensheen…

Stuffed Animals Are Spending the Night at Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is Located at 305 East 2nd Street in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Stuffies are invading the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior Friday, March 13. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is hosting their 3rd Annual Stuffie Boot Camp. The camp, lead by Sgt. Presley, is designed to be a fun and educational event for children Pre-K through third grade or for anyone who has a…

Harlem Globetrotter Flip White Visits Duluth Ahead of Upcoming Tour

Amsoil Arena Will Host the Harlem Globetrotters Sunday, March 29

DULUTH, Minn. – Harlem Globetrotter Flip White slam dunked his way into the FOX 21 Local News Studios Wednesday morning. The Harlem Globetrotters will be playing at Amsoil Arena Sunday, March 29. White will be making two stops Wednesday, March 11. One at Lakewood Elementary School and the other at YMCA at the Essentia Wellness. In advance of the Harlem…

Escape the Bong 2.0 Raising Funds for Educational Programs

Five Escape Rooms Will Be Set Up at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center February 6 - 8, 2020

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Are you feeling extra intelligent or lucky this week? If so, you may want to visit the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior February 6 – 8. Escape the Bong 2.0 is presented by Heritage Window & Door. The fundraising event is back by popular demand for a second year in a row. The escape…

Lake Superior Zoo Preschool Accepting Applications Starting February 3

The Nature-Based Preschool is Set to Open on September 8, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo School is gearing up to begin accepting preschool applications for the 2020-2021 school year. Families with children ages three to five years old will be able to submit registrations starting Monday, February 3. Preschool Director Leah Budnik says the mission of the Lake Superior Zoo School is to inspire the healthy social emotional,…

Marshall School Looks To Make Education More Affordable

DULUTH, Minn. – In an effort increase enrollment, starting next year, the school will offer reduced tuition rates from grades 4-8 and frozen rates in grades 9-12. The school will also offer guided tuition, so families with different circumstances can see exactly how much tuition will cost. With these small class sizes, students are needed to participate in the arts…

Closings and Delays for Monday, December 9th

Closings and Delays Received by FOX 21 Local News as of Monday, December 9, 2019

CANCELLATIONS: Bayfield Schools Ironwood School District Mercer Schools South Shore School District (Includes All After School Activities) Watersmeet Township School District Northwoods School District 2-HOUR DELAY: Aitkin Public Schools delayed 2 hours, no 8 or 10 a.m. preschool or ECFE Deer River Independent School District Grand Rapids – Bigfork School District Hill City School District Nashwauk-Keewatin ISD 319 CLOSING EARLY/EVENING…

Superior Library Helps People Give The Gift Of Literacy

Nearly 1,000 gently used books are up for sale.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you are looking for great gift ideas, the Superior Library is hosting its annual Merry Little Christmas Book Sale. Nearly 1,000 gently used books are up for sale. Library staff say this book sale is not as large as their annual book sale in September, but this one gives options to people who are interested in…

Updated: Closings and Delays for Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019

Closings and Delays Received by FOX 21 Local News as of Tuesday, December 3, 2019

CLOSED DEC. 3: -Churchill Elementary School, Cloquet (Other Cloquet Public Schools Remain Open) -Duluth School District -Duluth Bethel -Lakeview Christian Academy -Proctor School District -Senior Connections (No senior meal services, including Meals on Wheels, or transportation service for Douglas County) -Stella Maris Academy -Superior School District -Superior Trash & Recycling Pickup Cancelled 12/3 (If you have a Monday,Tuesday or Wednesday…

Guest Orchestra to Perform at UMD Thursday Evening

The Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra will be in Duluth Thursday, October 10 to Perform

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, October 10, you have the chance to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra. David Edmunds, Associate Professor of Music Education, stopped by FOX 21 Local News Monday morning to chat about the upcoming performance. The Superior Court Rising Stars Steel Orchestra members have served…

Backpack Giveaway Happening Tonight in West Duluth

The Free Backpack Giveaway is Taking Place from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Followed by a Concert from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Free backpacks, school supplies, food, and a concert will help light up the afternoon with smiles in West Duluth Thursday, August 15. Mike Letica, owner of Letica’s Iron Mug in Duluth’s Morgan Park neighborhood is teaming up with the Valley Youth Center of Duluth to host a free Backpack Giveaway. The event is meant to help those…

Knowing Your Neighbors: East End Driving Academy Now Open in Lakeside Neighborhood

East End Driving Academy is Located at 512 North 45th Avenue East in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – When teens start their drivers training course they’re well on their way to legally getting behind the wheel. But with few options in Duluth to take the required courses, one local man is trying to fill the void. Before East End Driving Academy, parents in this specific area of the city didn’t have any alternatives to enroll…

School Closings, Delays for Thursday, May 9, 2019

School Closings Received by FOX 21 Local News Thursday, May 9, 2019

Duluth Public Schools – 2 Hour Delay Lake Superior School District – 2 Hour Delay Lakeview Christian Academy – 2 Hour Delay Maple School District – 2 Hour Delay Solon Springs Schools – 2 Hour Delay South Shore School District – 2 Hour Delay Stella Maris Academy – 2 Hour Delay Categories: News, News – Latest News, School Closings Tags:…

Coffee Conversation: Need for Tutors Rises in Duluth Public Schools

29 Tutors are Needed for Reading, Five Turors are Needed for Math

DULUTH, Minn. – Tutors are in high demand inside Duluth Public Schools. Duluth schools are currently looking for 29 literacy tutors and five math tutors for the 2019-2020 school year according to Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps. Minnesota is reported to have one of the largest achievement gaps in the nation, heightening the need for literacy and math tutors in schools throughout…