Raider Reader for March 13, 2024

Roseville Area High School is proud to announce that senior Benjamin Lee has been named a National Merit Finalist. As a National Merit Finalist, Benjamin is among the top students in the nation based on outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, academic record, extracurricular activities, leadership abilities, and endorsements from high school officials.

RAHS Principal Dr. Jen Wilson expressed her congratulations, saying, "We are incredibly proud of Benjamin for this remarkable achievement. His hard work, determination, and intellectual curiosity have truly set him apart. We look forward to seeing all that Benjamin will accomplish in the future."

In the fall, Benjamin will be attending the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology to major in industrial engineering. "I have enjoyed my time at RAHS, and while the academic classes have been very good, it’s been many of the elective courses that have piqued and held my interest," he says. "I’ve really enjoyed multiple classes in woodworking and drone. But I would have to say the highlight of my time at RAHS has been the four years on our robotics team (Team Firebears). I’ve learned so much, had to opportunity to work on some cool equipment, and have had the privilege of working with some great peers and mentors."

Congratulations, Benjamin!

Last weekend, Quincy, Beth, and I enjoyed our time at the Harambee pancake breakfast. The event, dedicated to raising funds for the school's 6th grade overnight field trip to Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone, MN in June, was a wonderful reminder of our community's spirit.

In particular, Quincy was all smiles as she savored the delicious pancakes and relished the company of Principal Nathan Meyer. 🤗 It's moments like these that underscore the warmth and camaraderie within our community, filling me with pride as a staff member, a resident, and a parent within our school district.

Beyond the delicious food and cheerful atmosphere, community events like the pancake breakfast offer invaluable opportunities for connection. Meeting fellow community members and engaging in meaningful conversations is something I deeply cherish. These interactions reinforce the deep care and dedication so many have for our schools and students, a sentiment for which I am immensely grateful and never take for granted.

In Partnership,

Dr. Jenny Loeck
Superintendent

When did you join Roseville Area Schools? 2004. I began teaching in Roseville at Emmet D. Williams Elementary with a 1st grade position. I moved to Central Park where I taught nine years at 1st grade and then moved up to 3rd grade for two years until the Spark Lab program began in 2015.

Over the course of your life, was there an educator or school staff member who inspired you or had an impact on your life? I've learned from and worked with so many impressive educators during my years in Roseville, but I'd like to highlight the staff of Central Park Elementary. Since my first days joining this school almost 20 years ago, I have felt welcomed, supported, and challenged to grow in my profession. Although the staff and students have of course changed over the years, the sense of community, collaboration and focus on our students and their families have not.

What was your journey leading up to when you joined Roseville Area Schools? I graduated from Roseville Area High School in 1998 and attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN to earn a degree in Elementary Education. I returned to the Twin Cities and worked as a substitute teacher across the northeast metro until officially joining the Roseville staff in 2004.

Why did you "Choose Roseville" at this point in your career? Roseville is home. I feel fortunate that I can live and work in such a wonderful community. I also appreciate that I can teach in a district that so strongly supports my own values and goals for students and families through education.

What do you enjoy most about your work? I have really enjoyed the relationships that have grown during my time in Roseville. I value the friendships I first made as student in Roseville in the 80s and 90s, the close friendships that have developed with my fellow staff members, and the many new families I've gotten to know as my own children attend Roseville schools; however, I absolutely love when former students come back to visit.

In your "spare time," what do you enjoy doing? I enjoy cooking, gardening, reading, needle-point, hiking, and going to my children's sports and activities.

When did you join Roseville Area Schools? 2010

Over the course of your life, was there an educator or school staff member who inspired you or had an impact on your life? When I am wondering how to respond to challenging behaviors, I often ask myself what would Karen do? Karen was my cooperating teacher who has a gift for listening and working with students. Her calming presence, love for everyone, and high expectations make me want to be more like her.

Kristen Smith Olson introduced me to the Roseville Area Schools, which I will always be grateful to her for doing. Roseville's equity vision is so important to me.

What was your journey leading up to when you joined Roseville Area Schools? I grew up in Ontario and moved to the United States in middle school. I attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a major in elementary education after switching majors several times. While working with Kristen Smith Olson in Centennial Schools she asked me if I wanted to job share in special ed. This led me to get my special education license, which I started in Milwaukee and finished at Bethel. Thank you, Kristen!

Why did you "Choose Roseville" at this point in your career? I have worked at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School, The Indian Community School in Milwaukee, and Centennial Schools before coming to Roseville. I choose Roseville because of the equity vision and I stay because of the equity vision, students, and my coworkers.

What do you enjoy most about your work? I love my students and the variety from day to day. I get to work with all grade levels and watch students grow from year to year. My co-workers are pretty great too, with the support and expertise they share.

In your "spare time," what do you enjoy doing? I love to be outdoors. I love to bike, hike on a frozen lake, walk through the woods, swim in the lake or ocean, travel, and read a good book. I am up for any adventure anytime.

The CDC recently updated their respiratory virus guidelines, including COVID-19 isolation recommendations. With these new guidelines, individuals may be able to return to school sooner after testing positive for COVID.

Roseville Area Schools will be following these simplified recommendations.

If you have a respiratory virus (such as COVID-19, Influenza, or RSV):

• Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache.
• You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
  • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
  • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
• When you go back to your normal activities, we recommend taking added precautions over the next 5 days, such as: practicing enhanced hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
• If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.

