Here is everything that you'll need to start this school year off on the right foot, including supply lists, conference information, important dates, and more.
First Day of School - Tuesday, September 1, 2026
For grades 1-8
The first day of school is Tuesday, September 1, 2026
For PreK and Kindergarten students - Split Start!
Half of the PreK/Kindergarten students will attend on Tuesday, September 1, the other half will attend on Wednesday, September 2. Then, all will attend together on Thursday, September 3.
PreK and Kindergarten families will receive more information on their start date in mid-August.
School Hours
Raleigh Academy: 7:35 am to 2:45 pm
Morning drop-off is between 7:15 a.m. and 7:35 a.m.
If your child will be having a school breakfast, please drop them off at 7:15 am.
North Star Academy: 8:35 am to 3:45 pm
Morning drop-off is between 8:15 a.m. and 8:35 a.m.
If your child will be having a school breakfast, please drop them off at 8:15 am.
2026-27 DECS School Calendar
Please click on the link below to view the DECS calendar.
A calendar of school events can also be found on our website here: DECS Events Calendar
Student and Family Handbook
The Student and Family Handbook is linked below. This is a live version of the handbook. As updates are made to the handbook throughout the year we will notify everyone through Parent Square.
Please review this with your student.
2026-27 Student & Family Handbook
Uniform Policy and Information
All students attending our schools must follow a uniform dress-code. Clothing selections may be handmade or purchased at the merchant of your choice, such as Target, Old Navy, Walmart, etc.
Uniform Policy
Our Uniform Policy can be found in the Student-Parent Handbook (pg 12-14) but is also linked below for your convenience.
Uniform Dress Code Policy | 500-10
Please review the uniform policy with your student. If students are not in uniform and cannot find an acceptable solution from our supply, parents/guardians will be asked to bring a uniform to school.
Why Does DECS have a Uniform policy?
A uniform policy serves as a framework to ensure equality, safety, and discipline across the entire student body. While the uniforms themselves provide social and practical benefits, establishing a formal policy provides the administration with the ability to ensure uniform compliance across the student body.
Fostering Community Belonging: Wearing shared colors and emblems builds a group identity, encouraging teamwork and school spirit similar to a sports team.
Minimizing Classroom Distractions: Shifting attention away from fashion trends allows students to maintain a strictly academic focus.
Enhancing Campus Security: Staff can instantly identify DECS students and spot unauthorized intruders who stand out on school property.
Simplifying Morning Routines: Removing the daily stress of choosing outfits saves critical time and reduces friction for busy parents.
With that said, all students are expected to be in uniform throughout the day.
There are some students who leave the house in uniform but change either on the bus or in the bathrooms at school. If students are not in uniform and cannot find an acceptable solution from our supply, parents/guardians will be asked to bring a uniform to school.
Please talk to your child about the uniform expectations.
Uniform Store
We will have uniform items available to purchase. A separate message will be sent on how to order.
Uniform Assistance Is Available
We provide uniform assistance for our families in need. If requested, your student will receive one set of new or gently used, unisex uniform clothes – polo shirt and pants – by the second week of school.
Please use the link below to apply for such assistance.
Uniform Assistance Request | Form Uniform Assistance Request | PDF
Donations (returning families)
We are accepting uniform donations over the summer for our annual fall uniform rummage sale. They may be dropped off at either school building anytime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
NOTE: 26-27 Updates to the Uniform Policy
The following changes have been made to the uniform policy . . .
- Hooded sweatshirts are NO LONGER a part of the uniform policy.
- Red, white, khaki or navy blue plain POLO type dresses are allowed.
- Spirit Wear (without hoods) may be worn.
- PLAIN Primary Red, Navy Blue and white short and long sleeve cotton shirts are allowed.
- PLAIN tights or leggings in Khaki, navy blue or black are the only colors allowed.
A few reminders . . .
- GRAY is NOT an approved uniform color.
- Yoga pants or sweatpants, must be free from logos and trim
- Undershirts, Tanks, Camis will follow uniform colors and not peek out from bottom of top.
