Raider Reader | September 18, 2024

Congratulations to Roseville Area High School senior Robert Mechura, who broke the Minnesota state boys cross country record last weekend with a time of 14:53.9 for 5000 meters! Mechura broke the previous record by 3 seconds. Way to go, Robert! 🎉

📸 In Emily Sasse’s 4th grade class at Central Park Elementary, students are starting the year off strong by making promises to one another for a fun and successful year! 🎉 The class created these special promise bracelets as a reminder of their commitment to kindness, listening, staying focused, and being honest. 💫 We’re so proud of the thoughtful ways our students are building a positive classroom community!

🎉 Show your spirit! 🎉 Every Wednesday, let's honor AVID in all of our schools by wearing gear from any post-secondary path – whether it's a 2- or 4-year college, a trade, the military, a tech school, and beyond! 🌟 Your gear can spark questions and inspire conversations about the endless possibilities ahead for our students. 🌍✨

Better yet, take a photo of yourself, with a friend, or with your family, and send it to communications@isd623.org! 📸💥 Give your college & career a shoutout while inspiring our students. 🎓🎯

Dear Families,

Last week’s social media threats deeply impacted our entire district community, especially at the three elementary schools that were directly affected. This event touched all of us, as we see our schools as sacred, safe spaces for your most cherished family members—your children.

As both a parent and a staff member, I have felt the weight of this situation in my work, my neighborhood, and my home. Please know that we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our students and staff. It is critical that you, our families, know we care deeply for your children and remain unwavering in our commitment to their safety and well-being.

Despite these challenges, I am filled with hope and gratitude for the positive energy that continues to flow through our schools. The support from parents and the broader community has been overwhelmingly positive, and there is a genuine sense of togetherness as we work through this as a district.

Thank you for your continued dedication and trust as we navigate these challenges together.

In Partnership,

Dr. Jenny Loeck

Superintendent

Research shows that consistent attendance at school correlates with student achievement. Therefore, we want to do all we can to ensure children are in school as much as possible. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time every day is important. Good attendance will help children graduate from high school and do well in college and at work. Our hope is to partner with families to remove barriers so students can be in school as much as possible.

We also know there will be days when your child will miss school, especially if they’re sick. Missing school when you’re sick is OK. In fact, children should stay home when they are sick. The goal is for students to be in school 95% of the time. That means your student would miss 8 days or less for the entire school year.

Here are some things you can do to help:

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

• Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.

• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.

Here are some additional reminders regarding attendance:

• If your child has a doctor appointment, please bring them back to school after the appointment if possible.

• Excused absences include, but are not limited to: illness, doctors appointments, religious holidays, family emergency, and funerals.

• Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to: oversleeping, missing the bus, no transportation.

• There are also times students miss school due to family events. Some examples include cultural celebrations, weddings, funerals, graduations, and vacations. Up to five Family Event days will be excused. Day 6+ would be unexcused. Families could choose to take students out of school for family leave, but these days would be unexcused absences.

Thank you for all you do to support getting your child to school each day. Higher attendance equals higher student achievement! Thank you in advance for your support and partnership.

Roseville Area Schools implemented a new transportation routing system this summer to enable easier route updates, fewer delays, and streamlined communications with families. During this conversion we have also been shifting some bus stops to corners within a reasonable distance while considering student safety.

The conversion hasn’t occurred without challenges. We are aware we inadvertently have stops on busy streets that don’t meet our standards. Many daycare or alternate addresses did not convert from the old system to the new one and these addresses had to be set up manually. We have also encountered difficulties with some of our specialized transportation. Add to this an exceptional amount of ongoing road construction and it has made for the perfect storm.

We ask for your patience as we address and resolve the remaining issues. If you need to request a change to a bus stop or if you no longer require transportation services, please email us at transportation@isd623.org or call us at 651-635-1638. Please be prepared to provide the following information:

• Student Name
• Student ID
• Reason for the request (for example, relocation, change in transportation needs)

Please note that we are processing requests as quickly as possible. You will receive updates and information about any changes via email, so please ensure that your contact details are current. This includes verifying that your most recent telephone number and email address are on file to ensure you receive all necessary communications promptly.

The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition.

From September 15 to October 15, we honor the rich history, vibrant cultures, and invaluable contributions of Latiné and Hispanic communities. In Roseville Area Schools, we are proud to celebrate the diversity that strengthens our schools and enriches our students' experiences.

This month, we will amplify voices, share stories, and recognize the impact Hispanic and Latino/a/x individuals have had on shaping our nation and our local community. Together, we continue to build inclusive spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.

The second community back-to-school vaccine event will take place on Saturday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at M Health Fairview Roselawn Clinic. The clinic is located just northeast of 35E and Roselawn, at 1983 Sloan Place, St Paul, MN 55117. We will provide free immunizations to children at risk of exclusion from school because they have not had the required vaccines. All children ages 5 to 18 are welcome regardless of insurance or documentation status.