• CLICK HERE for the survey in English
• CLICK HERE for the survey in Spanish
• CLICK HERE for the survey in Hmong
• CLICK HERE for the survey in Karen
• CLICK HERE for the survey in Nepali
• CLICK HERE for the survey in Oromo
• CLICK HERE for the survey in Somali

🌟🎉🧦 HEY, ROSEVILLE FRIENDS! 🧦🎉🌟

On March 21, let's ALL rock our FUN, FUNKY, COLORFUL & MISMATCHED socks to show our love and support for World Down Syndrome Day! 🌍 💙 Whether you're in school, at work, on a walk, or at home, let's spread joy and awareness by sharing a pic of YOUR FUN SOCKS! 📸 🧦 Get ready to show off your sock game and join the celebration! LET'S GOOOOO! 🚀🎈

⚽️ 🤗 Soccer during recess has been skyrocketing in popularity at Brimhall Elementary School. But with this surge in interest and participation came inevitable conflicts as students grappled with enforcing playground rules amidst the excitement of the game. Sometimes, these conflicts spilled over into the classrooms, leaving teachers to deal with soccer-related issues long after recess had ended.

Enter Michael Stanefski, the school social worker at Brimhall. 💡 Stanefski donned a referee jersey, grabbed a whistle, and with the support of the school's PTA, he secured funds to purchase practice jerseys for the students.

Now, thanks to Stanefski's initiative, anyone can still play soccer during recess, and the numbers continue to grow. But the best part? The students are simply enjoying the games without the stress of refereeing. "They can't referee and play," explained Stanefski. "I took that burden away from them by being the referee, and they can just play soccer. It's a lot more fun!" 🎉

Roseville Area High School AVID students in grades 10-12 attended a Junior Achievement job shadow at Cargill in Wayzata. Students started the day in a panel with Julian Chase, the vice president of business operations and supply chain.

Students then attended three different sessions with Cargill employees:

• Customer Excellence: Students learned about the broad range of industries and customers that Cargill reaches
• Cargill Networking: Small groups of students visited with different Cargill employees
• Interviewing Skills and Tips: Students experienced what an interview is like

"We are so grateful for our partnerships with community organizations and companies such as Junior Achievement and Cargill, which provide mentorship and opportunities for our students to explore potential careers and post-secondary pathways," says Anne Barnes, the AVID secondary district director.

🐾 Parkview Center School is partnering with the non-profit organization "You're not Alone" (YNA), which offers an in-school therapy dog program! According to Sarah Buxton, the school psychologist at Parkview, Freya the therapy dog started engaging with Parkview students in February and will continue to join students and staff through the remainder of the school year. 🐶💕

"Student groups use this time of their day to find calm through the amazing gift that animals can offer humans," she explained, highlighting the positive impact Freya is having on the school community. According to Buxton, the Parkview PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) generously donated to YNA to support these efforts, ensuring students have continued access to this invaluable program. 🌟💖

A heartwarming partnership between a 4th grade Little Canada Elementary classroom and seven Cardigan Ridge residents has flourished throughout this school year. On March 1, the residents visited the students at Little Canada Elementary, cementing a pen pal bond forged through letters, stories, and artwork.

The meeting marked a special milestone as both parties finally met face-to-face after months of exchanging correspondence. To commemorate I Love to Read Month, the group read books focused on friendship and relationships. Hugs were exchanged, jokes shared, and conversations flowed effortlessly, bridging the generational gap with ease.

Looking ahead, the 4th graders look forward to visiting Cardigan Ridge this spring where Judy, Bubby, Barbara, Carla, Donna, Sheila, and Joyce (many of whom are former teachers) will look forward to more time with their young pen pals.

Do you have nostalgic feelings for your senior prom? Or maybe you didn’t go to the prom at all, and would like to create your own special experience? Join Roseville Community Education for a night under the stars at our first Adult Prom event! Dig out your best attire and get ready to dance, party and relive the high school prom experience. Admission includes tasty appetizers, the dance, and an exciting photo booth! This is a great event for your friend group, or a romantic date night with your partner. Must be age 18+ to attend.

🗓️ Saturday, May 4, 2024 | 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

📍 Aŋpétu Téča Education Center

🌟 $30 per individual or $45 per couple

Registration for our next session of youth swim lessons will begin THIS FRIDAY, March 15 at 12:00 p.m. All class options are viewable at isd623.org/aquatics. Roseville Community Education offers swim lessons for youth ages 9 months to 14 years old. These lessons increase water safety and also provide the foundation for years of fun and recreation while swimming! Our pool at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center is a warm 86 degrees year-round.

Calling all young princes and princesses! Come visit with your favorite Island Princess from Oceania and live-action Mermaid Princess from under the sea. Enjoy character performances, character-led activities, dancing, sing-alongs, photo opportunities, a craft, and an afternoon of fun! Children are welcome to wear their favorite costumes or royal attire.

🗓️ Saturday, April 20 | ⏰ 2:00 - 3:30pm

📍 Aŋpétu Téča Education Center

🌟 $29 general admission / $40 VIP admission (limited space available!)

35 teams competed in our Raider Puzzle Palooza jigsaw competition this weekend at Roseville Area High School! Jigsaw fans of all ages raced to finish the same 500-piece puzzle. Participants also brought in gently used puzzles for a puzzle swap table, which promoted sustainability and provided lots of fun, secondhand puzzles to take home. Thank you for joining us for this event - and thank you to our event sponsor, White Mountain Puzzles!