School Supply Lists
School Supply lists will SOON be available on our website and each are linked below.
Raleigh Academy, Grades PreK-5
North Star Academy, Grades PreK-5
North Star Academy, Grades 6-8
Transportation
Transportation is provided by Voyageur Bus Company and is provided at no cost to all students within the Duluth School district boundaries. Students are reminded that having the right to ride a school bus is a privilege that must be respected.
Specific bus stop information will be sent to families in mid-August via ParentSquare or email.
If you have not yet submitted your transportation plans or need to make a change, please fill out this form.
Lunch and Food Service Information
Free and Reduced Meals Applications
Your child(ren) may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
Families not already approved through SNAP, Medicaid, or other approved government programs will be mailed an application soon.
IMPORTANT: This application is utilized as a funding source for the school. We receive funding for EACH application completed, whether you qualify or not!.
When you receive this application, please take time to fill out the application and return your completed form for Educational Benefits to:
Kris Westin, Food Service Manager
3301 Technology Drive
Duluth, MN 55811
Breakfast and Lunch
Through the federal and state governments breakfast and lunch are free for all students.
However, please remember to fill out the free and reduced meal application as this is utilized to determine funding for our school.
Milk
One milk comes with each meal. If your child takes an additional milk the cost is $0.50
Lunch Menu
Lunch menus for each month will be available on our website.
For more information, please go to our website. The website will be updated as we receive more information.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to Kris Westin at kristen.westin@duluthedison.com.
Attendance Information
The School Board of the Duluth Edison Charter Schools believes that daily attendance is critical to academic achievement and is related to a student’s academic success. Absences, whether excused or unexcused, are detrimental to the learning experience.
North Star
Students who arrive at school after 8:45 a.m. are considered tardy.
Students who arrive after 9:30 a.m. are considered absent for the first half of the day.
North Star 5-8: Students who arrive at each class after the bell will be marked tardy.
Please contact the school before 9:15 to report your student’s absence.
Call: (218) 728-9556 ext. 1002
Email: attendance.northstar@duluthedison.com
Raleigh
Students who arrive at school after 7:35 a.m. are considered tardy.
Students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. are considered absent for the first half of the day.
Call: (218) 628-0697 ext. 1
Email: attendance.raleigh@duluthedison.com
Please review the attendance section in the Student & Parent Handbook.
Before or After School Care
Raleigh - HCH will continue to run at Raleigh with after school care.
More information will be coming soon on registration.
North Star - Before School and After School
The YMCA offers a before and after school program at North Star.
Registration materials and further information about the program are available online at website LINK.
Please contact Kate Corbett at nd.kathrin.corbett@isd709.org or by calling 218-722-4745 ext 124 with any questions.
School/Home Communication . . . What to Expect?
Our primary means of communications to our families is through the communication platform, ParentSquare.
This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with Duluth Edison Charter Schools. It provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to:
- Send and receive school and class information
- Share pictures and files
- See calendar items
- Sign up to volunteer
- Schedule parent-teacher conferences
- and much more . . . all in one centralized place!
ParentSquare - Getting Started Video
An account has been created for you, you just need to activate it.
All district and school, grade level and classroom information will be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text or you can download the ParentSquare app (available for free for iOS and Android devices).
Please be sure to keep an updated email address and phone number on file with your student’s school.
The Help & Support question mark in the top right corner can help answer most of your questions. So join in!
District Wide Messages - District communication will be sent periodically if there are time sensitive events. District information will be included in school wide and/or classroom emails.
School-wide / Academy Messages - Messages will be sent bi-weekly. The purpose of these emails are to provide information related to school wide activities, information all families need to know and showcasing what is happening in the school. One will be sent for Raleigh and one for North Star. These will be sent by Melissa Goldsworthy at North Star and Steve Ondrus at Raleigh.
Classroom/Homebase Messages - Messages will be sent weekly and will be coming from your child's classroom or homebase teacher. The purpose of these emails is to inform parents of what is happening in your child's classroom.
