Duluth's Denfeld High School names new principal - Star Tribune If you would like to provide feedback or have questions, please email communications@isd709.org. The news, analysis and community conversation found here is funded by donations from individuals. Principals. 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.. 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. Public; 9-12; 4.5 mi; Show More GreatSchools scores are based on a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 is above average. The chimney was an original feature of the building, but had not been used in many years. If you have questions, please call your school or the Assistant Superintendent's office at 218-336-8739. 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. Serving over 1000 students from grades nine to twelve, Denfeld High School has become a West Duluth landmark. Hiring of School Resource Officers is a collaboration between Duluth Public Schools and the Duluth Police Department. To accommodate the increased student population, two new additions to the school were built. 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. 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. Counselor Information - Denfeld High School On Jan. 25, we had to cancel two morning bus routes and two afternoon bus routes due to staffing issues. 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. Denfeld High School. Nobody could possibly be associated with Walt Hunting and not be better for it because he symbolizes everything great about America. 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. 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. has taken over the role at Denfeld on a substitute basis. Read The Carlton County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident. The more notice that you give your letter writer, the better. Tuesday March 7. Enroll - Denfeld High School By Adelle Whitefoot via Duluth News Tribune. It saddens me that the district would rather retaliate and discriminate than listen, she said in September when the suit was filed. (Adelle Whitefoot /. On June 18, Sconiers was informed she was being put on administrative leave following allegations against her, allegations the complaint claims Sconiers still isnt aware of. 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. Staff at the sheriff's office contacted high school officials and "initiated the necessary safety and response protocols," Danielson said. 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 now-former Denfeld High School principal filed a federal lawsuit against Duluth Public Schools and key leaders Monday morning. The complaint alleges that Sconiers was told the suspension was due to student private data being exposed, but she believes it was retaliatory. 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 Duluth principal alleges violation of First Amendment - InForum April 28, 2020 - 6:43 PM. 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.. The Blue Plan: East and Denfeld would be transformed into middle schools. The school district has denied the charges. It was the fifth swatting incident The now-former Denfeld High School principal filed a federal lawsuit against Duluth Public Schools and key leaders Monday morning. Sconiers was given the opportunity to fight the termination through arbitration but decided to withdraw her request for arbitration on Monday. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Its ongoing mission is to sustain alumni relations and celebrate the spirit of Denfeld High School and western Duluth. Programs of study are offered in 6 broad Minnesota Career Fields with exposure to over 13 career clusters and pathways. 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. Enroll - Denfeld High School Enroll Enroll How to Enroll A warm welcome to you and your family! Denfeld principal, counselors worried for their students and future The grant will allow students at the college to work with local producers to study the impact of rice hulls as mulch for crops. Public figures who've visited in the auditorium include Richard Nixon and Johnny Cash. Scholarships and Aid - Denfeld High School "Difficult challenges mean difficult decisions and courageous leadership. I also want to apologize to students and families who were negatively impacted. Schools will not send children outdoors if the wind chill is 18 degrees below zero or less. 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. Jill Lofald was elected as the Duluth School Board chair for 2023 at the annual organizational meeting Tuesday, Jan. 3. 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. William Westholm (1995 to 2005) Adelle Whitefoot / awhitefoot@duluthnews.com. Also in 2007, he won the $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. Each contestant is allowed to flaunt their costume and spirit to the audience. Additionally, the school underwent major reconstruction in order to conform to state standards. MLS # "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. students of Duluth Denfeld High School by providing awards and scholarships to assist with expenses directly related to post-secondary education. Dell Daedo (1948 to 1963) The tournaments are free and open to the public to watch. 319 N 60th Ave W , Duluth, MN 55807-1903 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $175,000. 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. G. Construction began in 2009 and continued until 2011. To submit an event to the community calendar, email news@pinejournal.com. Denfeld High School Principals Common Application) from a college or scholarship. Read More about Meet the new assistant principal at Lowell. 