Raider Reader | November 20, 2024

First-grade students at Parkview Center School spent a meaningful day celebrating Native American culture as part of Native American Heritage Month. Teachers thoughtfully designed interactive stations to immerse students in learning about the rich traditions and histories of Native American communities.

One station featured guest speaker Tony Drews from Nashke Games, who taught students about Ojibwe culture and language by introducing some games based on Native traditions. Drews' visit was thanks to a grant from the Mdewakanton Sioux Community and Minneapolis Foundation. "We were thrilled to offer this unique experience for our students," says Jess Talsky.

Other stations explored the tradition of Pow Wows through books and videos, and an art activity inspired by Anishinaabe beadwork. Students studied the sacred history of using natural resources and examined a few examples of beading in moccasins, jewelry, and dance regalia before creating their own patterns and then using rhinestone stickers to finish their beading design.

At Roseville Area Schools, we deeply value the partnerships that help us enrich the educational experience for our students and staff. Our collaboration with Do Good Roseville is a shining example of what’s possible when generous community members come together with our schools to make a meaningful impact. This partnership, led by the tireless energy and creativity of Do Good Roseville President Kathy Ramundt, has brought incredible opportunities to our district. Kathy’s passion for supporting students has her helping promote fundraising activities like the bake sale at Little Canada Elementary and the Raider Book Fair fundraiser at Barnes & Noble, both of which have directly benefited our schools.

We are profoundly grateful for Kathy and others who dedicate their time and talents to our district. Their innovative ideas and unwavering commitment remind us of the power of community in fostering student success. Together, we can continue building a supportive, thriving educational environment for all. Thank you, Do Good Roseville, for helping us do good for our students!

In Partnership,

Dr. Jenny Loeck

When did you join Roseville Area Schools? The 2022-2023 school year!

Have you worked in other capacities in the district in addition to your current role?RAMS Summer Discovery Site Supervisor

Over the course of your life, was there an educator or schoolstaff member who inspired you or had an impact on your life? I can appreciate my transition into Roseville. I love the middle school and all the staff. Ms. Tammy Allen (RAMS Student Support Coach) has unknowingly taught and developed me more than she knows, what a emphasis of wanting to continue grow in the Restorative Practices world!

What was your journey leading up to when you joined Roseville Area Schools? While wrapping up school for a double degree with a focus on Human Services, to a career in Hospitality. From the bottom to the top of that chain, helping me to develop many skills that would transfer as I embarked upon a new journey in education.

Why did you "Choose Roseville" at this point in your career? Already comfortable in my education journey with a drive to create more change with a emphasis on more proactive work. This is what landing me in Roseville Area District! And I am so glad "I Choose Roseville!"

What do you enjoy most about your work? Everyday is different, but some days feel more similar to the day before. However, everyday I have the opportunity to help someone to grow (student, staff and self) and strive towards becoming the best version of self!

In your "spare time," what do you enjoy doing? Cooking for family, friend and co-workers!

Final Thought: In these educational spaces in which we are committed to. New grace each day should be our model. That goes for students and staff. Just let yesterday be yesterday!

"Be a good ancestor with your words. Words become expressions. Expressions become stories. Stories become narratives. Narratives become truth." — from Be a Good Ancestor by Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince

In collaboration with Native American students, families from the American Indian Parent Advisory Council, and the district's American Indian Education coordinator and Native American cultural liaison, and with generous support from the Roseville Area Schools Foundation, elementary librarians selected and purchased a collection of about 70 books for the elementary schools that provides a more inclusive and accurate representation of Native American culture.

Inspired by this project, Roseville Area Middle School and Roseville Area High School have committed portions of their library budgets to enhancing their collections as well. All district librarians have embraced this effort and look forward to continuing to enrich our collections with books that serve as mirrors and windows for our diverse Roseville Area Schools community.

Each season, Girls on the Run teams choose a Community Impact Project. Edgerton's Girls on the Run team chose to make flags representing the many ethnicities and cultures of staff and students in the Edgerton school community. They also made an announcement to explain the project and encourage their peers to celebrate what makes us unique.

Malinda Lesicka and Stephanie Kresien from Harambee’s 4th grade team took their Music Study Mondays to a whole new level with a hilariously creative writing activity. Students were tasked with hearing part of a song lyric and writing what they thought the rest should be.

The results? The students put their own spin on classic lyrics including:

• “We built this city on…Chicago Avenue” (instead of “We built this city on rock and roll."
• “I believe the children are…going to fly to space and get attacked by aliens.” (instead of “I believe the children are our future.”
• “I feel better when I’m…at home with my mommy.” (instead of “I feel better when I’m dancing."
• “Stumble out of bed and I tumble to the…floor.” (instead of “Stumble out of bed and I tumble to the kitchen.”

"On Mondays, we typically play a song that most students have not heard and have them rate it and tell us their reasoning for rating it that way. It’s a fun way to expose students to different music genres and learn how to critically evaluate different songs," explained Lesicka. "This extension was a fun way to think about a song lyric that they most likely didn’t know, and write a creative ending to the lyric."

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the Do Good Roseville Raider Book Fair last Saturday to support Roseville Area Schools! We are grateful to the principals, school board members, and district leaders who volunteered their time to read books and assist shoppers. Thank you also to everyone who purchased books—your participation made this fun event a meaningful way to support our schools.

Most importantly, we extend our deepest thanks to Kathy Ramundt, president of Do Good Roseville. Kathy's generous spirit and dedication to volunteering shine brightly in everything she does for our district. Her incredible contributions of time, talent, and treasure continue to make a lasting difference in our community. Thank you, Kathy, for inspiring us all!

Roseville Area Schools has implemented the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) as a part of our school safety plans. The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is a set of research-based actions/drills designed to prepare students, staff, and families for emergency situations. It is based on the response to any given situation.

As part of the Standard Response Protocol, there are five specific actions that can be performed during an incident – Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter. When communicating these, the action is named and is then followed by a directive.

Defining a Hold

When there is a “hold”, students will remain in the classroom and we will continue teaching and learning. It’s business as usual. A “hold” is used when hallways need to be kept clear. For example, it could be a medical emergency.

In future issues of this newsletter, we will define the other parts of the Standard Response Protocol. For more information, please visit the district's Safety & Security webpage.