You choose the timing!
When you set up your Parent Square account, you will be able to choose when you receive the messages. You can get them individually as soon as they’re sent or you can group them all at once at a time of your choosing.
Please note: If there is a time sensitive or urgent message, we are able to override this setting and the message will be sent and received immediately. This option will be used on an as needed basis.
There’s an app for that!
Look for the ParentSquare app in the App Store or Google Play.
Have questions? Within ParentSquare, click the question mark in the top right corner of the desktop version or the ‘Help’ tab in the app (tap the triple bar icon at the top left) to find answers to most of your questions. Or email: technology@duluthedison.com
Please check future newsletters, social media and communications for more information.
Here is another helpful resource if you are looking for FAQs when it comes to guardian accounts.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Each school (Raleigh and North Star) hosts student learning conferences with parents/guardians and students as a means of enhancing communication about our students' learning.
Conferences are scheduled ahead of time with your student’s classroom teacher.
For each conference day, sign-ups will be sent and set up through ParentSquare.
Families are welcome to initiate a conference anytime during the school year.
Beginning of the Year Conferences
Thursday, August 27, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Meet the teachers, bring your supplies, check out the school!
Fall Midterm Conferences
Thursday, November 19, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Spring Midterm Conferences
Thursday, April 1, 2027
11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Duluth Edison Charter Schools use Infinite Campus for all of our student and food service information. Campus Parent is your link to:
- Student Schedules
- Grades and Assignments
- Report Cards
- View Attendance
- View and Pay Lunch Fees
- Update your contact information
- and more!
Having a Campus Parent account is highly recommended.
If you would like access to the Campus Parent portal, please click the link below to request your activation key. After the form has been filled out and submitted, you should receive an email with your key within 1-2 school days.
Click HERE for more information on Campus Parent and Campus Student.
*This link was also provided in your Online Student Registration (OLR).
If you’ve already filled this out, you do not need to fill it out again.
There’s an app for that!
Look for the Campus Parent app in the App Store or Google Play.
Media Release Form
Please complete the print/media release form to give Duluth Edison Charter Schools and authorized media organizations permission to print, photograph, and record my child for audio, video, film, or any other electronic, digital, and printed media.
Please read through the entire media release.
Parent Pick Up - North Star Only
Dismissal time: 3:45pm
All families will enter the campus via the main entrance and stay to the left along the front of the building. Please do not block the bus loading zone, which is located to the right side of the driveway. Once you reach the far end of the lower lot and begin to drive up the hill, the traffic flow will split into two lanes based on grade level.
All families will enter the campus via the main entrance and stay to the left along the front of the building. Please do not block the bus loading zone, which is located to the right side of the driveway. Once you reach the far end of the lower lot and begin to drive up the hill, the traffic flow will split into two lanes based on grade level.
Grade PK-2
Stay in the left lane.
After passing the first circle (used for grades 3–8), merge into the right lane along the gym wall to enter the second circle at Door 5.
Students will be brought to your car at Door 5.
Important: For safety and efficiency, older siblings in grades 3–8 will no longer join younger siblings at Door 5.
Grades 3-8
Stay in the right lane.
Pull into the first circle, located near the large playground.
Students will be released directly to your vehicle.
Students are not permitted to walk through the parking lot to reach your car — please pull fully into the circle.
Once your students are in the car:
Carefully merge into the left lane (yielding to traffic).
*If your child needs to be paged to parent pickup you may be asked to park and come into the building to get them to keep traffic flowing.
IF picking up students in both age groups:
Proceed to the 3–8 circle and pick up your older students.
Then, turn right and zipper merge with Pre-K–2 traffic.
Proceed to Door 5 to pick up your younger students.
Reminders for All Drivers:
Follow staff directions at all times.
Be patient and courteous to fellow drivers — safety is our top priority!