What motivated you to serve on the school board? I was motivated to run for school board because I wanted to do more for our excellent community schools. Having my children attend Brimhall Elementary opened up my passion and dedication to education and our school district. I didn't want to sit on the sidelines and thought I could provide some leadership.

What do you find most rewarding about your role? I find it very rewarding to see our students and staff succeed in whatever they do.

What are your key focus areas for your work on the board? There are many focus areas that are important to me. Some of the key priorities currently are continuing our work on literacy and doing everything I can to make sure we remain an inclusive and anti-racist school district.

What is one of your most memorable experiences during your time on the board? My most memorable experiences are attending all of our graduations each spring! There is nothing more important than personally witnessing all of our learners being celebrated for getting to an important milestone in their lives.

What motivated you to serve on the school board? I was motivated to run for the school to be able to give back to and serve our community. It was also important to me to make sure that our students who receive special education and from historically underrepresented communities had a voice.

What do you find most rewarding about your role? I enjoy getting to hear all of the wonderful things that our District does that I was not aware of before being on the board. We get to hear about successes and challenges of our students, staff and community members.

What are your key focus areas for your work on the board? I am currently the board's treasurer so I serve on the District and Community Finance committees in addition to serving as the board representative on the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) and the Community Education Advisory Council (CEAC). I am also the board representative to Northeast Metro Intermediate District 916, which serves a number of our students through special education services as well as certain career and technical programs.

What is one of your most memorable experiences during your time on the board? In my 2.5 years on the board my most memorable experiences are when I get to see our students and staff shine. Anytime I can be in our schools and observe how our staff interact with students is great to see. Our graduations are great. It is so fun to see the students happy with their success and to see their proud loved ones and family members there to support them.

What motivated you to serve on the school board? The demographics of our community were changing, and I wanted to support the district evolving to help students succeed across their many differences.

What do you find most rewarding about your role? Seeing students learn, grow, and succeed.

What are your key focus areas for your work on the board? Providing the governance structure and support for every student to be seen, served, and supported to succeed. And doing this in a fiscally responsible manner.

What is one of your most memorable experiences during your time on the board? Observing how our teaching and curriculum have become more relevant to students through actively engaging them in its creation and adding missing cultural perspectives.

We’re one week away from the annual Roseville Area Schools Foundation 2024 Fall Fundraiser, which will take place Thursday, September 26, 5:30 p.m. at the Roseville Cedarholm Golf Course Community Building.

The event will feature a variety of fundraising activities including gift card pulls, a silent auction, and direct donation opportunities. Proceeds from the event will benefit a new Roseville Area Schools Foundation Relief Fund, which provides emergency funding to support students’ success in school and to eliminate opportunity gaps.

You will have an opportunity to hear from a number of representatives from the district including Superintendent Jenny Loeck, Senator Claire Oumou Verbeten, Foundation Chair Kezia Reeder, District Social Worker Peggy McLafferty-Yares, and representatives from the Office of Equity and Innovation.

Please consider giving back to make a direct impact for our students. This is a pay as you are event with a suggested donation of $35.

Only 12 DAYS LEFT to place your order for limited edition Roseville Area Schools apparel! Orders are due by October 4, 2024. ⏰ 🗓️ Shirt orders will arrive near the end of October!

🔺 Heather black long sleeve ($20)

🔺 Heather red long sleeve ($20)

🔺 Gray short sleeve with school mascots ($15)

Purchases will support Roseville Area Schools Community Education programs and services. These shirts are a soft, comfortable tri-blend fabric (poly/cotton/rayon) in a unisex fit. Sizes are available in adult S - 3XL and youth S - XL.

Donate personal care items to support the Roseville Area Schools Food Shelf! Your donations will help students maintain their health and hygiene, which can have a significant impact on their daily lives. Help us make a difference!

Items Needed: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face soap, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, and menstrual products.

Collection bins are located at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center (1910 County Road B West in Roseville). We are accepting donations through September 30! Donations must be new, unused and in original packaging. Thank you for your contributions!

Do you have children ages 5 and under? Check out the Roseville Early Childhood Program's FREE toy lending library! 😊 Individuals, families, and childcare providers can check out a wide variety of toys, books, puzzles, and parenting resources at no cost. Borrow the items for a few weeks, then return them and check out new ones!

This library promotes sustainability, increased access to toys and resources, and healthy child development. ♻️ These toys can help children practice social-emotional skills, fine motor skills, literacy and more - all while saving caregivers from constantly buying new toys as their children age and outgrow them. ✅

The toy library can be found in our Early Childhood Center at Parkview (701 County Road B W, Roseville). 📍

Did you know that the Flaming Spoon Café serves nutritious lunches for our community members at Anpétu Téča Education Center? Come enjoy a fresh, healthy meal! Find us at 1910 County Road B West in Roseville.

Full Meal Deal - $5.00 (includes sides and a drink)

Entrée Only - $3.50

School Year Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Monday - Friday