Esko and Denfeld high schools were victims of the swatting calls about 20 minutes apart, at 10:39 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively. 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. DULUTH, Minn. - Duluth Public Schools officials announced on Tuesday that a new principal has been chosen for Denfeld High School. At this time, no arrests have been made. Sconiers is seeking monetary relief, with the amount to be determined by a jury. Perhaps the most iconic feature of the Denfeld High School building is its 120-foot clock tower. Principal: Thomas Tusken Assistant Principals: Joanna Sackette, Eric Stang Activities Director: Tom . Denfeld High School serves approximately the western half of the city and has been in existence since 1905. 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.. 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. Each contestant is allowed to flaunt their costume and spirit to the audience. Communication with parents and staff per individual student . By Adelle Whitefoot via Duluth News Tribune. Only 35 educators in Minnesota had received the award at that time and Tusken was just the second recipient from Duluth. 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. Denfeld High School, along with three other schools in St. Louis County have received a threat. They start at 9 a.m. Friday. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) model. The home of the Hunters, Denfeld High School was known as Irving High School when it opened for classes on 11 September 1905. Principal; Staff Directory; Hours and Attendance; Denfeld High School History; Safe and Welcoming; School Resource Officers; Academics. After a thorough search process, former Assistant Principal. 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. Denfeld High School is located in Duluth, Minnesota next to the shores of Lake Superior. Denfeld High School Counselors provide a comprehensive counseling model which serves to assist students in the following areas: Educational Planning. I want to take this opportunity to explain why these routes were canceled and what our processes are to avoid these situations. It saddens me that the district attempted to silence me by threatening me, then suspending me and now firing me, Sconiers said. "It was determined that the threat was false and the campus was determined to be safe," Danielson said. Post High School Planning. The Red Plan: Central and East would no longer function as high schools, leaving Denfeld as the only original high school in Duluth. 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. Phone 218-726-2559. 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. Upcoming Events. As a result of the construction, Denfeld and Central students both attended Central during the 201011 school year. Submit family and student information electronically to enroll students from Birth to Grade 12. 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. These websites are still in the process of being tweaked and built out, so please have some patience in the meantime. Playoff Hockey Hair: A Minnesota Phenomena, All The Buzz In The Northland, Weekend of March 3, 2023. 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. 2004 Boys Soccer Section 7A champions, State participants. Everyone stands throughout the entire assembly. "While we are relieved that there was no actual threat and students were not in school at the time, we are deeply concerned about the impact false calls like this can have on students and staff," Magas said. 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. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. 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. "Difficult challenges mean difficult decisions and courageous leadership. Ed Crawford has returned to Denfeld as principal after serving with Laurie Knapp at East last year as co-principal. Serving over 1000 students from grades nine to twelve, Denfeld High School has become a West Duluth landmark. 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. The tournaments are free and open to the public to watch. Former Duluth East High School Principal Laurie Knapp We see that you have javascript disabled. When Tusken's name was called, he received a standing ovation from the audience. Working together as educators, parents and citizens, we can make a difference for every student, every day. 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.. They conducted a thorough search and found no injuries and no threat to safety. In 2011, Central closed, leaving Denfeld and East as the only public high schools in Duluth. 218-336-8830. Sconiers, along with her attorneys, held a news conference Monday morning. Freshmen decorate the hall near the cafeteria and sophomores decorate the other half of the hall, while juniors decorate the second floor. We believe this is not a credible threat as the call came from out of state. 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. Denfeld High School principal Tonya Sconiers, right, helps to organize students and staff in this file photo. Van Kleek (1963 to 1970) 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. Denfeld High School is located in Duluth, Minnesota next to the shores of Lake Superior. In September, the Duluth School District responded with a statement through its attorney Monday at Rupp, Anderson, Squires, and Waldspurger, P.A. 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. 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. The Carlton County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident. 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. To accommodate the increased student population, two new additions to the school were built. 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. Tusken has served in his current position as assistant principal for two. Enrollment for kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year is open and meet and greets have been scheduled. Tom Tusken will step into the principals office in August after serving as the schools assistant principal. . 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. Read the latest news in the Carlton County, Dontcha Know newsletter published every Friday. Denfeld's Spirit creates a safe and welcoming environment that provides opportunities for all. Winners are chosen by three judges, all Denfeld staff, based on audience reaction. DULUTH, Minn. - On Tuesday, the Duluth School Board approved a settlement agreement with former Denfeld high school principal Tonya Sconiers. 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. accomplished in 2018 after a resolution was passed by the School Board "Join us as we board a Minnesota Coach Bus and head to Chanhassen for a day of fun-filled adventure!" Parker Chastey (class of '23) named a Minnesota Mr. Soccer Finalist, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 13:18. You will also find a button to translate the websites into over 100 languages. 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. I will not be silenced. Dell Daedo (1948 to 1963) 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. DULUTH Law enforcement officials in Duluth and Carlton County responded to swatting incidents at Denfeld and Esko high schools on Thursday. Denfeld . . 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. writes Roxy Olsen-Hurst. 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. The now-former Denfeld High School principal filed a federal lawsuit against Duluth Public Schools and key leaders Monday morning. The Greater Denfeld Foundation's purpose is to support. The school district has denied the charges. Ed Crawford (2011 to 2012) Its ongoing mission is to sustain alumni relations and celebrate the spirit of Denfeld High School and western Duluth. The chimney was an original feature of the building, but had not been used in many years. To submit an event to the community calendar, email news@pinejournal.com. Make a gift of any amount today to support this resource for everyone. 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. Denfeld High School - Principals. She was appointed to principal in July 2012. Jill Lofald was elected as the Duluth School Board chair for 2023 at the annual organizational meeting Tuesday, Jan. 3. 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.. Denfeld High School. , Star Tribune Former Duluth East Principal Laurie Knapp has been serving as substitute principal at Denfeld since August. 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 Schools will not send children outdoors if the wind chill is 18 degrees below zero or less. . 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. The goal is to help students GET to work - that means high-paying careers, both regionally and globally. The school is known for its architecture, including a historic auditorium and a 120-foot clock tower visible from Grand Avenue. You will also find a button to translate the websites into over 100 languages. Policy Committee - Duluth School Board. Former Duluth East High School Principal Laurie Knapp has taken over the role at Denfeld on a substitute basis. "Difficult challenges mean difficult decisions and courageous leadership. 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. James 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. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it, Anyone can read, no subscription required, See Dr. Chester Wood (1945 to 1948) Principals. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. accomplished in 2018 after a resolution was passed by the School Board, has taken over the role at Denfeld on a substitute basis, Speech competition for high school girls in Minnesota welcomes applications through March, Duluth Polar Plunge makes a splash for Special Olympics.