Early Pick-Up (During the School Day)
- Drive around the building to Door 5 and park in Visitor Parking. At the end of day, if you’ll be in/out before 3:45 proceed past the line of cars waiting for the end of day dismissal.
- Proceed to the main office to sign out your student.
- All students must be signed out by an authorized adult.
American Indian Student Eligibility (506 Form)
Please print it out and send it to:
North Star Academy
ATTN: Dawn Lyons
3301 Technology Drive
Duluth, MN 55811
If you would like a paper copy sent to you, please email info@duluthedison.com
FERPA and Directory Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law, generally requires that DECS obtain your written consent before disclosing personally identifiable information from your child/ren’s education records. However, DECS may disclose directory information without your written consent, unless you have advised us otherwise.
The primary purpose of directory information is to allow DECS to include this type of information in certain school publications. Examples of school publications are honor roll or other recognition lists, graduation programs, sports activity sheets, and so forth. Directory information could also be disclosed to outside organizations with a parent’s prior written consent, such as to companies that publish yearbooks.
In addition, two other federal laws require the School to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - name, address and telephone listing - unless parents have advised the school that they do not want this information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If you do not want Duluth Edison Charter Schools to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the school in writing by September 1, 2026. Your written notification is in effect until September 1, 2027.
You can send this request to Tammy.Rackliffe@duluthedison.com or mail it to Tammy Rackliffe, Head of School, North Star Academy, 3301 Technology Drive, Duluth, MN 55811.
Duluth Edison Charter Schools has designated the following information as directory information:
Student’s Name
Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
Address
Telephone listing
Electronic mail (email) address
Photograph
Honors and awards received
Date and place of birth
Dates of attendance
Grade Level
The most recent education agency or institution attended.
Away for the Day | Cell Phone Policy
The primary purpose of no-phone policies in schools is to eliminate digital distractions, protect students' mental health, and curb cyberbullying. By removing smartphones, we aim to improve academic focus, foster face-to-face social interactions, and reduce the anxiety caused by constant social media notifications.
Schools and educational researchers typically cite the following core reasons for implementing these restrictions:
Improving Academic Focus: Research shows that constant phone use fragments attention and lowers GPAs. Removing phones allows students to engage more deeply with their coursework without being interrupted by texts or social media.
Enhancing Social-Emotional Development: Many educators note that constant screen time in cafeterias and hallways limits students' abilities to build conversational skills, empathy, and real-world relationships.
Reducing Cyberbullying: The instant nature of smartphones can escalate minor conflicts or lead to widespread online harassment. Banning phones prevents devices from being used to secretly record, arrange, or broadcast school fights.
Promoting Better Mental Health: Smartphone and social media addictions are linked to dopamine loops that can increase anxiety and depression among adolescents. Removing devices during the day offers students a break from the pressure to constantly be connected
500-25 Use of Cell Phone Policy
We want to give our students the best possible environment to learn, focus, and socialize. This year, we are asking for your help to keep cell phones "away for the day."
Please talk with your child about keeping their phone turned off and stored in their backpack or locker from morning arrival until dismissal. Let’s work together to minimize distractions and maximize real-world connections!
Please reach out to Tammy Rackliffe at tammy.rackliffe@duluthedison.com with any questions or concerns.
Let's talk about energy drinks, soda & coffee
So many beverages that students have been bringing into our building have high levels of caffeine and sugar. Here is the message we have been sending to our students about energy drinks so you can help them follow our expectations and understand why we are limiting drinks to water only.
Once our school day has started, we will only allow students to drink plain water. If you bring other drinks into the building, please leave them in your locker and take them back home with you. Plain water is the only beverage allowed on the bus, too.
We want you to be healthy! Drinks with large amounts of caffeine are not good for adolescents (that’s you!) and can cause dehydration, heart issues, insomnia, and increased anxiety that you may not even realize is coming from the caffeine you are drinking.
It also means that your ability to pay attention, stay awake, and regulate your emotions goes up and down rapidly throughout the day instead of staying steady like it does when you’re well-hydrated and getting enough sleep.