Lester Park PTA

09/24/2026

It’s Trusted Adult Thursday this Week

Welcome to Lester Park Elementary Tonya Kolenda!

My name is Tonya Kolenda and I am thrilled to be the new first grade teacher. I have been working in Duluth Public Schools since 1999 with most of my experience in kindergarten and first grade.

What is your favorite:
Color: Royal Blue
Hobby: Gardening
Book: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Subject: Literacy
Animal: Black Bear
Candy: Snickers
Disney Movie: Cars

09/23/2026

It’s Wednesday in Week, take a Promise Pledge (worksheets below).

Meet our next new Lester Park Elementary Teacher Emily Geissler!

My name is Emily Geissler and I will be teaching Grade 4 this year. I have spent many years teaching Grade 8 Science but spent the last two years teaching fifth grade.

Favorites
Color: Sage Green
Hobby: paddleboarding
Book: Project Hail Mary
Subject: Science
Animal: giraffe
Candy: Dove dark chocolate
Disney Movie: Moana

09/23/2026

Picture day is coming! Please sign up to help if you are able to assist 😃📸

Sign-in and check-in with the front office and head to where pictures will be taken to assist students. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

09/22/2026

Ever wanted to join your kiddo at lunch? Come help out on Apple Crunch Day on October 8th!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D4CABAD29AAF58-66083432-2026

09/22/2026

It’s Upstander Tuesday this Week at Lester Park Elementary

Meet Maggie Reed - she is teaching 5th grade this year!

What is your favorite:
Color: My favorite color is black
Hobby: My favorite hobby is outside (hiking, biking, camping, snowboarding, gardening, campfires, the beach, swimming)
Book: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Subject: Art
Animal: blue whale
Candy: juicy pear jelly beans
Disney Movie: Finding Nemo

09/21/2026

It’s week! This week we will spotlight new Lester Park Elementary staff. Please welcome them to our community!

Today is Meet and Greet Monday.

Introducing Kathi Tolo:

My role as SEB coordinator is to support staff and students in positive behavior through the use of the PBIS initiative and Second Step curriculum. I help students to resolve issues that are preventing them from fully engaging in school and give proactive support to help students stay on track in school.

My favorite color is Purple
My favorite hobby is curling.
My favorite book is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
My favorite subject is Science
My favorite animal is whales
My favorite candy is chocolate
My favorite Disney Movie is Lady and The Tramp

09/07/2026

09/01/2026

We hope all the Lester Park Labs are ready for the Open House tomorrow! Kona Ice of Duluth will be there too! Come meet your teacher, see the shiny clean school, and grab a Kona Ice on your way out! What a great way to start the year! 📚✏️🍧

05/08/2026

Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week!

Thank you to the staff and teachers who show up every day with patience, kindness, flexibility, humor, and heart. The support you give, the encouragement you offer, and the countless little things you do behind the scenes make a lasting impact on students, families, and our community.

Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and our school community is stronger because of you.

We appreciate all that you do. 💙🖤🐾

We couldn't have done it without Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake, Scenic Cafe Duluth Mn, Rockview soap, and all the amazing families at Lester Park!

05/07/2026

Way to turn out for Walk/Bike to School Day Lester Park! It was a wee bit chilly but still had a great turnout.

Thank you to Maren Webb, Key Club/Parent volunteers, SRO Dardis from the Duluth Police Department, Safe Kids NE Minnesota, Continental Ski & Bike, Ski Hut, Voyageur bus and Anchor Point church for making our day a success.