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. , Star Tribune Central would be used as the lone high school after being expanded to accommodate 3000 students. The complaint also alleges that the district discriminated against Sconiers based on sex and race. Parker Chastey (class of '23) named a Minnesota Mr. Soccer Finalist, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 13:18. Freshmen decorate the hall near the cafeteria and sophomores decorate the other half of the hall, while juniors decorate the second floor. writes Roxy Olsen-Hurst. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it, Anyone can read, no subscription required, See The school is known for its architecture, including a historic auditorium and a 120-foot clock tower visible from Grand Avenue. The tower features eight buttresses. Based on the representations Ms. Sconiers and her counsel have made to the media, the District vehemently denies the allegations that it or any of its administrators engaged in discrimination or violated Ms. Sconiers free speech rights. We see that you have javascript disabled. 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. 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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. The goal is to help students GET to work - that means high-paying careers, both regionally and globally. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. 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.. Career and Technical Education - Duluth Public Schools Principal: Thomas Tusken Assistant Principals: Joanna Sackette, Eric Stang Activities Director: Tom . 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. 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. Former Duluth East High School Principal Laurie Knapp has taken over the role at Denfeld on a substitute basis. To accommodate the new addition, Denfeld's signature brick chimney had to be removed. Principal's Picks: Top 5 features of new Denfeld High School Two swatting incidents reported at northeastern MN high schools Denfeld High School serves approximately the western half of the city and has been in existence since 1905. Construction crews cafefully removed the bricks, and the school planned to preserve some bricks for historical purposes. 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.) 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. Tonya Sconiers (2012 to present) Principal; Staff Directory; Hours and Attendance; Denfeld High School History; Safe and Welcoming; School Resource Officers; Academics. 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. With a population of almost 85,000, the city of Duluth provides diversified business, professional and industrial services to northeastern Minnesota. Sconiers informed Duluth Public Schools on April 29 that she had engaged lawyers to investigate her five days of unpaid suspension served in March. Denfeld's Maroon and Gold Day is Friday of homecoming week. 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. 2021 Track. Personal/social development. Denfeld High School principal placed on administrative leave 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. MN. As a result of the construction, Denfeld and Central students both attended Central during the 201011 school year. What does that mean? 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. Tom Tusken will step into the principals office in August after serving as the schools assistant principal. Similarly, Ceynowa said such false reports can impact law enforcement's response to other incidents in the community. 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. It relies on assumptions and information provided . Brooks Johnson is a business reporter covering Minnesotas food industry, 3M and manufacturing trends. Denfeld High School Counselors provide a comprehensive counseling model which serves to assist students in the following areas: Educational Planning. Home - Denfeld High School Sconiers was given the opportunity to fight the termination through arbitration but has decided to withdraw her request for arbitration on Monday. Only 35 educators in Minnesota had received the award at that time and Tusken was just the second recipient from Duluth. more >>. Sconiers was first hired in Duluth in March 2000 to work as an assistant principal at Denfeld. According to the settlement agreement, Sconiers. 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. . Dr. Stephen Seyfer (1984 to 1991) 1414 Stanford Ave, Duluth, MN 55811 | Estately | MLS# 6107045 On Friday, the video of the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, who died after a traffic stop by police, was released by Memphis officials. 2004 Boys Soccer Section 7A champions, State participants. reported in St. Louis County in two days, and the second at Denfeld. Career Clubs provide experiences beyond the classroom and help students connect to their schools. I will not be silenced. Central Principal Lisa Mitchell-Krocak retired this summer. In March, Sconiers received an 11-page Notice of Suspension, Notice of Deficiencies and Letter of Directives in conjunction with the investigation and was suspended without pay for five school days, the complaint said. 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. The groups biggest push was for the Duluth school district to allocate compensatory education funds to the schools that generate them, a feat that was Sconiers is seeking monetary relief, with the amount to be determined by a jury. 401 N. 44th Ave. W. Duluth. 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 The home of the Hunters, Denfeld High School was known as Irving High School when it opened for classes on 11 September 1905. Tusken has served in his current position as assistant principal for two. 