Raider Reader | October 23, 2024

Roseville Area High School students were recognized as National Merit Semifinalists or Commended Scholars for their outstanding performance on the PSAT. The National Merit program honors high-achieving students across the nation, with approximately 1% advancing as semifinalists.

The students who were named semifinalists – Lucas Anderson, Kira Krook-Magnuson, and David Lyu – are eligible to compete for scholarships in the next stage of the program, showcasing exceptional academic performance. The RAHS students who were named Commended Scholars – Soren Klarqvist and Peter Linabery – representing the top 3% and are celebrated for their academic excellence, although they do not advance to the next stage. Both honors reflect significant academic achievement and highlight the dedication and hard work of these talented students.

The following was contributed by Chenayi Shava, an English teacher at Roseville Area High School, who played a key role in coordinating two panels featuring diverse educators from Brimhall, Little Canada, RAMS, RAHS, Roseville Community Education, the Roseville School Board, The Office of Educational Equity, Student Services, and College and Career Navigation. According to Shava, the panel participants showed the 9th grade students in the audience how to communicate in a clear and impactful manner across a diverse panel of voices.

"This year, the English 9 teachers at RAHS are introducing a new text written by a Black author that features a Black teenage female protagonist. We chose this book because we wanted our scholars to be exposed to more books that reflect the diverse population of the school. Currently, the grade 9 English list includes a play by Shakespeare, a novel about a neurodivergent protagonist, and a dystopian text set in a fictional South American location.

The 9A discussion panel was created as a way to prepare students for the reading of Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give. The grade 9 English team introduce the book on October 9 with high expectations that students will not only be engaged in the story, but also be able to have discussions around difficult topics such as racism, policing, code-switching, and interracial relationships to name a few."

– Contributed by Chenayi Shava

As we approach another important election, I want to take a moment to emphasize the value of voting, not just in national elections but at every level—local, state, and national. Voting is one of the most powerful ways we can make our voices heard in the issues that affect our daily lives. In Roseville Area Schools, we have the privilege of working closely with our local elected officials, and I’ve seen firsthand the care and commitment they bring to ensuring the success of our students and our schools. These local leaders, along with those at the state and national levels, make decisions that shape the future of our communities, and it’s essential that we all take part in choosing who represents us.

As adults, we also have a unique opportunity to model the importance of voting for our young people. By talking with them about why we vote and what it means to participate in the democratic process, we show them that their voices matter too. In a time when our students are learning about civic engagement, we can inspire them by demonstrating the value we place on being informed and participating in elections. I encourage everyone to take the time to educate themselves on the issues and candidates and to vote in this election, and every election, for the future of our schools and our community.

In Partnership,

Dr. Jenny Loeck

Superintendent

🗓️ Thursday, November 7, 2024

⏰ 5:30-7:30 p.m.

📍 Aŋpétu Téča Education Center • 1910 County Road B West in Roseville

If you have a child turning 5 by September 1, 2025, join us for a fun *free* evening of information and entertainment! Your child can ride a real school bus 🚌, be a star in our Raider photo booth ⭐️, dance with the Teddy Bear Band (bring your own bear as a dance partner!) 🧸, enjoy a "super snack" from our Nutrition Services Department 🍎, get their own Class of 2038 t-shirt 👕, and much more!

On October 22, 5th grade multilingual learners and 4th-6th grade Native American students from Edgerton Elementary School had the opportunity to visit Wakan Tipi and what is now known as Indian Mounds Park 🌲🏞️. According to Jennifer George, a multilingual learners teacher at Edgerton, the trip was more than just a field experience—it was a chance for students to connect what they’ve been learning about values, beliefs, and sacred spaces with their experience on the land itself. They explored Dakota words and traditions, and reflected on the impact white settlers have had on these sacred sites. The day was made possible thanks to a grant from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux community.

🍂✨ Kindergarteners at Falcon Heights Elementary School are exploring the five senses in their Wit and Wisdom reading curriculum! According to Katie Leseman, a kindergarten teacher, students took our learning outside and created leaf rubbings in their science journals. 🍁✏️ The students got hands-on, feeling the veins of the leaves and using multiple senses to create beautiful art. 🎨🔍 "Students did a fantastic job being scientists and artists!" Leseman said.

Members of the Roseville Area High School wrestling team traded their mats for books when they visited Central Park Elementary and joined students for an unforgettable storytime! The "Wrestlers Are Readers" group had everyone smiling as they read with and to the students — making for a very memorable day!

In a collaborative effort between the League of Women Voters Roseville Area and Roseville Area High School, staff members have created posters highlighting the importance of voting. These posters, which are hanging outside the high school's Media Center, are seeking to inspire civic engagement among students and serve as a lead-up to the school's upcoming Mock Election, scheduled for November 7. The project underscores the value of voting, encouraging young people to understand their future role in democracy.

Examples of some of the "I want you to vote because.." statements:

• I WANT YOU TO VOTE BECAUSE voting is your power to elect people up and down the ballot who support you, your community, and who care about issues you feel are important! – Ms. Feneis
• I WANT YOU TO VOTE BECAUSE your voice matters and your vote matters! Cast a ballot to be heard. – Dr. WIlson
• I WANT YOU TO VOTE BECAUSE you are the next generation of leaders, teachers, taxpayers, business owners, employees, homeowners, and awesome adults! Your vote matters NOW! – Ms. Crandall

• I WANT YOU TO VOTE BECAUSE this is your chance to have your individual and collective voice heard. If you don't speak up and vote you will be overlooked. We want our country to reflect its people's values. – Mr. Cave

64 students at the Roseville Adult Learning Center had the opportunity to hear from the League of Women Voters! The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that aims to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. The organization focuses on advocacy and education to empower voters. During their time here, league members helped our adult students learn about the process of voting and getting registered to vote! 26 students even got registered right there at the event.

This initiative supports goal #4 of the Roseville Area Schools strategic plan: The community is united behind meeting student needs. Many organizations have generously shared their time and resources to support our students, and this instance is just one awesome example of that.

Mark your calendars for these exciting events in October!

• Gift & Craft Sale: October 24 and 25 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and October 26 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center. Shop handcrafted decorations, jewelry, cards, ceramics, and more! Click here for more information.

  
  

• Senior Housing Fair: October 26 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center. Discover helpful resources and tips! Representatives from independent, assisted, and memory care facilities in the local area will be present, along with organizations and businesses that provide services to help you remain independent in your home. Free to attend! Click here to learn more.

Do your children know how to swim and stay safe around water? Would you like to learn how to swim as an adult? We offer swim lessons for youth ages 9 months and older, AND adults!

All lesson options for winter 2024 will be viewable online at isd623.org/aquatics starting November 2. Registration will start on November 22 at 2:00pm. Wondering which level to register for? Contact our aquatics team at 651-604-3763 to schedule a lesson assessment.