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. Communication with parents and staff per individual student . A warm welcome to you and your family! This 1,550 square foot home was built in 2007. Central would not be used, as Ordean and a new western high school would be created to accommodate 3000 total students. . 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. ", 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. Career Development. 55807. They learned honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. Basketball Girls - Duluth Denfeld High School New Principal Chosen for Denfeld High School - Fox21Online Lisa Mitchell-Krocak (2010 to 2011) While more than 14 listings in Duluth, MN in January . View Full Calendar. It was later called Duluth Industrial High School. Tusken is taking over the position previously held by Tonya Sconiers who was fired by the school board back in July 2019 for inappropriate conduct.. Student success is new Denfeld High School principal's top priority Read the latest news in the Carlton County, Dontcha Know newsletter published every Friday. The Red Plan: Central and East would no longer function as high schools, leaving Denfeld as the only original high school in Duluth. Denfeld was instrumental in the creation of a two-year program to train teachers which eventually grew to become the University of Minnesota Duluth. Sullivan designed the H-shaped English Gothic style building which features medieval carvings by Duluth master stone carver George Thrana. Alumnus named to Denfeld High School principal job Denfeld High School is located in Duluth, Minnesota next to the shores of Lake Superior. has taken over the role at Denfeld on a substitute basis Features: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. It saddens me that the district attempted to silence me by threatening me, then suspending me and now firing me, Sconiers said. More information >>, Follow Denfeld on Facebook Denfeld Alumni Association - Duluth, MN Denfeld High School principal Tonya Sconiers, right, helps to organize students and staff in this file photo. Duluth School Board Approves Sconiers Settlement Agreement I want to take this opportunity to explain why these routes were canceled and what our processes are to avoid these situations. Sconiers was placed on administrative leave by the Duluth school district in June.. Course Offerings; . Tonya Sconiers filed a lawsuit against the Duluth school district, superintendent Bill Gronseth and assistant superintendent Jeff Horton, claiming a violation of First Amendment rights and discrimination based on race and sex. 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. She was appointed to principal in July 2012. "It was determined that the threat was false and the campus was determined to be safe," Danielson said. Denfeld is known for its large endowment - about $7 million currently - meant for only its students. Former Denfeld principal Tonya Sconiers alleges a violation of First Previous alumni who served as principal were . If you would like to provide feedback or have questions, please email communications@isd709.org. : The District has not yet had an opportunity to review the complaint in detail and therefore cannot comment on any specific allegations. 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. DULUTH, Minn. - Duluth Public Schools officials announced on Tuesday that a new principal has been chosen for Denfeld High School. Knapp had retired in 2016. At this time, no arrests have been made. During his tenure, the number of schools in Duluth increased from seven to 34. After eight swatting incidents were reported at the beginning of the week, two more were reported at northeastern Minnesota high schools on Thursday. Finally on July 29, the district informed principal Sconiers it intended to fire her, Kwan said. The 2,000 sq. On July 29, the School Board voted to terminate Sconiers. Denfeld High School - Wikipedia DULUTH Law enforcement officials in Duluth and Carlton County responded to swatting incidents at Denfeld and Esko high schools on Thursday. The auditorium is the annual venue for Denfeld's traditional Maroon and Gold Day assembly during the week of homecoming when the auditorium is adorned with maroon and gold decorations and the students are entertained with cheers, skits, music and school spirit. 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.. Brooks Johnson 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. 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. The school is known for its architecture, including a . Denfeld has a long tradition of excellence and demonstrates these standards in its classrooms. . 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. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. 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. about Speech: Varsity Meet vs Walker-Hackensack-Akeley (Away), about Basketball: Boys Varsity Section Qtr Finals vs TBA, TBA (Away), about Basketball: Boys Varsity Section Semi Final vs TBA, TBA (Away), about Speech: Varsity Meet vs Eagan (Away), about Speech: Varsity Meet vs Moorhead (Away), about Basketball: Boys Varsity Section-Final vs Duluth East, TBA (Away), about Speech: Varsity Meet vs Grand Rapids (Away), Academic Excellence Online (AEO) High School, Speech: Varsity Meet vs Walker-Hackensack-Akeley (Away), Basketball: Boys Varsity Section Qtr Finals vs TBA, TBA (Away), Basketball: Boys Varsity Section Semi Final vs TBA, TBA (Away), Basketball: Boys Varsity Section-Final vs Duluth East, TBA (Away), Speech: Varsity Meet vs Grand Rapids (Away).